The Standard - 2016 January 15 - Friday

VOL. XXIX NO. 337 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 FRIday : JaNUaRy 15, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Filipinos in UAE assured of safety

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Pnoy rEjEcts sss PEnsion incrEAsE

By Sandy araneta, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon ramos-araneta

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III vetoed a bill Thursday that would have raised Social Security System pensions by P2,000 a month across the board, and increased the minimum monthly pension from P1,200 to P3,200, arguing that the move would deplete the agency’s funds in 13 years.

The veto was criticized by lawmakers who slammed the President’s lack of compassion for pensioners and their dependents.

“The President has informed Congress… that he has vetoed the enrolled House Bill No. 5842, which provides for a P2,000 across-theboard increase in the monthly pension of Social Security System [SSS] pensioners and adjustment of the minimum monthly pension from P1,200 to P3,200, for members who have contributed the equivalent of 10 credited years of service [CYS], and from P2,400 to P4,000, for those with at least 20 CYS,” a statement released by Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

“In his message, President Aquino said the stability of the entire SSS benefit system, whose present membership comprises about 31-million individuals, will be seriously compromised in favor of two million pensioners and their dependents,” the statement said.

In a press briefing, Coloma said the SSS would run out of funds in 13 years if the bill was passed.

“We have 2.1-million SSS members who are receiving pension and if each one would receive the proposed P2,000 a month increase, times 13 months, the amount we are looking at is P56 billion a year,” Coloma said. “And the immediate effect on this is that funds will be depleted for Cheers. President Benigno Aquino III leads the traditional New Year toast during the 29th Vin d’ Honneur in Malacañang on Thursday. MalaCañang the 31-million members in 2029 or 13 Photo Bureau Next page years from now.”

‘Poe biggest loser with entry of Duterte’

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Manila now wants joint sea patrol pact MANILA is keen on having an agreement with the US on joint patrols in disputed portions of the South China Sea, Philippine officials said during their 2+2 ministerial meeting in Washington D.C. on Jan. 12.

“The 2+2 meeting extensively discussed the South China Sea issue, with the US side reiterating the US ironclad commitment to the defense of

the Philippines while the Philippines batting for joint patrols. The US also conveyed that it remains committed to the AFP’s modernization program,” Defense spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said Thursday.

The Philippine Navy, which is now undergoing modernization, is sorely lacking in ships capable of long-range patrols.

In the meeting, the US emphasized

that it will not allow China to control the South China Sea and will act to ensure that freedom of navigation is respected.

It also stressed that they will continue to fly and sail whenever and wherever international law allows.

The US also committed to maintain presence in the South China Sea to include naval, sub-sea, air and special Next page forces.

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‘Only humanitarian aid can be stockpiled by US’

By Sandy Araneta and Vito Barcelo

AMERICAN forces who will be allowed access to Filipino military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement are only allowed to stockpile humanitarian assistance and disaster relief equipment, the spokesman for the Armed Forces said Thursday.

“The storage of equipment right now is limited to HADR equipment, so no tanks, no war fighting equipment for the moment,” said Col. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces spokesman.

The stockpiling of HADR equipment such as water purifiers, generators, lighting equipment, trucks and heavy lift vehicles would allow for a quick response to disasters or calamities, Padilla said.

Padilla also said there would not be a sudden flood of American troops as a result of Edca, saying the strength of the US presence would depend on the recommendation of the Mutal Defense Board-Security Engagement Board.

Among the Filipino military bases that will be open to US troops are Fort Magsayay in Nueva Ecija; Crow Valley in Tarlac; Basa Air Base, in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu; Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Camp Macario Peralta in

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Coloma said the responsibility of the government is to ensure the increase could be justified.

The stability of the SSS also had to be ensured so that the majority of members—particularly the retirees—would benefit.

“The government would be irresponsible if it allowed the depletion of the funds,” Coloma said.

The SSS, he added, is studying other measures to increase benefits to its members, without hurting its stability.

Asked if the move would hurt the President politically, Coloma said the long-term effects of his decisions were more important.

He said the Palace would leave it to Congress, if it wanted to override the veto with a two-thirds vote.

Coloma also denied allegations by the Kilusang Mayo Uno that the problem was that the government failed to collect SSS contributions from several employers.

“The truth is the collection efficiency improved. From 2010 up to 2014, net revenue increased. During the five-year period [20102014], the average was P33 billion compared to the average of only P8 billion from 2000 to 2009. So their allegations have no basis at all,” Coloma said.

The proof is there is a 50-percent growth in assets in the last five years, he added.

Coloma also defended the hefty bonuses that top SSS executives voted for themselves, saying these were just a fraction of the total operating expenses of the SSS. But opposition lawmakers slammed the President for vetoing the bill.

The leader of the minority bloc in the House, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, denounced the move as being anti-poor and anti-people, and showed the lack of compassion and concern for the plight of pensioners and their dependents.

Jamindan, Capiz; Naval Station San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales, Antonio Bautista Airbase, Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro and Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City.

Defense Department spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said Edca, which was declared constitutional by the Supreme Court in a decision Jan. 12, will help boost maritime security and the country’s HADR capabilities.

Galvez said this also puts the Armed Forces in a better position to improve interoperability with the US military.

Malacañang said Thursday the Edca would strengthen ties between the Philippines and the United States.

“For the Philippines, the reality is this: We have a strategic partnership with the United States. We have the Mutual Defense Treaty, we have the Visiting Forces Agreement, and the Supreme Court had declared the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement as legal,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. “For the benefit of the country, we would like to strengthen this [strategic partnership with the US] and that is the relevance [of what President Barack Obama said] regarding the situation in the Philippines,” said Coloma.

Under the agreement negotiated by President Benigno Aquino III’s government, the US will be allowed to build structures, store as well as pre-position weapons, defense supplies and materiel, station troops, civilian personnel and defense contractors, transit and station vehicles, vessels, and aircraft for a period of 10 years.

The constitutionality of the pact was up-

held amid an ongoing dispute between the Philippines and China due to overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Delivering his final State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Barack Obama stressed that the United States, and not China, should “set the rules” in the Asia-Pacific region.

Obama mentioned China as he pushed the US Congress to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement among 12 countries in the region signed in October last year. China has not been invited to the TPP. “You want to show our strength in this century? Approve this agreement. Give us the tools to enforce it,” Obama told Congress.

Members of the TPP are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.

Restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution, among other things, have prevented the Philippines’ membership in the TPP, which China and Russia have criticized as an exclusive club.

Obama has said China must end artificial island building in the South China Sea, increasing the pressure on Beijing during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit.

Anti-American groups have opposed Edca, with the youth group Anakbayan calling it worse than the 1947 US Military Bases Agreement that the Senate junked in 1991.

“We junked the US bases in Subic and Clark only to transform the entire nation into one big US military base under Edca,” said Anakbayan chairman Vencer Crisostomo. With Rio N. Araja and PNA

“The beneficiaries represent the real working class during their time who may not be benefitting from government’s dole out program. This is a pro-poor policy that gives social justice,” Romualdez said of the vetoed bill.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., however, said the President’s action was understandable.

“He had no choice as the SSS could not afford it from an actuarial point of view. The House passed a sister bill giving the SSS board powers similar to that of the GSIS board to increase premiums, but it was not yet approved by the Senate. [Aquino] chose to be a fiscally responsible leader, and not just one driven by current politics,” Belmonte said in a text message.

Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna, principal authors of the measure, said the President’s decision summarized what the government’s policy of Daang Matuwid or the straight path is all about.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said veto would hurt administration candidates in the May elections.

“This is patently anti-pensioner, anti-poor and anti-worker,” Colmenares said. “The P2,000 hike is very reasonable and is badly needed by pensioners and their dependents,” he said.

Zarate said the President was “callous and heartless for the ordinary people but very generous and accommodating to the whims and caprices of his cronies as well as his business and foreign patrons.”

Both Zarate and Colmenares vowed to urge their colleagues in the House of Representatives and the Senate to work together to override the Aquino veto.

Albano warned the decision of the President might have repercussions on the popularity of his candidates in May elections but added that he might have had his own reasons for vetoing the bill.

“There must be something that he knows that we don’t,” Albano said.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. chided

Aquino for being insensitive to the plight of 1.9-million SSS pensioners.

“It seems that the President has chosen to look the other way, instead of being sensitive and looking at the realistic conditions of the pensioners who dedicated their active and healthy years to labor,” Marcos said.

“This is a sad day for all SSS pensioners and I am sure they are disappointed with the President’s veto of the measure granting a P2, 000 across-the-board increase to their monthly pension,” said Marcos.

He noted that governance is about caring for the people especially those who are incapable or less capable of taking care of themselves.

“I hope the President is not missing this point,” he said.

He said the pensioners, now most of them old and sickly, depend on their monthly SSS pension for their medical requirements and daily basic needs. An increase in the pension would definitely have been a relief.

“I am one of the authors of the Senate version of the measure and now that the President has decided against it, I hope the government has other plans to uplift the conditions of the pensioners,” said Marcos, who is running for vice president in the May elections.

Senators Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe said the vote was “unfortunate and sad.”

Villar said the elderly and the retired pensioners had been eagerly awaiting the enactment of the bill.

“It remains my position that the additional P2,000 can be given without putting the stability of the SSS fund in jeopardy.

Nonetheless, we will try to look for alternative ways to help the pensioners. If unable, we will prioritize the passage of the same bill next Congress,” Villar said.

Poe, a candidate for president, said the SSS should give a concrete alternative if it believes it cannot afford the additional P2,000 a month.

Senators Ralph Recto and Juan Edgardo Angara said they would seek a compromise to the P2,000 increase.

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In addition, the US urged the Philippines to stay closely coordinated with respect to the developments in the South China Sea. Noting China’s claim that it will not militarize the area, the US suggested the need for parties in the South China Sea to have a common and shared understanding of the term “militarization” to avoid growing tensions.

A common sense among the other parties would put pressure on China, it said.

At the close of their second high-level talks in Washington on Jan. 12, the foreign and defense chiefs of the Philippines and US issued a joint statement declaring the need for stronger military cooperation as China keeps expanding its presence in the waters also contested by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.

To enhance security and defense cooperation, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and US Secretary of State John Kerry, together with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, committed to enhance the Philippines’ maritime security presence and maritime domain awareness.

To demonstrate such a commitment, Washington is transferring a third high-endurance cutter and a research vessel to the Philippines this year.

Both sides also agreed to coordinate closely on the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which is expected to boost the number of US troops rotating through the Philippines.

The officials also vowed to boost militaryto-military cooperation and inter-operability through joint exercises, capacity-building, and intelligence sharing.

The meeting, called the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, is the highest level policy consultative mechanism between the Philippine and US governments. This was their first meeting since 2012.

The ministers also discussed regional and global challenges that threaten peace and stability and the rule of law as Del Rosario and Gazmin welcomed the reaffirmation of the ironclad US commitment to the defense of the Philippines.

Recently, China conducted two test landings at the Fiery Cross Reef—one of the seven features in the South China Sea that was transformed into artificial islands by Beijing, triggering concerns from the Philippines, Vietnam and US. In their statement, the ministers underscored the need “for all parties to refrain from provocative, unilateral actions that aim to change the status quo in the South China Sea.” They also noted that the ruling of the UN Law of the Sea Convention arbitral tribunal on Manila’s case that seeks to invalidate China’s massive sea claim would be legally binding on both China and the Philippines.

The ministers also highlighted the importance of parties taking active steps to reduce tensions, including halting the reclamation, construction on, and militarization of outposts in the South China Sea and to refrain from any actions that harass, coerce, or intimidate other parties in the South China Sea. “In particular, the ministers shared concern over recent test flights at Fiery Cross Reef, which exacerbate tensions and are inconsistent with the region’s commitments to exercise restraint from actions that could complicate or escalate disputes,” they said.

The ministers also expressed concern regarding large-scale land reclamation of occupied features, as well as the construction of new facilities and airstrips on them, and their impact on the marine environment, recognizing the importance of the South China Sea to the welfare and livelihoods of the many people who have for generations depended on the living resources of the South China Sea. In a separate meeting, the Philippines has welcomed the US Senate’s support for President Barack Obama’s maritime security assistance to Asia amid China’s rapidly increasing presence over the waters.

Demonstrating its keen interest in the latest developments in the region, the Senate Armed Services Committee introduced the Maritime Security Initiative in its FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act that allots $50 million to help enhance the maritime security capacities of countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

President Barack Obama first unveiled this maritime assistance plan when he was in Manila for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on Nov. 17, 2015. PNA

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Cayetano: Duterte threat to Poe SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday Senator Grace Poe had the most to lose in the presidential race with the entry of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, his running mate, in the contest.

Courtesy call. Vice President Jejomar Binay pays a courtesy call to Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates to discuss the welfare of the Filipino workers in his country.

He accused Poe of using Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as an “attack dog” to frustrate Duterte.

“Grace Poe is the biggest loser with the entry of Mayor Duterte for two reasons,” Cayetano told reporters.

“First, Mayor Duterte took the lead from her and second, Mayor Duterte isn’t afraid to talk about her being not a natural-born citizen.”

Cayetano made his statement even as Duterte said Thursday he supported public hanging to deter criminals.

“I will recommend to Congress the restoration of the death penalty by public hanging,” Duterte said.

“Almost all crimes are drug-related nowadays. I will restore order.

Crime has to be stopped. Illegal drugs have to be stopped.”

Cayetano blamed Poe when asked who was behind the continuing attacks on Duterte.

Trillanes had earlier asked Du-

terte to name him his running mate, but Duterte picked Cayetano instead.

“At least Secretary Mar [Manuel Roxas II, the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate] himself debated with Mayor Duterte. If Grace Poe has a problem with Mayor Duterte, why is she using Senator Trillanes as spokesman?” Cayetano said.

“Almost all of those who are attacking him are the ones who came to him and even asked him to raise their hands to be his vice president.

It’s just simply politics at play.”

Cayetano also repeated his call to Poe to inhibit herself from the Mamasapano probe, which will reopen on Jan. 27.

Poe said she would not inhibit herself from leading the probe in the Senate amid fears the process would be politicized.

“Can she not sacrifice a little bit of publicity and let other senators preside and attend? We can still monitor and participate by sending our questions,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said Poe could turn over the leadership of the Senate committee on public order and safety to other senators, as there would still be 17 sitting senators who could do her work. John Paolo bencito and Joel e. Zurbano

Poe defends ad on disqualification cases THE camp of Senator Grace Poe on Thursday defended her new political ad that says she will emerge victorious over the disqualification cases filed against her just as her late father, Fernando Poe Jr., did when he ran for president in 2004.

Poe’s detractors claim that her latest political ad may put the Supreme Court, which will decide whether or not she can run for president in this year’s elections, in a bad light.

Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, Poe’s spokesman, said the networks adhere to strict ethical standards and will vet each advertisement before it is aired.

“We’re sure that the networks will not allow any ad to air if it is against ethical or legal standards,” Gatchalian said in a text message.

He made his statement even as the Supreme Court on Thursday required the Office of the Solicitor General to appear during the oral arguments next week on the petitions of Senator Grace Poe assailing the decision of the Commission on Elections canceling her Certificate of Candidacy for the May 9 presidential election.

The Court gave its order despite the OSG’s decision not to represent the Comelec in the petitions filed by Poe questioning its decision to disqualify her due to her alleged failure to meet the 10year residency requirement and for not being a natural-born Filipino citizen.

The Court ordered the Solicitor General to appear before it on Jan. 19.

“The Solicitor General, as the Tribune of the People, is directed to participate in the oral arguments despite his manifestation that he will not represent the public respondent in these consolidated cases,” the high court said.

In Poe’s latest 30-second television ad, four neighbors are talking about her disqualification case. Then, when a male character says her case is similar to her father’s, a woman says: “But in the end, the Supreme Court allowed [FPJ] to run.’’

Lawyer Raymond Fortun earlier said the advertisement could put the Supreme Court in a bad light “if the outcome is different from what they want to portray.

“To come up with an ad that says “it is the same as what they did to her fa-

ther FPJ is a deception to the people,” Fortun said.

“Her lawyers should know better than to allow the release of an ad that may put the High Court in a bad light if the outcome is different from what they want to portray.”

Romulo Macalintal, another lawyer, said Poe’s case was different from her father’s because his parents were known and he had been declared natural-born unlike the senator, who is a foundling.

“This is now the issue: whether her parents were indeed Filipino citizens,” Macalintal said.

Poe has pending disqualification cases at the Supreme Court over her citizenship and residency.

The Court only recently sustained the restraining order it issued to the Comelec to stop it from disqualifying Poe in seeking the presidency.

The Comelec’s First Division canceled Poe’s CoC based on the petitions questioning her citizenship and residency filed by former senator Francisco Tatad, Amado Valdez and Antonio Contreras. Macon ramos-araneta and rey e. requejo

Binay assures workers of their safety in UAE VICE President Jejomar Binay on Thursday assured the safety of the more than 800,000 Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates following the rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Binay, who is in the UAE, said the Philippines was prepared to secure the Filipino workers’ safety in case anything happened.

“I urge the Philippine embassies in the Middle East to prepare and review their

contingency plans should we need to evacuate or repatriate our [workers],” Binay said.

He said a fund was available for emergency purposes, and that the embassies were aware that they could use that fund if necessary.

“You can rest assured your embassy is ready for whatever may happen as a result of the Iran and Saudi Arabia problem,” Binay said.

Binay said one of the reasons he went to the UAE

was to see the impact of the Saudi-Iran conflict on the Filipino workers there.

“So far, everything is normal [in the UAE] but I assured the Filipino community that this is not the first time we are facing this kind of crisis,” Binay said.

He repeated his call for a clear government policy on the payment of blood money to save Filipino workers from the death penalty in the Middle East.

“Having clear-cut guidelines on the use of blood money would greatly speed up the process of saving [Filipinos] from the death penalty in the Arab countries where the Sharia law applies,” Binay said.

He said he supported the inclusion of a P100-million legal assistance fund for migrant Filipinos in the budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs initiated by Senator Nancy Binay. Vito barcelo

Plans. Presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte talks about his plans if elected president in this year’s elections. Joel e.

Zurbano

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‘Probe irregularities in CHED’

By Maricel V. Cruz and Rio N. Araja

An opposition lawmaker has sought a congressional probe on the p1.23-billion funding for college scholarships in 2014 that were not spent by the Commission on Higher Education, saying this may constitute “gross negligence.”

Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said based on Commission on Audit’s 2014 annual audit report, at least P1.23 billion out of the total P5.2-billion fund for college scholarships, grants-in-aid, and studynow, pay-later loans remained unspent because of Ched’s low absorptive capacity.

CoA also noted several irregularities in the disbursement of the scholarship fund, including unliquidated cash advances, ineffective monitoring, and other operational lapses that resulted in “internal control weaknesses in the process-

ing and releasing of claims.”

“While many of our students and their families go to extreme lengths just to pay matriculation, here is Ched—awash in government funds yet unable to properly perform its mandate,” said Ridon, a member of the house Committee on higher and Technical education.

Ched’s Student Financial Assistance Programs ranges from P15,000 to P30,000 per academic year.

Ridon asked Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, chairman of the house panel, to conduct a motu

propio hearing next week.

“Congress needs to see whether there has been gross negligence committed by Ched officials that resulted to this deplorable situation. This is important, as the Stufap remains to be one of the highly funded programs of the said commission,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ridon demanded a separate congressional inquiry into the P3.13-billion funding that Ched received through the disbursement Acceleration Program which remained unliquidated until now.

Against Edca. Members of the militant group Bayan stage a protest in front of the US Embassy in Manila on Thursday condemning the Supreme Court’s upholding of the legality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. DANNY PATA

Jakarta attacks put AFP on alert

By Francisco Tuyay and Sandy Araneta MAlACAñAng on Thursday asked Filipinos to be vigilant following terrorist attacks in Jakarta that left at least seven people dead and injured several others.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine national Police went on full alert following the deadly attacks, which Indonesian police spokesman Anton Charliyan said may have been a copycat of the Paris siege and most likely linked to the ISIS terrorist group.

“The government affirms the call of the AFP and the PnP for our citizens to exercise heightened vigilance in support of our security forces’ concerted efforts to address the threats posed by terror elements,” Communications Secretary herminio Coloma Jr. said.

AFP spokesman Brig. gen. Restituto Padilla appealed to the public to be “extra vigilant” given the presence of terrorist groups in the country.

Several groups in Mindanao, among them the Abu Sayyaf, have pledged allegiance to ISIS although the military has downplayed this as mere “propaganda.”

“The military and the police are well aware of the emerging threat and have been conducting operations to prevent terror acts anywhere in the country. We appeal to the public to be extra vigilant and to help our security forces address the threat,” Padilla said.

Aquino still confident Roxas will win it all

By Sandy Araneta WITh administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II still trailing behind other presidential candidates in recent surveys, President Benigno Aquino III expressed confidence that Filipino voters will eventually vote for his anointed candidate who will continue his “daang matuwid” policy.

“I have every confidence in my countrymen, and I know they will not let our efforts go to waste. Come May, the Filipino people will choose my successor, displaying the same commitment to positive transformation that they have shown over the past five-and-a-half years,” the President said during the new Year’s Vin d’honneur at the Palace on Thursday.

“The straight path will open farther and wider well into the horizon of our nation’s future,” Aquino added.

The President has said that the 2016 elections will be a referendum on his administration. “did we do right things or wrong things? If we did the right things, then our chosen successor will be elected,” he said in an interview in September.

“If we were wrong, the people can fire us. It’s their right,” he added.

In the december The Standard Poll, 13 percent of the respondents said they will not vote for the candidate who will be endorsed by the President.

It was the highest percentage of negative vote among the top six possible political endorsers.

Seven percent of the respondents said they will not vote for candidates endorsed by their barangay chairman, mayor and governor. nine percent said they will junk bets endorsed by their congressman while 10 percent said they will not support candidates anointed by their religious leaders.

Seeking justice. Relatives of the 44 Special Action Force commandos

killed in Mamasapano last year arrive at the Department of Justice for the continuation of the hearings on the case on Thursday. (Related story on A6) DANNY PATA

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Iglesia: QC lot occupants trespassing

By Rio N. Araja

Thumbs-up for Cavite. Senatorial candidate Rep. Martin Romualdez (2nd from left) flashes the thumbs-up sign along with (from left) Cavite Rep. Luis ‘Jonjon’ Ferrer lV, General Trias City Mayor Antonio Ferrer and Vice Mayor Marito Sison during a courtesy call in General Trias City Hall, Cavite. VER NOVENO

Court order clears way for VP’s libel charges

By Vito Barcelo

THE Makati Regional Trial Court has said it will proceed with the P200-million damage suit filed

by Vice President Jejomar Binay against several people including senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Alan Peter Cayetano, citing a valid cause of action against Binay’s detractors.

“The Omnibus Order clearly belies the contention of the defendants that VP Binay’s damage suit is merely a harassment case,” according to lawyer Claro Certeza, Binay’s lead counsel.

“The vice president welcomes the development as it proves that in the proper venue, where the rules

of fair play are strictly observed, there can be a somber appraisal of the truth as to the charges hurled against VP Binay,” he added.

