The Standard - 2015 May 08 - Friday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 80  3 Sections  32 Pages  P18  FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Press presentation.

Candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2015 pose for photographers during a press presentation at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on Thursday. LINO SANTOS

Aquino hits critics anew in Chicago

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Red leaders arraigned for 1985 slays

MYSTERY COMELEC OFFICIAL APPEARS Next page

Scene from the MET

Overland’s ultimate off-roader

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Question hour. Former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani is shown questioning Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces Chief Gregorio Pio Catapang on the Philippines’ response to China’s aggressive reclamation on Philippine territory during a Senate hearing on Thursday. Beside her is Senator Teofisto Guingona III. Lino SAntoS

House body to approve amended BBL soon

By Maricel V. Cruz and Sandy Araneta THE 75-man ad hoc panel formed to scrutinize the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is expected to pass an amended version next week.

“We are going to have the voting on May 11 and 12. All the members of the ad-hoc committee will be there. I believe that the dream to have lasting peace in Mindanao will be achieved through the BBL,” said Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the ad hoc panel.

Rodriguez said the BBL minus the contentious provisions would face smooth sailing during plenary voting in the third week of May. “We are going to remove at least eight provisions that are unconstitutional and we’re going to make sure that we will be able to bring this to the plenary on May 18,” he said.

The approved bill would be sent to Senate by the first week of June so that both chambers of Congress could vote on the version approved by the bicameral conference committee on or before June 30, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said he was optimistic that an overwhelming number of House members would vote to pass the BBL without the eight problematic provisions.

He added that voting down the BBL was not the way to punish the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), whose fighters joined in the Mamasapano massacre of 44 police commandos.

“If we are going to punish MILF, we will punish them, but if we don’t approve the BBL we will punish the entire Muslim community in our country,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the MILF had a mixed record of complying with confidence-building measures that Congress had sought.

Comelec chief: Abas has reported to me obscurity has sparked speculation that he was COMMISSION on Elections Chairman Andres Bau- named to the post as a tista said Thursday he has met with the newly ap- political accommodation pointed Commissioner Sheriff Abas, whose relative to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Maricel V. Cruz

ABAS

In an interview with radio dwIZ, Bautista said Abas asked for time to wind up his work at the Civil Service Commission’s Cotabao office.

“His appointment was as sudden as my appointment. So he still has to transition as he has responsibilities as CSC regional director,” Bautista said.

Bautista also addressed questions on his lack of experience in management and election law raised by former Comelec chairman Christian Monsod.

“My track record speaks for itself. I have worked for the Kuok Group for four years. I have served as dean of the Far Eastern University School of Law, and head of the Presidential Commission on Good Government. So I think I have a little management background,” Bautista said.

“I have also been teaching political law since 1991, although my expertise is constitutional law,” he added.

Bautista also parried accusations that he failed his psychological exam.

“You know my reaction to that is two words: that’s crazy,” he said.

More than a week after President Benigno Aquino III signed the appointment papers of the new commissioners, the Comelec has yet to receive Abas’ curriculum vitae, the spokesman of the poll agency said.

“Trying to get one from him too.

As soon as I get a copy, I’ll pass it on,” said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez in a text message to journalists.

Jimenez said, however, that Abas finally showed up at the Comelec late Wedensday and stayed for only 30 minutes before leaving.

He said Abas met with some Comelec directors for a short briefing.

Abas also went to the Comelec office at 9:32 a.m. on Thursday, but left exactly 20 minutes later, Comelec staff said.

On Tuesday, the Muslim Bar Association of the Philippines (MBAP) claimed that Abas was a close relative of Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal.

Sultan Firdausi Abbas, MBAP president, said several competent Muslims have been named to the Comelec in the past without being questioned because most of them were known to the public as effective public servants.

Of Abas, he said, “It appears he is unknown.”

Abbas added that “the little information” they had was that he was closely related to Iqbal.

MBAP’s Abbas said Abas’ appointment to the Comelec seemed like a strategy to secure victory for the MILF in the parliamentary race in the Bangsamoro.

In the House, lawmakers said Abas’ qualifications and background would soon be ascertained when he appears before the Commission on Appointments.

“We will determine if Abas is qualified,” said Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, head of the minority bloc’s contingent in the Commission on Appointments.

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‘Ask local govts about China’

By Macon ramos-Araneta

LOCAL governments should be involved in resolving the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea—particularly those involving China—former Senator Leticia Shahani-Ramos said Thursday.

Speaking during the joint Senate, national defense and foreign relations hearing on the aggressive Chinese reclamation activities in the disputed waters, Shahani said she believed the matter was now a domestic affair. the matter should be brought to the attention of the people who should speak on the matter.

Because of this, she said this issue must be brought back to the people who should speak.

“Let the local government be involved in resolving the issue and defending our coastal towns and enforce an independent foreign policy,” Shahani-Ramos said.

“Let us bring this issue back to the people and let them prove that we Filipinos can do it. Let’s not wait for the military, for foreign help.”

Shahani-Ramos made her statement even as National Security Director-General Cesar Garcia said the territorial disputes in the West Philippine seas had overtaken all security issues in the Philippines’ hierarchy of national security concerns. he cited the recent developments in the country’s maritime disputes with China, particularly the reports of its massive reclamation projects in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. he said the maritime disputes had trumped all other internal concerns, including the Muslim and communist insurgencies. “it is clear that this internal security challenge has ceased to be an existential threat to the country’s socio-political stability and to our democracy,” Garcia said.

Shahani-Ramos said there had been no appeals from the coastal provinces facing the West Philippine Sea, and that it seemed no one was bothering to talk about the problem.

“We should assert ourselves as a major power, as an archipelago, as a maritime country,” ShahaniRamos said.

She said she would like to appeal to the officers here and to the entire bureaucracy that the Philippine government respond to the issue in the West Philippine Sea. “i would like to make this point: they are imprisoning ourselves, the bureaucracy of the Philippine government, the officers of the DFA and DND, which are directly responsible. We should be able to speak out,” Shahani-Ramos said.

She asked Defense officials what the Philippines’ response was after the Chinese fired water cannons on Filipino fishermen.

She recalled that when she was in the Senate, she used to ask Defense officials why they failed to protest each time the Chinese violated Philippine space, and the official answer was always “Ma’am, we can’t do anything.”

She said it was time to change the reply.

Arrival. President Benigno Aquino III is welcomed by representatives of the Filipino community at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Chicago at the start of his US visit. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Aquino slams critics anew in US visit

By Sandy Araneta PRESiDENt Benigno Aquino iii told Filipinos in Chicago that the season for political mudslinging has begun and joked that even the loss of Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao was being blamed on him.

“Now that the 2016 elections is nearing, my critics have been very noisy. Somebody told me that there are members of political camps whose only work is to criticize me, and find faults in our every move,” Aquino said in a speech to the Filipino community at the J. W. Marriott hotel in Chicago. “if there is a strong typhoon, it’s my fault. if there’s traffic gridlock on EDSA, it’s my fault. Even Manny Pacquiao’s loss in his recent fight, it’s also my fault,” Aquino said.

Despite the tirades against him, Filipinos cannot be deceived, he said.

“We will not surrender all the

reforms that we are enjoying and allow to return to the old system.

Like any seedling, we need to water these reforms. We have to watch and take care of them to ensure its [sic] growth,” he said. he said like they did in 1986 and 2010, the Filipino people would be there in 2016—an election year—to ensure that reforms would continue.

“Our goal is not to return to the rotten system, but continue the country’s transformation. there is no other means to realize this but through the collective efforts of the Filipinos in any part of the world,” he said.

“What you are seeing now is just a preview of the reforms....

Our term is for six years. We are not saying that we can solve all the problems of the Philippines.

But just look at them, we can feel now the results... of our initiatives,” he said. “this is really the reason of our

visit here in America and in the coming days, in Canada. this is the reason why we are continuously pushing for good governance,” he added.

President Aquino again bragged about sending his political opponents—whom he described as “untouchables”--to jail.

While he did not mention the politicians by name, he was clearly referring to former President Gloria Arroyo, and opposition Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada.

Aquino said he was also cleaning up the government bureaucracy, and that agencies that were once notorious for corruption were now “models for good governance.” he cited the once graft-ridden Department of Public Works and highways, which under the administration’s good governance, has accumulated savings of P39 billion as of March 2015.

Motorcade. Drivers of vehicles serving schools held a motorcade from Elliptical Road to East Avenue in Quezon

City on Thursday to ask transport officials to suspend the implementation of a law phasing out vehicles that are 15 years old or more. MAnny PAlMero

‘Blue alert’ up as new typhoon approaches With the entry of typhoon “Dodong” in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on thursday it has placed on “blue alert” status all of its units in the provinces lying on the path of the weather disturbance.

According to Mina Marasigan, spokesperson of NDRRMC, “blue alert” status requires half of the agency’s personnel to be ready for contingencies. ”there will be members of the National Council who will be rendering duty here at the Operation Center just to ensure the monitoring of the movement of typhoon ‘Dodong’ will be in place,” Marasigan said.

She added that as soon as they received word that tropical depression “Noul” would enter PAR, the NDRRMC already advised the regional councils to begin monitoring its movement. ”today, we called for a pre-disaster assessment core group meeting... And the PAGASA team has already briefed our vice chairs for preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery that we have to now look into based on the projection of PAGASA,” she said.

Marasigan said that based on PAGASA’s projection on typhoon “Dodong,” the Samar provinces will experience rains by Friday and the Bicol region by Saturday. the typhoon is expected to make a landfall in Cagayanisabela area on Sunday. PnA

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Prosecutors to file raps vs Veloso’s 2 recruiters

By Rey E. Requejo

Back on air. Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (center) with dyDR station manager Danny Requiez (left) cut the ceremonial ribbon during the opening of the new PRTV12, dyDR FM Kaugop Radio in Barangay Calanipawan in Tacloban City. VER NOVENO

Red leaders arraigned for deaths in ’85 purge

By Florante S. Solmerin COMMUNIST leaders Satur Ocampo, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and several others refused to enter a plea over a massacre case against them that led the court to enter a “not guilty” plea for them during arraignment Thursday in Quezon City.

Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Branch 32 had no choice but to enter the plea for the accused.

The case was originally filed in Hilongos, Leyte but was transferred to Manila on request of the accused.

The families of the victims are now looking forward to the

issuance of warrants of arrest for the accused, who are facing 15 counts of murder filed by the families of victims from Inopacan, Leyte who were killed in 1985.

The victims were supposedly killed en masse to rid the communist insurgency of deeppenetration agents from the military and those accused of

espionage were tried in “kangaroo courts,” leading in the summary execution of most suspects.

Accounts from the families and witnesses revealed that the massacre resulted in the death of up to 70 people in Barangay Sapang Daku alone. Exhumation of some of the victims’ remains were done in the early 2007.

The complainants and witnesses of the prosecution include those who were ordered to execute the victims themselves as they were then members of the NPA operating in Leyte.

Aside from Ocampo and the Tiamzons, other communist rebel arraigned were Vicente Ladlad, Randal Echaniz, Rafael Baylosis and several others.

Ocampo was former Bayan Muna partylist representative while the Tiamzons were arrested last year in Cebu along with five other suspected rebel personalities. They are currently detained at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Polcie (PNP) at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Allegedly, the massacre was implemented by the New People’s Army with knowledge of the accused to rid their ranks of suspected military informants.

The incident is a reminiscent of the NPA’s “Kampanyang Ahos” that the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines allegedly ordered. The NDF is the negotiating arm of the CPP-NPA.

THE Department of Justice recommended on Thursday the indictment of the alleged recruiters of Mary Jane Veloso, the overseas Filipino worker facing execution in Indonesia for drug smuggling.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano stressed that cases of illegal recruitment will be filed today against Ma. Kristina Sergio and her live-in partner Julius Lacanilao before the Nueva Ecija regional trial court.

The DOJ prosecutors approved the filing of criminal charges against Sergio and Lacanilao after finding probable cause in the complaint of three alleged victims apart from Veloso – Lorna Valino, Ana Maries Gonzales and Jenalyn Paraiso - during inquest proceedings last Tuesday night.

Prosecutors recommended no bail since there were at least three complainants, making the alleged crime large-scale.

“In the instant case, the sworn affidavits of (Valino, Gonzales and Paraiso) are united in saying that both respondents recruited and promised them work abroad. The common threat of the aforementioned affidavits is that respondents enticed them to work either as domestic helpers, factory workers, salesladies, house helpers and/or manicurists in Malaysia, Indonesia or Japan,” the 18page resolution stated.

The investigating fiscals noted that verification with Philippine Overseas Employment Administration showed that neither Sergio or Lacanilao were licensed to recruit workers for overseas employment.

“It is beyond dispute that the illegal recruitment undertaken by both respondents are committed in large scale,” the DOJ prosecutors ruled.

However, the Justice Department has set for further preliminary investigation the other charges of human trafficking and estafa by swindling against Sergio and Lacanilao, citing insufficient evidence gathered so far.

This means the preliminary investigation hearing on the charges filed by Veloso, her family and other victims would proceed at 2 p.m. today.

More 10 more alleged victims of Sergio and Lacanilao have surfaced and filed charges of human trafficking and illegal recruitment against them before the DOJ. After being placed under protective custody of PNP, the respondent were put under arrest last Tuesday and brought to the DOJ for inquest proceedings since their alleged offenses are considered as “continuing crimes.”

Bontoc-Lagawe has new bishop

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan POPE Francis has appointed a new bishop to the Apostolic Vicarate of Bontoc-Lagawe in the person of Fr. Valentin Dimoc, the Vatican announced on Wednesday.

Bishop-elect Dimoc will be the fifth bishop of the vicariate, which covers the two civil provinces of Ifugao and the Mountain Province.

The vicariate has been without a bishop since January 2013 after Bishop Rodolfo Beltran, who served the area for seven years, was and installed as bishop of La Union.

For two years, it has been under the care of Fr. Joseph Requino who was named administrator by the Vatican.

The bishop-elect is currently the vicariate’s social action and development center director and rector of the Mission Station of Ayangan.

With his appointment as new prelate, Dimoc will be the 133rd member of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, of which 94 are active and 39 retired.

Meanwhile, Filipino Catholics have lauded the timeliness of Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for May, expressing optimism that these will rally all Christians worldwide, with the help of Mary, to be one with the less fortunate in a world becoming numbed to the pains of others.

“The Holy Father’s [universal] prayer intention is just what the world needs now, especially here in the Philippines where many suffer because of corruption and the culture of indifference,” said Fr. Joel Saballa of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Novaliches, Quezon City.

Professor Nestor Limqueco of the Company of St. Dominic said overcoming an indifferent society challenges all to respond to the needs of others, particularly those at the margins.

The culture of indifference, he explained, is very much rampant, and its mere presence is a wake-up call for the faithful to examine themselves and find ways to share the fruits of contemplation.

Surrender. Den Mark Presto, the driver of a Montero SUV who pistol-

whipped and kicked two traffic enforcers in Quezon City on April 29, surrendered to Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao at Camp Karingal Quezon City. MANNY PALMERO

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Nat’l ID plan revived; militants protest

By Maricel V. Cruz The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a proposed national identification system even as militant lawmakers tagged the proposal as a ‘threat’ to the privacy and the security to personal information of an individual.

Warm reception. Leaders of the Filipino community prepare to meet President Benigno Aquino III at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel during his working visit to the United States. Malacañang Photo Bureau

CA sets contempt hearings vs De Lima, Morales

By Rey E. Requejo tHe Court of appeals has set for next week a hearing on the contempt petition filed by Makati Mayor Jejomar erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. against Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Vice Mayor romulo Peña for their alleged defiance of the temporary restraining order on his six-month preventive suspension. the Ca’s Sixth Division has decided to hold a hearing on the petition after it received the comments of de Lima and Peña.

“Let hearings of the petition for contempt insofar as Secretary of Justice De Lima and Vice Mayor Peña are concerned be set on May 11 and 12, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the en banc session hall,” the resolution penned by associate

Justice Jose reyes Jr. stated. the appellate court also noted Peña’s manifestation asking for more time to file comment on the amended and supplemental contempt plea. the Ca already conducted hearing on the same contempt case against ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar roxas.

In his contempt petition filed last March, Mayor Binay alleged that De Lima and roxas, Morales and Peña “acted in unison in defying the Court of appeals’ restraining order” and also “showed their ill motives and biases against the Binays.” the Makati City mayor has impleaded Morales and de Lima in the contempt petition after they issued identical opinions

that the tro was moot and academic since it was issued three hours after the suspension was already served and Vice Mayor Peña already took his oath as acting mayor. the two officials – both appointees of President aquino said the tro was already “moot and academic” since the act it intended to restrain was the implementation of the six-month suspension order against the mayor, which was carried out by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) three hours before the Ca issued the order. roxas and Peña used their legal opinion as basis for insisting on the effectivity of the suspension order against Binay.

Last month, Binay filed a separate contempt petition against Senator antonio trillanes IV

over his public insinuation that two magistrates were paid P25 million each to issue injunction order stopping his preventive suspension by the ombudsman. trillianes accused Ca associate Justices Jose reyes Jr. and Francisco acosta of receiving P25 million each in exchange for the issuance of a restraining order against the implementation of the six months suspension order on Binay. He also claimed that lawyer Pancho Villaraza facilitated the alleged bribery. the Ca justices have already denied the allegation and pleaded to be spared from political controversies that they said would jeopardize their judicial independence. the Ca is already conducting an internal investigation on the allegation.

Senators want people to decide Cha-cha fate Senator teofisto “tG” Guingona III today said the question of whether or not to call for a Constitutional Convention to tackle proposed changes to the 1987 Constitution “is a decision best left in the hands of the people.”

He jointly filed a resolution in the Senate with Senator aquilino Pimentel III urging the members of Congress “to submit to the electorate the question of calling for a Constitutional Convention”.

In Senate resolution 1308, Senators Guingona and Pimentel also proposed that the election of delegates to a possible Constitutional Convention be done simultaneously with the May 2016 elections “to avoid incurring the added cost of a separate election.”

“that depends, of course, if the electorate will clearly express a clamor and preference for the calling of a Constitutional Convention,” Guingona stressed. the resolution noted that “various business organizations and research groups have identified provisions in the 1987 Philippine Constitution that need to be revised to address expanding global demands, as well as, economic and political realities.”

It also pointed out that “the calling of a Constitutional Convention to propose amendments to or revisions of the Constitution is the least divisive and the most transparent, exhaustive, and democratic way of achieving much-needed constitutional reforms.”

Charge sheet. Customs Deputy Commissioner Edith Tan and Commissioner Albert Lina pore over documents on the filing of smuggling charges against the New Dawn Enterprises for the alleged illegal importation of 260,000 kilograms of sugar valued at P13 million. DANNY PATA

the House on Wednesday night approved House Bill 5060 as embodied in House Committee report no. 442 despite stiff opposition from militant lawmakers.

House Bill 5060, a substitute bill for four separate measures was introduced by albay rep. al Francis Bichara, and former president and detained Pampanga rep. Gloria Macapagal-arroyo.

Bichara and other proponents of the measure expressed belief that setting up a national ID system would be a “practical and doable way to facilitate and streamline government transactions.”

Bichara played down fears by rights groups that a national ID system would “be used by the State to violate the rights of individuals.”

Bichara, chair of the House committee on foreign affairs, said information on individuals will be kept away from 3rd parties except “under certain exceptional circumstances.”

Gabriela party-list rep. Luz Ilagan, member of the Makabayan Bloc, said the proposed measure is a ‘repressive mechanism” towards “intrusion into private lives’ of every Filipino citizen. this, apart from the fact that the system would entail ‘violation into freedom of movement and extensive surveillance’, Ilagan added. the bill proposes a single national ID system and a national, biometric information card for all Filipinos. the bill identifies the Philippine Statistics authority, together with the Department of Foreign affairs as the implementing agencies of the program, tasked to create and maintain a Filipino Citizen registry. the bill provides that when the Filipino ID card is presented to any government agency or for identification purposes, no other additional identification card shall be required; except in instances allowed under the provisions of republic act 92225 or “the Citizenship retention and reacquisition act of 2003.”

Under the proposed system, identification cards would be valid for 10 years and subject to renewal after. Cards will also store biometric data of individuals. the bill provides penal sanctions, ranging from P50,000 to P500,000 or imprisonment of from six (6) months to two (2) years or both, for knowingly using false information in applying for the issuance of Filipino ID, for willful and unjustifiable refusal to accept, acknowledge and recognize the Filipino ID, and the act of connivance by a public official or employee in committing the aforementioned acts.

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School bus service disruption feared

By Macon R. Araneta and Rio Araja

Amid fears of a school bus shortage, regulatory officials came under fire for their alleged failure to stop corruption at the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. this cropped up as several groups on thursday denounced Lto chief Alfonso tan Jr. and LtFRB Chairman Winston Gines and sought their ouster. the groups also took the Lto to task for the corruption involving motor vehicle emission testing.

they also assailed Gines for his apparent anti-transport group and anti-poor stance.

A multi-sector press conference organized by the Coalition of Clean Air Advocates of the Philippines in Quezon City, transportation leaders demanded immediate action on the trans-

port induustry’s problems.

CCAAP chairman Dr. Leo olarte said “we cannot clean the air that we all breathe because of graft and corruption at the Lto specifically in the rampant “no show or non appearance motor vehicle emission testing process.”

“We are calling out patriotic citizens to join us in this action against corruption. Let us all stand up for our right to breathe clean air,” he said. olarte said that his group would be organizing a national “Welga ng Bayan Laban sa Corruption” later this month. “the Coalition of Clean Air Advocates of the Philip-

pines will initiate the holding of a national Welga ng Bayan Laban sa Corruption by the end of this month. this will be participated by various multi sector organizations including all our member transport groups,” he declared. school bus operators joined the protest and denounced LtFRB’s plan to phase out old school buses.

At least 200 buses paraded along Quezon City memorial Circle to the LtFRB on East Avenue. operators raised fear of a shortage of school buses in June when classes begin. they asked LtFRB Chair-

man Winston Ginez to give them a reprieve to be able to purchase brand-new units.

Ginez, in a memorandum, directed the bus operators to buy brand-new units or use three to five-year-old service vehicles.

He said a service unit must have complete markings, medical kits, stop and go signs and early warning devices. A violator will be fined P200,000 for operating out-of-line. there are about 30,000 school buses transporting 600,000 students to be phased out once the LtFRB implements its order in June.

Police’s FEO head clueless on ouster tHE newly assigned chief of the Philippine National Police’s Firearms and Explosive office was sacked a few weeks after formulating policy reform that include hastening the stringent processing of gun registration. senior supt Dennis siervo, who assumed the FEo last march, was relieved effective Wednesday may 6 for still unknown reasons. siervo when asked on the circumstances of his relief said “there was no reason cited. I have no idea.” siervo was publicly ridiculed after the latter instituted drastic reforms in the sensitive post that include prohibiting employees from responding to unofficial queries from gun applicants. siervo’s sacking came two weeks after PNP officer-incharge deputy director general Leonardo Espina issued policy guidelines on relaxing the stringent process in securing gun licenses and the issuance of Permit to carry Firearms outside of Residence (PtCFoR). siervo wanted to implement a one-stop shop in securing payment order, waiver of court clearance in the requirements and firearms on line registration.

Francisco Tuyay

Caloocan’s sports hub bidding on

Workers’ health. Health workers from different hospital unions march to Mendiola in Manila to ask for salary increase during the commemoration of the National Health Workers’ Day. DANNY PATA

Shake-up at Customs: Lina to boost collection Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina will carry out a topto- bottom revamp as part of the bureau’s scheme to boost revenue collections. the bureau has failed to meet collections target since January this year and one of the alternatives is to replace district collectors, examiners, division heads and appraisers who were originally assigned at the Department of Finance.

Lina said the revamp within the bureau will proceed anytime next week. the customs chief said that he has a free hand in implementing the revamp.

“We are now preparing the revamp and all they have to do is just wait,” Lina told reporters in Filipino.

Lina assumed his post two weeks ago , following the resignation of John sevilla.

He had hinted at a revamp, saying those who will be affected must not take it negatively.

He said the bureau-wide revamp will affect top key officials down to the more than 3,000 rank-and-file for better facilitation of trade and strengthening of existing policies.

“Everything here would be fair.

It would not be abrupt or at the whims and caprices of the appointing authority,” he added.

