The Standard - 2015 November 11 - Wednesday

VOL. XXIX NO. 272 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 WEDNESDay : NOVEMBER 11, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Labor hits bid to hide homeless for Apec

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NOY NOT INVITED Speaker: Remembering ‘Yolanda’ is ‘in the heart’

By Sandy araneta

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III did not attend any of the ceremonies in Tacloban City marking the second anniversary of the destructive visit of Typhoon “Yolanda” because he was not invited, the Palace said Tuesday.

As typhoon survivors marked the second year since Yolanda killed more than 6,000 people and devastated Eastern Visayas, Aquino drew flak for attending a wedding and issuing a statement about the anniversary that was read for him by a spokesman.

“First of all, I checked with the Appointments Office. No invitation was received by the Office of the President,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, in a radio and TV interview.

“The President and the government continue to implement comprehensive rehabili-

tation program for building more resilient communities,” Coloma said.

“Actual implementation of rehabilitation programs is the government’s primary focus,” Coloma also said.

Coloma said Aquino did not intend to skip the commemoration rites to avoid meeting Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who has been critical of the slow pace of the administration’s relief and rehabilitation efforts.

While local government officials and lawmakers led the commemoration rites in Ta-

cloban, the President was attending a wedding in Pasay City of business tycoon Andrew Tan’s son Kester.

Also with Aquino at the wedding were Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. Belmonte told reporters Tuesday that Aquino did not stay long at the wedding.

“You know, commemoration is in the heart, not in the show. Isn’t it better to [commemorate on your own] instead of being there symbolically and just have your photo Next page

Courtesy call. President Benigno Aquino III welcomes Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his courtesy call in Malacañang on Tuesday. MalaCañang Photo Bureau

Roxas: I’ll strive for unity, if elected

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President promises warm welcome for Xi PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III pledged a warm welcome for China’s leader Xi Jinping at an economic summit in Manila next week, despite an ongoing row with its giant Asian neighbor over disputed islands, an aide said Tuesday.

Aquino made the pledge as he hosted rare talks with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is in Manila on a working visit ahead of the annual Asia-Pacific

Economic Cooperation summit.

“The President mentioned that he welcomed the decision of President Xi Jinping to attend the Apec summit,” Aquino spokesman Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters after Wang’s courtesy call.

“He assured the foreign minister that it is in the culture of the Filipinos as hosts to make our guests feel the warmth of Filipino hospitality,” Coloma added.

Wang, who did not speak to the press, called on Aquino after holding talks with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The visits by Wang and Xi offer a rare opportunity for top-level talks between the Asian neighbors, which have seen diplomatic relations plummet in recent years over rival claims to parts of the Next page South China Sea.

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Labor hits plan to hide homeless

By Sandy Araneta

THE country’s largest coalition of labor unions blasted the government Tuesday for trying to hide the homeless during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this month in Manila, prompting another denial from the Palace that the P4,000 given to each poor family was aimed at getting them out of the city during the event.

Commemoration. Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and former MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino share a light moment during the commemoration of the second anniversary of the onslaught of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ at the Astrodome in Tacloban City. Sonny ESpiritu

Noy...

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taken at the airport? I was there when the President went a day after Yolanda but nobody gives him credit for that,” Belmonte said.

Last year, the President also skipped the ceremonies in Tacloban, and went instead to Guiuan in Eastern Samar where Yolanda first made landfall.

In Tacloban, the Department of Public Works and Highways said it would hold three in abeyance sections of its tide embankment or seawall project after local officials and residents expressed skepticism over what they called “The Great Wall of Tacloban.”

DPWH Assistant Regional Director Edgar Tabacon said the project will be temporarily

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The Philippines has been angered over what it has branded China’s “bullying” and “hypocritical” tactics, including building artificial islands and taking control of a rich fishing shoal in Filipinoclaimed waters.

China has in turn been angered over the Philippines’ efforts to have a UN tribunal rule on the dispute, as well as by Manila encouraging its defense ally the United States to exert military and political influence.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters approaching the coasts of its Asian neighbors.

Marciano Paynor, head of the hosts’ Apec summit organ-

put on hold in highly populated areas in the city until all issues are addressed.

Among the concerns raised were the lack of consultation, incomplete relocation projects and the absence of clearances from government regulators.

The 27.3-kilometer seawall—four meters thick and high—was designed to shield coastal communities from storm surges after huge waves brought by Yolanda wiped out most of Leyte province.

“We will hold it in abeyance for the Tacloban area, as government looks for long-term solutions to different issues and concerns. We will probably start the construction in Palo and Tanauan, since those areas are less populated,” Tabacon said.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez asked the DPWH to seek

endorsements from other national government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

“I’m not against the project, neither am I supporting it. I am asking for studies that support the project because even in building houses, there are many required clearances,” Romualdez told reporters.

“We cannot just rely on JICA [Japan International Cooperation Agency] studies because they are not accountable to the Filipino people,” he added.

Also on Tuesday, Vice President Jejomar Binay urged Malacañang to release the P1billion People’s Survival Fund to help thousands of victims of calamities and to help local

government units mitigate the impact of climate change.

Binay said it is the obligation and duty of the government to provide immediate assistance to survivors of calamities to bring their lives back to normal.

A private religious group, Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, on Tuesday turned over 20 permanent houses to Yolanda survivors in Barangay Palanog, Tacloban City.

The 20 houses are part of the targeted 324 homes that the religious foundation seeks to build.

Each house employs bamboo-cement technology which allows it to withstand a magnitude 8 earthquake and typhoons of up to 250 kph. With Mel Caspe, Vito Barcelo, pnA

izing committee, told reporters Monday the maritime row would be off the summit agenda.

“I will reiterate that when we meet at Apec, it’s all economic issues and we do not take up bilateral, specific bilateral issues in Apec,” Paynor added.

Discussing the Beijing officials’ visits to Manila, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Monday that China wanted to improve relations with its neighbor.

“For reasons known to all, bilateral relations are facing difficulties, which is not something we want to see,” Hong told reporters in Beijing.

“We value bilateral ties, and we would like to properly resolve relevant issues through consultations and negotiations.”

His comments came after a landmark summit between Xi and Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou at the weekend —the first such meeting since the two sides split at the end of a civil war in 1949.

Those talks raised hopes of a further thaw in relations between the two former rivals.

However, Hong emphasized in his comments on Monday that the onus rested on the Philippines to improve ties with Beijing.

Aquino’s only meetings with Chinese leaders included a very brief encounter with Xi on the sidelines of last year’s Beijing Apec summit. He also made a state visit to China in 2011 for talks with Xi’s predecessor Hu Jintao.

After Wang met with Del Rosario, a spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Department

said both sides agreed that their territorial dispute would not be discussed during the summit.

“We agreed that is not the proper venue to discuss that,” said Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose.

“The Philippines is committed to be a good host to a guest,” Jose said. “The Philippines assures all Apec guests would be comfortable, safe and productive.”

Wang declined to take questions after his one-hour closed-door meeting with Del Rosario.

Del Rosario said they had a “good” discussion but declined to offer any details.

Starting next week, numerous heads of states are expected to arrive in Manila for the Apec economic leaders’ summit.

“The expanded or modified CCT [conditional cash trasfer] is part of a government program to promote poverty reduction and social development of the poorest of the poor in the country,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. The recent P4,000 dole, he added, was part of that program.

But Wilson Fortalza, spokesman for Partido Manggagawa, one of 49 labor organizations belonging to Nagkaisa, said the government had hidden away the homeless before, during the papal visit in January, when it took them off the streets and booked them in a resort for the duration of the pope’s stay.

On Saturday, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said the department’s project for the street families during Apec was a way of “reaching out” to the poor.

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, however, said Soliman was planning to hid them again in resorts.

Ridon had earlier asked the DSWD if it would repeat its “vanishing act” on the homeless.

In response to Ridon, DSWD budget sponsor Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora said that the department could not commit to stopping the outings, since the modified CCT was still ongoing.

She added that such activities had been going on, even after the pope’s visit.

“I take that to mean, then, that the DSWD will be repeating this deplorable vanishing act during the Apec summit?” Ridon retorted.

Zamora replied: “The DSWD will continue with the [program] even during the Apec summit, because it is the mandate of the DSWD.” DSWD has asked Congress for a P62.6-billion budget for the conditional cash transfer program for 2016.

“Today, DSWD not only confirmed that the policy of hiding poor families has continued, but that they will repeat this act come November. This, ladies and gentlemen, is your shameless government that continues to resort to sweeping the escalating poverty... under the rug,” Ridon said.

Vice presidential candidate and Senator Francis Escudero hit the government for its double standard in dealing with the homeless.

He said there was something “severely wrong” when the government could move swiftly to give street dwellers in Manila financial assistance to relocate because they were “eyesores,” while leaving more than 200,000 families who survived Typhoon “Yolanda” two years ago languishing in temporary shelters.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo earlier blasted the government for its plan to conceal the homeless during the Apec summit by giving them money to be used for renting temporary homes from Nov. 15 to 20.

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte defended the DSWD, saying this was part of the government’s program to give homeless families “dignified living quarters,” and not because of Apec.

United Nationalist Alliance spokesman Mon Ilagan branded as “shameful” the government’s clearing of Metro Manila streets of homeless people.

He said “window dressing” poverty remains as the biggest moral scandal of the government.

“Why do you have to hide them? To cover up the inefficiencies of this government?” he also asked.

“The administration is ashamed of the poor but what’s more embarrassing is that after five years the numbers on poverty and hunger have worsened,” he added.

He said the “band-aid” solutions implemented by the administration have failed to address poverty.

With Macon ramos Araneta

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Speaker: No clear results on Poe cases

Hearing. Supporters welcome Senator Grace Poe at the Commission on Elections, where she attended a hearing on the disqualification cases against her on Tuesday. Lino SantoS

HOUSE Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Tuesday the disqualification cases filed against Senator Grace Poe, who is running for President in May 2016, may not be as damaging to her as her opponents think those are.

But those cases may not be helping Poe either, he said. “[Those cases are] not helping Grace any but, on the other hand, I don’t know whether [those are] as damaging to her as much as some people think,” Belmonte told reporters.

He said some of the cases were filed by prominent people like former Senator Francisco Tatad and Dean Amado Valdez of the University of the East College of Law, but their motives were suspect.

He said those cases showed “the position is important.”

“I don’t think if she was running for a lower position, anybody would bother [to file a case against her],” Belmonte said. Maricel V. Cruz

Condonation doctrine dumped THE Supreme Court on Tuesday abandoned its jurisprudence on the condonation doctrine, a common defense invoked by elected officials in evading administrative liability for the acts committed during their previous terms in office.

A highly placed source said the justices voted to discard the doctrine, which effectively extinguishes a reelected official’s administrative liability from any alleged wrongdoing during a previous term,

when it resolved the case of dismissed Makati Mayor Junjun Binay.

However, the application of the abandonment of the doctrine would be prospective as agreed upon by the majority of the justices during the voting, the source said.

That means the doctrine could no longer be invoked upon the finality of the decision on the Binay case and for future cases.

Binay invoked the doctrine in questioning the earlier preventive suspension order issued by the Ombudsman against him.

He said the alleged anomalies were committed during first and second stag-

es of the project, when he was not yet mayor of the city.

The third and fourth phases, on the other hand, were then undertaken during his previous term from 2010 to 2013.

The source said the high court likewise affirmed the power of the Court of Appeals to review and stop the administrative orders of the office of the Ombudsman against officials.

The high court rejected the position of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales that only the high court could review and stop her orders on the administrative cases based on Section 14 of Republic Act 6770 or the Ombudsman Act. Such provision in the Ombudsman law

was declared ineffective as Congress did not consult the high court in approving it, according to the decision written by Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe.

The Court’s decision came after the Office of the Ombudsman filed a petition assailing the orders of the Court of Appeals stopping its first preventive suspension order against Mayor Binay.

In her petition last March, Morales questioned the temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction issued by the appellate court stopping her suspension order against Binay in connection with the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall building 2. Rey E. Requejo

Roxas says he’ll strive for unity A ROXAS presidency will strive for unity but will not appease its corrupt enemies, Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II said Monday night.

“We are trying to reach out to all sectors but we will not tolerate those engaged in the culture of corruption.

It’s not a form of appeasement,” Roxas told a group of businessmen in Makati.

The Aquino administration has filed many charges against its perceived enemies in the pursuit of what it calls the “straight path,” and those include Vice President Jejomar Binay, another candidate for the presidency, over an allegedly overpriced parking building in Makati.

Roxas, without mentioning names, lashed out at the other candidates who, he said, were claiming to espouse the same ideals as his party.

His spokesman earlier slammed survey-front-runner Senator Grace Poe over what he described as her “confusing” campaign platform focusing on the “continuity” of reforms.

“With all due respect to the late FPJ [Fernando Poe Jr., Grace’s father], what did he really start when he was never elected into office?”

Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez said.

“He was not really elected President so whatever he planned to do did not take shape. So what did he initiate? That’s the point here.

“Poe’s claims are confusing. It’s neither administration nor opposition or perhaps both,” he added.

Roxas, who was criticized by netizens over his response to Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez during the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Yolanda,” was asked whether he “felt vindicated” after Romualdez’s apology during a commemorative ceremony in Tacloban City.

“Vindication is not something I look for. I know what I did,” Roxas said.

“I know that I was there the day before Yolanda, and it comes with the job. If you cannot stand criticism, don’t aspire for this job.’’

John Paolo Bencito

new stamps. Philippine Postal Corp.’s Concepcion Almario holds up the newly released Apec stamps designed by artist Rodine Teodoro. Danny Pata

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Airport police official relieved

By Joel E. Zurbano and Rey E. Requejo A RANKING airport official was sacked amid the controversy over the planting of bullets in the luggages of passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Aviation Security Group-National Capital Region head Senior Supt.

Ricardo Layug Jr. has been relieved and replaced by former Las Piñas City police chief Senior Supt.

Adolfo Samala, according to Avsegroup director Chief Supt. Pablo Francis Balagtas.

At the same time, the Senate committee on public service has set an inquiry into the bulletplanting incidents at the Naia on Thursday, according to Senator Serge Osmeña III. The Senate probe is set at 10 a.m. with Osmeña inviting Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado.

Osmeña said he would also invite the supposed bullet-planting victims that increased from only 12 in 2014 to 115 cases this year as well as the Aviation Security Group to shed lights on the controversy.

Balagtas did not explain why Layug was replaced but he said the move was just part of the “rotation process” of the Philippine National Police under the leadership of its director Ricardo Marquez.

Against America. Activists picketed the Supreme Court in Ermita, Manila on Tuesday to protest the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement which is set to be discussed by the high court on Nov. 16. DANNY PATA

Fire ‘inutile’ officials, Enrile pushes Aquino

By Macon Ramos-Araneta IF A Cabinet official cannot deliver on his mandated tasks, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile said that official should be fired, especially when he cannot find the delicadeza [propriety] to resign.

Enrile made the remark after Senator Grace Poe dressed down Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya for his supposedly many failings, from the operation and maintenance of Metro Manila’s train system to the quality of Internet connectivity in the country.

“If he’s incompetent fire him.

Don’t even ask him to resign, fire

him if he’s incompetent,” said the 91-year-old Enrile, adding that an incompetent official should not serve in government even for a single day.

“If you think that your Cabinet member is stupid or incompetent or inutile, fire him for the sake of the country,” Enrile said.

“He’s not being paid by anybody, he’s being paid by the peo-

ple. If he can’t deliver he should be fired. Any member of the Cabinet for that matter, that’s the norm,” he said, adding that President Benigno Aquino III’s refusal to fire Abaya, who also refuses to resign, proves “they have no shame.”

Enrile, who served at various times as secretary of finance, justice and national defense under former President Ferdinand Marcos, recalled that when a situation like that of Abaya’s occurred during the Marcos administration, the official involved invariably resigned.

But the Palace said on Tuesday that Abaya still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Be-

nigno Aquino III. “Secretary Abaya, like all Cabinet members, serves at the pleasure, and on account of the President’s continuing trust and confidence,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a text message to the Malacañang Press Corps.

Coloma said the Aquino administration is working to solve all the problems hounding the government before Aquino steps down on June 2016.

“That’s why we are trying to [solve these] and hopefully not leave any problems for the next administration, if these can be resolved during the current administration,” Coloma said.

Miriam bill okayed

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo

Birthday dame. Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez busses his

mother Mrs. Juliette Gomez-Romualdez who celebrated her 80th birthday on Tuesday in Tacloban City. VER NOVENO

SENATORS on Tuesday agreed with Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement the government forged with the United States to allow American troops access to Philippine military bases is a treaty requiring the concurrence of the Senate.

Voting 15-1-3, the senators approved Santiago’s resolution as the Supreme Court postponed its vote on the constitutionality of the agreement, which was supposed to take place on Tuesday, to Nov. 16.

Aside from Santiago, those who voted in favor of the resolution were Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Chiz Escudero, TG Guingona, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Bongbong Marcos, Serge Osmeña, Koko Pimentel, Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, and Cynthia Villar.

The 15th vote came from Sen. Pia

Cayetano, who was not at the session hall during the vote, but later manifested that she is voting in the affirmative. Only Sen. Sonny Trillanes voted against the resolution.

Under the same premise, Senate President Frank Drilon and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile abstained.

The senators’ vote formalizes Senate Resolution No. 1414 as the Senate’s position on the question of the validity and effectivity of the Edca.

Santiago argued that “other than concurrence of the Senate, no authority expressly transforms a treaty into law,” and cited the Constitution’s treaty provision, Article 7, Section 21, which states: “No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.’’

The Supreme Court was set to vote on the Edca on Tuesday, but since two justices—Associate Justices Jose Mendoza and Arturo Brion—were on sick leave, the court decided to reset the voting to Nov. 16.

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‘Don’t give up on tax-cut bill’

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE Independent Bloc and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said Congress leaders should not give up in pushing for the passage of the proposed tax reduction measure even as he endorsed the immediate approval of the proposed Salary Standardization Law. Approval of the twin measures will serve as congressional gesture of malasakit (compassion) for the workers, said Romualdez, a senatorial candidate of the oppositionist United Nationalist Alliance.

Romualdez made the statement after House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon failed to secure the President Benigno Aquino III’s categorical support for the approval of the tax reduction bill.

“They should not give up and just continue convincing the President because this is a genuine ‘malasakit’ (compassion) to our workers,” Romualdez, a law-

yer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association.

At a news conference, Belmonte also said that their meeting with the President was ‘not fruitful.’

Romualdez lauded Drilon and Belmonte for their “malasakit” to workers with their sincere efforts to convince the President to support the proposed reduction of income and corporate income tax rates.

“Their efforts are admirable and laudable. They should continue with this action to put pressure on Malacañang to support the bill’s passage,” Romualdez said.

Belmonte pointed out that he

and Drilon “tried their very best” to convince the President during their meeting Monday where the latter only showed openness again when he vowed to study the proposal.

“We made our pitch and vigorous presentation,” Belmonte told reporters. “After that, the President said, ‘okay, we will think about it.’ That’s it. So I am still awaiting what is really the President’s decision,” Belmonte said.

Nevertheless, Romualdez said Congress should also consider passing other pending bills that would benefit ordinary workers like the proposed reduction on personal and corporate income tax rates.

“We should rally behind all measures that would provide economic relief to our ordinary workers,” Romualdez said.

At a news conference, House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said the SSL 2015 can be passed on third and final reading by Wednesday once they receive the certification from the President.

Santiago: Over the hump despite cancer symptoms ‘Pharmaceutical companies make a lot of money because they spent a SENATOR Miriam Defensor-San- lot for its research and development. tiago yesterday on Tuesday said her They are developing this medicine crackling, soft voice was due to the almost a revolutionary rate. The doclingering“cancer symptoms,” but said tors cannot believe it themselves,” she had gone over the hump of the Santiago pointed out.

However, it was not clear if Sandisease.

Asked during a press conference tiago took the new cancer drug with why she was gasping for breath when a revolutionary price tag.

She merely disclosed that when her she delivered a speech about her resolution on Edca, Santiago replied condition turned worst, her medicine was changed ‘because it was pro—‘(those are) cancer symptoms.’

Santiago reiterated she was earlier grammed to resist me after a while.’

‘And when I was at my worst, it diagnosed with left lung cancer.

It was in June last year when the was changed so I got better. And senator announced in a media brief- that’s when I decided I will go back,’ ing that she was sick with Stage 4 she added.

Santiago said she is now back to lung cancer. Upon her return to the Senate a few months later, she told her old schedule when she engages reporters she had conquered cancer the youth by delivering speeches before them. due to a ‘miracle drug.’

Santiago emphasized she has an Having licked her cancerous cells, Santiago whose term as senator ends advantage over the other presidenon June 30, declared she was run- tial bets because she gets three to ning for President under her own four speaking engagements a week.

‘My advantage is that I have all political party People’s Reform Party.

But Santiago admitted that she these invitations and I can virtually felt worse and worse because the choose at what rate should I speak medicines she was talking was no to the youth of the country, whether I want to speak twice a week, three longer working.

However, during this month a times a week, but others don’t .”

Santiago said she had earlier denew medicine for cancer came out.

She said this medicine had never nied all speaking invitations due to been dreamed of and it was very her condition, but started accepting them this week. costly.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Business course. Students from different universities picket outside of the Commission on Higher Education building in Quezon City to protest against the policies issued by CHED favoring big businesses at the expense of the youth, which include enabling 313 private universities and colleges to raise tuition. EY ACASIO

Bongbong, JPE: Reopen Mamasapano probe SENATOR Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday backed a proposal for the reopening of the Senate probe of the Jan. 25 Mamasapano tragedy where 44 commandos of the Philippine National PoliceSpecial Action Force lost their lives.

Last Monday, Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile moved to reopen the probe at the committee level saying he

wanted to put the issue to rest, particularly on what the government did when the bloody encounter between the SAF and the Moro rebels was taking place.

“Ito ang magdadala ng katarungan para doon sa pamilya ng mga nasawi na SAF 44, mabuti na rin iyan para mabalik sa pag-iisip ng ating mga kababayan kung anong nangyari,” said Marcos

in an interview with former Senator Orly Mercado in his program on Radyo 5.

According to Marcos, reopening the probe is possible since the Senate has yet to conduct plenary deliberations on the committee report on the Mamasapano investigation and each Senator has the right to ask questions on reports of the chamber’s committees.

Marcos noted that nine months after the incident no criminal charges have been filed in court against those responsible for the massacre of the SAF 44, despite the government’s promises that justice will be done.

The Senator pointed out that the family of the SAF 44 did not ask for anything from the government but justice.

Death con. Drug convict Mary Jane Veloso of the Philip-

pines (center) attends a ceremony at a prison in Yogyakarta on Nov. 9, 2015. Indonesia’s anti-drugs agency has proposed building a prison on an island guarded by crocodiles to hold death row drug convicts, an official said. AFP

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Year-round road clearing vowed

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE government’s campaign against ilegally parked vehicles and other obstructions on Mabuhay Lanes—secondary roads used by private motorists avoiding the congested Epifanio de los Santos Avenue—will be a year-round activity.

Thus declared Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Emerson Carlos following the series of road clearing operations conducted in cities of Manila, Parañaque, Pasay, San Juan and Quezon City.

Carlos said the 21 Mabuhay Lanes routes have already been declared by members of the Metro Ma-

nila Council, the MMDA’s policy-making body, composed of the 17 Metro mayors, as no-parking zones.

The government initially set the duration of the clearing operations along the Mabuhay Lanes from Nov. 2, 2015 until Jan. 2, 2016.

“Our operations will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, but 24 hours bawal talaga

pumarada dahil kalsada ‘yan,” Carlos said, noting there is a team monitoring the area if there are still parked vehicles or residents have placed some obstructions along the routes.

He said there will be no issue in towing the illegal parked vehicles to the MMDA’s impounding area in Ultra, Pasig City since the owners could readily pay the fine for the infraction.

“They can claim the cars unlike those colorum vehicles that stay longer in the impounding site,” Carlos said.

Aside from the motor vehicles, the MMDA with the help of members of the National Police-Highway Patrol Group clearing team has also been confiscating the stalls of ambulant vendors

and basketball court rings along the Mabuhay Lanes.

So far, more than 200 vehicles have been impounded in the continuing operations while some had been issued with citation tickets.

Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras said the government will get rid of all obstructions along the Mabuhay Lanes until such time that order and smooth traffic flow have been restored in the streets.

“We need to move people in Metro Manila until we build new bridges across Pasig and expand of all those, there will be room,” he said.

MMDA said certain roads will be closed to vehicular traffic in Manila during the fiveday Asia-Pacific Economic Co-

operation event next week.

