The Standard - 2016 February 18 - Thursday

VOL. XXX NO. 8 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 THURSday : FEBRUaRy 18, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘LP tried to block Poe rally in Roxas’

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Chinese missiLes in disPuted Reef

By Sandy Araneta and Vito Barcelo

THE Chinese military has deployed an advanced surface-toair missile system on one of the contested islands in the South China Sea, Fox News reported Wednesday, citing civilian satellite imagery that it said it had obtained.

Fox News said the images from ImageSat International (ISI) show two batteries of eight surface-to-air missile launchers as well as a radar system on Woody Island, part of the Paracel Island chain in the South China Sea that is also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

The Fox News report said this was in the same island chain that a US Navy destroyer sailed close to a few weeks ago. China at the time vowed there would be consequences for the action.

A Taiwan defense ministry spokesman and US officials later confirmed the deployment of missiles.

A Chinese spokesman denied the re-

ports, however.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the reports were an attempt by Western media to “create news stories.”

“As for the limited and necessary selfdefense facilities China has built on islands and reefs stationed by Chinese personnel, that is consistent with the self-defense and self-preservation China is entitled to under international law,” Wang said.

Malacañang cautioned Wednesday against taking action against China, saying this would only exacerbate the situation.

“We’re verifying this information also. I

think the President [Aquino] was also asked this morning that particular question, so we’re verifying this information,” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

“Whatever the situation is, we’d like to remind everyone that there is a 2002 Declaration of Conduct, where I think Section 5 states that all parties should refrain from—to paraphrase—taking any action that would exacerbate the situation,” Lacierda said.

“We continue to monitor the situation there. We are looking for verification on the reports that China has… set up a military station,” he said.

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This undated Google satellite photo shows Woody Island in the disputed Paracel Island Group before the alleged deployment of Chinese surface-to-air missiles.

Omission halts Comelec’s printing of ballots Both Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista and head of the printing committee Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra THE Commission on Elections halt- confirmed that printing of the official ed the printing of the official ballots ballots had stopped on Tuesday, a day Wednesday after they learned that they after it began. forgot to indicate presidential aspirant “No party was written beside the Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s po- name of Santiago,” Bautista said in litical party, the People’s Reform Party, Filipino. beside her name on the ballot.

In a text message, Guevarra said

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Sandy Araneta

the National Printing Office was able to print 39 ballots for final testing and sealing for overseas ballots for Japan when they found the error.

She said as soon as they learned of the error, they alerted the Comelec to correct and change the ballot face.

As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the NPO was still waiting for the corrected ballot Next page

Cebu pols endorse Binay for president

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Lacierda said once the government has verification, they will ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to issue a statement.

“But again we’d like to emphasize that it will not be in the interest of any nation, considering that a large percentage of trade happens in our seas, to exacerbate the situation or to [get us to a point] where tensions may arise,” he said.

Lacierda said the Philippines’ foreign policy is based on gaining support from the community of nations.

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said the Philippines has no plans of either arming itself or building deterrents against China, which is aggressively asserting its dominance in disputed areas in the South China Sea. In a speech at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council on Feb. 16 (Feb. 17 in Manila), Aquino said: “We have zero ambitions... of arming ourselves with our own weapons of mass destruction; we have no plans of trying to come up with some sort of deterrents against the military might of that superpower.”

“As for our region in Southeast Asia, we are also witnessing very aggressive actions by our big neighbor to our West and North—the world’s second largest economy, and a nuclear power at that,” Aquino said.

In his speech, Aquino also said he would rather spend the country’s limited resources on “butter” than trying to arm itself against China.

But Aquino said the Philippines would continue to assert its rights through legal and peaceful means based on international law, including its case against China before the International Arbitral Tribunal.

“My nation has resolved to accept whatever decision the Arbitral Tribunal makes, and we are hopeful that our neighbor—who has constantly reiterated their respect for international law—will in time do the same,” Aquino said.

China has consistently refused to join the arbitration process.

Aquino arrived at the Palm Springs International Airport early Tuesday morning to attend the US-Asean summit hosted by US President Barack Obama.

The Asean-US summit is expected to further strengthen and improve the Joint Strategic Partnership between Asean nations and America.

Aside from economic and trade concerns, which were discussed on the first day, the summit was set to tackle on the second day [Wednesday in Manila] maritime issues, including the South China Sea. Taiwan defense ministry spokesman Maj Gen. David Lo told Reuters about the Chinese missile deployments on Woody Island.

“Interested parties should work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea region and refrain from taking any unilateral measures that would increase tensions,” Lo said on Wednesday.

A US defense official also confirmed the “apparent deployment” of the missiles, first reported by Fox News.

News of the missile deployment came as Obama and leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations concluded a summit in California, where they discussed the need to ease tensions in the region but did not include specific mention of China’s assertive pursuit of its claims in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year, and has been building runways and other infrastructure on artificial islands to bolster its claims.

China has said it would not seek militarization of its South China Sea islands and reefs, but that did not mean it would not set up defenses.

The missiles arrived at Woody Island over the past week, Fox News said. According to the images, a beach on the island was empty on Feb. 3, but the missiles were visible by Feb. 14, it reported.

A US official told Fox News the imagery viewed appears to show the HQ-9 air defense system, which has a range of 200 km and would pose a threat to any airplanes, civilian or military, flying close by.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who arrived in Beijing for high-level talks, said Australia did not take sides in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but was awaiting the outcome of a challenge by the Philippines to China’s claims before an arbitration court in The Hague.

“We recognize the Philippines’ right to seek to resolve the matter through arbitration, but we urge all claimants to settle their disputes peacefully without coercion, without intimidation,” she said.

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PNoy: Rule of law will end territorial dispute RANCHO MIRAGE, California—President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law in resolving the territorial disputes in the South China Sea on the first day of the USAsean Leaders Summit here.

US President Barack Obama was hosting the 10 members of the Association

of Southeast Asian Nations for a special summit at Sunnylands, the historic Annenberg estate where Obama held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in June 2013.

The US-Asean Summit began Monday, Feb. 15. (California is 16 hours behind Manila.)

“The leaders exchanged views during a retreat that focused on promoting regional prosperity through innovation and entrepreneurship and continued their discussions over a working dinner,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said, quoting the Department of Foreign Affairs on the highlights of the first day of the summit.

At the working dinner where the main topic was the regional strategic outlook, Coloma said President Aquino “spoke on the importance of upholding the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes in the region.”

In their discussions, Coloma said Obama and the Asean leaders expressed “collective concern over continued militarization in the South China Sea, which they recognized as a core issue in region.”

“There was also concern expressed over unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the region through island building, construction activities and test flights.

In this regard, the crucial importance of freedom of navigation and overflight was highlighted,” he said.

The importance of Asean solidarity and centrality and close cooperation and consultation in upholding regional peace and

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faces from the Comelec warehouse in Laguna.

Guevarra said while they are waiting for the corrected ballot face, they were printing 750,000 demo ballots, bearing the names of singers and band groups.

Guevarra said the delay could cut the buffer time for printing.

“This is a cause for concern. We don’t want a repeat of this because we don’t want any more causes of delay,” she said.

She said she was optimistic, however, that they would meet the April 25 deadline set by the Comelec.

Printing of the official ballots began Monday after this had been postponed three times.

Bautista walked journalists through the NPO in Quezon City to show samples of the more than 56 million official ballots that the NPO started printing Monday.

The NPO has 71 days to produce 54.36 million ballots for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, 1.18 million overseas absentee voting ballots and 1.2 million ballots for testing.

The Palace on Wednesday urged the Comelec to ensure that the May elections are

stability was also emphasized during their discussions, Coloma said.

“It was established that Asean should speak with one voice to ensure that all parties modify their behavior to conform with the rule of law and ensure the preservation of status quo,” he said.

“It was noted that this remains crucial for promoting respect for international law and norms for the management of regional tensions and in building regional security architecture,” he added.

China is asserting ownership of almost the whole South China Sea. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as Taiwan, also have overlapping claims in the disputed area.

Also during the US-Asean meeting, Coloma said the seriousness of the North Korean issue was discussed, as well as the developments in the Middle East, the Syrian conflict and efforts to combat violent extremism.

“The leaders discussed ways to strengthen protection against digital recruitment of terrorism. They also expressed their strong views that the building of nuclear arsenal in North Korea is destabilizing and called for North Korea to denuclearize,” he said.

Moreover, Coloma said Obama and the Asean leaders were confident of closer Asean-US cooperation in areas of common endeavor, such as maritime security, economic engagement and people-to-people ties.

In his brief remarks at the opening of the US-Asean Leaders Summit, Obama described the landmark gathering on US soil as a reflection of his commitment to a strong and enduring partnership with Southeast Asian nations.

This is the first time that the leaders of Asean countries are meeting in the United States. The aim of the summit was to deepen US engagement with Southeast Asian nations.

The Asean, established in August 1967, groups Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

On Tuesday, Obama announced a package of measures designed to boost South-

east Asian economies, betting that the fast-growing region can be an ever more important trade partner.

The plan will establish three economic offices—in Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore—“to better coordinate our economic engagement and connect more of our entrepreneurs, investors and businesses with each other.”

The White House sees the 10 nations of the Asean as an emerging regional counterweight to China’s regional dominance.

Collectively, the countries are the fourth-largest trading partner for the United States.