Except for presidential appointees, the commissioner of Customs has the authority to reassign port collectors and other officials upon approval by the Finance department. Vito Barcelo

Unwanted materials. Members of the Ecowaste Coalition hold a rally in front of the Canadian Embassy in Makati City on Thursday, demanding that Prime Minister Stephen Harper brings back to a Canadian company several shipments of waste materials now stored at Manila and Subic ports. DANNY PATA

the bidding process for the new Caloocan City sports Complex has commenced, according to Caloocan City mayor oscar malapitan. malapitan said that through the 2014 supplemental Budget 14 approved under the sangguniang Panlungsod ordinance 0541, the sum of P300 million was the approved budget for the contract. the mayor added that the new sports complex will be constructed in Bagumbong, Barangay 171. malapitan expects this mega-project to be completee within 540 calendar days from the date the winning bidder gets hold of the Notice to Proceed. the new sports complex will have a covered arena than can accommodate 3,000 people; a semi olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, a jogging/running path, gazebos, leisure park, badminton court and wide vehicle parking spaces. “this 1.7-hectare facility will soon host a number of exciting games from different basketball associations, boxing events, volleyball tournaments, national athletic meets, and concerts,” malapitan said. Jun David

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Revenue bureau to close 52 businesses in Reg XI DAVAO CITY—The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Region XI will close 52 more business establishments as government strengthens Oplan Kandado this week.

BIR Regional Director Glen Geraldino is scheduled to go to Digos City in Davao del Sur; Mati, Davao Oriental; Tagum, Davao del Norte; and Davao City to close the establishments for under-declaration and non-payment of taxes.

Last Thursday, Geraldino already led the closure of 14 food shops of Jaltan Enterprises which sells native delicacies in Davao City. While Jaltan has paid P4 million of its P20-million obligation, it failed to fully comply with the BIR requirements specified in the five-day VAT compliance notice dated April 17.

Geraldino emphasized that business owners must be hands-on in complying with government tax requirements and not rely on their bookkeepers.

BIR’s Oplan Kandado aims to intensify its enforcement operation through strict imposition of prescribed administrative sanctions for non-compliance with the basic tax requirements.

Under the program, business operations of non-compliant taxpayers will be suspended and their establishments will be temporarily closed if they violate certain tax laws.

Under the law, the suspension and temporary closure of business shall not preclude the BIR from filing the appropriate charges under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program of the BIR, if evidence so warrants.

Business operations will be suspended or temporarily closed for failure to issue receipts or invoices by a VAT-registered or registrable taxpayer; failure to file a VAT return; understatement of taxable sales or receipts by 30 percent or more of the correct amount. PNA

No rain. Residents of Saguing, Makilala, North Cotabato harvest fish from their fishponds before the high temperature results in a fish kill.

GEONARRI SOLMERANO

Breakup looms for Baguio chapter of Liberal Party

By Dexter A. See

THE ruling Liberal Party chapter in the city is on the verge of breaking up as its stalwarts during the 2010 and 2013 elections are contemplating leaving, following disagreements on who among its members would be appointed to occupy the vacated 12th slot in the city council.

Vice Mayor Edison Bilog said the consensus among most of the chapter members was reached after their bet for city councillor, Mark Go, was not appointed by President Benigno Aquino III to occupy a council seat left vacant by the death of Daniel Fariñas last year.

“I was designated chairman of

our group within the party and we would be conducting a series of consultations among our ranks, as well as make representations with the LP national leadership to make the city a free zone. If the LP leadership refuses our proposal to make the city a free zone, we will definitely leave the party,” Bilog stressed.

Bilog’s group had recommended that Go take over the vacant council seat. Rep. Nicasio M. Aliping, the LP Baguio chapter chairman, however recommended former councillor Lilia G. Yaranon, wife of former City Mayor Braulio D. Yaranon, as his personal choice.

Yaranon was eventually considered by the President.

Joining Bilog in the breakaway group are councillors Faustino Olowan and Isabelo Cosalan, Jr. as well as Go, losing mayoralty candidate Jose Molintas and other LP members who ran under the administration party over the past several elections.

“We have been receiving many offers from other political parties

but we are still weighing our options,” Bilog added.

Bilog said the long-standing controversy within the party already cast doubts on the sincerity of the members and strained their relationships.

The vice mayor asserted the need for the conduct of continuing consultations with local and national LP officials so that they could decide whether to establish a stronger line-up for next year’s elections or bolt the party and regroup with another.

Vice Mayor Bilog claimed they simply stood on their conviction in nominating Go to the vacant post on the strength of the latter’s qualifications.

‘PNoy neglected typhoon victims’

By Maricel V. Cruz

No raining on this parade. A stilts walker, juggler and unicyclist join a parade during the Dinengdeng Festival in Agoo, La Union. CHRISTINE JUNIO

A LAWMAKER on Thursday accused President Aquino III of criminal neglect as the government has yet to provide much-needed assistance to the victims of typhoons Yolanda, Ruby and Seniang that hit the country last year.

“It is a serious crime of Aquino against the people who were already victims but remain deprived of aid simply because they llive on danger zones, and no build, no dwell zones,” Anakpawis party-list Rep. Fernando Hicap, member of the Makabayan bloc, said in a statement.

Hicap added that leaders of the People’s Surge alliance and Samahan han Gudti nga Paraguma ha Sinirangan Bisayas (SA-

GUPA-SB, Alliance of Peasants in Eastern Visayas) reported during their visit in Congress last February that people in Eastern Visayas who are yet to recover from the disastrous impact of typhoon Yolanda on November of 2013, were again overwhelmed by subsequent typhoons Ruby and Seniang last December.

People’s organizations in Iloilo and Aklan have also reported that the victims are yet to receive assistance from the government who are implementing the Memorandum Circular No. 24 of the DSWD or the guidelines for the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA), Hicap said.

“It is worse that the government estimates are lower than what is concrete, this is exacerbated when the victims receive

no assistance from the government,” Hicap added.

Hicap said that Anakpawis group’s databank shows that foreign donations for Yolanda victims reached P73.3 billion last November while the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on its Situation Report No. 108 dated April 3, 2014 tagged the cost of damages to P39.8 billion—P19.5 billion in infrastructure damages and P20.2 billion in agriculture.

“If we are to simply deduct the cost of damages from the foreign donations, a hefty P33.5 billion would still be available, so how come that the victims are still downtrodden, who were again hammered by typhoons Ruby and Seniang,” Hicap said.

F R I D AY, M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA eDitOr

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

VirtUal reality tOny lOpeZ

Wiring the World’s cars

[ EDI TORI A L ]

DilapiDateD railway system APAThY and neglect may soon reduce the railway track operated by the Philippine National Railways to a national rubble.

The PNR has just suspended its Metro Manila train operations to give way to a thorough inspection of the tracks, after a coach traveling to Muntinlupa City derailed between the stations of Magallanes in Makati City and Nichols in Taguig City this week, resulting in the injury to at least 30 passengers.

The PNR operates the vital 28-kilometer-long (Tutuban-AlabangLaguna) line system that ferries 60,000 to 70,000 passengers daily.

The rail line, part of the original 1,100-km stretch that extended to La Union in the north and the Bicol region to the south, is an important alternative mode of transportation for students and lowwage earners.

The poor maintenance of the rail tracks, lack of state support and pilferage have slowly killed the transportation mode, one of the oldest railway systems in Asia. The PNR has already reduced the number of daily trips for the remaining line to 44 from 52, after pulling out one of the trains from the operating fleet because of the derailment.

Critics said gross negligence on the part of the PNR and the Transportation Department had caused the train to derail. Train Riders Network spokesman James Relativo noted that the rail system received minimal investment and subsidies from the national government and that most of the funds could barely cover the operation of the line, leaving nothing for expansion, modernization and rehabilitation.

Adding to the woes of the railway system is the increasing number of informal settlers living dangerously beside the rail tracks.

The government of President Aquino, which has boasted of the public-private partnership program to speed up the construction of key infrastructure projects, must make the rehabilitation of the PNR national rail line its priority. More importantly, the government should take immediate steps to restore the original route of the national railway from La Union to the Bicol region to make the PPP program more relevant and economic growth more inclusive.

Pathetic lOwDOwn jOjO a. rObles The Blamer-in-Chief took his complaining on the road once again, blasting his critics for his troubles. he should have just gone on one of his famous disappearing acts and saved the taxpayer the cost of his latest junket.

President Noynoy Aquino had to go all the way to Chicago to find an audience for his tired, old complaint

about being blamed for everything that goes wrong.

But if that was all he was going to do on his latest foreign trip, perhaps he should have just stayed at home and worked to dispel the impression that he’s not really doing anything – a belief that is much more widespread (and pernicious, in my opinion) than the one he bellyaches about.

Meeting with Filipinos in the Second City, Aquino indulged in his usual self-pitying hyperbole. “If there’s a strong typhoon, it’s

my fault. If there’s gridlock on edsa, it’s my fault. even Manny Pacquiao’s loss, it’s also my fault,” the President unashamedly griped.

Why Aquino continues to complain about his critics, five years after he took office, is still a mystery to me.

After all, if he really is fed up with being blamed, no one is forcing him to stay a minute longer in his post.

I’ve long argued that no one pointed a gun at Aquino’s head and demanded that he become President.

If he sought the presidency

A9

while he remains in office, aquino must understand that he will just have to grin his loopy grin and bear the criticism.

on his own volition, knowing full well that criticism comes with the territory of his exalted office, then his complaints are void.

Aquino’s own experience as one of the leaders of the opposition during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom he bashed at will, should have taught him that being the top banana isn’t all visits to car manufacturing companies and choice seats at Sergio Mendes concerts. The experience of his own parents, when they, too, were fighting Ferdinand Marcos, should have made him realize that criticism is something any

President must live with.

Of course, what remains of the once-formidable Aquino fan base will argue that criticizing the current President is not the same as criticizing Marcos or Arroyo. But that is exceptionalism at its worst, because it not only assumes that the latter two were bad Presidents, it also posits that Aquino, as his more intellectually-challenged of fans say, is “the best President this country ever had.”

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-

By no conceivable performance metric is this premise supportable.

And even if one accepts that Marcos and Arroyo were corrupt, this doesn’t mean that Aquino is better simply because he did nothing – he did not even have the energy to enrich himself in office, much less to do needful things like building roads and suchlike. *** It’s shameful, really, when Aquino opens his mouth to blame other

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

Cyan maGenta yellOw blaCK

people, because all the complaints against him are mostly the result of what he’s done – or what he’s failed to do. And so, while he can’t really be blamed for a strong typhoon, he must accept that his government’s response to calamities has been universally described as inadequate and politically skewed.

If there is gridlock on edsa, he should remember that it is his job to build more and better roads 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

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

Ma. Editha D. Angeles Advertising Manager Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

ONe business inside the export zones of the Philippine economic Zone Authority (PeZA) utilizes to the hilt the main attractions of the Philippines to foreign investors, among which are: one, easy availability of english-speaking easily trainable and cheap labor; and two, the talent and creativity of the Filipino worker, especially our engineers. These and other attractions explain why the Philippines is today on the verge of becoming the world’s major manufacturing hub.

Unknown to many, the Philippines is a global manufacturing hub for wiring harness – the kilometer-long wires in the innards of all automobiles.

The three biggest wiring harness manufacturers of Japan – and the world – operate in the Philippines – Yazaki, Sumi, and Furukawa. Their large and growing presence here is a testament to the country’s unrivalled attractions—strategic location (which enables just-in-time shipments and calibrated inventory); english-speaking skilled, productive and easy to train labor pool; attractive tax incentives; and tender loving care by PeZA professionals under Director General Lilia de Lima.

Vietnam offers only half of the tax discount given by the Philippines, estimates Takeshi Morikawa, president of Sumi Wiring Systems Corp, subsidiary of Japan’s Sumitomo wiring harness company. “China no longer offers tax incentives,” he adds. Sumi has three factories each in China and Vietnam.

“There is no comparison for what PeZA offers,” says Morikawa.

Once havens for manufacturers, China and Vietnam have seen the steepest rise in labor costs in recent years. Chinese workers also have the habit of taking a vacation and never coming back, resulting in turnovers of 30 percent to 40 percent per year, meaning in just three years all the workers you have trained are gone.

Manila gives PeZA locators exemption from the 32 percent corporate income tax for the first year of operations, extendable by another two years. For each new project. So as long as a locator has a new project, the tax exemption keeps on being extended.

Sumi has invested $70 million for a wiring harness factory in hermosa, in the heartland of Bataan, the province in which Allied troops surrendered to the conquering Japanese army during World War II. Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco-Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

F R I D AY, M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA eDitOr

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

VirtUal reality tOny lOpeZ

Wiring the World’s cars

[ EDI TORI A L ]

DilapiDateD railway system APAThY and neglect may soon reduce the railway track operated by the Philippine National Railways to a national rubble.

The PNR has just suspended its Metro Manila train operations to give way to a thorough inspection of the tracks, after a coach traveling to Muntinlupa City derailed between the stations of Magallanes in Makati City and Nichols in Taguig City this week, resulting in the injury to at least 30 passengers.

The PNR operates the vital 28-kilometer-long (Tutuban-AlabangLaguna) line system that ferries 60,000 to 70,000 passengers daily.

The rail line, part of the original 1,100-km stretch that extended to La Union in the north and the Bicol region to the south, is an important alternative mode of transportation for students and lowwage earners.

The poor maintenance of the rail tracks, lack of state support and pilferage have slowly killed the transportation mode, one of the oldest railway systems in Asia. The PNR has already reduced the number of daily trips for the remaining line to 44 from 52, after pulling out one of the trains from the operating fleet because of the derailment.

Critics said gross negligence on the part of the PNR and the Transportation Department had caused the train to derail. Train Riders Network spokesman James Relativo noted that the rail system received minimal investment and subsidies from the national government and that most of the funds could barely cover the operation of the line, leaving nothing for expansion, modernization and rehabilitation.

Adding to the woes of the railway system is the increasing number of informal settlers living dangerously beside the rail tracks.

The government of President Aquino, which has boasted of the public-private partnership program to speed up the construction of key infrastructure projects, must make the rehabilitation of the PNR national rail line its priority. More importantly, the government should take immediate steps to restore the original route of the national railway from La Union to the Bicol region to make the PPP program more relevant and economic growth more inclusive.

Pathetic lOwDOwn jOjO a. rObles The Blamer-in-Chief took his complaining on the road once again, blasting his critics for his troubles. he should have just gone on one of his famous disappearing acts and saved the taxpayer the cost of his latest junket.

President Noynoy Aquino had to go all the way to Chicago to find an audience for his tired, old complaint

about being blamed for everything that goes wrong.

But if that was all he was going to do on his latest foreign trip, perhaps he should have just stayed at home and worked to dispel the impression that he’s not really doing anything – a belief that is much more widespread (and pernicious, in my opinion) than the one he bellyaches about.

Meeting with Filipinos in the Second City, Aquino indulged in his usual self-pitying hyperbole. “If there’s a strong typhoon, it’s

my fault. If there’s gridlock on edsa, it’s my fault. even Manny Pacquiao’s loss, it’s also my fault,” the President unashamedly griped.

Why Aquino continues to complain about his critics, five years after he took office, is still a mystery to me.

After all, if he really is fed up with being blamed, no one is forcing him to stay a minute longer in his post.

I’ve long argued that no one pointed a gun at Aquino’s head and demanded that he become President.

If he sought the presidency

A9

while he remains in office, aquino must understand that he will just have to grin his loopy grin and bear the criticism.

on his own volition, knowing full well that criticism comes with the territory of his exalted office, then his complaints are void.

Aquino’s own experience as one of the leaders of the opposition during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom he bashed at will, should have taught him that being the top banana isn’t all visits to car manufacturing companies and choice seats at Sergio Mendes concerts. The experience of his own parents, when they, too, were fighting Ferdinand Marcos, should have made him realize that criticism is something any

President must live with.

Of course, what remains of the once-formidable Aquino fan base will argue that criticizing the current President is not the same as criticizing Marcos or Arroyo. But that is exceptionalism at its worst, because it not only assumes that the latter two were bad Presidents, it also posits that Aquino, as his more intellectually-challenged of fans say, is “the best President this country ever had.”

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-

By no conceivable performance metric is this premise supportable.

And even if one accepts that Marcos and Arroyo were corrupt, this doesn’t mean that Aquino is better simply because he did nothing – he did not even have the energy to enrich himself in office, much less to do needful things like building roads and suchlike. *** It’s shameful, really, when Aquino opens his mouth to blame other

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

Cyan maGenta yellOw blaCK

people, because all the complaints against him are mostly the result of what he’s done – or what he’s failed to do. And so, while he can’t really be blamed for a strong typhoon, he must accept that his government’s response to calamities has been universally described as inadequate and politically skewed.

If there is gridlock on edsa, he should remember that it is his job to build more and better roads 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

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

Ma. Editha D. Angeles Advertising Manager Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

ONe business inside the export zones of the Philippine economic Zone Authority (PeZA) utilizes to the hilt the main attractions of the Philippines to foreign investors, among which are: one, easy availability of english-speaking easily trainable and cheap labor; and two, the talent and creativity of the Filipino worker, especially our engineers. These and other attractions explain why the Philippines is today on the verge of becoming the world’s major manufacturing hub.

Unknown to many, the Philippines is a global manufacturing hub for wiring harness – the kilometer-long wires in the innards of all automobiles.

The three biggest wiring harness manufacturers of Japan – and the world – operate in the Philippines – Yazaki, Sumi, and Furukawa. Their large and growing presence here is a testament to the country’s unrivalled attractions—strategic location (which enables just-in-time shipments and calibrated inventory); english-speaking skilled, productive and easy to train labor pool; attractive tax incentives; and tender loving care by PeZA professionals under Director General Lilia de Lima.

Vietnam offers only half of the tax discount given by the Philippines, estimates Takeshi Morikawa, president of Sumi Wiring Systems Corp, subsidiary of Japan’s Sumitomo wiring harness company. “China no longer offers tax incentives,” he adds. Sumi has three factories each in China and Vietnam.

“There is no comparison for what PeZA offers,” says Morikawa.

Once havens for manufacturers, China and Vietnam have seen the steepest rise in labor costs in recent years. Chinese workers also have the habit of taking a vacation and never coming back, resulting in turnovers of 30 percent to 40 percent per year, meaning in just three years all the workers you have trained are gone.

Manila gives PeZA locators exemption from the 32 percent corporate income tax for the first year of operations, extendable by another two years. For each new project. So as long as a locator has a new project, the tax exemption keeps on being extended.

Sumi has invested $70 million for a wiring harness factory in hermosa, in the heartland of Bataan, the province in which Allied troops surrendered to the conquering Japanese army during World War II. Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco-Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

A10 CHURCH, POLITICS, POVERTY! Politics is the entire dynamic and craft PENSEES of power-distribution through government FR. RANHILIO institutions in society.

CALLANGAN there are different foci AQUINO of power – universities and educational institutions and corporations provide ready examples – but they differ in influence and vary in suasion through time. the church is an institution that at one time had wielded considerable power, but has since declined in social influence, not necessarily because its leadership and its priests have been lackadaisical but because our times are post-traditional, post-conventional.

As such, politics cannot be blamed for poverty in the country. it is in fact this a priori demonization of politics that explains why, in many cases, otherwise capable catholics do not offer their service to the state as public officials.

Election results are often regrettably pathetic, if not hilarious, not because voters are dumb – which they can be – but because they have no choice. the same faces in fact are emerging once more as front-liners in the 2016 race. Where are the alternatives? Has not catholic catechism taught that it is a moral obligation of a catholic who is possessed of the qualifications and the competence to offer her services for public office when there is a crying need for such services?

But why would anyone has not totally gone bonkers even venture into the minefield of politics when politicians and their business are pariah to the church? it is not criticism of politics and of politicians that is injurious to the community and to the church. Rather it is the indifference if not spite we have for politics that makes dialogue between the church and politicians seldom helpful and constructive. Giving up on politics and politicians is not pastorally sound. it creates a divide that places politics and politicians beyond our pastoral con- Politics is not cern and reinforces the mistaken the cause of notion of “separation of church and state” that would silence the poverty. church whenever it speaks on politically sensitive issues.

Politics in the Philippines has been variously described as rambunctious, disorderly, corrupt and unfair. But to the credit of the Filipino, it is free and unfettered. By contrast, politics in control states – singleparty states, autocracies or theocracies – are orderly, sedate and subdued, but these are generally not looked up to as desirable.

We, as church, also have a stake in politics because the use, deployment and distribution of governmental power can, on the one hand, be tolerant, hospitable, indifferent or, at the other extreme, hostile and averse to the church.

Politics is much too important and crucial a matter for us to shrug off and to leave to politicians. A preponderance of secularists in government positions, due of course to the political dominance of secularist groups or parties, would create a very different milieu for the church in the Philippines. in the Philippines, politics has a bad name because we associate it with rigged elections, bribed voters, duplicity of politicians, political dynasties and the misappropriation of public funds and monies, through various guises for personal and familial interests. But while blatant and intense forms of such misuse of power will be found in the Philippines, these ills of politics are not exclusive to us. the United states abounds in issues of trust, honesty and credibility of politicians – and so it will be wherever the exercise of power is involved.

What i propose is coNstRUctiVE ENGAGEMENt. “Give to caesar the things that are caesar’s and to God, the things that are God’s”. i am surprised that this has traditionally been read to create two kingdoms: one of caesar, the other of God. But the lord’s is the earth and its fullness and all that dwells therein. so while politicians run politics,

F R I D AY, M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

NOT waITINg fOR PENSION adjUSTmENT iN an unprecedented move tute a heavy work backlog.

FILIPINO days before last week’s labor sss could no longer cope PENSIONER with these demands on a daily Day, the social security system issued an advisory that basis. After all, they involve HORACE began with the most provocatedious work such as record tEmPLO tive question to us, its penretrieval, re-encoding, resioners: posting in the computer database, and re“Are you waiting for an adjustment in computation of pensions. your monthly pension?” in its advisory, sss announced further continuing, it assured us not to worry. that its special team is re-posting missing My fellow sss pensioners and i thought records whether or not requests have been that these were the introduction to that long- submitted. awaited announcement by sss of a pension Yes, sss treats these re-posting as requests increase.

- not demands – but announced nonetheless But the advisory’s next statements indi- that it would complete them by yearend. cated that sss was only addressing its thousss has announced likewise that it has sands of pensioners among us who have stopped re-computing pensions but would demanded that their pensions be adjusted automatically resume them once it has comto reflect in the computation their missing pleted its re-posting work. Meantime, pencontributions. sioners have to wait.

Without bothering to explain the obviin effect, sss has asked them to stop ous, sss announced that it was performing bothering it concerning their contribution a “manual verification” of missing contribu- re-posting and pension re-computation; it tion records for the years 1985-1989, which would process new pension applications it estimated to have reached 89 million. only.

At last, after years of denying that somei hope this latest sss advisory would thing went wrong with its contribution re- not result again in protests and discontent cords, sss has publicly admitted that some- among its deprived pensioners, as what thing wrong did happen. happened when sss recently attempted to But sss would not yet admit that it lost refund the contributions of members who millions of these records in a classic com- have not qualified to a pension upon reachputer fiasco while transferring its contribu- ing their mandatory retirement age. tion records from an old database into an they paid their contributions a quarter upgraded one. of a century ago. isn’t sss the one that lost What, there were no back-up files? them? Why didn’t it hire enough personnel sss is now addressing this fiasco by re- to re-post their contributions and address encoding the missing contributions. their pending demands for re-computation?

Hopefully, the original contribution reWhat if sss could not restore all lost concords –in paper and tape media – are still tribution records? available, intact, and readable for re-encodsss could fill up the months in 1985-1989 ing despite being stored for decades in pro- with missing contributions the way it did in vincial bodegas. the past. otherwise, sss would have to rely on the After failing also to account for contribumicrofilmed copies of these records. the sss tions that were paid before January 1975, sss microfilming system - in which sss has in- simple wrote into its charter that the creditvested before hundreds of millions of pesos ed years of service for these members would - would then be put to its first real test. be “nineteen hundred seventy five minus the When the 89 million records were lost, calendar year of coverage plus the number of the pensions that were paid after 1985 were calendar years in which six or more contricomputed without these missing contribu- butions have been paid from January 1975 tions. they were thus undervalued. After re- up to the calendar year.” posting the missing records, sss must then this option is more pragmatic. instead re-compute them. of spending its energies in recovering the The pensioners whose pensions had been contribution records it lost, sss could focus adjusted brag about these adjustments to their more on improving its pension program. fellow pensioners and cannot avoid egging Based on the sss pension formula, an others to also demand for a re-computation. undervalued pension could be adjusted by consequently, these demands for re-com- as much as 10 percent of salary credit or Continued on A11 putation now swamp sss offices and consti-

the political sphere should be embraced by our pastoral concern. We can learn from the prophetic tradition: speaking at times as one with the king, at other times, condemning the king – and of course, earning his ire in the process. it will not do for us to hold ourselves out as the nemesis of politicians, because all that will do is polarize politicians in their corner, and us, in ours – and whether we like it or not, rant against it or not, they have power! Neither will it help the church for us pastors to be lackeys of the powerful, for church history has taught us the invaluable lesson that it turns out bad for the church when her ministers are at the beck and call of princes. if we had no politics, we would not be eliminating poverty. We would be eliminating organized, social existence and govern-

ment. Politics is not the cause of poverty. there is a brand of politics than can be causally related to politics, but it should not be very difficult to appreciate how ambivalent these factors are that we identity as “causative factors” of poverty. in many dioceses, the social action commissions and desks have accomplished tremendous feats. We have gone into cooperatives, community-based health programs, micro-finance and farmer-fisherfolk mobilization. But one thing should be exceedingly clear.