The Manila city government reminded the public that during the five-day event, there will be “totally no parking along Roxas Boulevard service road from T.M. Kalaw to Quirino Avenue.”

MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos said his agency coordinated with officials of the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit and Traffic Parking Bureau to come up with the traffic management plan in connection with the event.

He urged commuters and motorists to avoid the affected areas and take the alternate routes instead.

Carlos said the MMDA will still enforce the number coding scheme on declared holidays during the Apec summit.

The government suspended classes in all levels and declared no work in government offices on Nov. 17 and 20.

Exempted from the suspension are government agencies involved in basic services, security and safety, health and emergency preparedness and Apec-related activities.

Carlos explained that traffic will be a concern even when there are no classes because there are still some employees of private companies who continue to report for work.

The MMDA will also impose a modified truck ban on south route and will take effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. which will complement the total closure of both lanes of Roxas Boulevard on the same dates.

INC blamed for driver’s death; endorsing bets not a sin at all—solon

By Rio N. Araja THE lawyer of an expelled members of the Iglesia ni Cristo on Tuesday blamed the church leadership for the loss of a driver of Felix Nathaniel “Ka Angel” Manalo, who died of cardiac arrest inside the INC compound Monday night.

In an interview, lawyer Trixie Angeles said Benjamin R. Arellano Jr., 50, passed away at the house of Manalo and his sister Lolita “Lottie” Hemedez without any medical attention.

“Three weeks ago, I, along with two doctors, went to the INC compound upon learning that Arellano was sick, but we were prevented from entering the place. Junjun [Arellano] was feeling ill lately. Last Monday night, he suddenly collapsed. Despite best efforts, he could not be revived,” Angeles told The Standard.

“He died at the World City hospital. His cause of death was cardiac arrest,” Angeles said.

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Rep. Ronaldo Zamora has come to the defense of the INC through an online post, explaining that the INC could not be accused of violating the separation of

church and state despite supporting candidates during elections.

In a Facebook post, the Bar topnotcher explained that the constitutional provision that provided the separation of church and state was instituted “not to protect the people from a church with the powers of state, but to protect churches from the powers of the state.”

Zamora, who also graduated valedictorian of his UP Law class, said this constitutional pillar sought to prevent the government from subverting religious denominations and institutions, weakening their influence, and “outright suppressing them when the moment is right.”

“Never forget this: what the state can do to one church, it can do to all the others,” Zamora warned.

While Zamora conceded that “a church has no business concerning itself with state business,” he emphasized that the state had “absolutely no business at all interfering with a church.”

Officials of the INC are facing detention-related cases pending before the Department of Justice and the Court of Appeals.

Church leaders and members have come under heavy criticism, particularly from netizens, for insisting on the “separation of church and state.”

Resilient society. Private sector leaders discuss post-Yolanda rehabilitation efforts during the forum staged by the Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies. From left: Sandra Wu, CEO-president of Kokosai; Margaretha Wahlstrom, Special Rapporteur of the United Nations, and Hans Sy, president of SM Prime. The forum was held at the Mall of Asia’s SMX in Pasay City. LINO SANTOS

Piracy saps OMB performance—Audit

Ayala Avenue welcomes the Christmas season in a blaze of light on Monday night.

LINO SANTOS

THE Commission on Audit has expressed disappointment over the alleged declining performance of the Optical Media Board to stop film piracy.

In a 2014 document released on Tuesday, state auditors said the number of raids and inspections conducted by the agency have significantly gone down from 2,913 in 2012 to 2,705 in 2013 and to only 2,193 in 2014.

Of the establishments inspected, the OMB agents were able to confiscate 2,372,959 optical and magnetic media discs, 65 television sets, 50 digital video disc players, 20 amplifiers, six subwoofers and 30 speakers.

No computers, monitors and tower burners were

seized in 2014 as compared to 2012 and 2013.

“May we also note that the last time that OMB seized replicating machines was on May 26, 2009 together with the Bureau of Customs,” the audit team reported.

“Of the 2,193 establishments inspected, most were optical media stalls. While the authority of OMB to inspect extends to importers, exporters and distributors of optical media and equipment including those involved in mastering, manufacture, replication of optical media, the concentration of inspection was only on optical media stalls, which were engaged in small scale peddling of CDs/DVDs.” “Thus, only optical discs were seized and none of the

equipment used for manufacturing equipment, parts and accessories and manufacturing materials used or intended for use in the mastering, manufacture or replication of optical media,” the audit findings noted.

A vacuum in the leadership of OMB, and lack of surveillance and intelligence work or planning before inspections could have been the factors why its performance dipped.

“In view of the reduced number of inspections made, and the erroneous choice of establishments to be inspected, OMB fell short of its objective of curtailing if not stopping violations of the Optical Media Act,” CoA said. Rio N. Araja

w e d n e s d ay : n o v e m B e R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

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news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Mindanao dry spell causes drop in rice yield

By Froilan Gallardo

Price hike. Typhoon ‘Lando,’ which affected northern provinces last month, continues to drive up the prices of onions, sold this week at P95 per kilo.

ANDREW RABULAN

Reds ransack Coast Guard office in Caramoan resort

By Francisco Tuyay

New People’s Army rebels ransacked an office of the Philippine Coast Guard at an inland tourist resort in Camarines Sur Tuesday morning.

Police authorities in the province said the rebels, clad in civilian attire, attacked the Coast Guard detachment in Guijalo village in Caramoan at about 10:25 a.m.

Caramoan, with its pristine beaches, is touted as a tourist destination in the Bicol region.

Sr. Supt Walfredo Pornillos, director of the Camarines Sur Provincial

Police Office, said that at least eight fully-armed NPA members took firearms, communication items and uniforms from the PCG detachment.

The rebels had four high-powered firearms and handguns, Pornillos said.

Seaman First Class Juan Ravago, the lone guard on duty at the time of the attack, was accosted at gunpoint by the NPA raiding group.

Pornillos added that aside from the group that attacked the Coast Guard office, 20 other rebels positioned themselves at the perimeter as blocking force.

The rebels also destroyed the PCG’s rubber boat to prevent possible reinforcement from a nearby military detachment.

They then withdrew and fled towards an unknown direction.

The Army’s 24nd Infantry Battalion together with elements of the Caramoan police responded to the conduct and launched a manhunt against the NPA rebels.

The attack at the Caramoan was the first incident after it became a booming tourist destination, catering primarily to foreign travelers for its beautiful beaches and islands in the Bicol Region.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— Rice production in Northern Mindanao dropped by 11 percent in the third quarter of this year compared to the same period last year due to the dry spell spawned by the El Niño, agriculture officials said.

Department of Agriculture Region 10 director Lealyn Ramos said the dry spell affected the flowering stage of the rice that were planted in the months of June and July this year.

“The flowering stage was affected by the dry spell.

The flowers were not able to open fully to shed their pollen,” Ramos said.

Citing figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Ramos said rice production dropped by as much as 13,737 metric tons worth P435 million this year.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration have declared that the country is experiencing the strongest El Niño phenomenon ever recorded since July this year.

The weather bureau also predicted that the month of November would be the driest for Northern Mindanao.

Ramos said the dry spell already affected 650 hectares in Kapatagan town in Lanao del Norte whose irrigation system had already been damaged by tropical storm Agaton in 2014.

She said the cash-strapped National Irrigation Administration was not able to repair the damage on the irrigation system of the rice-producing municipality.

Ramos added that the same thing happened in the province of Bukidnon where rice farmers are already fighting among themselves for the limited water supply from their irrigation canals.

Fisheries bureau recognizes Pangasinan coastal program

By Dexter A. See

New home. Twenty families from Barangay Palonog, San Jose District in Tacloban City move into their permanent shelters two years after Typhoon ‘Yolanda.’ MEL CASPE

LINGAYEN—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Office has given the province of Pangasinan a national award dubbed Gawad Pasasalamat sa mga Kabalikat sa Pangisdaan 2015 for its significant contribution to fishery development, protection and conservation.

The bureau said the province had actively and successfully implemented its coastal resources management projects, specifically on coastal resources education. It aimed to impart to the youth the importance and significance of conserving and protecting the environment.

From 2008 to September 2015, the team was able to reach 92 public schools, benefitting around 9,265 students.

Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr., who received the award on behalf of the province from BFAR-Region 1 director Nestor Domenden during the flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol Grounds recently, thanked Pangasinenses had “internalized” the program.

The governor recalled how his administration wrestled with some groups who showed disapproval of the massive cleaning and clearing of the province’s river system.

The provincial government, through the Office of

the Provincial Agriculturist headed by its officer-in-charge Dalisay Moya, launched the CRE in 2008 to attain sustainable fishery development in coastal areas of Pangasinan.

A technical team from OPAG conducted outreach activities in various public elementary and secondary schools in coastal local government units using videos and other materials.

The CRE involves optimum utilization of the Provincial Mangrove Information Center located in Barangay Arnedo, Bolinao which serves as learning ground on integrated resources management for Lakbay Aral groups from different sectors.

W E D N E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

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opinion

ADELLE chuA EDItoR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

bACK ChANNEL ALEJANDRo DEL RosARIo

WHo sHould apologize?

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Why AbAyA must go

The continued presence of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph emilio Abaya in the Cabinet is living proof that President Aquino’s straight path policy is a sham, and lays bare the lie that this administration rewards honesty and competence.

Despite the widening scandal over an extortion racket at the airport, his utter failure to arrest the deterioration of the city’s trains, and patently anomalous dealings within his own department, Secretary Abaya continues to enjoy the President’s confidence.

Confronted by the growing number of incidents with which bullets are found in the luggage of travelers as part of a scheme to extort money from them, the President’s sage decision was, in effect, to have Abaya investigate himself.

To nobody’s surprise, Abaya quickly declared that there was no evidence of a bulletplanting syndicate at the airport, even before his “investigation” began.

In his four years as Transportation chief, Abaya has failed to address the almost daily breakdowns in the city’s train services—and even signed off on an anomalous maintenance agreement with an unqualified service provider. The belated arrival of a prototype train carriage from China—and the promise of more trains to be delivered next year—will provide no relief to the long-suffering commuters who must take the MRT and LRT. Delivered without an engine, the prototype won’t be ready for testing until December.

The awarding of the contract to a Chinese company comes after MRT officials were accused of attempting to extort money from a Czech company to upgrade and supply equipment for the train system. While the former MRT manager has been charged, Abaya has escaped unscathed, untouched by the principle of command responsibility.

Amid mounting calls for Abaya’s resignation, a lawmaker mounted a spirited defense of the incompetent secretary.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said his ouster “was not a solution but an emotional, populist knee-jerk response that is counter-productive at this time.”

The President, Albano said, had already ordered Abaya to conduct an immediate investigation and has asked him to come up with strategic measures to stop the bullet planting scam.

Congressman Albano did not say how Abaya could investigate something that he has already said does not exist.

“It is counter-productive and foolish to remove Secretary Abaya from office,” Albano continued unctuously. “he is right now on top of major multi-billion-peso infrastructure projects, like the new skyways to link the North and South expressways to decongest Metro Manila traffic,” he said, rattling off a long list of projects that have yet to be implemented.

“With about eight months before the Aquino government steps down next year, it is foolish and totally unproductive to seek the ouster or resignation of Secretary Abaya just to pander to the misguided [demands] of a few, especially politicians running for public office who are exploiting the issue for their own selfish ends,” Albano said.

“Secretary Abaya has categorically declared that the DoTC and national police and security agencies at the airports are committed to ferret out all criminal elements preying on hapless victims at the airport and would prosecute to the full extent of the law all violators,” the congressman added—as if this declaration were enough of a guarantee of action from a secretary who has proved his incompetence time and again.

To the congressman, we suggest that it is precisely because we have such a dubious character on top of billions of pesos worth of government projects that Abaya must be replaced—to safeguard our hard-earned tax pesos. Responding to public opinion is not always pandering; sometimes, it is just good government.

Heartless

The banana plant, according to one joke, is better than President Noynoy Aquino in one respect: The banana has a heart.

I fail to understand why Malacañang Palace would even dare to say that Aquino did not go to Tacloban City for the second anniversary of the disastrous arrival of Typhoon ‘‘Yolanda’’ because he hadn’t been invited. And I know

Communications Secretary herminio Coloma, to whom this excuse has been attributed, has told some whoppers in the past—but this latest alibi should immediately join the Top Ten Lies The President Told Us. Why on earth would Aquino require an invitation to the Yolanda anniversary, to begin with? As the President, Aquino should have gone whether invited or not, if only to show solidarity with the people of Ground Zero of the strongest typhoon in the recorded history of the world.

I wonder if Aquino received

an invitation when he visited Guiuan, eastern Samar during the first anniversary of the disaster last year. he could have—and he could have accepted simply because my old newspaper colleague, eastern Samar Rep. Ben evardone, is a leading member and spokesman of the administration Liberal Party.

But I seem to remember Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez saying that everyone who was anyone in government had been invited to last weekend’s ceremonies.

According to Romualdez, even Palace spokesman and Coloma’s tag-team partner edwin Lacierda accepted the invitation, even if Lacierda

A9

the absence of anyone of note from the administration was because there was a boycott of the yolanda anniversary.

didn’t arrive, for reasons only that Palace spokesman can say.

In fact, the only person identified with the administration who went to Tacloban last weekend was former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman and current

Senate candidate Francis Tolentino—and everyone knows that Tolentino is basically a pariah in both the Aquino administration and the LP these days, after he was dropped from the party’s slate for his involvement in that twerking performance in Laguna.

The truth is, the absence of anyone of note from the administration and the LP in Tacloban was because there was a boycott of the Yolanda anniversary, which became a de facto opposition political rally, as a result. And Coloma, who has only recently resurfaced after being jeered into temporary silence for claiming that the widespread bullet-planting extortion racket at Manila’s airport was just “an isolated incident,” is simply lying. But that, of course, is Coloma’s job.

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-

*** Speaking of invitations, I’m sure Aquino received one from the family of Andrew Tan, the dollarbillionaire head of the Alliance Global conglomerate, which controls both ubiquitous real estate developer Megaworld and the company that sells the popular emperador Brandy, among other big local corporations.

See, while Aquino claims not to have been invited to Tacloban, he most certainly received an invite to the wedding of Tan’s youngest son Kester

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

last Sunday, unless he gate-crashed the event.

Kester Tan married Kelsey Cheng at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Newport City, an upscale Megaworld development beside Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The news website Politiko (politics.com. ph) could not control its sarcasm when it recounted the President’s attendance: “In lieu of his attendance [in Tacloban], Aquino issued a statement

Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager

Continued on A11

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

IN hIS usual holier-than-thou posturing, President B. S. Aquino said the Marcoses should apologize for human rights violations during the nearly two decades of martial rule. It should not have happened, but human rights violations do happen during emergency rule. human rights violations were also reported even in the transition period to democratic space of then-President Cory Aquino’s revolutionary government.

Let us not forget that the massacre of 13 farmers at Mendiola on Jan. 22, 1987, the killing of labor leader Rolando Olalia in November 1986 and the assassination of UP student leader Lean Alejandro in September 1987 all happened early during Cory’s watch. Lean was only 27 when his life was snuffed out by an assassin’s bullet in Quezon City. At the forefront of the struggle against the martial law regime, Lean was killed not during Marcos’ time but a year after Cory Aquino came to power. We have yet to hear the Aquinos apologize for these unsolved killings.

The farmers who belonged to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas were demanding Cory Aquino fulfill her campaign promise of genuine land reform. The farmers, led by militant peasant leader Jaime Tadeo, had marched from the Department of Agrarian Reform in Quezon City to Manila. As they reached Mendiola bridge, they were fired upon by President Cory’s trigger-happy praetorian guards who were protecting Malacañang and its tenant. More than 28 years later, nothing much has changed for the farmers fighting to till land they can call their own. Many of them are still sacadas or plantation workers. Ownership of the vast (6,453 hectares) hacienda Luisita remains with the Cojuangco-Aquino clan through corporate maneuvering.

The Aquinos sold Central Azucarera de Tarlac to Lorenzo Martin but the company remains under the control of the family through President Aquino’s first cousin, Fernando Cojuangco.

Whatever happened to PNoy’s “daang matuwid” and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program launched by Cory?

The Mamasapano, Maguindanao massacre of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force commandos at the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters is another bloody chapter in the Aquino administration. The sensitive police operation was a disaster because President Aquino put suspended

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

Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

W E D N E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA EDItoR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

bACK ChANNEL ALEJANDRo DEL RosARIo

WHo sHould apologize?

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Why AbAyA must go

The continued presence of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph emilio Abaya in the Cabinet is living proof that President Aquino’s straight path policy is a sham, and lays bare the lie that this administration rewards honesty and competence.

Despite the widening scandal over an extortion racket at the airport, his utter failure to arrest the deterioration of the city’s trains, and patently anomalous dealings within his own department, Secretary Abaya continues to enjoy the President’s confidence.

Confronted by the growing number of incidents with which bullets are found in the luggage of travelers as part of a scheme to extort money from them, the President’s sage decision was, in effect, to have Abaya investigate himself.

To nobody’s surprise, Abaya quickly declared that there was no evidence of a bulletplanting syndicate at the airport, even before his “investigation” began.

In his four years as Transportation chief, Abaya has failed to address the almost daily breakdowns in the city’s train services—and even signed off on an anomalous maintenance agreement with an unqualified service provider. The belated arrival of a prototype train carriage from China—and the promise of more trains to be delivered next year—will provide no relief to the long-suffering commuters who must take the MRT and LRT. Delivered without an engine, the prototype won’t be ready for testing until December.

The awarding of the contract to a Chinese company comes after MRT officials were accused of attempting to extort money from a Czech company to upgrade and supply equipment for the train system. While the former MRT manager has been charged, Abaya has escaped unscathed, untouched by the principle of command responsibility.

Amid mounting calls for Abaya’s resignation, a lawmaker mounted a spirited defense of the incompetent secretary.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said his ouster “was not a solution but an emotional, populist knee-jerk response that is counter-productive at this time.”

The President, Albano said, had already ordered Abaya to conduct an immediate investigation and has asked him to come up with strategic measures to stop the bullet planting scam.

Congressman Albano did not say how Abaya could investigate something that he has already said does not exist.

“It is counter-productive and foolish to remove Secretary Abaya from office,” Albano continued unctuously. “he is right now on top of major multi-billion-peso infrastructure projects, like the new skyways to link the North and South expressways to decongest Metro Manila traffic,” he said, rattling off a long list of projects that have yet to be implemented.

“With about eight months before the Aquino government steps down next year, it is foolish and totally unproductive to seek the ouster or resignation of Secretary Abaya just to pander to the misguided [demands] of a few, especially politicians running for public office who are exploiting the issue for their own selfish ends,” Albano said.

“Secretary Abaya has categorically declared that the DoTC and national police and security agencies at the airports are committed to ferret out all criminal elements preying on hapless victims at the airport and would prosecute to the full extent of the law all violators,” the congressman added—as if this declaration were enough of a guarantee of action from a secretary who has proved his incompetence time and again.

To the congressman, we suggest that it is precisely because we have such a dubious character on top of billions of pesos worth of government projects that Abaya must be replaced—to safeguard our hard-earned tax pesos. Responding to public opinion is not always pandering; sometimes, it is just good government.

Heartless

The banana plant, according to one joke, is better than President Noynoy Aquino in one respect: The banana has a heart.

I fail to understand why Malacañang Palace would even dare to say that Aquino did not go to Tacloban City for the second anniversary of the disastrous arrival of Typhoon ‘‘Yolanda’’ because he hadn’t been invited. And I know

Communications Secretary herminio Coloma, to whom this excuse has been attributed, has told some whoppers in the past—but this latest alibi should immediately join the Top Ten Lies The President Told Us. Why on earth would Aquino require an invitation to the Yolanda anniversary, to begin with? As the President, Aquino should have gone whether invited or not, if only to show solidarity with the people of Ground Zero of the strongest typhoon in the recorded history of the world.

I wonder if Aquino received

an invitation when he visited Guiuan, eastern Samar during the first anniversary of the disaster last year. he could have—and he could have accepted simply because my old newspaper colleague, eastern Samar Rep. Ben evardone, is a leading member and spokesman of the administration Liberal Party.

But I seem to remember Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez saying that everyone who was anyone in government had been invited to last weekend’s ceremonies.

According to Romualdez, even Palace spokesman and Coloma’s tag-team partner edwin Lacierda accepted the invitation, even if Lacierda

A9

the absence of anyone of note from the administration was because there was a boycott of the yolanda anniversary.

didn’t arrive, for reasons only that Palace spokesman can say.

In fact, the only person identified with the administration who went to Tacloban last weekend was former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman and current

Senate candidate Francis Tolentino—and everyone knows that Tolentino is basically a pariah in both the Aquino administration and the LP these days, after he was dropped from the party’s slate for his involvement in that twerking performance in Laguna.

The truth is, the absence of anyone of note from the administration and the LP in Tacloban was because there was a boycott of the Yolanda anniversary, which became a de facto opposition political rally, as a result. And Coloma, who has only recently resurfaced after being jeered into temporary silence for claiming that the widespread bullet-planting extortion racket at Manila’s airport was just “an isolated incident,” is simply lying. But that, of course, is Coloma’s job.

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-

*** Speaking of invitations, I’m sure Aquino received one from the family of Andrew Tan, the dollarbillionaire head of the Alliance Global conglomerate, which controls both ubiquitous real estate developer Megaworld and the company that sells the popular emperador Brandy, among other big local corporations.

See, while Aquino claims not to have been invited to Tacloban, he most certainly received an invite to the wedding of Tan’s youngest son Kester

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

last Sunday, unless he gate-crashed the event.

Kester Tan married Kelsey Cheng at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Newport City, an upscale Megaworld development beside Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The news website Politiko (politics.com. ph) could not control its sarcasm when it recounted the President’s attendance: “In lieu of his attendance [in Tacloban], Aquino issued a statement

Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager

Continued on A11

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

IN hIS usual holier-than-thou posturing, President B. S. Aquino said the Marcoses should apologize for human rights violations during the nearly two decades of martial rule. It should not have happened, but human rights violations do happen during emergency rule. human rights violations were also reported even in the transition period to democratic space of then-President Cory Aquino’s revolutionary government.

Let us not forget that the massacre of 13 farmers at Mendiola on Jan. 22, 1987, the killing of labor leader Rolando Olalia in November 1986 and the assassination of UP student leader Lean Alejandro in September 1987 all happened early during Cory’s watch. Lean was only 27 when his life was snuffed out by an assassin’s bullet in Quezon City. At the forefront of the struggle against the martial law regime, Lean was killed not during Marcos’ time but a year after Cory Aquino came to power. We have yet to hear the Aquinos apologize for these unsolved killings.

The farmers who belonged to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas were demanding Cory Aquino fulfill her campaign promise of genuine land reform. The farmers, led by militant peasant leader Jaime Tadeo, had marched from the Department of Agrarian Reform in Quezon City to Manila. As they reached Mendiola bridge, they were fired upon by President Cory’s trigger-happy praetorian guards who were protecting Malacañang and its tenant. More than 28 years later, nothing much has changed for the farmers fighting to till land they can call their own. Many of them are still sacadas or plantation workers. Ownership of the vast (6,453 hectares) hacienda Luisita remains with the Cojuangco-Aquino clan through corporate maneuvering.

The Aquinos sold Central Azucarera de Tarlac to Lorenzo Martin but the company remains under the control of the family through President Aquino’s first cousin, Fernando Cojuangco.

Whatever happened to PNoy’s “daang matuwid” and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program launched by Cory?

The Mamasapano, Maguindanao massacre of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force commandos at the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters is another bloody chapter in the Aquino administration. The sensitive police operation was a disaster because President Aquino put suspended

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

Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

A10 An AmericAn president?

OnE of the scheduled overnight destinations of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit participants is Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a heritage resort owned by Jose “Gerry” Acuzar, who happens to be the brother-in-law of Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa.

The place located in Bagac, Bataan is a tourist destination.

I hear it’s expensive.

Santa Banana, it really pays to have family members in the right places. I heard somebody say that the place could afford to close shop for the rest of the year after a one-night stay of the Apec leaders. *** The citizenship and residency issues of Mrs. Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares, who became a senator in 2013, continues to be debated in coffee shops, board rooms and cocktail parties.

While Senator Poe herself and her lawyers claim that they can answer all the allegations against her, the people have yet to hear explanations about her qualifications.

There are now four cases of disqualification against Mrs. Llamanzares, first at the Senate Electoral Tribunal and the Comelec, the latest one coming from the former dean of the College of Law of the University of the East, Amado Valdez, who certainly knows his domestic and international law.