According to White House figures, “two-way trade in goods and services has tripled since the 1990s, topping $254 billion in 2014,” supporting around half a million US jobs.

“We have an increasingly deep and broad economic relationship with Asean,” said US ambassador to Asean Nina Hachigian.

While Southeast Asian economies are youthful and fast-growing, many sectors remain the under the control of government or special interests.

But countries like Indonesia are beginning to open up. Its president Joko Widodo recently announced steps to open the economy to foreign investment that were welcomed in Washington.

The new “US-Asean Connect” package will include technical advice on how countries like Indonesia and the Philippines can prepare to join the TransPacific Partnership, a vast Pacific-wide trade deal that is in the process of being ratified.

“We’ve launched a new effort to help all Asean countries understand the key elements of TPP as well as the reforms that could eventually lead to them joining,” Obama said.

Other measures will focus on improving trade ties in the communications and infrastructure sectors among others, streamlining current government programs.

It will also address the power sector, an area where China has been especially active, building dams along the upper Mekong. PNA, AFP

clean, honest and peaceful.

A poll watchdog on Tuesday warned of the possibility of cheating in the elections despite assurances that the automated election system source code is “secure.”

Source code reviewer Pablo Manalastas said he does not discount the possibility of vote rigging and electoral cheating in this year’s general elections, stressing that the Comelec and the Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corp. may connive to favor political candidates.

“They put enough security to make it hard for outsiders to use the system to cheat. But, if they want to cheat, they can do that,” Manalastas, a retired professor of the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Information Systems and Computer Science, told the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee hearing on the Automated Election System Tuesday.

“The system is secure, but hacking the system can be done through the cooperation of people who are in charge of the data system and who have physical control of machines.

It is possible to cheat with a lot of help from Comelec and Smartmatic,” Manalastas said.

Asked how many people could carry out the electoral cheating, he said: “One or two people depending on the set up of the Comelec.”

Marlon Garcia, Technology Manager of

Smartmatic, disputed Manalastas’ claims, explaining that “not a single person has access to all the different components of the system.”

He said not even Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista has full access to the system.

Asked by Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez if there is no way for somebody to influence or manipulate to favor some candidates in the operations of the machines, Garcia replied, “No. There is no way to go inside.

There is no way for somebody to manipulate the machines or go into the system and favor a particular candidate.”

During the hearing, Bautista said he has no access to the system. “You have to understand the whole process,” he said.

He said those who have concerns about the source code, including political parties, have been given seven months to conduct the code review.

During the hearing, lawyer Ivan John Uy of the United Nationalist Alliance sought a review of the voting counting machines.

“We urge the Comelec to allow us to review the hardware. These are brand new machines. We want to make a random inspection of the machines,” Uy said.

Comelec Commissioner Christian Robert Lim assured Uy that he will meet with them and other political parties to tackle their concerns.

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Ruling party accused of sabotage ROXAS CITY—Some critics suspect that barring the Partido ng Galing at Puso led by presidential candidate Grace Poe and her running mate Francis Escudero from campaigning in Roxas City, also known as “[Manuel] Roxas country,” could be part of the sabotage operations of the ruling Liberal Party against its opponents.

Meeting. Liberal Party candidates Manuel Roxas II and Leni Robredo are shown at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, where they met with delegates from the different districts in the city.

Manny PalMero

The administration’s standard bearer, Manuel Roxas II, is among the candidates for president in the coming elections and a rival of Poe. He is among the “great sons” of the province of Capiz, the capital of which is Roxas City.

But Roxas on Wednesday denied any involvement in the barring of Poe and Escudero from holding a forum with students here and their supporters' being barred from entering a mall.

"I don't disallow anyone and Capiz is always open to other candidates who want to express their platforms," Roxas said.

But Escudero criticized Roxas on Wednesday when he said Roxas could have done more for his own province due to his “closeness” to two former presidents—Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo—and incumbent President Benigno Aquino III. While Poe is a leading candidate for president, Roxas is lagging behind in all the presidential surveys despite the endorsement by Aquino.

Roxas was the president of the ruling Liberal Party before he quit to run for president. He was succeeded by Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, then the party’s secretary general.

Senate President Franklin Drilon, who earlier claimed that Poe and Roxas and their candidates will not get the “Ilonggo votes” in Iloilo, his home province, is the

national vice chairman of the LP while the President is the party’s national chairman.

But the numbers could prove wrong as the Ilonggos had supported Poe when she ran for senator in 2013 and topped the senatorial race in Iloilo City.

Poe and her partymates held a campaign rally in Jaro City Wednesday night and promised to take her oath in front of the Jaro Cathedral if she won the presidency.

While the biological parents and relatives of Poe have remained unknown, she traces her roots in Jadro, having been found as a baby abandoned near the waterfont inside said church.

Poe and Escudero were barred from holding a consultation forum with students here.

Sought for comment Poe said the muchtouted “Daang Matuwid” policy of the Aquino administration should not have allowed it.

“That’s why we have been saying that no particular group has a monopoly to righteousness. We have witnessed how politicking renders our good intentions useless,” Poe said.

“If I would be given a chance, I will not allow this kind of politicis because the Philippines is for every Filipino. Every student and every citizen of every city or province has the right to listen to a candidate so they will have knowledge about the right platform." Macon ramos-araneta and John Paolo Bencito

Cebu’s stalwarts support Binay’s candidacy THE One Cebu party led by the influential Garcia and Rama families has opted to back the presidential bid of the only non-Bisaya-speaking candidate, Vice President Jejomar Binay, of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance.

Binay, who hails from Makati and the Ilocos region, bested the Visayanspeaking presidential candidates such as the Liberal Party’s Manuel Roxas II of Aklan, Senators Miriam DefensorSantiago of Iloilo and Grace Poe, who claims to have roots in Iloilo, and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte from Davao City.

Cebu Rep. Gwen Garcia said Binay was instrumental in bringing the bickering members of the Garcia clan to get united behind a single presidential candidate.

“We chose VP Binay even if he is not from the Visayas because he is the only candidate that has gone to almost all the municipalities in the province of Cebu. That cannot be said by the people who claim even to be Bisaya,” said Gwen’s brother Pablo John.

He made his statement even as Binay’s camp slammed the Office of the Ombudsman for asking congress for additional powers to open the bank accounts and wiretaps suspended Makati Vice Mayor Junjun Binay who is facing graft and corruption charges.

In a statement, Binay spokesman Rico Quicho accused the Ombudsman of being “the enforcer of the Liberal Party,” citing Morales’ statement that her office would file an informa-

tion against Junjun Binay this week.

“No one has accused the Ombudsman of being the spokesperson for the Liberal Party. The enforcer of the Liberal Party, yes, but not the spokesperson,” Quicho said.

Pablo John, a former congressman who ran but lost the gubernatorial race in 2013, said the Cebuanos were unperturbed by the allegations of corruption against Binay.

Though unproven and politically motivated, Pablo John said, the charges against Binay paled in comparison to the corruption committed by the present administration in such cases as the illegal Disbursement Acceleration Program, the anomalous Metro Rail Transit contracts and the Conditional Cash Transfer program.

Another brother, Winston Garcia, a former chairman of the Government Service Insurance System, said this was the first time that the Garcia family was “in sync” in whom to support.

“When we all met we all knew that we would only have one candidate, and that candidate is VP Binay,” Winston told reporters during a news conference Tuesday at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.

Said Gwen: “I think this speaks a lot about how the Garcias think and decide, and I think this speaks a lot for the future. The one Garcia family is for VP Binay.”

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said the alliance among One Cebu, Partido Panaghiusa, Team Rama and UNA was forged under the principle of unity.

“They [political opponents] are always claiming that Cebu is theirs.

That was before. We will stand and give our vote to VP Binay for President,” Rama said.

Binay said he was grateful for the trust accorded him by the Cebuanos.

Binay’s running mate, Senator Gregorio Honasan, said Binay was perceived to be the candidate that could unite the country.

“This is not about Cebu. This is about the country that President Binay will lead. Cebu is not Binay country. The Philippines is Binay country,” Honasan said.

“That’s why this union of One Cebu and UNA is just an example of political unity that should be followed all over the country.” Christine F. Herrera and Vito Barcelo

Jesuit priest endorses Duterte A PROMINENT Jesuit priest on Wednesday endorsed the presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Emirerio Barcelon, former president of the Ateneo de Davao University, said Duterte could fully harness Mindanao’s development potential and eventually help accelerate the country’s growth.

“His main agenda is peace and order. He has shown that he is good at that in Davao,” said Barcelon, a former professor of the Asian Institute of Management and senior fellow at the Development Academy of the Philippines.

He cited Duterte’s aggres-

sive stance against crime and his inclusive approach to the peace talks with the rebel groups.

He said Duterte was wellloved in Mindanao.

“If Duterte gets elected president, the Mindanao problem will be solved, and Mindanao will carry the whole nation to the prosperity that it deserves,” Barcelon said.

The camp of Duterte, along with his running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, has anchored his platform of government on genuine change, poverty eradication by ending corruption in the government, and peace and

order.

Duterte could spur “the development of power sources, especially hydro resources that abound in Mindanao,” Barcelon said.

He also cited Mindanao’s natural resources that could be harnessed to alleviate poverty.

“The gold, copper, nickel and other precious metals are left on the ground while people have no jobs and suffering from hunger,” Barcelon said.