As church, we cannot provide an alternative to financing, crediting, banking, lending systems. We should not even compete with the established institutions for such services.

And when we do, it is important to realize Continued on A11

F R I d aY, M aY 8 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

adelle chua EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

Pathetic..From A9 and mass transit systems and that he should not insult the millions for whom commuting is such a daily ordeal by telling them that traffic is a sign of a booming economy. (nobody among his critics – and believe me, i know most of them – has ever blamed him for Pacquiao’s loss; that’s just aquino being aquino, begging for sympathy based on an imaginary slight.) i have no doubt whatsoever that to the very end of his term a year from now, aquino will keep blaming other people for the things that he really should have done. it’s simply too late to expect aquino to take responsibility for the bad stuff that happens, like he does the good things that occasionally do – even if he only had the most marginal of contributions, like the growth of the stock market or the stay of execution granted to Mary Jane veloso.

The man is incapable of admitting that he’s wrong about anything that goes wrong

Not..From A10 20 percent of pension amount. This is the typical adjustment for a pensioner who contributed for 30 years but whose pension was computed based on 25 years only. in this example, the adjustment to a P5,000 monthly pension would be P1,000 per month. The adjustment would have accumulated to P120,000 if this undervalued pension was paid 10 years ago. all of these potential pension adjustments that have been withheld for years from SSS pensioners could reach billions of pesos.

Church..From A10 the competence of the laity, and their specific apostolate. years of studying philosophy and theology did not teach us how to form corporations and cooperatives and how to manage them. our annual retreats and the daily recitation of the divine office do not pass on to us the rules of banking and the requirements of credit transactions. our prayer life, our studies and our charisms as priests will provide us with the perspective, the reason, the motive – as well as the perseverance – for our engagement in these endeavors. But we must ask the laypersons to serve where they excel, and allow them to help us de-clericalize the church! very important as well are our advocacies as church. What propositions do we support? Which do we reject? What government initiatives do we commend? Which do we caution against? But clearly enough

#failocracy

that he did, in the same way that he’s so quick to claim credit for things that he didn’t do. as for his critics, aquino seems unable to accept that he cannot demand that everyone sing his praises, unless he is prepared to jail everyone for exercising their freedom to express themselves. and while he remains in office, aquino must understand that he will just have to grin his loopy grin and bear the criticism that is part of the job. in a year, assuming that he isn’t thrown in jail like his last two predecessors, i predict that nobody will even talk about aquino anymore, and he can return full-time to his serial dating, video-game playing and firing-range haunting – but not until then.

Whenever he whines about how hard his critics have made his life, he just comes across as the imaginary teenager about whom freddie aguilar wrote the song “Estudyante Blues” – the slacker anthem that is his all-time favorite ditty, by the way. and that, in a word, is pathetic. as once asked by davao city Mayor digong duterte – “When will the disabled and elderly pensioners be paid their pension adjustments? long after they have died?” certainly, pensioners deserve to be paid immediately. as to that provocative question of SSS in its labor day advisory, our candid reply would have been – “no, we are not waiting for any pension adjustment from SSS - not until next year when this administration starts to woo us pensioner-voters or only after it has gone.” we cannot advocate without information and study – and regrettably, studying seems to be a skill we lose upon ordination! it is important, for example, that we insist that any peace settlement in Mindanao be all-inclusive. despite the government’s relentless campaign for the speedy passage of the BBl – a campaign for which there was no let-up even while we were mourning the victims of Mamasapano – it is morally obligatory for us to ask whether all who should be heard were in fact heard. So, what do we advocate in this respect? and in respect to ofWs and the awful situations they many times get into, what do we stand for? Study, enlightened discussion and prayer -- in fidelity to the gospel -- should help us articulate our advocacy. rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

A11

Wiring..From A9 The facility currently employs 3,500. This will increase to 5,000 as it expands production to 480 million circuits a year by 2017, as Sumi diversifies markets from Japan to include US, Thailand, china, russia, Taiwan and australia to feed the needs of Toyota’s new camry model by that year.

Morikawa finds filipino “operators” (workers) “very good”. They are young, warm, courteous, hardworking and easy to train and communicate with because of their English.

The complaints of PEZa locators are similar—high electricity cost, unreliable infrastructure, port congestion, and lgUs which often impose so many “requirements”. Thankfully, there is PEZa to smoothen things out.

Sumi’s bigger rival here, furukawa, also of Japan, echoes its delight about locating a factory in the Philippines, as well as the perils of doing business here. in 2012, Keiji Kita was looking for a new plant site in Southeast asia. he studied three places – Surabaya, indonesia; cambodia, and the Philippines.

The president of furukawa automotive Systems design, inc. settled on the Philippines for three reasons: 1) short transportation lead time between Manila and Japan (five days, compared to 10 days from vietnam and 14 days from indonesia; 2) stable cost, and 3) easy availability of manpower. furukawa bought a 12-hectare industrial land in lima in Batangas. The brand-new factory occupies 4.3 hectares, leaving enough space for future expansion. “There is no more land to buy in lima,” says Kita, as if complaining. a short transport lead time can mean substantial savings in carrying cost of inventory, explains Kita.

“But we were able to do it, thanks to the quality of local manpower. it would have taken three to four years in either vietnam or china. he says the nearby Batangas State University graduates very good engineers.” at the same time, it is difficult to recruit manpower in china. cost is high and turnover is high, more than 30 percent per year. in the Philippines, recruiting good Englishspeaking, highly educated, and productive workers was quite easy. Turnover is low, 1 percent to 2 percent per month, for those who are not yet regular. in vietnam, manpower turnover is 10 percent per month. about the only local complaint of Kita is the high cost of electricity in the Philippines. Wiring harness is a laborintensive and power-intensive business, says Kita.

“The quality of filipino manpower is very good,” gloats Kita. Usually, he notes, “it is difficult to ramp up production in just two years. on the other hand, indonesians and vietnamese have difficulty expressing themselves in English. labor costs in china and vietnam have risen dramatically in recent years. furukawa exports wiring harness to six major Japanese car companies – Toyota, nissan, honda, Mazda, Suzuki, and daihatsu. furukawa’s Batangas plant employs 6,000 people today, producing 580 million circuits a year, up from zero barely two years ago. Exports have risen dramatically from $621,000 in 2012 to $98.93 million in 2014. furakawa already has two factories in vietnam (its biggest production hub in Southeast asia), but decided to open a $500-million facility at the lima Technology center, the special economic zone in lipa, Batangas now owned by the aboitiz family. biznewsasia@gmail.com

chong ardivilla

F RI DAY : M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

A12

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

PH bows to China in Asian Under 23 HOST Philippines almost pulled the rug from under powerhouse China before eventually yielding a hardfought 25-23, 14-25, 18-25, 17-25 game as the Chinese advanced to the semifinals of the 2015 Asian Under-23 Women’s Volleyball Championship.

The Philippine volley belles – led by Jaja Santiago, Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo and Riza Sato – shocked the Chinese with their strong start as they dealt the top seeds only their third set loss in the tournament to the delight of a deliriously shouting crowd at the Philsports Arena.

The Chinese regained their poise in the second set. World championship veteran Liu Yanhan led the mighty comeback of China which imposed its will in the final three sets to

relegate the Philippines to the classification round for fifth to eight places.

The Chinese advanced to the semifinals and will face Korea, the only team other than the Philippines to win a set against them this tournament. The Philippines take on Chinese Taipei in the classification round in a rematch of their second-round battle.

China sat out Liu in the first set and paid for their over confidence as the Philippines took the set.

In the other match of the day Korea tripped Chinese Taipei, 16-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14, 1510, to qualify to the semifinals against powerhouse China.

Soyoung Lee led her team with 29 points, 26 on spikes.

Hyejin Ha chipped in 19 and Hyeri An added 16 for Korea.

India’s Ghosh Anusri (4) scores against Japan’s Nanaka Sakamoto (16) and Hitomi Kodama (18) in the 1st Rebisco Asian U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship powered by PLDT Home and Smart Live More at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. ROMAN PROSPERO

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE

INVITATION TO BID NO. INFRA-025-2015 The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund25 intends to apply the below listed project w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Name of Project

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

1. Replacement of Rosa Bridge at Sitio Little Baguio Barangay Palihan, Hermosa, Bataan

=P= 13,999,956.94

2. Construction of Catmon Bridge (Phase I) at Sitio Kabukiran Barangay Calaylayan, Abucay, Bataan

=P= 5,999,997.37

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Projects.

Completion of works is required on or before the maturity date stipulated on contract. Bidders should have completed, within Ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Office of Bataan Bids & Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the same office.

Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 042012 listed below.

Approved Budget for the Contract

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso) 500.00 1,000.00 5.000.00 10.000.00 25.000.00 50,000.00 75.000.00

500,000 and below More than 500.000 up to 1 Million More than 1 Million up to 5 Million More than 5 Million up to 10 Million More than 10 Million up to 50 Million More than 50 Million up to 500 Million More than 500 Million

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on May 5, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered on or before May 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. At Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 and Bid Securing Declaration in standard form.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted.

In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days.

Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Activities Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Eligibility Check Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents Request for Clarification Opening of Bids

Schedule May 6 - 12, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids May 6 - 26, 2015 May 15, 2015 May 26, 2015

The Provincial Government of Bataan 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: Engr. Josephine R. Valenzuela Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound Balanga City, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph (Sgd). ENRICO T. YUZON BAC Chairman (TS-MAY 8, 2015)

Kyrgios sends Federer crashing MADRID—Australia young gun Nick Kyrgios knocked top seed Roger Federer out of the Madrid Open on Wednesday with a stunning 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (14/12) victory.

Kyrgios, who beat Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last year, sent down 22 aces to Federer’s 15 and next faces John Isner of the United States.

“I’ve been playing well recently on the clay, so I knew I had a good chance to go out there and do well. I stuck to my game and served well and I got the win,” said Kyrgios who was runner-up on clay at Estoril last weekend.

More Best cage clinics THE award-winning Best Center (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center) sponsored by Milo has added four more provincial venues to its basketball summer clinics from May 11 to 16.

Ormoc, Leyte will have the opportunity of hosting the Best Center once again at the Western Leyte College gym for students in Levels 1, 2 and 3, with Marlon Matiga as contact person (0917 342 9495).

Divine Word Academy in Dagupan, Pangasinan, meanwhile, will offer preparatory Levels 1, 2 and 3 on the same dates with Sonny de Jesus as contact person (0915 906 3915 and 0925 802 1274).

Cebu City will have its own clinics at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu for students in preparatory Levels 1 to 4. Rico Navarro will handle the event (0908 818 7748, 0923 342 8193 and 0999 420 8794

“I guess that’s why you play the game, to play on these big courts against these big players.

He’s the greatest of all-time, no doubt.”

Top seed Federer saved five match points in the deciding tiebreaker while having two of his own annulled by the bighitting Australian youngster, ranked 35th.

“I couldn’t return his first serve, I had a horrible perform-

ance on return of serve,” said Federer. “That made life difficult for me.

“I’m disappointed with how I played on returns, and that cost me the match.”

Meanwhile, second seeded Andy Murray went through, beating Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 in a second round tie which finished at just after 3 a.m.

Thursday.

Murray, who had defeated Kohlschreiber in the rain-delayed Munich final on Monday in another three-setter to claim his first claycourt title, next faces Spain’s Marcel Granollers. AFP

Still partners.

Healthway Medical, the most trusted and preferred mall-based clinics, has renewed its partnership with the Philippine Superliga as the league’s official medical and healthcare provider.

The partnership is part of the clinic’s thrust to promote its SEED Program (Sleep, Eat Right, Exercise, and Destress) and help clients, especially athletes, achieve a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle, according to Carmie de Leon, vice president for sales and marketing. In photo is Nicole Tiamzon of the Foton Tornadoes, one of the league’s top players embracing Healthway’s latest program.

F RI DAY : M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

A13

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Volcanoes eye explosive show AFTER dodging the bullet in a heart-stopping 20-17 come-from-behind win over Singapore Wednesday, the Philippine Volcanoes seek to put up a more explosive performance in tomorrow’s finals of the Asian Rugby Championship Division 1 tournament against Sri Lanka.

The slow-starting Volcanoes trailed by as many as 10 points against the upset-conscious Singaporeans but leaned hard on their fighting spirit to salvage the victory to the delight of supporters who never gave up on them in the match that went to extra time.

“I’m very proud of the way our squad finished the game. It wasn’t the most clinical performance but we showed Philippine spirit and never gave up,” said skipper Oliver Saunders.

Alex Aronson came off the bench to lead the Filipinos’ rally, scoring a penalty kick in the second half of extra time to deliver the “golden points” that sent the hosts to Saturday’s gold medal match. Aronson was also responsible for forcing the extension with his try and successful conversion in the last play of regulation.

“It was really a good effort. We didn’t really help ourselves out a lot of times and so we had to fight back,” said Aronson.

The “16th man” at their home turf – the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan – also provided the energy that kept the embattled Volcanoes going.

“Amazing support. They came all the way out here to support us.

They’re the best fans, they pushed us on when it’s tough to keep fighting on. I’m proud to represent them, proud to represent the Philippines,” said Aronson.

The top-ranked Volcanoes will gun for the ARC Division 1 crown on Saturday night against No. 2 Sri Lanka, which looked good in a 3514 demolition of Kazakhstan in the semis.

“Looking forward to the next game,” said Aronson.

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

violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease.

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

001263

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares:

14. My character witnesses are Jocelyn Pangan Romero and Anita De Jesus Enriquez both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at Room 308 ITC Building, 337 Gil Puyat, Makati and 1704 Baler Street, Santiago Village, Makati respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

1. My full name is PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI , but I have also been known since childhood as N/A or I have been N/A . judicially authorized to use the alias name(s)

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):

2. My present place of residence is 2176 Fatima Street, San Miguel Village, City/Municipality of Makati Province of Metro Manila and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence)

[ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ / ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years

SCN CASE NO. 000574 x-------------------------- x

PETITION

1989-1990 at No. 8977 Araga Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City 1990-2002 at 9559-C Taguig Street, J.P. Rizal, Makati City 2003-2010 at 24 Saturn Street, Bel-Air 2 Subdivision, Makati City 2010 to present at 2176 Fatima Street, San Miguel Village, Makati City 3. I was born on Jan. 11, 1989, in Makati City Philippines.

I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of India.

4. My father's name is Devkishan Chainani and he was born on March 11, 1958, in Jaipur, India. He is a citizen or subject of India. My mother's name is Harsha Devkishan Chainani and she was born on Jan. 26, 1963 in Kolkata, India. She is a citizen or subject of India.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which I derive an average annual income of P N/A , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances.

My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:N/A, (2) name of school: N/A and (3) years graduated: N/A] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is Single , I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/A . She/he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A. 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have N.A. child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name

Date of Birth N/A

N/A

Milo Rivera, the top contender in overall points after winning three straight legs, has his windshield wiped clean before his turn in the National Slalom Grand Prix Series.

Slalom goes to Pampanga ROBINSONS Starmills Pampanga will host the fourth leg of the RACE Motorsports National Slalom Grand Prix Series.

Registration starts at 8 a.m., while the open practice runs are set from 8 to 10 a.m.

Official practice runs begin at 11 a.m., with each given only one official run regardless of how many classes or cars the driver is entered.

In between practice is a free slalom clinic from 9 to 10 a.m.

Contenders for the overall and class champions must use the specified Federal Tyres for at least nine or 75% of the series and must possess the AAP Clubman license in order to accumulate points. All drivers will be charged an additional one-time fee of P300 per leg for the Clubman License.

The event is affiliated with the Automobile Association of the Philippines and FIA, and is the longestrunning motorsports discipline in the country.

Expected to participate are the

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

The series is sponsored by Shell Helix Motor Oils with Pureplus Technology, Federal Tyres, Outlast Battery, Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter, media partners Stoplight TV, Inside Motoring, DZRJAm, Pinoy Speed sa mga Pahayagan and Spin.Ph (Sports Interactive Network), C! Magazine, Autocar Magazine and Robinsons Malls and Robinsons Starmills Pampanga.

The next legs will be on May 24 at the INC Arena in Bocaue for the 1st Philippine Motoring Festival, and on May 31 for the 2nd Slalom Invitational at Robinsons Calasiao, Pangasinan.

For details, contact Bing Bang Dulce at nos. 928-6951, 09228165344 or 0917-8119337; e-mail racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com or like our FB page.

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

Place of Birth Residence N/A

N/A

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: Affidavit of Financial Support from Devkishan Chainani (Father) Affidavit of Financial Capacity from Devkishan Chainani (Father) Last 3 years Income Tax Returns of Devkishan Chainani (Father) Last 3 years Income Tax Return of Family Owned business, with complete SEC documents PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at San Juan, Metro Manila, this 28th day of January, 2015.

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

Name of School

Place of School

Dates of Study

Think and Try

Makati City

06/91-03/92

Colegio de San Agustin Reedley Int’l. School Univ. of Prince Edward Island

Makati City Pasig City Canada

06/92-03/04 06/04-03/07 01/09-12/09

Raffles Designs Inst.

Makati City

Highest Grade Completed Nursery

Grade 9 High School One (1) Year College 2 n d Ye a r 07/12 to present AD di vp al no cme ad Course

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

Name of Child

Name and Place of School

N/A

N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

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

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

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of

PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: 2176 Fatima Street San Miguel Village, Makati City Telephone Number: 403-7085

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF MAKATI) S.S. I, PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI of legal age and a resident of 2176 Fatima Street, San Miguel Village, Makati City after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI Name and Signature of Petitioner

SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at Makati City, this JAN. 23, 2015.

(MST-May 8, 15 & 22, 2015)

F R I D AY : M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

A14

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

2 swimmers break records

By Peter Atencio

TAGUM, Davao del Norte—Twelve-year-old Seth Isaak Martin joined Sacho Maurice Ilustre in leaving a big mark in the swimming competition of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa here.

Martin, who plans to study at La SalleZobel in high school, took three more golds, set a second course record along the way and brought his total haul to five in the elementary boys’ action.

He anchored the 4x100 meter medley relay team to a 4:41.55 performance, which erased the old mark of 2:06.50 set by the National Capital Region in 2006. His other two golds for the day came in the 200-meter individual medley (2:28.35) and the 100-meter freestyle(1:00.12).

“We just did our best and prayed to God. We also encouraged each other,” said the lanky Martin of his teammates Charles Arceo, Ian Go and Sean Cruz.

Martin’s big showing came with only two days left in the competition, with the Big City already amassing 38 gold medals to go with 33 silver and 23 bronze medals, putting itself on the verge of taking the overall title in this Davao del Norte edition backed

by Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc., Damosa Land, Davao Packaging Corporation, Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. and Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

On Tuesday, Martin took the gold in the 100-meter backstroke, breaking the record in the preliminaries in 1:06.38, while anchoring the NCR squad to a record-setting 2:05.04 finish in the 4x50-meter medley relays.

Martin’s teammate Ilustre, whose record-setting 2:07.28 in the 200-meter butterfly is considered a Philippine national junior record after he made a 2:08.04 last year, has two golds after leading the 4x100 meter to a 4:07 feat.

A swimmer from Cebu and a runner from Misamis Occidental also set new marks. Cebuana lass Raven Faith Alcoseba broke Regina Castrillo’s 200-meter individual medley mark (2:37.16) twice, first with at 2:34.76 in the prelims, and then with 2:33.71 in the finals.

Misamis runner Jie Ann Calis, on the other hand, beat current record holder Angelica de Josef of Region VI in 2:12 in the 800-meter secondary girls’ action in athletics. De Josef, who holds it at 2:17.2 last year, was third in 2:14.49.

Southern Tagalog (Region IV-A) is the only region that has a chance of possibly catching up with NCR with its 27-19-24 haul.

R e p ublic of the Philippines National Capital Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Branch 144, Makati City ROXANNE DEL MUNDO

ANCHETA, Petitioner,

-VS-

SP. PROC.-NO. M-7780

RAMON JESUSITO MIGUEL V. SILOS III, and/or Administrator and Civil Registrar General, National Statistics Office, and/or the Local Civil Registrar of Makati.

Respondent, x--------------------------------------------------x

ORDER Before this Court is a verified Petition for Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce and/or Enforcement of Foreign Judgment filed by petitioner, Roxanne Del Mundo Ancheta, against respondent, Ramon Jesusito Miguel V. Silos III A.K.A. Ramon Valenton Silos.

The Petition alleges the following: that petitioner is of legal age, AmericanFilipino, and residing at #1 Ber-Rita Compound, Bayan Luma 1, Imus, Cavite; that respondent is also of legal age, Filipino, and residing at 41 Florida St., Merville Park, Paranaque City; that petitioner and respondent were married in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States of America on July 1, 2005; that petitioner and respondent were again married on January 31, 2008 at Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish, Forbes Park, Makati City; that the parties have two (2) minor children, namely, Noelle Anne Ancheta Silos born on December 16, 2008 and Bella Louise Ancheta Silos born on August 18, 2010; that due to their unhappy marriage and irreconcilable differences, petitioner filed for divorce before the Superior Court of California, Country of Alameda on May 7, 2013 which thereafter issued a Judgment of Dissolution dissolving the parties` marriage. Petitioner, then prays that the Judgement of Dissolution of Marital and Domestic Partnership Status and the resolution regarding support, custody and property be recognized in the Philippines.

Finding the Petition sufficient in form and in substance, set the hearing of this case on June 9, 2015 at 8:30 am before this Court located at the 10th Floor of Makati City Hall, Makati City.

Petitioner is directed to comply with the following; (1) send a copy of this Order and Summons to RAMON JESUSITO MIGUEL V. SILOS III at his last known address at 41 Florida St., Merville Park, Paranaque City, and submit proof of its compliance within ten (10) days from receipt of this Order, and (2) publish this Order together with the Summons once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation prior to the hearing, all at the petitioner`s expense.

Also, petitioner is given five (5) days from receipt hereof within which to submit proof of compliance that copies of the Petition and its annexes were sent to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) of Makati City.

Court Social Worker Preciousa Macapuso is directed to conduct a case study of the parties` minor children and submit the corresponding report at least three (3) days before the pre-trial.

SO ORDERED. City of Makati, March 31, 2015.

(Sgd.) LIZA MARIE R. PICARDAL-TECSON Presiding Judge (TS-MAY 8 & 15, 2015)

After some intense dicing for the lead in the early goings, Gabe Cabrera (yellow kart) found a way to pull ahead of veteran 2012 Karter of the Year VJ Suba for his third straight ROK Shifter triumph at the new Shell-Palawan International Circuit

Ang, Cabrera extend kart streaks PUERTO PRINCESA CITY— The unique challenge of the new Shell-Palawan International Circuit drew the best out of young aces Gabe Tayao Cabrera and Jacob Ang of Eagle Cement, who romped to their third straight triumphs recently in third leg of the 2015 Petron Blaze 100 ROK Karting Super Series in Barangay Sta. Monica here.

Cabrera held strong against veteran VJ Suba in the premier ROK Shifter class to stay on course for the coveted Karter of the Year plum, while Ang continued his winning ways to fortify his hold on solo leadership in the KF Junior Blaze 100 of this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Petron, Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4, Petron XCS, Petron Ultron, Petron Xtra, Petron Sprint, Magnolia Pure Water

and Yokohama the official tires.

Racing on the new track gave Cabrera, last year’s Junior Karter of the Year and Asian Junior champion, equal chances against Suba as he pulled ahead over his veteran rival to complete his sweep of all three races. He also set the fastest laptime 1:01.371 on the new track, which he posted in the seventh lap of the qualifying heat.

Ang, on the other hand, struggled at the start, winding up only fourth in the qualifying time trials.

But he quickly adjusted to the track conditions as he showed his true fangs by sweeping the Qualifying heat, the Pre-Final, and the Final Races. He wrapped up the 16-lap Final race in 16 minutes and 9.463 seconds, 6.799 seconds ahead of runner-up Mikey Jordan.

Sean Draeco McLelland checked in a close third, while John Dizon and Tai Zulberti wound up fourth

and fifth, respectively.