In a 40-page Omnibus Order issued by Judge Elpidio R. Calis last Jan. 5, the court denied several motions to dismiss the charges. The court also ruled that

the grounds relied upon by the defendants to dismiss the case were improper.

“VP Binay can now prove what he is saying all along—that the inquisitorial proceedings conducted by his political detractors were all designed simply to destroy his presidential bid,” Certeza said.

VP Binay filed the damage suit against Senators Cayetano and Trillanes IV; members of the Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee; former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado and general services head Mario Hechanova, lawyer Renato Bondal and Nicolas Enciso VI (the “Mercado Group”); Congressman Edgar Erice; Anti-Money Launder-

ing Council officials Amando Tetangco Jr., Emmanuel Dooc, Teresita Herbosa, and Julia Abad; Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, and the Philippine Daily Inquirer for “conspiring to destroy his reputation and consequently, to derail his presidential bid.”

The defendants were also sued for violating Articles 19, 20 and 21 (human relations), 32 (constitutional rights), and 2176 of the Civil Code when they repeatedly spread allegations of plunder, graft and corruption, and other illegal activities against him based on unverified and even fabricated sources, and despite the fact these have not been proven in court.

Cab drivers’ abuse cases alarming, says LTFRB exec

By Rio N. Araja AN OFFICIAL of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Thursday said the spate of abuses committed by taxi drivers against their passengers has already become “alarming.”

LTFRB board member Ariel Enrile Inton said taxi drivers generally are not abusive, but are also becoming hostile and violent.

“Alarming in the sense that illegal acts are no longer about over-charging or refusal to convey passengers.

Now, we’re talking about more violent acts, such as attempted homicide. In other words, there are some drivers out there who are willing and

ready to injure, and worse kill their passengers,” he said in a statement.

Inton reacted to a Jan. 13 incident where a taxicab driver pulled out a katana or samurai sword and tried to thrust it against his male passenger, who was then together with his 10-year-old son.

The victim, Bayani Arradza, complained to the Quezon City Police District that he and his son flagged down a taxi driven by Manuel Publico at UP Bliss in Quezon City last Wednesday at about 6:40 p.m., and instructed Publico to take them to Project 4.

He confronted Publico when he noticed that the driver was taking the route toward Cubao.

Proof. Iglesia Ni Cristo Spokesman Edwil Zabala and lawyer Moises Tolentino preside over

a press conference in Quezon City to announce the INC plan to file ejectment case in court against Angel Manalo and Lottie Hemedez who are accused of trespassing. Zabala and Tolentino show photos proving the existence of ‘goons’ inside the compound. LINO SANTOS

THE Iglesia ni Cristo on Thursday vowed to obtain legal relief over its ownership of a two-hectare houseand-lot property in Tandang Sora, Quezon City being occupied by the siblings of Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo.

At a news conference, INC lawyer Moises Tolentino Jr. said the church is bent on filing an ejectment case against Manalo’s younger brother, Felix Nathaniel Manalo, and sister, Lottie Manalo Hemedez, with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to force them to vacate the property as well as trespass to dwelling against any unauthorized persons “who come and go inside the compound” lawfully owned by the religious institution, and not by any family corporation.

“We will assert our right of ownership against unauthorized persons,” he said.

He said they have already sent Ka Angel a first demand letter to leave the place, to no avail.

“We will be issuing a second letter, then a third one. If the occupants still continue to ignore us, we will file an ejectment case,” he added.

He said Ka Angel and Lottie have defied a December 2015 order of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 222 to submit a list of all occupants at 36 Tandang Sora.

“But they defied the court order,” he added.

Edwil Zabala, INC spokesperson, said Manalo’s siblings have already been expelled, and therefore “they do not have the right to stay inside the compound lawfully owned by the INC.” “Remember, the INC is a religious institution, and not a family corporation. Even if the executive minister is their older brother, still the doctrine is above all,” he said.

“At first, we allowed them to stay inside the compound for humanitarian reasons, but because many person just come and go, we must take the appropriate actions,” he said.

Tolentino denied Hemedez’s claim that she and her husband owned the disputed lot and had possession of the land title.

“We are after two things—the right of the owner of the property to enjoy the rights of ownership on the property and the security of the place just adjacent the central office,” he said.

The siblings’ lawyer, Trixie Angeles, said they will face the ejectment case once filed in court.

The Manalo siblings, along with their mother Tenny, were expelled when they raised allegations of corruption within the church.

Last September 2015, the INC leadership filed a writ for a preliminary injunction against the Manalo’s, asking the court to prohibit them from allowing visitors.

Zabala presented to the media several photographs of unidentified men in masks entering the Manalos’ residence.

F R I D AY : J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 1 6

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Biscuits down 100 Makati studes

By Joel E. Zurbano

AT LEAST 100 elementary students were hospitalized on Thursday morning due to alleged food poisoning in a public school in Makati City.

No one was in critical condition but according to city chief information officer Gilbert delos Reyes, the students from Grade 4 to Grade 6 of Pio del Pilar Elementary School were brought to the Ospital ng Makati and the Palanan Health Center after suffering from abdominal pains.

The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. during recess.

Osmak attending physician Janina Bianca Ortiz said they have yet to identify the food or

liquid that caused discomfort to the students.

Ortiz said most students ate biscuits at the canteen but she could not say whether the snack poisoned them. She added they already took samples of the food and liquid taken by the students to determine the cause of food poisoning.

Acting Mayor Romulo Peña Jr. went to OsMak and assured the parents of the students that the city government would shoulder the hospital expenses. He

ordered the Makati Health Department and the Makati Police Department to conduct a joint investigation on the incident.

“We deeply regret the food poisoning incident earlier today in Pio del Pilar Elementary School that has caused at least 100 students to fall ill after reportedly ingesting snack foods sold by the school canteen,” said Peña in a statement.

“I have personally checked on the condition of the victims who were brought to Palanan Health Center and to Ospital ng Makati for immediate treatment. I am assuring their parents that the city government will shoulder the costs of their treatment and management until they have fully recovered.”

“The public may rest assured

that the city government will do its best to prevent a repeat of the unfortunate incident.”

Environmental group Ecowaste Coalition recently urged the Department of Education to review its food safety guidelines in schools to prevent incidents of food poisoning.

“To address this alarming wave of food poisoning episodes involving young children in public elementary schools, we urge the Department of Education to update its current food safety guidelines in line with Republic Act 10611 and to conduct mass food safety awareness programs in coordination with other national government agencies and with local government units, barangay councils and parent-teacher

associations,” said Sonia Mendoza, Ecowaste president.

The Food Safety Act of 2013 seeks to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the Philippines in order to, among other objectives, “protect the public from food-borne and waterborne illnesses and unsanitary, unwholesome, misbranded or adulterated foods.”

The law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations were adopted in February 2015.

“As we wait for the issuance of strengthened DepEd’s food safety regulations and guidelines, we appeal to food business operators, consignees and vendors to stick to basic food safety rules and prevent food poisoning events from happening again,” Mendoza said.

DoJ panel wraps up M’sapano inquiry

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice on Thursday concluded its preliminary investigation on the complaint for complex crime of direct assault with murder filed against 90 Muslim rebels, in connection with the massacre of 35 of the 44 elite commandos of the Special Action Force-Philippine National Police almost one year ago in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

DoJ spokesman Emmanuel Caparas revealed that the five-man investigating panel of prosecutors will soon come up with a resolution on whether there exists probable cause to indict the respondents on trial before the court.

“We should have a resolution soon after that (PI). Unless something earthshaking happens at Senate, we will continue,” Caparas told reporters.

During the last day of the preliminary investigation, State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez said that the complaint was submitted for resolution after the NBI manifested that it would no longer file a reply-affidavit on the counter-affidavits filed by only four of the 90 respondents.

“Out of the 90 respondents, only four respondents submitted their counter-affidavits and this case is now being submitted for resolution.

We terminate the preliminary investigation,” Suarez declared.

Those who submitted their counter-affidavits were Pendatun Utek Makakua, Mustapha Tatak, Lakiman Dawaling and Khalim Keda.

“They cannot tell actually the reason why they cannot file a counter-affidavit, but we the panel issued a subpoena for them to participate. As to matter of the decision to submit a counter-affidavit on this case, well, it’s up to them,” he said.

The prosecutor could not give a definite date on when to come up with the ruling. “We cannot give you a definite timeframe or period as we will resolve this case. What the panel can commit is we will expedite the resolution of this case,” he said.

The complaint was earlier filed with the DoJ by a joint team from the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Prosecution Service.

Those charged included 26 from the MILF, 12 from the BIFF, 52 who were either members of private armed groups or the Office of the Mayor of Mamasapano, or with no affiliations.

Road safety. Skyway O&M Corp., the Manila Toll Expressway Systems, Star Tollway Corporation and Private InfraDev Corporation together with

the Professional Models Association of the Philippines recently launched the 2016 Road Safety Campaign. Pegged from PMAP’s ‘I AM PMAP’ campaign, which promotes the value of being responsible members of the society, the toll road operators’ group has developed road safety materials like billboards and travel guides. Joining the campaign are HDI Admix, a leader in the Out-of-Home industry and the Global Road Safety Partnership group, an internationally recognized road safety advocate organization. In photo (L to R) are PMAP’s special projects officer Jairus Ferrer, disciplinary officer Paulette Quinto, event guest Paolo Tantoco of Rustan’s Marketing Corp., event host Jacq Yu, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway president Mark A. Dumol, South Toll Road president Manuel M. Bonoan, GRSP secretary-general Alberto Suansing, HDI Admix president Darmo Castillo, PMAP president Raphael Keifer and event host Aubrey Miles.

Napoles ready to testify on graft cases vs Estrada

Tourism booster. ‘Jeepito,’ a miniature jeepney, measures 55

inches high, 92 inches long and 42 inches wide. Its owner plans to take the Jeepito on a tour around the country to help boost tourism.

LINO SANTOS

JANET Lim Napoles on Thursday said she is willing to take the witness stand on the graft cases she and Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada are facing before the Sandiganbayan for involvement in the P10billion pork barrel fund scam.

Napoles is on the list of the possible witnesses on her pre-trial brief submitted to the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division.

Two accused—Ronald John Lim, Napoles’ brother, and John Raymond de Asis—both at large, are also on the list of witnesses.

In the proposed facts for the stipulation of the case, Napoles told the court that she does not have any involvement with supposed fake non-government organizations used to divert Priority Development Assistance Fund.

On the documents, Napoles said she was not a payee of any check issued by the implementing agencies to the questioned foundations, and that she and De Asis never entered into any arrangement with Estrada or the implementing government agencies.

She maintained she is a private individual, and that she does not have participation to identify and select a partner NGO. The camp of Napoles also listed at least more than 50 witnesses, officers and bank representatives, and government officials.

The pre-trial is set on March 14.

Napoles is facing several counts of plunder and graft cases before the Sandiganbayan as the mastermind of the pork barrel fund scam.

Rio N. Araja

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Happiness. These women flash smiles as they work the fields in Quezon, Bukidnon. LANCE BACONGUIS

Isabela City starts water rationing SSS branch gets ‘excellent’ mark in anti-red tape drive

By Butch Gunio MARIVELES, Bataan—The Mariveles branch of the Social Security System got an “Excellent” rating for its anti-red tape efforts for the year 2015.

Based on the Anti-Red Tape Report Card Survey of the Civil Service Commission, the branch garnered rating of 92.72. The commission conducted the survey on June 1-3, 3015.

The survey was conducted by inspecting the service office of the SSS Mariveles and by interviewing clients within the premises who availed the frontline services Issuance of SSS Number, Processing of Application of Salary Loan, and Application for Unified Multi-purpose ID. According to the survey, the compliance of SSS Mariveles with the ARTA provisions and overall satisfaction of their clients was examined.

Jordan Herrera, OIC branch manager of SSS Mariveles since February last year, expressed satisfaction saying that they only mustered a “Good” rating the previous year.

By A. Perez Rimando

ISABELA CITY, Basilan—The Isabela City Water District started water rationing in this city and in neighboring towns in its service area last week because of the impact of El Niño, management said in a statement.

The district administration said the move seeks to properly distribute available water supply and “to limit extraction from local water sources to cope with the long drought period.”

The rationing, it said, was in response to a recent Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s El Niño Ad-

visory No. 10 projecting dry spell up to end of January and drought up to the end of 2016 first quarter in the island province.

The ICWD scheduled water rationing from 8 a.m. to 12 noon to some 20 city villages, including Aguada, Begang, Binuangan, Menzi, Port area, Sta. Cruz, La Piedad, Sunrise,

Sumagdang, City Hall area, Lazaro Drive, Macopa, and Tabiawan.

Water allotment from 12 noon to 4 p.m. was set for other barangays, such as Baluno, Busay, Begang, Lanote. Market site, Calvario, Panunsulan, Dona Ramona, San Rafael, Mango Drive, Mahogany Drive, Tabuk, Timpul, Geras and Kaumpurnah, the district said.

The rationing timetable was slated based “on the status of the current water supply production, ICWD said, adding that “there might be instances when the rationing period may be shortened depending on water supply availability.”

Ombudsman to DILG: Sack Occidental Mindoro mayor

By Rio N. Araja

A day’s work. Jason Dimayuga comes out of a mine portal in Itogon, Benguet.

DAVE LEPROZO

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales on Thursday directed Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento to sack Mayor Jose Villarosa of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro over misuse of P3 million in tobacco trust fund in 2010.

The Office of the Ombudsman affirmed its order dismissing Villarosa from public service, along with accountant Pablo Alvaro and treasurer Carlito Cajayon.

Morales said Villarosa, Alvaro and Cajayon were found guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the

best interest of the service.

They were also meted out the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the government service, cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits, she added.

“In case of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondent’s one year salary,” she noted.

Apart from misuse of the tobacco trust fund, Villarosa is also facing charges of technical malversation and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or Republic Act 3019.

The dismissal order of Villarosa and company arose when the latter authorized the use the tobacco trust fund to purchase 10 multi-cab vehicles, Christmas lights, meals and snacks for newly elected barangay captains, medicine, gravel and sand, bus and vehicle rentals, all totaling P2.9 million.

“Funds should be used solely for cooperative, livelihood and or agro-industrial projects that enhance the quality of agricultural products, develop alternative farming systems, or enable tobacco farmers to manage and own post-harvest enterprises,” the Ombudsman’s joint resolution read.

A8

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR F R I D AY: J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION [ EDI TORI A L ]

ROAD CHAOS THE traffic nightmare in Metro Manila is not about to end, not with an expected record car sales this year and government’s apathy in finding a solution to the gridlock.

With a rail system run by an inept transportation secretary and an inadequate road infrastructure that draws little attention from President Aquino, metro commuters will have to suffer more and stretch their patience this year.

Automotive sales in 2015 jumped 23 percent to reach a record 288,609 units from 234,747 units sold in 2014 amid strong demand. The official figure excludes the sales performance of car importers.

Vehicle sales in all would have reached 310,000 units last year.

The record performance in 2015 is expected to spill over in 2016. The automotive industry sees total sales growing by another 21 percent to over 350,000 units.

The relatively strong Philippine economy, sustained remittances by migrant Filipino workers and the approaching national elections will boost spending, including the purchase of new vehicles.

Government planners, if there are any, will be in a quandary over the entry of nearly 400,000 new vehicles in the Philippines this year. Assuming only half of the sales found their way in Metro Manila roads, the metropolis will literally ground to a near-halt.

The next administration will have to deal with the worsening traffic problem. Rising vehicle sales will be part of the problem, while authorities remain ineffective in managing vehicular flows and disciplining drivers of public transportation.

The incoming government must also make its top priority the construction of new roads and highways to decongest Metro Manila and other urban centers in the Philippines.

President Aquino and his transportation chief clearly lack the foresight to address the traffic mess. They allowed the light rail system to deteriorate, despite government’s powers to take over the transportation mode and hand it over to a more competent company through a public bidding.

The right-of-way issue that delays infrastructure projects, meanwhile, should not remain a ticklish and legal issue, if the government found creative ways to handle it. Mr. Aquino’s Malacañang team, it seems, is overwhelmed by the traffic problem at hand. Simply put, they forgot and failed to govern.

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

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AQUINO THE STONE-HEARTED LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES

CONGRESS gave President Noynoy Aquino an excellent chance to prove that he had a heart. Aquino showed he had one, but it was made of the coldest stone.

While Aquino was toasting the diplomatic community in Malacañang yesterday, raising his champagne-filled glass in honor of fat-cat ambassadors, his veto message was wending its way to the heads of Congress. It was a powerful message, indeed, as powerful as it was simple and clear.

This was what Aquino was saying: Despite the legislature’s approval, he has chosen to thumb down the Congress-approved P2,000 monthly increase in the pensions of Social Security System retirees.

“The proposed pension increase of P2,000 per retiree, multiplied by the present number of more than two million pensioners, will result in a total payout of P56 billion annually,” Aquino explained.

“Compared against annual investment income of P30 billion-P40 billion, such total payment for pensioners will yield a deficit of P16 billion-P26 billion annually.”

“In view of these considerations, I am constrained to veto” House Bill 5842, the President said.

The SSS pensioners, mostly retired, elderly people who paid their contributions religiously during their productive years in the hopes of getting pensions that would tide them over the years when they were no longer working, were aghast.

Aquino had chosen the SSS’ actuarial life over the pensioners’ quality of life, at the time when they had food and medical expenses to pay for and no work to get the money for them except their tiny monthly pensions. No wonder he seemed so happy at the palace vin d’honneur—he had proven once again that he didn’t care about the poor, despite all his previous claims to the contrary.

Defenders of Aquino in the House were typified by Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, who blamed his colleagues for

Aquino has chosen the SSS’ actuarial life over the pensioners’ quality of life.

not passing a “twin bill” to HB 5842, which would amend the SSS charter and allow the pension fund to raise contributions to cover the deficit that the pension increase would cause.

The House had approved this measure as well, but it didn’t go all the way to Malacañang, unlike the more popular pension increase measure, according to Gonzales.

But how could an administration that has underspent nearly P1 trillion in budgeted and allocated funds since 2011 seriously point to a P30-billion deficit as the reason for deny-

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

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

Ma. Isabel “Gina” P. Verzosa Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

ing a pension hike for two million retirees? The same way, I assume, that it has defended not adjusting 20-year-old tax rates for the currently employed—by putting on the thickest of faces and saying that fiscal prudence applies to agencies like the SSS, but not to Malacanang.

If the Aquino administration can afford to sit on a mind-boggling P1 trillion in unused “savings” but cannot afford P30 billion a year to increase pensions, then I guess we really have a problem. And the problem is obviously the heartlessness of Aquino himself. *** Three years ago, I remember how the president of the SSS, Emilio de Quiros, defended the fund’s executives when it was exposed in the media how he was giving annual bonuses of up to P1.44 million a year to each of them, even as SSS was calling for an increase in contributions.

Back then, De Quiros said he had to pay his people well because they were apparently doing such a good job that the fund had greatly increased since Aquino’s appointees took over.

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

Continued on A11

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

F R I D AY: J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 1 6

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE? PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO I CANNOT, for the life of me, understand what supposedly thoughtful people mean when they insist of a patently legal issue that “the people should decide.” The Constitution clearly lays down the requirements a candidate for the office of president must meet. When it is doubted whether or not a candidate meets these requirements, do we let the people decide—by allowing them to vote for such a candidate and sweeping the requirements of the Constitution under the rug? If this part of

That is not how rights go, and that is not what a legal order is about.

the constitution can thus be trifled with, why not other parts as well, such as the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights? You cannot subordinate the Constitution while in force to popular mood and the counting of noses in some parts and unctuously invoke its letter in others!

The Constitution guarantees the sovereignty of the people.

And by the self-same act by which the Constitution is ordained, the sovereign people agree that the exercise of their sovereignty shall be in accordance with the letter of the Constitution. The Constitution is the accepted limit to the sovereignty of the people—who retain nonetheless the residual right to amend or even to rewrite the Constitution.

The trouble with “let the people decide” is that it is the antithesis to all organized gov-

Aquino... From A9 At the time, De Quiros crowed, the SSS investment reserve fund, which determines the ability to pay for pension and other benefits, stood at close to P390 billion, enough to cover projected liabilities for 26 years or until 2039. The amount, he said, is higher by P100 billion than the P290 bil-

BRIGHT BUT AMATEURISH

rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph ra n n i e _ a q u i n o @ c s u . e d u . p h rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

PNOY’S Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Aguinaldo Abaya is beyond doubt a certified bright boy who has hurdled with flying colors probably all the academic tests that he had taken.

After obtaining his elementary education from the De la Salle University, he proceeded to graduate first honorable mention at the school where most parents wish their children could enter—Philippine Science High School. He then passed the University of the Philippines admission test to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, which he discontinued after only two semesters despite obtaining high grades in pre-engineering subjects that made him a college and university scholar.

His father—three-term Congressman Plaridel Abaya—who had studied for four years and graduated at the Philippine Military Academy probably challenged him into taking its entrance examination to determine how a PSHS honor graduate like him with a one-year UP education in advanced mathematics and physics would score.

As expected, he topped that exam, but as a consequence, he could only stay for three months as a plebe at the academy and had to pursue his military studies at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He was again a consistent honor student there, and graduated four years later with a BS Mathematics degree with distinction. He ranked second among all BS Mathematics graduates and 23rd out of 1,041 graduates.

He then proceeded—again, on fellowship—to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he completed his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

Not contended with his already impressive academic credentials, he still studied law at the Ateneo and passed the bar exams while already a congressman.

By then, he had inherited the legislative seat of his father.

Like him, he would complete

his three terms in Congress and turn over that seat as if it were a piece of inheritance to his own son Architect Francis Gerald Abaya in 2013.

Outside of the academe and in real life, Secretary Abaya has been an underachiever. Despite being groomed by PNoy for higher executive responsibilities, he has been running his transportation department like an amateur since his appointment to this position in 2012.

PNoy even tagged him a future president with whom he was willing to be run over by a train if the light rail transit project from Baclaran to Bacoor would not be completed

by Dec. 2015. That was how confident PNoy was with his abilities.

Consequently, Malacañang’s apologists had to admit that PNoy was only joking about being run by a train when the project failed to even get launched as of today. They just blamed the failed bids.

Only 46 years old then, the Caviteño was a nine-year veteran congressman whose best contribution to our country’s legislation was in dividing his province into seven legislative districts.

He had supposedly received P408 million from the unconstitutional Disbursement Acceleration Program, yet he was only able to provide educational assistance to 40,000 scholars, medical and financial assistance to thousands of constituents and “tens of millions of pesos worth of infrastructure and social welfare projects.”

But the residents of Soldiers Hills in Molino 6, Bacoor insist that they have not benefitted from any of his infrastructure pork barrels because they are still stuck in the present blighted conditions of their dusty roads.

Obviously, running the Transportation department is a task too manly for him to perform. His being a great-grand-

son and inheritor of General Emilio Aguinaldo’s genes has not helped him at all.

He is being blamed for all the chaos in our transportation system—undelivered vehicular license plates and registration stickers; expensive, unreliable, and unsafe Metro Manila light rail transit system; and mismanaged international airports with their “tanim or laglag bala” scams.

Like PNoy, he downplayed the suffering of the public who endure hours navigating their trips along Metro Manila’s traffic-congested roads.