“He [Duterte] says crazy things but he gets things done. His main agenda is peace and order, and he has shown that he is good at that in Davao.” rio n. araja

Visit. Independent presidential candidate Grace Poe is welcomed by residents of Roxas City on Wednesday. Jay Morales

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Pagadian journalist shot dead GUNMEN have shot dead a local radio reporter in Mindanao, one of the most dangerous countries for media workers in the world, police and an industry watchdog said Wednesday.

Elvis Ordaniza, 49, of the dxWO radio station in Pagadian City, became the first journalist killed this year in the country, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

He became the 31st journalist or media worker to have been killed in the Philippines since President Benigno Aquino III came to power in mid-2010, according to a union tally.

“He is a former communist guerrilla who surrendered and went to work in the media industry,” the union’s deputy secretarygeneral Fred Villareal told AFP. “He had been reporting about illegal drugs, although we do not know if either was a motive,” he added.

Two unknown gunmen barged into Ordaniza’s home around 7:10 p.m. Tuesday in Purok Bagong Silang, Barangay Poblacion in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur and shot him dead while he was preparing dinner for his family, regional police director Miguel Antonio said.

Zamboanga del Sur provincial police director Supt. Michael Nicolas said he ordered Pitogo police Chief Insp. Orlyn Leyte to conduct a thorough investigation of the killing.

Nicolas’ order is addressed to Chief Insp. Orlyn Leyte, Pitogo police chief, after he received report about the killing of Elvis Ordaniza, 49 of dxWO Power 99 FM of the Times Broadcasting Network based in the city.

Leyte said Ordaniza was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Ordaniza, who handles a public affairs program, is known to be critical against illegal gambling activities and proliferation of prohibited drugs in this province.

Mindanao is a hotbed of Islamic militancy, which has claimed over 100,000 lives there since the 1970s.

Known for its outspoken press, the Philippines is among the world’s most dangerous places for reporters, where powerful figures reckon on being able to kill critics with impunity. AFP

Unity in essentials. Retired Catholic Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Protestant bishops Rey Santillan and Bonner Andaya urged the Commission on Elections on Wednesday to issue machine-generated receipts to voters in the forthcoming elections in May. DANNY PATA

Pacquiao defended over same-sex gaffe

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Macon Ramos-Araneta WHILE Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao may have erred in how he expressed his opinion about same-sex marriage, Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani said people, especially those bashing the congressman, should also look at what the boxing champion was trying to say.

Bacani acknowledged that it is un-Christian to judge people over their sexual preferences but people should also think about same-sex marriage in the context of right and wrong.

“Manny Pacquiao was just trying to say higher creatures should not strive to copy lower creatures.

Manny Pacquiao is just trying to tell those advocating same-sex marriage that they are different from animals,” Bacani said in a radio interview over Churchowned Radio Veritas.

Bacani said the Catholic Church, as a matter of faith, does not judge the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, but the church does have principles on sexual wrongdoing.

“The church clearly teaches that we should not judge, but it is wrong,” Bacani said. “If you are guilty, you are not judged of being a wicked person, but it is not right... If it is not right, it’s not right. That is not a judgment of the person involved, but a judgement on a wrong-doing.”

“As it is said, love the sinners, but reject the sins,” the bishop added.

Bacani called on members of the LGBT community to also understand that Pacquiao expressed an opinion on same-sex marriage and the lawmaker never described people as animals.

“He hurt people because of how he said it, but those who were hurt should also ask themselves if what Manny wanted to say was right or not. They were not being compared to animals.

He was just making a contrast,” Bacani said.

Boxing champion, congressman and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao received a firestorm of criticism for describing gay couples as “worse than animals” in a television interview.

“It’s common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish

male from female,” Pacquiao told TV-5 in an interview aired earlier this week.

“If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals,” he added.

Citing that animals are low form of classes and people are the high form of classes, Bacani explained that what the Boxing champ is trying to say is that people should not strive to do the things that even animals are not normally doing.

On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile also defended Pacquiao from his bashers and said those who disagree with the congressman should go to Mars.

Defending Pacquiao, Enrile noted that same sex relationship is unnatural.

“For me, I would not have made [the remark] that strong, but that is [still] unnatural,” the 92-year old senator said.

PNP alerts units vs Red attacks

By Francisco Tuyay

Caloocan sortie. Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. is swarmed by supporters when he visited the Marcos-era relocation site Barangay Bagong Silang in Caloocan City on Wednesday. LINO SANTOS

THE Philippine National Police placed regional police offices across the country on high alert and warned them against possible attacks from the communist New People’s Army whose guerrillas killed six policemen and injured 15 in an ambush on Tuesday.

“To avoid similar incidents, the PNP national headquarters reminded anew all police regional offices to be more vigilant, enhanced personnel security and conduct preventive and proactive operations in coordination with AFP units against the Communist Party of the Philippines and NPA, lawless elements and criminal groups,” said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor.

The PNP heightened their alert after 40

communist rebels ambushed a convoy of policemen who were responding to a distress call from a private contractor who complained that the rebels burned their construction equipment in Baggao, Cagayan.

Mayor said the PNP condemns the latest act of hostility of the communist movement and called it a manifestation of “utter disregard to human lives and concern of the welfare of the local populace despite the efforts of the government to uplift the well-being of Cagayan thru sustained development.”

Meanwhile, the military has dispatched helicopter gunships in the surrounding mountain ranges of Cagayan province, particularly in the surrounding jungles in Baggao town, and reported that two NPA rebels have been killed in retaliatory attacks.

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Airport bus service launched

By Joel E. Zurbano The government on Wednesday launched the Airport Bus Service to give passengers an alternative mode of transportation going to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Under the new scheme, the Manila International Airport Authority will provide 42 bus units starting in June that will ferry passengers to and from the Naia on a 24-hour basis.

An interim service will first be carried out making use of six standard, air-conditioned buses as service provider AIr21 is now in the process of completing its fleet of premium bus units for the airport.

The bus service, a project of the Department of Transportation and Communications and its attached agency, the Land Transportation Franchising and regulatory Board, aimed at improving transportation services available for passengers at the Naia.

AIr21 will be operating the premium Airport Bus Service under the brand name UBe express.

From Terminals 1, 2, and 3, the bus service will have two routes, particularly going to roxas Boulevard and the Makati Central Business District.

There will be designated off-street passenger stops along the routes.

Along roxas Boulevard, passengers will be able to board and descend from the bus at Midas hotel, hotel Jen, Manila hotel, Mall of Asia, and the entertainment City.

Passenger stops for Makati City include Glorietta 4 and 5, as well as Ascott hotel. each bus can accommodate 24 passengers and has large compartments for baggage.

The premium bus is equipped with closed-circuit television cameras, Global Positioning System, and an on-board WiFi facility.

Passengers who wish to take the premium bus may approach the transportation desk personnel at the arrival curbside area for assistance. An automated fare collection system will also be developed in the future to allow advanced online booking.

The premium bus service has an LTFrB-approved flat rate of P300.

The bus units will be manned by trained drivers and an on-board transport attendant, similar to an airline flight attendant.

MIAA general manager Jose Angel honrado acknowledged the DoTC and the LTFrB for granting more transport categories that serve the airport.

Kalinga festival. Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez receives a plaque of appreciation and a symbolic token from Kalinga Gov. Josel Baac during the celebration of the 21st founding anniversary of Kalinga and 2016 Uilalin Festival in Tabuk City.

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Migrant workers assured of help

By Sandy Araneta MALACAÑANG on Wednesday assured Filipino Workers overseas that the government will provide them assistance if they lose their jobs as a result of the oil price downtrend and possible freezing of output by oil producers.

“Labor and employment Secretary [rosalinda] Baldoz has already made certain statements—proactive statements— on making sure that our OFWs will find some assistance by way of looking for alternative markets, by way of livelihood assistance, if in case they de-

cide to come home,” said Presidential Spokesperson edwin Lacierda.

Lacierda expressed hope the oil price situation will stabilize in a manner that will not exacerbate the situation of OFWs. Saudi Arabia has agreed with russia to freeze oil output if they are joined by other large producers, in the first coordinated move to try to reduce a near record supply glut and halt the collapse in prices.

After watching oil prices fall 70 percent since mid-2014, Saudi Arabia’s powerful oil minister Ali al-Naimi said an output freeze by some of the world’s

major producers should start to stabilize the market.

The deal was reached at a behind-closed-doors meeting in Doha with Opec members Qatar and Venezuela.

Mohammad bin Saleh alSada, Qatar’s energy minister, said that the deal was still contingent on other major producers agreeing to join the freeze, which will probably complicate efforts.

In a bid to bring the most reluctant Opec members on board, Venezuela oil minister eulogio del Pino, who has led the diplomatic push for a deal, will travel to Tehran on

Wednesday to meet officials from Iran and Iraq.

Bijan Zanganeh, Iran’s oil minister, said that the country would not give up its share of the market, according to Iranian news agency Shana.

The country has only just started raising exports following the lifting of sanctions last month.

Naimi said after the meeting: “Freezing now at the January level is adequate for the market, we believe . . . We recognize today the supply is going down because of current prices. We also recognize that demand is on the rise.”

3 civilians killed in Ampatuan blast Guarding Janet. Pork

barrel scam suspect Janet Lim Napoles attends the trial of her tax evasion case under heavy guard at the Court of Tax Appeals in Quezon City on Wednesday.

