The Standard - 2015 May 11 - Monday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 83  3 Sections  32 Pages  P18  MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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DFA: Case vs China ‘strong’

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House panel eyes secret vote on BBL

‘DODONG’ POUNDS NORTH LUZON Next page

Dodong’s fury. The winds whipped by Typhoon “Dodong” created giant waves and pounded Manila Bay on Sunday. MANNY PALMERO

Barako grabs share of lead

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Another provocative GMA series

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‘Dodong’ pounds N. Luzon

By Florante S. Solmerin, Francisco Tuyay and Rio N. Araja

TYPHOON “Dodong” pounded northern Luzon Sunday afternoon as it made landfall in Santa Ana, Cagayan, the weather bureau said.

All aboard! Passengers in Tabaco, Albay, scramble to board a passenger vessel after the Coast Guard lifted the suspension on the sailing of all inter-island ships as a result of the arrival of Typhoon ‘Dodong.” DANNY PATA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Dodong—international name Noul—made landfall at 4:45 pm over Pananapan village. It said 15 areas remained under storm signals as the typhoon slowed down.

The US Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center has labeled Dodong a super typhoon.

“We are advising residents to take precautionary measures, and it is better for those in the danger zones to move out,” said Alexander Pama, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense.

Dodong was packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 220 kph.

The howler was forecast to move north-northwest at 17 kph and was expected to be 170 km north-northeast of Basco, Batanes, by Monday afternoon and 830 km northeast of Basco, Batanes, by Tuesday afternoon on its way out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

The areas under Storm Signal No. 4 were Northeastern Cagayan, Batanes, Babuyan Islands and Calayan Islands.

Under Storm Signal No. 3 were the rest of Cagayan, Isabela and Apayao, and under Storm Signal No. 2 were Northern Aurora, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte and Abra The areas under Storm Signal No. 1 were the rest of Aurora, Ilocos Sur and Quirino.

The weather bureau said Dodong may bring heavy to intense rainfall within its 150-km diameter. It reminded residents in the low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides.

Storm surges of up to two meters were possible over Gonzaga and Santa Ana in Cagayan.

Fishermen were reminded not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon.

Based on Sunday’s monitoring of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 352 families or 1,213 individuals were preemptively evacuated from the coastal towns of Divilacan (32), Maconacon (189), Dinapigue (682), Palanan (112) and Benito Soliven (198).

Disaster Council executive director Alexander Pama said preemptive evacuations had also been ordered in Cagayan’s coastal areas hours before Dodong’s expected landfall.

He said up to 1.50 meters of storm surges were possible over the eastern coast of Cagayan and Isabela.

Disaster officials said 5,179 passengers were stranded in the ports in Bicol, Southern Tagalog and Cagayan Valley as of Sunday.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said thousands of soldiers from the 5th and 9th Infantry Divisions had been deployed in the affected areas for preemptive evacuations and search-and-rescue operations.

PNoy: Canadian trash will be burned in PH, not sent back

By Sandy Araneta TRASH from Canada will be incinerated once a court order had authorized the Philippine government to do so, President Benigno Aquino III said on board a Philippine Airlines f light on Saturday.

“As soon as the court allows them to, they want to dispose of the same through incineration,” Aquino told reporters on the plane above Canada, where he is on a three-day state visit.

“The processing and disposal of the waste will be conducted once the necessary court order has been obtained.”

Aquino also said the Philippines had solidified its relationships with the United States and Canada as a result of his working visit to the two countries.

He said he did not have to raise the issue of the trash with the Canadian government since that has been taken care of by the Philippines’ government agencies.

“I think before we left Manila, this was already prepared by the relevant agencies tasked to examine the situation of the problem,” he said.

“The bottom line is, in February 2014 we already fi led a complaint, the BOC [Bureau of Customs] fi led a complaint against the importer and the importing company’s licensed brokers.”

Aquino said that in December 2014, after a preliminary investigation, the prosecution fi led a 15 criminal cases in Manila against the importer and the importing company’s licensed customs brokers.

“The wastes are considered hazardous,” Aquino said.

They’ve been in the Port of Manila for two years,

and they pose a risk to public health. There’s a technical working group composed of DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources], the BOC, and the DOJ [Department of Justice].”

Aquino said that, on April 1 this year, a court ordered Customs to facilitate the disposal of the trash from Canada and to release the container vans to a company called Le Soliel Shipping Agencies Inc. after the contents had been disposed of.

An environmentalist group last week staged a protest before the Canadian Embassy in Makati City and demanded that the Canadian government take back the hazardous waste that were shipped to the Philippines.

The Eco Waste Coalition said Canada shipped 50 container vans loaded with hazardous trash, and that the vans were still at the ports of Manila and Subic after arriving in batches in 2013.

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PH case against China is strong, DFA declares

By Macon ramos-araneta THE Philippines’ case against China in the South China Sea is strong, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said Sunday.

In an interview over radio dzMM, Jose said the case before a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal remained strong despite China’s efforts to change the facts on the ground through massive reclamation of disputed territory.

‘We are confident we will win in the question of jurisdiction and merits of the case,’’ said Jose.

The administration believes arbitration is the best course of action in dealing with China’s aggressive reclamation activities in the South China Sea. This comes amid criticism that the government is not doing enough to assert the country’s claims over the disputed waters.

The Philippines, which has asked the tribunal to invalidate China’s so-called ‘’9-dash line’’ claim over the South China Sea, expects a ruling by early next year.

Jose pointed out that a defeat for China will still be significant even though the tribunal has no enforcement power in case it

rules in favor of the Philippines.

He said that the tribunal comes out with a decision invalidating the 9-dash line, China can no longer go around saying they have indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea. The tribunal will conduct a hearing in July to decide whether it has jurisdiction over the case submitted by Manila against Beijing.

US officials have said that China has dramatically ramped up its land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea this year, building artificial islands at an unprecedented pace to bolster its territorial claims in the disputed area.

The rapid construction of artificial islands in the strategic waters comes to 800 hectares, with 75 percent of the total in the last five months, officials said.

“China has expanded the acreage on the outposts it occupies by some four hundred times,” said a US defense official.

The United States did not endorse land reclamation by any of the countries with territorial claims in the South China Sea, but “the pace and scale of China’s land reclamation in recent years dwarfs that of any other claimant,” the official said. With aFP

In Canada. President Benigno Aquino III meets with the members of the Filipino community at the Vancouver Convention Center in Canada. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Secret House vote on BBL eyed By rio araja and Sandy araneta AFTER more than 45 public hearings, several members of the ad hoc committee deliberating on the Bangsamoro Basic Law are pushig for a secret vote on amendments today, away from the scrutiny of the media, observers and other stakeholders.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the ad hoc committee, confirmed the calls for a secret vote during an executive session, but he said he would move to have the voting done in public.

The schedule of committee hearings posted on the House website shows a three-day discussion on the BBL from today until May 13.

“We will start with an executive session [on Monday] and

we’re going to discuss whether to make [the voting] public or executive. That’s the decision of the committee… The members are the deciding factors here. Many have said [they want] to vote in an executive session. But we’re going to throw this question again because precisely, the media will want to cover this,” Rodriguez said in a radio interview.

On behalf of the minority bloc,”Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said they would object to secret voting, describing it as “unwarranted and unparliamentary.”

“It does not speak well of our democratic’s moorings on the often repeated mantra of good governance and transparency,” he said.

Rodriguez said several members of the 75-member panel have reservations about making

the voting public because the discussions “might not be as open if there are cameras around.”

Despite being unconventional, voting for a bill’s approval in an executive session is allowable under House rules, he added.

On the other hand, Makabayan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has given him the assurance of transparent voting.

“It is important for the people to know who voted for and who voted against it,” he said.

Rodriguez said he too preferred a public vote but he must get majority of the committee members to agree before media coverage is allowed.

The BBL would pave the way for the creation of a new political entity called the Bansamoro to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

It is an offshoot of the comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in March 2014.

Since then up to April 27, the House panel has conducted a total of 48 hearings on the measure, consisting of 27 public hearings, 13 regular meetings, and eight executive sessions.

Rodriguez said there is a possibility that committee members will vote on only 55 provisions or one-fourth of the 220 provisions in the proposed law, since some of the other sections have been agreed upon and endorsed unanimously by the legislators.

A few of the amendments for voting are Rodriguez’s proposed removal of seven unconstitutional provisions.

These are the four provisions providing for the creation of separate constitutional bodies such as

the Commission on Audit, Commission on Election, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Human Rights, and Office of the Ombudsman, and the sections requiring the Office of the President to coordinate military operations with the chief minister of the Bangsamoro region.

The others are the sections giving the chief minister the authority to take control and supervision over police forces in the region.

Those considered constitutional is the provision authorizing the conduct of a plebiscite in any territory contiguous to the Bangsamoro region where 10 percent of residents want to join the new political entity. Members of the ad hoc committee said they saw this as a form of “creeping territorial expansion,” Rodriguez said.

Angara: Tap gas fields in Benham Rise

By Ferdie G.Domingo

Mother’s Day rally. Members of the women’s group Gabriela calls for the immediate repeal of a Quezon City ordinance banning women from giving birth at home during Mother’s Day on Sunday. Manny PalMero

BALER, Aurora – Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara on Sunday urged the government to explore the possibility of tapping new gas fields such as the Benham Rise continental shelf in place of the Malampaya gas field, which is expected to be depleted of its natural gas in less than a decade.

Angara said that the government should consider Benham Rise as an alternative amid calls from experts to search for another Malampaya as a national priority.

“Definitely, we should push through with the exploration of Benham Rise,” he said, referring

to the 13-million hectare undersea land mass off the coast of Aurora,which is part of the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone.

Angara made the call after officials of the Petroleum Association of the Philippines (PAP) expressed misgivings that the government has no other viable option after Malampaya.

Shell Philippines B.V. Managing Director Sebastian Quinones said the Malampaya reservoir will be depleted in 2024 and that government should now start exploring other gas fields.

Malampaya, which began operating in 2011, is a joint undertaking of the govern-

ment and the private sector.

The project is spearheaded by the Department of Energy and developed and operated by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (Spex), with a 45 percent stake on behalf of joint venture partners Chevron Malampaya LLC, which has the same stake and the PNOC Exploration Corp., which holds the remaining 10 percent.

Under the service contract agreement, 70 percent of the gross proceeds from the sale of natural gas would go to the contractor to recover the investment cost with the remaining 30 will be percent shared by the government and the consortium on a 60-40 basis, respectively.

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China has no reason to worry, Navy says China has no reason to be worried about the holding of scheduled naval exercises with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force beginning Tuesday, May 12.

Model Mom. Mrs. Juliette Gomes Romualdez is flanked by her sons Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Philippine Chamber of Mines President Philip Romualdez as she recieves the Ulirang Ina Award during the 22nd National Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day Foundation Inc. at Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel. Also in photo are from left Sandy Prieto Romualdez, her sons Luca and Ben, Rizal Gov. Casimiro “Ito” Ynares, Justice Angelina Gutierrez,Nico Romualdez, Senator Cynthia Villar, Ulirang Ina President Wilfredo Talag and Ulirang Ina Executive Committee Member Justice Normandie Pizarro. VeR NoVeNo

Trillanes: Luistro duped PNoy on K-12

By Macon Ramos-Araneta senAtOr Antonio trillanes on sunday accused the department of education led by secretary Brother Armin Luistro of fooling President noynoy Aquino on the preparedness of the government to implement the K-12 program. “deped is lying [and] deceiving the President. the Philippines is not yet prepared for K-12,” said trillanes in an interview over radio dzBB. “the President is being fed with wrong information.” trillanes challenged citizens to visit public schools in their localities to confirm what he has been saying.

He said Luistro has not been going around the country, which is why he doesn’t know the situation on the ground. trillanes said he will recommend to the President the designation of a neutral adviser who would make the rounds of public schools to assess their readiness to implement the program. “in this way, the President would be able to see deped’s shortcomings, even just by checking public schools in Metro Manila,” said trillanes. the senator said there are two ways to suspend next year’s planned implementa-

tion of the K-12 program – by the issuance of a temporary restraining order by the supreme Court and by the President unilaterally suspending it.

Last Wednesday, several groups calling for the program’s suspension, led trillanes and the Magdalo party-list, filed with the supreme Court a petition for trO and/or preliminary injunction to stop the program’s implementation. trillanes said the President should tell deped that since the implementation of K-12 promises to be chaotic, it should be suspended first. trillanes, an administration ally, said he already talked to the President about suspending the implementation of K-12 due to the lack of preparedness of deped, but admitted he was having difficulty convincing Aquino. “[Luistro and Aquino’s education consultants] are all telling him that we’re prepared and ready to go. Of course, there was a budget allocation for this so [the President], at his level, cannot see the need to suspend,” said trillanes.

According to trillanes, he has been visiting different public schools all over the country since last year to check on

their readiness for K-12, which will be fully implemented in 2016.

He said he found out that deped is not yet ready to roll out the program due to the lack classrooms, laboratories and even teachers, specialized instructors and their trainers.

He said the parents of children who will be affected by K-12 definitely do not favor the additional two years of schooling which would mean additional burdens and expenses for them. trillanes also alleged that some college professors are being dismissed in schools with tertiary education levels in anticipation of the reduction in the number of enrollees. “i can’t see the wisdom of adding two years. it’s not true that we are lagging behind other countries in terms of education. Why do they want our OFWs abroad if they are not good?” said trillanes, the only senator who voted against K-12.

He debunked the claim of supporters of K-12 that graduates of the program can easily land jobs. instead of adding two more years to the current basic education system, he said deped should address problems in the existing curriculum.

navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan on sunday said that the drills will only focus on the Code of Unplanned encounters at sea (CUes) which will be done during the conduct of the so-called “passing exercise” or “Passex.”

Millan said CUes was developed by member navies of the Western Pacific naval symposium and is very useful for the safety of military vessels meeting at sea. “even the Us promise to abide by that code,” he added. the navy chief also clarified that the naval drills with the Japanese have nothing to do with the ongoing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine sea.

Participating in the naval drills are Japanese ships Jds Harusame (dd-102) and Jds Amigiri (dd-154). the two ships and their 600 officers and enlisted personnel arrived at Manila’s south Harbor last May 9.

Millan said the Japanese contingent is headed by Capt.

Masatoshi Kashihara, JMsdF commander of escort division two. navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna earlier said the BrP ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) and its AW-109e naval helicopter will participate in the exercise that will be held off the waters of subicvBay and Manila Bay. “the exercises we will be having are aimed at fostering camaraderie, as well as enhancing cooperation and interoperability,” he added. the navies will be participating in on-ship helicopter operations, cross-deck training, in-port ship store, discussions on practices and a passing exercise at sea.

He added that the passing exercise will be held in waters of the West Philippine sea, between Manila and subic Bay, on tuesday as the Japanese ships return home. PNA

Aquino claims his endorsement valuable; LP screens bets

By Sandy Araneta and Macon Ramos-Araneta President Benigno Aquino iii believes that his endorsement is still valuable, despite the attacks hurled against him, which have become more frequent as he nears the last year of his term. “if we judge by the attacks that are still the same, if not even more vociferous, from my critics, then i think the endorsement value is still present,” said Aquino during an interview with the Philippine media delegation that accompanied him to his state visit to Canada. “i challenge anybody to look at any President before me at the last portion of his term [who] is still being attacked to this degree. it’s common sense [that] if my endorsement is worthless, why bother spending time attacking me,” said Aquino.

Aquino also said that this is not the first that his approval and trust ratings have gone down, and he does not think the last time that they went back up will be last time. “so we are very confident the numbers will pick up,” he said.

Aquino said that at the end of the day the main point was for him to have been able to lead the country at this level and that he was given that chance by the people.

“At the end of the day, sovereignty resides in the people. the people will decide their future. And i am confident that the Filipino will rise up to the challenge and choose appropriately,” said Aquino.

Meanwhile, the whole administration coalition, not just the Liberal Party, will decide on who will be the standard-bearer and his running mate for the 2016 elections, Aquino said.

during the same interview, Aquino said the selection process is still ongoing.

“Our coalition is very, very broad.

You have the non-governmental organizations, the civil society organizations, various people’s organizations, established political parties who are part and parcel of this whole coalition that has been promoting the reform agenda. so, at the very least, i think we owe it to all partners to get their inputs in determining who should be the one to carry on the mantle of this country towards a goal,” said Aquino, on the selection process for President and Vice President.

Aquino said that he is hoping that by the end of the second quarter, a standard-bearer and running mate will be announced. the choices may include an independent candidate, he said.

“that’s possible. i get everybody’s inputs, not just the established political parties but also, again the nGOs, the civil society organizations, people’s organizations, other supporters,” said Aquino.

Aquino said he is open to almost all possibilities, including a Mar roxas-Grace Poe tandem. “i’m open to all possibilities. Wait, let me correct that, almost all possibilities. there are those i cannot consider who will be able to continue the reform agenda,” he said.

When asked if Mar roxas would be one of those considered even if his ratings have not been going up, Aquino said: “Maybe.”

Aquino also admitted that he has met with Poe earlier. “We had a discussion recently and i am not at liberty at this point in time to discuss all of the details. i also have commitments for her about when to an-

nounce it, what exactly to announce, et cetera,” said Aquino.

Aquino said that it is best to say that they discussed the idea of continuing the reforms that this administration has been trying to do. “now, in what capacity, it has not been finalized. And that can also include even campaigning,” he said. the country will still be in good hands if Filipino voters choose Poe as vice president over him in next year’s May 2016 elections, said senator Antonio trillanes iV. trillanes was asked to comment on reports that the Liberal Party intends to get Poe as running mate of interior and Local Government secretary Mar roxas. “if senator Grace Poe will run, we will welcome her. she is a very competent and highly qualified candidate,” said trillanes.

M ONday: May 11, 2015

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Case vs ‘MJ’ recruiters bolstered

By Rey E. Requejo

The National Bureau of Investigation will submit today before the Department of Justice more evidence to bolster its criminal complaint against the recruiters of Mary Jane Veloso, who was granted a stay of execution after having been convicted of drug traficking in Indonesia.

The NBI’s Anti-Human Trafficking Division has informed investigating prosecutor Asst. State Prosecutor Susan Azarcon that it will submit additional documentary and testimonial proofs to substantiate the illegal recruitment, human trafficking and estafa charges against Ma. Kristina Sergio, her live-in partner Julius Lacanilao and a man of African descent identified only as “Ike”.

Among the documents that will be submitted to the DOJ investigating prosecutor include the travel records of Sergio indicating her frequent trips to Malaysia where “Ike” is reportedly based.

The parents of Veloso, who also stand as complainants in the charges, will likewise present her former live-in partner Michael Candelaria as witness.

Candelaria will subscribe to his sworn statement before the fiscal.

According to Prosecutor Azarcon, t once she receives the evidence, Sergio and Lacanilao represented by public attorneys will have until May 20 to answer the charges and submit their counter-affidavits.

The NBI earlier filed the charges against Sergio, Lacanilao and Ike based on the statement of Veloso.

Sergio and Lacanilao were already charged in a Nueva Ecija court last week with large-scale illegal recruitment in connection with separate complaints of three other alleged victims, Lorna Valino, Ana Maries Gonzales and Jenalyn Paraiso.

The DOJ will also conduct separate preliminary investigation on similar charges filed by seven other victims.

The public lawyers representing Sergio and Lacanilao questioned the arrest of their client.

Public Attorney Howard Areza stressed that the warrantless arrest of the two was baseless, assailing the claim of NBI that their acts of illegal recruitment and human trafficking were “continuing crimes.”

“We are studying our legal options. We will question the illegal arrest,” he said.

Areza earlier clarified that there was no confession by their clients that they were part of an international drug syndicate, contrary to pro-

nouncement of the DOJ. He said Sergio and Lacanilao both do not recall making the supposed confession, which DOJ Prosecutor Mark Roland Estepa cited as basis in approving their indictment for illegal recruitment over the complaint of three other alleged victims.

“There was no confession. If they have it, they should have released it and it should have been attached to the complaint. But there’s none,” he said.

The lawyer from Public Attorneys Office also said that if his clients indeed made the confession during tactical interrogation, it would be invalid since there was no presence of a lawyer as required by law.

According to him, both Sergio and Lacanilao are qualified for services of the Public Attorney’s Office after submitting certificates of indigency from their barangay in Nueva Ecija.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier said authorities gathered information that Sergio was once a drug courier herself before becoming a recruiter and that she has possible West African drug syndicate. She stressed the link between the cases of illegal recruitment and human trafficking against Sergio and Lacanilao here and the drug smuggling case of Veloso in Indonesia could be crucial to permanently save the latter from death row.

Unity walk. Advocates for Filipino workers overseas stage a ‘Mother’s Day Walk’ at the Quezon City Memorial Circle calling for the immediate repatriation of Mary Jane Veloso from Indonesia and other OFWs in distress. MANNY PALMERO

Binay takes a leaf from Veloso case

By Macon Ramos-Araneta VICE President Jejomar Binay on Sunday said the case of Mary Jane Veloso is a reminder of the “lengths” a mother would go to ensure the safety and future of her children.

In a statement issued on Mother’s Day celebration, Binay said Veloso risked her life to ensure the future of her children.

Veloso, a widow, said she decided to work abroad to be able to give her two children a good life and send them to school.

“It is said that mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever,” said Binay.

“Indeed, our mother’s unconditional love and support stays with us throughout our lifetime.

They do whatever is humanly possible for us to be able to achieve our full potential,” he also said.

One such mother, Binay said, is Veloso, who risked liberty and life just so she could provide a better life for her family.

The Vice President also urged Filipinos to express gratitude to their mothers.

“Today (May 10), as we celebrate the gift of motherhood, let us express our gratitude to the mothers in our lives – be it our mothers, spouses, sisters, or daughters – and reaffirm to them our love and devotion that they deserve. May we never take them for granted and instead work together to build a society that respects and protects their rights,” noted the Vice President.

Bidding sked for P50-b prison reset

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has rescheduled to May 29 the deadline for interested parties to submit their prequalification bid documents for the construction of regional prison facilities valued P50-billion.

In a public notice, the DOJ said the new deadline would give interested bidders more time to prepare and submit their documents for the project, which would be the country’s most modern prison facility.

The original deadline was set last May 6.

The Justice department earlier said that at least three interested bidders have shown interest in the big-ticket project namely Megawide, DM Consunji, Incorporated and San Miguel Corporation. Senior State Counsel Elena Laborte-Cuevas said foreign companies have also expressed interest in the project which is under the Public Private Partnership program.

Foreign firms can participate in the bidding on their own, which is allowed under Republic

Act 7718 or the Build-Operate-Transfer Law or enter into consortiums with local firms.

The project started with the release of the invitation to prequalify and bid advertisement last February 27 followed by the prequalification conference last April 8.

The project includes the design, financing, construction and maintenance of the prison facilities that will be constructed inside Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. It is designed to accommodate 26, 880 inmates and has facilities for staff and administrative buildings, areas for rehabilitation such as sports, work and religious activities as well as being equipped with highsecurity equipment.

The DOJ said a number of supporting accommodation and building-related services may be outsourced as part of the PPP agreement to include laundry, waste treatment and disposal, sewage water treatment and power generation.

Once finished, the new facility would replace the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City as the main prison facility in the country.

Time for repairs. Residents along Manila Bay repair their houses in the aftermath of typhoon Dodong’s onslaught. Earlier on Saturday, thousands fled their homes amid warnings of possible flash floods, landslides and tsunami-like storm surges. AFP

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House: Nlex renaming in honor of C. Aquino THE House committee on public works and highways has approved a proposal seeking to rename the North Luzon Expressway to President Corazon C. Aquino Expressway.

The committee chaired by Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan of Benguet approved HB No. 4820 authored by Rep. Magnolia Rosa C. Antonino of Nueva Ecija who said the NLEX renaming will bestow honor on and perpetuate the memory of the late President Corazon Aquino.

“If the bill is into law, it will constantly remind us of the noble deeds of the late President, especially for the poor, and inspire our people to emulate her example of selfless service to the nation while her exceptional courage and leadership gave hope and united the Filipino people at a critical time in the country’s history,” said Antonino.

Built in the 1960s, Antonino said the NLEX is an 84-kilometer highway maintained by the Manila North Tollways Corporation, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. It is one of the country’s main road arteries and has a daily traffic of over 16,000 cars.

The NLEX was formerly called the Manila North Diversion Road and Manila North Expressway (MNEX) and officially known as Radial Road 8. It is a two to eight limited-access toll expressway linking Metro Manila to the provinces of the Central Luzon Region.

The NLEX starts from Quezon City and passes through Caloocan City and Valenzuela City in Metro Manila, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, Malolos, Plaridel and Pulilan in Bulacan, San Simon, San Fernando, Mexico and Angeles City in Pampanga. It ends in Mabalacat City in Pampanga and merges with the MacArthur Highway, continuing northward into the rest of Central and Northern Luzon. PNA

Gun dealers. Members of the board of directors of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines Inc. led by Joy Gutierrez-Jose

(4th from left) pose for a souvenir photo with Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina during a courtesy visit at Camp Crame, Quezon City. AFAD and the PNP discussed challenges of firearms licensing and solutions with an end to streamlining the process. From left: Shooting champion Jethro Dionisio, AFAD comptroller; Rhenze Kristine P. Abrenica, membership committee head; Ma. Antonia D. Dacanay, treasurer; Benjamin Edgardo P. Rodriguez, vice president; Hector C. Rodriguez, legislation committee head; and Willi D. Hahn, director. MANNY PALMERO

Michael Romero true owner of Harbour Centre , says court IN A most recent decision, a Manila Regional Trial Court has declared Michael Romero as the true and rightful owner of the disputed Harbour Centre Port Terminal. The decision effectively quashed all previous orders on the contested port facility In an 11-page order dated May 6, 2015 and issued by Judge Silvino Pampilo Jr. of the Manila RTC Branch 26, the court decided, “… this court recognizes the authority of the Movan’ts Board of Directors to which Michael L. Romero belongs, and their authority to act for and in behalf of HCPTI…”.

Bolstering the ownership issue, the court cited the “first Deed of Assignment transferred and conveyed to HCPHI the 286, 495, 652 shares of RII Builders which shares represent

28.21 percent of the total issued and outstanding capital stock in HCPTI.” “The second Deed of Assignment on the other hand. transferred and conveyed again to HCPHI the 403,799,000 shares of RII Holdings, representing 39.90 percent of the total issued and outstanding capital stock in HCPTI or for a total of 68.11 percent corporate shareholding out of the total issued and outstanding capital stock in HCPTI,” the court pointed out.