With their feats, Ang and Cabrera went down in history as among the pioneer champions of the Shell-Palawan International Circuit, along with Jerry Choi and Rainer Te. Choi was the track’s first double title winner for clinching the crowns in the ROK Shifter Veterans Max Diesel and the ROK Expert Blaze 100 over Julius Milla.

Te emerged as the first newcomer to capture the title in the ROK Novice Blaze 100v, where he turned back Ben Stone.

The series takes a short break as the country’s best karters gear up for the kickoff of the 2015 Asian Karting Open Championships at the Kartodromo de Coloane Circuit in Macau.

For more info, call the Carmona Racetrack, c/o Rose Feria at 845-0745, 889-3389, 845-3287 and 845-4142 or visit the website www.asiankarting.net.

Strengthening the Palaro DENNIS PRINCIPE

SPORTS CHAT

TAGUM City—Who cares about John Andrei Dedal, Mark Lorenz Balcita and Karen Janario?

I do, not only because these three are turning out to be elite athletes of the ongoing 2015 Palarong Pambansa here.

It is not only worth chronicling the exploits of these three young athletes, who are barely in their teens. What is equally interesting about them is how they worked their way up from being nondescript participants to becoming gold medal winners in this annual sporting event.

The 15-year-old Leyte native Janario is now in her third Palarong Pambansa stint and has been raking in medals after medals the last two years while representing Eastern Visayas.

A Filipina-American, Janario was one of the lucky survivors of typhoon Yolanda when she

and a few others were rescued, while trapped inside the Leyte Sports Academy.

Before Yolanda, Janario has struggled winning medals in previous competitions and in her first year as Palarong Pambansa competitor.

“Susuko na sana ako noon pero sinabi ng coach na hindi dapat ako sumuko kasi may potensyal ako.

Hindi din nanghina ang loob ko kasi may tiwala ako sa Diyos,” said Janario.

Instead of losing hope after witnessing the onslaught of Yolanda that devastated their house and belongings, Janario doubled her effort by improving on her performance that eventually made her one of the most successful student athletes of the annual games.

Balcita, on the other hand, never gave up in being part of their taekwondo team in the ARMM, despite coming from a poor family.

After noticing a group of young jins sparring in their school, Balcita instantly fell

in love with the sport and decided to try his luck with the regional team.

After the current coach learned that Balcita could not afford paying the regular training fee, the taekwondo hopeful was offered a job in exchange for free taekwondo workouts.

“Sabi nila pagkatapos ng training, ako ang mag-linis ng gym. Tinanggap ko agad kasi gusto ko talaga makalibre para masubukan ko ang taekwondo,” said Balcita. “Hindi naman masama loob ko na naglilinis ako ng gym kasi ito naman talaga ang naging daan para matupad pangarap ko na maglaro ng taekwondo.”

Dedal improved on his silver medal finish last year when he finally copped the gold in this year’s Poomsae Individual Boy’s category.

As of presstime, Dedal was aiming for a shot at the Kyuroge or combat event of Taekwondo which is being held at the Gaisano Mall.

Incoming high school

student Dedal had to endure so much pressure in his first-ever Palaro outing, where he ended up dead last in his first event, the 100-meter dash.

“Kinabahan ako kaya last place. Nakita ko kasi sa time trial ang bibilis ng kalaban ko,” said Dedal.

For his second event the following day, Dedal immediately conquered his fear when he won the gold in the 400-meter race in seemingly easy fashion.

“Kabado pa din ako pero nung nakatakbo na ako, nawala na yung kaba.

Pasalamat talaga ako sa coach ko kasi siya yung nagsasabi na kaya kong manalo,” said Dedal.

These are just three of countless inspiring stories that we get to hear while covering this annual competition.

Stories that will prove the Palarong Pambansa is not just a venue to discover talented athletes but also an avenue where kids serve as inspiration to grownups.

F R I D AY : M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Lawsuits pile up vs Pacquiao LOS ANGELES —Call it the fallout of the century.

More disgruntled fight fans are going to court with their complaints, suing Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and others for failing to disclose a shoulder injury prior to his “Fight of the Century” against Floyd Mayweather.

A class-action suit filed in US District Court in Illinois not only names Pacquiao and promoters Top Rank but also telecasters HBO and Showtime, who combined to produce the pay-per-view fight program that was sold in the Unit-

ed States for about $100.

The suit also names Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions and cable television providers AT&T, COMCAST and DirecTV, and accuses the defendants of deceptive practices in marketing and advertising the bout.

“Defendants, individually and collectively, deceptively and fraudulently promoted, produced and sold the fight as one between two healthy fighters... expressly misrepresenting the health of Manny Pacquiao to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, all in an effort to maximize and collect pay-per-view revenue,” the lawsuit claims.

At least five such class-action suits have been filed across the United States, seeking millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of those who bought tickets, forked

out pay per view fees or bet on Saturday’s fight in Las Vegas, which Mayweather won easily on points.

Pacquiao revealed afterwards that he had been held back by the shoulder complaint.

It did not take long for the lawsuits to come flooding in.

‘Dud of the century’ Two men in Nevada sued on Tuesday, saying the promotion violated the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act. In a similar suit filed in California, plaintiff Howard B. Sirota cites former

heavyweight world Champion Mike Tyson as calling the long-anticipated bout the “Dud of the Century.”

Some of the lawsuits point to the pre-fight medical questionnaire signed by Pacquiao for Nevada boxing authorities in which he checked “no” to the question, “Have you had any injury to your shoulders, elbows or hands that needed evaluation or examination?”

Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz, named as a defendant in some of the lawsuits, has said he inadvertently ticked the wrong box. AFP

LOTTO RESULTS

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

P0.0 M+ P0.0 M+

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that RMS COLLECT PHILS., INC. with office address at SM City, Dasmarinas Annex, Governor’s Drive, Pala-Pala, Dasmarinas, Cavite, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Export Services Provider under the Export Activites – Services Exports (Contact Center/ Business Processing Operations) with a capacity of 307 seats on a Non-Pioneer status, with project site located at 3/F Robinson’s Dasmarinas, E. Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmarinas, Cavite.

Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(TS-MAY 8, 2015)

Floyd Mayweather Jr. exchanges punches with Manny Pacquiao during their welterweight unification championship bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao underwent surgery to his right shoulder. AFP

Mayweather wants to visit the Philippines UNDEFEATED pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr., who cemented his status with a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision over eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao last Sunday, said he wants to visit the Philippines, and along with Pacquiao, “help feed the less fortunate.”

“I still want to go over to the Philippines and help feed the people, who are less fortunate,” said Mayweather in an interview with close friend Ben Thompson of Fight Hype.

He pointed out he has “Filipino people who work for me and they love me and support me the same way I support them.”

Mayweather cushioned the impact of the loss to Pacquiao by stating, “Manny Pacquiao still is a winner. We both made good money, it was a match that had to happen whether it was toe-to-toe, counter punching, smart boxing it was just a fight that had to happen. A lot of people are more upset because it was a one-sided victory to be honest. I’m not saying that he didn’t put up a good fight because he did, at times.” Ronnie Nathanielsz

Pacman undergoes 90-minute surgery

By Ronnie Nathanielsz EIGHT-DIVISION world champion Manny Pacquiao underwent surgery at the Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles to repair a tear in his right shoulder rotator cuff at 10 a.m. yesterday.

Pacquiao was accompanied by his wife Jinkee during the one-hour-30-minute procedure and after some time for recovery, was driven to his LA home, according to ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo.

Pacquiao’s longtime adviser Michael Koncz told the Standard/boxingmirror.com that the operation was a success.

“They repaired the damage to the shoulder and he is recovering now and plans to leave (for Manila) on Sunday,” said Koncz, who didn’t wish to speculate on what the procedure was, indicating he didn’t wish to risk making a mistake.

In a brief statement, orthopedic Dr. Neal ElAttrache

said he “could not be more pleased with the results of Pacquao’s surgical procedure on his right shoulder. The recovery process will take four to six months.”

The injury was suffered during a sparring session in early April. It appeared to be getting better as the training camp proceeded with trainer Freddie Roach giving Pacquiao a week off from sparring, claiming that he didn’t want his ward to over-train, which later proved to be untrue.

Undefeated pound-forpound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. unexpectedly said he is willing to give the Filipino southpaw a rematch sometime in 2016, after Pacquiao recovers from surgery for a tear in his right shoulder rotator cuff, aggravated in the fourth round of their showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The Saturday showdown was won handily by

Mayweather in a bout that appeared closer than the scorecards suggested.

Both Shane Mosley and Evander Holyfield, however, stated they believed Pacquiao won the fight primarily because of his aggression.

In a text message to ESPN’s Stephen Smith, who is identified with Mayweather, the undefeated boxer with a 48-0 record, was quoted as telling Smith he is willing to have a rematch with Pacquiao.

Pacquiao suffered the shoulder injury in training camp some three weeks before the fight, but decided to push through with the fight against the unbeaten pound for pound king after his condition improved following the use of a pain-killing numbing agent that was approved by the US Anti Doping Agency who informed the Nevada State Athletic Commission about Pacquiao’s condition and the medication he was undertaking.

(Sgd.) RAFAELITO H. TARUC Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS` MEETING N oti c e i s hereby gi v en that the A N N U A L STO C K H O LD ER S`MEETIN G OF PU R EG O LD PR IC E C LU B , IN C . WILL BE H ELD O N TH E 12 T H D A Y O F MA Y 2015, 2 PM, A T TH E A C A C IA H O TEL, A LA B A N G , MU N TIN LU PA C ITY, w i th the fol l ow i ng agenda: 1. Call to order 2. Certification of service of notice and existence of quorum 3. Approval of the Minutes of the 2014 Annual Stockholders` Meeting and ratification of all acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors and Management from the date of the previous Stockholders` Meeting 4. Annual Report of the Chairman and President and Approval of the Audited Financial Statements as of December 31, 2014 5. Election of seven (7) directors inclusive of two (2) independent directors 6. Appointment of External Auditor 7. Amendment of 3rd Article of Articles of Incorporation and Section 3 Article II of the By-Laws of the Company 8. Other Matters 9. Adjournment Stoc k hol ders of rec ord as of the c l os e of bus i nes s on Marc h 26, 2015 are enti tl ed to noti c e of, and to v ote at s uc h meeti ng. The s toc k and trans fer book of the c ompany w i l l be c l os ed from Apri l 28, 2015 to May 12, 2015.

IF YO U D O N O T EXPEC T TO ATTEN D TH E MEETIN G , YO U MAY EXEC U TE AN D R ETU R N TH E PR O XY FO R M TO TH E O FFIC E O F TH E C O R PO R ATE SEC R ETAR Y O F TH E C O MPAN Y AT N O . 900 R O MU ALD EZ ST., PAC O , MAN ILA, 1007. TH E D EAD LIN E FO R TH E SU BMISSIO N O F PR O XIES IS MAY 5, 2015.

The c ompany s hal l prov i de w i thout c harge to eac h s toc k hol der a c opy of the D efi ni ti v e Informati on Statement (SEC 17-IS) upon w ri tten reques t of s uc h pers on addres s ed to the offi c e of the unders i gned.

O n the day of the meeti ng, y ou or y our dul y des i gnated prox y are hereby requi red to bri ng thi s N oti c e and any form of i denti fi c ati on s uc h as dri v er`s l i c ens e, pas s port, c ompany I.D . v oter`s I.D . or TIN C ard to fac i l i tate regi s trati on.

R egi s trati on s hal l s tart at 1:00 p.m. and w i l l c l os e at 1:45 p.m.

Mani l a, Phi l i ppi nes .

B A B Y G ER LIE SA C R O C orporate Secretary 2 n d F l o o r Ta b a c a l e r a B l d g ., 9 0 0 D. R o m u a l d e z S t ., P a c o , M a n i l a , P h i l i p p i n e s , 10 0 7 Te l e f a x : ( 6 3 2) 5 2 3 - 3 0 5 5 (TS-MAY 8, 2015)

F R I D AY : M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Alaska, GlobalPort seek lead Games Today

(Smart Araneta Coliseum): 4:15 p.m. • GlobalPort vs. Blackwater 7 p.m. • Alaska vs. Ginebra

By Jeric Lopez

LeBron leads Cavs; Rockets rebound

LeBron James (23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes up for a shot against Pau Gasol (16) and Jimmy Butler (21) of the Chicago Bulls in the first half during Game 2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs 2015 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavs won,106-91, to even their series at 1-1. AFP

CLEVELAND—Cleveland superstar LeBron James scored 33 points on Wednesday to lead the Cavaliers to a 106-91 victory over Chicago that knotted their NBA playoff series at one game apiece.

After connecting on just nine of 22 shots in Monday’s 99-92 game-one defeat, James came out hot against the Bulls.

He scored 22 points in the first half as the Cavs bounced back to even the best-of-seven Eastern Conference second-round series before it shifts to Chicago for the next two games.

“We needed it,” James said.

“Our backs were against the wall.

We can’t go down 2-0 on our home floor.”

In the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets also bounced back from a game-one defeat on their home floor, downing the Los Angeles Clippers 115-109 to level their series at one game apiece.

James Harden scored 32 points and Dwight Howard added 24 with 16 rebounds for the Rockets, whose 64 attempts from the free throw line were two shy of an NBA playoff record.

After knocking off Dallas in the first round in convincing style and having five days off, Houston had come out flat in the second-round series opener on Monday.

Game two was up for grabs until the waning moments.

A 10-2 run saw the Clippers pull within 111-107 with a minute remaining, and Corey Brewer air-balled a runner at the other

PH bows to China in Asian U-23 TURN TO A12

end to give the Clippers life.

But Austin Rivers, starting his second straight game for injured Clippers star Chris Paul, lost the ball out of bounds and Howard sank two free throws at the other end to help Houston hold on.

Los Angeles star Blake Griffin followed up his game one tripledouble with 34 points and 15 rebounds, but the free throw discrepancy was too much for the Clippers to overcome.

The Rockets finished 42-for64 from the line, led by Harden’s perfect 15-for-15, battling back from a nine-point halftime deficit.

GLOBALPORT and Alaska shoot for league leadership when they play separate opponents in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. The Aces (1-0) play a muchanticipated encounter against new-look Barangay Ginebra (00) as the rivals tango at 7 p.m. in the main event of the evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

In the appetizer, the Batang Pier (1-0) look to build on their solid opening game when they play Blackwater (0-1) at 4:15 p.m. to open the show.

Both Alaska and GlobalPort had stellar showings in their initial assignments and are both looking to continue their hot start against their respective foes.

Back in full force without any injuries, the Aces annihilated the Blackwater Elite, 106-80, last Tuesday with everyone on the team contributing.

Alaska coach Alex Compton was pleased with his team’s start as well as the all-around play of import Romeo Travis, who was a teammate of NBA superstar LeBron James in high school at St. Vincent-St. Mary “It’s a good start for us. We’re continuing to develop and we’re trying to continuously assert ourselves defensively. I hope we can keep doing that,” said Compton.

“He (Travis) is solid. He is smart.

He’s a good team player and he’s a guy who frequently makes the right decisions.”

Ginebra was the busiest team in the league the past month as it made numerous player moves since new head coach Frankie Lim took over in an attempt to turn the team’s fortunes around.

Lim will make his coaching debut for the Gin Kings and will have new recruits in combo guard Sol Mercado and big man Dave Marcelo, who both came from Barako Bull. Gone from the Ginebra camp are Billy Mamaril, Joseph Yeo, Dylan Ababou and James Forrester.

The Batang Pier, likewise, had a huge opening act with the return of their old coach Pido Jarencio.

Guard Terrence Romeo starred for GlobalPort, which drew some solid play from their imports.

Lawsuits vs Pacman pile up TURN TO A15

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: MAY 8, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

PSe comPoSite index Closing May 7, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,816.27 57.37

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing MAY 7, 2015 46

P44.710

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.550 LOW P44.730 AVERAGE P44.650 VOLUME 781.100M

P508.00-P728.00 LPG/11-kg tank P38.40-P52.05 Unleaded Gasoline P26.90-P43.80 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P35.40-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, May 7, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.5260

Japan

Yen

0.008375

0.3729

UK

Pound

1.524900

67.8977

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129002

5.7439

Switzerland

Franc

1.092180

48.6304

Canada

Dollar

0.830772

36.9910

Singapore

Dollar

0.755972

33.6604

Australia

Dollar

0.801282

35.6779

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652450

118.1030

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266688

11.8745

Brunei

Dollar

0.753125

33.5336

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000077

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.030039

1.3375

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.1225

Euro

Euro

1.135000

50.5370

Korea

Won

0.000928

0.0413

China

Yuan

0.161272

7.1808

India

Rupee

0.015736

0.7007

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.280112

12.4723

New Zealand

Dollar

0.752785

33.5185

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032698

1.4559 Source: PDS Bridge

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B1

Crafts display. Trade Undersecretary Nora Terrado (center) cuts the ribbon during the opening of the Crafts Market and Displays organized by the women entrepreneurs in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on May 4, 2015. Joining Terrado are (from left) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation women and economy chair Emmeline Verzosa, Women in Business president Janet Sape, Papua New Guinea trade deputy secretary Richard Yakam and APEC Women’s Economic Empowerment executive director Linda Paru. Papua New Guinea has about 80 percent of its 7.8 million population living in the provinces where the crafts on display are manufactured.

MWSS cracking down on water concessionaires

By Norman P. Aquino and Cecilia Yap

THE Philippines is setting tougher audit and

reporting rules for Manila’s two water service providers, the latest development in the spat between the regulator and the companies, one of which is partly owned by Marubeni Corp.

Regulatory audits will now be annual instead of every five years, and Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. will be barred from passing on expenses to customers that are not related to water operations, Joel Yu, chief regulator at Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System said in an interview on Wednesday. The rules will also clarify their rate of return, he said.

“The guidelines are meant to institutionalize the regulatory

functions,” Yu said.

“We don’t want an office that vacillates in the way regulatory functions are carried out,” he said, adding that all parties would sign the agreements soon.

The crackdown comes after MWSS barred the companies from recovering part of their corporate income tax from clients after conflicting rulings from the International Chamber of Commerce. Both Manila Water and Maynilad have demanded payment from the government

for financial losses, with the latter also threatening to review capital spending for next year and 2017.

“You can call it a crackdown and an effort to correct mistakes of the past,” Jomar Lacson, head of research at Campos Lanuza & Co. in Manila, said in a phone interview. “Blocking income tax recovery may be disruptive to the investment environment, but if it’s unfair to consumers, why keep it?”

On April 21, Maynilad, which serves half of the Philippine capital, criticized MWSS for failing to honor the International Chamber of Commerce’s tax ruling and asked the government to rein in a “runaway regulator.”

An appeals panel in December ruled Maynilad isn’t a utility and may charge part of its income tax to clients.

A separate panel in April classified Manila Water, a unit of Ayala Corp. that serves the other

half of the capital, as a utility that can’t charge the tax.

“We want to avoid chaos,” Yu said on the agency’s decision to block both water companies from recovering their tax costs.

“You may call us a regulatory office that does not honor the sanctity of contracts, but that kind of view is myopic. We only want to avoid the inconsistent application of regulatory functions,” he said.

Manila Water said net income in the first quarter of the year reached P1.434 billion, slightly higher than P1.431 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2014. Revenues grew 5 percent to P4.026 billion from P3.827 billion.

Total billed volume in all units grew 2 percent to 163.1 million cubic meters in the January-March period from 160.4 million mcm in the previous year. Bloomberg, Anna Leah E. Gonzales

San Miguel keen on P17-b Davao port deal

By Darwin G Amojelar CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. has expressed interest in bidding for the first public-private partnership seaport project under the Aquino administration.

PPP Center executive director Cosette Canilao said San Miguel had purchased bid documents for the P17-billion Davao Sasa port modernization project. The contract also involves a 30-year concession to operate the seaport.

San Miguel through subsidiary

Petron Corp. owns 35 percent of Manila North Harbor Port Inc., while Harbour Centre Port Holdings Inc. of the Romero family owns the remaining 65 percent.

MNHPI bagged the contract to modernize the North Harbor for P14.5 billion. The investment will be used mainly for the construction of a modern passenger and container terminal and other facilities, acquisition of heavy equipment, dredging operations and acquisition

of other equally important equipment such as modern computers to ensure the smooth flow of cargo and passengers.

Canilao said the Transportation Department was receiving a lot of interests for the project. The invitation documents for the project were made available on April 14, for a non-refundable fee of P300,000.

Transportation Department spokesman Michael Arthur Sagcal said bid submission for the project was expected in

December 2015.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. chairman Enrique Razon earlier said the port operator was unlikely to participate in the auction of the Davao Sasa port project, saying the largest investment required in the project might not be recovered.

“We are not quite sure if we are going to bid. What we are seeing is the investment requirement is so large. Numerous private ports are already in the area. So we may not bid for that,” Razon said.

FRIDAY: MAY 8, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Thursday, May 7, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 104 63 2.49 4.2 18.48 31.6 9.5 2.95 1.01 99.4 1.46 30.5 94.95 137 361.2 59 174.8 1700 127.9 3.26

2.5 66 84.6 84.5 45.8 1.97 2.03 12.02 23.55 6.3 1.75 0.225 78 0.9 18.02 76.5 95 276 45 107.6 1200 66 2.65

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

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

35.6 1.6 1.04 1.41 7.92 40.3 32 14.6 62.5 10.08 29.15

1.04 10.72 8.44 9.79 5.43 9.54 1.06 8.61 18.06 67.9 14 0.0076 13.24 3.12 0.395 168 8.65 24.4 16.2 7.62 250.2 3.87 9 3.7 9.94 3.03 2.22 1 4.72 1.65 201.6 1.67 0.122 2.01 143.4 4.28 0.670 9.01 1.39

Aboitiz Power Corp.

43.6 Agrinurture Inc. 1.64 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 1.08 Alsons Cons.

2.09 Asiabest Group 11.3 Bogo Medelin 63.5 C. Azuc De Tarlac 90.00 Century Food 19.62 Chemphil 132 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 26.95 Concepcion 63 Crown Asia 2.38 Da Vinci Capital 1.77 Del Monte 12.9 DNL Industries Inc. 20.700 Emperador 11.48 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 8.16 EEI 10.50 Euro-Med Lab 1.85 Federal Res. Inv. Group 15.14 First Gen Corp.

28.55 First Holdings ‘A’ 94 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 14.30 Greenergy 0.4200 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.20 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.19 Ionics Inc 0.590 Jollibee Foods Corp.

209.00 Lafarge Rep 10.2 Manila Water Co. Inc. 24.65 Maxs Group 28 Megawide 7.700 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 263.00 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.27 Petron Corporation 9.90 Phil H2O 4.71 Phinma Corporation 11.60 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 4.00 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.24 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.34 RFM Corporation 5.10 Roxas and Co. 1.91 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 194.9 Splash Corporation 1.66 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.162 Trans-Asia Oil 2.22 Universal Robina 218 Victorias Milling 4.5 Vitarich Corp.