MANNY PAlMEro

Three civilians were killed in a roadside bomb explosion in a remote Philippine region where the Army and Muslim rebels have engaged in sporadic fighting for days, police said on Wednesday.

Muslim insurgents booby-trapped a highway to target military convoys, but it detonated when a van with six people aboard drove through late Tuesday, according to a report from the provincial police office that was sent to AFP. Three of the van’s passengers were killed while three others were wounded, ac-

cording to police in nearby Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

They said they were also verifying reports one of the fatalities was a young boy.

The military has been battling a Muslim rebel faction near farming villages in the area since last week, regional military spokesman Major Filemon Tan told AFP. he said about 300 soldiers had been providing protection for a flood control project in the area after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters set fire to the private contractor’s dredging equipment last

week.

Two air force helicopters also fired rockets as well as machine gun rounds at BIFF positions on Tuesday, he said, but there were no confirmed casualties.

The clashes followed a major setback in efforts to end decades of fighting in the region, when parliament earlier this month failed to pass a law granting the country’s Muslim minority wider autonomy.

The BIFF is not party to the peace deal, which the government signed in 2014 with the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front. AFP

t h u r s D AY : f e b r u A r Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

A6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Corona cites lapses in tax probe Hazard pay for cops pressed

By Maricel V. Cruz POLICe personnel who are on combat duty will soon receive an additional hazard pay.

Rep. Gabriel Luis Quisumbing on Wednesday expressed optimism that his house Bill 5455 will still be approved by Congress during its remaining session days until June to help the police cope with the rising cost of living.

The bill, if passed into law, shall increase the combat duty pay of the policemen amounting to P240 by 25 percent of their base pay, Quisumbing said.

The increase will cover all commissioned and non-commissioned Philippine National Police personnel, according to Quisumbing.

Quisumbing said the proposed “PNP Combat Duty Pay Increase” also provides for a mission allowance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel who are exposed to adversity, combat situation and hazards unusual to peacekeeping.

Quisumbing said the mission allowance of the soldiers should represent 50 percent of their base pay.

Quisumbing said the hazard pay increase will be given only to those who are assigned to critical areas or tactical units like the 44 members of the Special Action Forces 55th Company who died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“With the risk inherent in such missions, the concerned PNP troops only receive measly salaries, allowances, and benefits in exchange for the dangers they face in fulfilling their duties,” Quisumbing said. he said the amount necessary to implement the proposed act for the current year shall be charged against the savings of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

By Rio N. Araja

ON the first day of his trial for a tax evasion case before the Court of tax Appeals, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona on Wednesday raised possible lapses committed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

The camp of Corona challenged the integrity of the probe and the filing of the tax evasion case filed on Aug. 30, 2012.

Corona questioned the Bureau

of Internal Revenue’s National Investigation Division’s investigation, saying that it only had two weeks to conduct a thorough probe on May 30, 2012, or two

puz, a former employee of BIR Revenue District Office 32, also took the witness stand.

The defense panel, however, pointed out that the BIR-NID already requested access to Corona’s bank accounts on May 28, 2012, two days before investigators secured a copy of Corona’s waiver on May 30.

Corona is facing tax evasion charges for his failure to file his income tax return and attempting to evade payment of taxes.

The next trial is set on Feb. 29.

40 homeless. Firemen train their hose on a house on fire along Oroquieta Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila. At least 40 people lost their homes in the Wednesday morning blaze. DANNY PATA

FVR sets book launching

Army finds two eagles, no rebels ARMY troopers found two eagles in two separate cages in an abandoned hut in Barangay Cawayanin, Lopez, Quezon.

Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya said the eagles, a male and a female, were very weak when found by the troopers.

Visaya said the soldiers were pursuing a group of communist rebels when they stumbled into the hut.

The soldiers radioed their battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Simeon Talosig, who, in turn, ordered them to secure the eagles.

Visaya said Talosig immediately informed the local office of the Department of environment and Natural Resources that fetched the eagles from the battalion headquarters on Feb. 16. Florante S. Solmerin

days before the investigating team was able to obtain a copy of Corona’s waiver on May 30, 2012.

BIR-NID only based its allegations on his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and his records with the Land Transportation Office on Aug. 16, 2012.

A witness from the BIR-NID, Sixto Dy, testified that BIR created an investigating team to dig deeper into Corona’s alleged false tax payments.

Another witness, Claire Cor-

The Ramos Peace and Development Foundation will launch “2030: ONe WORLD, ONe COMMUNITY, ONe FAMILY”, Volume 19 of the compilation of selected essays, articles and other writings of former President Fidel V. Ramos on Feb. 19, 2016 (Friday) at 8:30 a.m. at the Kamuning Bakery Café, 43 Judge Jimenez St. corner K-1st St., Quezon City.

This book has been written with the coming 30th Anniversary of the edsa People Power Revolution in mind, within the context of the forthcoming national elections and the ongoing threat of international terrorism.

FVR reminds us that “as Filipinos, we do believe that the best way to promote the spirit of edsa is for everyone of us, as concerned citizens, to pull together, uplift the common life, and raise our country to a position of dignity and admiration the Philippines deserves in the community of nations.”

To meet today’s challenges, everyone must develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. each of us must learn to work not just for his or her own self, family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility—through the equitable use of natural resources, concern for future generations and the proper care of the environment—is the key to human survival and is the strongest foundation for world peace.

On a lighter note, the book once again ends with various anecdotes (which range from funny to critical to libelous to seditious to subversive) narrated by opinion-makers, FVR associates, and former government officials.

Volume 19 is part of RPDeV’s continuing education program in accordance with its four main program areas namely: sustainable development, enduring peace in the Asia-Pacific region, socio-economic diplomacy, and democratic governance.

Skyway rotation on Araneta Ave.

One of the two eagles shown in this photo contributed by the Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion.

ON SATURDAY, Feb. 20, 2016, only two lanes on the northbound direction starting at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., and two lanes on the southbound direction from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be passable for motorists at G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City between e. Rodriguez Avenue and Victory Avenue for the pierhead rotation of Pier 49 and Pier 47, respectively.

To direct traffic and assist motorists where the rotation activity will take place, additional number of traffic en-

forcers will be deployed.

Motorists are advised to avoid that stretch or use alternate routes. When the rotation of Pier 49 is finished by 4 p.m., all NB lanes will be opened to traffic.

All SB lanes will be opened to traffic by 5 p.m. after the rotation of Pier 47. The SS3 project aims to help decongest edsa and other major arterial roads of Metro Manila and address the increasing traffic demand north and south of Metro Manila.

t h u r s D AY : f e b r u A r Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Police create poll task force in Pangasinan

All smiles. Students of Carmona National High School join the street dance at the Sorteo Festival 2016 in Carmona, Cavite.

DeNNis CAPArAs ABriNA

Authorities start drive vs marijuana in 3 provinces

By Christine Junio The Philippine Drug enforcement Agency, Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and the Philippine National Police destroyed almost two hectares of marijuana plantation from more than 32 separate sites as part of an operation called “Love Triangle” in the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Sur and Benguet.

PDEA Regional Director Adrian G. Alvarino said they had seized more than 50 million worth of marijuana. “We have also caught one marijuana cultivator named Jomar Capungan as he was watering the plants.”

Capungan was brought to Ilocos Sur where he was charged with numerous cases including

cultivating illegal drugs and possession of marijuana seeds.

“At Barangay Likungan, there is one site where we caught up with one of the marijuana farmers.

We caught him while he was trying to escape.

When we searched him, we discovered marijuana seeds inside his pocket,” said one of the

PDEA agents who participated in the raid.

The seized marijuana plants were uprooted and burned on-site by the authorities.

“We used Air Force helicopters to enter the plantation on the mountains of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur,” Alvarino added.

According to PDEA, suspects bring their marijuana to Metro Manila.

DAGUPAN CITY—Police Director General Ricardo Marquez announced the creation of a Special Operations Task Group in Pangasinan relative to its inclusion as one of the six election watch list areas or hotspots in the country this coming election.

Marquez named Senior Supt. Marlou Chan, deputy police regional director for operations, as the head of SOTG that will help the Pangasinan police implement safe and fair election 2016.

Chan was former officer-incharge of the Pangasinan police provincial office.

Marquez said all the five other provinces named as EWAS were given their respective SOTGs. Pangasinan is the only province in Region 1 included in the list of EWAS on account of political violence that happened in the 2010 and 2013 election and its current tense political rivalries.

The PNP believes that with the help of SOTG and the people in general, Pangasinan could be removed from the list of EWAS in the 2019 election.

Meanwhile, Supt. Ferdinand de Asis, spokesperson of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, said the province expects augmentation troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the polls.

The AFP contingent will be in addition to one company from the Special Action Force and another company from the Regional Public Safety Battalion of the police, he said.

De Asis said the additional forces will boost the strength of the Pangasinan numbering 2,400 to date.

There are now close to three million population in Pangasinan and the police-population ratio is 1:1,000. PNA

GSIS offers emergency loans to victims of El Niño, Typhoon ‘Nona’

infrastructure deals. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman (2nd from right) with the region’s Secretary for Public Works and Highways engineer Don Mustapa Loong (right) led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with the mayors of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan provinces for the P1.4 billion worth of infrastructure. OmAr mANgOrsi

ThE Government Service Insurance System has opened the emergency loan program to assist active members and pensioners in Typhoon “Nona”-hit municipalities of Lubang and Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro, and those affected by El Niño in the City of Zamboanga.