Valdez was clear and precise. The fact that Grace Poe had to perform an overt act to reacquire her citizenship by filing a petition does not qualify her as a natural-born citizen. The Constitution defines natural-born Filipinos as those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.

What strikes me as a strange, my gulay, is I am sure we would the reply of Poe that she would face all her not want an alien accusers in reply to leading us.

Valdez comments, and that Valdez was entitled to his opinion, but she hoped he would also focus on issues confronting society.

Santa Banana, nothing could be more critical in the coming election! Imagine an alien becoming President of the Philippines. It would be a disaster worse than ‘‘Yolanda’’ or Lando to have an alien-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine national Police.

While the allegations of Dean Valdez are not new, he was clear about the need for Senator Poe to have 10 years of residency in the Philippines before Election Day next year. By Poe’s own admission, she will have resided in the Philippines for only nine years and nine months prior to the May 2016 presidential elections. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure this out.

From the records, it was on July 7, 2006, when she took her oath as a Filipino citizen under Republic Act no. 9225, known as the Dual Citizenship Law, to qualify her as a chairman of the Movies & Television Ratings and Classification Board.

When Poe filed her CoC or Certificate of Candidacy as senator, it was for the May 2013 polls. On Oct. 20, 2010, she renounced her American citizenship.

Thus, Valdez said, the 10-year-residency period must be counted from Oct. 20, 2010 when she renounced her American citizenship, Valdez went for the jugular when he said that between July 7, 2006 and Oct. 20, 2010, Poe had dual allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America, making her still ineligible to hold public office.

Poe’s lawyer claimed that Mrs. Llamanzares made a mistake of the date when she filed her CoC. My gulay, it is uncharacteristic of somebody as intelligent as Mrs. Llamanzares to commit a mistake in a document!

Records also showed that Mrs. Llamanzares claimed in her notarized petition for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship under RA 9225: “I am a natural born Philippine citizen, born on September 3, 1968 in Iloilo City to Ronald Allan Kelly Poe, a Filipino citizen, and Jesusa Sonora Poe, a Filipino citizen; I became an American national on Oct. 18, 2001, thereby lost my Philippine citizenship. Pursuant thereto, I am a holder of a US passport with Passport no. 017037793, issued on Dec. 19, 2001, in Washington.”

Santa Banana, that was a complete lie and misrepresentation.

Poe could be jailed for perjury, contradicting her own claim that she was a foundling. And we all know that FPJ and Susan Roces were childless. Would we Filipinos want a President who lies about her citizenship? As a lawyer myself, my only interest in the issue of citizenship and residency of Poe is legal and constitutional. If the Senate Electoral Tribunal and

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OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

Bullets And Bs IT SEEMS serendipity or destiny that the political life and mindset of Benigno Simeon (BS) Cojuangco “noynoy” Aquino III have revolved around a bullet.

A single bullet fired at close range to the nape of opposition leader former Senator Benigno “ninoy” Aquino Jr. shortly after 1 p.m. on August 21, 1983 launched the trajectory of the Aquino family towards two presidencies.

The two terms have total length of 12 years and four months—six years and four months (Feb. 25, 1986-June 30, 1992) for ninoy’s widow, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, and six years (June 30, 2010-June 30, 2016) for their son, President BS Aquino III. The two Aquino presidencies have largely defined what has become of the Philippines today—a country beset by massive unemployment, massive poverty, and massive corruption, and where only 100 families control politics and the economy, resulting in one of the worst income inequality ratios in the world.

Even with the combined presidencies of Cory and noynoy, the truth never came out as to who really murdered ninoy. The Cojuangco-Aquino family would probably never bother to unravel one of the most mysterious political murders in the Philippines.

Why? The mystery and the myth-making that accompanied the vicious killing have been good for the CojuangcoAquinos.

The opposition leader ninoy could have just dropped dead with a heart attack. He had a nearly fatal attack in 1980 prompting the Marcoses, worried that their main oppositionist could die suddenly, to send him off that year to the United States for a medical selfexile.

In 1983, ninoy tried to return to Manila with hopes of bringing back democracy to the Philippines. A single bullet thwarted his mission. Instantly, he became a national hero. His death catapulted his widow, Cory, to the presidency, riding on the crest of a national outrage over the assassination.

Under ordinary circumstances, Cory could not had been elected president.

The math and French major from new York’s College of Mount Saint Vincent was, after all, just a plain and obedient housewife and the treasurer of the vast 6,300-hectare Hacienda Luisita, today,the largest contiguous piece of prime land in Luzon.

In 1985, a lower court declared the Hacienda Luisita should be divided by agrarian reform.

Enforcement was delayed. On April 24, 2012, the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice

Renato Corona unanimously declared that Hacienda Luisita is subject to land reform. The sugar plantation must be subdivided and given away to some 6,300 farmer-tenants. Additionally, the Cojuangco family must pay compensation to the farmers to the tune of more than P13 billion. The decision would drive the Cojuangco family to penury.

Thankfully, noynoy Aquino had been elected President, two years earlier, on May 10, 2010. He immediately maneuvered to remove Chief Justice Corona by bribing with P50 million each the senator-judges sitting in the impeachment court, actually the 24-member Senate convened as a judicial body.

On May 29, 2012 Corona was found guilty of a crime he was not accused of in the first place—that of lying in his statement of assets and liabilities, a crime all government officials routinely and habitually commit. Why? Because nobody in right mind bloats his imagined wealth, except perhaps Donald Trump.

This year, the Cojuangco-Aquino family was reported to have sold the huge Hacienda Luisita in direct contempt and contravention of the Supreme Court’s April 2012 unanimous decision. One bullet, two presidencies, a family crown jewel intact. Some families are indeed very lucky.

Throughout his presidency, BS Aquino has been hounded by controversies and scandals involving bullets. In short, violence. And men authorized to carry bullets and guns— the police and the military. These men occupy crucial positions in BS Aquino’s cabinet and government giving him and his administration a bad name.

On Aug. 23, 2010, eight Hong Kong tourists died inside a bus hijacked by an enraged dismissed policeman. He started shooting his captives when launched an attack on the policemen

bus in a bid to rescue the hostages.

In the 20-day Zamboanga siege of Sept. 8 to 28, 2013, 227 died (208 Muslim rebels and 19 government troopers) and 10,000 houses were burned by the army—the equivalent of razing to the ground the entire city of San Juan in Metro Manila. President Aquino was there to supervise the operation.

In the Mamasapano massacre of Jan. 25, 2015 (incidentally, Cory Aquino’s 82nd birth anniversary), 44 elite

the Comelec do not follow the Constitution on the cases filed against Mrs. Llamanzares, we may as well throw the Constitution into the trash can.

I rest my case. *** We have had enough lies coming from the Aquino administration. When President Aquino and his people speak, we cannot anymore distinguish the truth from the lie.

That’s the reason I agree with the challenge hurled by Leyte Rep. and senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez at Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman. She should come up with a detailed accounting of the conditional cash transfer program.

Romualdez made the call following a survey of the Social Weather Stations that showed more than three million families nationwide suffering from the involuntary hunger from July to September this year. Other surveys like that by the Asian Development Bank showed that the funds did not actually go to the intended beneficiaries.

My gulay, we are talking here of billions of public funds in the name of CCT. The dole program is actually a carryover

commandos and 16 others were killed a day-long one-sided battle between bandits and the police. Aquino was near the scene of the firefight and could have saved many of the murdered victims. Somebody told the army about 2 kms away to stand down. A report by the Senate Public Order Committee headed by Senator Grace Poe held the President “ultimately responsible for the Mamasapano mission.”

For all these killings involving bullets and guns, BS Aquino was never made to account.

Relatedly, the President has surrounded himself with men formally trained to use bullets and guns. They include Voltaire Gazmin, a retired general, and now secretary of the Department of national Defense (DnD); Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, a graduate of the famed Annapolis naval Academy, and now the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC); and Jose Angel Honrado, another retired general, and now general manager of the ninoy Aquino International Airport (nAIA).

Gazmin, Abaya and Honrado were former security aides of then President Cory Aquino and the incumbent President Aquino. The stupidity, incompetence, and corruption in the DnD, DoTC, and naia under Gazmin, Abaya and Honrado, respectively, have made a lie of BS Aquino’s Matuwid na Daan (Straight Path) mantra.

Under Abaya’s DoTC is the Land Transportation Office. There, car plates are overpriced and along with driver’s licenses, take centuries to be released.

Under Abaya’s DoTC is the Metro Rail Transit 3—the 17-km elevated train service running from north to south of Manila along Edsa. MRT3 breaks down daily and at times doesn’t operate at all, to the anger of its some 600,000 daily commuters. Why? Because Abaya’s men gave the maintenance contract to an incompetent group and relatives who were pocketing the maintenance billions and doing little else. MRT3 bought new trains from China— without the engines.

Under Abaya’s DoTC is the naia.

There, security inspectors converted their job into a booming industry— planting a bullet or two in the bags of unsuspecting passengers and airport visitors and threatening them with jail terms unless they are willing to cough up a bribe.

A bullet in 1983. A bullet in 2015.

The same airport. You can say BS Aquino’s political life has come full circle. Thanks to a bullet. biznewsasia@gmail.com

from the Arroyo administration which reached only P23 billion in 2010, but hit P29.2 billion during the Aquino administration in 2011, P39.4 billion in 2012, P44.3 in 2013, P62.6 billion in 2014, and P62.32 billion this year.

Since we have caught Dinky Soliman telling lies on the relief and rehabilitation of the survivors of Yolanda, this challenge of Romualdez is timely. *** I can only agree with Senator Chiz Escudero, candidate for vice president, that Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya, should be fired from his job. Many issues have marred the Department of Transportation and Communications—poor Internet connection, exorbitant mobile fees, bullet-planting scam at the airport, the horrible MRT-3, miserable airport facilities and delays of license plates, car stickers and drivers’ license cards.

The problem is that the people around the President, despite their ineptitude and insensitivity to the public good, lack self-respect and delicadeza to know when to resign. They almost always tell us that only the President can make them resign.

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OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

TacloBan city Mayor alfred romualdez did the unexpected during the second anniversary of Typhoon ‘‘yolanda.’’

Even as thousands marched across San Juanico Bridge and into the streets of Palo and Tacloban decrying the aquino government’s neglect of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the city yolanda virtually wiped out two years ago, the mayor, “who is a romualdez while the president is an aquino” (Then-interior and local government Secretary Mar roxas’ famous admonition), took it upon himself to “thank the national leadership, including the President, for all the help given to Tacloban.” and then romualdez said sorry.

“Please forgive us if we had said something hurtful because we are just human and we got hurt because what happened was truly painful.” “at no time were we ungrateful for all the help that was extended to us,” the Tacloban mayor added. now that is most admirable. i decline to call it an act of noblesse oblige, because we are no longer in a

who... From A9 PnP chief alan Purisima in charge. aquino hasn’t owned up to poor judgment nor apologized for his grievous mistake.

Two years after the aquino government’s slow response in the wake of Super Typhoon ‘‘yolanda,’’ many of the survivors in leyte and Samar are still waiting for the government to provide them assistance for permanent housing. This is unconscionable and more disastrous than the force of nature that claimed more

Saying Sorry

feudal system where some are born “nobler” than others, and an act of kindness, gratitude, even apology, to someone of lower rank is considered a sign of the humility of nobility. in a sense, Mayor alfred was just expressing what many filipinos in their heart of hearts wish of the character of their leaders—compassion. forgiveness. and thereafter—moving forward. *** Though official results are yet forthcoming as we write this article, the people of Myanmar have cast their vote for the future of their backwater of a country struggling against decades of military rule. and the results indicate that democracy has won, and the yearning of the Burmese for a free order and free choice has finally resounded.

But what is even more remarkable is that despite an almost universal respect and admiration for their heroine in the struggle, aung San Suu Kyi, the nobel

than 8,000 lives. Should aquino not apologize for this criminal neglect?

A midnight express deal This one is more than a sweetheart business deal. it’s a midnight express deal.

We are talking about the allegedly anomalous buyout of Express Savings Bank by the local Waterworks Utility administration from the gatchalian family for which former congressman and lWUa administrator Prospero “Butch” Pichay and five others

heartless From A9 that was read by lacierda on the government-run radyo ng Bayan. in the statement, aquino said: ‘We pause in prayer for the loved ones we lost, and pay tribute to the soldiers and civilians who placed themselves in danger to help their fellow man.’ “aquino presumably said his prayers that day [for the victims of yolanda] in

#failocracy

Peace Prize laureate will not even sit as president of Myanmar.

This because of lIto a constitutional banayo provision that bans her from the position on account of her marriage to a foreigner, now deceased, with whom she had two children, both British subjects. great Britain, at the time when “the sun never set on the Empire,” was once colonial master of Burma, as well as its neighbors, india, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and most of what was once asia Minor.

What does this tell us? That lady aung San Suu Kyi, despite her almost goddess-like popularity, followed the law, the constitution which was forged by the former military cabal that ruled her country. and her credentials as a freedomfighter, daughter of one of the most highly revered figures in Burmese history, as inspiration to a people who are at present among the most backward (by Western standards) in asean, are beyond any reproach.

so I see

are now in hot water. The office of the ombudsman found Pichay in culpable violation of the anti-graft law for the P880million buyout of the bankrupt laguna rural bank. ombudsman conchita carpio Morales filed the case because the deal was disadvantageous to the government which gave the gatchalians an P80-million windfall profit from the sale of the Express Savings Bank inc. already placed in receivership by the Philippine deposit insurance corp. for being insolvent, ESBi

the church built by Megaworld.” ouch.

But i can’t say that aquino felt any discomfort while he attended the wedding in the ultra-rich family, since the ceremony was conducted so close to villamor. after all, only in January last year, aquino also failed to show up for the arrival of the bodies of the 44 members of the Special action force who were killed by his Moro partners in the peace negotiations in

She wields power even if she is legally powerless. and her acceptance of the rule of law makes her moral ascendancy over the generals and their parliamentary puppets even stronger. here in our country, a woman who once renounced her citizenship in favor of the foreign nationality of her husband and children now wants to impose her ambition to lead the country on the strength of sheer popularity, perceived at that. not for her is the long and winding road of proving her credentials to such high office first, being a twoyear senator on top of a two-year administration of a movie review and classification body. not for her either is the respect for the letter of the fundamental law of the land, which was ratified overwhelmingly by the filipino people in 1987, even if her 20-million votes garnered when she ran as senator under unknown pretenses in 2013 may be numerically more. lady Suu Kyi has a lot to teach lady grace by way of example.

still seemed a “sound” investment for Pichay, who, before he was dismissed as lWUa administrator in 2011, approved a board resolution for the bank’s takeover without seeking approval from the central Bank. also charged with Pichay were valenzuela rep. Sherwin gatchalian (who’s running for senator in 2016), his brothers Kenneth and Party list rep.

Weslie gatchalian.

Their father, plastics tycoon William gatchalian, and his wife dee hua were also included by the

Mindanao. at that time, aquino and his interchangeable spokesmen said that the President was not present when the bodies of the massacred Saf troops returned to Manila because he wanted to give the bereaved families space to grieve. of course, it turned out that aquino went to the inauguration of a carassembly plant in laguna, an excursion he could have easily accommodated in

ombudsman for violation of the country’s banking laws. The gatchalians are the executives and operator of Wellex group inc. which also owned and operated ESBi. another gatchalian, valenzuela city Mayor rex gatchalian, is not included in the ombudsman charge sheet. he figured in the news recently for negligence by the mayor’s office in the Kentex slippers factory fire on May 13 this year that claimed the lives of more than 70 workers.

his schedule, had he decided to put in an appearance at the air force base, as well. or perhaps, aquino didn’t receive an invitation to go to villamor to condole with the families of the Saf 44, either. no, aquino should not be allowed to get away with his lame excuses once again. The man simply has no compassion, empathy and heart, whatever the ever-dwindling number of his blind supporters say.

chong ardivilla

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Bombshell report urges Russian ban GENEVA—Russia’s athletics federation should be suspended from all competition, including the 2016 Olympic Games, over widespread doping, a damning report by an independent commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Monday.

The report outlined evidence of systematic cheating with the consent of the government in Moscow, noting that drug tests for athletes were conducted at a Russian lab that totally lacked credibility.

“It’s pretty disturbing,” said former WADA chief Richard Pound, who headed the three-man commission, adding that the extent of the cheating was “worse than we thought”.

The panel’s findings called for

athletics’ governing body (IAAF) to suspend Russia’s athletics body (ARAF) and declare it “non-compliant” with globally agreed doping regulations.

IAAF President Sebastian Coe said he would give Russia until Friday to respond to the scathing report.

“I want an explanation,” Coe said on a conference call. “I am completely shocked by the allegations.”

“My instinct remains to encour-

age engagement not isolation, but the extent of what’s being said, I need to seek (IAAF) council support to have them (Russia) report back by the end of the week.”

The IAAF Council are due to meet Friday to discuss the crisis facing the Olympic flagship sport, and the country faces a provisional suspension at the next IAAF meeting this month in Monaco.

- ‘No proof ’ Russian athletics officials dismissed the reports, and the head of Russia’s anti-doping agency RUSADA rejected claims that lab engineer impersonators had destroyed hundreds of doping samples.

“If we speak about the allegedly destroyed doping samples, I see only a raw report and declarative statements

without any proof,” Nikita Kamaev told TASS news agency.

“This also goes in regard to accusations of bribes offered by athletes.

I see no logic here. All accusations are ungrounded at the moment,” adding the agency was conducting its own investigation into the allegations.

Moscow’s sports minister said the country has done everything that was asked by international organisations.

“We invested colossal funds into building a laboratory, we did everything that was recommended to us... we pay a million dollars every year to WADA... I don’t understand, what else do we need to do so that somebody says that we comply?” Vitaly Mutko told state television. AFP

The report on corruption and money-laundering within the international athletics body is distributed to journalists prior to a press conference in Geneva. Just 270 days out from the start of the 2016 Rio Olympics, an independent commission set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency released its findings into a scandal already viewed as more damaging than the corruption crisis engulfing world football governing body FIFA. AFP

Cotto-Canelo ‘a barn burner’

By Ronnie Nathanielsz WORLD Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman said the fight between Puerto Rico’s Miguel Angel Cotto and Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will be “a right down the line barn burner!”

When the two fighters step into the ring on Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, the popular Alvarez will try to snatch the WBC middleweight title from Cotto, who is defending his crown for the second time.

The WBC website quoted Sulaiman who said: “I feel that it will be a close match. Preparation will be fundamental and the way they execute everything inside the ring will also be so important. The opposing corners will be crucial during the bout.”

Cotto is being trained at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, who is confident the Puerto Rican veteran will win.

3 teams set pace in Shakey’s girls’ volley Games today (Wednesday) 3 p.m. – SMI vs WVI 4 p.m. – CVI vs NCR 5 p.m. – NLU vs EVI 6 p.m. – NMI vs CVI

NATIONAL Capital Region dismantled Northern Mindanao in straight-set fashion while defending champion Western Visayas and Southern Luzon needed extra sets to hurdle their respective rivals as they set the pace in the opener of the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball League Season 13 national finals at the Astrodome last Monday.

The NCR bets, represented by National U, overpowered their Northern Mindanao rivals from the Angelicum Learning Center, scoring a 25-15, 25-20 romp in Pool B of the two-group finals featuring eight regional winners of the annual event sponsored by longtime volleyball patron Shakey’s.

Southern Luzon, bannered by the De La Salle-Lipa bets, joined NCR in the Pool B lead with a tough 25-16, 24-26, 25-21 victory over Central Visayas, anchored by the University of

German FA chief quits over World Cup scandal BERLIN—German football federation chief Wolfgang Niersbach said Monday he was stepping down, taking “political responsibility” for graft claims related to the 2006 World Cup but admitting no personal guilt.

German football has been caught in the storm unleashed by a report in magazine Spiegel last month which alleged that a 6.7-million-euro ($7.2-million) payment made by football association DFB to FIFA was used to buy votes in order to secure the hosting of the World Cup known affectionately in Germany as the “Summer Fairytale”.

The scandal took a dramatic twist last week with police carrying out raids at DFB headquarters and prosecutors revealing that three men —including the DFB chief —were being investigated for serious tax fraud surrounding the FIFA payment.

Prosecutors said they had only refrained from pursuing accusations of corruption because the statute of limitations had expired.

But Niersbach, who announced his resignation following a crisis meeting at the DFB, said he was guilt-free.

“I was there from the first day of the bid for the 2006 FIFA World Cup all the way to the final film of the ‘summer fairytale’ and have worked throughout all the years ... in a clean, reliable and correct manner,” he said.

“In my assigned areas of marketing, media, accreditations and event organisation, I can say with a clear conscience that I am personally beyond reproach,” he added.

“It’s all the more depressing and painful for me to be confronted, nine years later, with transactions that I was not involved in and which leave many questions open for me,” said Niersbach. AFP

Taekwondo age-group meet reset

Southern Luzon’s Jewel Encarnacion (1) and Mary Bautista foil Central Visayas’ Anne Caasi’s attack during the opener of the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball League national finals at the Astrodome last Monday.

San Jose-Recoletos bets, while Western Visayas, which stunned NCR in last year’s championship on a team built around St. John’s Institute stalwarts, bucked a shaky start to thwart Northern Luzon, 22-25, 25-9, 25-23, in Pool A of the event, which produced some of the current stars of the sport today.

WV, now represented by Central Philippine U, and Southern Luzon were gunning for win No. 2 against Northern Mindanao and Eastern Vi-

sayas, respectively, at presstime while NCR was set to face SL late Tuesday in the second day of the finals backed

by Asics, Mikasa and My Phone.

Meanwhile, the race to the semifinals heats up today (Wednesday) with Western Visayas battling Southern Mindanao at 3 p.m.; NCR facing Central Visayas at 4 p.m.; Northern Luzon colliding with Eastern Visayas at 5 p.m.; and Northern Mindanao and Central Visayas colliding at 6 p.m.

THE 2015 Meralco/MVP Sports Foundational National Age Group (free sparring) and PLDT Home ULTERA Poomsae Taekwondo Championships originally scheduled on Nov. 14 and 15 have been moved to Dec. 5 and 6 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

According to organizer Philippine Taekwondo Association, there is no venue available for the tournament to be conducted on Nov. 14 and 15.

The Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the Rizal Memorial coliseum will be used by the government as headquarters of security people during the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, according to a PTA official.

Around 1,500 taekwondo practitioners, some as young as 4 years old, are expected to compete in the two-day event.

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Spieth back as no. 1

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons at the ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. AFP

Warriors stay clean at 8-0 LOS ANGELES—Stephen Curry endured his worst shooting night of the young season, but his Golden State Warriors still notched their eighth straight win on Monday—109-95 over the Detroit Pistons.

The reigning NBA champions are the league’s only remaining unbeaten team, their 8-0 record just one shy of the club’s best start -- a 9-0 run to open the 1960-61 campaign when the Warriors were based in Philadelphia.

Curry connected on just seven of 18 shots finishing with 22 points -- 12 short of his season average.

The Warriors held a slim 80-76 lead when reserve forward Andre Iguodala sparked a Golden State spurt with a dunk.

Backup guard Leandro Barbosa and forward Harrison Barnes combined for 12 points in the 18-6 scoring run that saw the Warriors pull away.

The Warriors were buoyed by

the return of Australian big man Andrew Bogut, playing his first game since suffering a concussion in the season opener on October 27.

Bogut scored eight points and pulled down 11 rebounds, combining with center Festus Ezeli to harry and hinder Pistons center Andre Drummond all night.

“You have to give up stats for yourself,” Bogut said of sharing the task of defending Drummond, who was held to 14 points and 15 rebounds a night after scoring 29 with 27 rebounds against Portland.

The Warriors will try to improve to 9-0 on Wednesday when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies, who were edged 94-

92 by the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

Forward Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 24 points and 12 rebounds. J.J. Redick had 16 points as Los Angeles held on in a frantic finish to end a twogame skid.

Point guard Chris Paul returned after missing Saturday’s loss to the Houston Rockets with a sore right groin, and he scored 14 points.

A three-pointer by former Clippers forward Matt Barnes and a follow of a Barnes miss

by Memphis point guard Mike Conley gave the Grizzlies a brief 81-80 lead with 4:11 left to play.

It was the first of a string of lead changes, with Griffin’s basket lifting the Clippers to a onepoint lead less than a minute later.