These trips are not fatal, he declared at first. But after receiving an incessant barrage of criticism in all media—especially on social media type—he had to apologize but only after a futile attempt to justify his insensitive remark.

The latest complaint against him is his department’s failure to build toilets worth P351 million in train stations, seaports and airports under its “Kayo ang Boss Ko” toilet improvement project.

The list of complaints against him has become kilometric that long-suffering commuters and motorists as well as populist politicians are now angrily demanding that he be fired.

But PNoy would likely keep Secretary Abaya in his cabinet until June 30, 2016 for reasons he alone could appreciate.

Maybe he needs to reminisce with him the last days of PNoy’s mother as president in Malacañang when Secretary Abaya was still her aide-de-camp.

They then could compare those happy days with PNoy’s own last uncertain days as president. Secretary Abaya could even disclose the real truth about Gen. Aguinaldo’s legendary animosity with Katipunan Supremo Gat Andres Bonifacio —our supposedly first president of the republic.

But would they talk about the secretary’s now highly improbable presidency? He would have been the brightest academically among all our presidents—a scientist, military man, mathematician, engineer and lawyer.

lion that SSS had at the start of the Aquino administration.

SSS had so much money, De Quiros said, that it was paying its board members per diems of P40,000 per board meeting and P20,000 per committee meeting, with each member allowed to attend a maximum of two board meetings and two committee meetings per month.

The annual bonuses of these fat

cats was 100 percent of all their total monthly per diems in a year, according to De Quiros, or a maximum of P1.44 million annually.

And the 5,000 SSS employees aren’t left behind, either, according to De Quiros. For 2012, rank-and-file SSS employees got P276 million in bonuses, probably so they don’t envy their big-shot bosses.

And yet, SSS has no money to pay for the increases mandated

by HB 5842, to P3,200 from the current P1,200 monthly pension for SSS members who have contributed the equivalent of 10 credited years of service, and from P2,400 to P4,000 for those with at least 20 years in contributions. That SSS’ officials and employees get their salaries and bonuses from the contribu-

tions of the workers and former workers who built up the fund apparently means nothing to Aquino, De Quiros and all their other fellow travelers on daang matuwid.

If you have tears, as the Bard said, prepare to shed them now.

Just don’t waste them on Aquino, who really doesn’t care if you live or die.

ernment. It is irreconcilable with constitutionalism. It poses the real danger of tyrannizing the minority and making sacrosanct every popular whim or stupid fancy, as long as the majority is for it. The trouble with “let the people decide” is that it makes rights illusory, for rights are claims that are effective even against the overwhelming, howling majority. So it is that no matter that the majority may want a suspect lynched and quartered without the rigmarole of a trial, the right to due process gives the accused a binding and an effective claim against the majority.

If numbers were the way to go —which is ultimately what “let the people decide” translates to —then the Philippines should shut its trap about China’s incursions into what we claim are ours, because the Chinese outnumber us by an impossible far! But that is not how rights go, and that is not what a legal order is about.

The Donald Trump-Ted Cruz exchange is taken very seriously, and while there are brilliant minds on both sides of the divide in regard to Cruz’s eligibility, everyone is paying close attention to the text of the Constitution, to the debates that attended its birthing, to the Federalist Papers, perhaps, and to the contemporaneous construction of the charter. No one has yet suggested that the requirements of the US Constitution be subject to what the people decide.

I think that the fallacy is so clear that rather than take the advocates of “let the people decide” literally, it is more promising to heed the unwritten text of their sophistry: They rightly dread a scripted exercise that has the nation go through what it is deluded into believing is an exercise of sovereignty, but has in fact its results foreordained! In respect to this unwritten text, they are right!

FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO

F R I D AY: J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 1 6

A11

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO THERE was a re-run of the movie “Leap of Faith” on HBO the other day. It stars Steve Martin as a flimflam evangelist preying on unsuspecting ordinary folks with empty lives, preacher Jonas Nightengale and his motley crew of con-artists who barnstorm through small towns in America’s heartland to ply their trade. With gospel singers in the background, Nightengale turns the big tent his crew set up on an open field into a major production. As he prances onstage with his mesmerizing message of faith and the power of prayer, the slick-talking preacher panders the promise of spiritual salvation and cashes in on collections contributed by the gullible congregation.

In the context of the Philippine social milieu, the film’s plot conjures a similarity to the poor who are exploited by politicians. Benigno Aquino III was elected riding the crest of people clamor for change. His “daang matuwid (straight path),” however, only gave us selective justice

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ IF DAVAO Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte is elected president of the Philippines, one of the things he will do is change of the name of the Lapu-Lapu fish to Magellan. Digong Duterte hates that the Philippines’ first hero is honored by naming a variety of garoupa or grouper fish after him.

Correcting historical inaccuracies will be one of the three hallmarks of a Duterte presidency. The two others are: peace and order and a corruption-free governance. Duterte spoke for more than an hour before the Rotary Club yesterday.

What’s Duterte’s beef with Magellan? The mayor is aghast that history books credit the Portuguese explorer for having “discovered” the Philippines.

In reality, he recalls, more than 100 years before Magellan came to the Philippines, Mindanao was a thriving region with Islam as their religion, meaning Filipinos existed before the foreign invaders came. So they could not have been “discovered.”

According to Wikipedia, Islam came to the Philippines in the 14th century (1380) with the arrival of Muslim traders from the Persian Gulf. So when Magellan “Christianized” the Visayas, the colonization could not have included Mindanao.

In fact, Magellan never

LEAP OF FAITH even as his cabal of Abad, Abaya and Alcala continue to shortchange the people they pledged to serve.

On May 9, more than 8 million voters will take a leap of faith on the politicians who promise them deliverance from corruption, crime and government mismanagement. They are hoping the next set of politicians will give them meaningful change that will transform their lives for the better. Not all the politicians running for public office are con artists. Actually, politicians spread money around during the campaign and on election day but recoup their expenses after gaining public office.

Voters must, to use a cliché, separate the chaff from the grain. But how many of them are discerning enough to do this? Then, there are those among the poor who sell their vote for short-lived relief and in the end get six more years of misrule. The bigger question is not whether the people will see change.

It is, rather, will the coun-

try see change in the voters themselves?

Grace Poe promises real change. Rodrigo Duterte vows to eradicate crime— he says he will resign in six months if he cannot. Mar Roxas mouths Aquino’s straight (?) path policy. Jojo Binay sells his “ganito kami sa Makati, sana ganoon din sa buong bansa” spiel. That alone is scary when seen against the raft of corruption charges he is facing for alleged anomalies during his and his family’s three-decade watch over the premier city.

Against these hard choices, the government in charge of overseeing clean and honest elections is itself in turmoil.

Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista was furious that one of the commissioners took it upon herself to submit the Comelec’s answer to Poe’s petition before the Supreme Court.

Commissioner Rowena Guanzon insists she’s not a subordinate and an employee of the Comelec chairman.

She maintains that as a mem-

ber of the Comelec en banc, she can act without informing the chairman considering time is of the essence.

The high court only gave the Comelec five days to answer Poe’s petition to dismiss the en banc ruling which disqualified her from running for president based on her lack of citizenship and residency.

The poll body had been painted into a corner when the Solicitor General’s Office, which is supposed to defend the government and its executive branches, did not agree with the Comelec decision and instead went with the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s (SET) vote upholding Poe’s citizenship. There are questions in legal circles why the SolGen is defending the action of the Senate which is legislative in nature and not part of the executive branch.

Guanzon took the step of commenting on the Poe petition with the Supreme Court and considering Comelec chief Bautista dissented with the en banc decision to void

Poe’s CoC. The Comelec claims the issue between Bautista and Guanzon has been settled.

But is it really?

Still to be resolved is the integrity of the automated voting machines Comelec contracted with the Venezuelan firm Smartmatic Flawed, according to IT experts, the results of the Precinct Count Optical Scanning (PCOS) could be challenged in court.

Down south in Mindanao looms the possible disruption of elections caused by the resurgence of Muslim rebel attacks carried out by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the communist New People’s Army’s sabotage of electric power grids that could impair the voting machines and the electronic count. There are also reports the Moro National Liberation Front rebels of Nur Misuari are massing in Indanan, Sulu. Are the MNLF fighters preparing for another siege similar to the one they mounted in Zamboanga City in September 2013?

DUTERTE AND MAGELLAN ESCABECHE reached Mindanao. He was killed by the chieftain of Mactan, in Visayas, central Philippines, Rajah Lapu-Lapu. It was a one-sided battle, less than 100 men vs the more than 1,000 of Lapu-Lapu. So complete was the defeat of Magellan the native cut his body into pieces. His remains were never found. The victory of Lapu-Lapu on April 27, 1521 at Mactan Island is the first recorded triumph by any Oriental against a western colonizer.

Duterte wants a Lapu-Lapu Day in the same way there is a Rizal Day and a Bonifacio Day. The day could be April 27.

Duterte is aghast that LapuLapu is honored by historians by naming a fish after him. If the mayor had his way, it should be the other way around. The fish should be named after Magellan, so that we can relish eating Magellan escabeche, pritong (fried) Magellan, or even sinigang Magellan.

The Magellan-Lapu-Lapu rivalry provides a colorful historical backdrop to Duterte’s first anchor program, federalism. Before launching his presidential campaign, in early 2015, the mayor had gone around the country on listening tours to promote federalism. The idea caught fire and so did the notion that Duterte should run for

president to give federalism flesh and blood.

If you believe surveys, Duterte has a strong chance to be president. He is consistently among the top three choices of voters.

People love Duterte for the thing he is notorious for—his extreme prejudice towards criminals. Dubbed “The Punisher” by an international magazine, the mayor made Davao one of the world’s five safest cities (numbeo. com), thanks to his no-nonsense approach towards criminality, particularly drugs. “In this country,” he gripes, “obedience to the law is optional.”

I understand Duterte is also severe on graft and red tape. Engineering permit, business permits, electrician’s certificate and other clearances must be issued in 72 hours or three days. Beyond that, his subalterns must explain to the mayor why. “I have to close the spigots,” he told Rotarians.

As president, he says, all projects started during his presidency, including major infra and lesser projects, must be finished within six years, the term of a president. All paperwork must be finished in 60 days.

President Duterte will employ technocrats like his classmate and tycoon Sonny Dominguez, their valedictorian in elementary school, and Perfecto Yasay,

the former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Duterte will also employ generals, retired and active, although he will reduce their number in both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. PNP has 148 generals. About 45—the best and brightest, will do, he says. One thing good about generals. They take orders and they know how to shoot. They are easy to organize into killer squads. “You have to pay for your crime,” he tells criminals and scalawags.

Duterte thinks that a strongman rule will curb criminality and the insurgency, leading to peace and order which then will attract investors. He warns “we must finish the [Muslim] insurgency, [or] we will never, never have peace.”

Investments will improve infra, create jobs, and help reduce poverty. He hates contractualization of labor, the system whereby workers are given contracts only good for five or six months, and renewed every five or six months thereafter until perpetuity.

Duterte thinks he can stop corruption. He will do away with PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel), DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program, the new name of pork barrel), and livelihood proj-

ects (the front for pork releases) because people don’t like it. He will give higher salaries for congressmen and senators, like P2 million or P3 million a year to discourage them from stealing.

As to his frequent cursing (putang *na!), he asks for understanding. Behind the curses, he implies, is an impatience with lingering and gnawing problems of the nation—poverty, unemployment, crime, corruption, disunity.

Can Duterte solve these problems? The mayor makes no promises. He asks that he has a record as mayor of 22 years of Davao. “Davao is my exhibit A,” says the former prosecutor of 10 years.

Duterte seems to believe that governance and politics are all local. And that will propel him to the highest post in the land.

Human rights? The mayor says you cannot apply the US or European standards to the Philippines. “We are a country of tribes,” he says.

A tribal chief killed a European colonizer 495 years ago.

Magellan vs. Lapu-Lapu? It’s no contest. Duterte must win his fight against rivals from imperial Manila. It’s a difficult fight but one not necessarily unwinnable. biznewsasia@gmail.com

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Recycled metals for Tokyo medals Injuries threaten Australian Open

Sport or exercise?

A man plays Jianzi during his lunch break in Beijing on January 14, 2016. Jianzi is a traditional Chinese sport in which players aim to keep a heavily weighted shuttlecock in the air.

AFP

MELBOURNE, Australia—A catalogue of injuries threatens to play havoc with the Australian Open and put more pressure on women’s tour organizers to reform the playing schedule.

Injuries or illness have felled most of the women’s top 10 in recent weeks, in what is either a hefty dose of bad luck or something more avoidable.

World number one Serena Williams is chief among the injury concerns after she pulled out of the Hopman Cup exhibition tournament with a sore knee.

The 21-time Grand Slam-winner is not alone, with only her sister Venus and Flavia Pennetta—who has retired—unscathed among the women’s top 10.

Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Agnieszka Radwanska and Maria Sharapova have all pulled out of build-up tournaments because of injury concerns.

Meanwhile Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber have been hit by gastroenteritis, while Lucie Safarova is skipping Melbourne because of a problems linked to a bacterial infection.

While illness is largely uncontrollable, Williams, Halep and Sharapova are all still hampered by injuries which affected them last season, whose tail-end was unusually busy.

Problems on the men’s side are also comparatively light, suggesting a link between the injuries and the women’s tour—whose schedule has repeatedly been criticized by players.

Incoming Women’s Tennis Association Steve Simon has already promised “fundamental changes” to the demanding calendar after a rash of injuries and withdrawals towards the end of last season.

World chess chief defends ties to Assad

MOSCOW, Russia—As world chess chief, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov rubbed shoulders with the reviled Moamer Kadhafi and Saddam Hussein and says aliens once abducted him, but it is his ties with the Syrian regime that finally landed him on a US blacklist.

Two months ago, the colorful Russian business mogul was forced to temporarily transfer to his deputy most of his powers as president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) for the last 20 years.

“These sanctions are a reward,” he told AFP. “Not every person gets to be on a sanctions list.”

Ilyumzhinov’s contact with Syria’s embattled President Bashar al-Assad is the latest in a series of scandals and oddities that have marked his tenure as FIDE head —and threaten to shake his grip on the sport.

But the 53-year-old confirmed Buddhist—who for 17 years headed Kalmykia, Russia’s only Buddhist region—appeared undaunted during an

interview in his Moscow office, serving tea under the gaze of the Dalai Lama, whose portrait adorns the wall.

In November, the US Treasury added Ilyumzhinov to a punitive list over Syria, accusing him of “materially assisting and acting for or on the behalf of ” the Syrian government as well as the central bank and its governor.

Ilyumzhinov told AFP he has “very good relations” with the Syrian leadership, having regularly

visited the country since the 1990s and hosted youth chess tournaments there.

He said he met Assad in 2012 for a three-hour talk during which the Syrian dictator recalled his chessplaying days as a medical student in London.

“I have friends in Libya, Syria, Iraq, France, the U.S., and I don’t hide it,” Ilyumzhinov said. “I plan to go to Damascus again to see what the situation is like.” AFP

TOKYO, Japan— Tokyo 2020 organizers on Thursday advocated making their Olympic medals out of recycled metals in an effort to give an environmentally “sustainable” hue to the Games.

Members of a task force in charge of drawing up a “legacy plan” for the event are advocating that the gold, silver and bronze medals be made from recycled metals, task force chairman Hiroshi Komiyama told reporters.

Komiyama said that discarded products such as mobile phones, personal computers and others containing precious metals could be used to produce the medals.

The idea will be submitted to a board meeting of the Tokyo Organizing Committee later this month for formal approval, he said.

Behind the proposal is a recognition that the second summer Olympics for Tokyo, more than half a century after its first Games in 1964, needs to inspire the public with a nobel idea, he said.

The 19-member task force also discussed whether Japan’s new national stadium will be made from recycled steel, aluminium, glass and wood, Komiyama said.

The country’s preparations for the global games suffered a humiliating setback last year when the government pulled the plug on the original design of the new national stadium following spiralling costs and complaints over the design.

Last month, Japan chose the new design by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma after Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid’s stadium plan set off a row over a $2 billion price tag that would have made it the world’s most expensive sports venue. AFP

Fifa fires ex-Blatter deputy GENEVA, Switzerland—FIFA on Wednesday said it had fired Sepp Blatter’s former right-hand man, Jerome Valcke, the latest casualty in a multi-layered scandal that has brought down the most powerful figures in world football.

Valcke was FIFA’s general secretary for nearly a decade, working alongside the body’s then-president Blatter, who has been banned for eight years over an ethics violation.

Valcke, 55, was himself facing a possible nine-year ban sought by FIFA investigators over his alleged role in a scheme to sell 2014 World Cup tickets on the black market.

In a statement, FIFA said his employment contract had been “terminated”, even before a verdict in the ticket case was decided.

“The FIFA emergency committee decided, on 9 January 2016, to dismiss Jerome Valcke from the position of FIFA secretary general with immediate effect,” the statement said.

Valcke’s US-based lawyer Barry Berke said his client “remains confident that he will be fully vindicated and history will recognise all of his contributions to the sport he loves”. “(He) is proud of all that was accomplished for the game of football during his long tenure as Secretary General,” Berke added in an email sent to AFP. FIFA said that Markus Kattner will continue to serve as acting general secretary, the body’s number two post. AFP

Hecklers have fun. South African supporters hold a banner making fun of England player James Taylor during the firts day’s play in the third Test cricket match between South Africa and England at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. AFP

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IAAF head faces new challenges from WADA

PARIS, France—Embattled IAAF president Sebastian Coe faces the next test of his troubled reign with publication on Thursday of what is expected to be an explosive report targeting corrupt “scumbags” and a leaked blood database.

The second report by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) independent commission is understood to include shocking revelations of endemic corruption within IAAF and leading athletics federations other than Russia, such as track powerhouses Kenya.

But Coe, who took over from disgraced Lamine Diack as president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in August, has insisted his organization had not covered up positive drugs tests

by Russian athletes.

The first WADA report accused Russia of systematic state-sponsored doping and corruption, the IAAF promptly banning the country until it gets its house in order.

And now two letters dating from 2009 have surfaced from the IAAF to the Russian federation in which then-general secretary Pierre Weiss warned about the health risks being taken by the athletes taking part in blood doping and urged the Russian authorities to act.

But Coe was adamant that it was “not a huge surprise that we were concerned about Russia”.

“The issue is simple: were all abnormal readings followed up? The answer is yes.

Were sanctions imposed and made public?

Yes. Was there a cover-up? No,” Coe told Sky television on Wednesday.

The second report by the WADA independent commission is expected to also focus on corruption at the highest levels of the IAAF. Outspoken co-author and former WADA president Dick Pound promised in November the report would have a “wow factor”.

“People will say: ‘How on earth could this happen?’ It’s a complete betrayal of what the people in charge of the sport should be doing.”

Lamine Diack is under investigation by French prosecutors, along with his legal advisor Habib Cisse, the former IAAF antidoping chief Gabriel Dolle and Diack’s son Papa Massata Diack, over allegations they took bribes to hush up positive tests by Russian athletes, the latter two subsequently banned by the IAAF’s ethics commission over those claims. AFP

Novak Djokovic of Serbia takes part in a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP

Djoko, Williams top seeds in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Australia - World number ones Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams were named the top seeds on Thursday for next week’s Australian Open with organizers aligning with the current rankings.

Djokovic is chasing his sixth title after beating Andy Murray in last year’s final, while Williams, battling a knee injury, is after her seventh Australian crown.

Murray, who has lost in four Australian finals, three of them to Djokovic, is the second seed ahead of 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.

Fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, who won in Melbourne in 2014, is the fourth seed with Rafael Nadal at five.

French world number nine Richard Gasquet was not among the seedings for the year’s opening Grand Slam because of a back injury.

Romania’s Simona Halep is the second seed in the bot-

tom half of the women’s draw ahead of Spain’s Garbine Muguruza and Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska.

Maria Sharapova, the 2008 champion, is fifth seed, while two-time winner Victoria Azarenka of Belarus is seeded at 14.

World number nine Lucie Safarova is skipping the Australian Open because of health problems linked to a bacterial infection, while Italy’s Flavia Pennetta, ranked at eight, retired from the sport after her win at last year’s US Open.

The 2016 Australian Open runs from January 18-31.

Meanwhile, defending champion Serena Williams insists she is fighting fit in

her bid for a seventh Australian Open crown despite an injury scare and lack of match practice.

The world number one has barely played since the US Open in September, when Roberta Vinci shattered her dream of a calendar-year Grand Slam in a heart-breaking semi-final defeat.

Williams attempted a comeback at this month’s Hopman Cup mixed-team tournament in Perth but retired with soreness in her left knee, sparking speculation that at 34, she could be past her peak.

But the American 21-time Grand Slam champion, who also battled knee problems in the latter half of 2015, insists she is “ready to go” at the Melbourne Park tournament starting Monday.

“My body is feeling great now,” she said this week.

“Obviously I had a hiccup but right now it is doing much better. I’ve had a few days of training so it’s looking good.”

She added: “I know what I need to do on and off the court to win big tournaments.”

Melbourne Park has been a happy hunting ground for Williams. She claimed her first Australian Open title way back in 2003, beating elder sister Venus in the final, and reached her sixth last year when she toppled archrival Maria Sharapova.

Williams is not the only player struggling ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the season, with injuries taking their toll on many of the leading names.

Despite the new season being barely underway, the women’s top five have all had troubled lead-ups to their first major test of 2016.

World number two Simona Halep (achilles), Garbine Muguruza (foot), Agnieszka Radwanska (leg) and Maria Sharapova (forearm) have all been battling niggling problems that forced them out of warm-up tournaments. AFP

Asian stars fired up ahead of EurAsia Cup KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia— Asia’s lesser-known stars are fired up to deny their more fancied European opponents victory when the EurAsia Cup begins on Friday in Kuala Lumpur.

Asia went close to a big upset in the inaugural event two years ago when they held Europe to a 10-10 tie in the Ryder Cup-style team match play showdown at the same Glenmarie Golf and Country Club venue.

With four players inside the world’s top 50, headed by the prolific-winning 27th-ranked Thongchai Jaidee, Asia are exuding confidence going into the three-day event on home soil.

Captaining the Asian Team is Jeev Milka Singh, a winner of 20 events around the world and a veteran of team competition including competing the 2003 Dynasty Cup winning team, He was also a member of the victorious 2012 Royal Trophy side for Asia against Europe.

Singh will draw upon Florida-based Korean rising star An Byeong-Hun who stormed his way to victory last May in the European Tour headquarters’ own backyard when he won the prestigious PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Singh will also look to fellow Indian Anirban Lahiri, who

competed in the 2014 EurAsia Cup and is currently ranked 43rd in the world having stormed to the Asian Tour’s 2015 Order of Merit title and finished fifth in the final major of the year, the US PGA Championship.

“To play in the first EurAsia Cup was very important to me and very important in the bigger picture of my career,” said Lahiri.

“It helped my confidence and it was the very first taste of team competition at a high level. It was a key moment in Asian Tour golf to tie the competition.

“Of course now with that

experience... we are quietly confident of getting our hands on the trophy.”

By contrast, the England pair of Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter will be under pressure to perform with one eye on the Ryder Cup later this year after being afforded “wildcard” picks by close companion and European Team captain, Darren Clarke.