0.7 Vivant Corp.

20.50 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.36

0.45 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 1.210 1.4 1.6 600 7.390 14.18 2.6 1.15 4.25 0.144 818 5.3 46.6 4.96 3 3.52 4.43 0.59 12 0.580 4.22 4.5 1.23 0.450 66.7 709.5 1.13 0.93 170 85.2 0.200 0.173 0.310

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

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

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.470 57.50 25.10 1.30 7.10 1.55 0.310 0.31 812 8.24 14.98 3.5 3.79 4.30 0.285 1320 6.40 73.55 4.8 6.5 7.2 8.89 0.73 15.54 0.67 4.56 5.05 1.440 1.160 67.25 910.50 1.21 0.89 252.40 98.00 0.3800 0.2440 0.315

6.01 0.91 1.29 29.1 4.1

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’

8.880 0.72 1.310 40.00 4.14

47 5 1.66 2.36 15.3 113 148 20.6 125 32 65.8 4.57 23.35 21.6 12.98 9.13 12.34 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 0.820 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 33.9 90 13.98 292.4 5.25 13.04 6.8 14.5 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.68 7.86 253 3.28 0.315 2.68 226.6 5.5 1.3 26 2.17 0.7 59.2 31.85 2.16 7.39 2.27 3.4 3.35 800 11.06 84 3.35 3.68 5.14 0.66 1380 6.68 72.6 8.9 5.29 6.66 9.25 0.9 18.9 0.73 5.53 6.55 2.31 0.84 87 934 2.2 1.39 390 156 0.710 0.435 0.510 10.5 1.99 2.07 40 6.15

Close

High

7.93 70.5 111.00 102.00 46 2.50 2.10 15.3 22.05 7.40 1.66 0.455 94.4 1.07 18.24 76.40 93.5 318 45.05 167 1410.00 66.90 3.05

Low

FINANCIAL 7.85 7.46 70.9 70.2 110.60 108.60 100.70 100.00 46.9 46.2 2.50 2.50 2.08 2.02 15.36 15.2 22 21.7 7.40 7.40 1.77 1.66 0.460 0.450 94 93.1 1.08 1.08 18.30 18.20 76.40 75.10 94 94 318 315 45.55 44.95 169.6 166 1450.00 1440.00 66.50 66.95 3.1 3.09 INDUSTRIAL 43.35 42.25 1.62 1.56 1.09 1.07 2.09 2.07 11.58 11.32 50.6 50 90.00 90.00 19.6 19.1 135 131 30.45 26 62 60.05 2.37 2.21 1.78 1.77 13.18 12.95 21.050 20.2 11.46 11.32 8.06 7.98 10.50 10.20 1.95 1.79 15.48 15 28.5 27.9 94.4 92 14.50 14.30 0.4200 0.4150 14.04 14.04 6.18 6 0.590 0.590 210.00 205.40 10.22 10.12 24.8 24.5 28.85 27.3 7.800 7.600 264.00 262.00 4.25 4.1 9.90 9.67 4.11 3.72 11.60 11.38 4.04 3.93 2.31 2.23 2.4 2.3 5.06 5.00 1.95 0.82 194.2 190 1.65 1.62 0.163 0.161 2.21 2.19 214.6 212.6 4.47 4.47 0.7 0.68 20.50 20.50 1.36 1.35 HOLDING FIRMS 0.700 0.460 58.00 55.60 25.00 24.45 1.30 1.30 7.05 6.96 1.56 1.55 0.340 0.310 0.35 0.31 809 790 8.24 8.16 14.92 14.50 3.5 3.48 3.51 3.5 4.32 4.30 0.285 0.285 1320 1285 6.40 6.39 73.00 71.20 4.8 4.2 6.4 6.39 9 5.8 8.91 8.8 0.74 0.72 15.66 14.9 0.67 0.65 4.6 4.51 5.05 5 1.400 1.400 1.190 1.150 67.70 67.20 914.00 901.00 1.18 1.18 0.85 0.83 250.20 250.00 98.50 98.00 0.3800 0.3700 0.2350 0.2200 0.315 0.305 PROPERTY 8.860 8.770 0.75 0.71 1.300 1.300 40.55 39.35 4.19 4.11

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

7.46 70.8 110.20 100.60 46.75 2.50 2.07 15.3 21.75 7.40 1.77 0.450 93.55 1.08 18.30 75.25 94 318 45 167.4 1440.00 66.50 3.09

-5.93 0.43 -0.72 -1.37 1.63 0.00 -1.43 0.00 -1.36 0.00 6.63 -1.10 -0.90 0.93 0.33 -1.51 0.53 0.00 -0.11 0.24 2.13 -0.60 1.31

188,200 58,610 10,780,950 11,566,960 45,900 8,000 1,531,000 1,898,700 293,100 4,300 30,000 400,000 2,900,000 2,000 48,300 70,030 10,100 45,720 115,100 553,520 1,430 14,180 80,000

43.05 1.62 1.09 2.07 11.32 50 90.00 19.14 135 30.45 62 2.21 1.77 12.96 20.850 11.46 8.05 10.36 1.9 15 28.5 93.95 14.50 0.4200 14.04 6.18 0.590 209.00 10.2 24.8 28.5 7.600 262.60 4.25 9.72 3.72 11.40 4.00 2.30 2.4 5.05 1.82 190 1.64 0.162 2.20 213 4.47 0.7 20.50 1.35

-1.26 -1.22 0.93 -0.96 0.18 -21.26 0.00 -2.45 2.27 12.99 -1.59 -7.14 0.00 0.47 0.72 -0.17 -1.35 -1.33 2.70 -0.92 -0.18 -0.05 1.40 0.00 -1.13 -0.16 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.61 1.79 -1.30 -0.15 -0.47 -1.82 -21.02 -1.72 0.00 2.68 2.56 -0.98 -4.71 -2.51 -1.20 0.00 -0.90 -2.29 -0.67 0.00 0.00 -0.74

2,475,300 37,000 653,000 286,000 200 1,710 130 203,100 110 981,200 50,770 10,896,000 101,000 13,900 4,564,000 505,600 48,263,800 272,700 40,000 53,000 3,505,700 130,830 14,200 240,000 100 574,400 130,000 1,484,140 1,175,800 1,538,000 1,509,500 131,700 326,950 282,000 1,444,600 7,000 13,700 194,000 728,000 294,000 558,200 28,000 73,830 269,000 890,000 1,740,000 4,348,980 203,000 1,011,000 500 132,000

0.470 56.80 24.50 1.30 7.04 1.56 0.335 0.34 808.5 8.2 14.92 3.48 3.5 4.30 0.285 1295 6.39 72.30 4.2 6.39 6.78 8.91 0.72 15.54 0.67 4.6 5 1.400 1.160 67.20 910.00 1.18 0.83 250.00 98.00 0.3750 0.2350 0.315

0.00 -1.22 -2.39 0.00 -0.85 0.65 8.06 9.68 -0.43 -0.49 -0.40 -0.57 -7.65 0.00 0.00 -1.89 -0.16 -1.70 -12.50 -1.69 -5.83 0.22 -1.37 0.00 0.00 0.88 -0.99 -2.78 0.00 -0.07 -0.05 -2.48 -6.74 -0.95 0.00 -1.32 -3.69 0.00

280,000 888,300 21,179,500 15,000 12,200 7,000 72,420,000 15,280,000 166,170 1,486,200 3,223,900 5,000 12,000 16,000 10,000 278,920 17,000 1,051,680 9,000 17,000 28,900 3,165,400 404,000 4,198,300 166,000 13,555,000 114,000 2,000 972,000 130,920 671,300 2,000 400,000 220 3,530 4,540,000 590,000 200,000

8.850 0.72 1.300 40.40 4.12

-0.34 0.00 -0.76 1.00 -0.48

1,948,600 794,000 11,000 4,591,600 940,000

2,390,401.00 -498,723,861.00 -174,259,175.00 4,650.00 6,120,000.00 -2,395,020.00 -17,000.00 36,000.00 -76,243,385.50

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

5.4 7.1 1.54 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.98 1.09 0.305 2.25 1.87 1.8 6.34 5.73 0.180 0.470 27 8.54 31.8 2.29 3.6 20.6 1.02 8.59

4.96 4.6 0.89 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.445 0.85 0.188 1.4 1.42 1.19 2.8 4.13 0.090 0.325 23 2.57 21.35 1.64 3.08 15.08 0.69 5.69

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 12.46 15.82 0.1460 4.61 99.1 12.3 9 2090 8.41 33 1.97 119.5 7 5.8 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 2.2 3.2 5.9 1.97 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 4 110.2 14 3486 0.710 2.28 48.5 90.1 11.6 0.87 2.95 10.2 0.490

1.97 32.5 1 0.6 10 9.61 0.0770 2.95 46.55 10.14 5.88 1600 5.95 30 1.36 105 3.01 4 8.72 0.012 0.036 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.1 2 1.05 0.490 1.8 8.7 0.34 0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2726 0.380 0.32 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 1.71 6.45 0.305

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 0.330 12.7 12.8 1.2 1.73 10.98 4.2 0.48 0.455 0.475 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 8.65 9.43 0.236 6.5 6.98 0.61 0.78 5.99 1.08 0.330 0.2130 0.2160 0.014 3.660 20.2 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

70 120 515 8.21 1060

33 101.5 480 5.88 997

1047 76.9 84.8

1011 74.2 75

6.98

0.8900

10.96 15 88 12.88

2.4 3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6

Close

High

Low

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

Cebu Holdings 5.2 Cebu Prop. `B’ 6 Century Property 0.9 City & Land Dev. 1.24 Cityland Dev. `A’ 1.07 Crown Equities Inc. 0.158 Cyber Bay Corp.

0.470 Empire East Land 0.860 Ever Gotesco 0.182 Global-Estate 1.40 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.91 Interport `A’ 1.40 Keppel Properties 4.02 Megaworld 5.45 MRC Allied Ind. 0.125 Phil. Estates Corp.

0.3300 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 37.50 Primex Corp.

7.2 Robinson’s Land `B’ 29.40 Rockwell 1.76 Shang Properties Inc. 3.30 SM Prime Holdings 19.60 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.77 Vista Land & Lifescapes 7.540

5.2 5.12 5.13 6 6 6 0.9 0.88 0.89 1.27 1.25 1.26 1.12 1.09 1.10 0.158 0.154 0.158 0.465 0.460 0.465 0.860 0.860 0.860 0.190 0.180 0.190 1.38 1.36 1.36 1.90 1.86 1.88 1.43 1.40 1.43 5.60 4.05 5.50 5.43 5.35 5.42 0.126 0.123 0.123 0.3400 0.3250 0.3400 40.00 25.05 31.00 7.38 7.2 7.3 29.40 28.80 29.00 1.77 1.75 1.75 3.30 3.30 3.30 19.96 19.20 19.90 0.77 0.76 0.77 7.560 7.350 7.400 SERVICES 2GO Group’ 6.5 6.5 6.35 6.4 ABS-CBN 62 62.35 61.5 62.2 Acesite Hotel 1.03 1.1 1.03 1.04 APC Group, Inc. 0.680 0.680 0.670 0.670 Asian Terminals Inc. 13.98 14 13.6 13.66 Bloomberry 11.68 11.68 11.42 11.60 Boulevard Holdings 0.1010 0.1020 0.1000 0.1010 Calata Corp.

4.77 4.75 4.5 4.63 Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 86.25 86.25 84 84 Centro Esc. Univ.

10 10 10 10 DFNN Inc. 7.10 7.16 7.15 7.16 Globe Telecom 2230 2248 2176 2196 GMA Network Inc. 6.24 6.36 6.20 6.20 Grand Plaza Hotel 39.00 44.00 28.00 32.00 Harbor Star 1.42 1.44 1.40 1.44 I.C.T.S.I. 111 111 107.7 109.9 Imperial Res. `A’ 7.00 6.55 6.50 6.50 Imperial Res. `B’ 30 38 35 35 IPeople Inc. `A’ 12.4 12.4 12.4 12.4 IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 0.014 0.014 0.013 0.014 Island Info 0.229 0.229 0.224 0.224 ISM Communications 1.2800 1.2800 1.2500 1.2800 Jackstones 2.43 2.5 2.5 2.5 Leisure & Resorts 9.47 9.53 9.37 9.42 Lorenzo Shipping 1.27 1.3 1.28 1.3 Macroasia Corp.

2.18 2.03 2.00 2.00 Manila Broadcasting 45.50 68.25 68.00 68.25 Manila Bulletin 0.670 0.680 0.680 0.680 Manila Jockey 2.05 2.01 2 2 Melco Crown 8.95 8.94 8.66 8.66 MG Holdings 0.355 0.365 0.350 0.365 NOW Corp.

0.435 0.430 0.430 0.430 Pacific Online Sys. Corp. 18.42 18.42 18.42 18.42 PAL Holdings Inc. 4.94 4.90 4.81 4.90 Paxys Inc. 3 3.05 3 3 Phil. Seven Corp.

140.00 165.00 138.00 139.00 Philweb.Com Inc. 14.74 14.74 14.70 14.74 PLDT Common 2868.00 2838.00 2804.00 2822.00 PremiereHorizon 0.630 0.670 0.630 0.660 Premium Leisure 1.610 1.610 1.600 1.600 Puregold 40.90 40.55 39.50 39.50 Robinsons RTL 85.90 85.45 84.55 84.95 SSI Group 10.72 10.66 10.50 10.56 STI Holdings 0.67 0.67 0.66 0.67 Transpacific Broadcast 1.96 1.93 1.79 1.93 Travellers 6.79 6.75 6.68 6.7 Waterfront Phils.

0.345 0.340 0.320 0.335 MINING & OIL Abra Mining 0.0053 0.0053 0.0052 0.0053 Apex `A’ 3.10 3.20 2.87 3.00 Atlas Cons. `A’ 8.05 8.20 8.00 8.03 Atok-Big Wedge `A’ 15.00 15.00 5.00 15.00 Basic Energy Corp.

0.260 0.255 0.255 0.255 Benguet Corp `A’ 6.7000 6.7000 6.7000 6.7000 Benguet Corp `B’ 6.8000 6.7000 6.6000 6.6000 Century Peak Metals Hldgs 1.03 1.06 1.03 1.03 Coal Asia 0.9 0.89 0.87 0.89 Dizon 7.70 7.95 7.68 7.90 Ferronickel 1.93 1.93 1.88 1.92 Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. 0.350 0.380 0.365 0.365 Lepanto `A’ 0.232 0.233 0.231 0.231 Lepanto `B’ 0.238 0.236 0.236 0.236 Manila Mining `A’ 0.0140 0.0150 0.0140 0.0150 Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. 4.54 4.6 4.42 4.52 Nickelasia 26.6 27.7 25.5 26.85 Nihao Mineral Resources 3.97 4.08 3.97 3.98 Omico 0.7200 0.7200 0.7100 0.7100 Oriental Peninsula Res. 2.180 2.200 2.140 2.140 Oriental Pet. `A’ 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 Petroenergy Res. Corp. 4.48 4.49 4.46 4.49 Philex `A’ 7.08 7.3 7.08 7.1 PhilexPetroleum 1.6 1.63 1.5 1.5 Philodrill Corp. `A’ 0.016 0.017 0.015 0.017 Semirara Corp.

163.50 163.50 162.00 163.00 TA Petroleum 5.8 5.9 5.41 5.52 United Paragon 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 PREFERRED ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. 65 64.65 62.2 62.95 First Gen G 120 120 119.1 119.1 GLOBE PREF P 511 511 511 511 GMA Holdings Inc. 5.98 5.97 5.95 5.95 PCOR-Preferred A 1060 1060 1060 1060 PCOR-Preferred B 1095 1100 1100 1100 PF Pref 2 1045 1045 1045 1045 SMC Preferred A 76.2 76.1 76 76.1 SMC Preferred C 85.9 86.95 86 86.95 WARRANTS & BONDS LR Warrant 4.200 4.250 4.150 4.160 SME Double Dragon 9.5 9.8 9.35 9.69 Makati Fin. Corp.

8.42 8.3 7.5 8.3 IRipple E-Business Intl 75 75.5 74 75.5 Xurpas 9.23 9.21 9.05 9.1 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS First Metro ETF 127.9 127.9 126 127

-1.35 0.00 -1.11 1.61 2.80 0.00 -1.06 0.00 4.40 -2.86 -1.57 2.14 36.82 -0.55 -1.60 3.03 -17.33 1.39 -1.36 -0.57 0.00 1.53 0.00 -1.86

15,700 8,000 6,030,000 32,000 155,000 9,640,000 330,000 14,000 1,010,000 3,102,000 21,709,000 71,000 83,000 22,547,600 70,000 150,000 33,100 376,900 4,857,600 773,000 72,000 13,295,000 365,000 11,178,700

-1.54 0.32 0.97 -1.47 -2.29 -0.68 0.00 -2.94 -2.61 0.00 0.85 -1.52 -0.64 -17.95 1.41 -0.99 -7.14 16.67 0.00 0.00 -2.18 0.00 2.88 -0.53 2.36 -8.26 50.00 1.49 -2.44 -3.24 2.82 -1.15 0.00 -0.81 0.00 -0.71 0.00 -1.60 4.76 -0.62 -3.42 -1.11 -1.49 0.00 -1.53 -1.33 -2.90

51,500 10,290 13,000 786,000 61,100 8,609,900 6,350,000 1,989,000 338,150 8,600 6,100 54,335 152,900 15,100 67,000 1,067,380 6,700 400 200 5,200,000 8,710,000 294,000 11,000 748,300 66,000 144,000 16,600 101,000 81,000 5,276,200 376,000 10,000 12,000 91,000 18,000 2,000 84,000 109,830 20,046,000 24,642,000 3,941,000 768,590 3,510,900 5,384,000 2,000 1,163,000 3,520,000

0.00 -3.23 -0.25 0.00 -1.92 0.00 -2.94 0.00 -1.11 2.60 -0.52 4.29 -0.43 -0.84 7.14 -0.44 0.94 0.25 -1.39 -1.83 0.00 0.22 0.28 -6.25 6.25 -0.31 -4.83 0.00

230,000,000 225,000 122,300.00 617,500 -216,558.00 1,400 20,000 300 20,700 161,000 47,000 13,100 18,676,000 14,015,850.00 5,190,000 4,590,000 40,000 2,000,000 482,000 -22,450.00 11,460,100 -9,838,655.00 7,509,000 -673,390.00 67,000 3,369,000 2,600,000 46,000 260,700 14,240.00 1,847,000 38,310.00 851,500,000 -48,000.00 858,940 14,010,004.00 980,000 193,800,000 -18,000.00

-3.15 -0.75 0.00 -0.50 0.00 0.46 0.00 -0.13 1.22

183,070 9,300 100 11,500 5,035 150 780 8,800 38,550

-0.95

146,000

2.00 -1.43 0.67 -1.41

7,426,900 400 740 842,200

2,502,700.00

-0.70

6,670

-13,886.00

-48,000.00 -3,760,720.00 -13,860.00 -469,500.00 14,050.00 -2,834,460.00 -9,601,290.00 -4,538,110.00

MST

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

SHARES 31,354,584 337,900,820 145,635,735 105,652,999 107,647,429 1,333,630,921 2,070,109,398

-4,669,614.00

6,573,258.00 324,345.00 -34,247,597.00 865,065.00

43,269,965.00

-107,500.00 6,240.00

-2,515,300.00

-665,660.00 -605,000.50 21,460.00

-4,422,485.00 -3,590,054.00 -92,367,317.00 1,014,934.00

-20,832,690.00 2,552,228.50

4,214.00

21,254,742.00 -3,297,016.00 -12,805,145.00 -6,741,035.00 -3,080.00 -52,739,530.00 -1,003,820.00 -3,198,889.00 339,940.00 -108,970.00 557,272.00

-179,165.00 8,200.00

44,200.00 -512,176,958.00 335,250.00 150,280.00

-19,664,840.00 -261,283,685.00

-35,955.00

-132,500.00 -24,426,690.00 -2,696,501.00 -21,855,788.00

-113,179,765.00 96,000.00 -47,386,109.00 96,000.00

11,143,742.00

8,386,210.00

-4,166,560.00

-119,500.00 1,928,689.00 -222,137,875.00

1,022,898.00 36,660.00 -21,020,235.00 873,030.00

T op g ainerS VALUE 2,862,265,539.5 5,618,949,943.33 20,171,355,11.82 873,276,533.29 1,086,176,425.89 550,649,831.237 13,089,701,243.07

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,784.56 (DOWN) 11.94 INDUSTRIAL 12,298.22 (DOWN) 129.9 HOLDING FIRMS 6,983.43 (DOWN) 55 PROPERTY 3,219.24 (UP) 17.04 SERVICES 2,122.54 (DOWN) 29.85 MINING & OIL 15,510.81 (UP) 27.65 PSEI 7,816.27 (DOWN) 57.37 All Shares Index 4,515.92 (DOWN) 26.06 Gainers: 58; Losers: 126; Unchanged: 47; Total: 231

-292,470.00 -32,646,565.00

5,897,930.00 9,396,347.00

-33,500.00 7,627,194.00 -9,090.00 91,800.00 -20,370,743.00 -45,945,300.00

-25,478,810.00

58,500.00

6,607,717.00

-18,743,090.00 182,300.00

-178,179.00

-57,683,870.00 -139,500.00 -13,549,740.00 -42,571,435.00 -19,232,587.00 3,214,954.00 -2,166,870.00 -117,814.00 -3,400.00

-2,658,914.50

-8,925,365.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Manila Broadcasting

68.25

50.00

Bogo Medelin

50

-21.26

Keppel Properties

5.50

36.82

Phil H2O

3.72

-21.02

Imperial Res. `B'

35

16.67

Grand Plaza Hotel

32.00

-17.95

Cirtek Holdings (Chips)

30.45

12.99

Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry

31.00

-17.33

ATN Holdings B

0.34

9.68

Jolliville Holdings

4.2

-12.50

ATN Holdings A

0.335

8.06

Macroasia Corp.

2.00

-8.26

Manila Mining `A'

0.0150

7.14

F&J Prince 'B'

3.5

-7.65

I-Remit Inc.

1.77

6.63

Imperial Res. `A'

6.50

-7.14

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.017

6.25

Crown Asia

2.21

-7.14

PremiereHorizon

0.660

4.76

South China Res. Inc.

0.83

-6.74

FRIDAY: MAY 8, 2015

B3

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

Security Bank’s profit jumps SECURITY Bank Corp.

MAYA BALTAZAR HERRERA

IntegratIons

Bottom line

THE long-awaited match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather was finally held last Sunday, 2 May 2015. The general immediate verdict?

Mayweather won the fight but Pacquiao won the audience.

In other news this week is research from the Asian Institute of Management Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness which points to the persistence of poverty in the country. This follows release of the 2015 World Happiness Report which indicates that the general level of life satisfaction (the WHR measure of happiness) in the country continues to trail significantly below neighboring countries.

In the most recent human development report, the Philippines ranked below the average of East Asia and the Pacific, and near neighbors, Thailand and Indonesia, using the human development index. In particular, Philippine life expectancy at birth is 68.7 versus 74.0 for East Asia and the Pacific (74.4 for Thailand and 70.8 for Indonesia). Going by these indicators, the country trails its neighbors in the pursuit of health, wealth, and happiness.

What’s happening here? What’s the real bottom line? And what needs to be done?

Multiplicity In the hours after the Pacquiao-Mayweather match, pundits commented on the abundance of running and hugging and the relative dearth of boxing. Following a five-year build-up, the actual fight was less than engaging.

As a professional boxer, the goals seem to be simple: win matches, make money. By these measures, Mayweather has been extremely successful. Clearly, however, there are other expectations.

Business is the same. It would be tough to find anyone who will disagree that businesses must make money. However, simply making money is not enough.

In fact, many businesses are criticized for focusing too much on profits. The reason for this is that businesses are also expected to behave responsibly. The term often used is corporate citizenship, that expectation that business has a responsibility to society over and beyond paying the correct taxes and abiding by the law of the land.

The popular term triple bottom line refers to the three categories of outcomes businesses are expected to measure themselves by: profit (financial results), people (impact on stakeholders and society in general), and planet (impact on the environment).

The expectation is that businesses should not create a negative impact, and, to the extent possible, create a positive impact.

For nations, a growing consensus among policy makers and thought leaders is that nations need to be measured not only against economic progress but also on such matters as social outcomes and the general happiness of citizens. More importantly, policy makers are increasingly being challenged to look beyond the national averages and look to the levels of equity or inequity. Nations now look not only to increasing average well-being but also to preventing misery, chasing not only economic growth but growth that is inclusive.

Inequality In a piece for Rappler, Ronald Mendoza, executive director of APC, and Katherine Peralta pointed out that, in the 45 years since then Senator Benigno Aquino pointed out the disparity between the top 1 percent of the population and those who lived in poverty, not much has changed.

In 1969, Aquino, then 36, pointed out that 80 percent of households lived in poverty. At that time, 1 percent of families were considered affluent (P25,000 per year) and an even smaller fraction were super affluent, earning more than P100,000 a year (over 6 million in current pesos, with inflation).

Mendoza and Peralta point out that government statisticians calculate that over 14 million families, accounting for 74 percent of families live below threshold income level (P57,000 per annum). About 8 percent of families are classified as food poor.

Mendoza and Peralta point out that inequality, in and of itself, is not necessarily bad. Inequality can be the result of the application of increased effort or creativity. Inequality can inspire individuals to build businesses that benefit many others. The problem arises when there is inequality in the most basic of resources, when there is inequality in opportunity.

To support the claim of inequality in opportunity,

Turn to B4

said Thursday net profit in the first quarter of 2015 jumped 135 percent yearon-year to P3.36 billion on an extraordinary trading gain and higher income from other operations.

The bank said in a statement the firstquarter profit resulted in a 28 percent return on shareholders’ equity.

Security Bank posted healthy growth Manila in core business, with loan growth of 20 Standard TODAY

percent year-on-year to P199 billion and deposit expansion of 17 percent to P247 billion. The loan-to-deposit ratio was at 81 percent.

Total assets as of March 31, 2015 stood at P409 billion, up 8 percent from year-ago, while return on assets was 3.3 percent.

“Our core businesses--financial markets, wholesale and retail banking-continued to produce healthy results after a robust 2014 performance. As we focus to deliver the best value to our customers and grow the retail bank as a third pillar to our business, we are greatly pleased to have Mr. Alfonso Salcedo Jr.-with his depth and breadth of experience and vision in consumer banking--as our

new president and CEO,” Security Bank chairman Alberto Villarosa said.