“The corresponding taxes were even paid on the said transfers as evidenced by the Certificates Authorizing Registration and Tax Clearance Certificates Issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, in relation to the transfer between RII Holdings and HCPHI, and the transfer between RII Builders and HCPHI.” “Notably, plaintiff did not bother to refute Movant’s allegations and arguments regarding the 68.11 percent ownership of HCPTI in HCPTI,” the court noted.

As far as the court is concerned, “these two Deeds of Assignment to date, remain valid and effective, as the same were not questioned, controverted, much less nullified in a court of law.

The ruling stressed: “In fact, they were all duly reflected in the GIS of HCPTI from 2011 up to 2014. Let it be noted further that they were duly notarized such that any doubt as to it due execution and authenticity is dispelled.”

Further, the assignments of the 68.11 percent shareholdings in HCPTI in favor of HCPHI were likewise reflected in other documents specifically the Certifications dated April 11, 2013 executed y Jerome Canlas for KPMG Manabat Sanagustin and Co, and the 2011 Audited Financial Statements of RII Builders and RII Holdings.

In both Certifications, Jerome R. Canlas categorically stated that HCPHI had a total of 689,294,652 shareholdings in HCPTI for the year 2011 and 2012. Likewise, in the Independent Auditor’s Report dated 28 March 2012 prepared by Corazon R. Ladiza with respect to the 2010 and 2011 financial statements of RII Holdings Inc, page 11 thereof unequivocally states that “The Company owns 51.67% interest in RII Builders Inc and

40 percent interest of HCPTI in 2010 but in 2011, the corporation RII Holdings transfer 100 percnt of its interest to HCPI in favor of Harbout Centre Port Holdings Inc. Additionally, in another Auditor’s Report likewise prepared by Ladiza for RII Builders Inc., covering its financial standing for the year 2011, page 17 clearly states that “investments to HCPTI were disposed based on its present and fair market value.”

Indeed, these Certifications together with the Independent Auditor’s Report mentioned above, refer to the 02 March 2011 Deeds of Assignment executed by RII Buiders and RII Holdings Inc in favour of HCPHI, assigning, transferring and conveying to the latter the 28.21% and 39.90% shareholdings in HCPTI for for a total of 68.11% shares. The Deeds of Assignment involving 68.11% shares clearly vested ownership to HCPHI which controls majority of the outstanding capita stocks in HCPTI.

Energy blamed for outages

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Sunday blamed the failure of energy officials for the daily power outages in Mindanao as it has troubled the region for nearly five years now.

Describing the situation as “outrageous,” Pimentel said that the energy department has not gone beyond “band-aid solutions to the power woes” which have been made worse by a huge undersupply and the aging hydropower plants running low because of critical water level this hot summer.

“It’s getting worse every day. It seems there is no solution in sight,” Pimentel said.

“And the problem is worse this summer because the low water level affects the operation of hydropower plants that account for more than 50 percent of Mindanao’s total electricity needs.”

He said energy officials should have introduced a well-defined and clearcut policy a long time ago because the National Economic and Development Authority had already identified the chronic power shortages as the “most binding constraints” to Mindanao’s economic growth and development.

But they have failed in their sworn duty, he said in a press statement, to solve the under-generation in Mindanao since 2010.

He noted that this worsening situation has created mounting social and economic costs such as business slowdown and raising a major roadblock to the island’s development.

Industry experts have identified a cocktail of solutions, starting with the rehabilitation of existing hydropower plants and the setting up of new generating sets.

Volcanic threat. Members of the Philippine Red Cross distribute relief goods to the evacuees

at Gallanosa National High school in Irosin, Sorsogon on Sunday May 10, 2015. The evacuees are forced to leave the 4-km kilometer radius danger zone of Mt. Bulusan which has been showing signs of eruption. DANNY PATA

M ONDAY: M AY 11, 2015

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Barangay chief held for drugs

By Alvin T. Guanzon

BUTUAN CITY—A captain of one of the biggest barangays of Agusan del Sur was arrested Saturday afternoon by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit in his house, which he had converted into a drug den, while he insisted he was taking shabu as an experiment on why illegal drugs have become rampant in his area.

Barangay Captain Edwin Mangadlao of Purok 28, Barangay Poblacion Prosperidad, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and four others -- Char Fernandez Mangadlao, nephew of the captain and also a municipal council employee; Rey Paradillo; Jerry Lipanda and Jade Patribo – were arrested after an estimated 9.4 grams of shabu, a bundle of dried marijuana leaves, a digital weighing scale and a 45 caliber pistol without supporting papers were found in the house, according to CIDU Agusan del Sur provincial head Chief Inspector Dick Cale.

“Barangay Captain Mangadlao told mediamen that among his customers/clients are government personnel aside from big-time traders and some prominent individuals in the community and he has proof including CCTV footage of those who came in and out of his residence,” Cale added. “[He has practically] made his residence, located near the national highway, as a drug den for almost two years now,” Cale added.

Mangadlao told newsmen that his experiment seeks to find out why illegal drugs continue to be prevalent despite government campaign against it.

Mangadlao even suggested that the government conduct drug testing in work places, saying many government personnel are already hooked into drugs.

Cale said he will investigate Mangadlao’s claims, adding that this is alarming because his barangayis one of the biggest in the province.

Inquest proceedings against the five arrested men will be held today.

Comfort in a cave. Sohoton Cave and National Park in Basey, Samar is one of the places in Eastern Visayas tapped to boost the region’s tourism industry after the destruction wrought by typhoon Yolanda in 2013. MEL CASPE

Ombudsman ousts Ecija town mayor CABANATUAN CITY—A municipal mayor in Nueva Ecija was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for nepotism, after designating his nephew as municipal planning officer.

Mayor Quintino Caspillo Jr. of Talugtog town was dismissed in a decision of Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera, as approved by Om-

budsman Conchita CarpioMorales.

Three years ago and during his previous term, Caspilla was suspended for one year, also for nepotism, when he demoted the municipal social welfare and development officer in his town and designated, in her place, his first cousin.

Abraham Pascua, assistant regional director for Central

Luzon of the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG) and concurrent provincial director for Nueva Ecija, served the dismissal order at the municipal hall last week. It was received by municipal administrator Primo Sabado.

Caspillo was not around when the order was served; he was reportely set to undergo

an eye operation.

Pascua then installed Vice Mayor Benjamin Gamit Jr. as new mayor upon the serving of the dismissal order, which was also witnessed by Talugtog DILG municipal local government operations officer Joanna Liza Olorvida.

Pascua described the serving as smooth, peaceful and orderly.

Mountain Province taps hydro power to drive local economy SABANGAN, Mountain Province —The province’s abundant water resource will propel the robust growth of the local economy that will in turn enhance economic activity and stabilize the people’s livelihood especially for those living in remote villages.

Gov. Leonard Mayaen said the full operation of the 14.2-megawatt hydro power plant of the Aboitiz-owned Hydroelectric Development Corporation in Barangay Napua will help create job opportunities for qualified local residents, increase the sources of livelihood and generate added income to the barangays, municipality and province hosting the power plants.

HEDCOR inaugurated its newest power plant in the Cordillera and its first hydro power facility in the prov-

ince amid various controversies surrounding the implementation of the renewable energy project over the past two years.

“Hydro power projects are environmentally-friendly because operators of the plants will be constrained to maintain the watershed areas of its upstream and downstream communities in order to guarantee the abundant supply of water to run their power plants,” Mayaen stressed.

He said the provincial government supports the construction of more hydro power plants along major river systems in the province in order to increase the utilization of abundant water supply for power generation and make the province one of the major sources of renewable energy.

Not so summery in the summer capital. Heavy rain clouds loom over Baguio City before supertyphoon Dodong makes landfall. DAVID CHAN

A8

OPINION [ EDI TORI A L ]

THE FIX IS IN THE recent revelation that newly appointed elections commissioner Sheriff Abas is a nephew of Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal is just the latest of many signs that the peace accord that the Aquino administration is hammering out with the Muslim rebels is built on deceit and lies.

The naming of an obscure functionary from the Cotabato office of the Civil Service Commission to a top position in the Commission on Elections should have been warning enough, as was the complete absence of any biographical information released during the announcement and even days afterward.

Iqbal’s own prevarication—he refused to say if they were related and referred journalists to Abas instead—only fueled the suspicion that the fix was in.

The Comelec will play a crucial role in the year ahead, overseeing the 2016 national and local polls, in which the MILF plans to participate as a regional political party.

It will also oversee the holding of a plebiscite on the new autonomous Bangsamoro region that the MILF wants to form—and control.

Are we to believe, as the administration would have us do, that this little-known lawyer with no election experience was selected on the merits of his experience and expertise? That his relationship with a key MILF official is purely coincidental and that there is no quid pro quo involved? That would tax the credulity of even the most trusting of souls.

But the Abas appointment is but one more brick in the foundation of lies on which this administration is building its agreement with the Muslim rebels.

The so-called Peace Commission organized at President Benigno Aquino III’s behest to scrutinize the Bangsamoro Basic Law that is the product of these peace talks, was not the independent body that the Palace promised it would be, and was herded toward its inevitable conclusion by leaders handpicked by the Chief Executive.

How exhaustive could the discussions have been, if the council was formed and organized at the President’s suggestion on March 27, and submitted its report just one month later? The council’s conclusion surprised nobody, comprised as it was of the same pro-BBL platitudes that administration hacks have been peddling.

A truly independent body would not have assumed that the BBL was beneficial and needed to be saved. Nobody would argue against peace, but the Palace-backed council was remiss in its duty to the truth by automatically equating peace in Mindanao to the BBL, and assuming there was no other way forward.

In truth, from the very beginning, the administration’s “peace process” has been shrouded in secrecy and deceit. Iqbal is not even the real name of the MILF’s chief negotiator. And we have seen how the chief negotiators on the government side have been more concerned with appeasing the rebel group than upholding justice after 44 police commandos were massacred by its fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in January. They even had the temerity to say the police—who were merely trying to enforce the law—were at fault for not coordinating with the MILF. All the lies and propaganda are aimed at ramming the BBL, a constitutionally flawed document, through Congress. Abas’ appointment to the Comelec is the icing—to make sure the MILF can have its cake and eat it too.

HERITAGE PENSÉES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO THE world has received formal notice: Vigan, in northern Philippines, is now a heritage city of the world.

And rightly so! Walking through Vigan’s narrow streets line by the trademark brick-and-wooden houses of the Spanish era, one is in the midst of history. As long as one has sufficient thoughtfulness in him

to savor the quaint street corners, to visit buildings that welcome the public, to stand in front of the 18th century Palacio del Arzobispo and imagine the rites of ecclesiastical splendor that, once upon a time, it hosted and not merely to flit from one curio or souvenir shop to the other with the shallowness for which culture means printed t-shirts and utterly inconsequential trinkets, one will almost hear the clip-clop of horses drawing carriages and the call of

the night-watch (noche de ronda) assuring Vigan’s peaceful and God-fearing residents that all was well.

Vigan’s endures, not like some repulsive zombie that never dies but that continues

This is why I like going back to Vigan.

to decay nonetheless, but as a city proudly wearing the badges of Iberia, and home, at the same time, to the 21st century Filipino. A visit to

Vigan is always a welcome treat for me!

Upon finishing my philosophy degree at the University of Santo Tomas, it was time to proceed to theological studies – as required by the regimen of priestly formation, and I begged my archbishop at the time to allow me to continue on at UST. My request was denied and I was sent off to Vigan. At first, I deeply resented what I took to be an exile to a lonely, sleepy town.

And indeed, at the time I was in Vigan – I was there for four years – Plaza Salcedo was not exciting at all, and about the only decent place one could

snack at was a tiny ice-cream parlor close by, or an ihawan beneath the Cathedral’s belltower, quite fittingly called the “Tower Café”. Of course, one could always count on the vendors beside the Post Office to serve comfortingly hot sinanglaw, that delectable Ilocano dish of cow entrails and bile. But that was no place for fine dining at all!

There is really way one gets into the past and historical truth, Ricoeur wrote in his three-volume Time and Narrative is really truth about what is available to us in the present: artifacts, documents, witnesses, ruins. One can always role

A8

D AY AY :: A MPAY T HM UO RN SD R I L1 1 2 ,32, 0 21 05 15

OPINION

A9

ADELLE CHUA CHUA ADELLE CHUA ADELLE ORR EEDDIITTO

M O N D AY, A P R I L 2 7, 2 0 1 5 lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EDITOR

VIEW FROM PLUMBLINE MALCOM PASTOR

ATTY. HARRY APOLLO QUIBOLOY ROQUE JR.

URBAN HAS OUR MINING COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS MADE A DIFFERENCE?

[ EDI TORI A L ]

SEVILLA’S GENIE

A PHILIPPINE National Railways commuter train careens off the tracks, keels over, sending a dozen of its passengers to the hospital.

But after PNR discovered that a missing rail was the culprit, it halted operations EMBLEMATIC of the hypocrisy and mismanagement indefinitely, – prompting its 80,000 daily that have become the hallmarks of this administration, passengers to let out a groan louder than the chief of the Bureau of Customs, John Phillip a locomotive roar.

Sevilla, resigned last week with disturbing allegations The PNR says its engineers will have to of political pressure and attempts to turn his agency get down on all fours and do a foot-byinto a milking cow to raise campaign funds for favored foot inspection of its 43-kilometer Tutucandidates in the 2016 elections. ban-SantaVietnam—I Rosa, Laguna to see if iron Sevilla was the third Customs commissioner HANOI, amline in the capital of spikes and rail fasteners are missing. to leave the agency under the administration of Vietnam as a resource person in a semiare, some will be because as President Benigno Aquino III, who has made the fight narChances on “National Human Rights Comthe PNR has reported,from rails the andRegion” spikes, against corruption the touchstone of his leadership. missions: Experiences including railroad crossingAdenaer signs, have Sevilla’s two predecessors had left the bureau amid sponsored by the Konrad Stifbeen crowbarred outinvitation of their places fairly allegations of corruption, tarnishing Mr. Aquino’s claims tung.

I accepted the because of Many disappear fast as PNR of good governance. Sevilla took over in December 2013 aregularly. long desire to evaluate theasaffectivity of menown couldCommission replace them. with the promise of cleaning up what is widely perceived our of Human Rights as the most corrupt agency in the bureaucracy. since its establishment through the 1987 Because of these frequent piecemeal reThat promise came crashing down less than two Constitution years ago. PNR This invitation placements, a28wag noted, tracks are years later with Sevilla’s resignation. finally gave in methe to the opportunity to finalthe newest world.

In announcing his resignation, Sevilla said he was ly conduct study. it is However,this if long-delayed this proves anything, being pressured to appoint certain people to “very point has have to bebecome the verya theThe factstarting that PNR tracks sensitive” positions ahead of the 2016 elections, and high expectations of the people lucrative “urban mining” site. that the admitted that he could not finish the job of ending CHR will mining” help promote and refers protectto hu“Urban of course the corruption at the bureau. man in the country metal rights theft epidemic raging inwhen townsthey and “I don’t compromise on morality,” the resigning created it inhave the become Constitution itself. Its cities which rich sources of Customs chief said. “The law is clear on what is first head, Chairperson Mary Bautista, scavengeable metals. allowed and [what is] not.” should credited safeguarding the Drivebe through anyforcity street and you In its first statement following the resignation, the independence of the constitutional body can see the tell-tale signs of this phenomPalace conspicuously ignored Sevilla’s allegations, from Congress then enon:political missinginterference. manholes and street signs, and simply announced his replacement, a person took the appointment of the Chair and sawed-off and road gone comments on FB posts—manythe of Commissioners BBL, fences, underscored therailings moral right from the private sector with extensive interests of the Commission desaparecido. them betray the pathetic ignorance of be a State to its integrity.

None of in several brokerage-related companies. A Palace should submitted for conformation landmarks bear scars urban PENSÉES behind them. But again, they to areEven these points of social justiceoftheory spokesman assured the public that there would be the Commission ontheAppointments. mining. red flags that invite close scrutiny,Rightfully if and moral theology were addressed no conflict of interest, as the new Customs chief, so, the Supreme Court ruled FR. RANHILIO A Chairperson part of the Manila Bay only because, in their sheer irratioby the posted comments.

The Alberto D. Lina, would divest himself of his interest that Bautista andpromenade her comCALLANGAN has become a showcase ofthose amputated nality, they sound the alarm to the in his brokerage company—but said nothing of his bishops were reminded that missioners were notrather among public publicsome art.

The bronze of wellAQUINO holdings in at least 10 other corporations. intellectual bankruptcy that makes officers whose appointments needed conpriests weresculptures pedophiles.

They known personalities sport missing apThe announcement did little to engender firmation Congress.

Thisit insulated the werebyalso told that was shameFIRST, a disclaimer. One national pendages. confidence. chair andformembers thebeen Commission ful them to of have involved daily, through an online post, atIn in onethetown in the South, awould one-ton Are we expected to believe that Sevilla’s replacement from political interference.

Pajero scandal. It be tributed to me the statement that Spanish-era cannon disappeared despite would truly divest himself of all his lucrative The Constitution enumerates powless bothersome merely to the laugh off the Chief Justice had, in effect, preits being on the plaza business interests to take a job in the government ers ofsuch thebolted Commission.

Thesefloor. include the obvious illogicality, but if this judged the Binay case by her line of We can and oughtpower Theis massive steel or mural in in an administration with only a year left? Or is his to investigate, the power toa issue how ourBonifacio countrymen, good questioning at the oral argument.

Mehan Garden has(or, been patched appointment part of efforts that Sevilla resisted to summons, cite inLawton contempt and power to part of them, reason better, fail to raise the bar of I made no such statement. Somemake sure the ruling party stays in power after 2016? ask from any demonstration branch of governup assistance with plastic prosthetics many times. to do so!), that of one did call me up however for public discourse and Aquino’s first Customs commissioner, who ment.

Here, we have a serious obstacle in Even athe great Katipunero’s bolo, it was dreadful want in thoughtfulness an interview on the subject. I gave resigned under a cloud of suspicion when 2,000 task evaluating theshould performance reported, now a concrete replica. set more stringentthe andofisreasonability make of us him onIy curt replies though he container vans vanished from the bureau in 2011, thePerhaps Commission.

For while courts and theofreason whythe “urban minfearful democracy’s future instandards for the did attempt, by leading questions, was a close associate of Lina. performance be meaing”DOJ haswhose notWhen attracted pressmay coverage is deed. irrationality prevails, to make me agree with him on Lina was also Customs chief during the previous sured inis terms case disposal and/ or its exchange in public that itanything often of brushed aside as an of frightful is possible! act this assessment—an enticement I administration, before he left abruptly as part of the conviction rate, the CHR can only investivandalism.

Tracing in broad strokes the hisspaces. steadfastly resisted. I made clear: “Hyatt 10” Cabinet members who abandoned the gate but no to prosecute.

When criminals toryhas ofhammer-swinging thepower condonation doctrine in I did not think it was right for me Arroyo government over an election-related scandal In this the case of Carino Commission of jurisdiction, Ivs.pointed that break their way through several out jewelry to comment on on-going proceedin 2005, and who now hold considerable influence in Human Rights, Supreme Court defined has beenthe in ourhammering jurisprudence for cases itin malls, then loose ings. What I did, however, was the Aquino administration. the full extent ofseems the Commissions’ some time now—carried overinvesfrom manhole covers petty indeed. write a Facebook post on the docAdministration allies in the Senate have been fulsome tigative powers: “The function ofand receiving it impossible for a genuine democjurisprudence, that it ButAmerican there have been instances when trine of condonation. Justice Adolf in their praise for Sevilla, but have shown none of their evidence and ascertaining therefrom the racy to long endure.

When Archactually has roots in our democratic these supposed petty acts have threatened surveys show that to Aquino’s off survey with dismissive elections remains undiminished.

Azcuna was the the first to comment: probably datebishop back timepoll of a stateroles: one as data actual participants, play, usual which is why the abusiness eagerness to launch congressional investigation facts of a controversy notnot a judicial funcSoc the Villegas issued I iswas was advocating publicconvictions. safety. There a bridge which He thought that I had captured numbers are continuing to plumb statements about just continuing to The reality, as survey after survey into allegations of corruption in the Bureau of Customs, tion, properly speaking.ofTothis be piece considered Salcedo still stand.

Vigan and its of producing period costumes is other as conscious role-players. For ment on the draft BBL, an almost the perpetuation jucollapsed after its steel cantilevers of were the doctrine He agreed particularly since Aquino such a probe such, risprudence. the faculty of Ireceiving evidence and unfamiliar depthscomment despite his do the“friendly work of preside governance, Com- new, has shown, that is might just people are as common comfortable with Pure older folk who over succinctly. rituals by no meansis impertinent.

That is expose was: “Bakit was however arguing pried loose by an acetylene torch.

Years with my Herminio analysis that efforts, the doctrine forces” than political opponents. making factual conclusions in a controverI expect the campaign to ang simbarely keeping head above the Gold and with minimalist that date back Secretary to pre-colonial times, one end of rather thehis spectrum, and the munications nakikiaalam nainterior naman that it was nottrain unreasonable and ago, a Bicol-bound derailed after has that its roots in our understanding But there can be no doubtand that Sevilla mustnow be says sy must be accompanied by the authority further intensify.

Coloma “there is waters of negative acceptability bahan dito?”.

Nowhere was there had in fact been consistently apdécor as they are with Augustinian it is much simpler: It is the past as a participants know that they are thieves sawed off several rails in Quezon. encouraged—or compelled—to name names and offor popular sovereignty. That note of of applying the law to those factual concluThere is no other option significant room improvement popularity.

And there is nothing any serious analysisfor of the arguplied by the High Court.

The comIt is, however, in disrupting public utiliconstructions and the cobble-stone continuing reality.

The herbolarios ONLYprovide role-playing.

But what of a detailed account of what he knows. His failure sions to the end that the controversy may I consider priceless!

Aquino, really.

Butadvanced, history and the ment nodays. serious examiand... [a] need to concurrence, continually ascerthat can do, it seems, to reverse mentsmetal I got thieves labeledinflict me a the lackey of tiesdecided where greatstreets of by-gone Spanish and he the babaylans continue suchhe phenomena Philippines to do so wouldin bethe a betrayal of the morality claims be or determined authoritatively, The who next day, I wrote an extended nation and rebuttal of the reasons the Binays, a fraud, a charlatan— “stickiness” of the popular perceptain the needs of our people. ” the trend. est pain. led to hisor resignation, and theSouth public service vowed does theirhetraditions are aware thatpaper—and they Vigan as ati-atihan, sinulog in the finally and definitively, subject to such aparticle for this earned a not regret its Spanish Nothing more than peals anEntire pathetic actually, ifashilarious, betion that hemany isadduced. a failure as President Aquino seems hell-bent on It is Malacanang barrios been known lose tosignificant uphold whenthat he took office at the Bureau ofonly Customs. or modes ofhave review may betoprolot ofstretches flak for it.

I do not mind past.

In the so ways, this heritage areWhat heirs of what back and the bendyan dance of upland attack on bishops and priests. The cause they were attacks on me, not electricity after power transformers have are against him. doing is to continue making public seems to have abandoned the stratIn opening his mouth about corruption and vided by law. This function, to repeat, the criticism, but I is amno alarmed that the us all what to be Filipino city teaches but there Filipinos in the North? These are to time immemorial Archbishop, in a personal my argument.

In” stark contrast been on stolen.

Iofsee no reason why Aquino’s num- capacity, appearances is still truly egy ofinfluence pretending to ignore re- Mr. in even thethe bureau, Sevilla hasto Commission does not have. kind that I got he is symptomatic ais: more Not searching for authentic role-playing forprove them. ancient rituals,peddling perhaps prediscussed the necessity of inclusivewere the posts of Prof.

Jemy Vehicular traffic turns from badGatto let the the surveys genie outwhich of the show bottle,an and working, no amountvery of much It is this lack of prosecutorial powers would in the coming in in control andthatbers sults of insidious malady is lethal to improve Filipino-ness before the Spaniards Vigan is unparalleled its beauty historic and they are performed now, ness, warned against equating peace dula of the University of Asia and worse when cars have to fully stop at doubletalk from in him his former employers now of game-changing democracy: intolerance the possessor en- for dissent! in Mindanao with the passage of irreversible decline hisorpopularstructures that with the participants straddling two not only because There Continued on A11 can put it back in.

Continued is good reason to ignore Continued on A11 Continued on on A10 A10 ity. Where once the palace shrugged dorsement powers. If subsequent

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A10 MOTHERS’ DAY EVERY DAY AT THE precise moment a woman gives birth to her child and then cuddles it RITA LINDA on her breast for the V. JIMENO first time, flashes about a woman’s own mother plays out before her and she gets overcome by love and gratitude for the life given her.

This is a gift and a special bond that exists between mothers and their daughters who have, themselves, become mothers. In this respect men are missing something—a miracle of sorts—because while they love their mothers, they will never be in that realm where they are joined with their mothers in a unique dimension and experience of giving life to a new human being.

I was born as the first daughter in a family of three sons. Because my parents had to wait nearly four years before having a daughter, I somehow enjoyed certain perks my brothers never had—like having my own room at a young age, having a nanny devoted to me, clothes and toys that were never hand-me-downs.

But, daughters, they Mothers should be say, are often more appreciated every attached to their fa- single day possible. thers. That was exactly how I was, growing up. It was to my father I would hang out more often with—listening to his stories about the gods and goddesses in Greek mythology and the fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen and the Grimm brothers. I would sit on his lap on evenings as he sat on a rocking chair by the garden while he pointed to me the stars and identified them by their names.

A scientist and a literary buff at the same time, my father was the center of my life. He was brilliant, funny, and loving. My mother, in my eyes, was too busy caring for all of us at the same time especially when two more daughters were born, four and six years, respectively, after me.

When I was married and gave birth to my first child, my relationship with my mother took a 360-degree turn. I suddenly felt connected to her in a way I never did before. The nine difficult months of pregnancy, the travails of child birth, and now, the immense responsibility of motherhood, all rolled out before me, in the fashion of a slow moving film.

From that moment on, my mother became my closest friend: the person I could run to when my baby was having hiccups, or crying for hours because of colic, or just being crazy hard headed. My mother left us at the age of only 59 but I felt I had shared with her many lifetimes.

It never ceases to perplex me therefore that there are actually children, in fact, daughters, who treat their mothers shabbily. One female client of mine who gave birth to three daughters is now living miserably alone just when she approaches the advanced years of her life. Her daughters are now all married with children of their own. Their greed for money and power which their father wielded made them isolate their mother whom they perceived to be incapable of giving them positions in their family’s business. She has been estranged from her husband and is only receiving enough support for her own needs.

Her daughters, on the other hand, were each given a luxurious house by their father. They constantly travel with their husbands and children, with costs paid for by their father, and hold high-salaried positions without having to seriously work. Although they know their mother co-built their family’s wealth with their father, they are aware too that control over the resources belongs to their father. Their mother will probably die alone but this prospect has not seemed to cross their minds. Even if it did, it has obviously not created a strong-enough impact on them.