Clarke, who is also Ryder Cup captain, is eager to savor European success nine months before he leads his team to Hazeltine to compete against the USA. Westwood, as a veteran of seven Ryder Cups and winner

of the 1997 and 2014 Malaysian Open titles, is only too aware of his responsibility.

“Darren looked at his team and sees it a young team with not too much team experience so he wanted some experience in there,” said Westwood.

“Therefore, he picked myself and Ian and when you are a wildcard pick, you do feel a bit more pressure to perform and validate that pick.”

This year features 12-man teams with a total of 24 points on offer, meaning the first team to 12.5 points will win. In 2014 only 10 players from each team took part. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

SMBeermen seek clincher; Painters gun for equalizer

By Peter Atencio

By Jeric Lopez

THE Philippines can send 15 athletes to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Philippine Olympic Committee cluster head Romeo Magat said this as they evaluated the country’s chances of sending more Filipino athletes to the Games.

With sprinter Eric Cray already sure of making it to the Games, BMX rider Daniel Caluag could also make it, along with golfers Miguel Tabuena, Angelo Que, Jennifer Rosales and Princess Superal.

He also identified weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia, while shooting is betting on Hagen Topacio, Teresa Acuna and Jayson Valdez.

Chances are also good for long jumper Marestella Torres and pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, who is training in Italy.

Boxing is banking Rogen Ladon, Eumir Felix Marcial and Samuel Morrison, while judoka Riyuko Watanabe is also seeking a seat.

“All in all, may naipon na 15 na puwedeng pumasok,” said Magat.

Caluag, who made it to the Games in 2012, can make it if he can earn an invitational place, while Tabuena, Rosales, Superal and Que will need to move in the Olympic rankings in golf.

Diaz has already qualified when she claimed three bronze medals in the world championships in Texas.

Colonia, who placed fourth, still needs to join another qualifier.

Official world is needed from the international federation to confirm their entry into the Olympics.

Topacio, Acuna and Valdez have met the minimum qualifying scores in shooting and needs confirmation through invitational places, which the Philippine National Shooting Association has sought.

Ladon, a fighter in the 46-49 kg weight class in the men’s division, is among those who are expected to have a big chance.

Ladon is fourth in the Olympic rankings with 1050 points in his weight category, according to a list released by the International Boxing Association on its official website.

He will be joined by Mark Anthony Barriga, who has 350 points, and is ranked no.

24 behind Ladon On the other hand, Watanabe can enter if her invitational place is confirmed.

The Philippines has until Feb. 5 to determine which Filipino athletes has a good chance of earning an invitational place.

WILL San Miguel Beer barge back to the finals or will Rain or Shine force a rubber match?

SMB’s Arwind Santos shoots a three-pointer during his team’s semifinal game with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. The Beermen won, 103-94, to zero in on the second berth in the finals.

That will be answered named Fajardo scoring in when the Beermen and double-figures. the Elasto Painters resume The situation is simple their intense best-of-seven yet daunting for Rain or semifinal war in the 2015-16 Shine. It is win or go home Philippine Basketball Asso- for the Elasto Painters. ciation Philippine Cup. Rain or Shine coach Game 6 is penciled at 7 Yeng Guiao cited his team’s p.m. at the Smart Araneta lack of defensive aggresColiseum today with San sion as the factor that led to Miguel knocking on the their defeat in the last two door of the final round, games and he knows that while Rain or Shine is it needs to get better if they looking to prolong its life. hope to extend the series to Having a 3-2 series lead, a deciding Game 7. the Beermen aim to wrap “We need to play better it all up and defense overGame Today arrange yet anall. We lost the 6, Semifinals, Smart other duel with (Game last two games Araneta Coliseum) rival Alaska because of our 7 p.m. - San Miguel vs.

Rain or Shine and avoid a poor defense,’’ dangerous said Guiao.

Game 7 situation.

“San Miguel has been shootSan Miguel Beer coach ing around 50 percent in the Leo Austria made it clear last two games. Our offense that the defending cham- is okay, but we cannot win pions have yet to finish the without our defense. We job and they are looking to need to address that.’’ do just that tonight.

Even if their backs are “We have the lead, but we against the wall, Guiao still achieved nothing yet in this expressed confidence in series,’’ said Austria. “We his team, saying the series need to win another one and is far from over. we’re hoping to do that. We “We’re still very positive. need to play methodical.’’

We still feel we can take After trailing 1-2 in this series. All we need is the series, the Beermen to gain our momentum,’’ stepped it up in the last added Guiao. two games to overtake the The Aces are already Elasto Painters as reigning waiting in the finals after Most Valuable Player June they easily beat inexperiMar Fajardo continued enced GlobalPort, 4-1, in to impose his will inside, their semifinal clash. while his supporting cast The best-of-seven finals finally got going as well. will start either on SunSan Miguel took the day, if the series between crucial Game 5, 103-94, San Miguel and Rain or to grasp series’ upperhand Shine ends tonight or on last Wednesday night, with Tuesday, should there be a three other Beermen not Game 7.

PH polo team gains semis in Bangkok tournament BANNERED by Globalport owner Mikee Romero and Antonio Veloso, the Philippine polo team advanced to the semis of the 2016 Asian Polo Cup with a convincing a 6-3 win over Brunei Monday at the Siam Polo Park in Bangkok, Thailand.

The win was a fitting follow-up to the country’s massive 8-3 win over China in the region’s biggest polo tournament to finish second behind Indonesia in Group B elims with a 2-1 card.

Hardly had a time to prepare for the match, the PH team dropped its opening game to

Indonesia last Saturday.

But against the Chinese, Romero and Veloso were at their best as they—along with Andrian Garcia and Andrew Garcia—crushed their rivals with their sharp and precise passes to score easily.

They were also dominant against Brunei as they effectively settled the outcome of the game early in the third quarter after taking a comfortable lead.

The PH team, however, needs to play tougher and smarter when it goes up against the host squad.

Also going for a final berth are the Indons and

the Malaysians.

“Going up against a host team is very tough but we are all fully motivated after our wins against China and Brunei,” said Romero.

The tournament, according to Romeo, is a good gauge for Southeast Asian countries—Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore—as they prepare for the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia.

Romero and his counterparts from Thailand and Brunei are lobbying for the inclusion of the sport in the biennial event.

Globalport owner Mikee Romero (left) is shown with Prince Harry of Wales during one of his polo tournaments.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

PH mixed martial artists get boost

By Randy Caluag

TV 5, one of the more aggressive sports TV networks in the country, has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with Pacific Xtreme Combat in developing more Filipino talents in Mixed Martial Arts.

“Together with PXC, we will be able to show the skills of our local fighters.

The PXC has raised the bar for local fighters who are now better skilled and ready to take on their foreign counterparts,” said

Vito Lazatin, vice president for sports of TV 5.

“We are very happy about our partnership with PXC and look forward to a very exciting event on Saturday (tomorrow) in a worldclass venue.”

Lazatin, along with PXC Chief Executive Officer EJ Calvo, yesterday presented the top fighters seeing action in the PXC 51, to be held at the Grand Ballroom of the elegant Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.

“PXC has long been a premier league in the Asia, with our top fighters eventually getting the chance to compete in the UFC. We hope to showcase more Filipino talents as the Philippines is our

second home,” said Calvo, who is bringing the PXC for the 15th time and he vows to have three more for the year, also to be held at Solaire.

Tomorrow’s fightcard will have a double-championship feature with the main event pitting Team Lakay Fighter Crisanto Pitpitunge of Benguet and Ilongo warrior Jinel Luasa for the vacant flyweight title.

Guam’s Kyle Aguon will defend his bantam-

weight belt against South Korean Kwan Ho Kwak in the mainer of this event that also features nine foreign fighters, including model-turnedfighter Wesley Machado of Brazil. Machado will rely on his vastly improved jujitsu and striking skills against Japan’s Sho Kogane.

Pitpitunge is the former PXC champion in the 135lb division and has made the cut to the 125-pound class, where he showed

dominance as shown by his knockout victory over Alvin Cacdac in his last outing.

He will have his hands full, however, against Lausa, who prides himself of his powerful punching, being a former highly ranked professional boxer.

The PXC 51 will be telecast the next day on TV 5 and Aksyon TV on Sunday starting at 10 p.m., preceding the fight primer on 9 p.m.

Upsets mark start of women’s volley league

Kiteboarding aces. German Kathrin Borgwardt (center) shows her trophy and prize as she poses with (from left) Cabrinha representative

and Boracay Watersports president Nenette Graf, fifth placer Frenziska Limmer of Germany, third placer Russian Lisa Nikitina, runner-up Maryjane Gajisan, fourth finisher Viola Kaukonen and PKA president Jay Ortiz after topping the Cabrinha Hangtime event of the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour Season 3 at Aqua Boracay in Bulabog Beach recently.

Nuggets...

From A16

Gary Harris hit two free throws with 5.4 seconds left.

Thompson sank a threepointer with 3.4 seconds remaining to pull the Warriors to 111-110.

But after Gallinari made one of two free throws, Thompson was unable to get the game-winner.

“We showed a lot of fight and aggressiveness down the stretch,” Curry said. “(But) we spotted them too many points.”

Thunder roll past Mavs Kevin Durant scored 29 points to lead the Thunder to a 108-89 victory over the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks in a testy affair in Oklahoma City.

Durant connected on nine of 14 from the field to go with 10 rebounds and four assists.

The Mavericks, playing without all five regular starters after a tough overtime loss to Cleveland, were led by J.J. Barea, who scored 18 points and handed out six assists.

It was Barea who got tangled up with Thunder guard Russell Westbrook in the second quarter, sparking a shoving match between the two teams that resulted in multiple technical fouls.

Dallas’s Charlie Villanueva —who put a hand on Westbrook’s throat—was ejected.

Minutes later, Barea and Westbrook clashed again and Westbrook was issued a second technical foul and ejected for just the third time in his career.

Westbrook finished 0 for 3 from the field and 0 for 4 from the foul line, just the second time in his career he failed to score in a game.

Harden milestone in win James Harden scored 27 points—reaching 10,000 for his career on a fourth-quarter free throw—to lead the Houston Rockets to a 107-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Harden added 11 assists, while center Dwight Howard posted his own double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds as the Rockets stretched their winning streak to a season-best five games.

Clippers’ Jordan sits Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan’s “iron-man” streak of 360 straight NBA games played ended as pneumonia forced him to sit out his team’s 104-90 home win over the Miami Heat.

Jordan’s was the longest active streak of games played in the league. He hadn’t missed a game since March 23, 2011 —when he was also diagnosed with pneumonia. AFP

Generals...

From A16

In women’s action, defending champion Arellano University and St. Benilde collide in a knockout duel for the right to play San Sebastian College in the finals.

The Lady Blazers turned back the Lady Altas, 16-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-21, in the first stepladder semis Tuesday to live for another day.

San Sebastian clinched an outright finals seat after sweeping the elimination round with nine wins that also earned it a thrice-to-beat advantage, or a virtual 1-0 lead in a best-of-five series.

In juniors’ play, last year’s title-holder Perpetual Help and EAC take on San Sebastian and Arellano University, respectively, also needing just a triumph to seal a spot in the best-of-three championship.

ST. Paul College-Makati absorbed an early loss at the hands of players from the Young Achievers’ School even as the favorites started hot in the bids over the weekend in the 20th Women’s Volleyball League at the Xavier School gym.

Young Achievers actually overachieved in pulling the rug from under the 13-Under Developmental Division’s defending champion St. Paul when it logged a 25-17, 25-19 triumph in Group B, School of the Holy Spirit-QC and St. Scholastica College-Manila to the early winners’ bracket.

Also tabbing wins were Colegio San Agustin-Makati and St. Pedro Poveda College in Group A of this tournament organized by the multi-awarded Best Center and sponsored by Milo.

Other triumphant teams were: 13-Under Competitive—CSAMakati, Escuela de Sophia of Caloocan City and King’s Montessori.

17-Under Developmental Division-- (Group A) San Antonio de Padua College, Sisters of Mount Carmel Catholic School and the Seed Montessori; (Group B) Immaculate Heart of Mary College; (Group C) St. Raphaela Mary School and St. Theresa’s College; and (Group D) School of the Holy Spirit-QC and St. Scholastica’s College-Manila.

17-Under Competitive Division— (Group A) San Pedro Relocation Center National High School and St. Dominic Salvo College; (Group B) CSA-Makati and The Academy of God’s Children School; (Group C) King’s Montessori and malabon National High School; and (Group D) Jubilee Christian Academy and Holy Family School-QC.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

F R I DAY : J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 16

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

Danilo Gallinari (8) of the Denver Nuggets looses control of the ball against Andrew Bogut (12) and Harrison Barnes (40) of the Golden State Warriors at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

The Nuggets defeated the Warriors, 112-110. AFP

Nuggets hand Dubs rd 3 defeat of season LOS ANGELES—Denver forward Danilo Gallinari scored 28 points and came up with a key late steal as the Nuggets handed the Golden State Warriors just their third defeat of the NBA season on Wednesday, 112-110 in Colorado.

Golden State’s star guard Stephen Curry scored 38 points, but the Warriors trailed by 10 heading into the final period and couldn’t quite climb out of the hole.

“I don’t think we played hard enough for the majority of the game,” said Warriors coach Luke Walton, whose team fell to 36-3.

“I thought we gave a tremendous effort in the fourth quarter—well, in the last half of the

fourth quarter.

“But for a championship team and what we’re trying to accomplish, in my opinion we didn’t play hard enough and we didn’t play smart enough for a majority of that game.”

Nevertheless the Warriors, who are chasing not only a repeat title but the record for regular season wins set by the 72-10 Chicago Bulls of 1995-96—had a chance to

Djokovic topseed in Melbourne TURN TO A13

pull it out at the end.

Gallinari, who made 17-for-19 free throws, missed one with 3.1 seconds left to give the Warriors a chance to overcome the 112-110 deficit.

Golden State inbounded the ball, but Klay Thompson missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer.

Golden State played without versatile forward Draymond Green, who missed his first game of the season as a scheduled day of rest.

“We could have used his energy tonight,” Walton said.

Curry scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, draining a threepointer, three free throws and

Beermen shoot for clincher TURN TO A14

two layups as the Warriors cut the deficit to 102-95 with 2:40 to play.

Curry’s fourth three-pointer of the game pulled the Warriors within 104-100 with 1:44 remaining but Will Barton, who scored 21 points for Denver, responded with a three-pointer of his own.

After another Curry layup, Denver’s Darrell Arthur sank a jump shot to give the Nuggets a 109-102 lead.

A layup from Warriors forward Harrison Barnes and a threepointer by Curry made it 109-107 with 37.1 seconds to play.

Gallinari then stole the ball from Curry and Denver guard Turn to A15

Generals, Altas try to arrange title duel REIGNING titlist Emilio Aguinaldo College and Perpetual Help try to arrange a title showdown as the two clash with San Beda and St. Benilde, respectively, today in the Final Four of the men’s division of the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Generals tackle the Lions, who clinched the fourth and last Final Four berth with a 25-22, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 win over the Arellano University Chiefs last Tuesday, at 12 noon, while the Altas face off with the Blazers at 2 p.m. needing just a victory to forge a best-of-three title showdown.

EAC clinched the top seeding by besting Perpetual Help, 21-25, 25-20, 25-17, 2519, and sending the latter to No. 2 and a tough duel with St. Benilde, last year’s losing finalist, which wound up with the No. 3 seed.

And the Generals are expected to again rely heavily on reigning Most Valuable Player Howard Mojica, who dropped 30 hits against Perpetual Help the last time out.

“He’s our source of strength,” said EAC coach Rodrigo Palmero.

Turn to A15

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: JANUARY 15, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

MUFG buys into Security Bank

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., the largest bank in Japan, on Thursday sealed an agreement to acquire 20 percent of Security Bank Corp. for $782 million or P36.9 billion.

Security Bank chairman Alberto Villarosa said the transaction represented the largest investment by a foreign financial institution in the Philippines, after the government passed Republic Act No. 10641, allowing the “full entry” of foreign banks into the country.

“This is a historic event for Security Bank and the Philippine financial market.. This [transaction] is expected to be closed at the second quarter [this year]. This is the largest equity investment in the country’s financial system by a foreign institution,” Villarosa said during

the signing ceremony at Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

The deal topped the Philippine investment of Cathay Life Insurance Corp. of Taiwan, which infused P17.9 billion for a 20-percent stake in Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in April last year.

BTMU is a member of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., one of the world’s leading financial groups with total assets of $2.4 trillion as of March 31, 2015.

Under the strategic partnership agreement, BTMU would acquire newly-issued primary shares of Security Bank consisting of 150.7

million common shares at P245 apiece and 200 million preferred shares at P0.10 per share for a total of P36.9 billion, representing 20-percent stake in the bank.

The buying price represented an 81-percent premium on Security Bank’s Wednesday closing price of P135. The stock jumped 6.7 percent to close at P44 Thursday, following the announcement.

“People say that it’s expensive, but we believe this is the right price,” Go Watanabe, the managing executive officer and chief executive for Asia- Oceania at MUFG’s main lending unit, said.

“We believe this price is fair, calculating the intrinsic or future value of the bank.”

Security Bank president Alfonso Salcedo Jr. said with the capital infusion, Security Bank would become the fifth largest bank in the Philippines. The infusion will increase Security Bank’s share-

holder capital from P52.4 billion as of September 2015 to P89.3 billion on a pro-forma post transaction basis.

Villarosa said the Dy family, which had been the bank’s majority shareholders for years, would remain the controlling shareholder of the bank. He said the additional capital infusion from BTMU would be largely allocated to pursue the bank’s growth and strategies. Total foreign ownership of Security Bank climbed to 35 percent, still below the 40-percent limit under the law.

“This is a testament to Security Bank’s reputation. We welcome the entry of BTMU as a shareholder and business partner. This partnership is an appropriate fit for Security Bank to deliver our promise of better banking,” Villarosa said.

Watanabe said the Japanese group’s partnership with Security

Bank was a testament to its commitment to grow its business in the Philippines.

“It is a good start for 2016… We look forward to growing our presence in the Philippines with support and collaboration with Security Bank,” Watanabe said. He said they chose to invest in the Philippines because it was one of the potential markets in Asian region.

“Asean market is our second core market after Japan. So we would like to expand our business here, so Asean is very important,” Watanabe said, adding that growth outlook for the Philippines was bright considering its sustained strong GDP and a huge number of young and productive population.

“We found the right partner in the Philippines… Security Bank is the right partner and [this is the] right time. That is our belief,” Watanabe said.

PSe comPoSite index Closing January 14, 2016

8000 8340 7880 7420 6960 6500

6,408.76 85.37

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing JANUARY 14, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P47.640

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P47.580 LOW P47.750AVERAGE P47.679 VOLUME 970.600M

P417.00-P627.00 LPG/11-kg tank P33.30-P40.75 Unleaded Gasoline

oPriceS il P today

P20.40-P23.80 Diesel

THE Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., the largest bank in Japan, signs agreement to buy 20 percent of Security Bank Corp. for $782 million or P36.9 billion.

Shown sealing the agreement at with a handshake at Makati Shangri La Hotel are Security Bank chairman Alberto Villarosa (second from left) and BTMU managing executive officer and chief executive for Asia and Oceania Go Watanabe. Looking on is Security Bank president Alfonso Salcedo. TEDDY PELAEZ

PAL set to sign $1-b deal for 6 long-range planes

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, January 14, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

47.4570

Japan

Yen

0.008501

0.4034

UK

Pound

1.442200

68.4425

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128874

6.1160

Switzerland

Franc

0.994135

47.1787

Canada

Dollar

0.696040

33.0320

Singapore

Dollar

0.696185

33.0389

Australia

Dollar

0.699986

33.2192

Bahrain

Dinar

2.661486

126.3061

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266418

12.6434

Brunei

Dollar

0.693770

32.9242

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000072

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.027594

1.3095

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

12.9226

Euro

Euro

1.088900

51.6759

Korea

Won

0.000831

0.0394

China

Yuan

0.152107

7.2185

India

Rupee

0.014984

0.7111

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.228571

10.8473

New Zealand

Dollar

0.655910

31.1275

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030042

1.4257 Source: PDS Bridge

PHILIPPINE Airlines is set to sign a $1-billion deal with an aircraft manufacturer for six longrange, twin-engine wide-body jets next month, a top executive said Thursday.

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista told reporters the flag carrier expected to sign by February the purchase agreement with an aircraft manufacturer for the six “ultra longrange aircraft.”

“We’ll make the announcement when we sign the purchase agreement,” he said. Bautista did not identify the aircraft manufacturer, but he earlier said the company

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

was looking at either Airbus 350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Bautista said the purchase contract would amount to about $1 billion, consisting of six long-range, twin-engine wide-body jets, aircraft parts and support equipment.

“It’s an ultra long-range aircraft that can fly non-stop from Manila to New York. The airplane can be used to other destinations also,” Bautista said.

PAL has been using Boeing 777-300 ERs for Manila to New York flights since October last year. It replaced Airbus A340s for the route.

“The Filipino passengers like it [Boeing 777]. It’s a new plane,” he said.

PAL also uses Boeing 777 in

operating daily flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto and London.

Asia’s first airline, which is aggressively expanding to international destinations, launched flights to Port Moresby in October and Cairns, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand last year.

PAL is scheduled to mount flights from Manila to Dubai to Kuwait on Jan. 17.

Bautista earlier said PAL would spend $500 million to acquire seven brand-new aircraft this year as part of a refleeting program.

He said he expected to take delivery of five Airbus 321s and Two Boeing 777s this year that would be used for regional and long-

haul destinations.

The airline, now wholly-owned by tycoon Lucio Tan after he bought back a 49-percent stake that San Miguel Corp. purchased from him in 2012, posted a comprehensive income of P6.55 billion in the first nine months of 2015, up from P169.1 million in 2014.

PAL Holdings attributed the sharp increase in comprehensive income during the period to strong revenues, which rose 10.8 percent to P81.98 billion from P73.98 billion from 2014.

PAL’s passenger revenues rose 12.5 percent to P68.37 billion in the first nine months of 2015 from P60.78 billion a year earlier.

FRIDAY: JANUARY 15, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, January 14, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 0.92 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26 47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 79 3.95 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 6.75 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.34 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 26 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 3.68 4.92 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 974 1.66 156 0.710 0.435 10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 0.375

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.1 2.05 45.85 45.05 98.10 95.10 84.90 83.20 36 35 2.45 2.45 1.20 1.12 14.8 14.78 17.74 17 6.64 6.50 0.63 0.63 620.00 600.00 0.440 0.400 72 70 0.91 0.9 15.70 15.60 49.45 48.25 95.05 95 272.4 268 32.2 31.7 156 143 1305.00 1280.00 56.90 56.50 1.68 1.53 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp.

40.5 40.7 39.85 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 4.32 4.28 4.11 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.74 0.74 0.73 1.86 Alsons Cons.

1.24 1.32 1.2 7.92 Asiabest Group 9.92 10.02 9.58 15.32 Century Food 14.96 14.98 14.78 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 17.78 17.88 17.46 29.15 Concepcion 41.95 42.1 41.95 1.5 Crown Asia 2.2 2.18 2.01 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.84 1.95 1.81 10.72 Del Monte 11.82 11.8 11.7 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 7.320 7.400 7.080 9.04 Emperador 8.38 8.38 8.22 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.68 5.70 5.51 8.86 EEI 5.33 5.35 5.30 1.06 Euro-Med Lab 1.66 1.7 1.6 20.2 First Gen Corp.