Interest income increased 15 percent year-on-year and 8 percent quarter-onquarter. Interest expense rose 47 percent year-on-year and 11 percent quarter-onquarter, reflecting the expected effect of the P10-billion Basel III compliant Tier 2 capital issued in July 2014 and the $300-million senior unsecured notes issued in January 2015.

As a result, the bank said net interest income grew by 4 percent year-on-year and 7 percent quarter-on-quarter to P2.9 billion. Net interest margin was 3.3 percent for the period, same level as in the fourth quarter of 2014 and from 3.4 percent average in 2014.

Balance Sheet

As of MARCH 31,2015 ASSETS

CURRENT QUARTER

PREVIOUS QUARTER

12,724,161.17 7,096,846,233.13 5,649,639,834.87 5,028,556.00 4,712,600.00 1,415,768,634.44 1,436,168,638.44 20,400,004.00 4,867,429.91 12,185,026.28 40,957,982.97 46,939,418.59 14,289,669,877.36

16,285,699.91 10,408,409,845.06 2,984,988,091.21 5,605,884.00 4,712,600.00 1,753,985,034.42 1,774,385,038.42 20,400,004.00 7,048,197.50 13,626,957.32 24,093,556.16 15,218,755,865.57

4,549,748.00 11,791,627,575.50 2,522,574.77 292,516,334.74 102,392,439.15 12,193,608,672.16

3,910,442.00 11,631,655,199.11 2,199,872.65 383,302,224.21 169,777,783.63 931,849,138.77 13,122,694,660.37

2,096,061,205.20 2,096,061,205.20 14,289,669,877.36

2,096,061,205.20 2,096,061,205.20 15,218,755,865.57

@309,818,016.18 34,687,452.10 448,131.17 331,380,000.05 846,886,737.74 1,738,714,352.37 3,261,934,689.62

311,692,621.43 5,494,186.16 776,325.93 4,025,678,705.52 3,568,166,164.85 47,600,110.40 7,959,408,114.28

Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) 1,436,168,638.44 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a) Gross NPLs 4.00 b) Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 0.00 c) Net NPLs 4.00 d) Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 0.00 Classified Loans and Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance fro credit losses 5,614,000.00 DOSRI Loans and Receivables, gross of allowance fro credit losses 41,239,891.71 Ratio of DOSRI Loans and Receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to TLP (%) 2.87 Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) 0.00 Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises 0.00 b. 2% for Medium Enterprises 0.00 Return on Equity (ROE) (%) -0.10 Capital Adequacy Ratio ( CAR for Solo Basis) as prescibed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) 37.91 b. Tier 1CAR (%) 37.54 Deferred Charges Not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Probable Losses on Financial Instruments Received -

1,774,385,038.42 4.00 0.00 4.00 0.00 5,614,000.00 40,272,641.68 2.27 0.00

Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net Loans and Receivables-Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies Abroad TOTAL ASSETS

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS HENRY T. PELAEZ SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT COUNTRY MANAGER JULIAN G. H DEL PILAR VICE PRESIDENT SENIOR TREASURY SALES OFFICER TERESA BALITA VICE PRESIDENT COUNTRY COMPLIANCE MANAGER

LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP - (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitute d) Others Bonds Payable - Net Unsecured Subordinated Debt - Net Redeemable Preferred Shares Special Time Deposit Due to BSP Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STACKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accoutns c) Advisory/ Consultancy Derivatives Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

0.00 0.00 -2.99 45.04 44.59 -

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) )S.S. I/We HENRY T. PELAEZ and MA. CHRISTINA J. DEL CARMEN of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above statement of condition are true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief. _______________________________ ________________________________ (Sgd) HENRY T. PELAEZ (Sgd) MA. CHRISTINA J. DEL CARMEN SVP - Country Manager VP - Manager Finance-Philippines SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 30th day of January 2015 at affiants exhibiting their Passport Numbers EC1793124 dated August 4, 2014 issued on DFA, NCR EAST and EB9067348 dated September 05, 2013 issued on DFA, NCR East, respectively.

Doc. No.373 Book No. 351 Page No. 76 Series of 2015

(Sgd) ATTY. EMMANUEL C. PARAS Notary Public for Makati City Appointment No. M-56 until Dec 31, 2016 Roll of Attorney No.27192 PTR No. 4756278MC; 01/07/15; Makati City IBP NO. 0979769; 01/05/15; Makati Chapter MCLE Compliance No. IV-0007564; 9/5/12 Makati SyCip Law Center, 105 Paseo de Roxas Makati City, 1226 Metro Manila

FRIDAY: MAY 8, 2015

B4

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

MWSS and bad hair days BUSINESS people are frowning in exasperation over the arbitrary and whimsical decisions of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. First it slashed the proposed rate adjustments of its two private concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad in violation of the 1997 concession agreement, prompting the two to file separate arbitration cases before the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Court of Arbitration in Singapore. And now that the ICC has come out with a decision approving the proposed rate adjustment of Maynilad, MWSS decides it’s okay to ignore the ICC ruling for Maynilad and instead apply the decision handed down for the separate case filed by Manila Water.

What? Run that by us again? To explain—ICC ruled in favor of Maynilad’s rate adjustment last December (but MWSS withheld implementation saying it is waiting for the ruling on Manila Water’s separate case.) Last April 21, the ICC handed out a decision favoring MWSS over Manila Water in the latter’s rate adjustment case. Two separate cases with two separate decisions. Which should tell us that the ICC ruled based on the individual merits of the respective cases.

However, MWSS thinks it can flout the ICC decision by immediately and fully implementing the ruling handed down for Manila Water, but on the other hand chooses to disregard ruling on Maynilad, proceeding to slash down the approved rate adjustment for the latter. So now the regulator finds itself in more legal mess with Maynilad filing a second arbitration case before the ICC, seeking compensation amounting to P3.44 billion in losses plus another P208 million more for every month since Dec. 28, the date when the ICC Appeals panel handed down the ruling favoring the water concessionaire.

Our stoolies tell us Maynilad has strong support from the business community on this second arbitration case protesting MWSS’ whimsical actions, saying the delayed and selective enforcement of the ICC ruling case is the latest evidence of the government’s penchant for changing business rules at random that have for long unsettled foreign and local investors.

Moreover, the surprise move by MWSS to get the Supreme Court involved by seeking the latter’s interpretation of the separate ICC rulings on the Maynilad and Manila Water cases will lead to the kind of judicial encroachment or intervention similarly frowned upon by the business community, our stoolie further noted.

In the first place, arbitration proceedings are meant precisely for warring parties to settle their disputes outside the courts. So why bring the SC into the picture?

“There is no reward for MWSS’ stance, which is an all-downside proposition, with the whole country paying the price. When government officials seek new foreign investments, they will have to explain why a valid contract and a final and binding arbitral award were not respected by a government agency,” Maynilad chief finance officer Randolph Estrellado said, adding that respect for the law and contracts should be observed.

All of these sort of make businessmen think that the selective and whimsical decisions of MWSS and its officials depend on whether these people are having a bad hair day or woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Of course, the populist posturing can also be a ploy to deflect attention from graft accusations, with the Office of the Ombudsman recommending the filing of graft charges against a former executive.

While no one readily welcomes any rate increase in most any thing, the glaring truth is that the increase will go towards enhancement of services and more importantly, to reach areas that are not currently being served.

Ordinary consumers actually stand to be the biggest losers with the refusal of MWSS to heed the ICC decision because the continuing losses will undermine long-term plans to expand services—precisely since Maynilad spends P10 billion every year on capital expenditures for service enhancement, our stoolie pointed out.

This capriciousness and arbitrary tendencies will negatively impact poor and low-income consumers in areas that are not yet served by the concessionaire and therefore are forced to buy water for suppliers that charge them almost an arm and a leg. As mentioned in a study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, consumers who used to buy water from kariton water peddlers had to pay as much as 13 times more for their water requirements before being serviced by the concessionaires.

Considering this (typical) wishy-washy arbitrary tendency of the government agencies like the MWSS, can anybody blame people like PCCI Securities Brokers Corp. research head James Lago for saying, “It’s not fun to do business in the Philippines”? ### 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!

Bottom line From B3 Mendoza and Peralta point to health and education disparities between the different regions of the Philippines.

They also point to potential for economic inequality stemming from political inequality. They point out that their ongoing monitoring indicates that 8 out of 10 governors in the country belong to dynastic clans. This, of course, is not in and of itself proof of political inequality but is indicative of the ability of certain families to wield long-term influence.

Opportunity and capital One way to address the concern of addressing those at the bottom of the

socio-economic pyramid is to examine the factors that prevent them from fully engaging in economic activity.

In a working paper prepared for the AIM RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, we identified the building blocks for inclusive growth: (a) a legal and regulatory environment that provides a legal basis for rights, responsibilities and entitlements; (b) guaranteed basic services; (c) institutionalized safety nets; and (d) access to capacity-building.

The thinking behind these building blocks is that economic participation can occur either from individuals becoming employees or engaging in a profession or from individuals founding businesses. The legal foundation covers both individuals

Labor partnership. The Labor Department’s National Reintegration Center for OFWs has teamed up with the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. to encourage overseas Filipino workers to go into business and stay in the country. Shown sealing the partnership at BSA Twin Towers in Mandaluyong City are (from left) AFFI past president and VCargo Worldwide president Paulo Tibig, NRCO policy and program officer Mark Espina, NRCO policy and program officer-in-charge Dennis Cabato, NRCO director Chona Mantilla, AFFI president and Ink All You Can president Jerry Ilao and AFFI executive director Raffy Canare.

Bloomberry gets full gaming license

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp. said Thursday

In BrIef

a wholly-owned unit has obtained a regular Fund buys into Century sovereign wealth fund GIC casino gaming license from state-run Philippine SINGAPORE Private Ltd. is acquiring an 11-percent interest in canned tuna maker Century Amusement and Gaming Corp. to operate Pacific Food Inc. through the conversion of loan into equity.

Pacific said in a disclosure to $1.2-billion Solaire Resorts & Casino in theCentury stock exchange unit Arran Investment Private Limited will own 11-percent interParanaque City. est in the company, after it confirmed it Bloomberry said in a disclosure to the stock exchange unit Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc. received a notice from Pagcor that the regulator approved the issuance of the regular casino gaming license for the operation of Solaire Resort. BRHI is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bloomberry.

Solaire Resort & Casino began operations on March16, 2013 and applied for the issuance of a regular casino gaming license with Pagcor on April 22, 2015.

Bloomberry is the second casino operator to receive a regular casino gaming license from Pagcor. The company was earlier granted a provisional gaming license, but this was turned into a regular gaming license when total investments reached the minimum $1 billion and the whole development was completed.

Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corp. through unit MCE Leisure (Philippines) Corp. earlier and businesses and includes an affirmation of basic rights, laws against discrimination and appropriate incentives. This, for example, includes a judicious taxation regime.

The next block focuses on individuals.

Guaranteed basic services include such things as access to health care, education, safe water and sanitation, housing, and energy. Institutionalized safety nets include social security mechanisms but could also, for example, cover institutionalized safety nets for business bankruptcy.

The last and final building block includes education and training but also covers the wellsprings of enterprise. This includes such things as availability of financing, access

this week obtained a regular casino license from Pagcor.

Melco Crown operates City of Dreams Manila which opened on Dec. 14, 2014.

It applied with the issuance of regular gaming casino license with Pagcor on Jan. 30, 2015.

Solaire Resorts & Casino and City of Dreams Manila are the first two of the four integrated resorts to operate at Pagcor-sponsored Entertainment City in Paranaque City.

Two more are currently under construction, including the Bayshore City Resorts World of Travellers International Group, a joint venture between tycoon Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global Group Inc. and the Genting group of Malaysia, and Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada’s Manila Bay Resorts project.

Entertainment City is envisioned to be Asia’s Las Vegas-like gaming and entertainment complex on the reclamation area of Manila Bay.

would exercise the exchange option for a loan agreement granted to Century Pacific Group Inc. worth P3.37 billion.

Under the loan agreement signed in April 2014, the P3.37-billion loan might be repaid through a conversion of both principal and interest into 245.5 million issued and outstanding shares of Century Pacific.

“The exchange option notice from Arran confirms their exercise of the exchange option and cements their entry into Century Pacific Food Inc.,” Century Pacific said. Jenniffer B. Austria

to basic resources such as roads and transportation, access to the information highway.

Interestingly, the 2015 WHR points to another critical ingredient: social capital. Social capital, the report points out, is correlated both with happiness as well as with economic development. Stronger social support leads to both wealth and happiness.

A consensus is slowly growing.

Not only are the social dimensions important as an outcome, they are also important as a condition. It’s time to pay attention to social capital.

Regus expands centers

Readers can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com.

Or visit her site at http://integrations. tumblr.com.

Mighty to help farmers MIGHTY Corp. has assured Rep. Eric Singson, president of the Northern Alliance in the House of Representatives, of its full and unwavering support to uplift the lives of farming families in the tobaccoproducing provinces in Northern Luzon.

Geoffrey Gadiana, a Mighty official, relayed the firm’s commitment to Singson.

“Mighty Corp. stands firm on its commitment to help the tobacco farmers in the Philippines with its pronouncements this year to purchase more tobacco leaves and to continue its outreach projects for tobacco farmers,” Gadiana said to Singson.

“This is not only a big help to the 120,000 tobacco farmers but will also boost the economy of the tobacco-producing provinces,” Singson said.

Singson also lauded Mighty’s unswerving commitment to directly help tobacco farmers produce better quality tobacco that included the donation of farm implements such as tractors and irrigation pumps to the farmers of the National Tobacco Association of Tobacco Farmers Association and Cooperatives in La Union early last year.

GLOBAL workspace provider Regus said Thursday it plans to expand operations outside Metro Manila in the next three to five years.

Regus Philippines country manager Lars Wittig said in an interview the company was looking at Zamboanga, General Santos, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Naga City, Clark, Subic, Baguio, La Union, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas and Dumaguete as the potential locations for its expansion in the next three to five years.

“The demand in the Philippines is extremely big that is why we are expanding. I cannot see us slowing down,” Wittig said, adding the demand for flexible space was driven by both local and international companies.

He said the company was getting 700 inquiries a month, which showed a significant demand for flexible workspace in the country. Darwin G. Amojelar

B5

F R I D AY : M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Koreans to chase Chinese fishermen

DAECHEONG, South Korea—South Korean fishermen who work the flashpoint maritime border with North Korea tend to be a resilient bunch, but these days a larger, more powerful neighbor is making them lose sleep.

“North Korea is nothing compared to the Chinese fishing ships,” said Choi Won-Jin, who has fished the crab-rich waters around his home island of Daecheong for decades.

Daecheong is one of five “frontline” islands whose proximity to the disputed border with North Korea means they are manned by thousands of South Korean soldiers and bristling with artillery units and bomb shelters.

But all that weaponry has failed to guard against what Choi sees as the biggest threat to the livelihood of the islands’ fishing communities—the “invasion” of Chinese trawlers.

According to official estimates, more than 1,000 Chinese fishing ships illegally accessed exclusive South Korean waters around Daecheong last year, with only four coastguard ships on hand to pose a deterrent.

The numbers have been growing every year as China’s increasing affluence and appetite for seafood pushes more fishermen to venture beyond its over-

fished waters.

Smaller, wooden Chinese ships sneaking into South Korean waters were once tolerated in an area where the top priority has always been guarding against potential incursions from North Koreaz= But in recent years, the small boats have given way to larger steel trawlers who engage in bottom trawling—dragging a large, weighted net across the sea floor—and sweep up “everything in their path,” Choi told AFP. “By the time they are gone, we have nothing left.

It’s all gone, including our fishing pots,” he said.

Around 2,200 Chinese vessels have been stopped and fined by South Korea for illegal fishing in the past four years, and the number of arrested fishermen jumped from two in 2010 to 66 in 2013.

There were only five arrests in 2014, but coastguard officials said that was largely due to all resources being diverted to the lengthy rescue and recovery operation that followed the Sewol ferry disaster in April that year. AFP

High and dry. Homes in Palm Springs, California, on May 6. For the first time in the state’s history, California water regu-

lators have adopted sweeping, mandatory restrictions on how people, governments and businesses can use water in the face of the state’s multi-year drought. AFP

Chicago to pay $5.5m to torture victims WASHINGTON—The Chicago city council on Wednesday approved a $5.5 million reparations package for dozens of men—most of them African-American— who were tortured by police between 1972 and 1991, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Up to 100 men were allegedly tortured under former police commander Jon Burge in attempt to extract confessions, the paper said.

“This is another step, but an essential step, in righting a wrong—removing a stain,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, according to comments in the Tribune.

“Chicago finally will confront its past and come to terms with it and recognize when something wrong was done and be able to be strong enough to say that something was wrong.”

Many of the tortured men came from impoverished parts of Chicago’s South Side and the city had fought their torture claims for decades.

As part of the reparations package, the city also issued a formal apology and said it might offer other benefits to torture victims including counseling and free tuition at local colleges.

“Chicago has taken a historic step to show the country, and the world, that there should be no expiration date on reparations for crimes as heinous as torture,” Amnesty International USA’s executive director Steven Hawkins said in a statement.

According to Amnesty, suspects were detained and then “subjected to horrific abuse including electric shocks to the

genitals and other body parts, suffocation, mock executions and beatings—all of which often accompanied by racial slurs, hurled by all-white detectives.”

The extraordinary payment and apology comes at a time of heightened awareness in the United States around the ways police interact with minority communities.

Several major US cities have seen huge street demonstrations, some of them violent, following the recent deaths of unarmed black men at the hands of officers.

In Baltimore, riots erupted last week after the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who died from spinal injuries sustained when he was arrested in a public housing area. AFP

Printed with blood of HIV patients

General election. A member of the public leaves a polling station set up in Mattingley church hall in southern England on May 7 as Britain holds a general election. AFP

VIENNA—An Austrian men’s magazine has printed its latest edition using blood from people who are HIVpositive in order to counter the “stigma” often attached to the virus that causes AIDS, its chief editor said Tuesday.

“We wanted to make a statement against the stigma and the irrational fears [about]... HIV and HIV-positive people,” Julian Wiehl, founder and editor-in-chief of Vangardist magazine, told AFP. “If you hold this magazine

in your hands it is like holding somebody who is HIV positive. Nothing can happen, nothing can harm you holding the magazine, and nothing can harm you holding an HIV-positive person,” he said.

Vangardist is usually published only digitally, but the “#HIVHeroes” edition is in hard copy, printed using blood donated by three people who are HIV-positive and mixed with normal ink.

Three thousand copies of the bilingual GermanEnglish special edition can

be ordered online for 50 euros ($55.65) each, with all proceeds going to charity. A further 15,000 normal copies are also available.

One of the three donors is Wiltrut Stefanek, 45, diagnosed as HIV-positive 20 years ago and who runs PULSHIV, a Viennese group for people with HIV/ AIDS and their families.

“I want to make people understand that in day-today dealings with it, HIV poses no risk to anyone,” the magazine quotes her as saying. AFP

F R I D AY : M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

B6

WORLD

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Gearing up for Cannes PARIS—The Cannes Film Festival will next week lift the curtain on 12 days of glamor, movies, deals and parties drawing the elite of the cinema world, from Hollywood honchos to art house auteurs.

Under the Riviera sun—and high security—some of the industry’s biggest stars, directors and producers will be turning out to tread the red carpet during the May 13-24

event.

Cate Blanchett, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Colin Farrell, Michael Caine, Jane Fonda, Salma Hayek, Gerard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve, Rachel Weisz, Jesse Eisenberg, Naomi Watts and Rooney Mara all feature in this year’s movie line-up and can be expected to appear to promote their films.

The Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan, will definitely be there, as co-presidents of the jury that decides the festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or prize. Other jury members include actors Jake Gyllenhaal, Sienna Miller and Sophie Marceau.

The movies in competition range from Hollywood-style fare, in the form of “Sicario,” about a CIA operation to bring down a Mexican drug lord, to Asian martial arts in “The Assassin,” to a Hungarian take on the Holocaust in “Son of Saul.”

Some out-of-competition projections, though, are more widely anticipated.

Among them is “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a sci-fi dystopian desertcarnage reboot of the franchise that made Mel Gibson famous, but which now stars British actor Tom Hardy.

Woody Allen’s latest, “Irrational Man,” is also awaited, as are the big budget animations “The Lit-

tle Prince” and “Inside Out,” and Israeli-US actress Natalie Portman’s directorial debut, “A Tale of Love and Darkness.”

Gaspar Noe, an Argentine director who relishes shock cinema, will be showing his movie “Love”—suggested to be heavily pornographic, based on a movie poster he released online—in a midnight screening.

“Amy,” a documentary about British singer Amy Winehouse who died of alcohol poisoning in 2011 aged 27, will also be getting an outof-competition midnight projection. Her family have condemned the film as “misleading” and disassociated themselves from it. AFP

Monkey likely to be renamed TOKYO—A Japanese Princess CharRepublic of the Philippines REGIONAL COURT zoo said Thursday it is TRIAL lotte Elizabeth Diana National Capital Judicial Region rethinking theBRANCH name215, QUEZON was CITY born in London FOR CANCELLATION ofPETITION a baby monkey afPrince William OF THE SIMULATED CERTIFICATE to BIRTHpoll OF deMINOR and his wife Kate last terOF a LIVE public AZZA PAWAKI MAJUK cided on “Charlotte,” Herein represented by her Biological week, a younger sister mother, ZENAIDA PAWAKI MAJUK, to Prince George, and following complaints Petitioner, it was -versusdisrespectful nowCase fourth in15-03580-SP line to No. R-QZN LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR, the British throne. toTHE Britain’s newborn CIVIL REGISTRY OF QUEZON CITY and NATIONAL STATISTICIAN, princess.

“There was no vote PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, Mt. Takasaki Respondents, Wild for ‘Charlotte’ before x---------------------------------------------------x Monkey Park an- the Monday night anORDER nounced the name nouncement,” the ofFiled before this court is a verified Petition for cancellation of the Certificate Wednesday it Majukficial of Live Birth of minorafter Azza Pawaki on File said, with the as Quezon City Civil a photoRegistry filed with her mother, Zenaida Pawaki Majuk. cameFinding topthe in a vote, a graph showed the tiny Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is given due course. at the zoo for tradition pink-faced monkey WHEREFORE, the Petition is set for hearing on June 25, 2015 at 8:30 in the macaque monto itsof the mother the first morning before this Court located atclinging the Annex Building Hall of Justice, Quezon City, at which date, timeat andthe place,park. all interested persons may key born each year. appear and show cause, if any, why the Petition should not be granted.

“The name “Since ofwe announced Let copies of this Order bewas published in a newspaper general circulation in Quezon City, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks before the scheduled publicly the name been hearing, whilesolicited a separate copyand of this Order be posted on the we’ve Bulletin Boards at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Quezon City; the Civil Registry Office, Charlotte suddenly receiving Quezon City; and this Branch ofbeCourt at least twenty (20) dayscalls prior to the and date of hearing, further served, together with the Petition and its annexes, upon came theandmost popular emails from people the petitioner, the Office of the Solicitor General, the City Prosecutor’s Office of Quezon City, the National Statistics Office,mostly the Civil Registry of Quezon City, and choice—with 59 votes complaining the City Attorney’s Office, all at the expense of the petitioner. out Further, of the total is853— that itwithistherude to in-Charge British the petitioner directed to coordinate Civil Case for compliance with the aforesaid requirements before the after the British baby people” tohearing givedate. a monSO ORDERED. princess’s name was key the same name as a Quezon City, Philippines, April 20, 2015. announced,” a zoo of- member of their royal (Sgd.) RAFAEL G. HIPOLITO ficial told AFP. family, he Judge said. AFP Presiding (TS-May 8, 15 & 22, 2015)

Clearing work. Nepalese army, police and locals work together to clear rubble along a street on Durbar

Square, a Unesco world heritage site in Kathmandu, following an earthquake in Kathmandu, on May 7.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck the Himalayan nation on April 25, has had a devastating impact on the economy of Nepal where tourism attracted almost 800,000 foreign visitors in 2013,many of them climbers heading straight to Mount Everest but also less adventurous tourists seeking the rich cultural history of Kathmandu. AFP

ANNOUNCEMENT Starting May 11, 2015 ABS-CBNmobile MHP (Mobile + Homephone) will have two (2) Postpaid plan packages that will be available in the following areas: • • • • • • • • •

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Herein represented by her Biological mother, ZENAIDA PAWAKI MAJUK, Petitioner, -versus-

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ORDER

Filed before this court is a verified Petition for cancellation of the Certificate of Live Birth of minor Azza Pawaki Majuk on File with the Quezon City Civil Registry filed with her mother, Zenaida Pawaki Majuk.