OUT OF THE BOX

MONDAY: MAY 11, 2015

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

HE’S SEEN IT ALL CHASING HAPPY ADELLE CHUA “YOU used to be a seminarian,” Arnulfo “Arnold” Lopez, who holds a PhD in clinical psychology, remembers a judge telling him in court. “So why are you now helping married couples separate?”

Lopez had seen many courtrooms in the course of his career as a forensic psychologist, but he was taken aback by the judge’s question. Why, indeed? And before an audience of other litigants of other cases being heard that day, he said: “Because in my profession I have seen the many psychological effects of troubled marriages, especially on children.”

Of course, his was not an argument for divorce. There is no such thing here—only legal separation, annulment, and a declaration of nullity. Lopez has carved for himself something of a reputation for serving as an expert witness in nullification cases, which hinge, to a large extent, on showing that one or both of the spouses suffer from a psychological incapacity (Article 36 of the Family Code) stemming from a personality disorder that renders him/her/them incapable of performing the necessary marital obligations.

Lopez is well versed with the guidelines for the declaration of psychological incapacity, laid out by the Supreme Court in the socalled Molina Doctrine. He goes by these guidelines: that the burden of proof is on the plaintiff, that the root cause of the incapacity must be medically or clinically established and alleged in the complaint, that the incapacity must exist at the time of the marriage even as it may have manifested after, that it must be per-

manent or incurable, and that it must be grave enough to disable the partner to assume the essential obligations, among others.

The guidelines are sciencebased and airtight—assuming everybody plays fair, and that the option is available for the recourse of anybody who needs it.

Unfortunately, “fair” is the operative word. What has arisen from these strict guidelines is an unintended bias for those who can afford the process. Even they must bear the lack of assurance that their petition would be granted despite the genuine existence of personality disorders leading to the incapacity.

Is divorce the solution? A recent survey says most Filipinos are in favor of divorce despite the continued opposition of the Catholic church. After all, the Philippines is said to be the only country in the world without this recourse.

One might assume Lopez would agree, too – but he does not.

In fact, he believes divorce is no longer necessary because existing laws are enough to provide the recourse to spouses who are trapped in unhealthy marriages.

What needs to be done is to take out some unrealistic parts of the guidelines such as the need to establish severity, permanence and incurability of the disorder, especially when the couple has been estranged for a long time anyway.

After all, “permanent” and “incurable” have not even been defined in the law.

According to Lopez, divorce would have a significant effect on the children, because they will grow up believing that getting married is easy – you can always get out anytime you wished.

On the other hand, because the perception is that getting an annulment is difficult and expensive, couples would think long and hard about getting hitched because it is too much trouble getting out.

*** Lopez began his “specialization” in the mid-1990s, when a friend asked him to render a psychological evaluation for his case when he ended his relationship.

Since then, Lopez’s office has seen numerous individuals – from movie stars to overseas Filipino workers, politicians and ordinary employees asking the court to nullify their unions, and for a host of reasons.

Some of the reasons are strong and valid in themselves, unmistakably pointing to serious psychological conditions that make the lives of people around them simply miserable. These cases are what made him tell the judge that day that troubled marriages arising from legitimate incapacity have an effect on the couple and the family.

Some, not so much. These are perhaps what makes Lopez believe that couples should work hard to preserve their union and must only resort to separation as an ultimate option. *** In a perfect world, the existing laws on terminating unions should be enough. Everybody, regardless of their socio-economic status and level of education, must be aware that they have this option so long as their grounds are legitimate.They must be able to afford the legal fees and other expenses related to the process.

Unfortunately, the law is skewed in favor of those who can afford, or at least those who are aware. Those whose cases are not as strong can even afford to exaggerate their situation just because 1)they want out of the union and 2) they can afford it.

Where does that leave the poor and the uneducated who must see their lives wither before them, just because they believe you have to stick with your choice no matter what until the end?

been drilled into the national psyche ad nauseam. Walking down the streets laid out by Spaniards, relishing the beauty of a city that stands from the past, standing before the very same houses where once echoed Spanish prayers and curses, laments and amorous

paeans allows as an experience of our heritage about which we are often, regrettably, conflicted!

adellechua@gmail.com

HERITAGE... From A9 came but recognizing that the configurations of the present could never have been born in the present!

That is why I like going back to Vigan, where Spanish does not translate into oppression and frailocracy and colonial exploitation – topics that have

There too is this son I know who has given nothing but pain to his own mother, now nearing 90. While she gave him everything: his life, her caring until he grew up, his education, his career as a professional, even properties, he, in turn, has driven her out of their ancestral home when his father had died so he and his wife and children could live there by themselves. He disrespects and verbally abuses her within hearing by his own children, making her feel he could not wait for her to pass on. Makes one wonder, will he be able to keep his peace when she dies?

Studies have shown that grief coupled with guilt over losing a loved one to whom one has failed to ex-

rannie_aquino@sanbeda. ed.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

press love or do something for, is the most difficult to cope with and to overcome. A person may not realize it during his mother’s lifetime that he has a profound love for her. Denying it or refusing to confront one’s guilt will only serve to prolong the grief that can eat a person up.

One may say that celebrating Mothers’ Day is a commercial invention. Nothing is truer. Mothers should be appreciated every single day possible, lest one live to regret not having done so the rest of one’s life, especially when one’s mother is gone.

Email: ritalindaj@gmail.com Visit: www.jimenolaw.com.ph

M O N D AY : M AY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A11

OFFENDED? DON’T DEMAND AN APOLOGY

By Stephen L. Carter I FIND myself oddly unmoved by the chorus of critics demanding an apology from the organizers of the Garland, Texas, exhibition where two attackers were shot dead last weekend. I’m not suggesting that free speech means never having to say you’re sorry. But our vision of what demands apology and what does not has grown dangerously selective.

Regular readers will know that I am a near-absolutist when it comes to the marketplace of ideas. I have mentioned before the contretemps during my undergraduate years at Stanford over the views of the Nobel laureate William Shockley on the relative intellectual capacities of blacks and whites. Many among my confreres wanted his head on the proverbial platter. I wanted to hear his theories debated instead. I had the opportunity twice: once at a campus forum, where he squared off against an eminent geneticist, and a second time when Shockley met with the editorial board of the Stanford Daily, and I was able to challenge him directly. I learned far more from those two encounters than I would have from any sort of ban. I wasn’t interested in an apology. I was interested in serious argument about ideas.

Nowadays, many people seem to think that mockery doesn’t raise any ideas worth debating. This helps explain why so many paeans to Charlie Hebdo append the disclaimer “Although I don’t agree with ... .” But the history of making fun in order to make a point is as old as history itself. Every major world religion has a tradition of humor—including at its own expense. Alas, we live in an era when, rather than acknowledge this simple truth, we too often strain to make insupportable distinctions.

Over lunch a few years ago, a Yale colleague of mine was at pains to explain why Jews but not Muslims might be freely mocked: The issue turns out to be not minority status but influence. Jews have it, Muslims don’t. Had my

URBAN... From A9 that section of the underpass where the steel cover of a storm drain was once welded.

Or when they have to slow down because only a stub is what is left of the lamppost which once lighted that sharp curve.

Urban mining must be so bad that a many of those in jail today are the so-called bakal boys.

The irony here is that when a metal thief steals P5,000 worth of copper wires, government will have to spend P60,000 a year, to keep him behind bars.

But not all “urban miners” are the hardcore criminal types.

Most are waifs or ambulant homeless families, the ones who would pry open that tin house number or pick up that milk can be-

ing used as flower pot or pluck the traffic sign that’s already hanging loose.

Most probably, they’ll swap them for rice or noodles or a can of sardines.

Scrap dealers buy tin cans at P5 per kilo, while iron fetches P10 per kilo. Copper wire is being bought at P230 per kilo.

With 18 million Filipinos experiencing occasional hunger according to one poll , then it comes as no surprise that tin cans have become food stamps and anything metal has become a meal ticket.

So when a streetkid does “urban mining” in a garbage heap or tries to pry loose a bar in a metal fence, he knows he can barter it for a pack of instant noodles.

It is the modern-day version of gathering food . Instead of plucking

#FAILOCRACY

colleague not been Jewish, I might have put so bizarre a distinction down to anti-Semitism. A more charitable explanation is that this was simply the latest iteration in the popular campus game of explaining why some people but not others merit protection from offense.

I was once asked by a leading theological journal to write an article. The guidelines required that I avoid using gendered pronouns when referring to God. I was perplexed. I don’t believe that God possesses gender as we understand it, but in the traditional canon of my faith, God has revealed Himself as male. So I decided to pass. When I mentioned this episode to another colleague, he told me I was wrong.

Using gendered pronouns would offend many readers, and my point would not get across. I asked him whether in that case we should crack down on taking God’s name in vain.

For many of us, the casual misuse of God’s name—especially when combined with words of cursing or vulgarity—is disturbing, and even at times depressing.

My colleague conceded that I had made a good point.

But he was wrong. My point wasn’t good; his was bad.

We’ve had some experience crafting rules to limit expression that offends religious believers, and none of it is attractive. My colleague was making the very mistake history condemns and advocates of anti-hate-speech rules embrace, searching for ways to transform instinct into regulation: Surely we can protect the powerless from offense?

The trouble is that such prejudices, once indulged, are infinitely malleable. Hairs will be split, forests will be missed for trees, angels will dance on the head of a pin, all in the service of discovering differences among things that are the same. This certainty alone is reason enough to be wary of hate-speech legislation, whether devised on campus, in the state house or in an international forum.

Inevitably what one ends up with is the thrusting of coercive authority into the hands of those who are every bit as prejudiced in their preferences as anyone else. I couldn’t pechay in the neighbor’s patch , an urban miner cuts a protruding iron rod. Instead of climbing trees for fruit, there he goes up poles to harvest wires. It is a metal-to-calories exchange.

While his enterprise may be puny compared to the operations of largescale miners who move mountains of nickel ore to China through an endless convoy of ships that they begin took like conveyor belts over water, he and the mining colossuses perform the same function— to fill the world hunger for metals.

The urban miner however does it to satiate his family’s hunger for food.

So urban mining is not a simple problem. When the poor see metal as a meal, then solutions go beyond ordering the police to guard rails and manholes.

possibly be trusted with such power; neither could you.

When those who offend by their speech are asked to apologize, we are often indulging these distinctions. And the distinctions, pursued to their root, can become absurd.

Consider once again the taking of God’s name in vain. After I mentioned the business with the theological journal in a lecture at another campus, I was assured by a student that although a white Protestant would have no right to be offended by such words, I as a black Protestant would. Is the issue numbers? Influence? History? One can find literature embracing all of these and many more. What’s fascinating is to imagine the apology the student must have thought I was due: “My blasphemy was aimed entirely at white religious believers. I deeply regret my unintentional offense to believers who are people of color.”

Thanks but no thanks. A universe of discourse that cherishes such distinctions has set itself at war with modernity.

Like the Medieval church, the theory supposes that we will build a better society by constructing a bubble into which disagreeable ideas will never intrude. In this sense, the college student who doesn’t believe that her school should host a debate over abortion is running in direct parallel with the baker who doesn’t want to cater a gay wedding.

Each is tilting against the windmills of modernity that for well over a century now have blown away one wall after another with gales of skepticism and counterargument.

It’s easy to sympathize with the desire to create that bubble of psychic calm, to keep at arm’s length a world seen as threatening to the values at one’s core. But neither regulation nor apology can long cloak the truth that sooner or later the protective bubble pops, and in sweeps the real world, with all of its vulgarity and confusion and diversity.

The clash of ideas is often painful. Out of that pain, however, springs courage and strength and even growth. That’s why we’re usually at our best when, instead of seeking an apology, we argue back. Bloomberg

Mail Matters THERE IS A NEW REPORTING FRAMEWORK FOR EXTERNAL DEBT THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas wishes to provide the following clarification regarding paragraph 6 of the column of Mr. Florencio Fianza entitled “Too Many Investigations” which appeared in the March 26 issue of the Manila Standard Today. Mr. Fianza raised a question on the $20 billion increase in the outstanding external debt figure of the Philippines.

In this regard, please be advised that: (a) The new reporting framework that the BSP has implemented is essentially a change in the reporting presentation of the country’s external debt pursuant to the new external debt compilation methodology prescribed by the International Monetary Fund. Previously, the official debt tables were presented in two parts: the headline figure and the memo items. Under the new framework, private sector accounts (totalling $20 billion as of end 2014) which were previously disclosed as footnotes (memo items) to the debt tables, now form part of the headline figure on out-

standing external debt of the Philippines. (b) These accounts have been monitored by the BSP even prior to their inclusion in the headline debt numbers; thus, their outstanding amounts have been fully disclosed as memo items to the published debt tables. (c) The Monetary Board has approved the reporting enhancements in the second half of 2014, for implementation starting with the external debt report as of end 2014 to allow for proper categorization of the accounts in the debt tables.

The change will further align our reports with international standards prescribed under the latest External Debt Guide and the International Monetary Fund’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, 6th edition.

We hope the above have put matters in a clearer light.

DIWA C. GUINIGUNDO Deputy Governor

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Wizards cut down Hawks PAUL Pierce banked in the game-winner to lift the short-handed Washington Wizards to a 103-101 NBA playoff victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Pierce’s heroics gave the Wizards a two-games-to-one lead over Eastern Conference top seeds Atlanta in their best-of-seven second-round series -- and thwarted the Hawks’ bid to rally from a 21-point fourthquarter deficit.

There was no such drama in Memphis, where the Grizzlies took a 2-1 series lead over Western Conference top seeds Golden State with a 99-89 victory over the Warriors.

In Washington, Wizards coach Randy Wittman could afford to joke when the dust had settled.

“Had it all the way, huh?”

quipped Wittman after watching his team squander a 21-point lead only to win it at the last gasp.

Washington’s All-Star guard John Wall, who has five fractures in his non-shooting left hand, watched from the sidelines in street clothes as his team built a comfortable lead, only to see it evaporate in the final 10 minutes as the Hawks, sparked by their reserves, stormed back with a 21-3 scoring run.

That included a stretch of 17 unanswered points to make it 94-91 with 3:12 to play.

Mike Muscala pulled the Hawks level with a three-pointer with 14.8 seconds to play.

Pierce held the ball for the last shot and banked in a jumper as the buzzer sounded, sparking a wild celebration among his teammates.

“I’ve been in that situation many times,” the 37-year-old Pierce said.

“If I miss, we don’t want them to be able to call a timeout.

“So I took my time and got my shot. I’m just happy we won. We didn’t want it to come down to that, especially how we played for the first 36 minutes, but a win is a win.

We’ll take it.”

The Wizards managed nicely without Wall, sharing the ball with 27 assists and 37 baskets. Bradley Beal, Otto Porter and Nene contributed 17 points apiece.

Jeff Teague had 18 points for At-

lanta, Al Horford added 14 and DeMarre Carroll chipped in 12.

But it was the Hawks’ reserves who made a game of it, scoring 33 of Atlanta’s 35 points in the fourth quarter.

“I’m very proud of that group, the way they competed and got us back in the game,” said Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, whose team will try to rebound when the Wizards host game four on Monday.

In Memphis, Spanish big man Marc Gasol had 21 points and 15 rebounds and Zach Randolph scored 22 for the Grizzlies as they held off a Warriors team that had finished with the best regular-season record in the league.

“We just tried to come and impose our will, tried to play our game,” Randolph said. “It was a team win.” AFP

Djokovic ‘motivated’ in French Open bid NOVAK Djokovic insisted Sunday he is motivated and inspired by the opportunity to win a first French Open and become only the eighth man to complete a career Grand Slam.

The world number one has five Australian Open titles, two Wimbledon crowns and a single US Open, but has yet to crack the clay courts of Roland Garros in Paris losing to ninetime champion Rafael Nadal in the 2012 and 2014 finals.

But the 27-year-old is the form player of 2015 having captured the Australian Open as well as the Masters titles at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo for a record of 30 wins and just two defeats in the year.

“The question coming into each year: is this going to be the year or not?,” said Djokovic as he faced down the familiar enquiry over his chances at the French Open with the second Grand Slam event of the year just two weeks away.

“That is the question present in my head, but it is not a question that is distracting me or bothering me; it excites me,” added the Serb who is top seed at the Italian Open in Rome which gets under way later Sunday.

“It gives me inspiration and motivation. The approach of being in the moment also helps, so I need to be devoted to this tournament first.”

If Djokovic were to win an elusive first French Open then he would join Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Nadal as one of a select band of men to have completed the Grand Slam.

Victory in Paris would also put Djokovic halfway to a calendar Grand Slam — a feat achieved only by two men. AFP

Powell rules world meet Paul Pierce (34) of the Washington Wizards puts up the game-winning shot over Kent Bazemore (24) of the Atlanta Hawks to give the Wizards a 103-101 win in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center, in Washington DC. AFP

Blaze Spikers battle Shopinas for PSL title Games Today (Imus Sports Complex) 4:15 pm—Petron vs Shopinas 6:15 pm—Philips Gold vs Foton IMUS CITY -- Petron and Shopinas start their anticipated quest for the elusive crown when they clash in Game 1 of the 2015 Philippine Superliga women’s volleyball tournament All-Filipino Conference best-of-three finals today at the Imus Sports Complex here.

Action starts at 4:15 pm followed by the sudden-death encounter for third place between Foton and Philips Gold in the 6:15 second game of this prestigious inter-club tournament organized by Sports Core and supported by Asics, Mikasa, Senoh,

Mueller Sports Medicine, Via Mare, LGR and Healthway Medical.

It will be the first time for Imus to witness topnotch volleyball action and Mayor Manny Maliksi assured that it’s all systems go for their hosting of the league’s out of town series known as “Spike on Tour.”.

“This early, our city is already buzzing with excitement,” said Maliksi, who expects a full crowd after announcing that tickets will be given for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the venue. “We’re looking forward to welcome the players, coaches, officials and the entire Superliga family. Rest assured that we will do our best to come up with a successful hosting of this event.”

Arguably the league’s most solid team with the hard-hitting troika of Rachel Anne Daquis, Dindin Man-

abat and Aby Marano, the Blaze Spikers took the conference by storm as they swept the double-round eliminations to easily clinch one of the two outright semifinal slots.

In the semis, Petron crushed Philips Gold in three sets; 25-14, 25-23, 25-18, with Marano and Daquis delivering 13 and 12 points, respectively, to punch a ticket to the finals.

“We are now ready to face anybody,” said Petron coach George Pascua, who guided the Blaze Spikers to a title finish in the Grand Prix last year with American Alaina Bergsma and Brazilian Erika Adachi serving as reinforcements.

“But we still have to guard ourselves against over-confidence and complacency. Shopinas is such a dangerous team. Most of them are veterans who know what it takes to

win in crucial situations. We have to be at our best because the finals is an entirely different story.”

On the contrary, Shopinas took a tougher route in reaching the titular showdown.

After a sluggish start, the Lady Clickers waxed hot down the crucial stretch before prevailing over a gritty Foton side in a classic five-set duel; 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 21-25, 17-15, in the semifinals, thanks to a late-game defensive gem from veteran Michelle Laborte and a lucky service ace from Riza Mandapat.

But for Shopinas coach Ramil de Jesus -- the architect of De La Salle’s numerous title runs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) -- winning over a powerful team like Petron needs more than just skills and luck.

FORMER world recordholder Asafa Powell clocked a world leading 9.84 seconds to win the 100-meter dash at a World Challenge athletics meeting in Kingston.

Jamaica’s Powell finished ahead of American Ryan Bailey, who crossed the line in 9.93, with Jamaican Nesta Carter in third with 9.98.

“I knew after I ran 10.08 into a head wind on a dead track in Guadeloupe that I could run a sub-10 seconds,” Powell said.

“I felt easy out there tonight and I am very happy with how I executed my race. The crowd was wonderful and it just shows they appreciate what I do.”

Powell, who owned the 100-meter world record from 2005 until 2008, when Usain Bolt broke the mark, tested positive for a banned substance in 2013 and is on the comeback trail after a ban that ended last year.

Powell improved on the previous 2015 season best of 10.01 set by Trinidad and Tobago’s Keston Bledman on April 24 in Gainesville, Florida.

It was Powell’s fastest 100 meters since a 9.78 at Lausanne in 2011. AFP

m o n day : m ay 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Special Awards. Gov. Rodolfo Del Rosario (left) acknowledges the good deed of Brian Albert Buhian, Louie Villacorte and Janliver Estabaya who were given special awards by Palaro organizers after they turned over to authorities the P50,000 they found last April 17 inside the premises of Tagum National High School.

Palaro ends with a bang

By Peter Atencio TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – Maurice Sacho Ilustre ended his campaign with a bang as he and Seth Isaak Martin emerged as the most bemedalled athletes of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa here.

He and Martin, who claimed two national junior records, finished with seven gold medals each. But the 15-year-old Ilustre’s campaign in the secondary boys division of the swimming action was among the most memorable in the week-long meet.

Ilustre, a sophomore at La Salle-Zobel, broke the national junior record Ilustre set last year in the 200-meter butterfly. He claimed a total of six new meet marks in all of the seven events he swept and duplicated his seven-gold sweep last year.

“Sobrang saya ko. Kasi nagawa ko ulit ang nagawa ko last year,” said Ilustre after he finished his stint with two more golds in the 200-meter freestyle and the 4x100-meter relay.

Both were done in record-breaking fashion after he clocked 1:58.83 in the 200-meter freestyle and 3:43.68 in the relays.

He and his NCR teammates Christian Sy, Drew Magbag and Andrei Pogkiongco first reset the 4:10.66 also from NCR with a new best of 4:07, in the preliminaries of the 4x100 meter medley relays.

They then ruled the finals with the same time.

His 8:50.4 feat in the 800-meter freestyle bested Fahad Alkhaldi’s six-year old feat of 8:58.36, while his 57.56 second time in the 100-meter butterfly eclipsed Gabriel Castelo’s 58.13 set in 2011.

Ilustre broke no record when he ruled the 400-meter freestyle, but made a new mark in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay.

The current 200-meter butterfly record of 2:07.28 is a new national junior mark. Ilustre first broke the Philippine junior mark in the Palaro 2014 in 2:10.07.

There were a total of 34 course records which were set this year, including nine in athletics and 25 in swimming.

Martin broke four records after he took the golds in the 100-meter backstroke, the 200-meter IM, the 100-meter freestyle, the 4x100 meter medley relay, the 50-meter back stroke and the 50-meter freestyle.

The 12-year-old Martin clocked 30.16 seconds to shatter the national junior under-13 mark for the second time in three months and grab the 50-meter backstroke gold for the National Capital Region.

But he was faster in the preliminaries, with his 29.64 second clocking surpassing the 30.57 second feat he had during the NCR Palaro last February.

“I really wanted to improve because this is my last year in elementary,” said Martin.

Karen Janario of Tacloban, Leyte was the most bemedalled in athletics. She took home five golds, which included wins in the 4x400-meter relay, 4x100-meter relay for Region 8. She also won individual golds in the 200-meter dash, the 100-meter dash and the 100-meter hurdles in the secondary girls side.

NCR finished with a total of 98 gold medals, 67 silvers and 71 bronzes to retain the crown for an 11th straight year.

Big City bets took home 43 golds, 23 silvers and 31 bronzes in the secondary side, and had a 55-4440 collection in the elementary division.

Region IV-A was second (51-41-49) following by Western Visayas (42-48-41) and CARAA(24-22-16).

In the ballgames, NCR whipped Central Luzon, 79-61, to snatch the secondary boys basketball crown, while NCR won over Western Visayas, 6352, for the secondary girls gold.

In volleyball, NCR took the secondary girls gold with a 21-25, 25-16, 25-16, 19-25, 18-16 stopping of host Davao Region, while Region XI turned back Region I, 25-15, 25-23, 21-25,22-25, 15-10, in the secondary boys finals.

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court National Capital Judicial Region Branch 168 City of Marikina R OM M EL A . A DOLFO, Petitioner Ve r sus

JDRC 2014-2415 MK

L OVEL YN M ONTEMAYOR ADOLFO Respondent x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----x

O R D ER Acti n g o n the Motion with Leave of Court to Issue Summons by Publication fi l e d b y th e p e titioner, thru counsel, a nd finding the grounds alleged therein to be m e r i to r i o u s, th e same is granted.

As p r a ye d , let summons and a copy of this Order be served upon the respondent th r u p u b l i ca ti o n, once a week, for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of g e n e r a l ci r cu l ation in the Philippines. Petitioner is likewise ordered to furnish a co p y o f th e p etition to the Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of the C i ty Pr o se cu tor, Marikina City for the latter to file their comment/opposition to the p e ti ti o n .

Se n d a co py of this Summons to the respondent with the Supporting documents b y r e g i ste r e d mail at the last known address of said respondent.

T h e C l e r k of Court, Atty Melanio Sheldon Singson is hereby directed to furnish th e Offi ce o f the Executive Judge, through the Office of the Clerk of Court, this C o u r t, co p y o f this Order for raffle among accredited newspaper or periodicals p u r su a n t to Sections 10 and 11 A.M No. 01-01-07-SC in relation to P.D. 1079.

SO OR D ERED. C i ty o f M a rikina, February 16, 2015.

(S g d .) LORNA F. CATRIS CHUA CHENG Presiding Judge Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region BRANCH 168 Marikina City ROMMEL A. ADOLFO, Petitioner (s)/Plaintiff (s)

JDRC-201-2415-MK FOR: "Declaration of Nullity of Marriage U n d e r A r t . 3 6 o f t h e Fa m i l y C o d e " SUMMONS

Versus L OVEL YN T . MONTEMAYOR-ADOLFO, R e s p o n d e n t ( s)/Defendant(s) x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -------------------------x

SUMMONS A ve r i fi e d “ Pe tition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage” having been filed by p e ti ti o n e r R OMMEL A. ADOLFO, that the marriage of petitioner and respondent o n 8 D e ce m b er 2002 be declared NULL and VOID AB INITIO pursuant to Article 3 6 o f th e F a mily Code in relation to Article 68, you, respondent LOVELYN T. M ON T EM AYOR-ADOLFO, are hereby directed to enter your appearance and file yo u r An sw e r and/or responsive pleading within a period of THIRTY (30) DAYS fr o m th e l a st d ate of publication hereof, otherwise the petitioner will take judgment a g a i n st yo u a nd may be granted by this Court the relief/s prayed for in his Petition.

WIT N ESS T H E HON. LORNA F. CATRIS-CHUA CHENG, Presiding Judge of this C o u r t th i s 4 t h day of March 2015, Marikina City.