Memphis had gone up by two when Redick’s three-pointer put the Clippers up again 87-86 with 55 seconds left. AFP

SHANGHAI—Double 2015 major winner Jordan Spieth is officially back on top of the world after leapfrogging Australia’s Jason Day in the new global golf rankings released Tuesday.

Spieth’s tied seventh place in the WGCHSBC Champions in Shanghai on Sunday was enough to take the Masters, US Open and FedEx Cup champion back to world number one as Day opted not to play to be at the birth of his second child.

Rory McIlroy started the year as number one, but he lost that position to Spieth after the US Open in June and dropped to third after missing the defence of his British Open crown when he injured an ankle playing football.

Day has won six tournaments in 2015, including the PGA Championship in August during a run of four titles in six starts as he reached number one for the first time.

Meanwhile Russell Knox has soared into the world’s elite top 50 on the back of his victory Sunday at Sheshan International Golf Club.

The Scot has risen to 31st in the rankings from 85th after picking up the first win in the $8.5 milllon WGC event. AFP

Britain’s Rose eyes China golf double SHANGHAI—Three weeks ago Justin Rose declared last month’s Hong Kong Open would be his last event on the European Tour in 2015. Then he won it, and everything changed.

The Englishman now finds himself looking for back-to-back wins on Chinese soil with one goal in mind, winning the Race to Dubai.

“Sometimes you make decisions based on what you know at the time, right?” Rose told AFP Tuesday at Lake Malaren, Shanghai, venue for the $7 million BMW Masters which starts on Thursday. “Obviously things changed for me.

“Winning in Hong Kong got me closer up the board and made it a realistic prospect to win the Race to Dubai.”

There are two events remaining, this week’s BMW Masters in Shanghai and next week’s season-ending DP Tour Championship in Dubai.

World number six Rose is fifth in the European Tour Race to Dubai standings on 2,528,224 points—865,699 behind leader Rory McIlroy.

But with 1,333,330 points up for grabs for the winner both this week and next, Rose knows the Race to Dubai is still in his own hands.

“I’m going to have to win one of these last two tournaments, that’s all I know,” Rose said. “I think if I win one of them and play solid in the other then I’m hard to beat.

“If I go win-win then I’m unbeatable so it’s in my hands, which is the good thing.”

Rose won the old European Tour Order of Merit and the Harry Vardon Trophy back in 2007, two years before it was reincarnated as the Race to Dubai.

It’s clear that he has a burning desire to add the newer version to his bulging CV that includes the 2013 US Open and a combined 34-underpar score in this year’s majors, the lowest ever recorded by a player who didn’t win.

“Any time you have an opportunity to achieve something like winning the Race to Dubai or the Order of Merit, as it was when I last won it, you have to take it. I would love to win it in the ‘modern era’ as I call it,” said Rose.

But the 35-year-old will not have it all his own way against a high-class field containing the top five challengers to McIlroy, who is not playing this week. AFP

Casimero to take on Arroyo in IBF title fight

By Ronnie Nathanielsz FORMER International Boxing Federation junior flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero is scheduled to battle Puerto Rico’s unbeaten Mc Joe Arroyo in Las Vegas on Dec. 18.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani told the New Standard/boxingmirror. com that Casimero who has been training very hard in Las Vegas under veteran mentor Jhun Agrabio decided to move up in weight after having problems making the

flyweight limit.

Gello-ani said Casimero, who had grown into a fully-fledged 115-pound fighter, is in good shape and the promoter believes he has a good chance of dethroning the 29-year-old McJoe Arroyo, who has a record of 17-0 with 8 knockouts following a controversial 10th-round technical decision over King Arthur Villanueva for the vacant IBF title in El Paso, Texas last July 18.

Casimero was originally scheduled to face McJoe Arroyo’s twin

brother McWilliams Arroyo, but they decided to move up in weight and face McJoe Arroyo for his 115-pound title.

Casimero is coming off a hugely controversial loss to Thailand’s IBF flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng last June 27 in a foul-infested, poorly refereed fight by Larry Doggett, who came under bitter criticism for his handling of the title fight and was subsequently dropped from the roster of referees.

Johnreil Casimero connects with a right hook to the side of Pedro Guevarra in an earlier bout.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

PSC’s Spike for Peace lures 12 foreign teams VOLLEYBALL in the country takes on a new level with the staging of a five-day indoor beach volley tournament at the Philsports Arena.

PSC Chairman Richie Garcia (left) announces the staging of the Spike for Peace during his appearance at the PSA Forum, where he is joined by consultant Eric LeCain.

LINO SANTOS

The Philippine Sports Commission spearheads the hosting of the event that offers a total prize money of $25,000 and features teams from countries such as Brazil, Thailand, New Zealand, USA, Australia, Spain, Canada, Netherlands, Japan, China, Thailand, and Indonesia.

PSC chairman Richie Garcia said the agency is still awaiting the confirmation of China, Indonesia, and Thailand, but said the rest have all confirmed

their participation in the Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 tournament dubbed ‘Spike For Peace Women’s International Beach Volleyball.’

“We expect tough level competition in the event,” said Garcia, who appeared in Tuesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

“It will be an exciting thing seeing indoor beach volleyball in the country. Walang kontra tiyempo kahit umu-

lan, whatever, tuloy pa ring ang mga laban natin.”

Garcia said the Philippines will field a team or two in the meet to be composed of players from both the Shakey’s V-League and the Philippine Superliga.

The Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. though, is holding on to the names of those who are going to comprise the Philippine side, according to Garcia.

“But we are inviting for Alyssa Valdez to play,” added the PSC chairman, referring to the Ateneo Lady Blue Eagles’ superstar, who is considered as the face of volleyball in the country today.

PSC consultant on beach volleyball Eric LeCain, who was also at the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., said pool play among the participating team will comprise the first two days of the tournament.

“And then the top eight (teams) move to the quarters. Once the quarters is done, they will be split into two groups, with the top four playing in the semis, and then they play the final event with four matches on the last day,” he said.

The winning pair will take home $8000, while the runner-up gets home $5000.

Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY CARAGA REGION Butuan City INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF LABOR AND MATERIALS FOR THE REPAIR/RE-ROOFING OF GID-TRENTO WAREHOUSE, AGUSAN DEL SUR The NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY, through its Corporate Operating Budget for CY 2015, intends to apply the sum of TWO MILLIONTHIRTY EIGHT THOUSANDFIFTY FIVE PESOS&42/100 (Php 2,038,055.42) being the APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT (ABC)to payments under the contracts for the repair/re-roofing of GID-Trento Warehouse, Agusan del Sur: QUANTITY

1

UNIT

PARTICULARS

Lot

Supply of Labor and Materials for the Repair/ Re-Roofing of GID-Trento Warehouse, Agusan del Sur

CONTRACT COMPLETION TIME

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT(ABC)

45 days from receipt of NOTICE TO PROCEEd

Php 2,038,055.42

Prospective Contractors must have a Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) License of at least Small B. Bidders should have completed within the immediate last three years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II. Instructions to Bidders (ITB).

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested bidders on November 11, 2015 – December 2, 2015 (working days only) from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable bidding fee of Php 5,000.00.

National Food Authority Caraga Region will hold a Pre-bid Conference on November 18, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. at 2nd Floor, Rudy Tiu VIII Bldg. J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

Bid must be delivered to the address below on or before December 2, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be on December 2, 2015 at 1:31 P.M. at 2nd Floor, Rudy Tiu VIII Bldg. J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representative who choose to attend.

The National Food Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: Ms. Hyde Beth M. Pascual BAC Secretariat National Food Authority 2nd Floor Rudy Tiu Bldg. VIII, J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City Tel No. (085) 815 3284 (085) 225 6701 Fax No. (085) 342 7898 (SGD) GIL B. IBARRA Assistant Regional Director and Chairperson, BAC (TS-NOV. 11, 2015)

Henry Schumacher (second from left), Vice President of ECCP, explains the goal of the I RUN for Integrity at the PSA Forum. He is joined here by (from left) Nato Agbayani of Globaltronics, Tere Pacis of GMA Network and Adrian Martinez of Pasay Youth Development. LINO SANTOS

RUN for Integrity expects 5,000 bets ORGANIZERS of the runfor-a-cause dubbed ‘I RUN for Integrity: I am Part of the Solution’ hope to bring together 5,000 participants from different sectors to join the Dec. 12 event at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines is staging the runfest in support of the Integrity Initiative, a private sector-led campaign that aims to promote common ethical standards among all sectors.

Expected to participate are representative and runners from government, business, youth, civil society, academe, church, and media.

“We want to create more transparency from all sectors, create change, raise public awareness on integrity and become the solution. It’s a long-term commitment, and we hope to

that people become more engaged with this,” said Henry Schumacher, Vice President of ECCP and the Integrity Initiative Inc. in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

“Transformation doesn’t come on a silver platter, so we have to work for it and become part of the initiative,” added Nato Agbayani of Globaltronics, who also appeared in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. along with GMA Network’s Tere Pacis and Pasay Youth Development Council’s Adrian Martinez.

Race distances on tap are 3K, 5K, and 10K. Registration fee is pegged at P550 and can be made at Chris Sports branches in Glorietta 3, Mall of Asia,

Market! Market! and SM Megamall until Dec. 4.

Late registration is until Dec. 7 or until race kits last at the ECCP office in Makati.

Previous editions of the event were held in 2011 and 2012, with a total of 12,000 runners seeing action.

In addition to the running event, the Integrity Initiative will also hold the 5th Integrity Summit on Dec. 9 at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

Expected to attend are business leaders, anticorruption and good governance experts as well as key representatives from the government, youth, academe, and other agencies.

Established in 2009 by the Makati Business Club and ECCP, the Integrity Initiative works on promoting an ethical business environment.

W E D N E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

LOTTO RESULTS

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

P0.0 M+ P0.0 M+

Archers take on Maroons

Stealing the show. Cheerleaders perform during a game between the Chicago Bears and the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. AFP

2 Russians, Indian GM forge 3-way tie for lead GRANDMASTERS Anton Demchenko and Shomoev Anton of Russia and Narayanan Sunilduth Layna of India racked up two straight victories to climb into a three-way lead on Tuesday in the 2015 Philippine International Chess Championship at the Subic Peninsular Hotel in SBMA, Olongapo City.

Standings after two rounds (Open Division)Demchenko (RUS) Sunilduth Layna, Shomoev 2 points, Zubov, Mozharov, Lin, Laylo, Gupta, Belous, Puranik, Sivuk, Antonio, Savchenko 1.5 Lu, Smirnov, Kotanjian, Torre, Nguyen Nolte, Abelgas, Sean Ranola, Bitton, Gotel 1.0 Rohan, Pascua .5 Demchenko, ranked no. 5 in the tournament with an Elo rat-

ing of 2592, defeated Indian GM Chakkravarthy Deepan for his second consecutive win, after outlasting Filipino IM Rolando Nolte in the first round.

The ninth-seed Anton, meanwhile, turned back GM Eugene Torre, while Sunilduth Layna upset fourth seed Chinese GM Shanglei Lu. But top seed GM Abijheet Gupta of India, who crushed

young Filipino IM Haridas Pascua in the first round, settled for a draw against the other Chinese bet, 10th seed International Master Chen Lin, and dropped into a tie for second spot with no. 2 GM Alexander Zupov, GM Mikhail Mozharov, Lin, no. 6 GM Vladimir Belous, IM Abhimanyu Puranik, GM Vitaly Sivuk, GM Boris Savchenko and Filipino GMs Darwin Laylo and Rogelio “Joey” Antonio.

Laylo, who defeated WIM Janelle Mae Frayna in the first round, forced a standoff against Savchenko, while Antonio, who beat WIM Catherine PerenaSecopito in the opener, drew with Mozharov, to be the only Filipino

campaigners in the top places after two rounds in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Puregold, Asia United Bank, Burlington Socks and Marc Venture.

In the Challenger Division featuring local participants, the opening-round winners include WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, Alfredo Rapanot, John Marvin Miciano, Samson Lim Jr., Lennon Hart Salgados, Kevin Mirano, Ferdinand Avales and Jeth Romy Morado, Prince Ralph Pidor, Jan Francis Mirano and Paul Robert Evangelista.

STILL reeling from Games Today their 62-73 loss (Araneta Coliseum) to arch-rival At- 2 p.m. -- UST vs Adamson eneo Blue Eagles 4 p.m. -- UP vs La Salle last Sunday, the La Salle Green Archers need to put the loss behind them quickly and rebound with a much-needed victory when they take on the slumping University of the Philippines Maroons at 4 p.m. today in the 76th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers must win over the Maroons and still have to get past current leader Far Eastern University Tamaraws in their last remaining game on Nov. 18 in the second round to remain in contention for a spot in the Final Four.

The loss to Ateneo dropped De La Salle into fifth place with a 5-7 (win-loss) card, half a game behind defending champion National University. (6-7), which is still very much in the race for a final berth in the semifinals,.

“We just have to take care of business in our last two games,” said La Salle coach Juno Sauler.

In the 2 p.m. schedule, the University of Santo Tomas resumes its quest for the no. 1 seeding when it takes on Adamson University.

The Growling Tigers, who broke the Tamaraws’ nine-game streak with an 8576 victory last Saturday, improved to 10-3.

They had so far swept the Tamaraws twice in the elimination rounds.

Despite the loss, FEU remained at first place with a 10-2 card.

UST coach Bong de la Cruz said the Tigers had stuck to their defensive plan and shot well from the arc in the first half against the Tamaraws. “‘Yung character ng team nakikita namin. Masaya kami dito sa panalo dahil nagprepare kami ng husto sa game na ito,” said UST coach Bong de la Cruz. Peter Atencio

Hagdang Bato tops MARHO Platinum Classic HAGDANG Bato schooled his younger rivals by notching another major victory last Sunday, easily winnning the MARHO Platinum-San Miguel Beer Classic race at Santa Ana Park.

At 6YO, Hagdang Bato was the oldest among the seven horses in the field. Despite that, because of his achievements, he was sent off as the outstanding favorite.

The horse, owned by Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur C. Abalos and steered by regular rider Jonathan B. Hernandez, ran off the pace behind the speedy Marinx in the initial stage of the 2,000-meter race.

Hagdang Bato moved up to take the lead at the first bend and never looked back

from there, his legs steadily churning the meters under Hernandez. Although he allowed Marinx to come as close as a neck in the backstretch, Hagdang Bato knew when it was time to move up, putting more daylight between him and the pack at the far turn.

Hagdang Bato pulled away down the stretch without need for whipping nor urging to win the MARHO Platinum Classic by five lengths in 2:06 (26-24’-25-24’-26).

Kanlaon placed second, followed by Biseng Bise, Hot and Spicy, King Bull, Marinx, and Manalig Ka Last.

Abalos received P1 million. He was represented at the awarding ceremony by trainer Ruben S. Tupas.

Abalos is also the breeder of Hagdang Bato (Quaker Ridge x Fire Down Under), a half-brother to another Aba-

los champion, two-leg Philippine Racing Commission Triple Crown winner Ibarra (by Yonaguska, a Cherokee Run progeny).

Abalos says he intends to run Hagdang Bato in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Presidential Gold Cup race on Dec. 13, if the handicap weight is not too heavy.

“A horse peaks at 4YO, “ Abalos said. “As 3YO, they run in the Triple Crown and other elite races. At 5 and 6, they plateau. At 7YO, which Hagdang Bato will be in a couple of months, they start to decline.

“If Hagdang Bato is to carry 59 kgs. or heavier in the PCSO Gold Cup, I will not enter him the race, but retire him to stud.”

Hagdang Bato has won the Gold Cup twice, in 2012 and 2014. No horse has yet won

this most prestigious of races three times. *** In the other four major MARHO Platinum races last Sunday: MARHO Platinum-Philracom Juvenile Fillies 1,300 meters: Port Angeles (Cat Brulay x Teresina), owner Stony Road Horse Farm, trainer Dave de la Cruz, jockey Mark Alvarez. Real Flames 2nd, This Time 3rd, Bowties and Charms 4th.

Time 1:20 (7’-22-23’-26’).

MARHO Platinum-Juvenile Colts, 1,300 meters: Dewey Boulevard (Hook and Ladder x Aboutthetown), owner-trainer Herminio S. Esguerra, jockey Fernando Raquel Jr. Bite My Dust 2nd, Stark 3rd, Lucky Toni 4th.

Time 1:19.4 (7’-22’-23’-26).

MARHO Platinum-Santa Ana Park 3YO Colt and Filly Mile: Gentle Strength (Ulti-

mate Goal x Shadow of the Moon), owner Benhur C. Abalos Jr., trainer Ruben Tupas, jockey Jonathan B. Hernandez. Sky Hook 2nd, Hook Shot 3rd, Super Spicy 4th.

Time 1:42.4 (26-24-24’-28).

MARHO Platinum-PCSO Sprint, 1,100 meters: Cat’s Silver (Ultimate Goal x Cat’s Gold), owner BC Abalos Jr., trainer CC Angeles, jockey Kelvin Abobo. Never Cease 2nd, Ik Hou Van Jou 3rd, Nemesis 4th. Time 1:05.8 (18-21’-26).

MARHO President Antonio G. de Ubago thanked racing fans and the event’s major sponsors—San Miguel Corporation, Philracom, PCSO, and Philippine Racing Club, Inc.—as well as minor sponsors—Andok’s Litson Manok, Esicor, Ciara Marie Foundation, Transprint Corp., Jade Bros.

Freight, Biffany and Beryl

Co., Uratex, Shelltex Bed, Siomai House, and Manila Horsepower.

De Ubago and his fellow directors vowed to make next year’s event bigger and more exciting.

The MARHO Platinum souvenir program is free to view and download at Scribd.com. The link is on my racing Facebook page, ‘Gogirl Racing’, and at the MARHO page. *** Also held on MARHO Platinum Sunday was the Philracom Amb. Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. Cup, won

by Low Profile. Messi, Tap Dance, and Eugenie were the placers, in order. More on this next time. *** Facebook: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @gogirlracing, Instagram: @jensdecember, Blog: http://jennyo.net

A16

W E D N E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Meralco’s Cyd Demecillo, Joy Baron and Christina Alessi combine forces to quell Foton import Lindsay Stalzer. ROMAN PROSPERO

Beermen determined to rebound after loss

By Jeric Lopez

AFTER stumbling in its last outing, defending champion San Miguel Beer is determined to bounce back and forge a tie for second place when it resumes its campaign in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. The San Miguel Beermen (2-1) will be heavily favored when they take on Blackwater (1-2) in their 4:15 p.m. collision with Blackwater (1-2), to be followed by the match between corporate siblings Talk ‘N Text (1-1) and Meralco (02) at 7 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City today.

The Beermen are locked in a three-way logjam for third place with NLEX and GlobalPort on similar 2-1 cards, but a win will

Bombshell report urges ban on Russia TURN TO A12

move the Beermen into a tie for second place with the Alaska Aces.

San Miguel Beer, which streaked to a 2-0 start, was tripped and battered by the still unbeaten Rain or Shine (3-0), 99-84, a week ago.

As the Beermen look to recapture their form, coach Leo Austria said the team needs to address specific concerns against a rejuvenated Elite side.

“In our last game, nakalimutan namin what works for us. We set-

tled for outside shots “Masarap ‘yung Games Today and forgot about our panalo kasi first na(Philsports Arena, Pasig City): strength inside. We 4:15 p.m. - Meralco vs. Talk ‘N Text min sa Philippine need to go back to 7 p.m. - San Miguel vs. Blackwater Cup hindi lang this our post game to June season but for the Mar (Fajardo) and start our attack franchise kasi zero kami last year,’’ there,’’ said Austria. ‘’We’re looking he said. ‘’Ang battlecry namin evto make that adjustment and bal- ery game is to compete hard and ance our offense in our next game.’’ we’re hoping na things can continIn contrast to San Miguel’s fiery ue to be in our favor pa especially start, Blackwater actually lost its against San Miguel.’’ first two games before carving out Heading into just its third game its first win with a morale-boost- of the conference, the Tropang ing 92-90 squeaker over the strug- Texters are fresh and well-rested as gling Bolts also last week. they are coming off a 10-day break Vastly improving guard Carlo following their 101-97 triumph Lastimosa sank the game-win- over Mahindra last Oct. 31. ning floater at the buzzer for the Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichiwin that broke Meralco’s heart. co, however, has admitted that the Blackwater coach Leo Isaac didn’t Tropang Texters, considered as hide his optimism now that his team one of the title favorites given their posted its first-ever Philippine Cup talented line-up, are still strugvictory in franchise history. gling to get into peak form.

Warriors stay clean at 8-0 TURN TO A13

Tornadoes clinch spot in semifinals Games Thursday (The Arena in San Juan) 4 p.m. Philips Go vs Cignal 6 p.m. RC Cola vs Foton

By Peter Atencio LINDSAY Stalzer and Jaja Santiago took charge in the final set as the Foton Tornadoes nailed the last semifinal slot yesterday in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix 2015 Women’s Volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

Their defensive plays worked wonders for the Tornadoes, who took five sets to repulse the Meralco Power Spikers, 25-18, 18-25, 14-25, 25-16, 15-8.

Stalzer and Santiago tallied 24 and 14 points, respectively for the Tornadoes in posting their fifth triumph in eight games.

They joined top qualifier Petron, Cignal HD and Philips Gold into the next phase.

The Tornadoes finally found their rhythm in the fourth and fifth sets after Meralco, led by Christina Alessi with 18 points, bounced back from a first-set defeat and dominate the second and third sets.

Santiago scored 3 points off her attacks during a 6-1 run in the third set.

Her efforts allowed Foton to move away from an 11-all deadlock, and grab a 17-1 advantage.

“They relaxed, they have been complacent. There was no other way but for them to resolve matters on their own. Good thing the leaders took charge,” said Foton coach Vilet de Leon.

WEDNESDAY: NOVEMBER 11, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

Cirtek’s offering.

Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. concludes its follow-on offering with a bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange. The technology firm raised P2.2 billion from the oversubscribed offering. Shown are (from left) Cirtek treasurer, chief finance officer and director Anthony Buyawe; directors Brian Gregory Liu, Martin Lorenzo and Nicanor Lizares; chairman and president Jerry Liu; PSE chairman Jose Pardo; Tallwood Venture Capital managing partner and founder Diosdado Banatao; National Treasurer Roberto Tan; First Metro Investment Corp. president Juanchito Dispo; and PSE president and chief executive Hans Sicat.

PSe comPoSite index Closing November 10, 2015

8000 7700 7400 7100 6800 6500

7,000.11 70.08

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing NOVEMBER 10, 2015 43.50 44.60 45.40

P47.260

46.20

CLOSE

47.00

HIGH P47.150 LOW P47.270 AVERAGE P47.210 VOLUME 768.600M

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 Tuesday, November 10, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

47.1540

Japan

Yen

0.008125

0.3831

UK

Pound

1.511600

71.2780

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129001

6.0829

Switzerland

Franc

0.997307

47.0270

Canada

Dollar

0.753125

35.5129

Singapore

Dollar

0.703433

33.1697

Australia

Dollar

0.705219

33.2539

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656325

125.2563

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

12.5741

Brunei

Dollar

0.700967

33.0534

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000073

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.027824

1.3120

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

12.8387

Euro

Euro

1.075900

50.7330

Korea

Won

0.000862

0.0406

China

Yuan

0.157178

7.4116

India

Rupee

0.015064

0.7103

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.228964

10.7966

New Zealand

Dollar

0.653381

30.8095

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030469

1.4367 Source: PDS Bridge

Exports plunged 25% in September

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

EXPORTS sank 24.7 percent in September from a year ago, the sharpest drop in four years, as the fragile global economy led to lower demand for the country’s manufactured, agricultural, mineral and petroleum products, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show.

The latest figure will likely drag down gross domestic product growth in the third quarter, as imports continued to outpace exports, according to an economist.

Exports dropped to $4.4 billion in September from $5.8 billion a year ago. It was also lower than $5.1 billion registered in August.

This marked the sixth consecutive drop in exports this year, data showed. Exports in the first nine

months declined 6.9 percent to $43.7 billion from $47 billion a year ago.

“This mirrors a still sluggish external demand due to weak global economic activity and depressed commodity prices, which continue to strain exports growth,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Standard Chartered Bank economist Jeff Ng said the latest export

figure was “surprising” following the strong imports growth in intermediate goods. “The result was surprising given strong import growth in intermediate goods.

It could mean that domestic demand is strong,” Ng said.

Ng said the weak exports might drag down economic growth in the third quarter. The gross domestic product grew 5 percent in the first quarter and 5.6 percent in the second quarter, below the government’s target range of 7 percent to 8 percent for the year.

The PSA is set to release the thirdquarter growth figures in the last week of November.