20.45 20.7 20 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 59.35 59.35 58 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.30 13.30 13.30 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.22 5.18 5.1 0.395 Ionics Inc 2.210 2.200 2.100 173 Jollibee Foods Corp.

205.00 203.00 199.60 LBC Express 8.6 8.5 8.5 34.1 Liberty Flour 26.90 27.50 27.20 2.3 LMG Chemicals 1.75 1.74 1.74 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.14 3.09 2 33 Macay Holdings 39.90 38.95 35.80 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 24.65 24.5 23.95 17.3 Maxs Group 16.6 16.76 16 5.88 Megawide 5.53 5.8 5.51 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 308.60 311.00 302.00 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.19 3.18 3.16 8.45 Petron Corporation 5.90 5.96 5.80 3 Phil H2O 3.5 3 2.97 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.80 3.75 3.60 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.43 1.43 1.35 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.21 2.23 2.16 4.02 RFM Corporation 3.86 3.89 3.80 5.9 Roxas Holdings 4.8 5.9 4.8 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 120 122 120 1.55 Splash Corporation 2.52 2.53 2.48 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.137 0.136 0.132 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

1.00 1.00 0.88 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 2.02 2.01 1.99 152 Universal Robina 182 185.5 176 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.55 4.55 4.55 0.640 Vitarich Corp.

0.59 0.58 0.56 10.02 Vivant Corp.

22.50 23.00 23.00 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.00 0.99 0.99 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.305 0.315 0.315 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 56.1000 56.6000 55.0000 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 14.90 14.78 14.56 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.12 6.10 6.01 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.205 0.203 0.200 634.5 Ayala Corp `A’ 670 681 662 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.58 7.53 7.32 12.8 DMCI Holdings 12.02 11.90 11.74 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 5.25 5.21 5.2 1.15 F&J Prince ‘B’ 6.2 5.42 5.42 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

4.40 4.25 4.25 837 GT Capital 1299 1294 1280 5.3 House of Inv. 5.20 5.20 5.20 IPM Holdings 9.81 9.80 9.78 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 66.45 66.35 64.00 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp.

5.76 5.75 5.52 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.62 0.69 0.56 12 LT Group 14 14.08 13.9 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.25 5.19 5.09 0.030 Pacifica `A’ 0.0290 0.0290 0.0280 0.550 Prime Orion 1.740 1.730 1.700 2.26 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.53 2.7 2.53 59.3 San Miguel Corp `A’ 60.00 60.00 57.00 751 SM Investments Inc. 810.00 797.00 775.00 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.09 1.08 1.06 80 Top Frontier 63.350 65.000 63.350 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.2650 0.2650 0.2550 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.1800 0.1690 0.1690 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.800 6.700 6.570 12 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 6.25 7.39 6.86 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.61 0.60 0.59 1.2 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.090 1.090 1.060 0.192 Arthaland Corp.

0.200 0.200 0.200 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 0.74 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

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

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

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

SHARES 12,100,534 63,716,716 79,233,039 142,517,952 117,163,470 1,387,711,849 1,803,603,620

2.1 45.85 98.00 84.90 36.05 2.45 1.12 14.84 17.08 7.00 0.63 600.00 0.440 72.2 0.91 15.68 49.55 99 272.4 31.95 135 1328.00 56.90 1.54

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.05 45.85 98.00 84.55 35.5 2.45 1.20 14.78 17 6.50 0.63 620.00 0.440 70.8 0.9 15.60 48.35 95 268 31.25 144 1280.00 56.90 1.53

-2.38 0.00 0.00 -0.41 -1.53 0.00 7.14 -0.40 -0.47 -7.14 0.00 3.33 0.00 -1.94 -1.10 -0.51 -2.42 -4.04 -1.62 -2.19 6.67 -3.61 0.00 -0.65

53,000 7,200 2,244,520 2,671,060 116,300 10,000 23,000 700 148,200 35,200 1,000,000 80 60,000 1,541,100 176,000 549,900 110,300 1,110 3,560 77,400 1,449,560 40 27,000 63,000

40.45 4.24 0.73 1.21 9.8 14.84 17.46 42 2.1 1.92 11.8 7.400 8.38 5.64 5.31 1.6 20 58 13.30 5.17 2.180 201.80 8.5 27.45 1.74 3.09 38.95 24.05 16.12 5.8 310.20 3.16 5.85 3 3.75 1.35 2.19 3.80 4.8 120 2.48 0.135 0.88 2.00 183 4.55 0.58 23.00 0.99

-0.12 -1.85 -1.35 -2.42 -1.21 -0.80 -1.80 0.12 -4.55 4.35 -0.17 1.09 0.00 -0.70 -0.38 -3.61 -2.20 -2.27 -6.99 -0.96 -1.36 -1.56 -1.16 2.04 -0.57 -1.59 -2.38 -2.43 -2.89 4.88 0.52 -0.94 -0.85 -14.29 -1.32 -5.59 -0.90 -1.55 0.00 0.00 -1.59 -1.46 -12.00 -0.99 0.55 0.00 -1.69 2.22 -1.00

2,212,500 118,000 45,000 2,087,000 3,300 4,259,400 312,200 166,800 320,000 2,863,000 80,200 5,127,400 1,066,000 8,729,700 142,600 49,000 1,081,000 354,770 2,100 66,800 2,024,000 709,490 12,900 2,100 8,000 24,000 10,300 2,159,200 167,600 330,200 153,940 208,000 2,143,600 8,000 178,000 275,000 90,000 226,000 4,000 8,700 327,000 1,330,000 53,000 747,000 2,665,920 1,000 102,000 8,500 8,000

0.315 56.4500 14.60 6.05 0.205 668 7.4 11.82 5.2 5.42 4.25 1290 5.20 9.79 64.00 5.57 0.56 14.04 5.11 0.0290 1.710 2.7 60.00 794.00 1.06 64.350 0.2550 0.1690

3.28 0.62 -2.01 -1.14 0.00 -0.30 -2.37 -1.66 -0.95 -12.58 -3.41 -0.69 0.00 -0.20 -3.69 -3.30 -9.68 0.29 -2.67 0.00 -1.72 6.72 0.00 -1.98 -2.75 1.58 -3.77 -6.11

20,000 1,486,200 2,585,100 60,200 500,000 168,460 4,190,200 4,801,500 43,300 1,000 13,000 131,910 25,000 1,112,000 1,810,350 1,778,000 794,000 1,645,200 24,033,200 30,800,000 699,000 45,000 1,238,820 94,100 283,000 17,080 270,000 350,000

6.570 7.39 0.59 1.060 0.200

-3.38 18.24 -3.28 -2.75 0.00

112,600 3,000 372,000 60,000 250,000

137,640.00 -55,140,919 4,029,987.50

-1,370,676.00 -29,172 -12,400.00 -37,938,520.50 7,820,000.00 -2,877,705.00 51,900.00 253,325 18,928,888.00 -26,050.00 -1,173,155.00 -2,896,720.00 50,740.00

56,882,976.00 140,202.00 4,859,365 -1,900.00 -2,169,894.00 3,493,607.00 5,862,448.00 111,045.00 -9,770,070.00 -6,958,929.00

-24,345,870.00

-30,366,870.00 216,390.00 1,884,388.00 105,824.00 -25,020.00 -5,395,062.00 13,500.00 17,690.00 217,010.00 -230,280.00 2,530.00

95,005,549.00 4,550.00 -39,900.00

8,366,544.50 -11,080,122.00 -159,765.00 43,916,690.00 1,045,102.00 -13,505,066.00

-10,246,600.00 130,000.00 -26,897,319.00 -998,910.00 7,490,716.00 -4,444,525.00 -323,500.00 -5,190.00 -18,340,537.00 -13,435,525.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

41.4 5.6 1.44 1.97 0.201 0.69 10.96 2.22 2.1 5.94 0.180 0.470 8.54 31.8 2.29 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

30.05 3.36 0.79 1.1 0.083 0.415 2.4 1.15 1.42 4.13 0.090 0.290 2.69 22.15 1.6 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

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

Double Dragon Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Primex Corp.

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

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.46 15.2

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.8 6

1.040 22.8 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 14.54 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Discovery World DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

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

SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

0.0098 17.24 0.330 12.7 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 6.47 0.236 6.5 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 120 515 8.21 111

33 490 101.5 480 5.88 101

1047

1011

78.95 84.8

74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

-192,605.00

221,260.00 5,644.00 10,000.00

Close

Alterra Capital Italpinas Xurpas

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

VALUE 941,728,658.6425 1,264,316,490.32 1,075,625,007.3255 1,167,663,049.80 706,115,558.38 85,105,515.7615 5,255,875,303.228

FINANCIAL 1,479.38 (up) 0.50 INDUSTRIAL 10,382.40 (down) 42.07 HOLDING FIRMS 6,091.01 (down) 91.39 PROPERTY 2,580.34 (down) 65.14 SERVICES 1,378.18 (down) 27.02 MINING & OIL 9,152.64 (down) 177.04 PSEI 6,408.76 (down) 85.37 All Shares Index 3,675.76 (down) 48.55 Gainers: 27; Losers: 149; Unchanged: 35; Total: 211

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

30.600 2.42 0.49 0.91 0.112 0.410 21.7 0.95 1.60 3.88 0.075 0.2120 8.45 23.70 1.4 20.65 0.76 4.5 0.760 4.500

30.500 30.000 30.300 2.4 2.25 2.3 0.49 0.46 0.47 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.110 0.104 0.104 0.400 0.380 0.400 21.45 20.5 21.1 0.95 0.92 0.95 1.59 1.55 1.55 3.76 3.66 3.72 0.073 0.073 0.073 0.2120 0.2020 0.2020 8.58 8.44 8.44 23.80 22.95 23.70 1.4 1.36 1.4 20.40 19.90 19.90 0.78 0.74 0.75 4.08 4.08 4.08 0.800 0.740 0.750 4.450 4.150 4.200 SERVICES 6.48 6.48 6.35 6.4 59.8 59.95 58.5 58.5 1.13 1.13 1.12 1.12 0.410 0.410 0.400 0.410 10.98 10.98 10.9 10.9 3.51 3.51 3.21 3.24 0.0400 0.0390 0.0380 0.0380 79.5 79 77.95 78 9.57 9.48 8.4 9.48 1.49 1.6 1.49 1.49 5.55 5.79 5.45 5.55 955 956 956 956 1707 1697 1668 1675 6.51 6.60 6.40 6.57 1.14 1.13 1.12 1.13 59.1 59 57.2 58.4 0.0086 0.0084 0.0084 0.0084 0.128 0.125 0.121 0.122 1.3000 1.3500 1.3100 1.3400 1.92 1.92 1.92 1.92 6.83 6.88 6.60 6.70 4.45 4.50 4.35 4.46 1.98 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.54 1.55 1.48 1.48 3.57 3.58 3.50 3.52 0.640 0.640 0.620 0.640 18 17.54 17.54 17.54 20.40 20.40 19.86 20.30 1940.00 1939.00 1900.00 1900.00 0.410 0.405 0.405 0.405 0.460 0.450 0.435 0.445 32.00 32.00 31.80 31.80 65.10 65.00 64.00 64.00 4.95 4.90 4.72 4.86 2.56 2.52 2.38 2.44 0.405 0.400 0.390 0.390 3.75 3.75 3.6 3.68 0.320 0.330 0.315 0.320 3.500 3.450 3.210 3.210 MINING & OIL 0.0042 0.0046 0.0042 0.0042 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 0.198 0.193 0.193 0.193 5.4800 5 5 5.0000 0.53 0.52 0.5 0.52 0.51 0.51 0.42 0.42 5.95 5.95 5.88 5.88 0.49 0.49 0.47 0.47 0.255 0.255 0.245 0.245 0.153 0.153 0.142 0.147 0.185 0.180 0.175 0.180 0.0100 0.0110 0.0099 0.0099 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 1.57 1.54 1.5 1.5 4.4 4.42 4.29 4.33 2.36 2.5 2.32 2.36 0.5100 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 1.0500 1.0500 0.9200 0.9200 0.0091 0.0092 0.0092 0.0092 3.30 3.29 2.61 3.29 4.11 4.11 4.04 4.06 1.23 1.24 1.20 1.20 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0100 129.00 127.60 126.00 127.50 1.96 2 1.96 2 0.0070 0.0070 0.0070 0.0070 PREFERRED 59.55 59.2 57 57 525.5 519.5 519.5 519.5 109 113.9 111 113.9 534 534 534 534 6.4 6.5 6.3 6.3 110 110 110 110 1063 1068 1066 1066 1024 1024 1024 1024 104.1 104.1 103.7 103.7 106.5 106.5 106.5 106.5 80.8 80.9 80.8 80.9 82.5 82.55 82.5 82.5 79 79 79 79 79 79 78.9 78.9 79.6 79.6 79.5 79.6 WARRANTS & BONDS 1.590 1.500 1.350 1.480 SME 3.3 3.29 3.1 3.1 2.61 2.6 2.5 2.51 13.72 13.6 13.24 13.24 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 106 105.6 104 104.8

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-0.98 -4.96 -4.12 -1.10 -7.14 -2.44 -2.76 0.00 -3.13 -4.12 -2.67 -4.72 -0.12 0.00 0.00 -3.63 -1.32 -9.33 -1.32 -6.67

15,821,500 5,571,000 1,500,000 56,000 6,590,000 200,000 473,400 227,000 29,820,000 44,822,000 370,000 590,000 81,100 3,170,900 234,000 15,583,400 1,068,000 2,000 173,000 6,810,000

3,269,095.00 -3,575,870.00 -92,000.00

-1.23 -2.17 -0.88 0.00 -0.73 -7.69 -5.00 -1.89 -0.94 0.00 0.00 0.10 -1.87 0.92 -0.88 -1.18 -2.33 -4.69 3.08 0.00 -1.90 0.22 -4.04 -3.90 -1.40 0.00 -2.56 -0.49 -2.06 -1.22 -3.26 -0.62 -1.69 -1.82 -4.69 -3.70 -1.87 0.00 -8.29

5,800 40,340 89,000 320,000 6,500 20,439,000 600,000 1,041,570 9,300 417,000 117,200 690 48,915 33,700 337,000 557,630 11,000,000 2,560,000 145,000 13,000 992,500 232,000 19,000 4,421,000 877,000 1,843,000 1,900 96,600 135,785 120,000 46,830,000 645,900 1,099,540 764,000 11,437,000 3,160,000 651,000 60,000 7,000

0.00 0.00 -2.53 -8.76 -1.89 -17.65 -1.18 -4.08 -3.92 -3.92 -2.70 -1.00 0.00 -4.46 -1.59 0.00 -1.96 -12.38 1.10 -0.30 -1.22 -2.44 -9.09 -1.16 2.04 0.00

1,276,000,000 163,000 -12,000.00 50,000 400 246,000 2,313,000 46,000 64,790.00 1,870,000 18,000.00 440,000 5,510,000 2,190,000 70,800,000 100,000 190,000 2,737,000 -781,930.00 63,000 126,000 926,000 5,000,000 5,000 381,000 -308,090.00 173,000 18,000.00 12,400,000 30,000.00 465,480 -11,445,039.00 9,000 -8,000.00 5,000,000

-4.28 -1.14 4.50 0.00 -1.56 0.00 0.28 0.00 -0.38 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.00 -0.13 0.00

120,440 85,000 500,020 2,100 212,700 11,000 1,130 25 13,700 5,600 3,700 13,650 4,400 3,500 52,860

-6.92

236,000

-2,980.00

-6.06 -3.83 -3.50

30,000 47,000 1,076,000

-4,309,974.00

-1.13

7,060

52,500.00

-160,520.00 -32,000.00 213,800.00 -26,981,630.00 -33,473,460.00

-23,685,605.00 212,560.00 -63,241,117.00

-7,558,900.00

-28,860,290.00 -41,163,325.00 156,600.00 33,790.00 -659,640.00 -15,580,510.00 45,000.00 -9,240,574.50 -19,360.00

-599,930.00 465,500.00 63,000.00 -610,598.00 -151,165,420.00 766,300.00 15,912,415.00 -2,558,414.50 -10,292,890.00 449,150.00 -163,980.00

-3,305,849.00

-548,100.00

-728,700.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Anchor Land Holdings Inc.

7.39

18.24

Coal Asia

0.42

-17.65

Bright Kindle Resources

1.20

7.14

Phil H2O

3

-14.29

Republic Glass 'A'

2.7

6.72

F&J Prince 'B'

5.42

-12.58

Security Bank

144

6.67

Oriental Peninsula Res.

0.9200

-12.38

Megawide

5.8

4.88

TKC Steel Corp.

0.88

-12.00

First Gen G

113.9

4.50

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

0.56

-9.68

Da Vinci Capital

1.92

4.35

Starmalls

4.08

-9.33

Manulife Fin. Corp.

620.00

3.33

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0100

-9.09

Abacus Cons. `A'

0.315

3.28

Benguet Corp `A'

5.0000

-8.76

ISM Communications

1.3400

3.08

Yehey

3.210

-8.29

FRIDAY: JANUARY 15, 2016

B3

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

Market retreats; SM Prime tumbles THE stock market retreated Thursday, tracking a Wall Street slump in the latest rout of world markets.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 85.37 points, or 1.3 percent, to 6,408.76 on a value turnover of P5.26 billion.

Losers overwhelmed gainers, 149 to 27, with 35 issues unchanged.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon Henry Sy, the biggest integrated property developer, tumbled 3.6 percent to P19.90, while rival Megaworld Corp., the third-largest real estate company, slumped 4.1 percent to P3.72.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the biggest telecommunications firm, fell 2.1 percent to P1,900, while JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei sank 3.7 percent to P64.

Security Bank Corp., the fifth largest lender in terms of capitalization, surged 6.7 percent to P144 on news that Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ will invest nearly $774 million in the local bank..

The transaction, still subject to regulatory approvals, would be the largest equity investment by a foreign lender in a Philippine bank, securities analysts told AFP. A disclosure by listed Security Bank said the 36.92 billion-peso (about $744 million) investment would buy the Japanese lender a 20-percent stake in one of thePhilippines’ bigger banks.

“They are looking to expand their horizons especially as returns on their domestic market are so low,” Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strategist for top Philippine lender BDO Unibank, told AFP. Shanghai stocks, meanwhile, saw another day of volatility Thursday, swinging sharply from big early losses to end on a high while most other Asian bourses slumped Any hope Wednesday’s regional rally might presage a recovery from 2016’s bloodbath was wiped out with an immediate sell-off in the opening minutes.

Tokyo plunged almost four percent in the first hour and Shanghai fell below its lowest levels of the summer rout. With AFP

Outgoing Toyota chief. Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. (left) joins (from left) Toyota Motor Philippines outgoing president Michinobu Sugata, TMP managing officer and chief executive for Asia, Middle East and North Africa Regions Kyoichi Tanada and Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima during the turnover ceremony of the TMP presidency on January 13, 2016 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City. Sugata will be replaced by Satori Suzuki.

Ayala, 5 banks sign Bataan power loan

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Ayala Corp., through unit AC Energy Holdings Corp., and partners signed an agreement with five local banks to finance 70 percent of the funding requirement of a 660-megawatt power plant expansion project in Mariveles, Bataan province.

“We signed with five local banks but we are waiting for some regulatory approvals, from the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas],” AC Energy president Eric Francia told reporters Thursday. The expansion project is estimated to cost over $1 billion. He declined to disclose the lenders.

Francia said the company expects to complete the project in 2019. He said a second 660-MW unit was also in the drawing board.

“We will start with the first 660-MW unit first. It is estimated to cost over $1 billion [to con-

struct],” Francia said.

GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd., where AC Energy controls 20 percent, owns a 600-MW coalfired power plant in Mariveles.

Francia earlier said the planned expansion would have the same shareholders as the existing Mariveles plant. GNPower Mariveles is owned by Sithe Global Power (Blackstone Group), Power Partners Ltd. Co.and AC Energy.

Francia said the company had signed purchase deals with electric cooperatives on the planned expansion.

AC Energy is nearing its 1,000MW installed capacity generation target for 2016. The company currently owns around 700 MW of power capacity.

The company’s projects include a 50-percent interest in the 270-MW coal-fired power plant of South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. in Calaca, Batangas and an 80-percent stake in the development of a 540-MW MW coal plant of GNPower Kauswagan Ltd. Co. in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte province.

Construction of GNPower Kauswagan’s power plant is estimated to cost around $1 billion, which will be funded by both debt and equity.

The plant, consisting of four units of 135 MW each in Barangay Libertad and Tacub in the municipality of Kauswagan, is expected to be in full operation by 2017.

GNPower Kauswagan tapped

Shanghai Electric Power Construction Co., a subsidiary of Power Construction Corp. of China, for the engineering, procurement and construction contract of the Mindanao project. Shanghai Electric will also put up the coal plant expansion in Bataan.

AC Energy has assembled 133 MW of wind farm capacity, the second largest in the country. It includes the 52-MW wind farm of Northwind Power Development Corp. in Bangui, Ilocos Norte and the 81-MW station of North Luzon Renewable Energy Corp. in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Francia said the company was open to other acquisition opportunities to expand its portfolio in the next five years.

“We will be looking at possible acquisition along the way on an opportunistic basis. We will be active in development not only in coal but other technologies as well,” he said.

BPI fund manager keeps cash amid anxiety over China’s economy

By Ian Sayson THE Philippines’ top fund manager is staying with cash as the cheapest shares in three years aren’t attractive enough to ease his anxiety over China’s economy and stock-market rout.

Smith Chua, who manages four out of the five best-performing Philippine equity funds over the past two years as chief investment officer at Bank of the Philippine Islands, said his cash holding is the same as August and Septem-

ber when it doubled from the start of 2015 as the volatile environment in China makes it difficult for him to invest. Chinese stocks headed for a bear market on Thursday, while government bond yields plunged to a record.

“Valuation wise, it’s a buying level but you have these uncertainties before you,” Chua, who helps manage about $11.8 billion, said in an interview in Manila on Wednesday. “China is a major source of uncertainty. What’s keeping us back is the issue China

may still pull something out of the hat.”

Chua joins other money managers who are keeping cash amid the global rout. Robert Ramos, chief investment officer at Union Bank of the Philippines, said Wednesday that he’s holding cash that’s about double from a year ago because of concerns over China’s financial markets and economy. Recent data showed producer prices extending declines and manufacturing continuing to weaken.

Philippine stocks entered a bear

market on Monday amid a selloff by foreign investors as concern about the slowdown in the world’s second-biggest economy and slumping oil prices curb demand for developing-nation assets already hurt by higher US interest rates. Valuations in the country’s share index sank to 15.3 times estimated earnings last Monday, the lowest since September 2012.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 4.4 percent on Monday, taking its decline from a record set in April to more

than 20 percent, the threshold in which technical analysts classify as a bear market. Foreign funds sold net 20.8 million worth of shares this week, data compiled

by Bloomberg show. More than $2 trillion was erased from the capitalization of the 31 largest emerging equity markets this year through Wednesday.