(S g d .) ATTY. SHELDON MELANIO S. SINGSON Clerk of court V (S g d .) RAMONA T. NAJERA Court Interpreter (TS-May 11 & 18, 2015)

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m o n day : m ay 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Volcanoes: We will bounce back THE Philippine Volcanoes didn’t get their desired result in the Asian Rugby Championship Division 1 tourney, losing to Sri Lanka in their title showdown Saturday night at the Philippine Sports Stadium, 14-27, but that won’t dishearten and deter them from continuing to strive to be a major force in international play.

PMO WESTERN LEYTE/BILIRAN

INVITATION TO BID PROCUREMENT OF PORT SECURITY SERVICES Philippine Ports Authority, Port Security Cluster- Visayas 1.

The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Security Cluster - Visayas (PSCV), through its Corporate Operating Budget intends to apply the sum of Eighty Five Million Five Hundred Twenty Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty Six Pesos (Php. 85,527,786.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for first year (20152016) to payments under the Contract for Port Security Services for Port Security Cluster - Visayas and TMOs Under Its Jurisdiction. Bids received higher than the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Corollarily, bids should be in compliance with the latest PADPAO rates.

2.

The PPA- Port Security Cluster- Visayas now invites bids from prospective bidders for the Procurement of Port Security Services for Port Security Cluster- Visayas and TMOs under Its Jurisdiction. Delivery of the services is required for three (3) years, at the following Port Management Offices: Responsibility Center PPA Training Institute (Cebu City) PMO Bohol PMO Negros Oriental/Siquijor PMO Negros Occidental Bacolod Banago-BREDCO PMO Panay/Guimaras PMO Eastern Leyte/Samar PMO Western Leyte/Biliran TOTAL

3.

Number of Guards 9 84 67 53 119 64 66 462

Prospective Bidders should have completed, within the last five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a single contract that is similar to the Project, the value of which must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section 5, Instructions to bidders.

4.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations of which must be one hundred percent (100%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

5.

Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the Bidding Documents from the Secretariat as well as, purchase said Bidding Documents at the address given below on May 14 until May 27, 2015 upon presentation of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00), VAT exclusive.

Secretariat, Bids and Awards Committee PMO Western Leyte/BIliran Ormoc City, Leyte It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

Payment for the bid documents shall be in Cash or Manager’s Check.

6.

The PPA-Port Security Cluster-Visayas will hold a Pre-bid Conference on June 8 at PPATI Extension Office Conference Room, CIP Complex NRA, Cebu City, which shall be open to all interested parties.

However, only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to raise or submit written queries/clarifications after the pre-bid conference.

7.

Bids must be delivered to and received by the Secretariat of the Bids and Awards Committee at the PPATI Extension Office, CIP Complex NRA, Cebu City not later than 12:00 noon on June 26. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in any of the following acceptable forms and amounts in Philippine Currency: Form of Bid Security

Amount of Bid Security (Equal to Percentage of the ABC)

a) Cash, cashier’s/manager’s check, bank draft/guarantee confirmed by a Universal or Commercial Bank.

Two percent (2%) b) Irrevocable letter of credit issued by a Universal or Commercial Bank; c) Surety Bond callable upon demand issued by a surety or insurance company duly certified by the Insurance Commission as authorized to Five percent (5%) issue such security. d) Any combination of the foregoing Proportionate to share of form with respect to total amount of security e) Bid Securing Declaration 8.

Bid opening shall be on June 26 at PPATI Extension Office, CIP Complex NRA, Cebu City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the above address. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The PPA-Port Security Cluster-Visayas 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.

10. For further information, please refer to: (Sgd.) MICHAEL C. MATE Head - Secretariat, Bids and Awards Committee (035) 2250973 / 74 (Sgd.) MANUEL A. BOHOLANO Port Manager Chairperson, Port Security Cluster- Visayas Bid and Award Committee (PSCVBAC) (TS-MAY 11, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

“We’ll bounce back. It’s not over for us. Rugby is a team sport. It’s not always about teams that consistently win but you’ll lose some games, and it’s about bouncing back and being able to showcase resilience,” veteran Jake Letts said.

Sri Lanka has been a tough customer for the Philippines, engaging the Pinoys two closely-fought encounters in 2012 and 2014. The first two face-offs went the Volcanoes’ way, the last of which was a nail-biter of a steal right in the Tuskers’ home turf. Saturday’s finale in Bulacan was a revenge of sorts for the Sri Lankans.

Letts admitted the Tuskers were the better team on that rainy night in Bulacan.

“They’ve come over to the Philippines and shown their true character true grit.

They deserved it,” he said.

Letts and some of his teammates in the ARC meet will carry the country’s colors again next month when they vie for the gold in the rugby sevens event of the Southeast Asian games in Singapore.

“SEA Games is up next. It’s a sevens competition so different format, lot more quicker, lot more shorter, every exciting.

Of course with support, we’re gonna get the gold medal,” he said.

The Philippines won the rugby sevens mint the first time it was staged in Manila in 2005 but yielded the abdicated the throne to host Thailand two years later.

Power Spikers near semifinals Game tomorrow 4 p.m. – Meralco vs Coast Guard MERALCO hurdled the first of two blocks leading to a dream semifinal stint as the Power Spikers smothered the Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25-11, 25-12, 2514, yesterday in the penultimate elims playdate of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Leaving nothing to chance, the Power Spikers seized control early and sustained their charge through all three sets to complete a trouble-free 61-minute victory and remain on track of their semis drive.

Meralco remained at fifth with a 3-3 mark but hopes to get past the fourth-running Navy (3-4) with a victory over winless Coast Guard in the final elims match tomorrow.

Unbeaten PLDT, defending champion Army and Cagayan Valley took the first three semis berths in the season-opening conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

Maica Morada fired 17 hits as the Power Spikers produced 37 kills as against the paltry 18-attack output by the Lady Altas. Meralco also came through with nine blocks as against Perpetual’s two with the Power Spikers pouncing on their rivals’ poor reception to score eight aces.

Jamel Suyat shot 12 points but the next Perpetual scorers could only chip in two hits, leaving the ousted Lady Altas reeling to their fifth setback against two wins in the league backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Earlier, Army put its vaunted power game on display, sweeping rival Cagayan Valley with a 25-16, 2521, 25-22 victory to finish behind PLDT (7-0) with a 6-1 card.

Fil-Aussie stuns foe, makes semis UNRANKED Fil-Aussie Crystal Mildwaters knocked off top seed Tracy Llamas to crash into the semifinal round of the girls’ 14-and-under section while Sebastian Lhuillier rolled into the Final Four of the boys’ 12-U class in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala regional age group tennis tournament in Laray, Cebu last Friday.

The 13-year-old Mildwaters, making the most of her vacation, blanked Hazel Coderos in a morning duel then came back to stun Llamas with a superb all-around game and arrange a semis duel with No. 7 Febbie Abayan, who upended fourth ranked Shedel Gica, 7-5, 6-2, in the other quarters clash.

The Perth-based Mildwaters, whose Filipina mother hails from Lapu-Lapu, also topped

Bless Coderos, 6-0, 6-1, to reach the Last 8 phase of the 16-U division of the Group 2 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnsho and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association.

Third seed Macie Carlos survived Bless Coderos in a thrilling contest, 6-2, 6-7(5), 13-11, to join Mildwaters in the 14-U semis together with another surprise bet Elizabeth Abarquez, who shocked No. 2 Rose Bahonsua, 6-1, 7-5, and dominated Alexa Milliam, 6-2, 6-2, to gain a semis seat in the six-day event which drew over 300 entries.

The top-seeded Lhuillier, meanwhile, eased out No, 7 Raymund Goco, 6-4, 6-3, to seal a semis showdown with No. 3 Justiniani Khenz, who routed Allain Ocat, 6-1, 6-0, in the boys’ 12-U category with second seed Cesar Salimbangon and Ken-

neth Tenepre taking the two other semis spots with 6-0, 6-1, and 6-1, 6-2 victories over Jamil Bandol and Harland Hogan, respectively.

Salimbangon also moved in the 14-U semis with a 6-1, 6-1 romp over Dave Brigole with No. 2 Venz Alforque and third ranked Troy Llamas beating James Abad, 6-1, 6-0, and Paul Coderos, 6-1, 6-2, respectively, to clinch the two other semis berths in the lower half of the draw.

In other early results, top seed Shyne Villareal beat Princess Mendiola, 6-1, 6-1, to lead the semis cast in the girls’ 18-U with No. 2 Kristin Salimbangon, Tracy Llamas and Bahonsua taking the other berths with 6-2, 6-2; 6-0, 6-0; and 6-2, 6-2 victories over Marie Sampan, Pinkloyd Manabat and Precious Coderos, respectively.

Babolat nationwide classes set

VETERAN grassroots’ head coach Tom Falcis has been conducting Babolat tennis clinics all over the Philippines to promote the sport and discover fresh talents that will represent the country in competitions abroad.

Falcis, who started coaching in 1990 said he is encouraging kids aged 5 to 6 to learn the fundamentals and train harder to become the next generation of local tennis stars like Johnny Arcilla, Jeson Patrombon and Nino Alcantara, among others.

“I really want tennis to become popular, that’s why I’m doing the best I can to teach kids all over the country,” said the 67-year-old Falcis, who was an officer during the Gintong Alay Project of Michael Keon in 1980. “We have the best athletes here, everybody is good, but we don’t train.”

Falcis thanks Babolat tennis for sponsoring his ‘Play and Stay’ tennis training clinic all over the country for almost two years. The world’s leading tennis racquet and equipment provider Babolat is donating free racquets and other equipment in areas where they hold classes.

Philta grassroots’ coach Tom Falcis (right) teaches kids the fundamentals of the sport during a Babolat tennis clinic.

MON DAY: MAY 11, 2015

SPORTS

VANCE FOR MAY 2015 sports@thestandard.com.ph

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Canelo gives fans what they missed

By Ronnie Nathanielsz FORMER world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the 24-year-old Mexican superstar scored a spectacular thirdround knockout of slugger James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland at the Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas and helped fight fans, at least temporarily, forget the controversy-riddled Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr, showdown last May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The junior middleweight bout, which headlined an actionpacked Golden Boy Promotions fight card, attracted over 30,000 fans, with the battle turning into an electrifying contest from the opening bell.

The southpaw Kirkland came out firing, before Alvarez dropped him with a perfectly timed counter-uppercut and battered him to earn what commentators Col. Bob Sheridan and journalist/ commentator Doug Fischer figured was a 10-7 round.

Kirkland pressed the action in Round 2 and caught Alvarez on the ropes with a number of flurries, before the young Mexican, cheered on wildly by a crowd that included his mother and girlfriend, landed some solid shots to end the round.

Alvarez connected with a series of vicious body shots in Round 3 and cracked Kirkland with a variety of right straights and uppercuts to send him crashing to the canvas for the first time, when he was given the mandatory eight count.

Alvarez, sensing he had Kirkland in deep trouble, moved forward and set him up with a shot

to the body and then nailed him with a devastating right cross that dropped Kirkland like a log, before referee Jon Schorle correctly decided he had seen enough and called a halt at 2:19 of the round.

With the smashing victory, Alvarez improved to 45-1-1 with 32 knockouts, while Kirkland fell to 32-2, with 28 knockouts.

HBO Sports’ Max Kellerman sought to elicit a negative comment from Alvarez on the Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown, but was deftly side-stepped.

“I don’t focus on other fighters, I don’t focus on other fights. I do what I do, I do what the people like and that’s what’s important to me,” said Alvarez, drawing applause from the fans.

Alvarez lost a majority decision in a WBC/WBA super welterweight title fight against Mayweather on Sept. 14, 2013, with judge CJ Ross coming under worldwide condemnation for scoring the fight a draw when Mayweather was the clear winner.

Alvarez said he is ready to face anyone they put in front of him, including champions Miguel Cotto or Gennady Golovkin.

Gamolo, Bregente lead PGF Jr Masters winners JELBERT Gamolo and Rolando Bregente led the winners in the recent Mindanao leg of the Philippine Golf Foundation Junior Masters championship at the Del Monte Golf Club course in San Miguel, Bukidnon.

Gamolo posted rounds of 71 and 73 for a 144 aggregate and a 12-stroke win in the boys’ 15-17 years age group, while Bregente’s 80-81-161 was good for a 14-stroke victory in the boys’ 11-12 bracket of the tourney that served as a qualifying for the national finals late this month at the Eagle Ridge Golf and

LOTTO RESULTS

Country Club.

The other boys’ winners in the event forming part of the ICTSIJGFP Summer Circuit were Joshua Salcedo in 13-14 years; Zeus Sara in the 9-10 years and Marten Quinlog in the 8-under class.

Salcedo shot 78-81-159, Sara did 88-87-175, and Quinlog had 40-44-73.

In the girls’ division, Samantha Beltran, Martina Minoza, Yvon Bisera, Lesley Icoy and Cheska Badelic topped their respective age-groups.

Beltran took the 15-17 trophy with her 105-100-205, Minoza won with her 89-88177, Bisera prevailed with scores of 88-80 and 168, Icoy finished far ahead with her 83-84-167 and P16M Badelic had 56-47-103 in emerging as winner.

The champions will join the winners of the Visayas and Luzon legs in the finals on May 21 and 22 at the Eagle Ridge Norman course.

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IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR A DEFINITIVE GENERAL SAFEGUARD MEASURE ON THE IMPORTATION OF NEWSPRINT FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES (AHTN Codes 4801.0010 & 4801.0090) (Safeguard Measures Case No. 01-2013) Philippine Newsprint Industry Represented by Trust International Paper Corporation (TIPCO) Petitioner x----------------------------------------------------x

ORDER On 25 February 2015, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) received the Tariff Commission’s (Commission) Formal Investigation Report on the application for general safeguard measure against the importation of newsprint from various countries classified under ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) Code Nos. 4801.0010 and 4801.0090.

The Commission, in accordance with the Republic Act 8800, otherwise known as the Safeguard Measures Act (RA 8800), concluded that: 1. Petitioner TIPCO accounted for 87% of the total domestic production of newsprint in 2013, thus satisfying the domestic industry1 requirement.

2. Locally produced newsprint is a “like product” to imported newsprint.

3. There was an abrupt and notably sharp increase in the volume of newsprint imported into the Philippines, particularly in 2012, both in absolute terms and relative to domestic production. Therefore, the increase in imports is recent, sudden, sharp and significant enough.

4. The domestic newsprint industry suffered and is suffering significant impairment in its overall condition in terms of loss of market share, declining domestic production and domestic sales, mounting losses in profitability, and reduction in employment and labor productivity.

5. While there were other factors that contributed to the impairment of the overall condition of the domestic industry, increased importation of newsprint was the substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry.

6. The circumstance of “unforeseen developments2” need not be demonstrated. Nonetheless, the speed in the innovation and adoption of mobile technologies is a development that was unforeseen.

Having established the existence of a causal link between increased imports of newsprint and serious injury to the domestic industry, the Commission recommended the imposition of a definitive general safeguard measure on imports of newsprint for a period of three (3) years, i.e. from 2015 to 2018. The Commission recommended the amount of P2,470.00/MT DTI has taken note of the findings of the Commission and reviewed its recommendations.

Under RA 8800, the power of the Secretary of Trade and Industry to apply a safeguard measure hinges on a “positive final determination” of the Commission.

Section 5 provides: “The Secretary shall apply a general safeguard measure upon a positive final determination of the Commission that a product is being imported into the country in increased quantities, whether absolute or relative to the domestic production, as to be a substantial cause of serious injury or threat thereof to the domestic industry xxx” The Supreme Court clarified the extent of the power of the Secretary in the case of Southern Cross Cement Corp. vs. Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, et. al. (G.R. No. 158540, 08 July 2004). The Court held that: “The DTI Secretary does not have the power to review the findings of the Tariff Commission for it is not subordinate to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It falls under the supervision, not of the DTI nor of the Department of Finance (as mistakenly asserted

by Southern Cross), but of the National Economic Development Authority, an independent planning agency of the government of co-equal rank as the DTI. As the supervision and control of a Department Secretary is limited to the bureaus, offices and agencies under him, the DTI Secretary generally cannot exercise review authority over actions of the Tariff Commission. Neither does the (Safeguard Measure Act) SMA specifically authorize the DTI Secretary to alter, amend or modify in any way the determination made by the Tariff Commission.”

The Court subsequently stated in its en banc resolution of 05 August 2005 on the motion for reconsideration filed on the same case that: “There is no question that Section 5 of the SMA operates as a limitation validly imposed by Congress on the presidential authority under the SMA to impose tariffs and imposts. That the positive final determination operates as an indispensable requisite to the imposition of the safeguard measure, and that it is the Tariff Commission which makes such determination, are legal propositions plainly expressed in Section 5.” (emphasis supplied) Clearly, the law and jurisprudence on safeguard measure limits the power of the DTI Secretary to determine if the economic conditions affecting a particular industry would warrant or justify the extraordinary remedy of safeguards. The TC is an independent technical body and its findings, accorded great weight, are binding on the DTI Secretary.

However, on the matter of public policy, the law gives the DTI Secretary sufficient leeway to view safeguard measures and its effects from a broader societal perspective.

From a public policy standpoint, it is unquestionable that the imposition of a safeguard measure is one of the legitimate means by which the State can promote the competitiveness of its domestic industries.

Section 2 of RA 8800. Declaration of Policy, provides: “The state shall promote the competitiveness of domestic industries and producers based on sound industrial and agricultural development policies, and the efficient use of human, natural and technical resources. In pursuit of this goal and in the public interest, the State shall provide safeguard measures to protect domestic industries and producers from increased imports which cause or threaten to cause serious injury to those domestic industries and producers.”

The findings of the Commission show that increased importation of newsprint during the period of investigation was the substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic producer of newsprint. The Commission’s findings also show that in spite of the growth of the domestic market, the market share of the domestic producer continued to decline as its share was taken up by increased imports. This situation led to financial losses forcing the domestic producer to reduce its labor force. The petitioner has clearly established the need for safeguard measures to protect it from increased imports. Inasmuch as increased imports have undermined the competitiveness of the domestic producer, imposition of the safeguard measure is expected to enhance its competitiveness consistent with the avowed policy of RA 8800.

Although petitioner was able to prove its case before the Commission for the application of safeguard measures on imported newsprint, the law requires the Secretary to first establish that the application of such measures will be in the public interest. Section 5 of RA 8800 states: “Section 5. xxx in the case of non-agricultural products, the Secretary shall first establish that the application of such safeguard measures will be in the public interest.”

In determining the public interest, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 8800 provide some guidance: “Rule 5.2 The Secretary, when establishing that the application of a safeguard measure will be in the public interest, shall take into consideration the following factors, among others: i) whether the imposition of the provisional measure will result in a political or economic crisis; and ii) the extent to which such imposition will cause a shortage of the product under consideration in the domestic market.”

Public interest refers to the “common-well being” or “general welfare” in which the whole has a stake and which warrants recognition, promotion and protection by the government and its agencies. It is approximated by comparing expected gains and potential costs or losses associated with a decision, policy, program or project.3 It is an important consideration in determining the necessity of imposing safeguard duties. Public interest takes into account the welfare of consumers including downstream industries that use newsprint as input to production.

On the possible impact on other sectors, the amount of safeguard duty recommended by the Commission will increase the cost of imported newsprint to a point where some downstream industries and businesses will be adversely affected. According to the downstream industries, locally produced newsprint has qualities that differ from imported newsprint. Some downstream users purchase imported newsprint that meet certain quality requirements of their end products.

DTI has taken into account the Commission’s finding that the average landed cost of imported newsprint are substantially lower than the domestic producer’s average ex-factory price. While this may initially show a considerable price discrepancy, it is not uncommon for traders of imported newsprint to shadow the prices of the domestic producer. The more appropriate price comparison therefore is between the price offered by traders in the domestic market and the selling price of the domestic producer. Further, the amount of the safeguard duty should be sufficient to raise the price of imported newsprint to a level that redresses serious injury to the domestic industry without stifling competition between imported and locally produced newsprint.

DTI also recognizes that the education of the country’s citizens is a matter imbued with public interest and that access to knowledge by way of books plays an important role in educating the people. For this reason, Republic Act 8047, The Book Publishing Industry Development Act, was passed to “ensure an adequate supply of affordable, quality produced books” since “books are the most effective and economical tools for achieving educational growth”. This is the reason RA 8047 provided for fiscal and non-fiscal incentives in book publishing including the tax-and-duty-free importation of books or raw materials to be used in book publishing.

The Department of Education (DepEd) raised a concern that the imposition of a safeguard duty on imported newsprint will raise the cost of newsprint and such an increase in cost will lead to an increase in the costs of textbooks that are printed on newsprint. DTI is aware that DepEd has started implementing the K+12 basic education program which added two senior high school years to what was formerly a 10-year education program. This would necessitate the procurement by government of more textbooks for the extra two years of education as required under K+12. As the imposition of a safeguard duty on newsprint for use in the printing of textbooks will affect the costs of textbooks used in public schools, the imposition of a safeguard duty on newsprint to be used for the printing of textbooks will not be in the public interest. As such, newsprint imported as raw material for the printing of textbooks to be procured by DepEd shall be exempt from payment of the safeguard duty. Such an exemption is also in line with the policy enunciated under RA 8047, which provides for the tax- and duty-free importation of raw materials used in book publishing.

DTI, likewise, evaluated the impact of the safeguard measure on newsprint on the price of notebooks and pads that use newsprint4. According to the notebooks and pad paper companies, manufacturers of pads and notebooks no longer use newsprint, or if there are still such notebooks or pad papers in some markets, the volume is minimal. They further stated that newsprint is mostly used for mimeographing needs of schools for test papers, school handouts and the like. Other uses of newsprint are newspapers, comic books and low priced children’s coloring books. Therefore, the imposition of safeguard measures on newsprint will not affect the price of locally manufactured pads and notebooks.

Nevertheless, these products are useful channels – though by no means the only channels – of information and learning. Although there are other sources of newsprints which, under the principle of “de minimis”, will not be affected by this safeguard measure, the DTI finds the recommended amount of duty excessive.

Hence, DTI computed the amount of the definitive safeguard duty by comparing the purchase prices (including VAT) of locally produced newsprint with that of imported newsprint in 2014, i.e. P33,500.00/MT for locally produced and P32,520.00/MT for imported newsprint with a price difference of P980.00/ MT. Thus, the appropriate definitive safeguard duty is equivalent to P980.00/MT. WHEREFORE, IN VIEW THEREOF, and in accordance with Section 13 of RA 8800, the following is hereby issued: 1. A definitive safeguard duty effective for three years shall be imposed on newsprint imported from various countries. The duty shall be applied to newsprint classified under AHTN Codes 4801.0010 and 4801.0090 2. The amount of the safeguard duty to be imposed for the first year shall be P980.00/MT (May 2015 to April 2016), for the second year - P800.00/MT (May 2016 to April 2017), and for the third year P640.00/MT (May 2017 to April 2018).

3. The safeguard measure shall be reviewed yearly with a view to further liberalizing the measure to prod the domestic industry to adjust to import competition.

4. Imported newsprint which will be used for the printing of textbooks for elementary and secondary schools to be procured by accredited printers under the DepEd projects are exempt from the definitive general safeguard measure. To avail of exemption, importers shall present to the Bureau of Customs a certification from DepEd stating that the shipment of newsprint will be used for printing DepEd textbooks.

5. Pursuant to Section 13 of RA 8800 and Rule 13.1.d of its IRR, “a general safeguard measure shall not be applied to a product originating from a developing country if its share to total Philippine imports of the said product is less than three percent (3%): Provided, however, that developing countries with less than three percent (3%) share collectively account for not more than nine percent (9%) of the total Philippine imports of the product concerned”. The countries and separate customs territories listed in Annex A are therefore excluded from the imposition of the definitive general safeguard measure on newsprint. The composition of the developing countries on the de minimis list may change based on a review of the most recent data available as part of the annual review which will be conducted by the DTI during the implementation period.

6. To avail of exemption from payment of the safeguard duty, importers of newsprint originating from a WTO member developing country shall submit a Certificate of Country of Origin (CO) issued by the authorized agency/office in the country of origin. The said CO shall be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate.

The application of the definitive general safeguard measure shall be monitored and reviewed in accordance with Sections 15 and 16 of RA 8800.

The applicant, which is the newsprint industry is also directed to comply with its adjustment plan.

This Order shall take effect upon the issuance of the relevant Memorandum Order by the Bureau of Customs or 15 days after the publication of this Order in two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Let this Order be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation and let individual notices be sent to all interested parties including the country members concerned.

SO ORDERED. 05 May 2015 GREGORY L. DOMINGO Secretary ________________ Section 4(f) of RA 8800 defines domestic industry as “the domestic producers, as a whole, of like or directly competitive products manufactured or produced in the Philippines or those whose collective output of like or directly competitive products constitutes a major proportion of the total domestic production of those products”.

2 GATT 1994 Article XIX: Emergency Action on Imports of Particular Products 1. (a) If, as a result of unforeseen developments and of the effect of the obligations incurred by a contracting party under this Agreement, including tariff concessions, any product is being imported into the territory of that contracting party in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten serious injury to domestic producers in that territory of like or directly competitive products, the contracting party shall be free, in respect of such product, and to the extent and for such time as may be necessary to prevent or remedy such injury, to suspend the obligation in whole or in part or to withdraw or modify the concession.

3 Business Dictionary 4 Letter of United Print Media Group, Inc. dated 12 March 2015 ANNEX A List of Developing Countries and Separate Customs Territories Excluded from the Imposition of Definitive Safeguard Measure on Newsprint East & West Africa North Africa South Asia Southern Africa Angola Benin Algeria Afghanistan Bostwana Burkina Faso Egypt, Arab Rep. Bangladesh Burundi Cameroon Libya Bhutan Comoros Cape Verde Morocco British Indian Congo. Dem. Central African Rep. Tunisia Ocean Territory Rep. Chad East Timor Djibouti Congo, Rep. India Eritrea Cote d’ Ivoire Maldives Ethiopioa Equatorial Guinea Nepal Kenya Gabon Pakistan Lesotho Gambia, The Sri Lanka Madgascar Ghana Malawi Guinea Mauritius Guinea, Bissau Mozambique Liberia Namibia Mali Reunion Mauritania Rwanda Niger Seychelles Negeria Somalia Sao Tome & South Africa Principe Sudan Senegal Swaziland Sierra Leone Tanzania Togo Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe 1

Europe & Central Asia Albania Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Estonia Georgia Greenland Hungary Kazakhstan Kyrgyz Republic Latvia Lithuania Macedonia, FYR Malta Moldova Poland Romania Russian Federation Slovakia Slovenia Tajikistan Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine Uzbekistan Yugoslavia, Fed. Rep.