GSIS has earmarked P24.3 million for 881 active members and pensioners in Lubang and Abra de Ilog. It has similarly appropriated almost P488 million for 17,212 active members and pensioners in Zamboanga City.

Qualified to apply are active members who are residing or working in the said calamity-declared areas, not

on leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in paying premium contributions, and have no loans that are unpaid for more than six months.

Active members applying for the first time may avail of a P20,000 loan, while those with existing emergency loan may borrow up to P40,000, from which their outstanding balance will be deducted.

Pensioners need to apply in person to avail of the P20,000 pensioners’ emergency loan.

Pensioners who are also active members may apply for the loan only once.

The deadline for emergency loan application in Lubang and Abra de Ilog is March 4, 2016, while that for Zam-

boanga City is March 5, 2016.

Emergency loan is payable in 36 equal monthly installments at 6 percent interest rate per annum computed in advance. It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of demise of the borrower, provided that loan repayment is up to date.

Active members may apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosks located in all GSIS branch and extension offices; provincial capitols; city halls; selected municipal offices; large government agencies such as the Department of Education; selected Robinsons Malls; and SM Super Malls in Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu.

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

PARTNERS IN CRIME

[ EDI TORI A L ]

BIGOTRY IT’S ONE thing to have an opinion.

Sometimes we arrive at our positions through cold, hard logic.

Sometimes they are dictated by passion, arising from what we grew up believing, what we studied, what we became exposed to or experienced.

Everybody is entitled to his own opinion, and here there is no correct or wrong one. The right is inherent to any person, whether one is informed or misguided. Individual preferences reflect on the person who makes them—nobody else.

What makes the difference is the belief that only you are in the right, and everybody else must agree with you—or they will perish in hell or meet some other horrific ending.

To be a homophobe, for instance, is a characteristic nobody begrudges a boxer-turned-nonperforming congressman who now has the gall to seek a Senate seat. For his statements that homosexual couples are worse than animals, the boxer drew flak from citizens online and off.

The backlash, both from the LGBT community and from others who simply think we must live and let live, was so bludgeoning that the boxer had to issue an apology immediately.

We hope it was clear to the boxer what he was apologizing for.

People seethed at his statements because it was made from a supposed moral high ground. He has only recently affiliated with a religious group; this has perhaps inspired him to mouth those damaging word.

But let’s not go the boxer’s route, lest we ourselves become the bigots we despise.

There is no need to harp on the fact that he is no expert on the matter, that his own choices in his personal life demolish his credibility, that his sport probably addled his thinking faculties and that he gives too much credit to his so-called advisers. He is who he is—there is nothing we can do about it.

Where we can do something is on the ballot. There, we get to decide who gets the privilege of bringing their advocacies—and yes, biases—to the halls of Congress.

If we allow this to happen, they will officially impose their bigotry on us, not through careless words but through laws and other official actions paid for by the taxes we bleed.

Let’s take our fighting words somewhere else.

DROPPING THE BALL LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES SENATOR Grace Poe has made no secret of her friendship with President Noynoy Aquino, whose recent birthday bash she attended, even if she is running for president against Aquino’s own chosen candidate, Mar Roxas. But sometimes I think Poe is taking this friendship thing a bit too far.

Poe has declared that she is considering giving Aquino an important role in her

government, if she is elected in May. The senator said she was thinking about giving Aquino an advisory role in the area of fighting corruption, “because he has also done good work in that regard.”

I don’t think this is such a good idea. Even if no one—so far— has directly linked Aquino to any corrupt act, I think even Poe will admit that he has allowed and enabled his closest advisers and officials to engage in activities that will surely lead to the filing of corruption charges against them as soon as Aquino steps down.

And there certainly will be

no shortage of cases involving anomalous transactions, programs and deals that will be brought before anti-corruption bodies like the Ombudsman after Aquino’s term ends. I’d give you a list, but there’s not enough space for it in just one column.

Aquino should be allowed to revert to his old lifestyle after he steps down, I think. If he’s allowed to pursue his interests in jail, of course. *** What do the radical left, the liquefied petroleum gas distributors and the people in Manny Pacquiao’s Sarangani province have that the Philippines’ gay

If the Philippine gay community can’t even be roused to defend itself, then it can’t expect others to defend it.

A9

community doesn’t? Representation in Congress, that’s what.

It’s pretty obvious that the Philippine LGBT community has visibility, clout and resources to become a major player in mainstream politics, if it can follow the lead of the leftists and the LPG distributors, to name just two sectors who have decided to change the system from within. And if the backlash that quickly followed Pacquiao’s “worse than animals” remark has proven anything, it’s that the gay community has no shortage of powerful and vocal advocates who can work for its rights, if that’s what it really wants.

But the only party-list that has been put up to push a pro-

gay rights agenda, Ang Ladlad (founded by Ateneo English professor and media personality Danton Remoto) has not exactly made any headway in securing the representation that the law provides. Ang Ladlad was disqualified from the 2016 elections for its poor showing in the 2013, when it received only 0.37 percent of the vote.

The party-list’s 2010 showing was even lower than in the last election, when it garnered only 0.38 percent of the vote. The law mandates that Ang Ladlad and other such groups can se-

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

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

cure a seat in Congress only if gets a minimum of two percent of all the votes cast for party-lists; and Remoto founded his party in 2003 expressly for the purpose of joining the political mainstream through sectoral representation in the House.

While most people believe that the dominant Catholic Church has a lot to do with the suppressing of gay rights in this country, it cannot be disputed that homosexuals are a permanent feature of popular media. Some of the most high-profile and highest-paid en-

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

tertainers and artists here don’t even bother to hide their homosexual preferences—when the singer/actress Aiza Seguerra, for instance, married her girlfriend abroad, nobody even raised a stir.

Most gender advocates cite the socalled “10 percent rule,” an interpretation of a 1948 Kinsey Report that supposedly pegged the number of homosexuals in the US at that percentage of the population. In May last year, The Standard Poll found that eight percent Continued on A11

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

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

WHAT is happening in the political scene, given that the national elections is so close, is suspicious and is raising many questions that the Commission on Elections must answer and clear up.

After two postponements, the Comelec has finally decided to start printing the ballots that will be used for the May 9, elections. This could only mean that the powersthat-be must have already made a decision and has given the poll body the green light to print the ballots.

Time, after all, is running out and Chairman Andres Bautista is also running out of reasons why the printing is always being postponed.

And as if on cue, the Supreme Court also completed oral arguments on the Poe disqualification case. It had taken three sessions when one would have been enough. All these seem to be part of a grand plan.

I watched part of the Senate hearing last Tuesday about the integrity of the May election. Once again, the right questions were not being asked. One of the source code reviewers even praised Smartmatic, which was shocking. The assurances of Smartmatic and its partner, the Comelec, do not amount to anything. Electronic manipulation can still happen. It only takes a good programmer to do it.

Besides, the question that should be asked is this: Who supervises the insertion of the flashcards inside the PCOS machines? Can those people be trusted? One of the source code reviewers however, raised a valid point in that the source code that they are reviewing may be different from the one deposited in the Central Bank. Remember that there are already two source codes that have been deposited—and why is Comelec and Smartmatic refusing to allow the review of the entire source code?

Perhaps the answer lies in what one election lawyer said. This election lawyer knows the inner workings of the Comelec and more importantly was privy to what happened in the 2010 elections. He said that the Comelec and Smartmatic cannot be trusted to deliver an election free of electronic manipulation. Even with all the security features being brought back, manipulation can still take place. The answers given by the

Continued on A11

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

PARTNERS IN CRIME

[ EDI TORI A L ]

BIGOTRY IT’S ONE thing to have an opinion.

Sometimes we arrive at our positions through cold, hard logic.

Sometimes they are dictated by passion, arising from what we grew up believing, what we studied, what we became exposed to or experienced.

Everybody is entitled to his own opinion, and here there is no correct or wrong one. The right is inherent to any person, whether one is informed or misguided. Individual preferences reflect on the person who makes them—nobody else.

What makes the difference is the belief that only you are in the right, and everybody else must agree with you—or they will perish in hell or meet some other horrific ending.

To be a homophobe, for instance, is a characteristic nobody begrudges a boxer-turned-nonperforming congressman who now has the gall to seek a Senate seat. For his statements that homosexual couples are worse than animals, the boxer drew flak from citizens online and off.

The backlash, both from the LGBT community and from others who simply think we must live and let live, was so bludgeoning that the boxer had to issue an apology immediately.

We hope it was clear to the boxer what he was apologizing for.

People seethed at his statements because it was made from a supposed moral high ground. He has only recently affiliated with a religious group; this has perhaps inspired him to mouth those damaging word.

But let’s not go the boxer’s route, lest we ourselves become the bigots we despise.

There is no need to harp on the fact that he is no expert on the matter, that his own choices in his personal life demolish his credibility, that his sport probably addled his thinking faculties and that he gives too much credit to his so-called advisers. He is who he is—there is nothing we can do about it.

Where we can do something is on the ballot. There, we get to decide who gets the privilege of bringing their advocacies—and yes, biases—to the halls of Congress.

If we allow this to happen, they will officially impose their bigotry on us, not through careless words but through laws and other official actions paid for by the taxes we bleed.