“However net exports are likely to subtract from growth in third quarter. The weaker currency may help export growth going forward,” Ng said.

Balisacan said there were signs that exports would rebound in the fourth quarter.

“Signs of a possible rebound of the country’s merchandise exports in the fourth quarter are likely, owing to better prospects in Japan, US and the Eurozone,” he said.

Data showed that manufactured goods, which comprised about 87 percent of the country’s total merchandise exports, plummeted 23.6 percent to $3.8 billion from $5 billion in the same month last year.

“This reflects the still weak global manufacturing sector, which can be traced to the sluggish final demand and ongoing inventory adjustments,” Ng said.

Export earnings from agricultural shipments contracted 29 percent in September to $251.8 million from $354.7 million, on lower receipts of fruits and vegetables, coconut products, sugar products, and other agro products.

Peso falls again to 47.26; 5-year bond rates climb

By Julito G. Rada THE peso fell for a third day to hit a new six-year low on Tuesday, as the expected Federal Reserve rate increase in December continued to drive investors out of emerging markets toward the safety of the greenback.

The peso lost P0.10, or 0.2 percent, to close at 47.26 against the dollar Tuesday, from 47.16 on Monday. Total volume reached $768.6 million, higher than $720 million traded a day earlier.

Tuesday’s rate was the local currency’s weakest level since

settling at 47.27 against the dollar on Oct. 27, 2009.

“We will see this strong dollar trend from now until December, or until any weak US data or comments from the Fed will send the currency pair back lower,” Nicholas Antonio Mapa, research officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, said in an e-mailed statement.

Mapa, however, discounted the possibility of the peso touching the 48-a-dollar level before the end of the year “Possibly just up to 47.40 or 47.50, but a blowup to 48 may not happen,” Mapa said.

Meanwhile, the government partially awarded P9.732 billion worth of re-issued five-year Treasury bonds during Tuesday’s auction, amid weak investors’ demand and higher rates.

Rates for the Treasury bonds averaged 3.80 percent, or 44.8 basis points higher than the previous rate of 3.352 percent recorded for similar debt instruments on Aug. 18.

“Clearly this is the market direction already as we approach the upcoming Fed meeting,” National Treasurer Roberto Tan said after the auction.

Tenders for the programmed P25-billion offer was undersubscribed at P21.717 billion. The re-issued Treasury bonds have four years and 10 months of remaining life and will mature on August 20, 2020.

“We awarded partially so that there will be gradual adjustment on rates,” Tan said. “It’s also to send a message to the market,” he said.

The government earlier reduced its borrowing requirement from the original target, after it posted a fiscal surplus in the first half of 2015.

WEDNESDAY: NOVEMBER 11, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Tuesday, November 10, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 1.01 100 30.5 75 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 124 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 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 79 3.95 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 1.3 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 6.5 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 9.66 0.0670 2.31 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510 10.5 1.99 0.375 41.4 5.6

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.7 2.61 49.4 47.45 101.20 100.20 85.20 84.25 40.4 40 1.70 1.58 15.68 15.5 19.42 19.3 7.52 7.52 1.70 1.61 0.540 0.510 86 84.05 18.14 17.92 24.00 23.60 53.25 52.50 100 100 303 300 31.25 30.9 141 135 1560 1555 59 56.95 56.15 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp.

41.5 41.25 40.85 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.81 1.86 1.81 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.86 0.88 0.85 1.86 Alsons Cons.

1.57 1.58 1.56 7.92 Asiabest Group 11 11 10.6 15.32 Century Food 17.74 17.78 17.66 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 23 22.25 20 29.15 Concepcion 45.45 45.45 44 1.5 Crown Asia 2.42 2.4 2.35 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.62 1.62 1.58 10.72 Del Monte 10.18 10.2 10 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 9.300 9.300 8.96 9.04 Emperador 8.95 9.00 8.70 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 6.26 6.36 6.10 8.86 EEI 6.00 6.27 5.82 1.06 Euro-Med Lab 1.7 1.7 1.7 20.2 First Gen Corp.

23.75 24.3 23.7 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 69 69 68.1 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.32 13.40 13.38 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.22 6.25 6.11 0.395 Ionics Inc 2.000 2.140 1.950 207.20 205.00 173 Jollibee Foods Corp.

206.80 LBC Express 11.5 12.06 11.96 34.1 Liberty Flour 43.00 42.00 42.00 2.3 LMG Chemicals 2 2 1.99 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.09 3.39 3 33 Macay Holdings 40.00 41.15 40.00 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 24 24.2 23.55 17.3 Maxs Group 23.2 23.2 22.5 5.88 Megawide 6.1 6.01 6.01 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 329.60 339.40 326.40 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.19 4.18 4.12 8.45 Petron Corporation 8.31 8.30 8.06 3 Phil H2O 3.6 3.6 3.6 10.04 Phinma Corporation 11.94 11.98 11.40 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.69 3.60 3.40 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.01 2.02 1.98 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.38 2.45 2.37 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.13 4.13 4.12 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 134.5 134.2 132 1.55 Splash Corporation 2.36 2.39 2.12 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.150 0.160 0.147 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

1.19 1.14 1.12 2.18 2.13 Trans-Asia Oil 2.15 2.09 152 Universal Robina 206.2 204 199.5 0.640 Vitarich Corp.

0.68 0.68 0.67 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.24 1.26 1.18 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.400 0.400 0.390 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 56.8000 56.9000 56.0000 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 18.58 18.44 18.10 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.35 6.35 6.35 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.270 0.275 0.255 0.23 ATN Holdings B 0.270 0.26 0.239 634.5 Ayala Corp `A’ 768 770 761.5 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.57 7.57 7.4 12.8 DMCI Holdings 13.12 13.50 12.80 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 4.23 4.36 4.25 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

3.76 3.90 3.70 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.250 0.249 0.230 837 GT Capital 1325 1332 1311 5.3 House of Inv. 5.61 5.60 5.60 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 73.70 73.70 72.00 3.43 Jolliville Holdings 3.8 3.8 3.8 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.39 7.42 7.1 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.77 0.78 0.73 12 LT Group 12.4 12.4 12 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.52 0.52 0.52 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.25 5.38 5.16 9.36 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 9.63 9.56 3 MJCI Investments Inc. 3.01 3.01 3.01 0.030 Pacifica `A’ 0.0300 0.0310 0.0300 1.23 Prime Media Hldg 1.490 1.450 1.350 0.550 Prime Orion 1.930 1.950 1.900 2.26 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.7 2.7 2.62 59.3 San Miguel Corp `A’ 49.70 49.70 47.75 1.5 Seafront `A’ 2.69 2.69 2.69 751 SM Investments Inc. 867.50 867.00 854.00 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.19 1.19 1.19 0.93 South China Res. Inc. 0.77 0.77 0.75 80 Top Frontier 79.100 78.500 77.000 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3350 0.3350 0.3250 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.2330 0.2280 0.2180 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.280 0.275 0.265 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.580 6.580 6.500 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.89 0.97 0.86 0.192 Arthaland Corp.

0.201 0.203 0.203 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 35.850 35.550 35.050 3.36 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.43 3.42 3.2 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 0.225 78 17.8 58 62 88.35 276 41 118.2

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Solid Bank Union Bank

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

SHARES 6619003 150761933 65813100 109453135 128221789 70792593 533578681

2.61 49.35 102.00 85.00 40.45 1.70 15.68 19.4 7.62 1.70 0.540 86 18.02 23.60 53.20 100 303 31.4 142.1 1555 56.75

Close 2.62 49.35 100.50 84.60 40.1 1.59 15.68 19.3 7.52 1.61 0.530 85 17.92 23.60 52.50 100 303 30.9 135.4 1555 56.75

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.38 0.00 -1.47 -0.47 -0.87 -6.47 0.00 -0.52 -1.31 -5.29 -1.85 -1.16 -0.55 0.00 -1.32 0.00 0.00 -1.59 -4.71 0.00 0.00

62,000 722,000 2,706,630 853,260 52,600 312,000 2,100 84,200 300 25,000 705,000 241,940 150,800 5,500 121,450 1,120 5,040 80,400 231,380 160 10,910

40.85 1.84 0.85 1.57 11 17.7 20.7 44 2.39 1.59 10.18 9.000 8.90 6.21 6.11 1.7 23.7 68.15 13.40 6.11 2.060 205.80 12.06 42.00 1.99 3 41.15 24 23.2 6.01 337.00 4.16 8.10 3.6 11.98 3.60 1.99 2.37 4.12 133 2.16 0.148 1.14 2.16 201 0.67 1.23

-1.57 1.66 -1.16 0.00 0.00 -0.23 -10.00 -3.19 -1.24 -1.85 0.00 -3.23 -0.56 -0.80 1.83 0.00 -0.21 -1.23 0.60 -1.77 3.00 -0.48 4.87 -2.33 -0.50 -2.91 2.88 0.00 0.00 -1.48 2.25 -0.72 -2.53 0.00 0.34 -2.44 -1.00 -0.42 -0.24 -1.12 -8.47 -1.33 -4.20 0.47 -2.52 -1.47 -0.81

1,937,900 30,000 84,000 629,000 400 1,848,600 14,300,300 700 644,000 1,868,000 9,100 16,314,200 10,789,800 14,075,100 1,028,400 2,000 753,900 79,580 34,200 905,400 12,697,000 1,190,280 27,000 100 25,000 93,000 2,000 1,301,400 73,800 2,100 1,198,880 321,000 1,420,100 2,000 12,400 159,000 632,000 197,000 326,000 25,380 1,386,000 23,580,000 12,000 381,000 2,030,420 913,000 732,000

0.400 56.5000 18.34 6.35 0.255 0.239 767 7.46 13.30 4.36 3.70 0.240 1330 5.60 72.10 3.8 7.31 0.75 12.4 0.52 5.3 9.4 3.01 0.0300 1.350 1.900 2.7 48.50 2.69 855.00 1.19 0.75 78.100 0.3300 0.2280 0.265

0.00 -0.53 -1.29 0.00 -5.56 -11.48 -0.13 -1.45 1.37 3.07 -1.60 -4.00 0.38 -0.18 -2.17 0.00 -1.08 -2.60 0.00 0.00 0.95 -2.39 0.00 0.00 -9.40 -1.55 0.00 -2.41 0.00 -1.44 0.00 -2.60 -1.26 -1.49 -2.15 -5.36

640,000 768,960 1,128,700 11,300 1,760,000 310,000 291,450 1,902,300 6,413,700 12,000 118,000 410,000 64,515 200,000 1,099,660 2,000 2,681,200 488,000 2,179,000 595,000 19,063,900 412,800 3,000 20,400,000 123,000 394,000 41,000 175,600 2,000 485,350 48,000 183,000 11,330 1,180,000 420,000 1,460,000

6.540 0.89 0.203 35.150 3.21

-0.61 0.00 1.00 -1.95 -6.41

65,625.00 -13,475,248 25,953,659.50 1,056,910.00 -28,080.00 -1,222,476.00 51,000.00 -3,399,578.50 394,240.00 2,900,795.50 -1,306,850 -28,019,886.00

-21,073,275.00

19,849,230.00 -37,281,510.00 22,725 8,000.00 -38,460,362.00 -88,469,597.00 -19,485,511.00 -1,255,530.00 -7,290,860.00 -2,500,926.50 85,632.00 4,463,400.00 -191,840.00 -42,448,854.00 -1,200.00

7,750,495.00 16,678,772.00 461,750.00 2,421,900.00 -7,200.00 1,170,080.00 -1,977,430.00 61,480.00 261,080.00 -80,413,746.00

-4,892,266.00 -13,685,716.00

-53,612,140.00 11,061,937.00 9,392,762.00

-24,746,340.00 58,240.00 -16,919,858.50 -8,365,980.00 -13,877,318.00 775,201.00

28,550.00 -3,555,580.00 -111,530,460.00 -623,249.00 52,000.00 26,160.00

2,594,100 306,500.00 9,173,000 -44,500.00 250,000 13,427,000 867,000 -566,260.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

4.96 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 0.39 2.69 22.15 1.6 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 1 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 0.650 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

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

Double Dragon Empire East Land Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

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

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 0.490 1.9

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

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 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 Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

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

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

1.14 Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.022 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

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

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Manila Mining `A’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

TA Petroleum

70 120 515 8.21 111 1060 1047 84.8

33 101.5 480 5.88 101 997 1011 75

1.34

1

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PF Pref 2 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 471398411.218 2695855940.868 1158897498.86 1033452753.635 887166694.05 95629248.526 6381314986.758

FINANCIAL 1,556.04 (DOWN) 21.42 INDUSTRIAL 11,311.03 (DOWN) 124.43 HOLDING FIRMS 6,578.23 (DOWN) 53.56 PROPERTY 2,967.81 (DOWN) 39.44 SERVICES 1,575.02 (DOWN) 20.06 MINING & OIL 11,137.11 (DOWN) 128.57 PSEI 7,000.11 (DOWN) 70.08 All Shares Index 4,040.86 (DOWN) 38.21 Gainers: 39; Losers: 128; Unchanged: 48; Total: 215

Close

5.07 0.59 0.95 1.04 0.122 0.485 20.5 0.880 1.20 1.70 1.28 4.53 0.079 0.4250 8.4 29.05 1.5 21.70 0.72 8.18 0.950 5.680

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

5.1 5.07 5.1 0.6 0.58 0.59 0.93 0.92 0.92 1.01 1.01 1.01 0.121 0.117 0.117 0.485 0.470 0.470 20.9 20.3 20.55 0.880 0.880 0.880 1.17 1.12 1.13 1.71 1.69 1.70 1.27 1.27 1.27 4.57 4.5 4.52 0.084 0.079 0.080 0.4250 0.4050 0.4050 8.4 8.37 8.4 29.55 28.85 28.95 1.5 1.46 1.5 21.80 21.30 21.50 0.74 0.73 0.74 8.18 7.78 7.78 0.980 0.890 0.900 5.680 5.750 6.000 SERVICES 8.4 8.6 7.82 7.82 65.85 65.85 64.95 65.5 1.1 1.12 1.12 1.12 0.570 0.570 0.560 0.560 26.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 5.63 5.63 5.46 5.48 0.0530 0.0550 0.0520 0.0520 3.55 3.75 3.49 3.59 88.3 88.3 85.85 85.85 5.90 5.86 5.70 5.70 2170 2140 2132 2138 7.22 7.40 7.22 7.35 1.19 1.25 1.20 1.24 69.9 69.3 67.1 68 11.42 11.42 11.42 11.42 0.010 0.011 0.010 0.010 0.176 0.180 0.173 0.178 1.4100 1.4200 1.4000 1.4000 2.2 2.2 2.07 2.07 9.00 8.99 8.82 8.99 4.43 4.73 4.20 4.26 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 2.19 2.20 2.19 2.20 0.560 0.630 0.620 0.620 2 2 2 2 3.78 3.78 3.59 3.59 0.280 0.275 0.265 0.265 0.760 0.800 0.720 0.750 18.14 18.14 18.14 18.14 4.55 4.88 4.55 4.55 100.80 129.90 101.00 110.00 20.30 20.30 19.42 20.30 1997.00 2026.00 1970.00 1990.00 0.560 0.560 0.550 0.550 1.100 1.080 1.040 1.040 34.75 34.65 34.00 34.50 72.95 72.35 71.50 72.00 6.23 6.30 6.11 6.14 4.88 4.86 4.46 4.50 0.48 0.48 0.465 0.465 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 4.35 4.34 4.2 4.27 0.325 0.320 0.300 0.320 4.100 4.110 4.050 4.100 MINING & OIL 0.0048 0.0048 0.0048 0.0048 2.12 2.11 2.09 2.10 5.49 5.55 5.18 5.18 11.68 11.78 11.78 11.78 0.72 0.72 0.69 0.7 0.65 0.65 0.64 0.65 8.40 8.50 8.20 8.50 0.81 0.83 0.80 0.8 0.310 0.310 0.295 0.300 0.189 0.190 0.189 0.190 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 2.75 2.87 2.61 2.71 7.6 7.54 7.22 7.22 2.93 2.99 2.88 2.88 0.5900 0.5900 0.5900 0.5900 1.4200 1.4500 1.4000 1.4500 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 3.79 3.76 3.76 3.76 5.18 5.140 5.040 5.08 1.41 1.490 1.400 1.44 0.0140 0.0140 0.0130 0.0130 136.70 136.20 136.90 133.90 2.3 2.3 2.25 2.25 PREFERRED 65.35 65.35 65 65 116 116 116 116 519 519.5 519 519.5 7.12 7.25 7.24 7.25 109.5 109 109 109 1065 1065 1030 1065 1040 1040 1035 1035 83 83 82 83 79.1 79.2 79.05 79.05 79.1 79.1 79 79.1 80 80.1 80 80.05 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.8 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.890 2.900 2.800 2.800 SME 2.75 2.75 2.68 2.75 85.95 106 78 80 16.92 16.94 16.66 16.7 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.5 115.5 114.5 114.5

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

0.59 0.00 -3.16 -2.88 -4.10 -3.09 0.24 0.00 -5.83 0.00 -0.78 -0.22 1.27 -4.71 0.00 -0.34 0.00 -0.92 2.78 -4.89 -5.26 1.23

15,300 5,154,000 14,000 16,000 3,550,000 4,790,000 478,300 985,000 1,726,000 26,636,000 220,000 12,551,000 730,000 2,210,000 461,800 6,965,900 293,000 7,739,500 923,000 66,300 1,494,000 6,100,700

-6.90 -0.53 1.82 -1.75 -3.77 -2.66 -1.89 1.13 -2.77 -3.39 -1.47 1.80 4.20 -2.72 0.00 0.00 1.14 -0.71 -5.91 -0.11 -3.84 0.00 0.46 10.71 0.00 -5.03 -5.36 -1.32 0.00 0.00 9.13 0.00 -0.35 -1.79 -5.45 -0.72 -1.30 -1.44 -7.79 -3.13 0.00 -1.84 -1.54 0.00

565,700 24,420 24,000 701,000 700 4,494,600 52,360,000 9,504,000 525,920 52,000 100,085 270,700 73,000 982,830 15,400 5,500,000 910,000 814,000 77,000 131,400 5,289,000 13,000 10,000 8,000 10,000 3,849,000 580,000 11,828,000 600 11,000 3,050 71,800 121,855 606,000 3,613,000 168,100 889,930 4,419,400 13,728,000 3,030,000 1,000 1,422,000 850,000 102,000

0.00 -0.94 -5.65 0.86 -2.78 0.00 1.19 -1.23 -3.23 0.53 0.00 -1.45 -5.00 -1.71 0.00 2.11 0.00 -0.79 -1.93 2.13 -7.14 0.37 -2.17

21,000,000 65,000 290,800 400 2,578,000 371,000 400 7,579,000 760,000 420,000 3,000,000 289,000 4,150,300 163,000 95,000 85,000 900,000 10,000 317,800 506,000 27,500,000 368,770 268,000

-0.54 0.00 0.10 1.83 -0.46 0.00 -0.48 0.00 -0.06 0.00 0.06 3.70

343,200 9,900 600 57,100 800 1,510 1,080 107,500 54,900 28,400 81,350 1,000

-3.11

49,000

0.00 -6.92 -1.30

16,000 84,730 1,809,300

-0.87

7,010

-213,540.00 -240,900.00 95,500.00 568,120.00 -321,310.00 5,453,000.00 -18,259,870.00 39,500.00 908,154.00 -69,581,825.00 -52,150.00 -73,704,280.00 10,634.00 4,448,064.00 -3,976.00

-11,950,504.00 51,700.00 2,149,939.00 -1,758.00 -33,256,060.00 1,240.00 -37,375,216.50

-28,200.00 17,945.00 267,860.00

295,810.00 11,000.00 451,810.00 -31,850.00 -28,600.00 -897,128.00 -121,542,020.00 -898,920.00 455,790.00 -14,389,547.50 -909,037.00 6,012,580.00 -797,550.00 -2,023,850.00

-584,074.00 -699,300.00 27,450.00

117,350.00 -6,526,386.00 -55,460.00

-128,066.00 80,050.00 -65,000.00 -1,183,634.00 4,956,484.50 -57,986.00

76,750.00 -2,108,482.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Manila Bulletin

0.620

10.71

ATN Holdings B

0.239

Phil. Seven Corp.

110.00

9.13

Cirtek Holdings (Chips)

20.7

-11.48 -10.00

LBC Express

12.06

4.87

Prime Media Hldg

1.350

-9.40

Harbor Star

1.24

4.20

Splash Corporation

2.16

-8.47

Swift Pref

2.8

3.70

SSI Group

4.50

-7.79

F&J Prince 'A'

4.36

3.07

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0130

-7.14

Ionics Inc

2.060

3.00

IRipple E-Business Intl

80

-6.92

Macay Holdings

41.15

2.88

2GO Group'

7.82

-6.90

Sta. Lucia Land Inc.

0.74

2.78

Bright Kindle Resources

1.59

-6.47

Mla. Elect. Co `A'

337.00

2.25

Belle Corp. `A'

3.21

-6.41

WEDNESDAY: NOVEMBER 11, 2015

B3

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

Foreign investments rise 76%

By Julito G. Rada

NET inflows of foreign direct investments jumped 76.3 percent in August to $526 million from $299 million a year ago, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

This brought net inflows of FDIs to $3 billion in the first eight months, down by 27 percent from $4.1 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Bangko Sentral said FDIs rebounded in August, on the back of higher inter-company borrowings between foreign parent companies and local subsidiaries.

Debt instruments, or inter-

company borrowings, rose to $431 million in August from $59 million a year ago.

“The increase in debt instruments more than compensated for the decline in net equity capital investments during the period,” Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

Net equity capital investments, however, fell 81.2 percent as eq-

uity capital placements slowed to 75.9 percent to $45 million and equity capital withdrawals increased 43 percent to $11 million.

The bulk of equity capital investments in August came from the United States, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Ireland. These were channeled mainly to manufacturing; real estate; professional, scientific and technical; wholesale and retail trade; and information and communication activities.

Reinvestment of earnings increased 2.8 percent to $61 million in August.

Bangko Sentral said in the first eight months, all FDI components recorded lower net inflows.

The $1.6-billion net inflows in

investments in debt instruments were lower by 35.8 percent than $2.6 billion a year earlier.

Net inflows of investments in equity capital also declined to $839 million from $978 million a year ago.

Foreign direct investments posted a record $6.2-billion net inflows in 2014, or 65.9 percent higher than $3.737 billion net inflow registered in 2013.

Bangko Sentral was expecting net FDI flows to reach $6 billion this year, taking into consideration the expected global growth recovery in 2015.

Bangko Sentral reviews the FDI target twice a year, alongside other economic data such as the bal-

ance of payments, foreign portfolio investments and remittances.

Bangko Sentral’s statistics on foreign direct investments cover actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment or earnings, and borrowings between affiliates.

These data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent.

Meanwhile, FDI data of investment promotion agencies such as the Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority, do not make use of the 10-percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company.

Market slumps; Meralco, DMCI up STOCKS fell for the fifth day, on worries over the Chinese economy and talks of a December US interest rate hike increases.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, dropped 70 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 7,000.11 Tuesday. It was also down 3.2 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also retreated 38 points, or 0.9 percent, to settle at 4,040.86, on a value turnover of P6.4 billion.

Losers outnumbered gainers, 128 to 39, while 48 issues were unchanged. All six counters ended in the red, with the financial and property sectors falling the most.

Only four of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by power retailer Manila Electric Co. which climbed 2.3 percent to P337.

DMCI Holdings Inc., the investment company of the Consunji family, rose 1.4 percent to P13.30, while Metro Pacific Investments Corp., an infrastructure conglomerate, added 1 percent to settle at P5.30. GT Capital Holdings Inc., the investment company of tycoon George Ty, gained 0.4 percent to P1,330.

Meanwhile, most Asian markets also traded lower, after the release of softer inflation rate in China.

The below-forecast reading on China’s consumer price index—the weakest since May—comes days after Beijing data showed a sharp fall in imports and exports, and is the latest in a string of reports pointing to a growth slowdown in the country.

Officials said prices rose 1.3 percent last month, down from 1.6 percent year-on-year in September. Also, the producer price index, a measure of factory gate prices, fell 5.9 percent—matching the previous two months and marking a six-year low.

The news will add to pressure on Beijing as it struggles to transform the nation’s growth model to a more stable one driven by domestic consumption and away from decades of export reliance and state investment.