Note: ABS-CBNmobile MHP add-ons require registration and will be billed on top of customer’s monthly service fee (MSF). Once add-on is fully consumed or expires based on validity period, subscriber needs to register again to enjoy the service. Rates are VAT inclusive.

• Mobile Calls and SMS from MHP to ABS-CBNmobile: Based on prevailing rates • Mobile Calls and SMS from MHP to other mobile network providers or to landline of different home zone: Based on prevailing rates • International Voice & SMS: Based on prevailing rates • Internet: PhP 1 per MB (or based on SKU promo if available) Note: Rates are VAT & OCT (Overseas Communication Tax) inclusive.

WHEREFORE, the Petition is set for hearing on June 25, 2015 at 8:30 in the morning before this Court located at the Annex Building of the Hall of Justice, Quezon City, at which date, time and place, all interested persons may appear and show cause, if any, why the Petition should not be granted.

Let copies of this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Quezon City, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks before the scheduled hearing, while a separate copy of this Order be posted on the Bulletin Boards at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Quezon City; the Civil Registry Office, Quezon City; and this Branch of Court at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of hearing, and further served, together with the Petition and its annexes, upon the petitioner, the Office of the Solicitor General, the City Prosecutor’s Office of Quezon City, the National Statistics Office, the Civil Registry of Quezon City, and the City Attorney’s Office, all at the expense of the petitioner.

Further, the petitioner is directed to coordinate with the Civil Case in-Charge for compliance with the aforesaid requirements before the hearing date.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Philippines, April 20, 2015.

Service subscriptions available in SIM only or with Phone. Apply through accredited ABS-CBNmobile agents. Please see flyers for details.

(TS-MAY 8, 2015)

Case No. R-QZN 15-03580-SP

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR, CIVIL REGISTRY OF QUEZON CITY and NATIONAL STATISTICIAN, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, Respondents, x---------------------------------------------------x

Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is given due course.

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reference rate by one percent to 21,673 Vietnamese dong per dollar to “cope with adverse impacts of international markets”, it said in a statement.

The dong was last devalued by one percent in January.

H A N O I —V i e t n a m ’s central bank said Thursday it would devalue the dong currency for the second time this year in a bid to boost exports and drive the economy forward.

The State Bank of Vietnam will devalue the

PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF THE SIMULATED CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MINOR AZZA PAWAKI MAJUK

Kapamilya Kapamilya Kapamilya Kapamilya

SEOU L —Sa msu ng on Thursday kicked off the construction of a new chip plant to help fuel growth as smartphone sales slow, saying it would invest 15.6 trillion won ($14.3 billion) until production begins in 2017.

The South Korean electronics giant, which has seen a surge in demand for chips, broke ground on the new plant in the city of Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul.

Production at the 2.89-million squaremeter plant will begin in the latter half of 2017, Samsung said in a statement.

The investment of $14.3 billion is the largest amount the firm has ever committed to a single plant, it added.

“The Pyeongtaek semiconductor plant will play a key role in strengthening our leadership in mobile and server (chip) market where demand has soared recently, and secure a leading position (in) the next-generation Internet of Things market,” it said.

It was referring to a platform that connects a wide array of Internet-enabled devices from refrigerators to cars. AFP

Vietnam devalues dong

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$14-b chip plant to rise

(TS-May 8, 15 & 22, 2015)

The second devaluation of the dong in five months follows the “evolution of national and international financial markets”, the SBV statement said.

The new measure came into force Thursday.

In December SBV governor Nguyen Van Binh said that the regulator will not weaken the dong by more than two percent in 2015.

The dong devaluation will help keep Vietnam’s thriving expor ts—including smartphones and other electronics manufactured by Korean giant Samsung in its Vietnamese factories— competitive with regional rivals.

Rising exports helped Vietnam to achieve its highest GDP growth in three years in 2014 with the economy growing an estimated 5.98 percent, while inflation slowed to 4.09 percent, official figures showed.

(Sgd.) RAFAEL G. HIPOLITO Presiding Judge

ANNOUNCEMENT

AFP

F R I D AY : M AY 8 , 2 0 1 5

MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Overland builds the ultimate off-roader Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

Like the Castle of Carcassonne, is there a way to beat the domination of the Toyota Hi-Lux? Despite the entry of newer, more comfortable and more technologically advanced pick-up trucks in the domestic market, the Hi-Lux has always been the standard when talk comes to who’s raking in the most customers.

FAST FASTLANE World Transport taps BYD as fleet supplier SOLAR Transport Automotive Resources Corp., (STAR Corp.), the exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in the Philippines, recently announced a partnership with World Transport for their Taxi Fleet.

“These are exciting times for STAR Corp. as we roll out our first taxi fleet in the Philippines. The BYD F3 is designed for the Filipino commuting public, who deserve more space and comfort. It is fuel efficient and represents real value for money,” said Tieng.

The BYD F3 Taxi is a four-door compact sedan specially developed for fleet operations as it comes with provisions for Taxi Meter, Top Mount Light, and a “For Hire” Lamp. It is bigger, wider, longer and roomier than all other current taxi models resulting in a pleasant ride. Five occupants, including the driver, can fit inside the F3 comfortably with ample legroom and elbowroom. The F3 features a Euro 4 compliant 1.5L 473QE engine, which is an ultra-efficient aluminum power train that uses less fuel. It combines VVL (Variable Valve Lift) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) technology to maximize power while minimizing its environmental impact and fuel consumption.

The F3 is safer than other taxi cabs on the road as it is equipped with Bosch two channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with non-stop monitoring Delphi EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), which together give the driver greater control during emergency braking. It also has full-size front and rear fog lamps, rear defogger, LED brake lights, as well as a third LED high-mounted brake light to arm any driver with all the means to assure passengers greater safety and confidence in his driving.

Overland’s Toyota Hi-Lux is custombuilt for the tough off-road trail.

The Hi-Lux has been around since 1968, and coffee shops are abuzz about the ninth generation being introduced locally sometime next year after its debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. So it comes as no surprise why Toyota’s best selling pick-up is a popular base-model for most tuners and custombody specialists.

What you see before you is a 2014 model Hi-Lux custom built by Rod Chiong of Overland 4x4 Philippines. A popular off-road equipment and gear from Thailand, Overland is in the business of aesthetically protecting your SUV or pick-up from the harsh natural environment of off-road driving.

The pick-up is the company’s show vehicle for the local market, and it comes equipped with basically all the accessories and equipment of Overland 4x4.

Built to withstand and survive the harsh punishment of the off-road trails, the first order of business for Chiong was to replace the stock suspension with a heavy duty XTR set-up for both the front and rear suspension. “We had the truck raised by at least two inches since I use it as a daily driver.

When I go off-road, I can adjust the ride height up to four inches more for a better ground clearance,” explains Chiong. He also replaced the stock wheels with a set of Overland 1.1 17’ inch rims wrapped in mud friendly Pro Comp tires for better control and grip when driving through unforgiving terrain.

This writer drove the pick-up truck up in the jungles of Tanay and the vehicle was capable and took on the trail without any hassles. The XTR suspension added comfort to the Hi-Lux and confidence to tackle loose gravel, dirt and mud along the way. The Pro Comp tires provided the much needed grip when the surface was slippery due to the recent rainfall in the last couple of days. The engine hummed with authority as I pushed the truck up a muddy trail, and the tires gave the grip to conquer the dreaded Tanay trail.

The Overland K2 front, ANDEZ rear bumper and side rails did its job when we traversed through thick greenery with sharp branches brushing the vehicle. Its good that we had an extended steel bumper because we slipped at one point and front hit a tree. If the bumpers were not there, the result would have required some insurance claims. According to Chiong, the K2 front bumper steel and steel guard railings were developed by Overland in the jungles of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The goal was to provide much needed exterior protection for vehicles to minimize the occurrence of dents and scratches.

After spending almost a day at the trails, we headed back to the base camp of off-road guru Beeboy Bargas for some final vehicle check up before checking out of Tanay and going back to civilization. “This Overland truck is tough and can really take a beating, says Bargas, in summing up the capabilities of the Overland Hi-Lux. Honda...from B8

STAR Corp. managing director Mark Andrew Tieng ( left) and general manager Jose Paolo “Popo” Soriano send off the first of a fleet of BYD F3 taxis to ply Metro Manila streets with partner World Taxi.

B7

Engineers gave considerable effort to its second and third row seats to create a wider and longer space for the legroom and knee clearance; plus a generous space for the headroom. The second row seat is flexible for a 60/40 split that reclines, folds, and tumble with a 90mm slide function for middle-seat passenger

Hi-Lux Suspension: The Overland suspension enahances the truck’s stability and control.

H-Lux Pro Comp wheels: The OVL wheels and Pro Comp tires provided the grip and traction over muddy terrain

Overland is distributed in the domestic market by MK2 Trading, and has a string dealerships around the country. “Aside from the Philippines, Overland is popular in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and in some parts of Europe,” says Chiong.

comfort and ensuring easy access to the third row. The third row seat, on the other hand, is a 50/50 split, recline, fold, and tumble type which gives more flexibility to accommodate different hauling needs. Furthermore, the third row seat can be quickly and conveniently tumbled forward for maximum the cargo space.

For years, the Mobilio is a variant intended for the JDM only.

Now, Honda aims to eat up a profitable slice of the consumer pie as it competes with the Nissan Grand Livina, Chevrolet Spin, and the Toyota Avanza. Prices start at P807,000m for the entry level M/T variant and up to the high end Mobilio RS Modulo at P987,000 A/T.

F R I D AY : M a y 8 , 2 0 1 5

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING

Honda’s stylish people mover

HCPI president-general manager Toshio Kuwahara strikes a confident pose with the Mobilio.

Boat-sailing enthusiast takes Isuzu helm

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

P

ersonal people carriers are fast becoming the practical choice for Filipino families as the preferred mode of transportation. With their compact size, roomy and flexible interiors plus a fuel efficient engine, these Multi-Purpose Vehicles are gaining a profitable niche in the domestic automotive market.

Outgoing Isuzu Philippines president Nobuo Izumina (left) presents a token to his successor, Hajime Koso.

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III The country’s diesel authority, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), introduced early this week to dealer principals and the media its new company president last April 27 at the Solaire Resorts and Casino in Pasay City. Hajime Koso officially took over the reigns of the company over Nobuo Izumina who will be reassigned to Japan as the Director of Isuzu Body Corporation, an affiliate of Isuzu Motors Limited (IML). A big fan of boat sailing, the 57-year old Koso is an old hand in the industry and a career official which has been working for IML for the past 35 years handling mostly sales and overseas operations.

“The Philippine automotive industry is slowly setting up its pace. In the past two years, the country’s record for automotive sales has seen a significant growth which is probably due to the overall growth of the economy,” said Koso. “My previous assignment in Indonesia made me aware of the ASEAN market, the Philippines will be a challenging task but I think it will be worthwhile,” he remarked.

Koso is confident that he will be able to replicate the accomplishments of Izumina, which include a record high of 14,134 units sold in 2014, maintaining the number one position of the Isuzu N-Series trucks in the light-duty category, the introduction of the much awaited Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu mu-X and the 100,000 production units and sales of its best-selling Isuzu Crosswind. “In this competitive market, we need to constantly keep up or get left behind. Isuzu has always been ready for what’s to come - and for us to reap the benefits of this healthy economy, we vow to continue providing new and exciting products that will surely satisfy the consumer’s need,” said Koso.

A native of Okayama, Japan, Koso was most recently the president of Isuzu Motors Kyusyu Limited. He joined IML’s Domestic Sales Department in 1980 after receiving a degree in Social Sciences and Applied Economic in Hosei University in Tokyo.

In recognizing the potential of this segment, the local auto industry’s “comeback kid” has thrown an ace into the deck with the recent launching of the much awaited seven-seater Honda Mobilio. A variant once enjoyed exclusively by the Japanese market, the Mobilio is an extended version of the Brio and Amaze subcompact car. “With a clear grasp of the local culture, Honda believes that the All New Mobilio fits the need and expectations of the Filipino family in a vehicle and we are thrilled to be able to finally introduce it locally and see more smiles on the road with the all new Mobilio”, says Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated president and general manager, Toshio Kuwahara, during the formal launch ceremony of Honda’s latest offering at the Metrotent, Metrowalk in Ortigas, Pasig City.

The concept behind the Mobilio MPV was based on the “Progressive Private Jetliner” concept which offers modern and upbeat styling, innovative technology, generous cabin space, flexible seats and a comfortable sedan-like ride that feels like you are onboard a private jet.

The front bumper, fog lights, grille and doors are designed to emphasize energy and have a strong stance. The line that a

The Honda convoy disembarks from the RORO for a drive around Mindoro.

connects the headlights and front grille represents strength and stable motion.

The rear showcases distinctive design of the floating rear pillar and the rear fenders character line runs from the rear to the side body to convey a tough and strong stance. Adding to the dynamic appearance of the Mobilio is the rear spoiler is attached to the body. On the side, the All-New Mobilio displays a glassy cabin

and with the application of the lightning bolt belt line to provide optimal visibility from the second and third row seats. With its glassy cabin design, body integrated spoiler, and dynamic stance, the All-New Mobilio clearly sets itself apart from other MUVs in the market by avoiding a boxy look typical in the segment.

Man maximum, machine minimum A day after the launch, select members of the motoring media were provided with an opportunity to take the Mobilio through it paces by way of a long drive to the scenic island of Mindoro, at an exclusive resort in Puerto Galera.

Honda prepared six units for the drive with the Mobilio RS as the star of the convoy. The top-of-the line Mobilio RS flaunts of seven exclusively-designed exterior parts namely front grille, front bumper, 15” alloy wheels, side sill garnish, tailgate spoiler, rear bumper with exhaust pipe finisher, and the RS emblem. With the RS design, a sportier and sophisticated character is presented in Honda’s first Multi-purpose Utility Vehicle. Under the hood is a potent 1500cc i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum power output of 120 ps at 6600 rpm and 145 NM of torque at 4600 rpm. The 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine is mated to either 5-speed Manual Transmission or the new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under the Earth Dreams Technology to keep the balance between power and fuel efficiency.

The interior of the Mobilio embraces a “prime comfort” theme consistent with its class leading and comfortable cabin, in sync with Honda’s design philosophy of “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum”.

Turn to B7

F R I D AY : M AY 0 8 : 2 0 1 5

C1

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

LIFE

Sarah Jessica Parker

Banks

Janelle Monae

Vanessa Hudgens

FASHION

SCENES FROM THE MET The Annual Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum is Fashion’s Biggest Event High society, fashion royalty and A-list celebrities - starting with Vogue editrix Anna Wintour, who chairs the event overall - all made their way up the Met’s spectacular staircase to attend this year’s glittering gala.

The theme was China: Through the Looking Glass, an examination of the influence of China on fashion, which was illustrated with a beautifully organized and dramatically staged exhibition curated by the Costume Institute’s Andrew Bolton.

Co-chairing the event this year with Wintour - who wore Chanel - were Jennifer Lawrence, Gong Li, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, Wendi Murdoch and Hong Kong billionaire Silas Chou.

The Met Gala is the ultimate in snobbery: even if you can afford the $25,000per place ticket, it doesn’t guarantee you a seat. You have to be invited by Anna Wintour first.

While many guests rocked up in Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Prabal Gurung, Dior and Chanel, to name a few, there were a handful sporting H&M, such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Vanessa Hudgens, Janelle Monae, Banks and athlete Odell Beckham, Jr. Inspired by this year’s exhibition theme, H&M’s design team created one-of-a-kind looks in collaboration with each of its guests.

The designs honor each individual’s unique personal style and feature intricate detailing such as hand-done beading and embroideries, and design elements such as pleating inspired by the folds of a fan.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure for H&M to take part in fashion’s most prestigious event of the year. Each of our specially designed outfits both captures the mood of the exhibition and shows the fun of fashion that is so important to H&M,” says Pernilla Wohlfahrt, H&M’s Head of Design.

More Met Gala coverage C2 PHOTOS COURTESY OF H&M

FRIDAY : M AY 08 : 2015

C2

LIFE

E D I TOR

glweekend @ gmail.com

BEAUTY EXPRESS

Beauty Bar New Concept store in Central Square

MET GALA STANDOUTS

BY ED BIADO

The annual Costume Institute Gala is the fashion gala where attendees are free—and in the case of celebrities and style icons, expected—to take fashion risks.

Unlike most other red-carpet events, dressing up for the Met Gala means kicking it up a few notches.

Safe is boring. Less is by no means more. Go big or go home (and see yourself on the worst-dressed list).

Here, for better of for worse, are the standouts from this year’s installment with the theme China: Through The Looking Glass:

RIHANNA - Wearing Chinese

couture designer Guo Pei, our girl Riri killed it in the Orientalinfluenced gold-yellow number with an extravagant train reminiscent of the golden age of Shanghai. Hands down, the most memorable look of the evening.

1 Shower wash mango and vanilla 2 Pepperland Shower Body Polish 3 Rich Siberian White Body Butter 4 Intensive Two Phase Bio Complex 3

1

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE

4

AMAL CLOONEY - Still looking respectable but truly fashionable, Amal turned up the heat in a tiered Maison Margiela in scorching red.

And it’s so sweet that George chose a matching pocket square.

KATIE HOLMES - Though not

as adventurous as the other stars, Katie really stepped up this time in that ethereal Zac Posen with the cloudy night sky details. It fits her amazingly and it does have a very

modern feel to it. Also loving the severe bob.

ANNE HATHAWAY - Little

Gold Riding Hood? Jedi master?

Pez dispenser? The jokes keep on coming. Seriously though, Anne really rocked it in this hooded Ralph Lauren Collection. And we ain’t even mad at the matchymatchy gold purse.

LILY COLLINS - The actress is an absolute sweetheart in this straight-from-the-runway look. It may not wow so much and it can be faulted as a tad too casual for something like the Met Gala, but we appreciate the highly stylized combination of Chanel Couture separates and birdcage veil.

KRIS JENNER - A lot of people

don’t agree but we’re digging this momager’s Met Gala look. It’s ontheme, thanks to the red and gold combo. And it’s over the top (hello, distracting chandelier earrings!), which is how Kris should always be.

LADY GAGA - We haven’t been excited about Gaga’s recent outfit choices, but this sh— is hot! It’s bizarre, exaggerated and it’s Balenciaga.

KERRY WASHINGTON This Prada is confusing. It’s truly gorgeous from the back but looks

like a muffin from the front (which is to say, it’s not good). On its own, the color is terrible. But paired with those green shoes, it makes sense.

So yeah, this is a head-scratcher.

MADONNA AND KATY PERRY- Together, their matching

graffiti Moschino frocks are cool.

Inspired, even. But individually, they’re a snooze-fest considering that these two ladies are known for their eccentric fashion choices.

We’re just not feeling that fun, fresh, fierce vibe from either pop star.

SOLANGE KNOWLES - Why

is Beyonce’s sister being eaten up by the space-time warp?

REESE WITHERSPOON -

Yes, she stands out. Because she’s wearing the most underwhelming dress ever.

SARAH JESSICA PARKER

- Of course, no Met Gala story is complete without mentioning SJP. Say what you want about that empress-style headdress by Philip Treacy (because who else can make something like that?); we don’t care because we love it. It’s an incredible statement, which, really is what this event is all about. By the way, that equally royal gown is custom H&M that she co-designed. Girl totally slayed.

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A MAKEOVER FOR BEAUTY BAR

Beauty Bar’s all grown up.

Its new flagship store in Central Square, Bonifacio High Street features a sophisticated yet inviting and refreshing design, executed in collaboration with German designers Blocher and Blocher. The color scheme has been updated: white and dark grey with accents of gold and red. A hand-painted mural of leaves, birds and hearts on a pristine wall adds a personal touch.

Beauty Bar remains stocked with famed cult brands like Smashbox, The Balm, Artdeco, Youngblood, Prestige, Earth Therapeutics, Philosophy and Burt’s Bees which are among the staples.

There are new and exciting discoveries to be made, too, such as Deserving Thyme (Canada), Fior di Bach and Phytorelax (Italy), Natura Siberica (Russia), Bomb Cosmetics (UK), Kracie (Japan), Sophie la Giraffe (France), Heloise de V. (France), Tan Organic (Ireland), EVA NYC (USA) and Epiology (Australia).

THAT FRESH FEELING

Launched in time to beat the heat of the sweltering summer, Heaven Scent Splash Cologne by Avon is a delicate and light fragrance that comes in three iterations, pure, fruity or floral, and several variants.

Whichever one you choose - Colonia Fresca, Sunshine Yellow, Fresh Squeeze, Twinkle Pink, Lilac, Soft Whispers, Chubby Cheeks or Soothing Lullaby - is sure to make your skin feel pampered and clean all day.

Banish sweat and stay fresh and dry all day long with Avon’s Feelin’ Fresh Whitening Quelch Deodorant, and Feelin’ Fresh Whitening Roll-on Deodorant, both with Glutathione to keep your underarms white and soft, and perspiration-free. www.avon.com.ph

Katie Holmes

Rihanna

Lady Gaga

Anne Hathaway

Lily Collins

Madonna and Katy Perry

Amal and George Clooney

Kerry Washington

Kris Jenner

Solange Knowles

Reese Witherspoon

FRIDAY : M AY 08 : 2015

LIFE glweekend @ gmail.com

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

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BOSS PRESENTS THE LIMITED EDITION LEATHER JACKET

IN HONOR OF THE LEGENDARY MILLE MIGLIA Style meets performance: In honor of the 2015 edition of the Mille Miglia – the “Thousand Miles” are also known as the most beautiful race in the world – BOSS has created a limited edition jacket, of which only 722 will be made. Sporty yet sophisticated, vintage yet innovative: that is the BOSS definition of the Mille Miglia.

The jacket is made of brown lamb leather and combines classic design with the modern utility of an aviator jacket for those who are ready to take on the open road, either in a rare vintage convertible or a modern racing car.

The fur trim on the collar is detachable which reveals a knitted insert (the inside of the collar is lined with knit), the zippers on the arms are hidden, and the ultra-precise pattern construction on the back of the jacket allows for optimal freedom of movement despite the jacket’s slim cut – ideal for navigating hairpin turns. The jacket also has ventilation slots under the arms and a two-way zipper that provides additional comfort.

The Limited Edition leather jacket includes a variety of modern features, such as a precisely located inner credit card pocket so that the wearer can go through toll booths in a flash. The number “722” is printed on the back of the jacket’s Climate Control inner lining using special 3D quilting. Not only that: the jacket is also outfitted with wind catchers

at the end of the sleeves, a special cell phone pocket, and a headphones loop.

Why 722? The number stands for one of the greatest triumphs in the history of motor sports. In 1955, Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson drove a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR in the Mille Miglia. The pair set off at 7:22 a.m., which meant that they were assigned the starting number “722”. Moss completed the 1,000 mile-route in about 10 hours, with an average speed of 97.9 miles per hour (157.65 kilometers per hour). The two smashed every record at the time, and their achievement still has not been bested to this day. The Limited Edition jacket also evokes the cooperation between Mercedes-Benz and HUGO BOSS. The jacket will be available from May onwards in selected BOSS stores in Great Britain, Germany, France and Italy as well as online at hugoboss.com.

The first edition of the Mille Miglia took place in 1927. What once was the most important road race in Italy has now become the most important classic car race in the world. The route is a circuit that runs from Brescia to Rome and back again. Today the race is no longer a question of the fastest time, but rather one of style, authenticity, and enjoyment.

The 2015 Mille Miglia race will take place from May 14 to 17.

SOUL TO SOLE

The Gypsetters Create the Traveling Sole for Sapato

T

he wanderlusting journey of a gypsetter can only go as far as her shoes will take her. A Gypsetter is not the tour-bus-Segway kind of traveler, but one who is curious and strays from the main road, allowing herself to be captivated by a pretty, tree-lined alley or a charming café or to follow a mischievous fat cat down the street to see where it will lead her. A destination is not simply a place to be visited but explored with spontaneity, an open heart and almost always by foot.

It was then inevitable for TheGypsetters.

Net to collaborate with SAPATO, a Filipino shoe brand, known for its artisanal craftsmanship and quality leather. The TGNxSAPATO collection features leather shoes that will take you to places in comfort and style: the perfect traveling sole for the traveling soul.

The collaboration of TheGypsetters.Net X SAPATO began in Sri Lanka, when TGN co-founder Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi bought a pair of fabric flats from the SAPATO bou-

tique to bring on her Ceylonese cross-country honeymoon. The more she used the pair, the softer they became. Handcrafted from leather and all-natural materials, the tasseled loafer was the perfect walking shoe. The cotton inabel fabric was a comfortable alternative to an all-leather shoe; perfect for hot and humid climates yet offering more protection from dust than a sandal. The cushioned leather insole made it also far more adapted to longer periods of walking than a usual ballet flat. It was in essence the perfect travel shoe for most of Southern Asia. This particular pair has gallivanted around the region from Colombo to Malé to Hanoi to Siem Reap to Bangkok and with each trip, becoming more and more comfortable. The neutral passe-partout color and the cute tassel made the loafer the perfect boho chic accessory.