Let’s take our fighting words somewhere else.

DROPPING THE BALL LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES SENATOR Grace Poe has made no secret of her friendship with President Noynoy Aquino, whose recent birthday bash she attended, even if she is running for president against Aquino’s own chosen candidate, Mar Roxas. But sometimes I think Poe is taking this friendship thing a bit too far.

Poe has declared that she is considering giving Aquino an important role in her

government, if she is elected in May. The senator said she was thinking about giving Aquino an advisory role in the area of fighting corruption, “because he has also done good work in that regard.”

I don’t think this is such a good idea. Even if no one—so far— has directly linked Aquino to any corrupt act, I think even Poe will admit that he has allowed and enabled his closest advisers and officials to engage in activities that will surely lead to the filing of corruption charges against them as soon as Aquino steps down.

And there certainly will be

no shortage of cases involving anomalous transactions, programs and deals that will be brought before anti-corruption bodies like the Ombudsman after Aquino’s term ends. I’d give you a list, but there’s not enough space for it in just one column.

Aquino should be allowed to revert to his old lifestyle after he steps down, I think. If he’s allowed to pursue his interests in jail, of course. *** What do the radical left, the liquefied petroleum gas distributors and the people in Manny Pacquiao’s Sarangani province have that the Philippines’ gay

If the Philippine gay community can’t even be roused to defend itself, then it can’t expect others to defend it.

A9

community doesn’t? Representation in Congress, that’s what.

It’s pretty obvious that the Philippine LGBT community has visibility, clout and resources to become a major player in mainstream politics, if it can follow the lead of the leftists and the LPG distributors, to name just two sectors who have decided to change the system from within. And if the backlash that quickly followed Pacquiao’s “worse than animals” remark has proven anything, it’s that the gay community has no shortage of powerful and vocal advocates who can work for its rights, if that’s what it really wants.

But the only party-list that has been put up to push a pro-

gay rights agenda, Ang Ladlad (founded by Ateneo English professor and media personality Danton Remoto) has not exactly made any headway in securing the representation that the law provides. Ang Ladlad was disqualified from the 2016 elections for its poor showing in the 2013, when it received only 0.37 percent of the vote.

The party-list’s 2010 showing was even lower than in the last election, when it garnered only 0.38 percent of the vote. The law mandates that Ang Ladlad and other such groups can se-

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

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

cure a seat in Congress only if gets a minimum of two percent of all the votes cast for party-lists; and Remoto founded his party in 2003 expressly for the purpose of joining the political mainstream through sectoral representation in the House.

While most people believe that the dominant Catholic Church has a lot to do with the suppressing of gay rights in this country, it cannot be disputed that homosexuals are a permanent feature of popular media. Some of the most high-profile and highest-paid en-

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

tertainers and artists here don’t even bother to hide their homosexual preferences—when the singer/actress Aiza Seguerra, for instance, married her girlfriend abroad, nobody even raised a stir.

Most gender advocates cite the socalled “10 percent rule,” an interpretation of a 1948 Kinsey Report that supposedly pegged the number of homosexuals in the US at that percentage of the population. In May last year, The Standard Poll found that eight percent Continued on A11

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

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

WHAT is happening in the political scene, given that the national elections is so close, is suspicious and is raising many questions that the Commission on Elections must answer and clear up.

After two postponements, the Comelec has finally decided to start printing the ballots that will be used for the May 9, elections. This could only mean that the powersthat-be must have already made a decision and has given the poll body the green light to print the ballots.

Time, after all, is running out and Chairman Andres Bautista is also running out of reasons why the printing is always being postponed.

And as if on cue, the Supreme Court also completed oral arguments on the Poe disqualification case. It had taken three sessions when one would have been enough. All these seem to be part of a grand plan.

I watched part of the Senate hearing last Tuesday about the integrity of the May election. Once again, the right questions were not being asked. One of the source code reviewers even praised Smartmatic, which was shocking. The assurances of Smartmatic and its partner, the Comelec, do not amount to anything. Electronic manipulation can still happen. It only takes a good programmer to do it.

Besides, the question that should be asked is this: Who supervises the insertion of the flashcards inside the PCOS machines? Can those people be trusted? One of the source code reviewers however, raised a valid point in that the source code that they are reviewing may be different from the one deposited in the Central Bank. Remember that there are already two source codes that have been deposited—and why is Comelec and Smartmatic refusing to allow the review of the entire source code?

Perhaps the answer lies in what one election lawyer said. This election lawyer knows the inner workings of the Comelec and more importantly was privy to what happened in the 2010 elections. He said that the Comelec and Smartmatic cannot be trusted to deliver an election free of electronic manipulation. Even with all the security features being brought back, manipulation can still take place. The answers given by the

Continued on A11

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A PATTERN AMONG THE PRESIDENT’S ALLIES TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

BOXING icon Manny Pacquiao suffered a backlash after he described gay couples as “worse than animals.” Those words could only come from somebody who lacks proper education.

He went on to say: “it’s common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female. If men mate with men and women mate with women, they are worse than animals.”

They all support Mrs. Llamanzares.

He could have said he was against same-sex marriage and that would have been enough. What he said just infuriated the LGBT community and other sections of society.

Pacquiao is the perfect example of an uneducated man speaking before the public. And Santa Banana, he can actually be a senator!

It could be worse. He may even aspire for the presidency in 2022. All I can say is, God save the Philippines. I will surely be gone by then since I’m already 88 years old, but I pity my children and my grandchildren.

Blame it all on our electorate, many of them stupid and idiotic. Take the case of former Senator Lito Lapid, whose only claim to fame was being a cowboy.

He confessed that he didn’t belong to the Senate since he was so embarrassed he could not interpellate. He finished fourth grade only.

In the case of Pacquiao, his popularity and glamour as a philanthropist have gone to his head.

Well, as they say, we Fili-

pinos deserve the kind of people we elect into office. *** Solicitor General Florin Hilbay as “tribune of the people,” chose to side with Mrs. Mary Grace Natividad Kelly Poe Llamanzares in her disqualification cases pending at the Supreme Court.

Hilbay argued that the senator, now running for president, should be presumed natural-born considering the greater number of Filipino children far outweighs the number of foreigners. “It’s common sense,” Hilbay claims.

Either Hilbay doesn’t read the Constitution and would interpret it the way he wants, or that he’s getting orders from BS Aquino III to argue on behalf of Mrs. Llamanzares. I am convinced she is the President’s alternative candidate for May 9, 2016.

Santa Banana, how can Hilbay, who has excellent credentials as a lawyer, presume Mrs. Llamanzares as natural-born?

The Constitution is clear and precise that “naturalborn citizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.”

It’s axiomatic in law, Mr. Hilbay, that what the law doesn’t distinguish should not be distinguished. In short, when the law is precise and clear, it should not be presumed.

In the case of residency, Hilbay said that Mrs. Llamanzares has been a resident of the Philippines for more than 10 years which should qualify her for the Senate and for the presidency.

But, wasn’t Hilbay aware of the fact Poe misrepresented herself as qualified, which is a big lie?

My gulay, Mrs. Llamanzares did not only lie once, but twice. She lied on her CoC and she did it again when she filed a claim for dual citizenship and said under oath that she was the daughter of Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces. We all know that Susan never became

THIRTY YEARS AGO ON THIS day 30 years ago, the peso fell to P22 to the US dollar from a little under P20. This was a significant jump during those days in 1986, accounting for inflation and purchasing power.

The two peso drop was sudden, as the rate the prior year was around P18.72, and ranged between P18.60 and P19.20 within the next 12 months based on data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas website. This development came two days after the Batasang Pambansa proclaimed Ferdinand Marcos as the winner of the presidential race in a snap election against Corazon Aquino on 7 February 1986.

The nation celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Edsa Revolution next week, so please allow me to preface the celebrations with the sobriety of written history. The celebration coincides with the tail-end of Cory’s son’s term as president, who basically ascended to position because the Aquino name rings sweeter than the name of Mar Roxas to the ears of the electorate. Unfortunately, that ring in the Aquino name came reverberated more loudly after Cory’s death, which many cite as the main reason Noynoy’s popularity catapulted from the levels of just being his mother’s son to presidential heights.

The success and bloodlessness of the 1986 Edsa Revolution was a confluence of events and motivations, and the Aquinos are involved in only a fraction of the entire pie. Their contribution is much like that of the pregnant.

As I said, some justices of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno seem to stumble all over the court trying to have Mrs. Llamanzares declared qualified to run . Don’t you see the pattern of BS Aquino III’s appointees at the Supreme Court, and now Hilbay as SolGen, supporting Mrs. Llamanzares’ candidacy?

Santa Banana, what better proof do we need to convince us that there’s a hand manipulating everything in Mrs. Llamanzares’ favor?

I admire Mrs. Llamanzares for her fight. She is intelligent and charismatic.

But there’s the Constitution, whose letter and intent should prevail, over the emotionalism generated by her disqualification cases before the Supreme Court. *** I am glad that San

MINORITY REPORT DANILO SUAREZ fall of the peso 30 years ago.

The days that followed 18 February 1986 were fast and tense. By February 20, rumors were rife that a coup d’état led by the Reform the Armed Forces Movement will occur that weekend. Just before the day broke on Saturday, February 22, thenDefense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, and his chief of security Col. Gringo Honasan were preparing the coup attempt that would take Malacañang—and the rest of the world—by storm.