Middle East

Americas

East Asia & Pacific

Bahrain Iran, Islamic Rep. Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Syrian Arab Rep. United Arab Emirates West Bank & Gaza Yemen, Rep.

Anguilla Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda Bolivia Brazil British Virgin Is. Cayman Is. Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Rep. Ecuador El Salvador Falkland Is. (Malvinas) French Guiana Grenada Guadaloupe Guatemala Guyana Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Montserrat Netherland Antilles Nicaragua Norfolk Is. Panama Paraguay Peru Puerto Rico St. Helena St. Kitts & Navis St. Lucia St. Pierre & Miquelon St. Vincent & the Grenadines Suriname Trinidad & Tobago Turks & Caicos Is. Uruguay US Virgin Is. Venezuela

American Samoa Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Christmas Is. Chinese Taipei Cocos (Keeling) Is. Cook Is. Fiji French Polynesia Guam Hong Kong, China Indonesia Johnston Is. Kiribati Korea, Dem. Rep. Lao PDR Macau, China Malaysia Marshall Islands Micronesia, Fed. Sts. Midway Is. Mongolia Myanmar Nauru New Caledonia Niue Northern Marianas Is. Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Is. People’s Republic of China Samoa Singapore Solomon Islands Thailand Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Vietnam Wake Is. Wallis & Futuna Is.

(TS-MAY 11, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK M O N DAY : M AY 1 1 , 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

Athletes for peace. The young athletes, who competed in the 2015 Palarong Pambansa in Davao del Norte, rally for peace not only in Mindanao but in the entire country as well during the games’ closing ceremony at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.

Barako grabs share of lead

By Jeric Lopez

Turn to A15

ONE is on the rise, while the other prolonged its agony.

The stellar start continued for Barako Bull as it coasted to another strong showing, walloping Blackwater, 105-90, to earn a share of the early tournament lead after a second straight victory in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Liam McMorrow stood tall again with another steady double-double of 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting, to go with 15 rebounds, to once again lead his Barako Bull to another win, even as JC Intal converted 70 percent of his shots on his way to 17 points and seven rebounds.

This 2-0 start by the Energy Colas gained them a tie with Alaska and GlobalPort at the top of the heap. ‘’Everybody was so pumped up for today’s game since it’s Mother’s Day. Everyone wants our moms to be proud of us,’’ said Barako Bull coach Koy Banal of his squad’s extra motivation. ‘’Getting this win will give us more confidence in our campaign.’’

third, the Energy Colas once again widened the gap at 87-65, heading (Araneta Coliseum): into the last 12 minutes of play.

4:15 p.m. - Purefoods vs GlobalPort Carlo Lastimosa came off 7 p.m. - SMB vs Rain or Shine the bench to add 18 points for Barako Bull.

Marcus Douthit was again his It was yet another forgettable start for the Elite, which is still usual self with 21 points and 13 rebounds to lead Blackwater, but winless at the cellar (0-3).

Right from the get-go, the the support from his locals wasn’t veteran-laden Barako Bull, which enough once more.

The largest lead for Barako Bull scored 64 of its points in the paint area, outclassed Blackwater in every stood at 27 points at 95-68 with 8:24 remaining in the game after Dylan aspect to set up the easy win.

An 18-8 salvo in the first eight Ababou drained a triple.

The scores: minutes of the contest gave the Barako Bull 105 -- McMorrow Energy Colas an early cushion.

By the end of one, the game was 23, Lastimosa 18, Intal 17, Yeo 8, Maierhofer 7, Hubalde 6, Garcia broken wide open right away.

Barako Bull, which led from start 4, Pascual 4, Lanete 4, Wilson 4, to finish, had an astounding 21-point Sorongon 4, Ababou 3, Chua 2, advantage at 32-11, as it pounced on Forrester 1, salva 0.

Blackwater 90 -- Douthit 21, the hapless Elite all game long.

The lead was at 13 points, Erram 12, Heruela 12, Gamalinda 12, 55-42, at halftime for Barako Cervantes 9, Salvacion 9, Ballesteros Bull as Blackwater showed a 4, Celiz 3, Bulawan 3, Acuna 3, Reyes 2, Timberlake 0, Laure 0. little bit of resistance.

Quarters: 32-11; 55-42; 87-65; 105-90.

But after another burly surge in the

Games Tuesday

PIERCE LIFTS WIZARDS OVER HAWKS TURN TO A12

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Jake Pascual of Barako (right) rejects an attempt of Blackwater’s Brian Heruela.

CANELO GIVES FANS WHAT THEY MISSED TURN TO A15

B1

MONDAY: MAY 11, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Billionaire’s visit.

Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel (front right), chairman and president of Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd., Toyota’s leading distributor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently visited Toyota Motor Philippines School of Technology in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. ALJ, Toyota Motor Philippines and TMP Tech discussed future deployment plans of TMP Tech graduates under the specialized Toyota automotive training program. Jameel disclosed that ALJ will need more technicians in the near future as the Saudi Arabian automotive market continues to grow rapidly.

PSe comPoSite index Closing May 8, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,763.21 53.06

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing MAY 8, 2015 46

P44.615

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.590 LOW P44.780 AVERAGE P44.690 VOLUME 725.800M

P500.00-P728.00 LPG/11-kg tank P39.65-P45.25 Unleaded Gasoline P28.00-P31.30 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P32.80-P40.55 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, May 8, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.6500

Japan

Yen

0.008349

0.3728

UK

Pound

1.526300

68.1493

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128969

5.7585

Switzerland

Franc

1.085069

48.4483

Canada

Dollar

0.824402

36.8095

Singapore

Dollar

0.750638

33.5160

Australia

Dollar

0.791891

35.3579

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652450

118.4319

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

11.9064

Brunei

Dollar

0.747831

33.3907

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029780

1.3297

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.1563

Euro

Euro

1.127100

50.3250

Korea

Won

0.000916

0.0409

China

Yuan

0.161111

7.1936

India

Rupee

0.015603

0.6967

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.278358

12.4287

New Zealand

Dollar

0.744380

33.2366

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032487

1.4505 Source: PDS Bridge

B3

ABS-CBN, PLDT start laying off hundreds

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE two largest multi-media companies, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and ABS-CBN Corp., announced they will lay off hundreds of employees as they enter into the digital era, the next battleground for broadcasting and telecommunication.

ABS-CBN Corp., the broadcast network of the Lopez group, has an ongoing “voluntary retirement” offer to employees nationwide, as the company shifts into digital from analog services.

ABS-CBN chief finance officer Rolando Valdueza said less than 200 employees would be affected nationwide during the ongoing digitalization of the company.

The network currently has about 8,500 employees, including those of units ABS-CBN Global

and Sky Cable Inc. “Look at this way, we are going to digital and you need skills, competencies going to digital from analog. So, there were employees that would rather retire,” Valdueza said.

“We will need new skills, those guys who have digital know-how,” he said.

Valdueza said the aim of the retirement offer was not to reduce costs, but rather “to get people as we prepare for the shift into digital services.” He said the com-

pany’s offer was “reasonable and very fair to the employee.”

The Philippines adopted Japan’s ISDB-T for digital TV migration.

Meanwhile, PLDT said it would cut about 5 percent to 6 percent of its workforce of 17,496 employees as of end-2014. “This is part of our efforts to align the skills and expertise of our workforce with the changing requirements of our business. Some old skills are no longer needed or no longer needed as mush as before,” PLDT spokesman Ramon Isberto said.

Isberto said some new skills were very much needed, especially those for IT and digital services. The country’s largest telecom company recently made changes in senior positions, after core profit fell 5 percent and revenues stagnated in the first quarter.

“It’s very clear that we cannot think and behave like a telco of

the past. I think we have started to realize that we have to get people who have the experience, exposure and the skill sets that could bring us there,” PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

“As they say, it is either we pivot or we perish,” he said.

Globe Telecom Inc. spokesperson Yolly Crisanto said the company had no similar workforce reduction program. “No, strategically we have planned ahead in terms of our transformation efforts. We saw the shifting needs of our customers way ahead that’s why we’ve gained momentum in delivering services that suit the digital lifestyle of Filipinos,” she said.

Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said while other companies were saying that digital transition was “painful”, it was “fun” for Globe.

Swedish firm eyes investment in cancer care centers

By Othel V. Campos A MEDICAL investment group from Sweden has expressed interest to invest in cancer care facilities in the Philippines.

A source said Scandinavian Care AB, in a meeting with the Board of Investments last week, disclosed plans to expand in Asia, with the Philippines as the first choice among the countries in the region.

“We’ll have a more firm announcement six months from now,” she said in a chance inter-

SMB’s net profit up 20% to P3.3b

view, after meeting with Trade officials last week.

Based on information online, Scandinavian Care is a healthcare company, which has consultancy division and an investment unit focusing on cancer care. It offers services such as feasibility studies, planning of cancer treatment centers, startup services including construction and equipment planning and training programs.

Scandinavian Care is a longterm part owner in an established cancer center company.

The source said Asia and the

B4

Philippines had few facilities for cancer patients. “There is an undersupply and the space for more [cancer care centers]. We see that there is a demand for this product,” she said.

The source said negotiations with the Philippine government were “still at very early stages.”

Scandinavian Care is active in eight established centers in seven countries in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Latin-America.

Scandinavian Care has been working in more than 20 countries.

Data on its Web site showed

Shell monitors Hawkeye well

B6

that only 5 percent of the world’s radiation therapy equipment was serving 80 percent of the global population. The company cited a significant need to establish cancer and radiotherapy centers in emerging countries.

Scandinavian Care works with partners such as medical universities, equipment manufacturers, consultancy companies, e-learning and telemedicine companies to establish a cancer center.

Scandinavian Care focuses on emerging regions, specifically countries in Africa and Asia.

Govt wants to defer coal deal

MONDAY: MAY 11, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Weekly STockS RevieW STOCKS

MAY 4-8, 2015 Close Volume

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

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl Reinsurance Corp.

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

7.5 70.5 111.20 101.00 47.25 2.51 2.05 10 15.34 22.8 7.40 0.75 1.78 820.00 0.440 93 0.98 18.30 30.50 76.00 94 317 45 169.4 1440.00 66.20 3.09

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

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

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

Lafarge Rep Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp.

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

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ SPC Power Corp.

Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

42 1.65 1.08 2.07 11.32 51 90.00 19.56 135 67.5 27.4 62 2.41 1.77 12.94 20.800 11.42 8.05 10.28 1.88 15 27.55 93.9 14.10 0.4300 14.20 6.1 0.590 210.00 10.18 36.45 2.55 2.51 52.10 24.85 28.65 7.600 265.00 4.08 4.15 9.71 4.4 11.60 4.00 2.30 2.35 5.06 1.86 6.2 187 4.16 1.61 0.167 1.38 2.19 202 4.47 0.69 20.50 1.35

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’ LT Group Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.460 57.65 24.50 1.30 7.04 1.50 0.310 0.31 805 8.21 14.60 3.5 3.5 4.32 0.285 1293 6.40 70.75 4.2 6.39 6.26 8.72 0.72 15.5 0.67 4.61 4.99 0.0380 1.400 1.180 2.42 66.85 2.96 906.00 1.23 0.83 250.00 97.00 0.3700 0.2350

Value

Close

FINANCIAL 4,546,934.00 24,184,566.00 2,594,645,402.00 2,601,555,910.00 11,987,355.00 177,210.00 4,791,620.00 4,000.00 30,272,112.00 90,668,535.00 513,282 225,000 74,570.00 2,764,820.00 609,550.00 2,109,462,524.00 4,629,400.00 2,409,010.00 486,010.00 22,210,456.00 3,116,234.00 37,663,404.00 67,820,310.00 308,402,817.00 5,199,140.00 6,744,518.00 256,450.00 INDUSTRIAL 12,804,800 552,729,825.00 83,000 132,720.00 5,023,000 5,374,830.00 2,707,000 5,623,270.00 7,200 82,068.00 6,030 342,814.00 250 14,440.00 791,700 15,305,364.00 210 29,290.00 1,100 65,250.00 1,609,500 45,954,775.00 296,700 18,565,630.00 56,270,000 136,281,780.00 1,262,000 2,289,030.00 313,100 4,054,306.00 14,013,400 289,232,184.00 2,454,600 28,100,516.00 159,179,000 1,293,996,968.00 4,908,900 50,743,484.00 119,000 216,850.00 388,800 5,827,896.00 20,999,500 590,703,625.00 1,392,050 130,791,688.00 191,700 2,739,060.00 500,000 210,450.00 108,000 1,525,642.00 1,193,900 7,295,087.00 380,000 224,400.00 4,842,790 1,008,496,660.00 5,347,400 54,497,138.00 2,000 72,215.00 141,000 375,410.00 3,000 7,530.00 5,670 294,592.00 9,065,500 222,849,640.00 3,196,300 90,690,335.00 2,513,100 19,558,468.00 1,297,550 340,768,940.00 62,000 242,930.00 24,090,000 101,890,510.00 5,385,400 52,801,563.00 33,900 147,295.00 103,500 1,184,846.00 1,087,000 4,327,660.00 5,753,000 13,185,060.00 11,691,000 28,169,000.00 2,518,200 12,823,201.00 245,000 470,450.00 66,400 419,916.00 311,900 59,394,782.00 66,000 282,270.00 3,453,000 5,791,030.00 11,590,000 1,872,200.00 51,000 67,640.00 41,468,000 96,422,970.00 16,450,800 3,492,498,508.00 510,000 2,288,910.00 13,431,000 9,564,440.00 7,800 162,300.00 933,000 1,251,560.00 HOLDING FIRMS 840,000 431,150.00 7,729,300 443,002,146.00 61,193,600 1,532,744,045.00 60,000 77,300.00 108,100 756,507.00 123,000 188,390.00 226,590,000 71,018,150.00 30,970,000 9,985,600.00 1,698,270 1,361,122,810.00 7,695,000 63,120,395.00 22,912,100 342,075,166.00 17,000 59,420.00 64,000 224,740.00 161,000 698,240.00 1,270,000 353,640.00 1,179,045 1,527,861,385.00 1,266,900 8,078,437.00 9,434,150 683,348,505.00 56,400 295,677.00 43,100 256,930.00 43,800 318,390.00 9,993,300 88,530,016.00 3,723,000 2,702,600.00 26,177,600 398,816,290.00 984,000 643,260.00 125,747,000 574,237,620.00 421,100 2,120,760.00 4,700,000 180,800.00 35,000 50,200.00 46,205,000 53,105,860.00 3,000 7,260.00 864,900 58,220,989.00 11,000 32,540.00 2,185,762 2,153,548,005.00 111,000 131,140.00 539,000 454,050.00 1,190 311,056.00 42,590 4,236,443.00 12,030,000 4,532,250.00 2,150,000 496,320.00 575,500 343,530 23,506,240 25,637,830 258,700 73,000 2,315,000 400 1,980,000 4,734,100 69,300 30,000 43,000 3,540 1,370,000 22,601,590 4,291,000 131,800 15,900 289,670 33,160 118,590 1,505,500 1,830,590 3,655 102,380 83,000

APRIL 27-30, 2015 Volume Value

8.21 70.1 109.00 101.30 45.7 2.50 2.09 10.18 15 22.1 7.50 0.78 1.66 770.00 0.490 93 0.97 18.26 31.50 77.45 93.95 316 45.7 168 1420.00 66.00 3.05

570,300 78,470 26,544,290 8,277,510 312,500 67,000 417,000 2,500 48,100 1,660,600 59,800 50,000 137,000 3,370 3,964,000 30,501,700 17,000 46,700 63,500 698,790 30,720 7,160 601,400 2,216,510 1,550 88,910 2,900,000

4,645,387.00 5,543,082.00 2,951,966,875.00 846,631,227.00 14,320,505.00 166,450.00 868,020.00 24,590.00 718,566.00 27,498,215.00 452,827 39,000 237,160.00 2,639,250.00 2,015,260.00 2,596,791,111.00 16,590.00 850,132.00 1,958,105.00 54,195,257.00 2,849,483.00 2,276,634.00 27,860,675.00 367,836,896.00 2,191,210.00 5,898,387.00 8,845,000.00

42.95 1.65 1.09 2.06 11.38 48.4 90.00 19.1 150

14,893,100 67,000 12,417,000 3,512,000 54,300 200 1,130 540,200 2,280

641,941,885.00 105,680.00 13,250,680.00 7,206,160.00 617,482.00 10,335.00 98,995.00 10,440,444.00 379,030.00

27.9 63.3 2.43 1.86 13.12 20.000 11.58 8.10 9.85 1.88 15.6 28.1 92.8 14.10 0.4250 13.84 6.33 0.590 199.00 10.12 32.10 2.6 2.51 51.95 24.75 28 7.790 260.40 3.92 4.35 9.85 5 11.50 3.96 2.32 2.42 5.15 1.91 6.5 195.9 4.54 1.72 0.169 1.30 2.20 217.8 4.5 0.65 20.80 1.38

1,046,900 1,312,280 212,722,000 3,959,000 491,100 24,982,900 3,428,300 92,121,500 3,634,000 194,000 1,239,300 12,746,300 604,970 27,400 600,000 23,900 857,700 101,000 9,617,110 2,200,100 6,000 76,000 20,000 11,620 15,397,500 3,643,800 3,245,500 1,476,970 233,000 23,749,000 6,683,600 126,000 82,500 887,000 2,614,000 12,345,000 915,000 849,000 1,200 24,880 217,000 3,918,000 5,670,000 3,000 3,843,000 8,846,360 18,000 1,647,000 6,900 1,300,000

29,671,380.00 83,285,091.00 560,723,460.00 7,354,310.00 6,599,058.00 514,685,212.00 39,213,864.00 747,949,079.00 35,599,644.00 373,340.00 19,295,878.00 359,538,640.00 56,189,015.00 393,390.00 256,600.00 332,624.00 5,392,266.00 59,610.00 1,949,654,330.00 23,052,436.00 192,970.00 200,640.00 50,330.00 592,966.00 375,232,650.00 99,152,480.00 25,342,935.00 388,920,856.00 916,680.00 98,788,770.00 64,872,472.00 651,360.00 946,688.00 3,494,180.00 6,179,060.00 32,053,890.00 4,696,167.00 1,589,660.00 7,784.00 4,881,746.00 947,440.00 6,833,320.00 954,070.00 3,900.00 8,460,620.00 1,922,687,892.00 82,050.00 1,072,110.00 143,590.00 1,819,110.00

0.470 56.65 25.40 1.28 7.06 1.56 0.275 0.285 780 8.21 15.00 3.15 3.79 4.45 0.285 1256 6.12 71.50 6.37

220,000 7,625,290 56,213,900 97,000 261,700 208,000 7,570,000 2,210,000 2,661,410 5,331,700 30,416,900 80,000 21,000 60,000 3,430,000 1,170,925 323,400 8,965,670 320,500

102,650.00 437,823,920.00 1,467,226,225.00 124,820.00 1,878,135.00 338,130.00 2,106,050.00 625,400.00 2,102,355,540.00 44,034,185.00 448,196,488.00 253,910.00 72,770.00 263,700.00 983,400.00 1,505,581,255.00 1,979,708.00 642,061,500.00 1,768,247.00

8.64 0.77 14.9 0.67 4.53 5.2 0.0410 1.410 1.010

14,800,400 5,727,000 17,724,100 152,000 118,875,000 960,500 5,400,000 147,000 33,611,000

129,552,123.00 4,378,490.00 269,645,228.00 101,070.00 551,606,710.00 5,401,297.00 211,900.00 223,630.00 36,621,110.00

68.50 2.81 900.50 1.22 0.90 310.00 99.50 0.3800 0.2250

1,232,550 35,000 1,903,960 145,000 37,000 910 23,160 17,640,000 7,580,000

83,978,622.00 98,760.00 1,742,817,690.00 172,100.00 32,940.00 279,840.00 2,302,695.00 6,915,800.00 1,703,560.00

STOCKS

MAY 4-8, 2015 Close Volume

Zeus Holdings

0.315

8990 HLDG Anchor Land Holdings Inc. A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. `A’ Cebu Prop. `B’ Centennial City City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Keppel Properties Megaworld Prop.

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

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

8.840 9.46 0.71 1.290 0.265 39.80 4.12 5.13 6.45 6 0.89 1.26 1.10 0.156 0.450 0.860 0.182 1.36 1.87 1.43 5.48 5.41 0.127 0.3400 0.4700 24.05 7.3 29.10 1.76 3.30 19.64 0.76 6.56 0.990 7.410

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

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

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ Imperial Res. `B’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

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

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons Retail SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

6.5 62.1 1.04 0.660 13.7 11.50 0.1010 4.23 84.3 10 1.7 7.00 2.98 946 2184 6.21 30.40 1.45 109 7.00 35 12.4 0.013 0.226 1.2500 2.43 9.42 2.09 1.29 2.13 46.85 0.670 2 9.14 0.360 0.430 18.5 4.85 3.05 139.90 14.74 2836.00 0.660 1.610 39.55 85.50 10.30 0.67 1.93 6.65 0.325 1.300

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0054 3.04 8.20 15.00 0.255 6.7000 8.0000 1.03 0.89 7.73 1.85 0.365 0.232 0.241 0.0140 0.0150 4.34 26.7 3.92 0.7100 2.150 0.0130 0.0130 4.49 7.09 1.5 0.016 162.80 5.73 0.0100

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen F First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure & Resort Pref.

MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C Swift Pref

62.75 515 525 122 119 513 5.95 1.09 108.1 1050 1100 1045 76.1 84 87 2.2

Leisure & Resort Warr.

4.160

Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

Ripple E-Business Intl Xurpas

9.89 8.24 77.65 9.13

First Metro ETF

126.2

1,470,000

Value

450,150.00 PROPERTY 6,025,700 52,999,851.00 3,900 40,190.00 8,810,000 6,527,310.00 224,000 293,470.00 320,000 79,100.00 36,911,300 1,475,036,400.00 16,770,000 69,843,970.00 197,000 1,020,445.00 100,500 603,160.00 459,000 2,754,000.00 20,099,000 17,916,540.00 60,000 74,760.00 417,000 449,140.00 38,190,000 6,041,060.00 17,120,000 8,036,300.00 58,000 2,774,200.00 4,390,000 798,100.00 15,104,000 20,684,420.00 81,365,000 154,390,880.00 1,387,000 1,959,840.00 88,000 437,596.00 128,677,900 692,675,675.00 9,140,000 1,108,770.00 3,380,000 1,589,750.00 2,283,000 1,134,100.00 123,500 3,891,370.00 892,300 6,411,624.00 17,674,200 518,779,715.00 1,710,000 3,011,670.00 1,029,000 3,383,340.00 101,452,900 1,975,334,592.00 2,507,000 1,916,610.00 124,300 853,365.00 458,000 401,170.00 25,685,700 191,432,112.00 SERVICES 557,300 3,571,374.00 83,630 5,188,605.00 536,000 582,780.00 4,795,000 3,228,020.00 379,100 5,142,954.00 54,489,600 635,709,534.00 40,400,000 4,083,900.00 10,842,200 51,519,133.00 1,781,230 152,965,602.00 81,300 813,000.00 59,000 100,300 423,000 1,281,384.00 141,000 492,060.00 1,340 1,268,175.00 362,010 792,980,410.00 520,600 3,253,232.00 78,700 3,098,370.00 627,000 887,940.00 4,592,510 505,140,932.00 115,500 742,438 400 14,600 106,500 1,318,548.00 152,500,000 1,985,900.00 28,080,000 6,485,210.00 1,201,000 1,505,540.00 122,000 304,420.00 4,006,500 37,935,068.00 35,000 71,580.00 174,000 223,000.00 288,000 586,440.00 103,230 5,247,431.00 345,000 233,210.00 263,000 526,300.00 22,999,500 206,329,192.00 1,256,000 1,636,400.00 202,000 135,550.00 24,100 443,738.00 759,700 3,704,004 80,000 236,500.00 27,850 3,769,645.00 468,700 6,897,066.00 555,485 1,581,517,210.00 41,256,000 26,629,080.00 98,697,000 160,042,370.00 17,178,300 688,810,480.00 3,247,590 278,379,826.00 19,348,100 204,379,792.00 8,566,000 5,728,340.00 26,000 46,010.00 6,232,900 42,009,128.00 5,410,000 1,771,400.00 76,000 98,910.00 MINING & OIL 1,010,000,000 5,337,900.00 1,242,000 3,668,850.00 1,934,800 15,564,461.00 49,400 736,898.00 2,030,000 521,200.00 41,100 276,869.00 316,800 2,161,840.00 1,230,000 1,284,130.00 1,676,000 1,469,500.00 47,200 367,330.00 120,457,000 227,718,550.00 12,400,000 4,492,100.00 37,920,000 8,747,480.00 1,410,000 332,540.00 218,100,000 3,053,900.00 112,100,000 1,633,600.00 2,257,000 9,985,840.00 51,235,600 1,297,588,620.00 20,720,000 81,895,890.00 1,318,000 940,710.00 13,848,810 3,783,670.00 47,900,000 580,400.00 3,500,000 45,700.00 496,000 2,236,370.00 953,600 6,815,404.00 13,352,000 21,784,130.00 1,088,800,000 5,366,500.00 4,201,670 687,117,616.00 12,339,800 70,114,989.00 232,700,000 2,337,000.00 PREFERRED 1,027,960 65,246,970.00 3,900 2,025,500.00 12,340 6,478,500 1,500 182,500.00 43,100 5,181,152.00 2,060 1,055,580.00 388,200 2,323,335.00 2,444,000 2,663,960 340 38,080.00 8,035 8,519,535.00 890 975,300.00 6,835 7,142,435.00 349,490 26,562,106.00 8,870 744,830.00 391,470 33,415,563.00 7,000 15,400.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 1,960,000 8,274,830.00 SME 22,627,000 216,374,754.00 24,100 167,736.00 4,330 329,166.00 4,525,200 41,723,880.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 72,510 9,200,344.00

Close

APRIL 27-30, 2015 Volume Value

0.310

550,000

171,800.00

8.700 8.51 0.80 1.290 0.250 38.65 4.17 5.2 6

6,182,400 500 2,817,000 375,000 1,670,000 56,824,600 8,406,000 214,700 500

54,540,175.00 4,255.00 2,255,170.00 488,960.00 413,530.00 2,228,576,430.00 34,707,230.00 1,123,905.00 3,000.00

0.91 1.20 1.04 0.156 0.455 0.880 0.195 1.39 1.90 1.47

13,611,980 258,000 124,500 15,680,000 2,840,000 579,000 6,830,000 6,471,000 62,441,000 3,269,000

5,542,010.00 312,810.00 170,360.00 2,419,050.00 1,305,150.00 509,820.00 1,243,550.00 9,032,810.00 114,985,890.00 4,635,300.00