With AFP, Bloomberg

Top automobile lender. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. gets the Best Automobile Lending Award at The Asian Banker Philippine Country Awards 2015 for its automobile loan program’s outstanding growth and impact to customers. Shown are (from left) Asian Banker head of research Mobasher Zein Kazmi, Metrobank retail products division head Trina Ponce, Metrobank retail banking group head Mark Anthony Perez, Metrobank marketing head Joyce Capacillo, Asian Banker managing director Foo Boon Ping and Asian Banker associate director Andreas Klimsa.

Factory output increased 3.7% in September—PSA

By Gabrielle H. Binaday FACTORY output grew 3.5 percent year-on-year in September, on increased demand for tobacco, transport equipment and construction materials, the National Economic and Development Authority said Tuesday.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s monthly integrated survey of selected industries showed the volume of production rose 3.5 percent in September, slightly slower than the 3.7-percent growth in August and 4.7-percent rise in September last year.

“We expect the manufacturing sector to further gain strength

due to the holiday season and the approaching May 2016 elections.

This makes business leaders anticipate increased orders and sales, which will boost both the production and sales of manufactured goods,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

“Also, with an improved pace of government spending, low production costs, declining oil prices and the steady inflow of remittances from overseas Filipino workers, this will form a favorable growth momentum of the manufacturing sector for 2016,” he said.

The value of production index, meanwhile, fell 4.8 percent in August from a year ago.

“We must strengthen the linkages

of all production sectors through the implementation of the Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy that will guide the effective integration of the agriculture, industry and services sectors to ensure sustained growth and resiliency of the economy to external and internal shocks,” said Balisacan.

“The government needs to enhance the productive capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises through capacity building and improved access to financing.

It should also play an active role in facilitating the smooth flow of goods by addressing logistical bottle necks and reducing transportation costs,” said Balisacan.

Meanwhile, net sales of basic met-

als continued to decline, with 4.4 and 16.7-percent contractions in volume and value. This was attributed to the decrease in production of non-ferrous metals and weak demand for iron and steel from China.

“To minimize the adverse effects of uncertainties in the global market, we need to boost domestic consumption to compensate for possible losses in exports,” Balisacan said.

“We also need to explore new segments of global value chains, products and markets that will enable the domestic economy to maximize potential gains from the Asean economic integration and from the eventual recovery of the global market,” Balisacan said.

B4 IN BRIEF Globe bares dividend

GLOBE Telecom Inc. Tuesday the board approved the declaration of a fourthquarter cash dividend of P20.75 per share for common shares following the strong financial performance in the JanuarySeptember period.

Globe will pay the dividend to shareholders on record as of November 24, 2015, with payment date set on December 4, 2015.

The aggregate fourth quarter cash dividend payment is about P2.75 billion and represents about 76 percent of the 2014 core net income on an annualized basis, said newly-appointed Globe chief commercial officer Albert de Larrazabal.

“This brings year-to-date total shareholder return to 35.4 percent, with dividend yield estimated at 3.6 percent based on the closing share price of P2,280/share as of October 30,2015, representing a share price appreciation of 31.8 percent,” Larrazabal said.

Globe posted record revenues of P83.4 billion in the January-to-September period fresh, up 15 percent from P72.7 billion a year ago.

Naga award void THERMAL Power Visayas Inc., a unit of Aboitiz Power Corp., said the Supreme Court has nullified the notice of award of the 153.1-megawatt Naga Power Plant in Cebu to Salcon Power Corp.

“While we have not received the official notice regarding the Supreme Court’s decision, we are pleased with this development as this supports a transparent and fair bidding process that encourages open competition. We believe TPVI won the bid. Had TPVI not participated, the government would have sold its asset at a much lower price,” said business unit head Benjamin Cariaso Jr. Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation held the first bidding for the Naga Power Plant in 2013.

The first two rounds were declared failed bids after only one bidder, SPC, showed up. TPVI joined the third round and won with a bid of P1.088 billion, higher than SPC’s bid of only P858,999,888.88.

SPC, however, exercised the right-totop, and received a notice of award by PSALM despite the unanswered issues and the Supreme Court case questioning the validity of the right-to-top provision.

Darwin G. Amojelar

7-Eleven nets P156m

PHILIPPINE Seven Corp, the local licensee of 7-Eleven Convenience Stores, posted a net profit of P515.5 million in the first nine months of of 2015, up 10 percent from P468.3 million year-on-year on faster rollout of stores.

Nine-month revenues rose 28.6 percent to P15.7 billion from P12.2 billion posted in the same period in 2014.

PSC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange sales of all corporate and franchise-operated stores increased 25 percent to P18.4 billion.

The group had 1,480 stores across the Philippines as of end September 2015, up 27 percent on-year. It recently entered the Mindanao market with four stores in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro. The company had 1,318 7-Eleven stores in Luzon, 149 in Visayas and 13 in Mindanao.

The company earlier said it would increase its capital expenditures budget this year to P3 billion to support the accelerated store expansion strategy.

The company also plans to to roll out 350 stores this year, with 60 percent of as franchised-operated outlets.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Cordillera trading post. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala (center) reviews the blueprint of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center

established in a four-hectare lot of the strawberry farm in La Trinidad, Benguet. BAPTC, considered the largest and most modern trading facility in the country, aims to provide a steady market for Cordilleran farmers and vegetable growers. Alcala visited Benguet to inspect the trading center expected to open and go on full operation this year.

San Miguel books P26.8-b net income

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said net income excluding unrealized foreign exchange losses rose seven percent to P26.8 billion in the first three quarters of the year from P25 billion year-on-year.

San Miguel said in a disclosure to the stock exchange year-to-date revenues declined 15 percent to P504.5 billion amid falling oil prices and lower generation volumes from the scheduled maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas field and the Ilijan and Sual power plants.

Consolidated operating income grew 23 percent to P58.1 billion in the first nine months on higher revenues from its infrastructure unit and core food, beverage and packaging businesses.

San Miguel Brewery Inc.’s net

income climbed six percent to P9.96 billion from P9.42 billion, as consolidated sales revenues rose to P68.8 billion on the back of sustained growth in its domestic operations.

San Miguel Pure Foods Company Inc. posted a three percent increase in net sale set income from January to September to P76.6 billion, while net income climbed seven percent to P2.9 billion.

Liquor unit Ginebra San Miguel Inc. posted a net income of P9 million in the first nine months of the

year, a reversal from the P281-million in the same period a year ago.

Ginebra’s net sales rose eight percent to P11.48 billion while income from operations surged 218 percent to P396 million.

Revenues of San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Group rose 5 percent to P18.2 billion, buoyed by a 27 percent growth in the glass business and strong contributions from its Australian operations. Operating income increased 8 percent to P1.7 billion on improved productivity and effective management of fixed costs.

SMC Global Power’s net sales fell 10 percent to P59 billion as off-take volumes declined 5 percent due to lower bilateral volumes resulting from the scheduled maintenance outage of the Malampaya gas facilities and the annual maintenance of the Ilijan and Sual power plants, coupled with gas supply restrictions at the Ilijan power plant.

PH healthcare startup unveils app on world stage A MANILA-BASED healthcare startup has launched a cloud-based Web app that seeks to transform how doctors and patients engage with each other.

MEDIFI, according to its founders, is a tool that empowers patients and equips doctors with the means to deliver quality care online. The app debuted on the world stage at the 2015 Web summit, one of the world’s biggest technology conferences with over 22,000 participants from 110 countries in this year’s edition held in Dublin, Ireland.

“MEDIFI was conceptualized after a personal experience with

my doctor in the United States and me being in Manila,” founder and chief executive Freddy Gonzalez said. “I was convinced that a remote consultation online would be a major convenience for patients geographically distant from their physicians.”

The app offers four fundamental features that MEDIFI’s founders built their telehealth experience on: video conferencing, which allows patients to have real-time consultation from the convenience of their home or office; asynchronous chat messaging, which delivers consultation flexibility; a personal medi-

cal profile and journal that gives doctors valuable information and insight on their patient’s medical history and condition; and medical image management which doctors can use to view files such as MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans.

MEDIFI co-founder and chief technology officer Jay Fajardo said the app did not replace face-to-face visits. “MEDIFI will be a boon for those pre-visit evaluations and posttreatment follow-ups. There are also some fields where MEDIFI can play a larger role in treatment, particularly in psychiatric care,” he said.

For patients, MEDIFI offers a way

to access their doctors without the inconvenience of driving or commuting through traffic, a big problem for patients in Metro Manila.

Many patients spend hours getting to doctors’ clinics, spend another hour or so waiting, and then spend only 20 to 30 minutes in consultation.

“Doctors who have used MEDIFI also see it addressing many paint points that they currently experience. They see it as a good way to vet patients and shorting that long line at the waiting room, particularly those that don’t require an on-site examination,” Gonzalez said.

Vehicle insurers warned

by LTO THE Land Transportation Office reminded mandatory motor vehicle insurance companies to follow the prescribed rates and not overcharge vehicle owners, including the growing number of motorcycle owners.

LTO spokesman Jayson Salvador assured the motoring public that both the LTO and the Insurance Commission of the Department of Finance were taking serious steps to reform, properly regulate and monitor the pricing and distribution of the CTPL, or the Comprehensive Third Party Liability insurance.

He said the LTO and the Insurance Commission would coordinate in the regulation of the CTPL. Only bonafide and genuine insurance companies will qualify.

Salvador said the LTO had been receiving many complaints from motorists about fixers selling insurance policies, without presenting proof they are licensed by the Insurance Commission to sell the insurance.

The CTPL insurance policy is required before any motor vehicle can be registered with the LTO, whether for personal or commercial use. It is aimed to provide protection to the general public.

“We don’t know about these illegitimate insurance companies which charge different rates. And vehicle owners find it difficult to make their claims against these insurance firms.

The LTO will strictly regulate this,” Salvador said.

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

Taxed to death THE only thing that is certain is death and taxes, so goes a popular saying, and we know it would not sound exaggerated if we say that for many working stiffs like us, we feel that we are being taxed to death.

And it’s not a sentiment that is without basis, because studies from international and local audit and financial firms say the Philippines has one of the highest tax rates in Southeast Asia—up to 32 percent for those earning P500,000 a year.

Since 1997, individual income tax brackets have remained unchanged, but the prices of food and other goods and services have skyrocketed, and despite the corresponding miniscule salary increases given to employees and wage earners, the purchasing power of the peso has also greatly diminished. Common sense should tell us that the tax brackets almost two decades ago are now very unrealistic, but then again, this is an administration that is in dire need of common sense as even its standard bearer wants to create a Department of Common Sense.

Despite the overwhelming clamor from his bosses, President BS Aquino adamantly refuses to even consider the proposal to lower or remove taxes on low and middle income earners. The president’s Finance secretary and Internal Revenue chief both chorused that the suggestion by some politicians to lower the tax bracket for salaried workers is simplistic and populist, as it would hinder the momentum of development in the Philippines. This development and economic growth that they love crowing about, unfortunately, has yet to be felt by many Filipinos who admitted in a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations that they have experienced hunger in the last three months. If the Philippines is really moving towards the road of prosperity, with billions spent on the government’s pet Conditional Cast Transfer program, why is the number of hungry Filipinos going up?

In defending their patron’s resolve not to heed the clamor of his bosses, Purisima and Henares point to low compliance rates and bank secrecy laws as reasons why tax evasion still happens. Of course, there is also rampant smuggling that also deprives the government of billions in tax revenues. There are groups however who argue that the revenue that will be lost should the government lower the current tax bracket can be compensated if concerned government agencies do their job, and well, of going after tax cheats and smugglers. It doesn’t help either that people are resentful at the thought that the taxes from their hard-earned, meager wages do not go where they are supposed to go and most likely ends up in some politician’s pocket (as largesse) or gets diverted to fund a certain candidate’s campaign.

In his blog post titled “Why tax issues should decide the 2016 election outcome” (https://jpfenix.wordpress.com/2015/10/06/why-tax-issues-should-decide-the-2016-election-outcome/), strategic communications expert and former media editor JP Fenix puts this issue of taxation into context, and why the taxman over the centuries has become an object of hate.

“What makes taxation and taxmen such objects of hate to this day is not the concept of collecting a share of personal wealth for the common good, which is what taxes are supposed to be. We need taxes to be able to fund roads, bridges, government services and similar expenses which the state requires to exist and its citizens to commonly use.

“What we all hate most is when taxes are not used for the purpose they were intended for. In Christ’s time the taxes were collected from the Jewish nation by the Roman conquerors that spent it for the lifestyle of the Emperor back in Rome and the local Roman governor who ruled over them.

“These days, in this democracy called the Republic of the Philippines, our tax contributions pay for our government and governance, and it pisses us to no end when we hear that our hard earned money goes to funding fraud, waste and abuse...

“The burden on providing the tax money for the Philippine government falls squarely on the shoulders of the middle class whose third of their income is slashed off automatically through the withholding tax system. Thus, whether they file their income tax forms or not (an additional burden on their time, energy and resources), they’ve already paid their taxes.

To the rich—that one percent of society which owns about 40 percent of capital resources in the country—the 30 percent or more income tax payment doesn’t matter. They have the money to hire the best tax lawyers and accountants to keep their payments down. Even after payment they can still afford their luxurious homes and vehicles; send their children abroad to study and; pay for private security, hospitalization and emergency services when needed. And their accountants and lawyers can find a way to deduct those from their tax payables,” Fenix writes.

(Truth be told, we can’t even figure out how to fill out the online BIR tax forms, or even remotely understand how the VAT works.)

“All these, taken together, makes for a crucial election issue for 2016,” he continues, underscoring the disconnect that people see between what they pay and where their money goes. What’s funny is that President BS refuses to lower tax rates because it will undermine his supposedly reformist agenda and hinder his socio-economic development and anti-poverty programs—yet it underspent P623 billion from its budget. So why collect taxes if you don’t spend the money on where they are supposed to be spent?

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

Cheers!

B5

Court convicts two Legacy bank execs

By Julito G. Rada

Two former officers of a bank connected with the Legacy Group of the late Celso de los Angeles were convicted by the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila branch 22 for submitting false financial reports to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The Bangko Sentral said in a statement Tuesday Zacarias Carticiano and Jose Girlo Caramat, former president and compliance officer, respectively, of the Rural Bank of San Jose (Batangas) Inc., were convicted under the New Central Bank Act for submitting two financial reports that falsely represented an enhanced financial position of the bank.

The Bangko Sentral said it conducted an on-site examination of RBSJI from Nov. 13,

2008 to Dec. 4, 2008, after which RBSJI declared a bank holiday. During the examination, the bank submitted to the Bangko Sentral examiners two documents—its consolidated statement of condition and its statement of condition, bearing the signature of Caramat for and in behalf of Carticiano.

“RBSJI stated in these documents that its real and other properties acquired [ROPA] as of September 2008 amounted to P429,293,722.25, as opposed

to its previous report that in August 2008 its ROPA was P7,293,722. It was this sudden and massive increase in the balance of the ROPA amounting to P413,000,000.00 in a span of one month only that prompted the BSP to investigate,” the bank regulator said.

The Bangko Sentral said investigation showed that Carticiano, in behalf of the bank, had acquired five parcels of real estate properties for P3,790,080, as shown by a deed of absolute sale dated Aug. 28, 2008, but that it had recorded these in its book as P413,000,000.

It said the value was based on an appraisal of the properties done by Valueworld Appraisers Inc. An engineer from the BSP Asset Management Department, however, found the market value of the same properties to be P3,750,864.00.

7-Eleven in Antipolo. World-leading convenience store chain 7-Eleven opens another franchise outlet in Antipolo Circle. Owned and operated by entrepreneur Jeremee Lee, the new outlet is part of the company’s plan to put up 500 new stores this year. The expansion program will see the rollout of modern 7-Eleven C-stores across the country.

BPI offers innovative financial product THE Bank of the Philippine Islands is setting a new trend in banking with its “Make the Best Happen” campaign.

BPI first of all wants to support its clients by helping them focus on their life aspirations over and above offering its range of products and services.

BPI, the first bank in the Philippines and in the Southeast Asian region, has a wide range of consumer, corporate, and investment banking products and services.

BPI president Cezar Consing said in a statement the bank wants to focus on needs-based financial planning where individuals make decisions based not on returns but on the goals they want to achieve.

The process begins with helping clients identify their life needs and goals and then create a priority list based on those aspirations. Clients are then encouraged to make personal financial assessments, computing, among others, one’s net

worth, cash flow requirements and even emergency funds.

Based on this initial assessment, BPI helps clients create a game plan, mindful of their budgets, goals, risk profile, and investment options.

“BPI empowers Filipinos to make the best of their life happen through its innovative and accessible financial solutions. We’re here to make anything they’d love to happen, happen, whether it’s for leisure, education, or broadening one’s horizons,” Consing said.

“We strive to know and understand the individual circumstances and financial needs of our clients, then offer financial advice. Only then do we propose certain solutions that are suitable and customized for each and every client.”

BPI’s strategic brand management head Tricia Quiambao said BPI’s Make the Best Happen campaign was a different look on banking. “We put a premium on understanding our clients and their

needs, whether it’s to travel, or start a business, or fund their children’s education,” she said.

“As people become more and more aware of the world around them and the many possibilities and opportunities it offers, BPI would like to enable them to accomplish those goals and aspirations better, faster and more efficiently,” she added. The microsite devoted to the Make the Best Happen campaign—www.makethebesthappen.ph—addresses some of the top life and lifestyle goals of most individuals: travel, health, parenting, shopping, future, and dining. It is enriched every week with updated content derived from current areas of interest.

On October 27, the bank hosted a Make the Best Happen activity at the Enderun Tent, Enderun Colleges, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, where visitors enjoyed an afternoon of fun, games, dining, raffle draws, and instant prizes.

WEDNESDAY: NOVEMBER 11, 2015

B6

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

Vista pays P33b for Starmalls

By Jenniffer B. Austria

VISTA Land and Lifescapes Inc. said Tuesday it will pay P33.5 billion to acquire shopping mall and office developer Starmalls Inc. in a bid to become a fully integrated property developer.

Outstanding mason.

Ricky Pasco, a 39-year-old construction worker from Davao del Norte, is the winner of the 5th Holcim Galing Mason Award, the nationwide search for outstanding Filipino masons.

Pasco, the second Mindanaon to win the award, took home a P150,000 cash prize and a trophy. Pasco sees the award as a stepping stone to further hone his craft and plans to use part of the cash prize for the tuition of his two kids.

PLDT invests $5m in Israeli company

By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Capital, the investment arm of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., said Tuesday it invested $5 million in a cloudbased customer loyalty platform in Israel.

PLDT Capital said it signed a convertible preferred stock purchase agreement with AppCard for $5 million. The convertible preferred stock was paid on Oct. 9.

AppCard is engaged in the business of developing, marketing, selling and servicing digital loyalty program platforms.

It was the second major invest-

ment of PLDT Capital in a foreign company this year. It earlier invested $10 million in Phunware, a US-based mobile services and application company.

Phunware, through its pioneering multiscreen service platform, gives companies everything they need to engage seamlessly with their customers through mobile devices, from indoor and outdoor locationbased marketing and advertising to content management, notifications and analytics, to indoor mapping, navigation and way finding.

The partnership will enable PLDT’s subsidiary, ePLDT, to

market and exclusively distribute Phunware’s targeted mobile and multiscreen solutions in Southeast Asia.

PLDT president and chief executive Napoleon Nazareno earlier said PLDT Capital expected to close three investment deals worth $15 million to $30 million before the end of the year.

He said the new investments were more of digital mobile platforms.

PLDT Capital has an initial budget of $50 million to support PLDT business units, which include Smart, ePLDT, Digital5 and Voyage.

PLDT invested 333 million eu-

ros in Rocket Internet AG of Germany in 2014.

PLDT earlier reported a net income of P25.3 billion in the January to September period, down by 9 percent from P28 billion last year.

Excluding foreign exchange transactions and other non-recurring items, core profit hit P27.08 billion, down by 5 percent from P28.86 billion last year. Thirdquarter core profit amounted to P8.15 billion, down from P8.73 billion last year.

Consolidated revenue was flat at P127.87 billion in the first nine months from P127.32 billion last year.

Segway Philippines expects to sell 300 Ninebot units in 2016

By Othel V. Campos SEGWAY Philippines Inc., the exclusive distributor of personal mobility devices produced by China’s Ninebot Segway Inc., said it expects to triple sales to more than 300 units in 2016, following the introduction of more affordable models.

Segway Philippines chief operating officer George Apacible said the company would bring in three Ninebot PT models, including Ninebot Elite, Ninebot Mini and Ninebot One. “People are inching to grab something cheaper since they cannot afford Segway. This new

brand we just brought in is a lot more affordable and it has most of the functionalities of the regular Segway PT,” he said in a news briefing Tuesday.

He said Segway Philippines already reached its sales quota of 100 units for 2015. The arrival of the Ninebot PT models in time for the Christmas holidays would help bolster sales for the year, he said.

Slightly smaller than the Segway PT, Ninebot Elite is priced lower at P188,000 while Ninebot mini is at P48,000 per unit.

The company’s electric unicycle model, the Ninebot One, is sold for P58,000 a unit.

Mini and One function as

personal transporters for pleasure and entertainment, while Elite can used for commercial transportation inside malls, parks and indoor activities.

Unlike Segway, the Ninebot models cannot be exposed to rain and wet environments.

The Ninebot Elite and Ninebot Mini can be remotely accessed, using a free application downloadable to any iPhone and android mobile phones that can compensate for their limits in application.

Segway Philippines said it was optimistic that it would sell at least 100 Ninebot Minis, as it hit the market before the Christmas

holiday.

Apacible said Segway PT sales would likely diminish, with the introduction of the Ninebot devices.

“Next year we’re going to lower our quota for the Segway PT. We see that the market will be more receptive to the Ninebot machines since they function in most ways Segway does. But we’re still keeping Segway for clients that needs heavy duty personal transportation like the government, perhaps,” he said.

He said Splash Island and Star City already sent feelers that they were keen on procuring Ninebot PT.

Vista Land and Starmalls, both listed in the stock exchange, are controlled by the family of former senator Manuel Villar.

Villar, chairman of Vista Land, said the acquisition would make the company the fourth leading integrated property developer, next to SM Prime Holdings Inc., Ayala Land Inc. and Megaworld Corp.

Vista Land agreed to buy 88.25 percent of Starmalls at P4.51 a share from Villar and his family.

That was a 45-percent discount to Starmalls’ price of P8.18 before the announcement. Vista Land will issue 4.57 billion new shares to the Villar group at P7.15 each.

Shares of Vista Land rose 1.2 percent to P5.75 Tuesday, while Starmalls fell 4.9 percent to P7.78.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index was 1 percent lower.

“We believe that the acquisition of Starmalls, with its real malls and BPO commercial centers, is transformative for Vista Land and represents a major step to realizing our vision of becoming a top integrated real estate developer,” Villar said.

Vista Land said it would conduct a tender offer to acquire the remaining shares in Starmalls as prescribed under the mandatory tender offer rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Vista Land plans to delist Starmalls after the tender offer period.

Vista Land president Paolo Manuel Villar said he expected the company’s rental income to be a significant contributor to the group’s total sales.

Starmalls owns and operates two BPO commercial centers and 12 shopping malls with total gross floor area of 509,000 square meters. Five malls are currently under construction and are slated to open in 2016.

“This acquisition introduces a recurring revenue source that adds stability to our existing operations,” the younger Villar said.

“As we integrate both platforms, the complementary nature of residential and commercial developments will enable us to achieve higher selling prices, increased sale velocity and higher rental rates from our integrated product offering as well as lower land acquisition and infrastructure costs,” Paolo Villar said.

The company president said the group identified 100 areas out of 600 hectares of land under its existing land bank for potential Starmalls’ projects.

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WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

Decorated but on death row WASHINGTON—Executed in 2015 in the US state of Georgia, Andrew Brannan is one of thousands of US soldiers who serve, come home from battle with mental scars, commit murder and are put to death.

At least 10 percent of those executed in the United States are military veterans, according to a report out Tuesday.

Alarmingly, courts hardly take into account the psychiatric conditions of the military veterans, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

A video of Brannan’s behavior when he was stopped for speeding on January 12, 1998, gives some insight into his state of mind.

In the video, taken by the dashboard camera of police officer Kyle Dinkheller, Brannan

emerges from his pickup truck and starts dancing crazily, trying to provoke the officer and refusing to follow orders.

Leaving a vehicle when stopped by a police officer is forbidden in most US jurisdictions.

“Fuck you!”, Brannan shouts, “I am a fucking Vietnam Veteran!”

Once back in his car, Brannan grabs a weapon. Gunfire breaks out.