They were at first considering establishing a junta, the National Reconciliation Council, and invite Cory, then Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Fidel Ramos, Cardinal Jaime Sin, and other allied personalities.

When RAM’s plot was discovered and arrest warrants were being prepared, JPE and FVR holed up at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense and declared they were withdrawing support of the Marcos administration. Cardinal Sin supported JPE and FVR’s declaration through Radio Veritas, and called on the Filipino people to protect the dissenting officers.

The people who answered this call gained critical mass and resulted to what we are to celebrate next week, this year.

Cory was in Cebu on February 22, calling for civil disobedi-

Miguel is ready to construct MRT-7, which would allow some one million to two million commuters from the North, passing through San Jose del Monte in Bulacan through a 22.8-kilometer rail system with 14 stations, to connect with the MRT-3.

I have been privy to this project since it was submitted to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo way back in 2003 by its proponent, Israeli businessman Eli Levin. Levin, a good friend, has been a Philippine resident for the past 40 years. He was at one time married to a Filipino. In other words, MRT-7 awaited its financial closure by government for the past 13 years.

I still have all the papers about the P62.7-billion project which unfortunately did not get the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority then. Levin may not have had the financial and political clout.

ence against the Marcos administration and its allies, despite being advised to stay in Manila with the knowledge of the coup.

By nightfall, she was still in contact with the RAM leadership and Cardinal Sin, her supporters were on a back and forth on whether to rally behind JPE and FVR, or to wait and see.

JPE, FVR, and Gringo knew which day to seize. It had to be that day, it had to be that time.

Had they not identified February 22 as the opportune time for change, Cory would still be harping on civil disobedience as her revolutionary means to change the country—up to when, only God knows. Who knows what the Philippines a generation hence would be, had not the stage been set up for Cory?

We must remember that the difference between a revolution and a rebellion is success. Everything could have devolved into mere rebellion if it weren’t for the boldness of JPE, FVR, and Gringo, and the equally valiant support of the Filipino heeding the call of Cardinal Sin. Also, we are left to speculate the change in the nation’s history had Marcos decided to attack the swelling crowd in Camps Crame and Aguinaldo on February 22.

History shows the Aquino family, after Ninoy died, did not instigate the Edsa Revolution—they were beneficiaries.

The Aquinos for too long have stood on the shoulders of giants, but recently the same feet have

Thus, in 2010 when BS Aquino III was elected President, one of his biggest contributors, Salvador “Buddy” Zamora of the Zamora clan, bought out Levin’s share at the Universal LRT Corp.

Somehow, the project got through the Neda wringer. The problem was that Buddy Zamora, while having the support of BS Aquino III, lacked financial support.

This led Zamora to sell to Ramon Ang of the San Miguel consortium which was able to complete the funding package for the project.

Now, San Miguel is ready to start the construction of the mass rail sytem.

I congratulate Ramon Ang for having this project realized. This will decongest Edsa. *** Next week, the nation again will mark the anniversary of what people call the People Power Revolu-

Continued on A11

tion. This is a misnomer.

Even without the participation of over a million people, the breakaway group led by then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and then Col. Gringo Honasan, who were later on joined by then-PC/INP Chief Fidel Ramos, would have succeeded in topping the Marcos dictatorship.

With Senator Bongbong Marcos now tied with Senator Chiz Escudero for vice president, we can expect Marcos-haters in social media and in the press to unleash materials against Bongbong. But, I doubt all that can stop him in his campaign. *** In my column yesterday about Vice President Jojo Binay leading the presidential race in the latest Social Weather Stations, it appeared I described Binay as “tall and dark- skinned, who does not look at all like an elitist.”

I meant “short.” Apologies to my friend, Jojo.

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WHEN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS LEAD TO DISCRIMINATION

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE SENATORIAL candidate Manny Pacquiao reaped intense criticism when he justified his stand against same-sex marriage by saying homosexuals are worse than animals when it comes to their sex lives.

The backlash was immediate and came from prominent LGBTQ personalities, advocacy groups, and other quarters, some of whom urged against voting for Pacquiao in the coming elections.

Pacquiao apologized for the slur, pointing to his religious beliefs and his interpretation of the Bible to explain his stand.

What the Pacquiao debacle contributes to the discourse is this: how do we view religious fundamentalism in relation to society, politics, and the law?

Religious fundamentalism often makes literal references to scripture and dogma that have the effect of reinforcing ingroup and outgroup differences.

Because it is by nature discriminatory, it has no place

in the politics or law of a just and democratic society that must meet the needs of a plurality of people coming from different backgrounds and diverse circumstances and lifestyles.

Under the law, Pacquiao, as a private individual, is free to practice whatever religion he wants. The law protects his right to be a bigot if he so chooses to be. However, as a public servant, it is his responsibility to care for all sectors of society, especially the marginalized and stigmatized such as the LGBTQs who struggle against prejudice and hostility.

It is this distinction - the difference between a candidate’s private and public life —that voters need to draw in order to make informed choices at the polls. It is also the demarcation line that candidates must be mindful of when they present their service platforms and, if elected, when they perform their sworn duty to their constituents.

Religions are, for the most part, exclusive in nature in

Partners... From A9 Comelec and Smartmatic were not accurate and they know it. But for the life of me, why do we allow foreigners to run our elections?

With their reputations, are we right to assume that Smartmatic and the Comelec are partners in crime? *** For the first time in its 30year history, the 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were invited by United States President Barak Obama to a summit in the state of California.

There are several reasons for this.

Asean is one of the most dynamic regions in the planet. The region’s economic growth has consistently outperformed other regions. It has a population of more than 600 million—about ten percent of the world’s population whose middle class is increasing fast.

Asean is also the fourth largest trading partner of the US. Most important of all, the geography of the region being so close to China is of strategic importance to the United States. In earlier times, the US would probably not have bothered with this invitation, but times have changed.

China, that giant of a country near

Thirty... From A10 found their way on the giants’ necks.

How 30 years have changed the Aquinos’ relationship with JPE and Gringo!

As beneficiaries of the Edsa legacy, the Aquinos have also earned

that they exclude non-believers. In their recent joint statement, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill deplored the shift of societies to a secular mindset. That is only to be expected of them—it is in their job description to defend their faiths.

In contrast, the Dalai Lama has said that his religion is simply kindness. Hence the growing popularity of Buddhism, if not as a religion, then as a philosophy—there isn’t the same missionary fire, no urgency to spread and dominate, because it is tolerant, because it is accepting of others’ beliefs.

How many times must I say this—0not everyone in this country is Catholic. Not everyone is Christian. Not everyone is religious. And because we are all citizens of one country, the state must protect the welfare of each individual, regardless of creed or other affiliation, regardless of lifestyle or sexuality.

This is why we have laws.

In a just and humane society, the law is intended to

protect and serve the interests of the public. The law serves as shield and sword and shelter. It must be all this to everyone because no other cultural system, religion included, can serve without discrimination.

Religion should be a private matter, and should not be imposed on others in a pluralistic society such as ours. This is why we have a problem with lawmakers whose private beliefs intrude upon their public capacities, for instance, those who voted against the reproductive health bill for religious reasons rather than any logical reason based on facts and evidence.

As in Jose Rizal’s time, the prailes still hold sway over minds and hearts. Whether this is because of fear of hellfire, genuine spiritual fervor, or a laissez-faire consensus to cultural and societal norms is a matter of debate.

If, let’s say, the Muslims were be the majority, would the situation be the same?

Perhaps—refer to the Islamic countries where religious

us, is flexing its muscles to the discomfort not only of the US but also the countries of Asean. The US has come to the realization that to deal with the growing assertiveness of China, it needs a united Asean on its side. Whether this summit leads to greater cooperation and deeper engagement on the part of the US remains to be seen.

Since the pivot-to-Asia doctrine enunciated by President Barack Obama, this summit has been the first concrete step to show its seriousness. Transferring military assets from Europe to the Pacific has been symbolic at best and does not change anything on the ground.

What is important in the view of Asean is a firm commitment by the United States to stay engaged in the region on a long term basis.

What Asean does not like is an engagement that will change every time the US administration changes.

Nonetheless, that it happened at all with a lot of fanfare is significant.

But the US has to go a lot further.

The 10 member-nations are not after all united in their view of what is going on in the region.

Besides, China is not sleeping while the US is flexing its enormous and considerable diplomatic influence.

China, too, can flex its own muscles economically, diplomatically and militarily. It also has the advantage of geographical proximity. Already, it has poured considerable economic aid and is deepening its relationship with Thailand. This is partly due to the current strained relationship between Bangkok and Washington.

Cambodia also has always sided with China in past Asean meetings refusing to sign joint communiqués.

Nevertheless, there is growing concern with regard to the strategic objective of China in the region. It has claimed most of the South China Sea as its own and in spite of its assertion that the artificial islands that it created are for civilian purposes, militarization is not far behind. If this happens, every country in Asean will come under threat by Chinese fighter planes.

This is one big reason why every Asean member must be concerned.