5.29 0.121 0.3400 0.5100

43,744,700 2,450,000 1,750,000 767,000

231,887,303.00 299,440.00 587,450.00 398,510.00

7 29.95 1.76 3.25 18.66 0.76 7 0.990 7.500

929,700 15,522,300 540,000 262,000 140,209,700 3,119,000 374,200 2,562,000 35,788,500

6,511,362.00 465,435,345.00 950,800.00 844,370.00 2,701,729,722.00 2,392,610.00 2,604,572.00 2,573,580.00 271,831,315.00

6.4 61.2 1.06 0.680 14 11.20 0.1000 5.06 85 10.36 1.7 7.17

820,300 79,920 282,000 4,066,000 4,411,800 37,107,000 787,910,000 31,561,000 2,164,530 26,100 222,000 796,900

5,359,872.00 4,889,076.00 308,660.00 2,789,040.00 57,366,288.00 303,217,466.00 14,039,680.00 154,334,070.00 184,412,590.00 264,996.00 406,620 5,688,427.00

932 2182 6.29

4,800 304,135 541,200

4,442,110.00 677,360,940.00 3,328,663.00

1.44 110 6.61

1,240,000 5,022,790 500

1,751,660.00 550,218,133.00 3,375

12.38 0.013 0.243 1.2600 2.6 9.40 2.07 1.29 2.15 13.50 0.660 2 9.08 0.370 0.480 18.38 4.50 3 114.00 14.72 2770.00 0.610 1.630 39.70 87.00 10.40 0.65 1.98 6.75 0.350 1.360

11,900 88,500,000 53,680,000 1,111,000 78,000 5,820,500 23,000 250,000 169,000 78,500 414,000 524,000 28,110,100 1,172,000 250,000 22,100 104,000 4,000 134,120 328,500 802,890 6,287,000 96,594,000 9,723,800 4,556,560 13,331,200 4,278,000 83,000 10,598,600 220,000 26,000

142,752.00 1,208,700.00 13,872,090.00 1,388,660.00 197,690.00 53,192,575.00 46,200.00 320,690.00 352,810.00 595,326.00 275,770.00 1,048,000.00 253,510,918.00 468,100.00 116,650.00 406,678.00 469,030 12,060.00 14,905,964.00 4,824,328.00 2,282,842,680.00 3,874,310.00 152,896,570.00 391,742,985.00 394,546,801.00 140,244,930.00 2,852,090.00 147,070.00 70,953,247.00 75,000.00 33,770.00

0.0051 2.60 8.00 14.98 0.260 7.0000 6.8000 1.02 0.88 7.79 1.88 0.350 0.230 0.238 0.0140 0.0150 4.26 22.75 3.8 0.7200 2.080 0.0130 0.0130 4.55 6.95 1.87 0.015 165.50 4.21 0.0100

1,801,000,000 115,000 886,000 6,100 780,000 27,400 25,000 3,434,000 2,131,000 95,000 95,945,000 15,500,000 38,210,000 2,110,000 170,500,000 137,300,000 1,718,000 34,220,600 9,127,000 1,254,000 1,360,000 81,000,000 29,300,000 1,112,000 3,080,100 7,468,000 115,200,000 3,205,310 584,000 49,600,000

9,491,500.00 302,370.00 7,143,040.00 80,002.00 200,450.00 188,320.00 171,650.00 3,491,930.00 1,881,340.00 753,859.00 191,084,770.00 5,598,850.00 8,826,430.00 500,570.00 2,429,700.00 2,049,500.00 7,591,430.00 788,184,250.00 34,904,380.00 897,180.00 2,841,170.00 1,011,300.00 380,900.00 5,105,040.00 21,606,501.00 14,413,610.00 1,736,200.00 535,007,935.00 2,506,490.00 518,000.00

62.1 521 522 120 119 511 6.03 1.09 113.5 1150 1095 1044 75.95 83.95 86 2.2

700,450 11,560 16,010 1,500 65,900 19,750 54,506 903,000 88,130 2,890 1,000 4,695 338,670 12,100 299,040 4,000

43,193,687.00 5,961,030.00 8,354,460 180,500.00 7,886,050.00 10,102,355.00 345,331.00 975,780 9,798,860.00 3,333,640.00 1,095,000.00 4,907,795.00 25,743,614.00 1,006,141.00 25,794,250.00 8,400.00

4.220

9,408,000

41,111,030.00

8.8 8 77.7 9.2

14,239,500 29,976 3,110 9,631,600

131,868,057.00 189,271.00 233,308.00 87,989,497.00

126

3,931,890

39,827,972.00

MST WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS

Philodrill Corp. `A’ Abra Mining United Paragon ATN Holdings A Manila Mining `A’ Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Megaworld Prop.

Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Ferronickel

VOLUME 1,088,800,000 1,010,000,000 232,700,000 226,590,000 218,100,000 159,179,000 152,500,000 128,677,900 125,747,000 120,457,000

STOCKS Universal Robina Bank of PI Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. SM Investments Inc. Metrobank SM Prime Holdings PLDT Common Alliance Global Inc. GT Capital Ayala Land `B’

VALUE 3,492,498,508.00 2,601,555,910.00 2,594,645,402.00 2,153,548,005.00 2,109,462,524.00 1,975,334,592.00 1,581,517,210.00 1,532,744,045.00 1,527,861,385.00 1,475,036,400.00

MONDAY: MAY 11, 2015

B3

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

Ang’s ‘outrageous’ and ‘spectacular’ price WHEN San Miguel Corp’s top honcho Ramon Ang told reporters Friday he might consider selling the conglomerate’s stake in beer unit San Miguel Brewery if he received an ‘outrageous’ price, his words sounded familiar.

MST Chatter researched on when Ang mentioned similar words before and what the circumstances were at that time. True enough, we found that Ang in June 2009 also told reporters San Miguel might sell its stake in distributor Manila Electric Co., if the conglomerate received a ‘spectacular offer.’ At that time, the share price of Meralco was P124 per share.

“Hypothetically, if we are offered a spectacular price, let’s say P500 per share, I’m crazy if I don’t recommend that to the board. It is my obligation to do that,” Ang was quoted saying at that time.

Fast forward to 2013, San Miguel sold its entire 27.1-percent stake in Meralco to JG Summit Holdings of the Gokongwei family for a ‘spectacular price’ of P235.75 apiece, or for a total of P72 billion.

The selling price was really spectacular, considering that San Miguel purchased the Government Service Insurance System’s 27-percent stake in Meralco back in 2008 at only P90 per share, or for a total of P26 billion.

Now going back to the beer unit, will Ang really agree to sell San Miguel Brewery to joint venture partner Kirin Holdings Co. of Japan if he gets an ‘outrageous offer’? Is he also waiting for an ‘outrageous offer’ or ‘spectacular price’ for banking unit, Bank of Commerce, which has been up for sale for the past few years now?

Ang was previously quoted saying that he had no emotional attachment to any of his companies. He said what was important for San Miguel was to give shareholders the best value for investments.

Let’s just wait and see what he meant by that. Jenniffer B. Austria

Why Profriends will not resort to backdoor listing

While mass housing developer Profriends Group Inc. seemed to be having a hard time getting regulatory approval for the planned P7.7-billion initial public offering, one of its underwriters would still not recommend that the company go through backdoor listing.

BDO Capital & Investments Corp. president Eduardo Francisco said he was not a believer of backdoor listing, especially for a company like Profriends, which has a legitimate business.

Francisco said it was more expensive for a company to list through the backdoor. For instance, acquiring a listed shell company now costs at least P300 million and another P50 million would be needed to inject assets into the shell company.

In a straight IPO, a company would only need to spend six to seven percent of the expected proceeds from the IPO. This means for a P1-billion IPO, a company planning to go public would need to spend only P70 million.

While there are also legitimate companies going through backdoor listing, Francisco said he still preferred a straight IPO, especially if a company had a good story to tell.

Profriends initially planned to list its shares with the stock exchange through backdoor listing via AsiaTrust Development Bank. Talks, however, did not push through. Jenniffer B. Austria

How Pacquiao boosts the stock market

UTRADE, the online stock trading platform of Unicapital Securities, presented some data showing that in general, the Philippine Stock Exchange performed positively, a day after a boxing bout of People’s Champion Manny Pacquiao.

“Since 2007, Pacquiao has fought a total of 16 times. Of the total number of fights, the market has performed an average increase of over 17 points or 0.38 percent, with the probability of the PSEi going up 65 percent of the time. Even accounting for wins from the losses, the probability of the market going up is similar,” UTrade said.

In Pacquiao’s last bout, dubbed ‘fight of the century’ with Floyd Mayweather Jr., the index rose 101 points or 1.32 percent, despite the Filipino boxer’s loss via unanimous decision.

Despite losing what was probably the biggest fight in his boxing career, Pacquiao is being invited by PSE president Hans Sicat to ring the bell at the local bourse.

“Whatever the result will be, we will invite him to ring the bell,” Sicat told reporters a day before the mega-fight on May 1.

Sicat said the exchange had always wanted to invite Pacquiao to ring the bell, but because of his busy schedule, the exchange had a hard time inviting him.

To convince Pacquio to ring the bell, the PSE may invite Pacquiao to “punch the bell” instead.

Sicat said to make sure the PSE bell stayed in place, he would assign PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran, who is also a body builder and a bronze medalist in the 2002 and 2004 Mr. Philippines national bodybuilding competitions, to hold the bell at the opposite end. Jenniffer B. Austria

Manila Bulletin listing. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. held a special bell ringing ceremony at

the Philippine Stock Exchange to celebrate its 25th listing anniversary and 115th founding anniversary. MB listed its shares at the PSE in April 1990. Shown during the event are (from left) Manila Bulletin business editor Loreto Cabañes; director and editor-in-chief Crispulo Icban Jr., president and publisher Hermogenes Pobre, executive vice president Emilio Yap III, chairman Basilio Yap, PSE chairman Jose Pardo, directors Ma. Vivian Yuchengco and Alejandro Yu, president and chief executive Hans Sicat and chief operating officer Roel Refran.

SMB’s net profit up 20% to P3.3b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

San Miguel Brewery Inc., the country’s largest beer company controlled by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., said first-quarter net income jumped 20 percent to P3.3 billion from P2.7 billion recorded in the same period last year.

San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the beer unit had recovered from the impact of higher excise tax, which affected the company’s operations last year.

Consolidated revenues in the first three months improved 8 percent to P18.9 billion from P17.6 billion posted in the same period in 2013.

SMB said to boost operations in the domestic operations, it implemented new campaigns and consumer and trade programs to strengthen brand equity and increase consumption.

It said despite the imposition of higher excise taxes, volumes grew 7 percent to 40.9 million cases.

With higher volumes, revenues from domestic business hit P16.2 billion, up from P13.8 billion registered a year ago.

Net income from Philippine operations rose 29 percent to P3.2 billion.

SMB is on diversification mode, after it recently completed the acquisition of non-alcoholic beverage assets of Ginebra San Miguel Inc. for nearly P400 million.

SMB’s acquisition of Ginebra’s non-alcoholic beverage business is in line with the company’s strategy to capitalize on the opportunities in the rapidly growing non-alcoholic beverage industry.

It will enable SMB to venture into production and distribution of bottled purified water, carbonated energy drinks, non-carbonated tea and fruit juices in readyto-drink bottled and powdered formats in the domestic market.

SMB is a joint venture between San Miguel, with 51 percent

stake, and Japan’s Kirin Holdings Co. which owns the remaining 49 percent.

Ang said Friday San Miguel might only consider selling its stake in beer unit to Kirin for an “outrageous price.”

Ang did not say the “outrageous offer,” but said SMB had a value of $6 billion.

Kirin earlier said it would seriously consider and make its own valuation of SMB if parent San Miguel decided to sell its stake in the unit.

Foreign selling likely to weigh on stock index THE Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, is expected to trade range-bound this week, with a slight downward bias as investors will likely be selective amid continued foreign selling.

Analysts said investors would closely watch the release of the US jobs data and US retail sales this week, as this would provide Federal Reserve a clearer guidance on what action to take regarding interest rates.

“Locally, selective trades may be seen, with the overall theme of foreign pull-back continuing to persist,” F. Yap Securities research head Grace Cerdenia said.

“Brave pickers might draw confidence from the IMF’s view the Philippines is poised to counter risks from diverging global monetary policies, plus China’s move to improve lending by lowering reserve requirement ratios. While this could limit downside risks, upside opportunity is not yet clearly seen,’ Cerdenia said.

Accord Capital Equities Corp. trader Justino Calaycay said domestic economic outlook remained positive, despite the market’s recent decline, as inflation and interest rates were stable.

Listed companies continue to report strong first-quarter performance.

“Barring any unforeseen events, the PSEI, if investors opt to focus on the positives, even to the extent of adopting a contrarian stance (per technical indications), should make a re-test of the 7900-mark while holding support at the 7730-mark,” Calaycay said.

The bellwether PSEi gained 0.63 percent last week to close at 7,763.21 while the broader all-share index climbed 0.78 percent to 4,487.81. Jenniffer B. Austria

B4

BUSINESS

Green technology. Senator Cynthia Villar receives a certificate of appreciation from Philippine Society of Plumbing Engineers Inc. national president Jason Magos during the group’s recent 11th founding anniversary and national convention recently. Villar the keynote and guest speaker commends the group for continued efforts in finding new systems and technologies for a sustainable green technology in the industry that will help protect our environment. With her are (from left) Board for Master Plumbers chairman Virgilio Simbulan; Alberto Cabael, vice president for technical affairs; Abner Pahilanga, vice president for education; Alberto Azarcon Jr., immediate past president; and Ricardo Taytay, national treasurer.

Shell monitors Hawkeye well

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MALAMPAYA gas operator Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. is keenly watching the exploration of the nearby Hawkeye prospect in the service contract of Otto Energy Ltd. of Australia, an official said over the weekend.

Spex managing director Sebastian Quinones said Otto and its joint venture partners were pushing through with the planned drilling this year.

Quinones said Spex had no ongoing talks with Otto for any joint venture opportunities in SC 55 pending the confirmation of the oil or gas reserves.

“Do we want to to buy in? They want to drill on their own at this point and take the risk,” he said.

“We’re hoping that it could be the next Malampaya. If drilling is a success, then we can have discussions,” he added.

Spex, holds a 45-percent stake in service contract 38, or the Malampaya gas field in northwest Palawan. Chevron LLC owns another 45 percent while PNOC Exploration Corp. holds 10 percent.

Natural gas from the Malampaya gas field is expected to last until 2024 until a new gas discov-

ery is made.

Otto Energy earlier executed a binding contract with Maersk Drilling for the Hawkeye-1 drilling exploration scheduled in July to August this year.

“Final preparations for the drilling of the Hawkeye-1 exploration well are considerably advanced. This is a very exciting time for Otto as we undertake this important and potentially high impact, drilling event on behalf of the Philippines Department of Energy and our joint venture partners,” Otto chief executive Matthew Allen earlier said.

“With a significant free carried interest, Hawkeye-1’s success would be transformational for Otto,” he said.

Otto estimated the reserves of

the Hawkeye prospect at 112 million barrels of oil, or 74 million barrels of oil net to Otto.

The company said the success of the Hawkeye drilling would unlock a significant new hydrocarbon play in the deep water southern Palawan region.

The Maersk Venturer drillship is one of the most modern and advanced in the world. Otto is set to mobilize the drilling rig to the location from July 17 to August 2015.

The Hawkeye exploration well has been designed to reach the top of target reservoir approximately 1,000 meters below the sea bed floor and intersect the gas oil contact to prove the presence of the oil leg.

“The well is expected to take around 23 days to drill from rig

arrival until release. The majority of services have been contracted and total expected cost remains within guidance of $30 to $35 million,” the company said, Otto said if the the well encountered hydrocarbons, more detailed evaluation, including well logging, would be undertaken and increase the overall cost by around $2 million to $3 million.

Otto owns 73.18 percent of service contract 55, while Red Emperor Resources NL holds 15 percent. Palawan 55 Exploration & Production Co. owns 6.82 percent.

PNOC–Exploration expressed interest to farm in for a 15 percent interest. It is waiting for the required approvals from the Office of the President in order to close the transaction.

Puregold holds another PH aerospace sector wooing investors store exhibit this month By Othel V. Campos

RETAIL giant Puregold Price Club Inc. is bringing limitless deals and prizes to the country’s sari-store owners this month as it mounts the 12th Sari-Sari Store Convention, the largest gathering of neighborhood retail store operators in the country.

Puregold will host the convention from May 20 to 24 at the World Trade Center, bringing together its crop of Tindahan ni Aling Puring members for five days of daylong fun and festivities at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

“Sari-Sari store owners are the backbone of our local economy. They are also the foundation of the business of Puregold, being among our primary wholesale customers. This is our annual treat for them,” said Antonio de los Santos, vice president for operations.

“It’s hard to imagine a Filipino neighborhood without a single sari-sari store. These tindahans are our trusty village convenience stores that serve our daily needs with a personal kapit-bahay touch,” said de Los Santos.

Going big on its 12th year, the 2015 convention promises to bring “unlimited” fun and excitement to loyal reseller patrons, with wholesale deals and discounts, pocket entrepreneurship workshops and other surprises.

“In 2014 we promised to level up our members’ businesses. This year, we will reward them with UNLI-saya, UNLI-asenso, UNLI-panalo and UNLI papremyo! Everything is “unli,” all to help our Tindahan ni Aling Puring members to further improve their business,” he said.

THE growing Philippine aerospace industry is luring more foreign investors to come into the country.

French Ambassador Gilles Garachon said several French aerospace companies had been closely loking at the Philippines as a possible expansion site in Asia.

“Some of them will be coming [here]. They are in the process of renewing and expanding,” Garachon said in an interview over the weekend.

He met earlier with officials of the Board of Investments in one regular meeting of the Trade Department.

France since 2014 has been searching for opportunities to develop cooperation on aerospace and MRO (management, repair

and operations) with the Philippines to support company operations due the rising demand for more efficient aircraft in the next few years.

France is also keen on obtaining meaningful materials from the Philippines that will complement its aircraft manufacturing sector.

The Philippine aerospace industry is aggressively pushing for the development of the sector while it enticing MRO and aerospace companies to set up global operations in the country.

The Philippines contributes to 20 percent of the original equipment manufacturing business globally with its production of landing gear systems, actuation systems and interiors.

France is also interested in public-private partnership projects,

especially for airport projects and tourism.

“We have plenty of room to improve tourism flows. With PAL [Philippine Airlines], we expect to have more Filipino tourists in the coming years,” said Garachon, noting an exchange of only 50,000 tourists both ways on a yearly basis.

He cited Frances’s interest to have direct flights to and from the Philippines as to help improve tourism in both countries.

Trade relations between France and the Philippines was improving, he said, with the Philippines buying mostly aircraft and exporting furniture, agricultural products and electronics.

France is considering to increase the spectrum of imported commodities from the Philippines. Combined annual bilateral trade is placed at €2 billion.

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

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Filinvest developing Cubao lot next year

By Jennifer B. Austria FILINVEST Land Inc., the property unit of the Gotianaun Group, said it will start developing next year a 1.3-hectare property in Cubao, Quezon City into a mixeduse transit-oriented development, dubbed Activa.

FLI president Josephine Gotianun-Yap said in an interview during the annual stockholders’ meeting held Friday Activa would have four buildings, including two office towers geared toward the business process outsourcing sector.

The mixed-use development will also have a residential condominium, a commercial development and a hotel.

FLI acquired the property from the Ramos family of National Book Store for close to P1 billion.

Yap did not provide the total investment cost in Activa. She said the projects was strategically located at the junction of two busiest mass rail systems in Metro Manila--MRT 2 and LRT 2.

It is also one of the three prime mixed-use developments that the property company was pursuing.

The two others are the 2.6-hectare One Binondo in Chinatown, Manila, which will have retail, micro-retail, mall, office, residential and hotel developments; and 100 West in Makati, which is situated along the proposed mass rail system connecting Bonifacio Global City and the Pasay City Reclamation Area.

Meanwhile FLI will launch this year a 20-hectare residential development in Daanghari, Muntinlupa.

The property is geared for the high-end market as FLI plans to sell lots within the property at 350 square meters for P45,000 per sq. m.

FLI plans to raise as much as P2.5 billion in sales for the residential development.

Yap said the company was also on track to meet its target of tripling the recurring income gross leasable area for office and retail space within five years.

SSS in Navotas City. The Social Security System inaugurates

its first branch in Navotas City to encourage membership in the area. The branch, located at the second floor of Philmariner Building, Northbay Boulevard South, Navotas City, will serve 10,538 registered employees, 778 registered employers, 1,348 self-employed and 1,721 voluntary members as it offers social security protection to the fisherfolk around the area. SSS president and chief executive Emilio de Quiros, Jr. (fourth from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with (from left) SSS Navotas branch officer-in-charge Martin Bautista Jr., North Bay Barangay chairman Domingo Egape, Navotas City Mayor John Reynald Tiangco, and Social Security Commissioner Diana Pardo-Aguilar.

Govt to reject MRT-3 offers

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE government is likely to reject unsolicited proposals to expand the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, citing legal issues.

“There are legal issues on all proposals. We are yet to formally convey to the proponents. Informally it has been discussed,” Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said.

Three proposals are pending with the Transport Department, namely the $524-million expansion of MRT 3 offered by Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the P4.7-billion rehabilitation proposal from a joint venture of Schunk Bahn-und Industrietechnik GmbH and HEAG Mobilo GmbH from Germany and local maintenance contractor Comm Builders and Technology Philippines. Corp.; and the P4.4-billion

bid of Metro Rail Transit Corp.

(MRTC).

Abaya said the government was pursuing the equity value buyout of MRT3 ,even after Congress did not approve the P53.9-billion allocation in the 2015 budget for the government’s takeover of MRT. President Bening Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 126 in 2013, directing the Transportation and Finance Departments to buy out MRT 3 from Metro Rail Transit Corp., pursuant to the build-lease-transfer agreement.

MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan has said the company might no longer acquire a substantial stake in MRTC, in the wake of the

DBP merit. The

Development Bank of the Philippines successfully achieved the Proficiency Status of the Performance Governance System after the public revalidation presentation by DBP chairman Jose Nuñez Jr. (right) during the Public Governance Forum held May 4, 2015 at the Philippine International Convention Center. DBP also received its second Silver Governance Trailblazer Award. With Nuñez are Institute for Solidarity in Asia chairman Jesus Estanislao (center) and ISA president Frank Eizmendi. The PGS is administered by the ISA, a non-government organization with its main advocacy for good governance practices.

government’s plan to pursue the buyout of the train system.

Pangilinan earlier said the company could exercise the option to acquire a substantial stake in Metro Rail Transit Corp. led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña, once the government approved the proposal to expand the MRT 3 system.

Metro Pacific signed a coop-

eration agreement in 2011 with various groups holding rights and interests in MRT 3, including MRTC, Metro Rail Transit Holdings Inc., Metro Rail Transit 2 Inc. and Monumento Rail Transit Corp., giving the unit of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd. an option to acquire 48 percent.

Metro Pacific has yet to exercise the option.

State-run Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines hold an 80-percent economic interest in MRT 3, creditors of MRTC hold the balance.

MRT 3, which runs along Edsa from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, is serving 500,000 passengers daily, way beyond its rated capacity of 350,000.

The line has a fleet of 73 Czechmade air-conditioned rail cars, in which up to 60 three-car trains operate daily.

Bangko Sentral likely to keep rates—UA&P

By Julito G. Rada THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, is expected to maintain its current policy stance in its third meeting for the year on Thursday on the back of a more manageable inflation environment, an economist said over the weekend.

“I think BSP will keep policy rates, and all other instruments as is,” Victor Abola, University of Asia & the Pacific economist, said in an emailed message.

“This is because this is a very conservative central bank which dissociates itself from the economy’s output and employment goals,” Abola said.

The MB in its second meeting on March 26 kept the key benchmark interest rates at 4 percent for overnight borrowing and 6 percent for overnight lending due to slower increases in consumer prices.

The interest rates on term RRPs, RPs and special deposit accounts were also kept steady. The reserve requirement ratios were left unchanged as well.

The board kept the rates on its assessment that the inflation environment remained manageable. Latest baseline forecasts indicate that inflation is likely to settle within the lower half of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2015 and 2016.

MONDAY: MAY 11, 2015

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BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

Govt wants to defer coal deal Human trafficking THE hullabaloo surrounding the case of Mary Jane Veloso— which resulted in an ugly blaming game ATTY. EDWARD among concerned CHICO sectors, much to the chagrin of our furious netizens—has sidelined discussion on one critical issue, which essentially is the root cause of her pitiful plight, i.e., human trafficking.

Clearly responsible Human trafficking is clearly responsible for the doleful sufferings of our hapless migrant workers, whose vulnerability makes them easy targets. Unless seriously addressed, it would continue to mass produce victims like Mary Jane, a domestic abuse victim and mother of two boys, whose only dream is to have better and secure future for her family.

Last year, President Aquino signed into law the expanded anti-human trafficking act, seeking to provide more teeth to the original measure that was passed a little over ten years ago.

This should have been a significant development. I was actually the head of the technical working group in the Senate that worked on the passage of the first law. Even then, I noted some provisions that might need some revisions, if not outright improvement, once the law is implemented.

Unfortunately, despite said timely revisions, government’s effort to curb incidents of human trafficking leaves so much to be desired. Based on current statistics on human trafficking, the Philippines has remained a major source and to some extent destination of trafficked individuals, coerced to working as prostitutes or as laborers in sweat shop factories under slave-like conditions or in the case of Mary Jane, as drug mules. Worse, most of the victims are women and children. Of the almost one thousand trafficking cases pending in court, only ten percent has been decided, usually sending to prison the small fry, instead of big-time organized syndicates.

Factors that contribute to human trafficking The first is the poor performance of our judicial system, which really is one reason why human traffickers remain imperviously undaunted and undeterred. Despite the innovations introduced lately by the Court to providing speedy, efficient and least costly court proceedings, it is still beset by concerns such as delay, uncertainty and unfairness in resolution of cases. Albeit the law specifically mandates the department of justice to prioritize prosecution of trafficking-related cases, many complaints filed before it remain unattended and if subsequently filed in court, would still drag on due to clogged dockets.

The fact that corruption persists in the judiciary surely aggravates the situation.

The second stems from that fact that human trafficking is a billion-dollar industry. In fact, records indicate that globally, at least three cases of human trafficking are perpetrated every day and incidents continue to pile up because they mean big profits for syndicates. In the case of May Jane, her recruiters readily admitted that they are part of an international drug ring and they easily recruit victims, using gainful employment abroad as a way to entice them.