Chua’s BPI Equity UITF has returned 9.9 percent in the past two years, the top performer among 31 funds tracked by Bloomberg.

Bloomberg

FRIDAY: JANUARY 15, 2016

B4

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

IN BRIEF Cars program launched

THE Board of Investments on Thursday launched the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy Program, which aims to increase local production of vehicles.

BoI invited car and car parts manufacturers to submit within 60 days their applications for Executive Order No. 182 from Jan. 15, when the circular was published.

An interagency committee, composed of representatives from the Finance, Transportation and Science Departments; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; the Industry Development Council; and the National Competitiveness Council, will evaluate the applications and is expected to issue a decision by June 2016.

“The opening of applications a week earlier than the mandated schedule augurs well for the Cars program. We are especially enthusiastic for small and medium enterprises in the car parts manufacturing sector that stand to benefit from the program,” said Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo.

The program, signed by President Benigno Aquino III in May 2015, provides fiscal support for the manufacture of vehicles. Othel V. Campos

UN agency cuts outlook

THE United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on Thursday reduced the 2016 economic growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.3 percent from 6.4 percent.

The Bangkok-based UN unit also adjusted downward its forecast for 2015 growth to 5.9 percent from the previous estimate of 6.5 percent.

The regional development arm of UN, in its “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2015: Year-end Update” report, said the revision followed the weak external demand for Philippine exports after the slowdown in China.

“Since China is a major export destination for many regional economies, this gradual slowdown is posing a considerable challenge to the region’s economic growth,” It said.

The Philippine economy grew 6 percent in the third quarter of 2015, pushing average growth rate in the first three quarters to 5.6 percent, below the government’s target of 7 percent to 8 percent. Gabrielle H. Binaday

Peso falls to 6-year low of 47.64 a dollar

By Julito G. Rada

THE peso fell to a six-year low Thursday, losing P0.10 to close at 47.64 against the US dollar, as investors pulled out funds from emerging markets.

It was the local currency’s weakest level since closing at 47.73 a dollar on Nov. 3, 2009, at the height of the global financial crisis. Total volume traded reached $971 million Thursday.

“Asians [were] totally beaten down today with crude oil prices continuing to remain at multi-year lows. Stocks are being sold off in a big way with foreigners exiting from positions, hurting respective Asian currencies,” Nicholas Antonio Mapa, research officer at the Bank of the Philippine Islands, said in an electronic mail.

Mapa also said that the “Jakarta bombing and terrorist attack did not help,” in financial markets’ trading.

ING Bank Manila economist Joey Cuyegkeng earlier said the peso would likely be on the defensive this week.

“Local corporate demand for US dollar may increase this week. Market remains on guard of possible and eventual weakening of CNY [Chinese yuan], continued concerns on growth and low commodity prices and ahead of this week’s set of FOMC speakers,” Cuyegkeng said.

Data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that hot money or foreign portfolio investments posted a net outflow of $599.69 million in 2015, or almost twice the $310-million net outflow a year ago, triggered by investors’ anticipation of interest rate hike in the United States and slowdown in China’s economy.

The US Federal Reserved decided to in-

crease interest rates on Dec. 17, 2015.

“While net cumulative inflows reached $1.8 billion during the first two months of 2015, these were fully offset by net outflows in the succeeding months [except for the small net inflow of $28 million in October,” Bangko Sentral said in a statement Thursday.

Gross inflows reached $19.926 billion in 2015, lower than $21.796 billion in 2014, while total outflows dropped to $20.525 billion from $22.106 billion.

“The bulk [$18.6 billion or 90.5 percent] of total outflows represented withdrawals from interim peso deposits, which were for capital repatriation, $14.7 billion from PSE-listed securities; $3.4 billion from peso government securities and $51 million from peso time deposits; and remittance of earnings, $395 million from PSElisted securities, $78 million from peso GS, and less than $1 million from peso time deposits,” Bangko Sentral said.

URC to spend P9.5b

UNIVERSAL Robina Corp., the food manufacturing unit of tycoon John Gokongwei, said it allocated P9.5 billion for capital expenditures in fiscal year 2016, primarily to expand the snack food and beverage businesses both here and abroad.

This year’s financial spending is 46 percent higher than the company’s P6.5-billion actual spending in 2015.

URC said in a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange it budgeted P7.7 billion to expand snackfoods and beverage businesses across branded food operations as well and construction of new buildings to house new lines and expand warehouse capacities.

URC said P1 billion was also allotted for the commodity foods group, primarily for flour mill construction, sugar business expansion and maintenance capital expenditures. Another 700 million would be invested in agro-industrial group for sow level expansion, farm improvement and handling facilities for feeds division.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Robinsons Land nets P5.7b

PROPERTY developer Robinsons Land Corp. said Thursday net income in fiscal year 2015 ending September rose 20.4 percent to P5.7 billion from P4.73 billion a year ago, led by a double-digit revenue growth in business segments of office, residential, hotels and shopping malls.

Robinsons Land said in a financial statement filed with the stock exchange consolidated revenues increased 16 percent to P19.7 billion from P17.05 billion a year earlier, with recurring business accounting for 66 percent while residential portfolio accounting for the remaining 34 percent.

The company said to sustain the growth of the business, it budgeted P17 billion for 2016 capital expenditures covering land acquisition and constructions. The amount will be funded through cash from operations and borrowings.

It said 54 percent of the capex would be allocated for malls, office buildings and hotels; 25 percent for the residential division; and 21 percent for land acquisition. Jenniffer B. Austria

Nickel Asia’s output up 10% NICKEL Asia Corp. said Thursday the total vol-

ume of ore shipped from its four operating mines increased 10 percent in 2015 to 19.7 million wet metric tons from 17.9 WMT shipped in 2014.

The company said despite the increased output, the value of nickel ore shipments dropped 39 percent last year to P14.4 billion from P23.7 billion in 2014, dragged down by lower nickel prices.

Nickel Asia said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Taganito mine shipped 2.5 million WMT of saprolite ore and 5.24 million WMT of limonite ore, including 4.43 million WMT of limonite to the Taganito plant in 2015.

The Rio Tuba mine shipped 3.18 million WMT of saprolite ore and 3.37 million WMT of limonite ore to the adjacent Coral Bay plant while the company’s Hinatuan mine shipped 2.56 million WMT of limonite ore and 650,000 WMT of saprolite ore.

Nickel Asia said the Cagdianao mine shipped 1.44 million WMT of limonite ore and 729,000 WMT of saprolite ore. The estimated realized nickel price on 11.9 million WMT of direct exports of ore in 2015 averaged $22.66 per WMT, lower than $45.10 per WMT realized in 2014.

Anna Leah E. Gonzales

PhilJets expansion. PhilJets Group signs up an

order with Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia to acquire one more brand new Airbus Helicopters H130 (formerly EC130 T2), which is scheduled for delivery in June 2016. With the acquisition, PhilJets Group will now operate a fleet of five H130’s, one AS350B2 and will add one more pre-owned B4 to its fleet to count eight aircrafts within 2016. Shown are (from left) PhilJets Group marketing manager Astrid Calippe, PhilJets Group chief executive Thierry Tea, Airbus Helicopters managing director Yves Poesy and Airbus Helicopters deputy head of commercial department Melanie Tolentino.

Dubai company eyes Pangasinan-Manila railway

By Othel V. Campos

KAMPAC Oil Group of Dubai plans to increase its long-term investment in the Philippines to $15 billion that will include a railway from its project site in Pangasinan to Manila.

Allyson Artes, special advisor of the company’s Energy City project in Sual, Pangansinan, said the project engineers decided to add railway lines that would link the site to Manila.

“Kampac is not fazed even though the project will be well over $15 billion in 15 years because we believe that the Philippines has the potential to become the first Asian country to

triple its growth in the next 10 to 15 years,” Artes said.

Artes said the railway system would have two lines, each for cargo and passengers, between Sual and Manila.

Kampac tapped Aurecon Australia PTY and Mott McDonald UK for the design and engineering, planning and management of Energy City, a proposed multi-purpose city, which will be the first of its kind in the world.

Under the plan, Kampac Energy City will have a non-commercial port, a township and the Energy City. These three integrated development shall take 5 to 15 years to complete.

Kampac Oil plans to distrib-

ute and sell oil in the Asean region, with the Philippines as its distribution hub.

Kampac said it completed the shortlisting process for consultants and contractors in preparation for the groundbreaking for the project by the second quarter of 2016.

“Despite the declining oil prices, the management of Kampac is bullish about the project because we think this is the time to take advantage of the cheap oil price period which will impact to lower the cost of construction and accelerate the development of the city,” said Artes.

He said Kampac was confident that both Asia and the

Philippines would continue to grow, with the Philippines needing more energy to meet the challenges of the 2020’s energy security vision.

Kampac said it would hire about 10,000 to 14,000 workers, once the project was completed.

Kampac is an international oil company with diversified activities including oil exploration and trading and other allied businesses worldwide.

Kampac International Plc is the holding company of Kampac Oil with stakes in companies such as Kampac Properties, Kampac Resources, Kampac Flora, Kampac Telecom and Kampac Travel & Tours.

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CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘Asia not likely to lead world expansion’ BANGKOK—Expansion in the Asia-Pacific region’s developing economies has plateaued and can no longer be relied upon to drive global growth, the United Nations said Thursday.

The zonewhich includes all regional nations except the advanced markets of Japan, Australia and New Zealandgrew by an estimated 4.5 percent in 2015, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific said in a report.

It was the slowest rate of growth since 2009, the study added.

For 2016, Escap predicts a modest rebound to five percent growth for the region.

Before the 2008 global economic crash, the region enjoyed growth rates above nine percent and it continued to be a chief global driver in the years following the crisis, with the advanced economies enduring sluggish recoveries characterized by anemic expansion.

But Escap economists believe the region is unlikely to continue to lead the global pack.

They say China’s slowdown and key structural issues such as high household debt, sluggish investment and weak consumer confidence are dragging on growth.

“The slowdown... is raising doubts about Asia and Pacific’s continued ability to lead the way forward to global economic recovery,” Shamshad Akhtar, executive secretary of Escap, told reporters in Bangkok, adding that regional growth had “plateaued”.

Asked whether the world could rely on the region to lead growth, she replied: “Most likely not.”

The report said the sluggish performance of the region’s largest economy, China, was inevitably having a ripple effect, hurting major commodity exporters like Indonesia and manufacturing bases like South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

But it added that the recent jitters in China’s equity and currency markets were likely to be a market correction, as the “economic fundamentals of China remain broadly strong”.

Other countries’ economies face problems more of their own making.

Malaysia and Thailand, for example, are hampered by rocketing household debt that now accounts for more than 50 percent of the gross domestic product thanks to the recent and easy availability of cheap loans. AFP

WORLD Taiwan tipped to vote for independent head TAIPEI—Taiwan is expected to turn its back on closer ties with China when it votes for a new president Saturday, in an election symbolizing the island’s battle for identity.

In attendance. Models wearing Love, Courtney collection attend the Love, Courtney by Nasty Gal launch party at Nasty Gal on January 13, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

As citizens prepare to go to the polls, many frustrated Taiwanese are calling for change as fears grow over China’s increasing influence, casting a gloom exacerbated by economic woes.

Current president Ma Ying-jeou was voted in by a landslide eight years ago, promising prosperity through warmer relations with Beijing.

But trade deals and a tourism boom under his ruling Kuomintang have been offset by deep unease that China is eroding Taiwan’s identity and sovereignty by making it economically dependent.

Voters are also angry that the economic benefits from closer ties have not filtered down to ordinary Taiwanese.

The Democratic Progressive Party—which takes a much more skeptical approach to China relations—is tipped to win Saturday’s vote, and make its leader Tsai Ing-wen Taiwan’s first woman president.

“I’m concerned the government is eager to pursue ties with China without carefully calculating the risks,” said Lee Yi-chung, a Taipei businessman in his 40s who will be voting DPP. “I don’t want Taiwan to be ruled by China.”

Taiwan has been self-ruling after splitting with the mainland in 1949 following a civil war, but Beijing still sees it as part of its territory, to be reunited by force if necessary.

Ma has been accused of secret dealings over trade pacts and his historic summit with China’s president Xi Jinping in Singapore last November—the first between the two side since their split—bolstered those fears.

Anger erupted in 2014 when student-led protesters occupied parliament over a trade deal they said had been agreed behind closed doors. There were also protests last year over school textbooks criticized as too China-centric.

Voters fear Taiwan will eventually be “snatched”

by Beijing, says Lee Shiao-feng, Taiwanese culture professor at the National Taipei University of Education.

“They want to say ‘no’ to China,” said Lee. “Surveys show that more and more people here, even second- or third-generation mainlanders, consider themselves Taiwanese rather than Chinese.”

The DPP’s Tsai says Taiwan must move away from economic dependence and that public sentiment will influence her cross-strait strategy. AFP

N. Korea furious over ‘unjustifiable’ Davos forum snub SEOUL—North Korea on Thursday protested its “unjustifiable” exclusion from the coming World Economic Forum in Davos, calling it a “sinister act” of compliance with Pyongyang’s political enemies.

North Korea had planned to send a high-level delegation to Davos for the first time in 18 years, but the WEF announced on Wednesday that it was rescinding the invite, following the North’s

nuclear test last week.

In a letter sent to the WEF managing board, Pyongyang’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva voiced deep concern over such a “sudden and irresponsible” move.

“The behavior of the forum is a very sinister act of defying the elementary impartiality and principles to be abided by an international body,” the North’s official KCNA news agency quoted the letter as saying.

Some 2,500 business and political leaders, including more than 40 heads of state, are expected to attend the WEF’s four-day gathering in Davos next week for a series of seminars on the key issues facing the global economy.

The protest letter noted that the North’s decision to attend this year—with Foreign Minister Ri Su-Yong leading the delegation— had been a response to repeated requests from the WEF.

As a result, the decision to rescind the invitation for an “unjustifiable political reason” was unwarranted and “unbecoming”, it added.

“And it took advantage of the moves of some forces pursuing extreme hostile policy toward [North Korea].”

North Korea’s decision to carry out a fourth nuclear test on January 6 triggered global condemnation and threats of fresh sanctions from

the UN Security Council.

The North claimed it had tested a miniaturized hydrogen bomb, although Western experts said seismic data suggested the yield was far too low for a fully-fledged thermonuclear device.

It was still North Korea’s fourth nuclear test since 2006, and further evidence of Pyongyang’s intention to continue developing its nuclear weapons capability in the face of international censure. AFP

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WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Fresh blow to Turkey tourism ISTANBUL—This week’s suicide attack in Istanbul has dealt a fresh blow to tourism in Turkey, which had already lost holidaymakers due to growing European jitters over terrorism and a spat with Russia, once a top supplier of visitors.

Three months after the double suicide bombings in Ankara that killed 103 people, mostly pro-Kurdish activists, Tuesday’s attack, which killed 10 Germans, clearly targeted the tourist sector, one of the mainstays in a country which was the world’s sixth-most visited in 2014.

A record 36.8 mil-

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lion holidaymakers visited Turkey in 2014 according to the World Tourism Organization, with Germans making up the biggest group, followed by Russians and Britons.

But the country’s tourism appeal started to dim in 2015, with Turkey suffering the same fate as other Muslim countries

such as Morocco and Indonesia that are being spurned by Europeans after attacks on tourists in Egypt and Tunisia.

“In the mind of the Western tourist, there is no doubt that the potential attacks by an Islamist group on one country will be associated to danger in the whole region. Those attacks, coupled with Turkey’s own attacks and proximity to Syria, have a detrimental impact on tourism flows towards the country,” said Kinda Chebib, an analyst at Euromonitor International market research agency.

The flow of Russian

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff Mandaluyong City

NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for Notarial Commission of ATTY. DANIELLE SIGFREID R. CORPUZ and ATTY. DIANNE CAROLINE V. DUCEPEC will be held on January 25, 2016 at 1:30 in the afternoon at the office of the Honorable Executive Judge, Session Hall of Branch 209, 2nd Floor, Old City Hall Building.

Any person who has any valid reason or cause to object to the grant of the petition may file with the undersigned before the date of the summary hearing a verified written opposition thereto.

Witness the Hon. Monique A. Quisumbing-Ignacio, Executive Judge, this 11th day of January 2016 at Mandaluyong City.

( T S - J A N . 15 , 2 016)

(Sgd.) ATTY. ERWIN N. BARATA Clerk of Court VI

Republic of the Phillippines Department of Health National Capital Regional Office VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER BIDS AND AWARD COMMITTEE Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625 Email addressvmc_bac@yahoo.com

INVITATION TO BID PUBLIC BIDDING NO.: VMC-2016-001 The VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER invites all eligible bidders to bid on: DESCRIPTION

PROJECT ALLOCATION

Procurement of Drugs & Medicines CY 2016

P 34,403,616.00

NON-REFUNDABLE FEE 1M - 5M P 5,000.00 5M up -10M10,000.00 10M up 15,000.00

The bidding documents shall be available to interested bidders at the BAC Secretariat, BAC Office, 2/F, VMC, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City from 9:00AM to 3:00PM, starting January 16, 2016 upon payment of non-refundable fee as indicated above. Only those who have purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre bid conference and raise or submit written queries (see revised IRR of RA 9184). The pre-bidding conference will be on January 25, 2016, 10:00 am at the Conference Room, 4/F, VMC Annex Bldg., Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. Bid opening will be on February 9, 2016, 10:00AM at the 4/F, VMC Conference Room, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City.

All particulars relative to bid evaluation and award of contract shall be governed by the provisions of R.A. 9184 otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ALTERNATIVE BIDS SHALL BE REJECTED. Bid bond shall be in form of cash, cashier’s check or manager’s check equivalent to two percent (2%) of the approved budget of the contract.

This invitation is also advertised with the Government Electronic Procurement System (G-EPS) at www.procurementservice.org and posted at the VMC BAC bulletin board.

For inquiry, please call the BAC Secretariat Office at Telephone No. 294-4625 VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO 1) REVIEW ALL THE REQUIREMENTS; 2) REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS; 3) CONFISCATE THE BID BOND AND/OR PURSUE APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTION SHOULD A BIDDER BE FOUND TO HAVE VIOLATED R.A. 9184; 4) WAIVE ANY DEFECTS CONTAINED THEREIN; and/or 5) ACCEPT THE OFFER MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE GOVERNMENT. ANY DECISION MADE BY THE VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER IS FINAL AND EXECUTORY. FURTHER, VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION WHATSOEVER TO COMPENSATE OR INDEMNIFY THE BIDDER OR WINNING BIDDER. AS THE CASE MAY BE, FOR ANY EXPENSE OR LOSS THAT SAID PARTY (IES) MAY INCUR IN ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE PRE-BIDDING AND BIDDING PROCESS NOR DOES IT GUARANTEE THAT AN AWARD WILL BE MADE.

(TS-JAN. 15, 2016)

(SGD)DONA D. SALMOS, RN, MAN Chairman, BAC

tourists, 4.4 million of whom visited Turkey in 2014, had already slowed significantly in 2015 over the collapse of the ruble.

But the shooting down by Turkey’s air force of a Russian bomber on the border with Syria in November turned the tap off completely.

Incensed by the attack, Russia warned its citizens against all travel to Turkey and recommended they head for the beaches of Russianannexed Crimea instead.

The final tally of tourists received by Turkey in 2015—and an estimate of their spending—is not yet known.

Euromonitor reports that the country’s tourism profits fell 4.4 percent in the third quarter of 2015 to 12.29 billion dollars.

The attack in the historic heart of Istanbul, which the government blamed on the Islamic State group, is expected to have an immediate impact on travel to the bustling metropolis on the Bosphorus, which is a popular weekend destination for Europeans in winter.

“This is the first time that I’ve been afraid for my life while on holiday,” French tourist Nathalie Julien told AFP after the assault next to the famed Blue Mosque.

“I just want to get home now. It’s scary,” she said.

Jean-Pierre Nadir, president of Easyvoyage flight comparison website, was pessimistic about the chances of Turkey rebounding quickly as a destination, after months of making headlines for terror attacks and tensions, including with the country’s own Kurdish minority.

“This attack, which comes on top of the confusion created

by President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan’s policies that have tarnished the destination’s reputation, puts a stop to [travel to] Turkey,” Nadir declared. AFP

Standard Form Number:SF-Good-05 Revised on: July 28, 2004

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID The Local Government Unit of Catanauan, Quezon, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites suppliers/manufacturers/distributors/contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project: NAME OF PROJECT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

ABC

Concreting of 900-M Farm to Market Road, Barangay San Jose Anyao, Catanauan, Quezon (Materials Only) Partial Construction of Slaughter House Brgy. San Antonio Pala, Catanauan, Quezon (Straight Contract) 3rd Partial Construction of Catanauan Central School Covered Court, Catanauan Central School (Straight Contract) Rehabilitation of Farm to Market Road (Rural Brgys) (Materials Only) Concreting of 265-M Farm to Market Road, Brgy.

10 Poblacion, Catanauan, Quezon (Straight Contract) LOCATION: Brief Description: Source of Fund:

P 8,656,924.00 P 5,000,000.00 P 4,995,325.81 P 3,800,000.00 P 1,984,973.25

Catanauan, Quezon Construction/Concreting & Rehab. Projects DILG Fund, 20% & MDF 2015, GF 2016, 20% MDF 2016, BUB-DENR 2015

Prospective Bidders of all projects requiring aggregates or the supplier of the same shall have an existing and updated Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board (PMRB) Permit, Mayor’s Permit and other Clearances.

Prospective bidders should have experience in undertaking a similar project within the last 2 years, with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project for bidding.

The Eligibility Check/Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-Qualification of the lowest calculated bid shall be conducted.

All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Activities Schedule Pre-Procurement Conference 08 January 2016 Publication/Advertisement 15 January 2016 Submission of Letter of Intent and 15 January 2016 to 01 February 2016 Issuance of Bid Documents (8:00am-12:00nn) Pre-Bid Conference Receipt of Bids Opening of Bids Bid Evaluation and Post Qualification Notice of Award

20 January 2016, 2:00pm (SB Session Hall) 01 February 2016, 8:00am to 12:00nn 01 February 2016, 2:00pm (SB Session Hall) 02-04 February 2016 08 February 2016

Bid Documents will be available only to prospective bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable amount in form at the Office of Municipal Treasurer of Catanauan, Quezon.

The cost of bidding documents shall correspond to the ABC range as indicated in the table below. This shall be the maximum amount of fee that procuring entities can set for the acquisition of the bidding documents.

Approved Budget for the Contract 500,000.00 and below More than 500,000.00 up to 1 Million More than 1 Million up to 5 Million More than 5 Million up to 10 Million More than 10 Million up to 50 Million More than 50 Million up to 500 Million More than 500 Million

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents 500.00 1,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00 75,000.00

The Local Government Unit of Catanauan, Quezon assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid.

Approved by:

( T S - J A N . 15 , 2 016)

Sgd. JERRY M. MENDOZA Municipal Assessor BAC Chairman

3 tickets share $1.6-b jackpot LOS ANGELES—Three winning tickets shared a $1.6-billion bonanza in the US Powerball lottery on Wednesday, after millions of people tuned in to see the fate of the world-record jackpot live on TV. The winning numbers were 4, 8, 19, 27 and 34, with a 10 as the so-called Powerball number.