Dinkheller is hit nine times and dies on the spot. Brannan, with a wound in the abdomen, gets back in his pickup.

The video is shown at police training academies.

At the trial, Brannan’s lawyers tried unsuccessfully to get lenient treatment based on extenuating circumstances. Decorated for his bravery, Brannan had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Given that less than seven percent of the US population are veterans, very often judges, juries, prosecutors and even defense attorneys are essentially unfamiliar with

the military experience,” Art Cody, Legal Director Veterans Defense Program at the New York State Defenders Association, told AFP. “There may be a perfunctory acknowledgment of veteran status, but very often judicial decision makers lacks sufficient understanding of how the military background and experience has affected the veteran-defendant and the crime with which he or she is charged,” he said.

Some 300 veterans are on death row across the United States, and any were decorated soldiers before their downward spiral.

Such was the case of Robert Fisher, a Vietnam War veteran. President Lyndon Johnson awarded Fisher a Purple Heart for combat wounds he received in 1967.

Thirteen years later, deeply affected by mental illness, Fisher killed his partner.

According to the DPIC report, more than 800.000 Vietnam veterans have signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Another

300,000 Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans are also suffering from PTSD. Traumatic brain injuries are also common among the second group.

The difficulties that many US combat veterans face as they rejoin civilian life was covered in Clint Eastwood’s hit movie “American Sniper” with his focus on Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in US history.

Kyle was killed himself by Eddie Ray Routh, a former Marine with mental problems. Routh was sentenced in February to life in prison.

His case, according to the DPIC, shows that there can be a different approach, as the prosecutor did not seek to have Routh executed.

It was a chance that John Allen Muhammad, a Gulf War veteran, never got.

He was sentenced to death for 10 sniper killings, mostly in the Washington DC area, that stunned the country. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Province of Agusan del Norte Municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez OFFICE OF THE BAC CHAIRMAN The Municipal Government of Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte, is inviting interested parties to participate in the Open and Transparent Bidding in process for the FIFTEEN MILLION PESOS Purchase of One (1) Unit Brand New Six (6) Wheeler Left Hand Drive Dumptruck, 4x2 and One (1) Unit Brand New Hydraulic Excavator.

Contract Name

:

Contract Location Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) Bid Documents Fee

: : :

Contract Duration

:

Purchase of One (1) Unit Brand New Six (6) Wheeler Left Hand Drive Dumptruck, 4x2 and One (1) Unit Brand New Hydraulic Excavator RTR, Agusan del Norte P15,000,000.00 Section 17.4 (IRR RA 9184) Appendix 25 Guidelines on the Sale of Bidding Documents 120 Calendar

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1. The Municipal Government of Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte, now invites the bids for the aforementioned procurement of equipments as indicated below:

Purchase of One (1) Unit Brand New Six (6) Wheeler Left Hand Drive Dumptruck, 4x2 and One (1) Unit Brand New Hydraulic Excavator 2. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” The following shall be eligible to participate in the bidding to supply for the aforementioned as follows

Tour. Britain’s Prince Charles) speaks with school children Elena Reu and Sophia Reu during a visit to the Bowden precinct, a sustainablle urban development in Adelaide, on November 10, 2015. Charles and his wife Camilla are on a two-week tour of New Zealand and Australia. AFP

3m babies seen each year in China BEIJING—Around three million extra babies will be born each year after Beijing abolished its hugely controversial “one-child” policy to allow all couples to have two offspring, officials said Tuesday.

Decades of strict and sometimes brutal enforcement left the world’s largest population—1.37 billion people—ageing rapidly and with a shrinking workforce that has heightened the challenges of slowing economic growth.

The rule change, announced after a key Communist Party meeting last month, will allow 90 million more Chinese women a second child, said Wang Pei’an, a vice minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

But half of them are aged between 40 and 49, he added, limiting their desire or ability to bear children.

Some might be “reluctant” to have more children, he said, while some might be “unable to give birth” even if they wanted to.

Before the change, he added, 50 million women were already entitled to have a second baby under various exemptions—rural families whose first child is a girl, couples where one is an only child and ethnic minorities.

The announcement of the change prompted speculation of a baby boom giving the economy a boost, but analysts warn that many Chinese couples do not want more children, particularly given the expense, and the effects of the change remain unclear.

Relatively few have taken up the opportunities presented by reforms allowing some people more children in recent years.

There were nearly 17 million births in China in 2014 and Wang said the policy liberaliza-

tion will see around three million extra babies born each year over the next five years.

It would add a total of about 30 million people to the labor force by 2050, he told a briefing.

“The across-the-board twochild policy in the short term will drive consumption for housing, education, health care, housekeeping and daily necessities, stimulate investment in relevant sectors and increase job offerings,” he said.

“It will have even stronger positive impact on economic expansion in the long run,” he said, adding China’s “potential growth rate” was expected to rise by 0.5 percentage points.

But after the change was announced, Edward Hugh, an independent economist based in Spain, warned: “There is a huge time lag, 15 years plus, before this has any impact.” AFP

a. Duly licensed Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships; b. Partnerships duly organized under the laws of the Philippines and of which at least sixty percent (60%) of the interest belongs to citizens of the Philippines; c. Corporations duly organized under the laws of the Philippines and of which at least sixty percent of the outstanding capital stock belongs to citizens of the Philippines; d. Cooperatives duly organized under the laws of the Philippines and of which at least sixty percent (60%) belongs to citizens of the Philippines; or e. Persons/entities forming themselves into a joint venture, i.e., a group of two (2) or more persons/entities that intend to be jointly and severally responsible or liable for a particular contract: Provided, however, that Filipino ownership or interest of the joint venture concerned shall be at least sixty percent (60%). For the purpose, Filipino ownership or interest shall be based on the contributions of each of the members of the joint venture as specified in their JVA. 3. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte, and inspect the Bidding Documents as the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

4. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below starting on November 10, 2015 and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount prescribed pursuant to the guidelines aforementioned.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of Remedios T. Romualdez at www.rtradn.gov.ph provided that bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Document not later than the submission of their bids.

5. The BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 17, 2015 at or before 4:00P.M. at the MEEDMO, RTR, Agusan del Norte.

6. Bids will opened in the presence of the bidders representative who choose to attend at the address below on December 1, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. Late bids shall not be accepted.

7. The Municipal Government of Remedios T. Romualdez/BAC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

8. For further information, please refer to:

( T S - N O V. 11, 2 015 )

(SGD) CANDELARIA R. BARTOLABA BAC VICE CHAIRMAN

W E D N E S D AY : N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

B8 Myanmar inspires Cambodia opposition TOKYO—The leader of Cambodia’s main opposition on Tuesday called for a peaceful transfer of power in elections in 2018, encouraged by a historic vote in nearby Myanmar.

Sam Rainsy, president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party or CNRP, also called for major donor Japan and the rest of the international community to pressure strongman Prime Minister Hun Sen to move towards a peaceful exit from office.

Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Rainsy said it was certain that in the next few years “we will see developments that will be reminiscent of what has been happening all over the world, especially very recently in Burma”, referring to Myanmar by its former name.

His comments came just hours after a top member of Myanmar’s ruling party admitted it had lost to Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition in a historic election on Sunday.

Rainsy, along with deputy party president Kem Sokha, was in Japan to meet Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Japanese lawmakers to seek support for the democratization process in Cambodia.

Myanmar has emerged as an unlikely beacon of democracy among its Southeast Asian neighbors after decades of iron-fisted military rule, which gave way to a quasicivilian administration in 2011 but retained the army’s powerful role.

Neighboring Thailand has been under military rule since a May 2014 coup with elections ruled out until at least July 2017, Vietnam and Laos are ruled by authoritarian communist regimes, while Cambodia’s elections two years ago saw widespread opposition accusations of vote-rigging.

Cambodia has been ruled for three decades by Hun Sen, frequently accused by rights groups of stamping out dissent and ignoring human rights abuses.

Sam Rainsy, for years Hun Sen’s main rival, said that Cambodia’s rulers have noted Myanmar’s transformation and that “it’s crystal clear now that they want to avoid the democratic process, any democratic elections in the future”. AFP

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Suu Kyi party expects landslide at the polls YANGON—Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition appeared on the verge of a landslide election win that could finally reset Myanmar after decades of army control Tuesday, as a top member of the ruling party said they had “lost completely”.

Premiere. Actress Kelsey Reinhardt attends the red carpet premiere screening for Season Two of Multi-Golden Globe And Emmy Award-Winning Amazon Original Series “Transparent.” AFP

The polls, the first contested by Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy since 1990, saw voter turnout hit around 80 percent as Myanmar’s long-suffering people made their voice known at the ballot box.

The military ruled the country with an iron fist for half a century, killing, jailing and silencing dissenters and flat-lining the economy with madcap policies and rampant corruption, before stepping aside in 2011 in favor of a quasi-civilian regime.

Official results from Sunday’s historic polls, drip fed to the public since Monday, showed major NLD gains and by Tuesday afternoon the party had swept up 78 of the 88 lower house seats announced so far.

Suu Kyi said she believed that would play out into a healthy parliamentary majority.

“We probably will get between, around 75 percent in the union legislature,” she told the BBC in an interview.

The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party or USDP meanwhile faced a rout after taking just five of those spots in the 440-seat house.

“Our USDP lost completely. The NLD has won,” senior party member Kyi Win told AFP from party headquarters in the capital Naypyidaw.

“This is the fate of our country. Let them (the NLD) work. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has to take responsibility now... we congratulate them anyway.”

Kyi Win, a retired army officer who sits at the heart of party operations in the capital, said the NLD was poised to win a coveted majority in parliament.

But official victory for the NLD remained elusive, with election officials releasing results at just a trickle throughout Tuesday.

NLD voters remained confident of a major win, but were cautious of kickback from the still powerful army, whose stake in the future is guaranteed by a 25 percent bloc of reserved seats in parliament.

“I think the results will come soon, but I’m worried,” said Ma Pyone, a vegetable seller in downtown Yangon. AFP

Report criticizes Turkey over rule of law BRUSSELS—The EU accused Turkey on Tuesday of backsliding on the rule of law, rights and the media, calling on the new government to take urgent action in a sensitive report that Brussels held back until after elections.

The scathing report on Ankara’s EU candidacy, originally due for release before the vote that returned President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s party to power, praised Turkey for housing Syrian refugees and for cooperating on the migration crisis.

But it was severely critical of the domestic situation in Muslim majority Turkey, saying that under Erdogan there had been “serious

backsliding” on freedom of expression and that the judiciary had been undermined.

“The report emphasizes an overall negative trend in the respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights,” said a summary of the report’s key findings by the European Commission, the EU’s powerful executive arm.

Turkey’s commitment to joining the 28-nation bloc was “offset” by domestic actions that “ran against European standards”, it added.

“The new government formed after the repeat election on 1 November will need to address these urgent priorities,” the summary said.

The report highlighted criminal

cases against journalists and writers, intimidation of media outlets and changes to Internet law.

“After several years of progress on freedom of expression, serious backsliding was seen over the past two years,” it said.

It added that the “independence of the judiciary and the principle of separation of powers have been undermined since 2014 and judges and prosecutors have been under strong political pressure.”

Turkey had meanwhile seen a “severe deterioration of its security situation” including a huge suicide bombing on a peace rally just before the election, and the collapse of a ceasefire with Kurdish militants. AFP

Screening. Actors Melora Hardin, Kiersey Clemons, Hari Nef and

executive producer Jill Soloway attend the after-party for the Premiere Of Amazon’s ‘Transparent’ Season 2 at SilverScreen Theater at the Pacific Design Center on Nov. 9 n West Hollywood, California. AFP

WEDNESDAY : NOVEM B ER 11, 2015

TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

H OME & L I V ING

LIFE

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The Steps Dance Studio Dancers will groove to the beat of Frank Sinatra songs at Harbor Point, Marquee Mall, Centrio Mall and Abreeza Mall.

Edible treats and holiday goodies available at Ayala Malls weekend markets opening at Greenbelt and UP Town Center

The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 finalist Daryl Ong

The Manila Symphony Orchestra will perform alongside the country’s top singers at ‘The Sound of Christmas’ concert series

CHRISTMAS FARES AND FESTIVITIES AT AYALA MALLS

Y

ou know it’s already Christmas in the Philippines when as early as September 1, radio stations play Yuletide carols, and you see malls already decked with boughs of holly and sparkly decors.

With Christmas trees lighted up and Ayala Corp. chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala’s holiday mural exhibited at the Artwork Tunnel, Ayala Malls further spreads the cheer with delicious treats and entertaining activities for the whole family.

The Ayala Malls’ chain of shopping establishments will transform into Christmas-themed concert venues as the country’s top singers together with the worldrenowned Manila Symphony Orchestra bring “The Sound of Christmas.”

Performing today at Greenbelt, which kicks off its holiday season, are Erik Santos and Nikki Gil. The Christmas concert series will continue at Fairview Terraces on November 14, Ayala Center Cebu on Nov. 22, Market! Market! on December 6, and finally at Alabang Town Center on Dec. 13 with featured artists that include Angeline Quinto, Jay R, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Marion

Ayala Land president Bobby Dy, Lizzie Zobel, Steps Dance Studio director and Steps Dance Project founder Sofia Zobel-Elizalde and Ayala Corporation Chairman Emeritus Jaime Zobel De Ayala push the red button to officially launch the Christmas season at Ayala Malls.

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

From left: Ayala Land president Junie Jalandoni, Joseph Reyes, Bing Jose, Ruby Chiong, Myrna Fernandez, Manila Symphony executive director Jeffrey Solares, The Sound of Christmas director Raymond Lauchengco, Piolo Pascual, Daryl Ong, Sam Milby, Ayala Land’s Javi Hernandez, AC Legarda and Mark Sablan

Aunor and Richard Poon together with the MSO providing world class holiday melodies.

The Ayala Malls in the provinces will groove to the beat of Sofia Zobel-Elizalde’s Steps Dance Project as they set the stage for Frankly Speaking, a jazz musical featuring the greatest hits of legendary icon Frank Sinatra.

The talented dancers of Steps and New Yorkbased entertainer Omar Edwards will bring the musical show to Harbor Point in Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Nov. 13, Marquee Mall in Pampanga on Nov. 14, Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro on Nov. 20 and Abreeza Mall in Davao on Nov. 22.

As a special gift for the kids, Peppa Pig, of the British animated series, celebrates her first Christmas at Ayala Malls as she and her family present a fun-filled Christmas show at Glorietta on Nov. 13-15, TriNoma

on Nov. 21-22, Ayala Center Cebu on Nov. 27-29, Alabang Town Center on Dec. 4-6, Market! Market! on Dec. 11-13 and Ayala Malls Solenad on Dec. 18-20.

Go on a food trip or shop for edible gifts at Greenbelt Christmas Market that’s open on all weekends of December and at The Clean Plate at UP Town Center on Dec. 11-13. If you prefer personalized gifts, give your loved ones customized tees from Glorietta which offers Artwork T-shirt Printing on Dec. 12.

In the spirit of giving, Glorietta encourages shoppers to sponsor wishes of 100 less fortunate children through its “100 Christmas Wishes” project. Meanwhile, Alabang Town Center celebrates the holidays with backto-back toy fairs, sale events and weekly Community Christmas Cantata, featuring Lyceum Orchestra, Lighthouse Bible Church,

JC Santos will serenade the audience with iconic Frank Sinatra songs for Frankly Speaking

Peppa Pig and her family are coming to Ayala Malls this Christmas

San Beda College, SAT Music, Christ Commission Fellowship and many more.

Finally, experience the Ayala Malls Christmas wherever you may be as it brings meet-andgreet events with Santa Claus, fireworks displays, chorales, booths for holiday treats and Simbang Gabi masses to its chain of shopping malls, from Fairview to Cebu.

WEDNESDAY : NOVEM B ER 11, 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

OF LOSSES AND GAINS LIV.E SIMPLY

BY LIV E. I’m no stranger to him. Neither are you. None of us are, really, because we’ve all met him at least once. No, wait... much more than once, actually; more probably, lots of times, and definitely, many more times than we’ve ever desired.

We don’t like him. We never invite him in. In fact, we’d keep him far away and out of our lives, if we could help it.

But we can’t. Because, you see, Loss has a way of inserting himself in our lives, yours and mine, from our first breath to our very last.

There was a time, for each and every single one of us here today, when all we knew of the world was warm, liquid comfort, each of us floating languidly, rocked by the background rhythm of a gentle heartbeat, nourished and protected in the comfort of that dimly-lit cocoon. And then, in just a blink of eternity’s eye (nine months to be exact), we were pushed out – literally – of that warm haven and rudely forced to open our eyes to harsh overhead lights, a quick bath, and the doctor’s slap on our butt. And there we had it, our first meeting with Loss, as he put a permanent end to the comfort of our very first womb-home.

We run into him, again and again, throughout our years of childhood all the way till we get our legal IDs and drive our first cars and add a band of gold to our fourth finger and contribute to the world’s population of little people.

Loss creeps up on us each time we misplace a favorite stuffy and never see it again, when our best friend moves from just around the corner to another continent

way across the seas, when we fail to make the winning shot and the other team is declared the winner.

He’s there when the one we dearly love breathes his last, and he’s definitely there when we ourselves breathe our last. There’s no escaping him and there’s no beating him. But maybe Nelson Mandela knew the secret to winning the war against this unwelcome intruder. He said, “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy.

Then he becomes your partner.”

So how do we turn Loss into a partner? Well, no one turns a stranger into a partner, so the first step is for us to know Loss. Who and what is he, really?

Fact: Loss has many faces. He is the lost pet, the lost job, the lost chance. He is confidence gone, a home removed, a file deleted, a job snatched away. He is the aches and pains that replace robust health, the laceration marks left by a friendship torn apart, the betrayal of a trust when secrets are scattered carelessly. He appears at his worst when he takes a beloved parent, friend, or child away and leaves a yawning space that lasts forever.

And yet, no matter how ugly he is, no matter what pain he brings, no matter what havoc he wreaks, Loss has a good side. Yes, he brings ache, he flings around emptiness, he leaves jagged torn hearts in his wake. But he also brings along a silver lining. You see, after we’ve hit rock bottom and there meet up with Denial, Loneliness, Anger, Guilt, Sadness and Regret, they in turn drag us along till we finally climb into the capable, caring arms of Healing and Dealing, Reorganizing and Rebuilding.

Now everyone knows that the best way to build is to start with a solid foundation, right? So when Loss leaves us at ground zero, how do we pick ourselves up and rise to the point of healing acceptance and peace?

First, we give ourselves space to grieve and mourn. Cry. Weep buckets of tears, if we must. Rain washes

away the dust of sorrow and makes everything fresh again. So let’s give our hearts the permission to release a salty flood. It takes more strength and courage to cry than it does to hold it in; let’s not allow anyone to ever convince us otherwise.

Then let’s talk, for an hour or deep into the night. Let’s reminisce. Let’s recall all the precious moments and swear we’ll never forget. Let’s look at pictures and remember when, remember how, remember why.

Let’s be around for those who are dealing with Loss along with us. We don’t even have to speak.

Sometimes all it takes is the amazing power of touch. A smile, a squeeze of the hand, a hug can say so much more than words can.

Let’s get it out. In words, on paper. Let’s write about it, in journals, on table napkins, on hastily torn pieces of paper, any place where we can unload the heaviness that weighs down our hearts. Perhaps after we’ve thrown it all out on a page, we’ll reach the point where we can begin again with a clean slate.

Let’s be authentic. Let’s not pretend we’re not hurting. Let’s accept that there just might be a gaping hole left behind that can never be fully patched. But let’s also realize that the absence won’t break us apart. With acceptance comes healing. And strength.

And through it all, let’s hold on tightly to three friends who promise to carry us through the worst so we can come out alive and breathing at the end of the tunnel: Faith, who reminds us to believe that we have a loving Father and a Blessed Mother who will make sure we’ll get through this valley of tears and come out of it with a smile. Hope, who reassures us that yes, we can truly look forward to a sweet reunion one day in the future. And, above all, Love, who picks up the broken physical ties and weaves them into invisible yet eternal bonds that connect us forever to those we hold in our hearts.

And once we’ve healed, let’s carry with us always the lessons that Loss leaves for us. There’s so much that we can learn.

We can learn that losing something hurts, but losing someone hurts a lot more. We can promise to take care of the things we have but vow to love the people around us more.

We can learn that we can’t control when Loss will show up, but we can choose how to react and how to deal with him. We can choose whether to make Loss conquer us and leave us broken, or allow him to pass through so Healing can come in.

We can learn to value all that we have and hold, and care for them with all our heart. We can strive to do all that we can for them, not later, not tomorrow, but right here, right now.

We can learn that once this darkness ends, the light will come; and if we are patient with time and ourselves, we can be sure that it will bring us hidden gifts far more precious than what we could possibly imagine.

Because, truly, there are treasures waiting to be discovered at the end.

Allow me, as one well acquainted with Loss, to tell you how Loss led me to mine.

Loss made his grand entrance into my life way too early, when he took my mother’s embrace away from me permanently. He made another great big appearance in my life 16 years ago, when the babe in my womb was delivered directly to Heaven instead of in my arms.

Both times, I battled Loss with the gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love… and the help of a pen. It was my eight-year-old fingers that wrote my first poem ever, a final goodbye to the beautiful mama who had given me life. And it was my bereaved mama-fingers that penned the last poem I’ve written thus far, a farewell ode to the baby I never got to hold.

It was Loss that made me pick up a pen and start putting my heart on paper. Just like I’m doing now. So I guess I have that to be thankful for, after all. Because without experiencing Loss, I might never have discovered the catharsis of putting pen to paper, bringing with it the hidden gift that made it possible for you and me to now share moments forged in ink on paper.

A very good and wise man named Augustine once said, “Our hearts are restless, Lord, until they rest in Thee.” Till then, we will continue to valiantly struggle with accepting the myriad appearances of Loss in our lives, learning its lessons, appreciating its hidden gifts, and taking comfort in the knowledge that one day, in the midst of Love Himself, Loss will find no place, and he will depart from our midst. Permanently. And there, filling our hearts and souls and bodies, will be only everlasting Joy and Peace and Love.

Follow me on Twitter @ LivE_LiveSimply Like my page, follow all my articles, and send me feedback @ Facebook/liv.esimplywithLiv

WEDNESDAY : NOVEM B ER 11, 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

FLUFFY BUT POWERFUL

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

T

he very first Dyson vacuum cleaner was invented in 1978 when an engineer became frustrated with his vacuum’s diminishing performance.

When he took his cleaning device apart, he discovered that the filter in the bag was clogged with dust and dirt. Five years and 5,127 prototypes later, Engineer James Dyson launched the solution to his problem: bagless cyclone vacuum cleaner.

James Dyson, now with an army of 3,000 engineers, never stopped inventing and improving his products. Three decades later, Dyson offers a portable and cordless vacuum cleaner that sucks even the tiniest particles invisible to the human eye without leaving a scratch behind.

The new Dyson Fluffy DC74 captures large particles, such as crumbs and cereals, and engulfs fine dust, like dead skin cells, dust mites, pollen and mold spores. And in the vacuuming process, the Fluffy promises not to damage the hard floors in your home thanks to its soft, full-width roller head that is covered in soft woven nylon with strips of anti-static carbon fiber filaments.

It can clean hard-to-reach spots and corners in the house

Twirl around this cone of treats on your tree

The new Dyson vacuum cleaner sucks up dust and dirt without leaving a scratch behind

Dyson Fluffy DC74 is powered by digital motor V6 that spins up to 120,000 rpm (revolutions per minute), or five times faster than an F1 car engine.

Despite its fluffy appearance, the power lies in its digital motor V6 that spins up to 120,000 rpm (revolutions per minute) – or five times faster than an F1 car engine – to generate powerful suction that can last up to 20 minutes. The equally powerful 15 twotier Radial cyclones working in parallel are responsible for sucking microscopic particles and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. These harmful allergens, which we can inhale, cause skin and respiratory problems.

With a flick of the wrist switch and with the help of eight additional tools, the Dyson Fluffy can also clean ceilings and hard-to-

Wintry snowflakes and icicles for a white Christmas feel

Portable, lightweight and easy-to-use

reach areas in the house. The motorized turbine head glides up the stairs, the flexible crevice tool reaches narrow spaces behind furniture, the soft dusting brush sweeps up dust on blinds, and the stubborn dirt brush takes care of the hardest of grimes.

Notwithstanding the competition, Whiteplanet Inc. director for communications Bobby Yan says, “Not all vacuums can say they only weigh three pounds and are as powerful [as Dyson Fluffy].” Whiteplanet Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Dyson vacuum cleaners and bladeless fans here in the Philippines.