They say they do that because of the serious amount of money involved. This is why syndicates, including that to which these recruiters belong would move heaven and earth to protect their business.

The third and perhaps the more compelling factor is the seeming lack of sincerity in going after perpetrators. Surely, the government amended the law but it has done so only to improve our country’s ranking in the watch list. The Trafficking in Persons report prepared by the US State Department lists the Philippines under Tier 2.

Tier 2 countries are defined as “countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards.”

If the Philippines land in the Tier 3 Watch List, it would mean the withholding of US non-humanitarian assistance amounting to $250 million to the country’s campaign.

A serious threat Human trafficking is a serious threat to society. In a country, where majority of the people are going through crippling poverty, it would be embraced by anyone who despite the supposed red flags, as evidenced by Mary Jane’s predicament, will continue to be vulnerable victims.

Certainly, the President should finally put his money where his mouth is.

Whatever gains he may have achieved pursuing unconditional clemency for Mary Jane would be meaningless unless he urgently addresses the issue on human trafficking.

He can do this by truly prioritizing efforts to go after human traffickers.

Sending Mary Jane’s recruiters to jail should not be an isolated case, meant to save her life – which in itself is surely one great reason, but be the start of serious crusade to rid the country of human trafficking incidents.

He can, for instance, instruct the department of justice to put human trafficking and other similar cases on top of its priority and even require them to resolve cases within a specified period of time. Or he could engage law enforcement authorities, while putting more resources in so doing to go after criminals and syndicates.

Amending the law to be more responsive is one thing. But to truly implement it at all costs is another. The President can blabber about what he has been doing to address the problem. At the end of the day though, the proof of the pudding is in the eating!

••• Atty. Edward Chico is chair of the Commercial Law Department, Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business. He can be reached at edward.chico@ dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed here are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

Green LiGht

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Department said it wants to postpone the bidding for the right to administer the power capacity of the 200-megawatt Mindanao coal-fired power plant, because it may further increase power rates in the island.

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said he asked Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. to delay the selection and appointment of the independent power producer administrator for the power plant until new stations in Mindanao became operational.

Petilla said he wanted to delay the privatization of the Mindanao coal contracts because the turnover would likely increase power rates in Mindanao.

He said when the contracts of the Mindanao I and II (Mt. Apo 1 and 2) geothermal power plants were privatized, power rates went up and electric cooperatives had no choice but to buy it.

“You have to respect the con-

tract, but because it’s short term, investors would recover the acquisition cost of the IPPA, so rates of customers of Mt. Apo went up by at least P2.50 per kWh,” he said.

“What I’m saying is [we should] hold the privatization so that consumers will not be burdened until such time that at least the power plants of Aboitiz and Alsons are up and running,” he said.

Petilla said the Mindanao coal plant contracts should be privatized by 2016 or when the power projects of Aboitiz Power Corp., Alsons Power Corp. and San Miguel Corp. were completed.

Petilla said he raised the matter to PSALM president Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., who has been put on suspension for 90 days. Petilla, who

sits as vice-chairman of PSALM, assured that other power assets up for privatization would not affected by the suspension of Ledesma.

Petilla said President Aquino would decide on Ledesma’s fate because “he is a political appointee, so as far as I’m concerned he cannot be removed by the board.”

Lourdes Alzona, vice president for finance of PSALM, who currently acts as the officer-incharge, said the privatization of the Mindanao power contract would continue.

PSALM earlier announced that there were 12 companies interested in the selection and appointment of IPPA of the Mindanao coal plant.

The companies are Conal Holdings Corp., FDC Davao Del Norte Power Corp., FirstGen Northern Power Corp., GDF Suez Energy Philippines, Inc., Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd., Meralco Powergen Corp., Nexif Pte Ltd., SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., SPC Power Corp., Team (Philippines) Energy Corp., Therma Southern Mindanao, Inc. and Vivant Energy Corp.

Teaching tools.

In response to the changing educational needs of young people, Felta Multi-Media Inc. teamed up with Intel Education and Microsoft Philippines to launch a ruggedized, water-resistant laptop that’s powered by Intel Baytrail Quad Core processor and runs on Windows 8.1 with Bing and comes with Microsoft Office. Shown during the launching of the product at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City are (from left) Intel SEA regional manager Sanjiv Sharma, Intel Microelectronics Philippines business development manager Carlo Subido, Felta Multi Media president and chief executive Mylene Abiva, Microsoft Philippines windows client business lead Mae Moreno and DLSU Dasmarinas educator Edwin Bunag. MANNY PALMERO

EDC bares 150-MW solar power plants ENERGY Development Corp. plans to build solar power projects with a combined capacity of 100 to 150 megawatts in the medium term as a part of diversified renewable energy portfolio, company executives said over the weekend.

“That’s the aspiration for the solar of the company in the medium term. But it all depends on the FIT [feed-in tariff] if it’s still feasible for us,” EDC vice president for corporate finance Erwin Avante told reporters.

EDC owns a 4-MW solar project located in the same area of its 150-MW Burgos wind project in Ilocos Norte province.

“The challenge to make it work

[solar expansion] is you need to have the perfect formula which is high irradiance, good site close to a transmission line and cheap land,” Avante said.

“It seems that a lot are posturing but let’s see how it ends up…The panels more or less will give you the same level of efficiency so I think the battle now is where we can harvest more solar resources,” he said.

EDC president Richard Tantoco said other countries provided subsidies for solar but the Philippines’ faced different challenges aside from the P8.69per-kilowatt feed-in tariff rate.

“For us, we have to factor in things that the others are not.

For example we have so much taxes and we need to build our own transmission lines. In other projects in Chile when they are built, it’s the government that builds them and the cost of land acquisition is different,” he said.

Meanwhile, Avante said the Burgos wind project had one of the best solar and wind resources.

“With the flat area that is already available, that would be 30 MW in Burgos. The existing 4.1 MW solar project can generate a full year revenue of P50 million to P60 million,” he said.

EDC contracted German company Juwi for the 4-MW solar project.

Alena Mae S. Flores

M O N D AY : M AY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Chinese fashion in Paris suburb AUBERVILLIERS, France— The rows of upmarket sedans look out of place parked in the working-class Paris suburb but this is Aubervilliers, Europe’s made-in-China clothing capital where traders recently opened the continent’s biggest garment centre.

A vast range of clothing is on offer in this town on the northern edge of the French capital where generations of Chinese have settled—and some made fortunes.

Canny shoppers can pick up a smart ready-to-wear suit for 40 euros ($46) in a central store or a pack of cheap socks in the supermarket, while a stall-holder on the street offers sneakers.

“Here, you can find anything at almost any price,” said Min, a laborer who came from China six years ago, as he pushed a cart laden with boxes and bags for delivery to a wholesaler.

“People come from all over Europe,” he said, himself dressed in fashionable jeans and black down jacket. “This is international.”

Behind Min, customers and porters squeeze between doubleparked vans as they head in and out of shops with flashing signs and, at times, whimsical names like: “Glam Couture,” “Bisou’s Project,” “La Bottine Souriante” (“The Smiling Bootee”) and “Miss Baby Hot Bottom”.

When the new Fashion Center—expected to generate more jobs—officially opened at the end of March, it became the largest market of its kind in Europe, overtaking a similar one at Duesseldorf in Germany.

“Aubervilliers has become one of the most important places for business and exchange with China in all of Europe,” said the town’s mayor, Pascal Beaudet. “So we needed to organize accordingly and that’s what we did.”

“For those who work in the garment industry, Aubervilliers is indispensable,” said Gaetan Le Gorre, 37, keeping one eye on workers loading his van with a cargo of jeans bought from a local wholesaler. AFP

Mother’s Day. Dolly, a homeless Indian woman, hugs her children at the roadside in Amritsar on May 10 on the occasion of Mother’s Day. The Mother’s Day celebrations are organized to honor all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships they bear by bringing up children, and it is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world. AFP

SHERPAS FEAR FOR FUTURE AFTER QUAKE

‘We’ve lost everything’ KATHMANDU—Mount Everest record

holder Apa Sherpa ran for his life when a huge earthquake hit Nepal, and now fears for the future after the disaster cut short the climbing season for the second year in a row.

“Everyone here is scared and depressed, we have lost everything,” the climber told AFP by telephone from Thame, deep in the Everest region, one of the villages that is home to the Sherpa ethnic group.

The tight-knit community of around 50 families has produced some of the world’s greatest mountaineers, including Sherpa, who is something of a celebrity

having reached the top of Everest a record 21 times.

Sherpas, thought to be of Tibetan origin, have a long and proud history of mountaineering, and the term today is used for all Nepalese high-altitude porters and guides assisting climbing expeditions.

On April 25, Sherpa was trekking to Thame, where he was born, when the world appeared

to crumble before his eyes, as rocks raced down hillsides and buildings turned to rubble.

The 55-year-old US-based climber ran for his life the moment the 7.8-magnitude quake struck, racing to get off a suspension bridge swaying wildly as tremors rippled through the Himalayas.

When Sherpa finally arrived in Thame, in eastern Solukhumbu district, two days later, what he found was a nylon wasteland, with everyone living under tarpaulin sheets or tents.

The quake and a powerful aftershock had destroyed the village.

“Their jobs are gone, their homes are gone and soon it will start to get cold and windy,”

said the climber, nicknamed “Super Sherpa” because of his feats scaling the world’s tallest mountain.

“We normally need to wire our roofs to the house foundations for protection against wind—how will we manage this year with just tarps and tents?” he added.

The quake, which left more than 7,800 people dead across Nepal, was the Himalayan nation’s deadliest disaster in over 80 years, and was followed by a 6.9-magnitude aftershock the next day.

“That aftershock was like a slap in the face for the villagers, they had just begun to pull themselves together after the quake and then everything unravelled,” US mountaineer David Morton told AFP. AFP

‘Gays not accepted in sports’

Castro at the Vatican. Cuban president Raul Castro waves

as he arrives at the Vatican to meets Pope Francis for a private audience on May 10. The pontiff is set to meet Castro four months ahead of his pastoral trip to the Caribbean island nation on the way to the US in September 2015. AFP

SYDNEY—Only one percent of people feel that gays are “completely accepted” on the sporting field, while others have been subject to verbal and physical abuse for being homosexual, a new international survey said Sunday.

Close to 9,500 people were interviewed for the “Out on the Fields” study, with respondents mostly from Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States.

“Even in the most promising countries, such as Canada, discrimination and homophobia were still widely experienced by both LGB and straight participants,” it said.

Some 19 percent of gay men and nine percent of lesbians surveyed said they had been “physically assaulted”, while 27 percent of gay men and 16 percent of lesbians

said they were subject to verbal threats of harm.

About 54 percent of gay men, 48 percent of lesbians and 28 percent of straight men said they had experienced homophobia.

Australian sports officials vowed to tackle the issue, after the survey— initiated by the Sydney organizing committee of a gay rugby event— found few positive signs that lesbian, gay and bisexual or LGB people were welcome playing team sports.

The participants were from all sexualities, with nearly 25 percent saying they were heterosexual.

Respondents were largely unanimous in the view that spectator stands were not accepting of gay people.

About 78 percent said they believed LGB people would not be “very safe” if they visibly displayed their sexuality, for example by

showing affection to each other.

Participants in the survey also said sporting homophobia was most likely to occur in spectator stands (41 percent) and school sports classes (21 percent).

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the study’s findings were concerning. He added that the cricket world, as well as other sports, was committed to combating the issue.

“The support of the study by Australian Cricket—and sport more broadly—shows we are eager to better understand homophobia in sport and take action against it,” Sutherland said in a statement.

“There is simply no place for homophobia in society—and in particular sport—and we are committed to eradicating it through better education and training at grassroots level.” AFP

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M O N D AY : M AY 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Tax angers Malaysian consumers

KUALA LUMPUR—An unpopular new

consumption tax has handed fresh ammunition to critics of Malaysia’s embattled prime minister, with angry consumers complaining it has sent some prices surging, and economists warning it could harm growth.

The government on April 1 introduced the six-percent Goods and Services Tax or GST, which taxes transactions throughout the business supply chain and replaces earlier sales and service taxes on end-consumers that ranged from 6 to 10 percent.

The government had said the more streamlined tax regime would lead to lower prices for many key items and boost government revenue in Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy.

Experts agree Malaysia’s biggest tax reform in decades is necessary—fewer than three million of the country’s 30 million people pay income tax, and high government debt has economists worried.

But implementation has been marked by mass confusion over how the tax works, its array of exemptions, and contradictory government statements, with many businesses hiking prices amid the uncertainty.

The issue sparked a May Day protest by thousands of opponents and has provided fresh fodder for ruling-party forces seeking Prime Minister Najib Razak’s ouster over allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

“We are victims of a mismanaged economy. [The GST] hurts the poor and the middle-class like me,” said Kuala Lumpur pre-school teacher Siti Nora Manaf, 62.

Like many Malaysian consumers, she already faced rising costs, with the ringgit currency at its weakest in years due to concerns over the impact of soft world oil prices. Malaysia is heavily dependent on energy exports.

Siti Nora said the price of a bag of rice—supposedly exempt from the GST—has jumped 40 percent since April 1 amid the confusion. She has begun growing vegetables in the small garden at her home, while slashing other living costs. AFP

Takeover. This photo taken on May 9 in Petit Canal, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe, shows an old slave prison where the roots of a cursed fig tree had taken over the place. AFP

A call for fresh cannabis laws PARIS—Sporting T-shirts and caps printed with marijuana leaves and with joints hanging from their lips, hundreds of people demonstrated in Paris on Saturday as part of a world march calling for the legalization of cannabis.

Crowds of protesters, many dressed in Jamaican colors, made their way through the streets of the French capital from the Place de la Republique to Bastille calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana use.

“What do we want?

Legalization,” chanted the crowd, wreathed in clouds of hashish smoke and gathered behind a banner reading “Another drug policy is possible” and placards calling for “Ganga for all.”

Some, like 16-year-old Julien, came because they wanted to “smoke in peace”.

“Legalization would mean less trafficking, better products and perhaps less crime,” he explained, between puffs.

But for others, the Global Marijuana March—which also held events in Brazil, Greece, Costa Rica, the US, Germany and South Africa among others this month—was about calling for a better life for the terminally ill.

Beatrice, 52, has AIDS and a disorder of the nervous system that confined her to a wheelchair

20 years ago. “But since I started smoking marijuana, I have felt better,” she said. “I am walking again, it helps my therapy and it helps me to eat.”

For 15 years she has consumed between 0.8 and one gram of cannabis per day and, encouraged by her doctor, she now grows it in her garden. “I try to be discreet,” she said. AFP

DJ onstage. DJ Calvin Harris performs onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM’s 2015 Wango Tango at StubHub Center on May 9 in Los Angeles. AFP

Teen ‘well advanced’ in alleged bomb plot SYDNEY—Australian police said Sunday a teenager charged with a terrorist bomb plot was “well advanced” in plans to target a public event, adding they were investigating whether he was radicalized or recruited online.

Tim Cartwright, acting police Chief Commissioner for Victoria state, said officers found “improvised explosive devices” in the boy’s family home in the north Melbourne suburb of Greenvale after the 17-year-old was arrested in a raid on Friday.

“We do believe the young man intended to explode the device at an event over the coming days,” he said.

“We will allege he was well advanced in preparing a bomb.”

Cartwright said it was not yet known if a specific event was

targeted. Reports Saturday said Mother’s Day celebrations on Sunday may have been the focus of the alleged plans.

Police in the southern state have been searching the house of the boy, whose identity has not been disclosed, before his appearance in a juvenile court on Monday.

Cartwright said investigators were at this stage not looking for anyone else in connection with the alleged plot, but they were exploring the possibility of online radicalization.

“Overseas recruiters and, more broadly, social media are a real challenge for us, a challenge we haven’t seen in the past,” Cartwright said.

“The Internet provides people the opportunities to radicalize from across the world. It is a real concern for us.” AFP

M O N D AY : M AY 1 1 : 2 0 1 5

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

LIFE

ASIANA RAISES FUNDS INFLIGHT FOR NEPAL

F

ollowing the devasting earthquake in Nepal that has so far claimed over 7,000 lives, Asiana Airlines (OZ) has moved to change its regular inflight fundraising campaign to directly benefit people suffering from the calamity. The Korean national carrier will temporarily revise its Change for Good campaign to the Inflight Fundraising Campaign to offer emergency aid to Nepal beginning this month.

Change for Good is the airline’s decades-long fundraiser for the benefit of UNICEF. Passengers at the end of their flight are invited to donate their foreign currency and coins to UNICEF. The coin donations go to children in Asia and Africa to help treat malnutrition, famine and to support education. Commemorating its 20th year last December, the campaign has raised almost US$10 million for UNICEF. The new fundraiser for Emergency Aid to Nepal invites passengers to donate their foreign currency

and coins specifically for the immediate relief and support of Nepalese children, as well as to avoid water pollution and to upgrade public sanitation in the affected areas.

Asiana, in cooperation with UNESCO, has released a specially designed envelope to plead for the cause. Passengers will also hear a message of sympathy and support for Nepal’s people as part of the inflight announcements.

The airline, which has the award-winning Incheon International Airport as its hub, has actively assisted rescue efforts and provided emergency aid in disaster areas across the world.

It has participated in assistance efforts for the Great East Japan Earthquake and Thai Floods of 2011, the Sichuan, China Earthquake of 2013 and Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines in 2013.

Asiana Airlines flies out of Manila, Cebu and Clark to Incheon International Airport and on to several destinations around the globe.

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M ONDAY : M AY 11 : 2015

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LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

glweekend @ gmail.com

INTERNET SECURITY TIPS

One in five Internet users assume their passwords are of no value to cyber criminals, according to a survey conducted by Kaspersky Lab and B2B International.

Passwords are the keys to the account holders’ personal data, private lives, and even their money and if these are stolen, the consequences can affect not only individual users, but also their contacts, Kaspersky Lab warned.

For example, a compromised e-mail gives scammers access to every account that the user has connected to it, thanks to the messages it receives notifying of successful registrations or responses to password recovery requests.

In turn, a compromised account on a social networking site makes it possible to spread spam advertising and malicious links.

A password to an account with an online store gives cybercriminals an opportunity to harvest financial data and spend other people’s money. However, only half (52%) of respondents named passwords among

O

the valuable information that they would not want to see in the hands of cybercriminals, while 21% of that surveyed saw no inherent value in their passwords for criminals.

The survey shows that users often take the easy way out when creating and storing their passwords.

Only 26% of users create a separate password for each account while 6% of respondents use special password storage software. However, 18% of those surveyed write down their passwords in a notebook, 11% store them in a file on the device, and 10% leave them on a sticker near the computer.

At the same time 17% of users freely share their personal account passwords with family members and friends.

Meanwhile, statistics show that password theft is a common occurrence. In 2014, according to Kaspersky Security Network figures, Kaspersky Lab products protected 3.5 million people from malicious attacks which were capable of stealing usernames and passwords to accounts of various types. Fourteen

percent of respondents from 23 countries also reported that their accounts had been hacked during the year.

“Even if you are not a celebrity or a billionaire, cybercriminals can profit from your credentials,” said Elena Kharchenko, Head of Consumer Product Management, Kaspersky Lab. “A password is like a key to your home; you wouldn’t leave your door on the latch, or put your keys where anyone could find them, just because you don’t think you have anything of great value. Complex passwords unique to each account, carefully stored in a safe place, will save you a lot of trouble,” she added.

To protect your account against unauthorized entry, you should follow a few simple rules: Create a unique password for each account: if one of them is stolen, the rest will remain safe.

Create a complex password that won’t be easy to crack even using special programs. That means at least 8 symbols including upper and lower-case letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and no pet names or dates of birth!

Do not give your password to anyone, not even your friends. If cybercriminals can’t steal it from your device, they might be able do it from someone else’s.

Store your password in a safe place. Don’t write it down on paper; either remember it or use a special program for storing passwords from a reliable vendor such as Kaspersky Password Manager, which is also integrated in Kaspersky Total Security – Multi-Device.

Kaspersky Password Manager does more than securely storing strong passwords away from curious eyes or prying malware; it automatically enters the user’s credentials on pages without the need to remember several complex passwords. A strong password generator is another feature of Kaspersky Password Manager for Windows.

WORRY-FREE LAUNDRY WITH SHARP

ne of the worst things that could happen when doing the laundry is to discover all your hard work gone to waste because the clothes had been discolored, or your favorite top had been damaged. Add to that the fact that washing clothes can also use up a lot of water and electricity.

But all these washing problems can be prevented with a technologically advanced washing machine like the Sharp Fully Automatic Washing Machine. This one-of-a-kind washing machine allows people to protect their clothes from damage, reduce water consumption and give you a little extra time to yourself. Just pop in your clothes inside the tub and the Sharp Fully Automatic Washing Machine will do everything for you.

The hole-less tub in Sharp Fully Automatic Washing Machines cuts the waiting time for the tub to fill with water so the laundry cycle can start and finish faster. The innovative tub design prevents water leakage and saves water

consumption by as much as 60%. The gentle washing option protects the clothes from possible damage due to vibration or when the fabric thread goes through. The hole-less design also keeps black molds from forming around the tub, avoiding water contamination and resulting in cleaner and more hygienic clothes.

What also sets the Sharp Fully Automatic Washing Machine apart from other similar fully automatic washing machine brands is the Sharp Ag + Ion Technology, a revolutionary innovation that helps deactivate bacteria that cause foul odors and helps keep clothes odorfree until the next wash.

For those who still think that washing clothes is too complex and timeconsuming, think again. Sharp (Phils.)

Corporation also knows this fully well so it offers the Sharp Double Washer that allows you to wash your clothes in a jiffy, and have more time to do other things in the house.

The first of its kind in the country, the

Sharp Double Washer lets you wash both white and colored clothes at the same time without sacrificing laundry quality. The twin tubs allow you to use both tubs for different washing needs, reducing energy consumption since there is only one motor that runs both tubs. The space-saving design also makes it perfect for condo living.

Sharp truly understands what Filipino households need, which is the reason why Sharp Washing Machines are a top choice among Filipino households today according to the Euromonitor International report on Home Laundry Appliances. Filipinos can also be truly proud that majority of Sharp's washing machines are Philippine-made, further showcasing Filipino craftsmanship and manufacturing capabilities.

Make your laundry days worryfree with Sharp washing machines.

Sharp understands consumers' needs,

remaining firm in its commitment to provide Filipinos with exceptional products to help uplift the quality of their lives under its "Our Brand, Our pride" philosophy.

For more about Sharp products, visit www.sharp.ph or join the brand on Facebook at Facebook.com/Sharp Philippines.

M ONDAY : M AY 11 : 2015

LIFE glweekend @ gmail.com

HANDS-ON: XIAOMI REDMI 2

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

C3

Xiaomi Redmi 2

BY ED BIADO

Fans of the budget smartphone Redmi from Chinese tech company Xiaomi will be very happy that the device now has a successor. The Redmi 2, which debuted in the Philippines two weeks ago, has all the necessary updates to convince existing Redmi fans to upgrade and even convert nonbelievers.

Comparing the two Redmi generations, it’s easy to see the evolution. The new version is thinner at 9.4mm and lighter at 133g. One of my complaints about the previous Redmi is that it’s too heavy, especially for people like me who are on the phone a lot. The Redmi 2 thankfully addresses this concern.

Without the bells and whistles typical of devices twice its price, the Redmi 2 works quickly and fluidly as its quadcore 64-bit processor isn’t exhausted on unnecessary tasks.

That minimalist approach to features is also perhaps the reason that the phone’s battery can easily last an entire day, even under heavy use. I recharge the one I’m testing, which I’m using as a mobile hotspot, only once a day.

Another problem I’ve had with the original Redmi is hanging, which would occur when using a newly installed app for the first time. So far, I haven’t experienced that

with the Redmi 2, which goes to show that Xiaomi really has made improvements under the hood.

It’s common for affordable phones to work okay at first and then quickly get worn out. Well, I’m happy to report that my old Redmi is still functioning well and I’m expecting the same durability and reliability from the new release. (Pro tip: Just clean up your trash regularly and your phone should do just fine.)

The Redmi 2 follows all the trends in the industry, in terms of design. Unlike its predecessor, its edges are rounded and its UI features flat icons and graphics. The screen, a 4.7inch 1280 x 720 HD display at 312 ppi, is leaps and bounds better than its contemporaries. All this makes the phone look a whole lot more expensive than it actually is.

Other specs include “sharp and clear” 8MP BSI f/2.2 rear camera and a 2MP BSI front camera with 720p video

recording; OTG support to transfer files quickly and connect peripherals; a soft-touch matte back cover that is fingerprint and grease-resistant; and the Android-based MIUI 6 operating system that enables new functions, shortcuts, customization and animations.

The Xiaomi Redmi 2 is now available through Lazada for only ₧5,999. Go to mi.com/ph for more details.

Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines; Angeli Nicole Portigo, Grand Lady Asclepian, Order of Asclepius

LENOVO

EMPOWERS YOUTHS

IN BOLSTERING BARANGAY

HEALTH AWARENESS

M

ANILA, Philippines: As Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, Inc.’s sponsor and consistent technology partner for four years, Lenovo has once again supported the organization in promoting Filipino youth’s active involvement in their communities.

This year, Lenovo presented the “2014 Most Innovative Project” award to the Order of Asclepius (OA) of West Visayas State University’s College of Medicine for its innovative use of technology in spreading health information around Iloilo barangay communities.

“Lenovo aims to become an agent of national change by empowering local communities through technological innovation. We are proud to honor the Order of Asclepius as this year’s Most Innovative Project awardee, and we hope to inspire more youth groups to become nation-building advocates that leverage on the power of technology in serving their respective communities,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines.

SPREADING HEALTH INFORMATION THROUGH VIDEOS

As a health-oriented non-profit organization, OA promotes community health and offers humanitarian services in the spirit of social responsibility. It is composed of 55 resident members along with over 500 senior members and medical professionals who regularly conduct free medical and surgical missions as well as other healthcare campaigns.

Having seen the disproportionate number of barangay health workers serving barangay residents, OA produced a two-episode video, Order in Action: Videos for Health Skills (OAVHS), to ensure that communities have access to basic health care. OAVHS demonstrates how to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, pulse rate,

temperature, and respiratory rate – reducing barangay residents’ reliance on local health centers, some of which can only accommodate a maximum of 50 patients per day.

The two-part video also provides first aid instructions for handling basic wound care, fractures, and animal bites.

OA has distributed the OAVHS videos and even provided DVD players along with basic health kits to health centers in five local barangays.

The OAVHS videos have since helped barangay residents become more responsible by placing their health in their own hands. Through the health initiative, beneficiary communities have become more health conscious, with proper health records and monitoring practices.