Lottery fever gripped the United States, with people forming long lines outside stores to buy a ticket and then frantically checking their $2 slips to see if they had hit the mammoth jackpot.

“It’s official! There were 3 jackpot-winning tickets in tonight’s Powerball draw: California, Florida & Tennessee,” California Lottery tweeted.

Local television showed swarms of people, many cheering and chanting, descending on the Los Angeles convenience store where the California ticket was sold.

The jackpot, which had stood at $1.5 billion for much of the day, eventually crept up to nearly $1.59 billion.

The winner can choose to be paid the full jackpot in annual installments for 29 years or take a oneoff payment of at least $930 million.

The odds of winning were at least one in 292 million.

Despite that, shops all over the United States did a roaring trade in frenzied last-minute ticket sales in the final hours before the live draw.

Office workers dashed out between meetings to buy tickets, fantasizing about what they would do with the winnings, and commuters in New York joked about scooping the jackpot to save them from the deep freeze of winter.

For days, the talk of the nation, from coast to coast, and even from Canada to Mexico, was: will someone finally win the first Powerball in two months and, if you were to win, how would you spend such a whopping jackpot?

“I’m not a regular, but why not? Like the commercial says, ‘Hey, you never know,’” said Nick Friedberg, a carpenter and father of two drinking coffee on a bitterly cold street in Manhattan.

“Non-stop, everyone’s talking about it,” he said, running through a list of things he would like to buy. “Do the world, that’s for sure. AFP

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

B7

Freight forwarding company EUG Freight Services Inc was inducted into the 2015 NLEXcellence Hall of Fame for having excelled in all three categories of the awards: Driver Professionalism, Vehicle Quality and Company Operational excellence.Marvin Gaerlan (center), EUG’s trucking manager, and other EUG executives receive the award from MNTC president Rodrigo Franco (second from right), SVP for legal, regulatory and government relations lawyer Romulo Quimbo Jr. (left), VP for marketing RenatoTiczon (second from left), SVP for construction and engineering Raul Ignacio.

NLEXCELLENCE HALL OF FAMER

PASSION FOR SAFETY

“Dedication and passion for safety is our culture and trademark.” Boldly stated in the corporate profile of EUG Freight Services Inc., this commitment to the highest standards of road safety was a major contributor to EUG: Steady growth over the last 20 years.

It was also a key reason why this Antipolo City-based trucking company was inducted into the NLEXcellence Safety Awards Hall of Fame recently.

An annual awards program that was launched in 2013, the NLEXcellence Safety Awards was created by the Manila North Tollways Corporation, builder and concessionaire of the North Luzon Expressway, to encourage trucking and bus companies using the tollway to practice the highest standards of road safety.

For this year, MNTC honored 16 companies, led by EUG for their exemplary performance in ensuring road safety in awards rites held at the Manila Hotel.

The idea for this yearly event began in 2007 when MNTC first held an Appreciation Night for bus and truck companies which are heavy users of the NLEX. “Although it started as a simple activity for developing and sustaining meaningful ties with key customers, it was decided to turn it into an annual awards program in 2013 as a way of recognizing NLEX users who share MNTC’s dedication and com-

mitment to safety,” said Rodrigo E. Franco, president and CEO of MNTC. The NLEXcellence Safety Awards program is open to every bus and trucking company that meets the following qualifications: it must own a fleet of at least 20 vehicles; at least 50 percent of its trips must go to and/or come from North Luzon, and 30 percent of these trips must be taken on NLEX. This recognition for their dedication and commitment to safety, according to Elpidio U. Gaerlan, owner and founder of EUG Freight Services, has made him and his people, particularly his drivers, very happy.

The company was already awarded as “NLEX Top Account” in 2012, but Gaerlan said it was their being chosen as NLEXcellence Safety Awardee for three consecutive years – in 2013, 20014 and 2015 – that have made them extremely proud. This achievement also elevated them to the Hall of Fame.

“It has made all the hard work worthwhile,” he explained. “Our drivers were especially happy to learn that after all the seminars I asked them to attend, the training they had to undergo, even the rebuke they received whenever they made a mistake, there was a reward waiting for them.”

In fact, when the company first won in 2013, his drivers already felt they were “the best in the world,” Gaerlan said. “But I told them that we shouldn’t rest on our laurels, and that we should continue to improve until we get the highest award of all, induction to the Hall of Fame. I’m very happy that we got it!”

Since the launch start of the

NLEXcellence Safety Awards, there has been an increased interest among truck and bus operators in achieving excellence in road safety.

“From the start, it was our objective to make the NLEXcellence Safety Awards the seal of excellence in road safety that will make the awardees role models for other companies to emulate when it comes to the best practices in company operations in general, and road safety in particular,” Renie U. Ticzon, MNTC vice president for marketing, explained.

The NLEX, he said, is a worldclass tollway that is full of safety features to protect all travellers.

“But we need to partner with those who regularly traverse it to help us to continually keep this tollway safe,” he added.

He noted that being an NLEXcellence Awardee enables bus and trucking companies to show to their customers and the general public that they have the best practices in road safety.

EUG Freight Services is a prime example of how winning an NLEXcellence Award helps a company.

“First of all, when we offer our trucking services to a client, we show them documents that prove we’ve won safety awards,” Gaerlan said. “This assures them that we are a company they can depend on because we have good, disciplined drivers who are always safety-conscious.”

Some customers, he said, even see their company’s name posted on the expressway’s toll plazas.

“This has certainly helped boost our business!”

And, in turn, it has assured all their passengers the utmost in safety.

FAST FASTLANE Motech-Autobacs alliance

Motech Automotive, a Philippine-grown automotive company, holds a parnership deal press conference with Autobacs Seven, a major automotive brand in the ASEAN region. Their alliance will focus on recent developments in ASEAN Integration with the goal of opening 500 Motech centers in the region. From left: Bing Sibal-Limjoco, CFE Vice Chairman, Philippine Franchise Association CEO, FranCorp,Philippines,Teruyuki Matsumura-Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, Autobacs Seven Co.LTD. and Eugine Sergio Naguiat, president, Motech Automotive. MANNY PALMERO

Diesel engine protection MOTUL’S line of oil and lubricants has been tested in actual conditions and has been proven to provide ultra low-friction for more horsepower, incredibly smooth and almost no noticeable drop in rpms when shifting and instantaneous engine revs with noticeable gains in horsepower.

Its high performance anti-wear additive increases engine life duration and decreases wear by reducing engine internal frictions resulting in smooth and light acceleration.

As a company dedicated to protect your engine and maximize its output, Motul’s SPECIFIC CRDi Diesel 5W-30 is a 100% synthetic lubricant specially designed for new generation cars, powered by Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel engines. It is engineered to be compatible with catalytic

converters and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). SPECIFIC CRDi Diesel 5W-30 also provides excellent lubrication properties and reduced volatility. It is especially formulated to provide protection for diesel engines operating at high temperatures. The CRDi 5W30 also ensure engine cleanliness by way of a modern detergent and Motul’s innovative dispersant technology, which also assures excellent anti-wear, anticorrosion and anti-foam properties Motul’s diesel motor oil are certified to be compliant with Euro IV or Euro V emission regulations requiring an ACEA C3 engine oil. It is engineered and designed to handle diesel soot and protects emission control systems in modern turbocharged diesel vehicles.

F R I D AY : J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 1 6

B8

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING

OLD SCHOOL RELIABILITY

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

PEUGEOT’S big boss Maxime Picart says that there is quite a demand for the 301 in Eastern Europe. I was surprised by this statement because judging from the interior design, one might think that the 301 is a throwback from the eighties, designed by a Peugeot engineer who had too much rest in Spain while listening to the songs of Rick Astley. It is that boring.

Before scratching this French saloon froma your list, read on and decide later.

With a sticker price of P990,000 for the entry level 1600cc M/T to the high end P1600cc ECS A/T, Peugeot’s 301 saloon has plenty of appeal. Styling cues were derived from the SR1 concept and for that price, you get that solid European car feel.

To be factual about this car, the 301 saloon is based on a stretched and widened 208 platform, although it is 4.4 meters longer than the 308. It also offers spacious head and legroom with a 640 liter trunk big enough to fit two dead bodies if you’re a Mafia hitman. This could further be expanded to 1,352 liters with its clever split fold rear seats down configuration. Engineers say that it was designed to be a global car that can withstand any weather and take the punishment of awful roads which is the norm here in our Banana Republic. The interior is Spartan, no fancy piano finishes or aircraft like controls and there is none of the squishy dashboard plastics found in other brands. It has controls that the driver really needs within easy reach, although the window button can take you back a bit.

Being a Peugeot, the 301’s mechanicals are as solid and reliable as the French Foreign Legion. This writer drove the 1600cc ECS variant throughout the Yuletide vacation and found it to be comfortable, sprightly, although not scintillatingly quick like its diesel siblings but nicely refined. Think of the 301 as Eva Green, frighteningly sexy.

The ride has hints of the old school Peugeot, so expect the car to be firm, yet comfortable even on bad roads. I took for a long drive up North and once we hit the construction sites going to Nueva Ecija, my passengers were still in dreamland despite the searing noontime heat and the ongoing road repairs which reminded me of Dakar.

If you’ll ask me if I would recommend the 301for your purchase, the answer to that might be decided on a personal test drive. Yes its ugly, but the car is a performer, which is essential to any investment. Look beyond the dated exterior design and absorb the nameplate’s record for fuel efficiency and reliability. Test drive the car and decide for yourself to see what I mean.

Never mind the looks of the 301, this car is a performer.

The conservative design is made elegant by a good-looking rear.

A HOMECOMING FOR TOYOTA’S NEW PRESIDENT Text by Dino Ray V. Directo III AFTER a six-year stellar performance as the president of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, Michinobu Sugata has passed on the baton to Satoru Suzuki. In formal ceremonies held Wednesday night at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Sugata was honored by top Toyota officials in pointing out the brand’s market dominance in the domestic market.

Under his tenure, Sugata led Toyota in record breaking sales year after year from 2010 to 2015. Among the significant sales milestones achieved during his stint is the 100- thousand annual unit sales in 2014, making it to the Global Toyota 100K Club.

And in 2015, TMP reached its one-million sales milestone and successfully achieved its 14th consecutive Triple Crown.

Aside from being the sales record holder for Toyota, Sugata is also credited to giving local motorsports a much needed shot in the arm by establishing the Toyota Vios Cup. At present, the Vios Cup is a growing annual event and is fast becoming the elixir for young upstarts in the field of motorsports.

Present during the turnover ceremony were top executives of Toyota led by TMC’s managing officer and CEO of Asia, Middle East and North America Regions Kyoichi Tanada.

“This outstanding performance has contributed significantly to Team Asia Toyota,” says Tanada. He also cited TMP’s new sales record of 125,000 units sold last year, which puts Toyota’s local outfit in the Fourth Spot in Asia and 13th in the Global Toyota platform. Likewise, Tanada lauded the implementation of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS Program) of the Philippine government in which TMP is expected to actively participate to further boost the competitiveness of the local auto manufacturing industry in the country.

A former TMP executive himself, Suzuki waxes sentimental about his return in the country. “It is with great

pleasure once again to join Team Toyota Philippines after 16 years. I am eager to build strong partnerships with you in the coming days because I firmly believe that with your firm support, we can all make a positive change to usher the country towards becoming a key player in the regional automotive scene,” exclaims Suzuki, whose first tour of duty with TMP was in 1997 to 1999 as the company’s Vice President for Marketing in charge of Sales and Product

Planning operations.

After his three-year stint, he joined Toyota Motor Asia Pacific in Singapore, where he took charge of the Philippine and Thailand markets. Suzuki then went back to Japan to handle project-related issues such as plant expansion and new model introductions for Asian countries. Prior to his posting as TMP’s President, he was responsible for all sales-related issues in Asia, in both TMAP-Japan and TMAP-Singapore.

Toyota Motors Philippines’ outgoing president Michinobu Sugata( 4th from left) and incoming president Satoru Suzuki (6th from left) lead the ceremonial toast joined by (from left) Mitsui managing officer& COO Hiromichi Yagi, DTI Secretary Adrian Cristobal, Japan Embassy Minister of Economic Affairs Makoto Iyori, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima,Toyota Motor Corporation Managing officer & CEO for Asia Middle E ast and North Africa Regions Kyoichi Tanada and TMP Vice Chairman Alfred Ty. EY ACASIO

F R I D AY : J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 1 6

C1

TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE

The journals are creative tools to reminisce about one’s travel experiences

One of the travel journals made during the workshop

L’Indochine’s Char and Leona Panutat with Martine de Luna of Make it Blissful with journal workshop participants sporting striped and ikat travel tote bags from L’Indochine’s Travel collection

Lucien Villaruz enjoying the free Travel Journal workshop

Tiffany Tuazon

Heyjow’s Joana Gube and Cecille Abella

Celebrating the exotic with L’Indochine’s Travel Collection

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ne of the advantages of traveling is that it enriches your experience and opens up your perspective on the culture and history of a place and the people. Exotic accessories and artisanal items, for instance, can be a great source of inspiration – and this is exactly what L’Indochine’s Char Carlos and Leona Panutat seek every time they travel around Asia in search of artisan treasures in cultural villages and craft markets.

“We travel for a living searching for the most beautiful pieces to bring home,” the ladies, who have been dubbed as “inspiration seekers” – relate.

Their trips become learning experiences that help them see “what works or what doesn’t,” in the process inspiring them to create travel essentials that they couldn’t really find elsewhere.

Like many smart travelers, Char and Leona (or simply C&L) want pieces that are sturdy and functional and yet, “still very L’Indochine” – meaning stylish and exotically appealing.

“We knew that we wanted to incorporate materials from our travels and thus the travel collection came about,” the

pair discloses, proceeding to curate creatively designed travel essentials incorporating materials from their trips – beautifully embroidered Hmong fabric for the block print collection, beaded tassels for the ikat-stripe collection that add a pop of color and detail that are unmistakably L’Indochine.

C&L wanted pieces that not only looked beautiful but were also sturdy, “pieces that we ourselves can take whenever we travel.” For instance, a weekender that’s perfect as carry on, a block print sling frees up the hands, a perfect tote that’s roomy enough to hold all travel essentials, or a fold-over clutch that can also double as a sling bag and a travel organizer that allows one to keep gadgets, tickets and itinerary in place.

Of course, it’s not only women who travel so there are hardworking canvas and leather toiletry bags that get better with age, and cord rolls made out of the softest leather, the ladies share, adding that the pieces from the Travel Collection are “anything but ordinary. They’re beautiful as they are functional. Aside

from being made out of sturdy canvas and tough leather, they have special details like the Hmong pockets and tassels that give them something extra. They’re also very limited in quantity and no two are exactly the same.”

Customers can expect beautifully made, quality bags and accessories that only get better with time, and are of perfect sizes and styles to take with you everywhere,” says C&L. Along with the unveiling of L’Indochine’s Travel Collection at the SM Mega Fashion Store was also the launch of #LindochineLovesMiB that featured a journaling workshop conducted by Martine de Luna of Make It Blissful. Shoppers were delighted to see the store window display, designed by stylist Indy Ycasiano of She Dreams In Ink, that had a travel adventure feel.

For those planning to add a touch of the exotic to their lifestyle or simply searching for an exquisite gift, they might just find what they are looking for at L’Indochine stores located at the 4th level of SM Mega Fashion Hall and at the 3rd level of SM Aura Premier.

Char Carlos and Leona Panutat of L’Indochine with Martine de Luna of Make it Blissful who conducted a Travel Journal Workshop at the L’Indochine Store at Mega Fashion Hall

Lia de Torres of Gourdo’s and Vanessa Salas

Amber Folkman had fun doing her own travel journal during the workshop at L’Indochine

Leather card envelopes in attractive colors

This Hmong block print sling tote is roomy enough to hold all travel essentials, leaving the hands unencumbered

Ikat and stripe tote bag with tassel

Leather money clip

Roqui travel case in canvas and leather materials George Cable Roll made out of the softest leather

Travel case organizer with Hmong block print to keep gadgets, tickets, and itinerary in place

Ikat fold-over envelope clutch that can also double as a sling bag

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@LIFEatStandard

ASEAN clothing traditions showcased at The Block

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s Filipinos, we share a lot of similarities with our Asian neighbors, and every opportunity to learn from countries belonging to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) brings us closer to the integration that the region aspires for, which celebrates unity in diversity at the same time. At the recent Woven Identities: Clothing Traditions of ASEAN exhibit at The Block SM City North EDSA, mall goers had the rare opportunity to see traditional attires from 10 ASEAN countries, thanks in large part to the partnership between the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Foreign Affairs, SM Supermalls and ASEAN. The exhibit showcased an array of weaving techniques and embroideries that symbolize each country’s unique identity, tradition and heritage.

NCCA chairman Felipe de Leon, Jr., Singaporean Ambassador Kok Li Peng and DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs director Aian

DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs director Aian Caringal beside an exquisite baro’t saya and barong Tagalog, representing traditional Philippine attire

Xout Lou, the national costumes of Laos - Suea Pat (a blouse), Pha Biang (a shawl) and Sinh (a wrap-around skirt) for women; Suea Mai, a long sleeved top of raw silk or cotton, and Salong, billowing pants for men

Khmer traditional wedding attire from Cambodia made from hand-woven fabrics like cotton and silk with embroidery and brocade

A showcase of weaves made by different indigenous groups like the Ifugao, Mandaya, Bagobo, B’laan, T’boli, and Maranao

Culturaid, Inc. founder and Woven Identities curator Charisse Aquino Tugade with SM senior vice president for Marketing Millie Dizon and T’boli weavers from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato who are known for the T’nalak, a traditional woven cloth made through a back-strap loom

Caringal graced the opening, with Indonesian Embassy Social and Cultural Section First Secretary Basriana Basul, Malaysian Embassy Tourism Attache Fazdila Mansor, and Royal Thai Embassy First Secretary Sirimon Atipatya also in attendance. SM senior vice president for Marketing Millie Dizon and SM City North EDSA mall manager Cheche Samson were on hand to welcomed the guests.

Exhibit viewers got to see traditional attires like the terno and the barong Tagalog from the Philippines; Peranakan costumes from Singapore; the ao dai and ao gam from Vietnam; the Xout Lou from Laos; and Khmer traditional wedding attire from Cambodia.

The exhibit also showcased Indonesia’s kebaya and jas betawi, Myanmar’s yinzi and tikepon; Thailand’s traditional costumes; and the Malaysian Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu.

There was also a special presentation of weavers by

CulturAid, Inc. with its founder and curator of Woven Identities Charisse Aquino-Tugade doing the presention of weavers that included the Jama Mapun of Palawan, the T’boli of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; the Tinguians of Banaue, Ifugao; and the Bagobo Tagabawa of Bansalan, Davao del Sur who were in Metro Manila for their 12-day intensive Weave Nation 2015 study program for indigenous weavers and cultural managers. Organized by CulturAid, Inc., Weave Nation is a long-term program that aims to promote, develop, document, and sustain the weaving culture among the indigenous communities of the Philippines.

Woven Identities: Clothing Traditions of ASEAN was first launched last year during the 47th ASEAN Day Celebration, and is currently being toured at different SM malls as part of an awareness campaign towards the realization of the ASEAN Community.

Malaysian Embassy Tourism Attache Fazdila Mansor beside traditional Malaysian attire Baju Kurung for women and Baju Melayu for men. The Baju Kurung, a loose, long sleeved, collarless blouse worn over a long skirt, while the Baju Melayu, is composed of a loose tunic with a cekak musang collar, trousers and a sarong tied around the waist

Indonesian Embassy Social and Cultural Section First Secretary Basriana Basul beside the Indonesian national attire kebaya for women and jas betawi for men. Crafted from silk, cotton, and other blended materials and adorned with brocade and floral embroidery, the kebaya is a basic blouse with a V- or U-shaped neckline that comes down to the waist or knees

Singaporean Ambassador Kok Li Peng beside the Peranakan traditional attire from Singapore.

Peranakans are said to be descendants of early Chinese immigrants who married Malay women, Royal Thai Embassy First Secretary Sirimon and their traditional attire reflects their multiAtipatya and the traditional costumes of the cultural identity kingdom of Thailand

A celebration of curves and women empowerment

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t is said that if there is one thing that helped Avon become the leading direct-selling company and maintain its position in the business, it’s the company’s commitment to celebrate and empower women. For 130 years, the global beauty firm has steadily launched a number of products that have helped women (and eventually men) feel “confidently beautiful.”

To kick off its 130th anniversary, Avon Fashions launched its New Year Sale for women who love their curves and their wallets. A selection of Avon Fashions’ high quality panty sets are offered at discounted prices of up to P100 off until today.

True to its promise, every Avon Fashions underwear provides the perfect fit for the modern Filipina, as sizes range from Small to XX-Large or XXL. High quality material is used to ensure the pieces withstand constant wash and wear.

Visible lines from undergarments can definitely break even the most well put together outfit. When flaunting your curves in figure-hugging clothing, pick underwear that features seamless designs like Avon’s

Christa 2-in-1 Seamless Microfiber Panty Pack. Small to Large sizes are available for a special introductory price of P249, while full-figured women can get XL to XXL sizes for P275.

Those looking for fuller coverage can opt for Veronica Full Brief, which is made of 100 percent cotton. Small, Medium and Large sizes of either black of skin tone color are available for only P120, while XL and XXL are retailed at P135.

Fast-track that summer feeling in the midi cut style Patrice 5-in-1 Panty Pack that features five playful designs and floral prints. The 5-piece set is available for P425, Small to Large, and P475, XL to XXL. Have one for every day of the week with the hileg style Brianne 7-in-1 Panty Pack that’s available in Small to Large at P599, and in XL to XXL at P649.

Start the year right with the right undergarments that celebrate your body and take care of your wallet. See an Avon lady or visit www.avon.com.ph to know where you can get these sets.

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Laura Lehmann

V

Dra. Anna Palabyab Rufino

Dominic Roque

@LIFEatStandard

Fille Cainglet

Denden Lazaro

START THE YEAR BRIGHT

ariety and diversity are what make life exciting, and the same goes for skin tone and color. However, a lot of Filipinos are jumping the morena/moreno boat and hopping on the mestiza/mestizo ferry, what with so many products promising to give glowing white complexion. Fortunatey, many brands, products and individuals are encouraging us to “be comfortable in our own skin.”

But if there are areas that you want to brighten or unsightly dark spots you want to get rid of, our very own Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach would probably say, “I don’t see any problem with that at all.”

There’s really nothing wrong about wanting to improve the way your skin looks. To help everyone achieve glowing and even-toned complexion, Watsons is offering the Great White Sale that gives 50 percent off on over a dozen brands of whitening products.

FOR EVERYDAY ROUTINE

Add a healthy glow to your skin by using these products daily. Get the overall confidence you need, day in and day out from Pond’s White Beauty Daily Spotless Lightening Cream. Wash off the day’s dirt while getting fairer and younger-looking complexion with Cosmo Skin Whitening Soap and Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser. Olay Regenerist Moisturizing Cream treats dry skin and restores your youthful glow while Myra E Hand and Body Lotion stops dark, uneven spots from hiding your true beauty.

FOR AN ACTIVE DAY OUT

Don’t leave your house unprotected, especially on days when you are actively participating in activities outdoors.