Sparkly striped glitter-balls.

Dyson, a premium vacuum brand, has been available in the country for two years.

“When we started selling at Rustan’s, we were at the 23rd spot. Now we’re up to 1 or 2,” discloses Yan. The Dyson Fluffy DC74 retails at P38,500.

It’s available at Century City Mall (Dyson Concept Store), Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la, Rustan’s Cebu, Rustan’s Gateway, Abenson Ascott, Duty Free Philippines, Anson’s Makati, Robinson’s Appliance Magnolia, True Value Rockwell, True Value Estancia and True Value 8 Forbes.

Ring-around these fancy doughnut ornaments

BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO YOUR HOME WITH CHRISTMAS DECORS

C

Put in a peppermint twist for a festive holiday

Everything is sweetness and light this Christmas with these scrumptious cupcake ornaments

hristmas is the most festive season, the time of the year when love, laughter and joy abound.

At Christmas, everybody is excited to decorate the home and fill it with beauty and cheer with charming ornaments and decors.

SM Home can help you surround your dwelling place with a wonderful aura of Christmas cheer with stars, balls, reindeer, and snowmen that recall nostalgic Christmases during younger days, with creative touches that bring a modern spin to holiday decorating.

Add a delicious twist with confectionery-inspired

ornaments that look good enough to eat – cupcakes, ice cream, donuts that amazingly look like they were taken fresh from the oven, as well as peppermint and candy ornaments that remind us just how sweet Christmas can be.

If you want a sculptural and artistic touch, then the translucent ornaments would fit the bill, while fancy frosted pieces help achieve a wintry feel to your home.

Perfect to hang on your trees or garlands, or create a fancy tabletop, a variety of decors and ornaments are available at the SM Home Section of all SM Stores.

WEDNESDAY : NOVEM B ER 11, 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

BACK TO OUR ROOTS CALEIDOSCOPE WORLD

BY CAL TAVERA

Manila Fame occurs twice a year, in April and October. A few weeks ago, I visited SMX to witness all the glorious local designs in one spot.

This exhibit, I was intrigued by the indigenous materials showcased.

Since I lived most of my life abroad, I was really curious to learn more about my culture and get in touch with my roots.

Throughout the years, one exhibit that consistently catches my attention is Tadeco Home. Present in every collection is their latest line of unique handmade paper and other accessories. This local brand produces several home items that are made with all-natural fibers which are handwoven by the ethnic indigenous people of Mindanao.

After utilizing traditional methods passed down through generations to make the fabric, this special material is then transformed into contemporary designs for the house.

Not many people know this but Tadeco, which stands for Tagum Agricultural Development Co., is one of the largest banana plantations in the country. Tadeco Home was introduced by the community development program of Tadeco and is now also known globally for their handicraft manufacturing business. The handmade paper and products made from banana fibers are actually sourced from Tadeco’s plantations exclusively. While these credentials are impressive on their own, what warmed my heart was when I learned what Tadeco Home is doing for our communities. With their program, they have helped and created jobs for 600 T’boli weavers in Lake Sebu by providing opportunities to continue their craft.

Aside from promoting and preserving the dying art of dream weaving, the brand has been assisting women and out-of-school youth through sustainable livelihood since 1989. How did they do that?

Tadeco Home offers them in-depth

Manila Fame is a much-anticipated event that showcases the talent and craftsmanship of Filipino artisans from all over the country. Tadeco Home, for instance, produces items made with all-natural fibers handwoven by the indigenous people of Mindanao. Delza’s Native Products, on the other hand, supplies banig items to Kultura and designer shops like Aranaz and Tesoros.

training to develop their skills in weaving. Aside from that, they can also learn how to create handcrafted scrapbooks, picture frames, lanterns, stationeries, paper bags, gift-boxes and other natural paper. Tadeco Home then helps pave the way for local and global distribution for these products. It is admirable how this brand evolves with the current times by coming up with innovative collections out of Mindanao’s indigenous ingredients. Through this, the brand helps safeguard and promote the richness of our heritage, specifically the T’boli tribe of Mindanao. This livelihood program has helped communities in Astorga in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Catitipan, Toril, Maa, Bajada, Cabantian, Sisoy Lanang and Panabo City.

Another stall I enjoyed visiting was Delza’s Native Products which started in 1999. I was on my way out when I saw their colorful banigs. I remember my friends who visited from abroad. Apparently, it’s a hit with the visitors plus I suppose it is easy to carry and won’t cause penalties for excess baggage. The banigs, or mats in English, are made with grass that grows in the Eastern Visayas. The Eastern Visayas was the area devastated by the super typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda back in 2013.

They say that the typhoon may have flattened many buildings and homes but never dampened the spirits of the people, including marketing manager Delza Mariscotes of Delza’s Native Products. A few years ago, the company was ready to send

their goods for export to Japan when the typhoon destroyed their production area in Samar. However, Delza’s Native Products made a strong comeback the year after and displayed the newest collections in Manila Fame where it received positive feedback. The company now supplies their banig items to Kultura as well as to the designer shops of Aranaz and Tesoros.

While I was looking at their products, I noticed that there was a jovial gentleman in the booth working. He was cracking jokes and had a smile on his face the whole time. After I bought a yoga mat from them, one of the staff told me he is a Yolanda survivor.

I took a quick picture of him as a reminder to stay positive and happy

despite hard times. I left Manila Fame, inspired and proud to be a Filipino. Not only did I learn about my heritage and our products, I also experienced the solidarity and resilience of our people.

Tadeco Home is located at Damosa Market Basket, Lanang, 8000 Davao City, Philippines. For more information contact +63 (082) 235 2135 or fax via +63 (082) 234 05 86, or email at info@tadecohome.com.

Delza’s Native Products is located at San Fernando Street, Baset, Western Samar. Contact +63 (055) 276 1059, Fax +63 (055) 251 2196, or +639474688289 for more information.

Follow me on Instagram @cal_tavera

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C5

Myx tO launch first ever vlOgger search An all-star acapella prod of top OPM Artists at MYX MO 2015

O

ver 70 of the biggest and brightest OPM stars gathered for a night in celebration of MYX’s 15 years in showcasing the best of Pinoy music at MYX Mo, the biggest and longest running OPM festival in the country.

As early as 4 p.m., the crowd partied nonstop as they enjoyed the best OPM hits from MYX’s star-studded impressive roster of local artists across all genres to date –from jamming along with rock hits of Pupil to singing their hearts out to Kyla’s soulful songs.

The MYX Mo! 2015 stage also became a platform for young rising OPM artists to wow the crowd with their incredible talent. Performances from The Voice Kids alumni Lyca Gairanod, Elha Nympha, and Darren Espanto had the MYX Mo! crowd shrieking and singing along to their renditions of hit songs.

OPM artists who partied at MYX Mo! also took to Twitter to share their great experience at the biggest gathering of OPM artists this year.

RnB prince Jay-R remarked,

Kz Tandingan

“I’m still hung over from MYX Mo 2015. Always a great experience performing on the MYX stage.”

DJ Tom Taus also said he was honored to be part of the biggest lineup of OPM artists for MYX Mo. He tweeted, “what a great gathering of artists and music lovers. It was an honor to close out MYX Mo 2015.”

Fans on social media also said that MYX! Mo was a nostalgic music concert as it featured the best OPM hits throughout the years, while a first time MYX!

Mo concertgoer described it as “the best OPM concert.”

MYX VJs Nikki, Chino, Robi, Ai, Erika, Tippy, and Diego also excitedly announced at MYX Mo! the music channel’s first ever vlogger search for MYXph.com which will be launched soon for MYX’s 15th year. The vlogger search will scour for the newest face and online sensation that will star in MYXclusive web videos and other creative content on MYXph.com.

The newest search is part of MYX’s effort to welcome chang-

es to stay relevant and fresh to its young viewers in the years to come. MYX is currently one of the most followed youth-oriented social media account in the country with 5.7 million likes on Facebook and a whopping five million followers on Twitter.

MYX is a youth-oriented music channel in the Philippines that aims to showcase music from OPM artists across all genres. It belongs to the family of cable channels under Creative Programs, Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN.

Kyla

Lyca Gairanod

DJ Tom Taus

Pupil

Kian Cipriano

Hale

Biggest names in musiC Come together

On Nov. 28, 9p.m., Filipino audience will witness the biggest names in music come together to focus on creating reconciliation and positive change across

communities around the world, as Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America airs on Lifetime.

The Zac Brown Band, Eric Church, Jamie Foxx, Rhiannon Giddens, Tori Kelly, John Legend, Miguel, Pink, Jill Scott, Ed Sheeran, Sia, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Pharrell Williams are all scheduled to perform to help raise money for the Fund for Progress on Race in America, in the af-

termath of the 9 Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church members being gunned down due to racial prejudice in Charleston, South Carolina Airing the concert on A+E Networks’ brand portfolio also serves as the kick off to its worldwide campaign to confront issues of race, and promote unity and progress on racial equity. “As a global media company, A+E Networks has the privilege of being invited into the homes of millions

Darren Espanto

of people around the world every day and believe that it is our responsibility to use this incredible platform to inform as well as entertain,” said Nancy Dubuc, President & CEO of A+E Networks.

The fund will provide grant funding to individuals and organizations fostering understanding, eliminating bias, as well as provide support to Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in South Carolina and the broader A.M.E.

Elha Nympha

denomination. The fund will support efforts to address racism and bias through public policy change, individual innovation, and community mobilization.

Catch Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America on November 28, Saturday at 9PM on Lifetime.

Lifetime™ is available on SKYCable Ch 65; Cable Link Ch. 223; Dream Satellite Ch 28; Destiny Ch 44.

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

iNa relives saBaDo NiGht iN sexy shoot parents are already in their 60s yet they look young for their age), clean living plays a big role in keeping herself looking young and in perfect shape.

Hence, her gracing the cover of FHM materialized not only to satisfy the clamor of the magazine’s avid readers, she also wanted to serve as a motivation to Filipino women who wishes to age like fine wine.

Ina Raymundo for FHM

NiCkie waNG Ina Raymundo had a concept in mind when she agreed to be FHM’s cover girl for November. She wanted to look sexy but not too racy and she wanted the photos in black and white. In other words, she wanted to relive her iconic Sabado Night image that catapulted her as the ultimate male fantasy in the late 90s.

The man tasked to do the job was Mark Nicdao, he was Ina’s special request that FHM granted without any question.

“I trust Mark because he takes amazing photos. I told FHM that I would say yes to them if he’s going to be the photographer. And I’m very thankful because they agreed and during the shoot they just observed and let Mark do his work,” Ina said.

The mother of five also revealed that this collaboration with FHM was “a courtship 15 years in the making”. It would have had happened in 2000 when she was first approached by the people

behind the popular men’s magazine. It didn’t materialize because on the day of her original FHM photo shoot, she had an asthma attack that ultimately prevented her from gracing the magazine’s cover.

“Then I got pregnant with my first child, then I got so busy taking care of my children. So, I felt it wasn’t really

Filipino in ‘Forged in Fire’

Filipino contestant Ryu Lim joins the best weapon-makers in History’s new series Forged in Fire.

Weapon masters are going headto-head in the channel’s exciting new series premiering Nov. 19, and airing 10 p.m. Thursdays.

for me. Then I got another offer from FHM. I thought I’d give it a go. I wanted to do something special for my 40th birthday,” Ina added.

Though already 40 years old, Ina, in photos and in person, look much younger than her age. But the actress was quick to admit that apart from good genes (her

The show has four contestants battling it out every episode, in a series of elimination challenges focused on fabricating a component of the selected weapon, and using only the “garage” of tools provided. An upcoming episode has Filipino bladesmith Ryu Lim as one of the competitors.

Lim, who mostly stays in Union, New Jersey, is originally from a small village at the foot of a mountain in the northern Phil-

CrossworD puZZle 45 46 48 49 50 52 53 57 61 62 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Pine for 5 Skater — Henie 10 Quick letter 14 Drama award 15 Rapunzel’s home 16 Omnia vincit — 17 Arial or Helvetica 18 Cast a vote 19 Lobby furnishing 20 Seesaws 22 Toast does it (2 wds.)

24 German physicist 25 Narrow inlet 26 “L’Etranger” author 29 Part of a grp.

32 — Khan 36 Open-mouthed 37 Reporter’s credit 39 Battery size 40 How to listen for a mouse? (3 wds.)

43 Yale athlete 44 Cultural

Allot Postpone KLM rival Stuck around Capone foe Aurora, to Socrates Remote Wood cutters Calcutta nanny Fixed the squeak Helm position Currycomb target Wed Cameo, maybe Amtrak driver Mary — Moore Dog plaint

DOWN 1 Artist’s pad?

2 Woodwind 3 Three squared 4 Crack down ( 2 wds.)

5 Hail bringer 6 Klutz’s mutter 7 RCMP patrol zone 8 Off-road vehicle 9 Warmth of feeling 10 Bahamas’ capital 11 Melville title 12 Soy product 13 Q.E.D. part

ippines, where he began learning his craft. “I’ve been helping around at the local smithies since I was eight years old and working the bellows. I was first permitted to pick up a hammer at around the age of nine, and I forged my first sword at the age of 10.”

He found a home in the United States after leaving the country, and continued to forge, trading the blades he produced for items and tools he couldn’t afford to purchase.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

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NatGeo uNveils ‘BreakthrouGh’ Imagine Hollywood directors giving their own interpretation of the most intriguing events and scientific discoveries in recent history. What you would get is a documentary told in gripping, creative and engaging manner.

This is how Breakthrough, NatGeo’s latest documentary series, is being billed. The innovative six-episode science series explores the relationship between humanity and the innovations in current scientific discoveries. It tackles diverse scientific realms ranging from brain science to cyborg technology. Also, it promises an exciting and thorough preview of the fu-

Grunts of surprise Cheapskate Quoth, like a raven Loose-limbed Theme Legendary tales Ms. Verdugo Calf-length skirts Bleated Coffee and steamed milk Showed delight Night flyer “SNL” network Catcher Yogi — Courier This or that Quagmire Aardvark feature Fluffy quilt Slangy lady Somalian supermodel Joined the chorus Like microbes Leap in a tutu Shampoo additive In fine fettle Ooze “Diamond —”

ture, ably presented and directed by the top visionaries in Hollywood from renowned actors Angela Bassett, Paul Giamatti and Peter Berg to popular directors Ron Howard, Brett Ratner and Akiva Goldsman.

“Most documentaries tend to be boring but Breakthrough poises itself as a highly informative yet a very entertaining series at the same time. Each episode is given a totally different treatment by Hollywood’s best talents that is why we take pride in presenting this series to Filipino viewers,” Jude Turcuato, senior vice president and general manager of FOX International Channels Philippines, told The Standard during the launch of NatGeo’s latest offering.

The television executive was also delighted to inform us that the Philippine viewers are among the first to see the series in the region.

“Not only that the Philippines is a very important market for FOX, there’s also a growing demand of series like this in the country,” Turcuato added.

Breakthrough premiered on NatGeo on Nov. 5 at 9 p.m., succeeding episodes

Around mid-year of 2014, Lim was able to start selling his work via his social media account. He says of joining the program, “The most valuable thing I won from the show is my now treasured friends who I call my brothers,” referring to fellow contestants Jonathan Porter, James Huse, and Phil Evans.

HISTORY™ is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 44; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 118.

Ryu Lim

will be shown Thursdays at the same time.

GMa Network partNers with sM Digify, Inc., a subsidiary wholly owned by GMA New Media Inc., partners with SM Supermalls in a project that aims to deepen the mall’s engagement with its consumers through a digital platform.

The techno-creative lab was commissioned by the mall operator giant to create and develop the SM Supermalls App, a smart shopping mobile application that can now be downloaded for free on Google Play and Apple App Store using handheld devices.

The app’s key features include a Mall Directory with a complete list of stores for over fifty SM Supermalls nationwide.

Consumers can navigate the app using mall maps that show the exact location of all stores, restrooms, ATMs including parking spaces available.

The app redefines smart shopping by allowing consumers to check the latest movies, find their favorite shops and restaurants, and have access to latest promos and collect rewards.

W EDNES DAY : NOV EMBER 11, 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Know where you're going and wear what's approriate

Dapper look with Dockers

Matteo Guidicelli is the face of Slam the Scam campaign

Matteo Guidicelli iS voice aGainSt inveStMent ScaMS

S

un Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI) is taking a stand against investment scams by launching a multi-media campaign dubbed “Slam the Scam.”

SLAMCI has enlisted the help of actor and athlete Matteo Guidicelli to be the campaign’s voice as a financial literacy advoc ate.

This is SLAMCI’s response to the need to address increasing concerns regarding the proliferation of investment scams, wherein investors are lured into investing a significant amount of money with the promise of huge, quick returns. However, they end up penniless as a result of giving in to these anomalous schemes.

“Anybody could be a victim, unless they know what to look out for.

This is why we’re launching ‘Slam the Scam,’” said SLAMCI President Valerie Pama. “Financial literacy has always been Sun Life’s advocacy, and as the company’s mutual funds manager, we are taking on the task of raising awareness about investment scams.”

“Slam the Scam” will share tips on what to consider when choosing an investment company, as well as red flags on dubious organizations.

These tips will also be demonstrated in practical situations to make it more relatable for the audience, who will be able to access the campaign via print, radio, television, and digital platforms.

“Matteo manages and invests his money wisely. He understands how important it is to entrust one’s

from c8

money with a company that has a good record and integrity, as well as the value of investing for the long-term. He is the perfect advocate for this campaign,” Pama said.

For his part, Matteo is keen on the opportunity to promote an important cause. “It’s a chance for me to use my reach to help out our hard-working kababayans so that they won’t get victimized. Sadly, there are a lot of such groups out there now, so it’s really important that we raise awareness about this issue,” he said.

The campaign’s initial salvo has Matteo starring in a series of videos, sharing tips on how to spot an investment scam.

“Investment scams rob Filipinos not just of their hard-earned money, but also of their chance to create a brighter future for themselves and their families. We want to raise awareness among our kababayans, so they can guard themselves against groups with criminal intents, and instead find one with integrity and a good record,” Pama said. “After all, protecting one’s money is just as important as finding the right investment partner.”

HHHHH Grace Poe Grateful to SuSan roceS However busy she is in the taping for Ang Probinsyano, Susan Roces always finds time in supporting her daughter through prayers and moral support especially that Grace has been topping the surveys for presidential hopefuls.

“She is the one who gives me the

biggest support and confidence.

She always says, “Anak, labanan mo iyan dahil mali iyan, hindi na iyan makatarungan,’ (Daughter, fight back because it’s not right and not proper),”says Grace.

On the one hand, Grace says she’s glad her mom is not too close at hand in all her moves so that Susan wouldn’t feel too stressed.

Also, she’s glad her mother has time for work and still very active in show business, especially in the teleserye she is in with Coco Martin.

“They don’t get to hear or read my statements so they don’t get nervous and they don’t get angry.

That’s better,” said Grace.

Said the senator that these days her opponents have been throwing accusations on her but she is ready to answer all of them especially when she knows she is right, just like her father in the movies.

She is confident the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) will be fair in their judgment regarding her citizenship issue.

“I trust my colleagues in the Senate. I believe that they will see the merits of our case. I just hope that the members of the SET will see the issue not only for myself but for the other children who are in the sam situation as I am in.

Grace said.

HHHHH How to create your SiGnature look In a generation where one constantly places a premium on looking good, having a signature style will make you stand out anywhere you go. It is

what will set you apart from the rest of the crowd, the look that will best reflect who and what you are.

So how do you go about creating the look that puts your best style forward all the time?

Dockers believes your choice of clothes underscores the kind of image you present to the world.

With fast-evolving styles and trends ruling the fashion scene these days, it’s how you put together your individual style that will get you noticed every time.

Here, Dockers shares five tips on getting that much-coveted signature look: • Know your body. There are styles and cuts that suit your body type. Look for those that conceal your flaws and enhance your assets. Clothes that fit well will always look flattering on you so keep this in mind next time you shop for a new wardrobe.

• Get inspiration. Consider the look of your style icons.

How they put together their OOTD could inspire you to put as much effort in finding your signature style.

• Comfort over style. Always go for clothes that you are comfortable wearing. Remember that comfort trumps style anytime because you look your best when you exude self-confidence, which, in turn, comes from feeling at ease in your clothes.

• Consider where you’re going.

Every day is a day to look

good and well turned out.

Try to avoid being over- or underdressed for where you are going—whether it is a night on the town with your buddies, a meeting with clients, or cocktails at a product launch. Don’t be afraid to repeat clothes that look good on you—just mix and match and wear these with flair.

Dockers understands that creating a signature look can be tricky especially when the weather of late has become unpredictable—one morning the sun’s out and the next thing you know it’s raining cats and dogs. Under such circumstances, men need comfortable and versatile pieces in their wardrobe that will make them look sharp and welldressed—rain or shine.

Dockers’ newest collection offers a wide variety of pants—all stylish, durable, and versatile—that will go with your signature style.

Among these, Dockers believes that its multi-purpose SignatureOn-The-Go line will help you find your own style since its versatility makes it easy to pair with your favorite shirt, top, and jacket.

Wearability, function, and great fit—Dockers’ brand message is to highlight all these, making the choice of what to wear far less challenging, and helping you look more stylish and comfortable.

Keep Dockers’ tips in mind to get you the look that will make you unique. But more than that, an aura of self-confidence is what will make you stick out.

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Carla Abellana, Rafael Rosell and Gabby Concepcion

carla abellana, rafael rosell and Gabby concePcion in new drama series ISAH V. RED This November, GMA Network brings to primetime television Because of You, a light-hearted romantic series.

This inspirational drama is about love, family and parenting, its joys and challenges.

Carla Abellana, Rafael Rosell and Gabby Concepcion star in this new Kapuso drama series.

Carla is excited about her latest project and the privilege of working with Gabby and Rafael, who she both finds professional and easy to work with.

“I’m very thankful to GMA for this new project. I’m really

happy to work again with Gabby.

Excited ako kasi naka-work ko siya briefly lang before at doon ko nalaman na makulit pala siyang tao and very funny. Looking forward ako na mas mag-enjoy sa trabaho with him around and mas maraming matutunan from him. I’m also thrilled to be reunited with Bettina (Carlos) and Tita Celia (Rodriguez).”

Gabby likewise reveals that he is very comfortable working with Carla and viewers will definitely enjoy watching their show because it is very light and full of good vibes.

“I worked with Carla before and I am so relaxed with her.

Sabi nga nila, it’s a walk in the park. Kasi nakasama ko na siya, magaan siya katrabaho. And itong show na ito, light lang. It’s a different approach and story.

This is a feel-good teleserye.”

Rafael, on the other hand, is very thankful to GMA for continuously giving him good projects and meaty roles including his latest character in Because of You. “I feel honoured to be entrusted with this fulfilling project about true love. I couldn’t be more grateful. I’m so honored and even more inspired. I love it.”

Joining Carla, Rafael and Gabby in Because of You are Kuh Ledesma, Iya Villania, Valerie Concepcion, Bettina Carlos, Vaness del Moral, Joyce Ching, Enzo Pineda, Mosang, Michael Flores, Sofia Pablo, Julius Erasga, Jacob Briz, Carlo Gonzales, Rey “PJ” Abellana, and Ms Celia Rodriguez with the special participation of Mickey Ferriols. The series is directed by Mark Reyes.

HHHHH

PoPster Princess She’s raised the bar; she’s soared high, and now she’s out to top her best.

Sarah Geronimo, the Philippines’ Popstar Royalty, is gearing closer to her much-anticipated 2015 concert: Sarah Geronimo From The Top, a two-day concert on Dec.4-5, at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In a press con held last Nov. 5, Sarah shared that as an artist, her style in music, taste, and tone is constantly evolving. From The Top symbolizes Sarah’s transition to a new era in her career, making everything more meaningful. She wants to take on projects in and out of the music industry that will be remembered, leaving a mark on her fans and supporters.

Following in the steps of Anne Curtis, Sarah is set to launch a new mobile game patterned after

her collaboration with Xeleb, the Philippines’ first celebrity mobile gaming company. Xeleb seeks to combine celebrities with gaming, entertaining Filipinos like no other, and who more appropriate to do so than the Pop Princess herself?

“It is no surprise that Filipinos love to sing, whether it’s singing along to the radio, to their phone, or even to themselves -- there’s something about music that brings us all together”, said Sarah.

“With the help of Xeleb I was able to curate my own mobile gaming app that merges gaming with my music, and it was honestly very fun and allowed me to discover new things about myself.”

Sarah G. Popsters will be available for free download on the Google Play Store starting Nov.24. ➜ continued on c7