As it turns out, Stephanie and Tess Santos, co-founder of SAPATO, practice in the same yoga shala. Stephanie gushed about her favorite shoes to Tess and briefly mentioned the idea of a collaboration. One

formal meeting between the rest of the SAPATO founders and TGN later, things were quickly put into motion. “The collaboration was so relaxed and the ideas flowed so freely,” explains TGN co-founder Vicki Abary.

“Though we have never designed shoes before we knew exactly what we wanted and were in sync with each other’s ideas.”

“It has to be functional, versatile and stylish,” explains Stephanie. “We believe in practicality but not in ugly rubber shoes!”

The idea was to create multipurpose shoes that could take you from exploring ruins to enjoying sunset cocktails. They had to be light and complementary to urban colors and earth tones. The basic design had to be sleek and flattering but as always, with the gypset aesthetic of a touch of boheme and whimsy. Thus was born the idea of interchangeable tassels. It was Vicki’s long slim legs and her fondness for gladiators that gave rise to the idea of the removable long strap for the two open-toe styles.

The collaboration line features three styles in neutral colors. The Colombo flat comes in soft cotton inabel or natural snakeskin with cognac leather piping and bright interchangeable tassels. The Tulum sandal comes in silver or gold leather with an extra-long strap to turn it from a basic sandal to a sexy,

strappy gladiator, also with interchangeable tassels. The Riviera wedge comes in nude leather with nude snake wedge or black leather with black snake wedge, also with an extra-long strap and interchangeable tassels.

“What I love most about these shoes aside from the comfort factor and style is their flexibility,” explains Vicki. “I can see myself wearing them with both casual and more dressy outfits, in both a boho or glam setting, which is not usually the case with other shoes.”

All materials are natural and with continuous wear, will mold to your feet. The cotton inabel weave on the Colombo flat was specially ordered and hand-woven for this line. “I don’t believe in synthetic shoes for long use – simply because they chafe. Natural materials like leather, snake and cotton allow your feet to breathe and make the fit feel more customized,” explains Stephanie.

“We also both love the fact that SAPATO is a homegrown brand that makes a worldclass product. Everything is not only made exquisitely, but with love.”

“The Traveling Sole” Collection of TGN X SAPATO is available at the SAPATO boutique, 2nd floor Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City until supplies last.

Hard-to-find sizes such as 5 and 10 up may be made to order or on request.

F R I D AY : M AY 0 8 : 2 0 1 5

C4

LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

OCAMPO GOES OPULENT AT SM FASHION

E

fren Ocampo goes back to his Kapampangan roots as he takes inspiration from the artisans of Betis, Pampanga in his latest collection for SM. It is said that the wood carving tradition in Betis is as old as the town itself. Even before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, people in the town were well known as blacksmiths, carvers, ship builders, and carpenters.

The Spaniards brought with them the Catholic faith, and with it, magnificent heritage churches like the Betis Church in Guagua, Pampanga. Established in 1607, the Baroque Church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and the NCCA in 2001.

The main door to the Church features intricate carvings portraying the “Gates of Paradise”. Inside the Baroque-inspired church, one can find religious frescoes in the ceiling, and wall murals very much like those of the Renaissance masters in the Sistine Chapel.

Just as Betis artisans created their wonderful works from wood and metal, Ocampo’s medium is “tulle lace appliquéd on fabric”.

His clothes are definitely Baroque inspired with exquisite details, as well as a black, white, mustard, beige, and gold palette.

Silhouettes are feminine – fitted bodices with A-line skirts, as well as off-theshoulder, strapless, and sleeveless dresses.

Ocampo says that it is his A-line skirt that makes it different from his other collections.

“We had been doing a lot of pencil skirts,” he says, “and we decided to do A-line skirts for a change.” He also finds the silhouette very flattering for curvy women.

Photographed beside the intricately carved wooden doors at the Betis Church, the Efren Ocampo collection is available at The SM Store in Makati, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and SM Southmall. Styles may vary per store.

PHOTOGRAPHY: RAYMOND CELESTINO OF EDGE OF LIGHT STUDIOS HAIR AND MAKE-UP: JET BABAS LOCATION: BETIS CHURCH IN GUAGUA, PAMPANGA

Baroque inspired black tube dress with gold lace accents

White dress with black tulle lace appliqués

White peau de soie sleeveless dress with black lace details

Opulent gold A-line dress with lace accents

Black halter neck top and mustard peau de soie A-line skirt with black tulle lace appliqués

Black boat neck dress with white lace details

F RIDAY : M AY 0 8 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

C5

REGINE VELASQUEZ AND PLDT BRING YOU HOME ON MOTHERS’ DAY

T

he Songbird, Regine Velasquez, may have titles in the field of music, movies and television appended to her name, but talking to her, it is being Mommy to three-year-old Nate that gives her life the utmost inspiration.

It is along this line that PLDT HOME Telsets find a most opportune time to give tribute not only to the artistry of. Regine Velasquez but also to the real values in life she holds dear. For the voice that never fails to bring us back HOME belongs to a devoted and loving mother to her only son Nate.

The Mothers’ Day campaign introduces the new landline Telsets featuring the Regine Series paired with PLDT’s best calling rates ever. Subscribers with landline get a wonderful treat with the following offers: Add as low as P75/mo: New telsets with corresponding price points and features depending on the unit; Add P75/mo: FREE NDD Calls (PLDT to PLDT Nationwide) + P10 per call to SMART/TNT; and Add P50/mo: Free 15 minute call to US, Canada, China, HongKong, Singapore, Guam and Hawaii, with lowest IDD rate of P2/succeeding minute.

Regine is happy with her connection with the PLDT HOME team. “They have been very supportive of everything I do. They allow me to stay connected to my own home and for a working mother like me, you know that keeping in close contact with our family is everything. Especially that I have a growing little boy who never fails to surprise me with his discoveries every single day,” she enthuses.

“When I became pregnant, my

sisters and my friends told me my life was going to be different.

I realized I had no idea what they were talking about. Not until I had Nate,” she says with a satisfied smile on her face. “Everything about my life changed completely. I have a totally different perspective now, a different outlook in life,” she declares with contagious enthusiasm.

Mrs. Ogie Alcasid considers every single day blessed. Her marriage was immediately gifted by this bundle of joy she and her husband christened Nathaniel James. “He will turn four in November. How time flies! So far, so good. We are very, very happy with how things are with Nate. A lot of people tell us how behaved and good a kid Nate is. Hindi siya yung katulad ng ibang bata na sobrang malikot kahit nasa labas.

He behaves well. He is not a spoiled brat because we are very conscious of that being an only son so far. He listens to us when we caution him.

He remembers what we teach him.

We couldn’t be prouder,” she shares.

Regine says the one thing that she and her husband Ogie are conscious about when it comes to instilling discipline in their son is that they should always be on the same side.

“We don’t employ the good cop-bad cop scheme in our parenting style.

The only rule is that the “aggrieved” parent should be the one to discipline the boy. So kung ako ang nagalit sa kanya over something he did, I will be the one to discipline him.”

Regine confesses that she didn’t think at first that it was in her to be the one to give Nate some spanking. “But I did it. I think I have spanked him three times already for throwing away things, like my Ipad. We have learned a lot

from our Pastor in church how to discipline a child. From ages 0-12, our Pastor told us that we can instill discipline in them and break their developing pride by spanking. Past that age, it will be very hard already.

If you spank them when they are older, you won’t be breaking their pride anymore, but their spirit,” Regine said. “I think our parenting style is working because Nate is a well-behaved boy and is truly a joy to be with even when we travel long distance,” she added.

When asked what she considers the highlights of being a mother so far are, Regine was quick to say, “Everyday is a highlight!” And we believe her.

“Every day there is something new with him. Either he says a new word or discovers something new that he shows us. That is why I am very conscious to be present in his life. I never want to miss out on anything. When I am working, we are in constant communication with his yaya.

She sends me pictures of him when I am not with him.”

For this particular interview (behind the scenes of her pictorial for PLDT HOME Telset campaign), Regine said Nate was with his Yaya nearby waiting for him to finish. “He is very patient because we explain to him that we need to work. Sometimes we think our children don’t understand this kind of things.

But in my experience, I know that children are smart and they have the capability to understand and comprehend, more than what we want to give them credit for.

It shouldn’t stop us adults, from involving them,” she said.

The doting mother says they are

training him to speak in fluent Tagalog right now saying that Nate is learning English easily from school and the television shows that he watches everyday. Unlike most Filipino parents who give more weight on teaching their children to speak in English, the Alcasids differ in perspective. “Mas weird kasi kung hirap siya sa Tagalog bilang nandito naman tayo sa Pilipinas,” Regine said with so much logic.

“The beauty of this stage in my son’s life is that he really converses with us now. Before kasi, nagsasalita siya pero wala pang sense. Now, it’s so nice to talk to him. Nagkukwento na, nakakatuwa!

Regine is very grateful for the kind of workload that she is allowed to have at this point in her life. “I had a major shift in my priorities and I am so thankful that the people I work for understand this. I still get to work to help my husband but the load is just perfect for me to still

be very much present in my son’s life. I am truly blessed,” she says.

So what is her dream for her Nate? Regine answers from the heart. “I have none. I feel that it is his job to dream for himself, whatever and whoever he wants to be. I feel that I have to allow him the same liberty that my parents gave me when I was growing up. Binigyan ako ng kalayaan ng mga magulang ko na mangarap, kaya ako nandito ngayon. Yun din ang gusto kong ibigay kay Nate,” she says.

Regine believes that the role of the parent is to make sure that their children grow up instilled with discipline and values. “We are here to provide support and the necessary ammunition for them to work on and realize their dreams someday. If anything, I just want my Nate to grow up to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

When he fears God, I know that his future is set,” the example of a mother who knows best, ends.

PLDT VP and Head of Home Voice Solutions Patrick Tang and PLDT VP and Head of Home Marketing Gary Dujali are joined by Regine Velasquez in introducing the Regine Series Telsets with the best NDD and IDD call rates to bring you back HOME this Mothers' Day

F RIDAY : M AY 0 8 : 2015

C6

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PEOPLE

...ARE TALKING ABOUT

Angel Locsin

PANGAKO SA ‘YO

We’d say it’s been an interesting month for the Kapamilya primetime block. People are obviously anticipating the premiere of the Pangako Sa ‘Yo remake with Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo playing the starcrossed lovers Angelo Buenavista and Yna Macaspac. Just a few days after the release of the soap’s trailer, the video has become a hot topic among fans including those who don’t even support the love team. Obviously, the network is generating publicity without exerting too much effort.

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

...ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT

Enrique Gil

Nadine Lustre

ENRIQUE GIL

The Forevermore star looks unrecognizable in the anniversary cover of a fashion magazine. The glossy went overboard by applying excessive Photoshop work on Enrique’s face and body as if telling the world that the young actor is not perfect enough. How can someone admire and celebrate human form, which is the magazine’s theme for its anniversary issues, if they already altered the main cover making their message appear deceptive and untrue?

VIN ABRENICA

As you probably know, Aljur’s younger brother looks hotter these days and he’s developing a solid fan base amid being a part of a less popular TV network. People initially thought that he’s being groomed to be the station’s next big star after a few of its talents decided to leave and look for greener pastures. So we can only imagine how difficult it was for Vin when his mother network decided to give the big break to someone else. That’s a big ouch for a talent who thought he’s the top bet.

ANGEL LOCSIN

The actress is not known for making controversial comments posted on social media.

But she drew flak from netizens over her tweet regarding Manny Pacquiao’s defeat to Floyd Mayweather on Sunday. Yet, Angel remained defiant asserting that there was nothing wrong with her tweet. Truth is, because of our extreme emotion, many of us posted much worse comments against Mayweather. So let’s play a little game, let the person who did not post any racist comment cast the first stone.

Joey de Leon

Vin Abrenica

GERALD SANTOS

NADINE LUSTRE

Is she the newest fashion darling? Three of the bestselling fashion magazines in town think so. Nadine has been tapped to appear on the cover of three glossies, which May issues focus on music, career and of course latest fashion trends. And as if these covers were not enough to excite her fans, Nadine just announced how big her upcoming TV, movie and music projects are going to be. She’s indeed on a roll.

Gerald Santos

Call him fearless for staging a show that coincides with Daniel Padilla’s concert at the MoA Arena next month. Gerald insists that he knows his market well that’s why he’s not afraid of any competition. Gerald’s show will be held at the PICC Plenary Hall backed by an orchestra to fully enhance the audiences’ experience while he showcases his vocal prowess. But people don’t watch shows based on the performer’s talent alone. Most of the time, it’s the person’s exceptional mass appeal that encourages people to buy concert tickets.

INDIE KALIBRE ON GMA NEWS

I

ndie Kalibre starts Saturday, May 9, with the Philippine TV premiere of Jun Lana’s Barber’s Tales (Mga Kuwentong Barbero).

Set in a remote province at the onset of Martial law, Barber’s Tales revolves around newly widowed Marilou - played by Eugene Domingo - who inherits their town’s only barbershop from her husband - a business that has

been passed from generation to the next in her husband’s family.

This is followed by celebrated films by directors such as Brillante Mendoza, Jeffrey Jeturian, and Alvin Yapan – featuring some of the country’s most gifted actors and actresses.

Also showing this May are Ploning (directed by Dante Nico Garcia and starring Judy Ann Santos) on May 16; Banal (directed

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 43 45 47 48 49 50 53 54 58 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 The “elephant boy” 5 Planets or moons 9 Multitude 13 Simba, for one 14 Sank, as a putt 16 “Omnia vincit —” 17 Fragrance 18 Ham it up 19 Surf maker 20 Willing to try 21 Kan. neighbor 22 Greek letters

24 26 27 30 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42

Dated hairdo Winter festival Sharply Reneges (2 wds.)

Panasonic rival Hockey’s Gordie — In — (as found) Mil. rank Mends socks Freedom, in slogans Region Seine moorages

Inscribed pillar Fierce terriers Nullified Fictional pirate Written part Groupie welcome Make the — fly Kind of radio Cel character Unstable leptons Floodplain maker Heavy-metal band Come to terms Bearded flower Plane tip “— Rock Cafe” Vet patients

DOWN 1 Plod heavily 2 Verdi heroine 3 Derrick arm 4 Ethelred the — 5 Popular candy bar (2 wds.)

6 Bard’s teen 7 Splotch 8 Movie-lot locale 9 Bareheaded 10 Not mention 11 Pop-top beverage 12 Uno y dos 15 Concludes 23 Taiga denizen

by Cesar Apolinario and starring Christopher de Leon) on May 23; and Thy Womb (directed by Mendoza and starring Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco) on May 30.

June features Condo (directed

by Martin Cabrera and starring Coco Martin) on June 6; Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (directed by Alvin Yapan and starring Rocco Nacino and Paolo Avelino) on June 13; Kub-

FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2015

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 38 41 43 44 46 47 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 60

Andy Capp’s wife Gapes open Entertainment acronym Blue Grotto isle Small harbor Tiresome talkers Helped the Tin Man Serviceable Floated down the river Actress — Berry Quandary Lack Bobby — Mammoth Thurman of “Gattaca” Skilled in Piano fixer Bandleader — Kenton Chanel’s nickname Fishing poles Roman marketplaces Red giant in Cetus Dart about Like Augean stables Snort of disgust

rador (directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and starring Gina Pareno) on June 20; and Mayohan(directed

by Dan Villegas and starring Lovi Poe) on June 27.

Finally, on July 4, comes Bwakaw (directed by Jun Lana and starring Eddie Garcia).

Indie Calibre airs every Saturday night at 10:15 p.m. from May 9 to July 4 only on GMA News TV.

F RIDAY : M AY 0 8 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C7

GMA 7’S SUMMER LAUNCHES From C8

H

ealing Hearts is a traditional family drama that will touch the hearts of the viewers as the program serves as a testimony that every mother deserves the forgiveness of her child. The series features talented teen actors Joyce Ching and Kristoffer Martin. It also stars Angelika dela Cruz, Mickey Ferriols, Tina Paner, Maureen Larrazabal, with the special participation of Neil Ryan Sese and Ronaldo Valdez. Under the direction of Roderick Lindayag, Healing Hearts will showcase how a mother’s love can redeem a past and how a daughter’s forgiveness can define a future.

GMA Network presents another emotionally engaging series Family Secrets that will dramatically reveal how self-centeredness and ambition can destroy the most sacred relationships. Directed by Neal Del Rosario, Family Secrets will showcase the first team up of Kapuso actress Gwen Zamora and Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista. Joining them is the love team of GMA Artist Center talents Kim Rodriguez and Kiko Estrada plus portrayals from respected actresses Lotlot De Leon, Shamaine Buencamino, and Meryll Soriano.

GMA makes summer an exciting time for all with the launch of the newest comedy program Sabado-Badoo. The show with Kapuso laughteam and the network’s homegrown artists, Sef Cadayona and Betong Sumaya offers a different level of comedy and entertainment every Saturday night as it features videos and scenes and presents them in a fresh and comedic manner. They may be presented based on their categories, as a countdown, a mash-up

ABS-CBN President and CEO Charo Santos-Concio is one of the industry's most influential female leaders

of different scenes, and many more. Viewers can definitely relate because the program not only brings them down memory lane but also show send-in and present videos. It premiered on March 14.

Sundays with the whole family will be more exciting and enjoyable as the network offers another family-friendly drama series which showcases to the viewers that parenthood can even become three times better with InstaDad. Topbilled by award-winning Kapuso actor Gabby Eigenmann, it revolves around the life of Kenneth, a famous chef and one of the most eligible bachelors in the metro.

One day, fate turns Ken’s life upside down as he learns that he is a father of not just one, but three daughters: Marikit (Gabbi Garcia), Mayumi (Ash Ortega), Maaya (Jazz Ocampo). Aside from not being knowledgeable of being a father, Ken struggles even more in dealing with the different personalities of his triplets. It also stars Matet de Leon, Juancho Triviño, RJ Padilla and introduces new Kapuso teen Prince Villanueva. InstaDad premiered on April 5 at 4:30pm.

Without a doubt, the Kapuso Station continues to take the lead and chart new grounds this summer.

HHHHH All Fridays of May prove to be both exciting and challenging as professional traveller Drew Arellano encourages all biyaheros to “Be-A-Hero” this summer as he visits four amazing local destinations where communities have shown a solid commitment to sustainable tourism.

Beginning today, the Biyahe ni Drew (BND) team heads just a few hours away from Metro Ma-

nila to Mabini, Batangas, a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

To ensure that future generations enjoy the underwater marvels in Mabini, divers routinely engage in “scuba-surero” clean-up drives where they pick up litter that have been washed up near their shores.

Drew climbs the famous Tinandog Wall in Atimonan, Quezon on May 15. This famous rock-climbing spot has been challenging extreme sportsmen and women since the late 90’s. Drew also sees first-hand the results of the local efforts to rehabilitate its marine life population through the installation of artificial reefs.

On May 22, Drew and the BND crew head north for an 11-hour drive from Manila to Cagayan. It’s definitely a road trip worth taking where one can marvel at the cathedral-like spires in the Callao caves.

Here, Drew also reunites with his fellow-Tourism Star Awardee, Andoy, a young tour guide who is educating hikers on how to preserve the natural beauty of the caves.

Finally, on May 29, Drew visits a UNESCO Heritage site–the Banaue Terraces. The lush green rice paddies carved on the side of the mountains remain picture-perfect examples of Ifugao culture. As the area becomes more and more modernized however, locals are working to preserve their traditions like their native homes. Drew goes “local” and lends a hand in rebuilding some of these houses for future generations to enjoy.

Heed the call and “Be-A-Hero.”

Catch Biyahe ni Drew’s monthlong sustainable tourism special all Fridays of May, 8 p.m. on GMA News TV.

Krystal Reyes, Kristoffer Martinm and Joyce Ching are the lead stars of the new series on Kapuso’ Afternoon Prime

Gwen Zamora joins Christian Bautista in Family Secrets

Sef Cadayona and Betong Sumaya hosts the amusing Sabado Badoo

Angelika de la Cruz is in the cast of Healing Hearts

Drew Arellano visits the country’s interesting tourist destinations in Biyahe ni Drew

CHARO SANTOS-CONCIO AMONG MOST INFLUENTIAL FEMALE INDUSTRY PERSONALITIES

A

BS-CBN President and CEO Charo Santos-Concio was chosen by Adobo magazine as one of “the most influential female industry personalities” in the Philippines and across the region.

In its 9th anniversary issue, Adobo magazine published its first-ever “Women of Influence.”

Santos-Concio was listed among the 20 “fine, fresh, fierce” women executives and personalities.

“I am extremely thankful to have the chance to lead a company whose core is to provide service. In the words of Kapitan (former ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio Lopez, Jr.), It is an opportunity to render public service without being in public

office,” she told Adobo magazine.

“ABS-CBN is in business to serve our public. Impeccable service is our corporate philosophy. It may be altered, dimensionalized and expressed in varying consumer-oriented communications executions, but it must remain oriented towards the very public that supports and sustains us,” she added.

As the first female president of the largest media conglomerate in the country, she considers “sustaining the corporate growth and leadership momentum that ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III has started, and continuing to create world-class content that can be applied in various platforms” her mission.

When Adobo asked Santos-Concio what experience has helped shape her into the woman she is today, she cited civil rights activist Harriet Tubman, who said: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Onscreen, she hosts ABS-CBN’s longest-running drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” She began her career in ABS-CBN as a television production consultant in 1987 after working as a line producer for BanCom, Audiovision, Vanguard Films, Regal Films, and Vision Exponents. She also worked as a film production manager for the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines

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C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ 1

2

GMA NETWORK CHARTS NEW GROUNDS ISAH V. RED As GMA-7 celebrates its 65th anniversary in making a difference in the lives and hearts of the Filipinos, the Kapuso Station unveils a line-up of new programs this summer.

The newest Kapuso Network Artist, Ai-Ai de las Alas with the Kapuso Network’s fast-rising love team Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia top bill the romantic drama Let the Love Begin.

The program is all set to make audiences laugh, cry and fall in love as it presents the beautiful story of Jeni (Delas Alas) and Tony (Gardo Versoza) and their children, Erick (Madrid ) and Pia (Garcia) that will withstand the test of time.

Jeni and Tony are the best of friends who are part of a radio program that gives advices on love and life. Jeni has a live-in boyfriend, Enrico (Joko Diaz), and has two kids by him, Erick and Elsa (Ar Angel Angeles).

On the other hand, Tony is a widower, with one daughter named Pia (Garcia). A major problem will destroy Jeni and Tony’s strong bond of friendship. After so many years, Jeni and Tony will cross paths once again because Pia and Erick become close friends and later on fall for each other.

Can their love help their parents heal their wounds? Will Jeni and Tony let the love begin for Pia and Erick? Completing the cast are Donita Rose as Celeste, wife of Tony; Mark Anthony Fernandez as Jom, the station manager; Gladys Reyes as Katy, the Diva DJ,

Neil Ryan Sese as Jessie, the co-DJ of Jeni and Gina Pareño as Lola Tacing, mother to Jeni and lola to Erick.

Soon to soar viewership ratings is the much-awaited premiere of the compelling drama series The Rich Man’s Daughter.

Versatile Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos takes on the challenging role of Jade Tanchingco, an heiress of a very wealthy family.

In the story, Jade’s father is looking for a suitor for her and is willing to pay millions to any man who can make her fall in love with him. Glaiza de Castro, Katrina Halili, and Luis Alandy also play pivotal roles.

The series also stars Pauleen Luna, Paolo Contis, Chynna Ortaleza, Mike Tan, Sheena Halili, Charee Pineda, and TJ Trinidad together with Al Tantay, Glydel Mercado, and Tony Mabesa. Queen of Philippine Movies Gloria Romero plays the rich loving grandmother of Jade.

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➜ Continued on C8

The Kapuso network prepared for the ratings war waged heavily in the second quarter of the year with new shows on the air. With new shows premiering nearly every week, GMA Network is serious about its claim as the network to watch

1. Bizarre love triangle: Luis Alandy, Rhian Ramos, and Glaiza de Castro in The Rich Man's Daughter; Rhian Ramos plays a woman whose heart aches for another of her kind 2. Gardo Versoza and Aiai de las Alas the love team unlikely in Let The Love Begin; Aiai de las Alas is happy to be back where she feels she is at home with 3. Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid are the likely love team 4. Offscreen sweethearts Kim Rodriguez and Kiko Estrada reunite in a new soap called Family Secrets; 5. Christian Bautista returns to the acting block in Family Secrets