Volleyball players Fille Cainglet and

Jodilly Pendre, Jasmine Meierhoffer and Bianca Guidotti

Denden Lazaro make sure that their skin is protected while out in the sun.

Celeteque Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 protects your skin against harmful UV rays while moisturizing it. Meanwhile, Nivea UV Whitening Body Serum treats skin pigmentation and uneven tone, while leaving your skin beautifully nourished and silky smooth. Rock that summer outfit with enough confidence with the help of Belo Essentials Underarm Whitening Cream, while Dove Ultimate White will help you face anything with grace and glowing skin.

FOR THAT MUCH-NEEDED PAMPERING

For those days when you feel dull both inside and out, treat yourself to moisturizing products that leave you looking and feeling young and fresh.

L’Oreal Dermo Expertise Gentle Cleaning Milk’s Vitamin C leaves skin feeling smooth and supple. However, pampering your

The SM Watsons team. From left: Marketing director Viki Encarnacion, group marketing manager Ken Fabres, group marketing manager Sharon Presbitero, senior marketing manager Loi Castillo, marketing manager Eunice Buising, marketing assistant Tricia Mendoza, and marketing manager Angelo Carpena

intimate area shouldn’t be a one-day event, so go for PH Care Naturals with Guava Leaf Extract that’s tested to lighten intimate dark areas and even out skin tone.

FOR THOSE STRESSFUL PERIODS

Stress takes a huge toll on our skin, but stress is inevitable. So when you feel your skin is at its worst, opt for powerful products with gentle formulas that restore your skin back to its smooth and delicate finish.

Treat pimples and say goodbye to other skin blemishes like freckles and dark spots with Pond’s Acne Clear White. Neutrogena, on the other hand, works wonders on spots, acne and blemishes with its rich formula.

Target those pesky dark spots and treat that zit with Celeteque DermoScience Acne Spot Corrector Gel.

FOR PICTURE DAY

On days when you need to flaunt that winning smile, which should actually

be everyday, use Close-up Deep Action Toothpaste that brushes away coffee and tea stains.

Aside from topical skin care products, the Great White Sale also includes items that are taken orally and gently work from within. Products like Belo Nutraceuticals Glutathione with Collagen Capsules, Metathione Whitening Capsules and IVI Premium Collagen Drink go beyond skin whitening by improving your overall immune system while giving you that glowing look you want to achieve.

Watsons’ Great White Sale will last until February 24, allowing patrons to stock-up on their skin arsenal. But dermatologist Dr. Anna Palabyab Rufino advises everyone before they knock themselves out with whitening products to “Do not overdo whitening. If you’ve already achieved that level of evenness for your skin tone, stop.”

Get up to 20 percent

discount at Bambu

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t’s 2016! Update your shoe cabinet with brand new footwear from Bambu today and enjoy a 20 percent discount on regular items with Bambu’s New Year Sale.

Bambu is exclusively distributed by ELRO Retail Corporation, the company that owns some of the famous Brazilian footwear brands including Ipanema, Grendha, Rider, and Zaxy. Choose from a wide array of flip

flops, sandals, ballet flats and more, and get 20 percent off the regular price tag.

Bambu’s New Year Sale is happening now until January 31, 2016. Visit the nearest Bambu store near you while it’s early to get the best options on the shelves.

For more information on Bambu’s New Year Sale, check out Bambu Phils on Facebook.

Zaxy

Rider Grendha

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SHOW OFF THAT BLING

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earing jewelry whether silver, gold, platinum, pearls, or gemstones always completes an outfit and uplifts your look. Whether you opt for something dainty, minimalist or extravagant and fancy, it certainly gives that certain oomph in dressing, and it simply makes any woman feel glammed up.

Mix and matching those bling can be a fun and creative activity. You can be a relaxed Betty one day with minimalist studs and a simple ring, or a girly Veronica with playful bangles and earrings the next day. Just remind yourself to not go over the top. Minimalist getup like a plain dress calls for a lovely necklace in varied shapes and lengths to uplift the look; a statement piece will go well with your plain Jane dress but be careful not to use anymore festive bangles or earrings as the effect will just look crowded. Colorful patterned clothing calls for dainty jewelry, a small thin bangle would look good as an accent or a thin chain necklace – tone it down when your outfit looks already noisy.

Dainty Darling Fresh water pearl single long earrings in 14 karat gold, pink moonstone, fresh water pearl and diamonds open bangle in 14 karat gold and pink amethyst, rose quartz, pink opal and diamond ring in 14 karat gold. Bags and shoes from Nine West

Simply Sophisticated Monotone Mystery citrine, peridot, amethyst and diamond earrings and necklace set in 14 karat gold, brown and white diamond ladies’ ring in 14 karat gold and Amethyst dome caged ring with rubies, pink sapphires and diamonds in 14 karat rose gold. Bags and shoes from Nine West

Sultry Sunset Amethyst, citrine, quartz and diamond open bangle in 14 karat gold, diamond ring in 14 karat white gold, diamond necklace in 14 karat gold, carved yellow jade dangling earrings with chalcedony, turquoise and diamonds in 14 karat gold and sapphire cocktail ring in 18 karat gold with diamonds. Bags and shoes from Nine West

Holiday Bloom Stud and jacket diamond earrings in 14 karat gold, attached diamond ring in 14 karat gold, 14-karat Y-necklace with diamonds and diamond ring in 14 karat gold. Bags and shoes from Nine West

Earrings play a huge role in your look–an evening wear to a party or a dinner date outfit would look different with a nicely worn earring. Your face is a focal point so it’s good to know the proper earring to pair up with your fashion statement. Diamonds or stud gemstone earrings go well with anything especially if worn everyday. Chandelier earrings are a showstopper, they’re perfect for an evening dress or if you’re going to walk down the red carpet. And if you do, you don’t need to put on any necklace or bangle; otherwise you will just overdo it.

This season, F&C Jewelry introduces its collection from luxurious golds, colorful gemstones, and pearls. The brand has been dressing up women in stunning jewels for over 40 years and to this day, they continue to create wearable works of art. For the start of the year, they’ve put together some looks that can guide you on your next bling purchase. Spice up your basics or put up some bold statements with their jewelry. Ther’s a look that can match whatever you’re feeling, or even for no reason at all than just to showcase your personality.

F&C Jewelry stores are located at all SM Department Stores and at the new Glorietta Mall. For more information about their updates and promotions, visit www.fncjewelry.com.

Monotone Mystery Diamond knuckle ring with baguettes in 18 karat white gold, 3-layer diamond eternity necklace in 14 karat white gold and fresh water pearl with diamond ring and earrings set in 14 karat white gold. Shoes from Nine West

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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Comedian and host Michael V is the face of GMA Network’s latest election advocacy campaign

‘It’s about tIme we get thIs electIon rIght’ – mIchael V For multi-awarded Kapuso comedy actor Michael V, working with GMA News and Public Affairs for the Network’s election advocacy campaign “Dapat Tama!” comes at the most opportune time, saying that Filipinos need to get the National Elections right this May. “Napapanahon na kasi. Kailangan na talagang ma-strengthen, mapag-ibayo ‘yung pag-papaalala sa mga kababayan natin na dapat magkaroon ng tamang eleksyon,” says Michael V, also known as Bitoy.

He adds, “Maaaring noon ay naisip nila ito [pagboto ng tama] pero hindi nila nagawa. Baka sakaling ngayon ay may pagkakataon na gawin na nila nang tama.”

The music video of the latest “Dapat Tama!” jingle, to be launched today on the primetime newscast 24 Oras, shows Bitoy

Michael V. on Dapat Tama

holding a miting de avance with the Quiapo Church as the backdrop— one of the structures known to represent Filipino culture.

Yet, while the typical miting de avance shows candidates advancing their political agenda, Bito, instead, is advocating the importance of doing the right thing come Election Day through the

“Dapat Tama!” jingle.

Infusing humor distinctive of Bitoy, GMA has created a political satire in its election advocacy campaign that aims to empower Filipinos in becoming more informed voters, while tickling their funny bone at the same time.

In December, GMA aired teasers that showed Bitoy giving

Mister Puerto riCo 2015 is Magellan

Flying straight from one of the amazing islands in the Caribbean, Mister Puerto Rico 2015 Fernando Alvarez arrives in Cebu to join the Sinulog float parade on Jan. 17.

He was personally handpicked by Psalmstre Enterprises chief executive officer Jim Acosta to play the role of Portuguese-circumnavigator Ferdinand Magellan, who led the Spaniards in conquering the islands of Cebu. He will join Pasion de Amor lead-

Fernando Alvarez

ing man Ejay Falcon and half-Visayan beauty queen and Miss Earth-Air 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz, who will be playing the roles of Datu Lapu-Lapu and Reyna

life to three political characters who used the holiday season to subtly advance their political agenda: Governor Gary Palan reflects the kind of person who runs for office just to grab power for himself and his family; Delly N Sha, on the other hand, is a shrewd mayor always planning under the table deals; and Mimi Hassa— an easy-go-lucky public servant who entertains the voters but lacks the governance skills the country needs.

The “Dapat Tama!” advocacy campaign aims for the voting public to understand better the value of exercising one’s right to vote by starting from the most basic of it all—carefully assessing all the candidates running for office.

But for Bitoy, the tagline “Dapat Tama…sa isip at salita, lalung-lalu

Bulakna, respectively, onboard the company’s galleon-themed float.

Fernando, who is a senior accountancy student at the University of Puerto Rico, represented his country to the Mister International 2015 pageant held in Manila, where he reached an admirable Top 10 finish, besides winning two corporate awards: Mister New Placenta and Mister Diamond Star. Before going back to Puerto Rico after the pageant, Fernando inked a deal with Psalmstre as its newest New Placenta for Men ambassador, which means he has to work hand-in-hand with Ejay and Stephany to promote the brand.

The Coamo, Puerto Rico native, has Spanish traces in his bloodstreams. These are evident in his physical attributes, which

na sa gawa!” does not only apply to the voting public but to those running for office, as well.

“It’s all encompassing. Hindi lang ito para doon sa mga boboto kundi para doon sa mga tumatakbo. Sa mga iboboto, dapat karapat-dapat talaga kayo ihalal dahil sambayanan ‘yung umaasa sa inyo eh. At hindi lang isang tao ang paglilingkuran n’yo kundi buong bansa,” he says.

GMA’s “Dapat Tama” was a voter education campaign first created

by Jessica Soho for the Midterm Senatorial Elections in 2013. The “Dapat Tama!” jingle, co-created and performed by rapper Gloc 9, has won various awards including the 2013 CMMA Best Secular Song and Best Music Video, 2014 New York Festival Bronze World Medal for Music Video, and the 49th Anvil Awards Merit Honors.

made him perfect for the role of Magellan.

“This is a very wonderful opportunity for me to join the much-talked-about Sinulog festival. Puerto Rico has many religious festivals, too, but Sinulog is known all over the world, so this adds my excitement to participate. I am always grateful to Mr. Jim Acosta for making this happen. I am just so blessed. I always do my best for God, for my country Puerto Rico, and for my second home, the Philippines. To all Cebuanos, I’m so excited to meet you all very soon,” the soft-spoken sexy Latino beamed.

Fernando fell in love with the Philippines and calls it as his second home. While doing projects here, the young Boricua will be managed by CreWorks Asia, a talent management co-owned by Jim.

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PeOPle

...aRE taLkinG aBOUt

GERman mOREnO Almost everyone in showbiz, whether an artist or not, has something good to say about the Master Showman. It only shows how influential and helpful Kuya Germs was when he’s still alive.

A lot of people say that we can no longer find such a great soul in showbiz but we would have to dissent. A lot of people, whom Kuya Germs had help, are willing to continue his deeds. And that’s Kuya Germ’s legacy.

ERik matti It takes one brave filmmaker to question the executive committee in an institution like the MMFF. He’s like a pebble challenging a sturdy brick wall. But without this pebble people will not realize that MMFF badly needs reforms. If only MMDA were logical enough to realize that they’re not the right agency to handle the filmfest then it would have been easier for us to achieve the change most filmmakers have been crying for.

Kuya Germs

Filmmaker Erik Matti Beauty and the Bestie

...aRE nOt taLkinG aBOUt

Comedienne AiAi delas Alas

Megan Young as Marimar

BEaUty anD thE BEStiE The comedy film has been banned in the Middle East for its inappropriate content. But fans should not fret. The Vice Ganda starrer film has just made history for being the highest grossing MMFF film of all time raking in almost half a billion pesos. We repeat, half a billion.

aiai DELaS aLaS The comedienne has taken a shot at Star Cinema accusing the film outfit for disseminating incorrect reports about MMFF box office results. She couldn’t accept that their overly hyped film failed to deliver, hence she’s throwing shades. It is not a question of whose film has better quality (because none of them has it to begin with) but whose fans are willing and able to shell out money to buy movie tickets. it’S ShOWtimE The noontime show is doing everything to make itself relevant new segments, new hosts, new gimmicks...you name it. The team put it all on the table. And we commend the show for all its valid efforts. The only problem is, it’s not It’s Showtime’s time at the moment, and we all know why. maRimaR The adage “lighting never strikes twice” is very much applicable to the recent remake of the popular Mexican telenovela. Amid being the most watched prime time show, it’s quite intriguing how the series developed. Marimar failed in so many ways. It didn’t connect well with the audience compared to the original version (and it’s predecessor) and left no serious impact on genuine TV critics.

The cast of It's Showtime

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ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Stallone role 7 Arg. neighbor 10 Reach across 14 Speak from the pulpit 15 Ms. Lupino 16 Kind of salad 17 Candle bracket 18 Taro product 19 Graph starter 20 Trunk contents (2 wds.)

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Chain mail Ego companions Forest clearing Hecklers’ chorus Lama’s chants Prior to Alt. Rose fruit Beyond rad Garcon’s yes Plumbing bend Peace gesture Trim a doily

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Sports “zebra” W-2 collectors Play about Capote Breathing fire — -relief Funny Foxx Autumn month in Chile Put chips on the roulette table Hawk’s lair Cumulonimbus Forty-niner’s hope — Dawn Chong Used a parachute — — foot pole Rapper — Wayne Richer, as batter Do post office work Come to a halt Guard

DOWN 1 Modem speed (abbr.)

2 Orbit segment 3 Zodiac sign 4 They may be plucked 5 Happen 6 Beg pardon!

7 Two-footed ones 8 Fragrances

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Secular Pony pads Zahn or Abdul Took steps Bronco snagger Skin flaw Thinks the same Find repugnant Elephant gone amok Theme Greasy Big pitchers Newspaper name Do the Wright thing Web-toed mammal — Gras Chopin piece Well-known Gazed upon Quit Map collection Passport requirement More boorish Gray matter Proverb — Stanley Gardner Vigoda et al Illuminated Always, to Byron Kind of humor

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HeArt’s exHiBit At AyAlA museum

Heart Evangelista

from c8

After a short vacation in Japan during the holidays with husband Senator Chiz Escudero, Heart Evangelista immediately got back on the saddle for her next exhibition of paintings at Ayala Museum.

Heart is completing her collection of paintings that she will show at the end of the month. The exhibit will run till Feb. 9.

The lovely senator’s wife is very thankful that her husband does not only support her artistic endeavors but even encourages her to do more for so long as these things make her happier.

“He’s very supportive! He’s up with me while I paint so he started painting too. I [also] like that he’s not the type of person who’s always on the phone. When he goes home, he’s a normal guy,” says Heart in an interview.

Chiz, on the other hand , says that painting has become their way of bonding as a couple even as he admits knowing very little about the arts, unlike his wife.

And he found the solution by doing abstraction rather than figurative paintings.

“Kung hindi mo kayang mag-drawing ng maganda i-abstract mo na lang,” Chiz says chuckling.

HHHHH 9GAG feAtures BiAncA umAli Famous website and social media platform 9gag.com features GMA Artist Center star Bianca Umali. 9GAG is known for posting several trending photos, funny gifs, and other interesting online content.

The site describes her as “This 15-year-old girl got the beauty, but she also got talents and brain.”

Bianca admits that she’s fond of the famous site and is very happy to be featured. “9gag is actually one of my favorite sites. When I saw myself in the site, I couldn’t believe that I was featured in it. I felt surprised, happy, and excited all at the same time,” she admits.

Meanwhile, Bianca Umali is part of GMA Network’s upcoming Afternoon Prime series Wish I May. She stars opposite Miguel Tanfelix.

Bianca Umali on 9GAG

Odd Mom Out

Cap your weekend with laughter

s

ony Channel rolls out “ROFLing” Sundays with a trio of comedies this January – Bad Judge, Odd Mom Out and Younger, all premiering on Jan. 17 and showcasing a fun and fierce female lead. These shows take Hollywood entertainment to even greater heights.

Odd mOm Out stArs nOvelist-fAsHiOnistA in Her Own tv series Odd Mom Out stars its creator, Jill Kargman, as a fictional character based on herself, Jill Webber. Set in the wealthy, cosmopolitan jungle of New York’s Upper East Side, Jill sets out to navigate the good, the bad, and the ugly of the elite mommy clique. Finding herself sticking out like a sore thumb in a bevy of shiny, seemingly perfect and ultra trendy mommies, Jill sees the world around her through a different lens.

The comedy satire is based on her novel published in 2007, Momzillas. It also stars Andy Buckley (The Office), Joanna Cassidy (Six Feet Under), Sean Kleier (Madam Secretary), and Abby Elliot

(Saturday Night Live).

Sony Channel unveils this witty, tonguein-cheek series in Asia, 7 p.m. on Jan. 17. it’s lAw witHOut mucH Order witH spunky leGAl cOmedy BAd JudGe It’s law with attitude in Bad Judge, starring Kate Walsh (Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice).

Rebecca Wright is one of the most respected and prominent criminal court judges in Los Angeles. She also happens to speak her mind and act the way she wants, on and off the court. From creative cases rulings to hot date nights with men, she is the town’s most intriguing woman.

Beautiful and strong, she cuts a very intimidating figure, but never short of admirers.

Watch this lady judge deftly manage her career and everything else through wit, humor and innuendoes day in and day out.

Co-created by Chad Kultgen and Anne Heche, this legal comedy is spunky and one of a kind. Catch the entire season on Sony Channel. First episode premiers 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 17.

yOunGer kicks Off in AsiA Charismatic and poignant, Younger is a comedy that follows the struggle of a 40-year old woman who suddenly finds herself a single mother who needs to re-establish her career. Finding it tough to rise from the ranks in her age, she capitalizes on her youthful looks (and an almost magical make over) by passing herself off as a 20-something. What follows next is a funny and heart-warming tale of friendship and pursuit of success.

Based on the novel of the same title written by Pamela Redmond Satran, Younger stars Tony Award winner Sutton Foster (Bunheads) Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire), Debi Mazar (Entourage) and Miriam Shor (GCB). Its maiden season captures the journey of a woman reinventing herself and rediscovering love.

Written, executive produced and directed by Darren Star (Sex and the City), the series kicks off its second season with back-to-back episodes, 8 p.m. on Jan. 17, first and exclusive on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

QC opens film Competition After capping the successful international film festival, the Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC) is ready to accept entries to the QCinema Circle Competition for New Filmmakers (Circle Competition).

Circle Competition is one of the main features of the Quezon City International Film Festival (QCinema).

To qualify, you must be a Filipino citizen who has not yet released more than three feature films. To join the competition, the filmmaker must furnish QCFDC with the filled-out QCinema application form (may be downloaded at qcinema.ph); a profile of proponents complete with director, writer, and producer details; a soft copy in PDF format and hard copy of a onepage director’s statement, synopsis, sequence outline, and complete screenplay (preferred). Also required is a proposed budget scheme that outlines pre-production, actual production, and post-production costs. Co-financiers are allowed as long as they do not overshoot the P3 million support budget.

The director’s reel and sample works must be submitted in DVD format. Participants are also reminded that the completed screenplay must have a minimum of 60 sequences.

Final film output must not exceed the 120-minute total running time. All submitted films must be submitted in Apple ProRes format complete with English subtitles. Original literary sources, music materials, and film footages must have proper clearance from its respective copyright owners before it can be used in the final film output.

The film’s Digital Cinema Package (DCP) belongs to QCFDC, however, the filmmaker proponent can also procure a DCP copy.

The films must have its Philippine premiere in QCinema 2016.

The rights for the final film output belong to the filmmaker but QCFDC, as the executive producer, reserves the right to screen it for the duration of QCinema 2016 and in other selected events after the festival screenings. The filmmaker must first obtain permission from QCFDC for commercial, non-commercial, and other film festival premieres.

QCFDC reserves the right to disqualify a filmmaker proponent from the Circle Competition and forfeit the remainder of the grant tranches. Grounds for disqualification include drastic changes in the final and approved film output and violation of any QCinema Festival rules, guidelines, and deadlines.

Entries must be submitted to the following address: QCinema Secretariat, Unit 207, PM Apartments, #24 Matalino St., Barangay Central, Quezon City 1100.

Deadline is on Jan.31.

F RIDAY : JA NUA RY 15, 2016

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ DANIel AND eRIch IN INteRRAcIAl love stoRY ABS-CBN opens 2016 with a light romantic ISAH V. RED comedy that sheds light on interracial relationships beginning Monday.

Follow the love story of certified “dalagang Pilipina” Pinang and modern Brazilian-Japanese guy Phil, played by real life couple Daniel Matsunaga and Erich Gonzales, as they find their way to each other’s hearts despite differences in language, beliefs and culture in Be My Lady.

Pinang grew up in a simple family with big dreams. To make ends meet, her mother Marcy (Janice De Belen) works in Singapore and tries her luck there hoping to earn money to reclaim the piece of land her husband Emil (Al Tantay) used to own and uses for farming. But luck isn’t kind on her. An unfortunate incident leads to her deportation back to the Philippines.

Phil, meanwhile, grew up in a very western and liberated environment. He is independent and lives a very comfortable life with his mother Chelsea (Priscilla Mereilles) in Singapore. A wedding of a dear friend suddenly brings him to the Philippines, which also gives him the long awaited chance of finding his childhood nanny who he wanted to make amends with.

As he searches for a person very dear to him in his past, Phil also finds the woman who will make his heart skip a beat like no other. How will the aggressive Brazilian-Japanaese hunk grab the eyes of the conservative and very reserved Pinay?

Also joining the cast are Yayo Aguila, Almira Muhlach, Yves Flores, Karen Dematera, MJ Cayabyab, RK Bagatsing, Devon Seron, Karen Reyes, Mike Lloren, Ana Abad Santos, Perry Escano, Marife Necesito, and comedy trio No Direction.

Be My Lady is directed by Theodore Boborol and produced by the business unit led by Ruel Bayani with by production manager Mavic Holgado-Oducayen, and creative manager Mel Mendoza Del Rosario.

Don’t miss the highly anticipated premiere of Be My Lady on Monday on ABS- CBN. For updates follow @bemyladyabscbn on Twitter and Instagram or like www.facebookxom/ bemvladvabscbn on Facebook. ➜ Continued on C7

Brapanese Daniel Matsunaga and former Brazilian beauty queen Priscilla Mereilles

Daniel as Phil and Erich as Pinang for Be My Lady

Priscilla Mereilles

The cast of Kapamilya series Be My Lady during the show’s press launch

Janice De Belen