LEVERAGING ON LENOVO FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Following OAVHS’ success, OA plans to reach out to barangay health centers in more rural communities. OA will also continue making videos to educate barangay residents with topics covering basic life support, mental health awareness, and basic hygiene. OA eventually intends to leverage on mobile devices like tablets to meet the

organization’s growing presentation needs while reducing reliance on DVD players, which can only be used in health centers with electricity.

“The Order of Asclepius is continually developing more videos to make health care and sanitation information more accessible to rural communities. As we expand our video library, we are banking on tablets such as the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2, to better spread the word and improve health literacy, especially in areas without access to electricity,” said Angeli Nicole Portigo, Grand Lady Asclepian, Order of Asclepius.

As a token, Lenovo sponsored OA with a Yoga Tablet 2 to help the organization cope with presentation requirements in more rural areas. Featuring an epic 18-hour battery life, the Yoga Tablet 2 functions effortlessly in Hold, Tilt, Stand, and Hang modes, shattering the norm in tablet endurance and user mobility. With the Yoga Tablet 2 in hand, OAVHS can cross various adoption barriers such as power outages and the absence of electrical sockets with ease, thus solidifying their cause to emphasize the importance of healthcare in rural areas.

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

M O N D AY : M AY 1 1 : 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

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ASEAN LEGAL EAGLES At the recent ASEAN Law Association (ALA) farewell dinner with First Pacific managing director and Philex chairman Manny Pangilinan as guest speaker, Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and other members of the high tribunal showed a more relaxed side as they took to the dance floor. Delegates from Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Brunei and the other ASEANmember countries also showed that they know how to have fun outside the confines of the courtroom.

An association of lawyers, judges, and justices from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ALA recently held its general assembly in Manila as the venue. The last time the Philippines hosted this august gathering was in 1995.

Following a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III, the group held six workshops under the theme: “Sharing Prosperity at the Crossroads of ASEAN Integration – The Legal Challenges,” with topics that include the Legal Profession, Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Law, Business Law, Trade & Investment and Legal Education.

ALA members were unanimous in pushing for liberalization of cross-border legal and transnational services; harmonization of laws on alternative dispute resolution and enforcement of awards in the ASEAN; harmonization of domestic laws on environmental protection and creation of specialized environmental tribunals; protection of foreign investments; access to justice and a proposal as well for a course on ASEAN Law and eventual establishment of an ASEAN Law University.

Founded in 1979, ALA is the exclusive affiliate for law as designated by the 2007 Charter of the ASEAN which is pushing for economic integration this year.

HHHHH It is really auspicious to see some of the country’s largest business groups coming together to strengthen efforts in preventing and reducing disaster risk, realizing that companies are not only exposed to natural hazards, but also often contribute to increased disaster risk even as they drive economic growth.

Just recently, the private sector-led Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) conceptualized a Disaster Operation Center (DOC) that will serve as a hub for coordinating quick response efforts from both the government and private sectors during disasters.

To be located in Pampanga and housed in an existing building in the CSEZ donated by the Clark Development Corporation, the DOC will be a self-sufficient office equipped with facilities for training and response needs that will operate 24/7.

The strategic location will make it accessible to Clark airport, the Subic- Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and the seaport of Subic Bay. The great thing about it is that the PDRF, which is co-chaired by Ayala Corporation chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, and PLDT boss Manny Pangilinan, continues to promote solidarity in the business sector as it works with the national and local governments for the shared vision of building a strong, resilient, and disaster-prepared country.

Top-conglomerates are progressively aligning risk reduction efforts with PDRF’s, looking at business practices that promote resilience. New opportunities for public-private partnerships and an overall improved risk governance are also being opened.

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Atty. Mike T. Toledo starts with his column “Mike About Town” offering a mix of events and happenings in society – from business to politics and government and even the international community in the Philippines. A former presidential spokesperson and now the media bureau head of one of the biggest conglomerates in the country today, the suave Atty. Mike certainly gets to hobnob with the movers and shakers as he goes about town.

1 Leaders from various sectors coordinate efforts to achieve synergy in disaster relief and rehabilitation. 2 (From left) PDRF cochairmen Manny Pangilinan of the PLDT and Metro Pacific Investment Corp., Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel. 3 Philippine Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno (center) and other dignitaries of the ASEAN Law Association present a plaque of appreciation to First Pacific’s Manny Pangilinan during the ALA general assembly farewell dinner at the Makati Shangri-La. Also in photo are (from left) Avelino Cruz, newly elected ALA president and former president of ALA Philippines; Indonesian Chief Justice and immediate past president Hatta Ali; Regina Geraldez, secretary-general; and Indonesia’s Swandy Halim, immediate past secretary-general. 4 Guest speaker Manny Pangilinan urges the ALA to help facilitate the region’s economic integration by promoting the rule of law and crafting “converging laws” within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 5 With Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno who displays grace on the dance floor. In the background are Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe and husband Atty. Ricardo Bernabe. 6 Brunei delegation head, Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Haji Kifrawi bin Dato Paduka Haji Kifli (center) 7 Vietnam Lawyers Association vice president Le Minh Tam and Atty. Ave Cruz 8 Director General Kyaw San of the Attorney General’s office of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar 9 Chief Justice Dato Lela Negara Tun Arifin bin Zakaria of Malaysia 10 Djenal Sidik Suraputra, head of the delegation from Indonesia, Swandy Halim and Kyaw San 11 Outgoing ALA Secretary General Swandy Halim of Indonesia and Atty. Ave Cruz 12 Outgoing ALA president and Indonesian Chief Justice Dr. Hatta Ali, former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, PLDT’s Manny Pangilinan and newly-elected ALA president Atty. Ave Cruz

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M ONDAY : M AY 11 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

C5

The no. 1 mobile brand in the country Globe Telecom is now officially the proud partner of Disney Family Entertainment with brands including Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and global leader in short-form video, Maker Studios. Celebrating the partnership are (L-R) Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, Disney’s Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse, special guest and Disney legend Lea Salonga, and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, Rob Gilby.

GLOBE, DISNEY SEAL MULTIYEAR COLLABORATION

T

he Philippines’ no. 1 mobile brand, Globe Telecom, enhances the Filipino digital lifestyle experience, again, with a comprehensive and multi-year collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia.

This collaboration will give Filipino customers access to video-on-demand, interactive content, promotions and other related services across multiple devices and affirms the relationship of Globe with Disney whose brands include Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and global leader in short-form video, Maker Studios.

Globe customers will now have access to an array of Disney content offerings including long- and short-form programming, interactive content and games, theatrical releases and retail promotions.

Disney Movies On Demand (DMOD) is an on-demand subscription service for selected evergreen Disney and Pixar titles such as the Toy Story franchise, Finding Nemo, The Princess Diaries, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas, Cinderella and much more. They now can be viewed on any device anytime, anywhere Disney On Demand (DOD) is an on-demand subscription service for selected Disney TV favorites such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Phineas & Ferb, andt can be watched on any device anytime, anywhere Maker On Demand is an on-demand subscription service featuring the best shortform videos from Maker

Studios’ portfolio of content across gaming, comedy, music, sports, fashion, and family, to name a few, featuring popular talent from Makers’ network of 55,000 creators globally.

Maker and Globe will also team to create custom branded entertainment featuring top digital influencers—supporting the Globe service.

WATCH Disney Channel apps are entertainment apps that provide access to Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD. Kids and Family can enjoy all the three Disney Channels via this digital destination.

Disney Interactive is a world of mobile and web-based games, apps and e-books based on the best-loved Disney stories.

There are also promotions, merchandising and retail activations that bring Disney’s latest theatrical releases closer to Filipinos.

“We are very happy to enter into a relationship with such an iconic brand. Everyone loves Disney –that’s why we are excited to bring the brand closer to Filipinos and give the best content experience on their devices anytime, anywhere. We know that our customers are equally excited to get into the wide portfolio of Disney content such as movies, TV shows, games, merchandising, theatrical releases, and interactive videos available across our mobile and broadband services,” says Dan Horan, Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business.

“We are thrilled to bring

the Disney brand of storytelling closer to more Filipinos through this collaboration with Globe,” said Rob Gilby, managing director, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia. “With this unique collaboration, Disney fans in the Philippines will now be able to take their favorite stories and beloved characters everywhere they go across their choice of devices.”

This collaboration continues the journey of Globe as it brings globally innovative brands and content to the Philippine market, including tie-ups with Facebook, Google, Viber, Spotify, NBA, Hooq and recently WhatsApp. These partnerships, together with the company’s $790M network transformation program, have cemented Globe as the undisputed leader in mobile data business, enriching the customer experience with entertainment and lifestyle content offerings.

In 2014, Globe mobile browsing and other data revenues reached P14.3 billion in 2014, up 23 percent from P11.6 billion in the previous year, giving Globe a clear edge in the mobile data business with 64 percent revenue market share.

The Globe network also carried significantly higher data traffic at 87,000 terabytes of data, increasing 270 percent from the previous year because of a significant surge in mobile browsing activity and higher smartphone adoption among its customers.

The audience at the latest Wonderful World with Globe event welcomed the special guests for the evening, the iconic Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Guests got to experience the different Disney brands such as Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and Maker, through various interactive booths and activities.

M ONDAY : M AY 11 : 2015

C6

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

LOURD DE VEYRA BREAKS NEWS PERSONALITY MOLD

W

Lourd de Veyra is the face many young people watch either on TV or online

ith his unconventional way of voicing out his opinion and taking a stand, Lourd De Veyra is definitely not your typical broadcast news personality.

This multi-awarded multi-hyphenate media celebrity has a unique appeal that has made him a youth icon, drawing more young followers for his literary works and his online articles alike, and attracting more viewers for his programs on News5, TV5’s News and Information arm.

De Veyra may be in a league of his own, yet his achievements give him an edge as a literary and musical artist as well as the credibility as a journalist and broadcast personality.

He was named Best Male News Anchor at the 13th Gawad Tanglaw Awards and received the accolade as Best Culture-Based

Documentation Host from the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA). He was also a recipient of the 2014 Adamson University Annual Media Award and the Outstanding Achievement in the Broadcast Media (Television) honor from the 8th Hildegarde Awards.

Currently, he contributes to the lively delivery and discussion of the day’s latest news in TV5’s weekday early morning newscast Aksyon sa Umaga (in which he also articulates his socio-political opinion in his signature deadpan humor via his popular – and often viral – segment Word of the Lourd) and gives weather reports like no other in the flagship weeknight primetime newscast Aksyon. He has also gained recognition as host of the eye-opening weekly documentary History with Lourd that sheds light on several controversies, untold stories and intrigues in Philippine history.

Moreover, De Veyra extends his wit and wisdom to radio via Radyo5 92.3 News FM through

the radio program Chillax, dishing out satirical social commentary with a jazzy edge. He also continues to make waves online through the special digital-only newscast Kontrabando, which is fast gaining popularity especially among the youth for its truthful and in-yourface retelling of the news. With Ramon Bautista, Jun “Bayaw” Sabayton, and RA Rivera, anyone can access it via the Word of the Lourd Facebook page.

All these and more reflect his dedication to bringing news, information and his own socio-political opinion in a fresh and innovative manner that appeals to younger and progressive audiences.

These viewers and listeners have come to appreciate News5’s efforts in breaking traditional practices in news and public service. With intelligent, talented and credible personalities like him onboard, News5 is set to usher a new era of ‘cause journalism’ that reaches out to people in the most distinctive and thought provoking way possible.

NOLASCO HELPS FALLEN 44 FAMILIES

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ir Materiel Wing Savings and Loan Association, Inc. (AMWSLAI) Chairman and President Ricardo L. Nolasco donated recently P440,000 to the families of the Fallen 44 SAF Heroes. Police Deputy Director General Leonardo A. Espina received the Donation on behalf of the families.

In another occasion, the AMWSLAI chair and president also donated P200,000 to the families of the soldiers who either died or wounded in the battle in Mindanao. The donation was received by the Vice Commander of the Philippine

Army MGen Demosthenes C. Santillan in the Philippine Army HQ in Fort Bonifacio.

AMWSLAI, formed 58 years ago and which has been under the stewardship of Col. Nolasco for over 25 years, has achieved quantum leaps since then.

Yet, Col. Nolasco said, “We are not resting on our laurels.

We’re striving to be the leader in our industry through innovation, cutting edge technology and professionalism.”

Col. Nolasco, who is also president of the Confederation of Non-Stock Savings and Loan Association, shared that AMWSLAI’s primary

purpose is to uplift the welfare and well-being of its more than 207,000 members composed of active and retired members of he Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police and their families.

Col. Nolasco is also the owner of Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, which was awarded as “2014 Most Outstanding Tourist Destination” by Gawad Amerika. The resort is named after Col. Nolasco’s daughter Hannah, a budding singer and recording artist.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Baby goat 4 Kind of film 8 Relieved sigh 12 Lebowski’s nick name 13 Melville opus 14 Sights for psychics 16 Remnant 17 Table nicety (2 wds.)

19 Gawked 21 Ocean dweller

22 23 25 27 31 35 36 38 39 41 43 44

Bug repellent Waters in Paris “Hud” Oscar-winner Rental stables Pizza eighths Santa — winds Famed viol.

Newlywed’s acquisition (hyph.)

Butterfly stage — boom Airport exit TV teaser

46 48 49 51 53 55 56 59 61 65 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

Inert gas Ten-percenter Venus’ sister Germane Keep an eye on — -eyed Memsahib’s nanny Sugar Ray stats Short on iron Gossip (2 wds.)

Frenzy Boom-box issue Podium feature Fencing sword Statistics Zipped along Summer hrs.

DOWN 1 Russell or Vonnegut 2 Glimmering 3 Longitude unit 4 Pipelines 5 Ms. Thurman 6 Easy stride 7 Remembrance 8 Stovetop item 9 Leaping over 10 Huron neighbor 11 Ebb 12 Tooth pro’s deg.

15 Mil. rank

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015

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French islands What the walls have?

Office copier Rope-a-dope boxer Reindeer herders Harden Fog or steam Not as wacky Bow of the silents Wolfed down Cleaned house Orders from the menu February’s stone Nabbed United Flashy sign “Lonely Boy” singer Turned sharply Campus buildings “That Girl” girl Kind of music Vast region Leave out Explorer’s sketches Now — — it!

So-so mark Legume Just scrape by

Dina Barbonio and Davie Repollo, Ronald Dominguez, VP for Compliance, Lt. Morado Mercado, Lt. Ricardo, Perido and Lt. Angel Tapac, Gen. Espina, Col. Nolasco, Capt. Odeon Mendoza, Lt. Cedric Reyes, Leilanie Casa, Irene Sarmiento, Marivic Villena and Jenny Timpug

Col. Cesario T. Almendral, Col. Rowen S. Tolentino, Col. Ernesto C. Torres, Jr., MGen Santillan, Col. Nolasco, Col. Thaddeus P. Estalila and Col. Ismael A. Abad

News5 Head Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Rescue5’s Paolo Bediones, TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, and Foton's top officials.

NEW AMBULANCE FOR RESCUE5 The acclaimed and multi-awarded emergency response unit, Rescue5, takes its renowned cause journalism efforts and public service campaign to even greater heights, now with its special partnership with top commercial vehicle brand, Foton Philippines, with its donation of a brand-new Foton ambulance.

The well equipped and full-frontline ambulance allows the entire Rescue5 team to further its cause and service in giving Filipinos from all walks of life the proper aid and immediate assistance needed in times of emergencies and other related situations.

Leading the ceremonial turnover of the Rescue5 ambulance from Foton Philippines were no less than News5 Head Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Rescue5’s Paolo Bediones, TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, Foton Philippines President and CEO Rommel Sytin, and Foton International Executive GM for PV Operations Robert Zhang.

Lorenzana said the partnership between the Kapatid Network and Foton Philippines, actually started even long before, with their support in the PBA tournaments. “In fact, it is a very pleasant surprise that they donated this ambulance to Rescue5, which is really a recognition and sign of respect they have for Rescue5 – on how it has become a really big force in helping people, espe cially in times of emergencies. This partnership only further strengthens News5 and Rescue5’s motto, ‘Higit sa Balita, Aksyon’, because in the end, this is really in the service for everybody, especially for people in need.”

Rescue5 can be reached on (02) 922-51-55, Twitter account: @RESCUE5PH, and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RESCUE5PH.

M ONDAY : M AY 11 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C7

From C8

ARNEE HIDALGO SAYS, ‘BRING YOUR STYLE

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he favorite sexy, sultry, R&B mommy from The Voice of the Philippines is back totally, extending her reach beyond the music scene and into cosmetics.

Arnee Hidalgo is now an ambassador of one of the most fun, fashionable and affordable cosmetics brands in the Philippines – BYS. Originally from Australia and brought to you by iFace Inc., the brand’s handle, “Bring Your Style for a beautiful, youthful, stunning You,” encourages women to embrace their inner, fiercer fashionistas, as Arnee has. A devoted mother who actively pursues her dreams with great style, she is truly an inspiration to all Filipinas out there, and the perfect role model for such a campaign.

Truly a trendsetter, Arnee - along with Jeffrey Hidalgo (her brother), a seasoned composer and director;

Ickay Eusebio, noted choreographer and John Lozano, celebrity stylist - has helped BYS become the first cosmetic brand to break into the music scene with a hit song and dance that is not only upbeat and catchy, but also empowering.

Telling people everywhere to “Be brave” and “Be fearless,” BYS caters to all from the young and wild to the confident and classy.

Their artistic endeavor has shown everyone what it truly means to be diverse and have a great range (as big as their ever-expanding product line, available exclusively at The SM Store and selected Watson’s stores).

As part of this exciting campaign, Arnee has a series of mall shows nationwide that started on May 9 at SM Sta. Rosa and May 10 at SM Calamba to promote her latest single, with the perfect combo of makeup and zumba fitness sessions.

Arnee Hidalgo is the new face of BYS cosmetics

HHHHH After 50 years, Ateneans who graduated from grade school in 1965 gather once more in a historic celebration at the Ateneo Grade School grounds on May 31 to relive fond memories with the theme, “ Batang Bata Pa Kami @50 years.”

To be held at Singson Hall at 6 p.m., the celebration will kickoff with a wreath laying ceremony at the St. Ignatius statue at 3 p.m. followed by a campus tour at 4 p.m. and mass at the Grade School chapel at 5 p.m..

The organizing committee of the celebration promises a fun-filled night highlighted by a program with entertainment, an audio-visual presentation, a raffle draw and games that will provide attendees the opportunity to walk through memory lane and reminisce their first years as young Ateneans. Jim Paredes is also scheduled to auction off four prized framed photographs.

Attendees will be charged a minimal P300 that includes a buffet Thai dinner with drinks, a commemorative shirt and keychain.

Out of 262 who graduated, and with 31 who are now deceased, potential attendees total 262.

Each class representative has been assigned to contact classmates to drive higher attendance.

The organizing Committee is composed of Aris Africa, Bob Ortiz, Romy Libongco, Reevie Vergara, Greg Cancio, Butch Raquel, and Jim Paredes.

For inquiries, please contact Butch Raquel at 09178037868 or Aris Africa at 09175315901.

DENNIS AND JENNYLYN NOT SO TOGETHER YET JOSEPH PETER GONZALES

Dennis Trillo sheds light on the persistent rumor that he and former flame Jennylyn Mercado are back into each other’s arms following reports that they were together in Balesin during the recent Lenten season.

“I won’t deny that we’ve seen each other in Balesin but that’s just a chance encounter. Regarding our present status, all I can say is that we’re okay at this point. We’re friends. We go out. I think there’s nothing wrong with that, right?” he says.

Many ask how he feels that he and Jen managed to remain friends despite their break-up before.

“Of course, it’s a nice feeling.

Instead of wallowing in anger or the negative, we were able to preserve what’s good. We forgot about past hurt or pain. At least, we have mutual peace of mind and that’s what’s important!”

Based on general observation, he is not the type who goes back to a previous love. But his fans with Jen believe that something special is going on between them now.

“Honestly, there’s nothing like that at this point. Jen and I just enjoy our rekindled friendship.

It’s like making up for the lost times. We’re both happy about the development,” Dennis states.

Interestingly, how did the two of them reconnect?

“Oh, first was when we collaborated for her latest album. It was the start. We also bumped into each other often when we do work-outs since we go to the same gym. Then, there was my

Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo are friends but not a couple again

participation in her last Valentine concert at the Skydome in which we sang a duet. From there, we started rediscovering each other as friends until now…”

There must be changes in Jennylyn now as compared to those times when they were still sweethearts.

“I think she became more mature because of the experiences she’s gone through. It made her more beautiful as a person. Of course, on the physical aspect, she has also become far lovelier…and sexier!”

According to an old adage, love is lovelier the second time around. Fans are tickled pink with the thought that it could apply to him and Jen. “Many say it is true. Yes, I believe in that as well. But as of now,

Lovi Poe and Rocco Nacino have no marriage plans

all I can say is that Jen and I are happy that we are friends once again. I don’t want to put any label to our present state. It’s safe not to jump ahead of the whole scenario.

“We’ve gone more mature and it contributed to the mutual peace we enjoy right now. As I’ve mentioned earlier, we’re happy to have turned the tables around: converting all the negatives in the past to positive,” ends Dennis.

HHHHH In spite of the fact that their relationship continues to go stronger, Roco Nacino and Lovi Poe don’t have immediate plans to tie the knot.

“I believe we’re still young for that,” says Rocco. “Marriage is something that’s far from our mind at this point.”

“That’s true!” seconds Lovi.

“Rocco and I don’t put ourselves under pressure with such thought. We just enjoy what we have right now.”

But do they see themselves ending up together in the future?

“It’s hard to say because we don’t know what the future holds but as for me, I see all the positive things. For one, Rocco is a good man,” Lovi avers.

Apart from being lovers, their friendship is one of their strengths as a couple.

“We’re friends for a long time so the foundation is solid. We didn’t instantly become lovers.

I guess that’s one good thing.

We don’t easily get tired of each other and we’re not that super cheesy,” explains Rocco.

M ONDAY : M AY 11 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ 1 Glydel Mercado is Jade’s mom who enjoys the comforts of her married life 2 A new love triangle among Rhian Ramos, Luis Alandy, and Glaiza de Castro; Luis Alandy finally is a primetime drama leading man 3 Chynna Hortaleza cuts her hair to be in character as a butch

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ANOTHER PROVOCATIVE DRAMA SERIES ON GMA NETWORK ISAH V. RED It wasn’t long ago when the Kapuso network offered its followers a different kind of drama series, one that focused on the same-sex relationship. In the end, My Husband’s Lover became the talk of the town, and its star Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo became a wish-it-were-true on-screen couple to lots of male homosexuals that followed their series and to many women too.

Though their wish hasn’t come true yet (many are still hoping the two actors would end up gay in real life, which I think is not improbable, if not impossible) Tonight, GMA Network premieres The Rich Man’s Daughter.

This time the network trains its eyes on another same-sex romance, choosing the opposite end of the pole – female homosexuals or more popularly known as lesbians.

According to the executives in 4

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the network’s drama group, this series has been inspired by a news item in a Hong Kong newspaper about a father who offered millions of HK dollars for any man who could make his daughter fall for him and eventually marry her.

In this localized drama series, the focus is on the Filipino Chinese family of Oscar (Al Tantay) who finds out that his daughter, Jade (Rhian Ramos), is a lesbian. The series follows how he is forced to offer P5million to aman who will marry her. But this move will also hurl whole family into a series of discoveries.

And as Jade discovers something about herself and upholds her personal truths, will she still be able to experience unconditional love from her family and friends? Will she be able to hold on to her personal truths and fight for her love even if it will destroy her family?

The series airs Monday to Friday nights after Let the Love Begin on GMA Telebabad.

It stars Rhian Ramos who will display her versatility as an actor whiles breathing life to the character of Jade 6

dresses up like a man.

Sheena Halili is Sally Lim-Apolinario, Jade’s kikay and dependable best friend.

Gloria Romero plays Ama/ Cecilia Tanchingco, the heart of the family. She spoils all her grand children, especially Jade.

She doesn’t really meddle when it comes to their businesses. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, her life and her family’s lives become more intertwined.

Making the story more interesting is Pauleen Luna (Pearl Sy-Tanchingco), Jade’s sister-inlaw, married to Jade’s brother Gabriel. She is secretly jealous of her in-laws’ attention for Jade.

Paolo Contis is Anton Maceda, a guy who comes from an old rich family. He will become Jade’s fake suitor/boyfriend since he is just after the riches of the Tanchingcos.

TJ Trinidad is Gabriel Tanchingco, eldest son of Oscar and Amanda, brother of Paul and Jade. He is being groomed and trained to lead their businesses. Gabriel will do anything for the family.

Charee Pineda is Angeline San

Tanchingco, which he admits is her most challenging role to date.

The youngest and only daughter, Jade is the family’s jewel. And when she meets Althea Guevarra (Glaiza de Castro), everyone’s perspective of her life and persona changes.

Althea is a smart, independent and driven woman, sexy, classy, yet a proud lesbian.

Also making the drama more complicated is the character Luis Alandy is playing. He is David Limjoco, Jade’s long-time boyfriend. He is educated, proud of his humble beginnings, and is very responsible. He longed to marry Jade one day and is challenged when Jade falls for someone else.

Katrina Halili is Wila Mateo, another lesbian. She is Althea’s ex-girlfriend who vows to hate the person her ex falls for.

Mike Tan is Paul Tanchingco, Jade’s older brother. He is a quiet and private person. He is also protective of Jade. Paul has his own dark secrets.

Chynna Ortaleza is Batchi Luna, is what in the lesbian culture calls a butch. She acts and 7

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Jose, Gabriel’s real love. Gabriel left her for Pearl but she remains in love with him. Stephanie Sol is Abby Luna, Batchi’s live-in partner.

Al Tantay plays Oscar Tanchingco, the father of Gabriel, Paul and Jade. He is also the CEO and president of the family businesses.

He treats Jade like a princess.

Glydel Mercado is Amanda Tanchingco, wife of Oscar who initially wasn’t accepted by Oscar’s family but eventually welcomed when she gave birth to a girl they named Jade.

She will do anything to keep things the way when she was finally embraced into her husband’s clan.

Tony Mabesa is Angkong/ John Tanchingco, the patriarch of the family. His favorite grand child is Jade and he will do everything for her.

The Kapuso network expects this provocative drama will spark another fiery interest among its followers and make their nightly viewing of the drama satisfying enough to make it on the trending lists among the social media. ➜ Continued on C7

4 Gloria Romero plays an Alzheimer-bound grand matriarch 5 Charee Pineda, the jilted lover 6 TJ Trinidad plays the Tanchingco eldest son 7 Katrina Halili returns as a fierce ex-lover of a lesbian 8 Sheena Halili is Ramos’ best friend 9 Al Tantay, the Tanchingco family patriarch who will die to find her daughter a husband