Vietnam, a communist brethren of China, is moving closer to the US and President Obama will visit the country in May. Naval and air patrols in the South China Sea by the US are not enough. These two activities do not change anything on the ground. The artificial islands are still occupied by China.

hangers-on, capitalizing on spiritual balato. The Liberal Party successfully rallied behind an Aquino in the last presidential elections, and it is doubtful whether Aquino allies can do the same for Roxas. Whether an Aquino endorsement could win an election similar to Cory endorsing FVR in

1992 is up for conjecture. As the LP is milking the Edsa legacy of the Aquinos bone dry to keep the Roxas campaign afloat, they have yet to realize they have but a sliver of that legacy in their hands, and that a huge part of that legacy is backing a different candidate.

doctrine dictates the law.

If our country is to strengthen and grow, it needs to reject the ‘othering’ mindset that creates an ‘us’ and ‘others’ and relegates the latter to the outgroup, notwithstanding the contributions they make to the economy and to society in general. By comparing LGBTQ lifestyles to those of animals, Pacquiao ‘othered’ a sector of society and reinforced cultural norms that stigmatize them.

The election campaigns allow us the chance to screen candidates, find out their platforms, if any, and determine their attitudes to significant issues.

Make the wise choice.

Vote for the candidates who will bring Filipinos together in unity to work for development and progress and create an inclusive community, instead of the ones who will continue to keep us apart in dissension and conflict. *** Facebook: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste, Instagram: @jensdecember

Dropping... From A9 of all the survey respondents said that their first sexual experience was homosexual in nature, which gives an idea of the prevalence of same-sex encounters hereabouts, as well.

But the sad truth is that the LGBT community has failed to fight for its own rights where it matters—in Congress, for instance, where it can push for pet legislation and secure a bully pulpit for its agenda.

As Senator Juan Ponce Enrile said recently, “if you cannot defend yourself, you do not deserve to be on this planet.” Enrile was talking about securing the Philippines from the depredations of an expansionist China, but he might as well have been talking about the LGBT community.

Of course, the poster boys for joining the system and beating it from the inside is still the radical left, which has seven party-list representatives in the current 16th Congress, from five party-list groups.

While a lot of people believe that Philippine Communism has long been marginalized and made irrelevant, the congressmen of Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kabataan, ACT and Anakpawis, collectively known as the Makabayan bloc, have become a major force to reckon with in this and previous Congresses.

And so, while I sympathize with the LGBT celebrities and advocates who have been denouncing Pacquiao for his insensitive remarks, I also believe that the local gay community has dropped the ball as far as pushing for equality, non-discrimination and other important matters that it should really pursue through the political mainstream. Remoto has the right idea—but he isn’t getting any support from his “pink” colleagues, especially those who are so quick to take offense when someone like Pacquiao riles them with politically incorrect observations.

If the Philippine gay community can’t even be roused to defend itself, then it shouldn’t expect others to defend it. It’s that simple—and maybe that complicated.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Kenya official probed for doping and graft KENYA’S national athletics federation chief has stepped aside to allow investigations into allegations he asked for thousands of dollars in bribes from athletes caught doping.

Kenyan athletes compete in the senior men’s category in the IAAF permit/National Cross Country championships in Nairobi. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Thursday they were “disturbed” by claims that two banned Kenyan athletes were asked to pay nearly $50,000 as a bribe to have their suspensions cut. Francisca Koki said she and fellow runner Joyce Zakari, suspended for doping violations at the Beijing World Championships, claimed Athletics Kenya chief executive officer Isaac Mwangi asked them for the bribe but they were unable to pay. AFP

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION Scout Reyes Street, corner Panay Avenue, Quezon City Tel No. (02) 374-3987 Fax. No. (02) 374-2505

Invitation to Bid for the Project: CONSTRUCTION OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE LABORATORY BUILDING OF THE NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION (NTA) 1. The NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION (NTA), through its’Corporate Operating Budget for CY 2016, intends to apply the sum of PhP19,676,732.18, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), to payments under the contract for the CONSTRUCTION of the NTA QUALITY ASSURANCE LABORATORY BUILDING, (PB 2016-03). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The NTA now invites bids for the construction of a laboratory building. Delivery of Works is required for a period of 100 calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. (i) Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy-five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country, the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from February 18, 2016 to March 10, 2016, from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of PhP25,000.00.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the NTA, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

TOP-RANKED New Zealand teen Lydia Ko makes the first of five title defences on the LPGA Tour this week at the Australian Open after a huge 2015, with in-form South Korean

Bid opening shall be on March 11, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., at the 3rd Floor NTA Building, Cors. Scout Reyes Street and Panay Avenue, Quezon City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

7.

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

8. For further information, please refer to: CRISTINA C. LOPEZ, DBA National Tobacco Administration Cors. Scout Reyes Street and Panay Avenue, Quezon City Tel No. 372 3188; cclnta@yahoo.com Fax No. 373 2095 Website Address:nta.da.gov.ph

Jang Ha-Na a key threat.

Ko, who became the youngest-ever world number one -ñ male or female -ñ aged 17 last year, heads into the tournament after winning the earthquake-hit

New Zealand Open last week.

Her class, which has repeatedly shone through, was again on display at her home event but her composure crumbled when

Republic of the Philippines MUNICIPALITY OF MULANAY Province of Quezon February 18, 2016

Invitation to Bid for Rehabilitation / Concreting of SitioBagongPook – Maralahay – Brgy.Bagupaye – Anonang – Burgos Farm-to-Market Road 1.

The Local Government Unit of Mulanay, Quezon through the 2016 PAMANA/DA Fund& LGU Fund Counterpartintends to apply the sum of Sixteen Million, Three Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand, Seven Hundred Forty Seven Pesos and Eighty Five Cents (Php16, 339,747.85) only being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Rehabilitation / Concreting of SitioBagongPook – Maralahay – Brgy.

Bagupaye – Anonang –Burgos Farm-to-Market Road/2016-010. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The Local Government Unit of Mulanay, Quezonnow invites bids for Rehabilitation / Concreting of SitioBagongPook – Maralahay – Brgy. Bagupaye – Anonang –Burgos Farm-to-Market Road. Completion of the Works is required by 89 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

3.

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

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Local Government Unit of Mulanay, Quezon and inspect the Bidding Documents at the General Services Section-Procurement Unit from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM during working days.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on February 18, 2016 to March 9, 2016; 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM from the address below; and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php25, 000.00) to the Cashier of the LGU- Municipal Treasurer Office.

5. The NTA will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 a.m., at the 3rd Floor NTA Building, Cors. Scout Reyes Street and Panay Avenue, Quezon City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 11, 2016. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the Bidding Documents.

Wednesday.

“I am anxious to have my name cleared, even as I reserve my right to pursue other legal remedies availabile to me such as actions for libel and defamation,” Mwangi added.

“It is my hope that the investigations will be expeditious, fair and should include relevant authorities like Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).”

Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei has said that investigations into the case will begin on February 22.

Both Koki and Zakari were each given a four-year ban after being found guilty of using a prohibited substance, Furosemide, in Beijing in August 2015. AFP

Ko targets 1st of five title defenses

(ii) Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184.

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the NTA and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during working days from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Earlier this month, top Kenyan athlete Francisca Koki, suspended for doping, said she and fellow runner Joyce Zakari were asked to pay nearly $50,000 in bribes to Athletics Kenya chief executive officer Isaac Mwangi for help with the case.

The two sprinters, who were both suspended for doping violations at the Beijing World Championships, claimed Mwangi asked them for the bribe but they were unable to pay.

Mwangi repeated that the bribe demand claims were “unsubstantiated allegations” as he requested three weeks leave to allow investigations.

“The allegations have caused me a lot of mental anguish,” he wrote in a letter to Athletics Kenya, seen by AFP on

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

6.

The Local Government Unit of Mulanay will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016; 10:30 in the morningat the Municipal Budget Office, LGU Bldg. Egualidad Street, Poblacion I, Mulanay, Quezon, which shall be open to all interested parties.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 10, 2016; 10:30 in the morningat the Municipal Function Hall, LGU Bldg. Egualidad Street, Poblacion I, Mulanay, Quezon. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause Error! Reference source not found..

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The Local Government Unit of Mulanay, Quezon assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid.

9.

The Local Government Unit of Mulanay, Quezon reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder/s.

10. For further information, please refer to: Engr. Delio H. De Leon LGU Bldg., Municipal Engineering Office 4312 Poblacion I, Mulanay, Quezon Cell Nos. 0998-975-5275 Tel. Nos. 042-319-7122/Fax Nos. 042-319-7610 deliohapordeleon@gmail.com

(SGD) CRISTINA C. LOPEZ, DBA Chairman, NTA-BAC (TS-FEB. 18, 2016)

( TS- F E B . 18 , 2 0 1 6)

(SGD) ENGR. DELIO H. DE LEON BAC Chair Municipal Engineer

lifting the trophy as she burst into tears while thanking her supporters in New Zealand.

She plans to put the emotions aside in Adelaide when she tees off on Thursday against a field that features Jang, who captured her first LPGA title at the Coates Championship in Miami this month.

“I’m hoping it just all goes upwards,” Ko said of what she hopes to achieve in 2016, adding that her rise to stardom had come “much faster than I ever expected”.

“It’s been really exciting. I’ve just got to have fun out there.”

Ko came joint-third in Miami, her first LPGA outing of the year after opting out of the season-opening Bahamas Classic, and knows she will have to be in good touch on the Grange Golf Club course to win the US$1.3 million Australian Open once again.

“The scores are getting lower every time and the girls are playing great golf,” she said.

“I know to compete with the leaders I need to play solid golf myself. It’s a pretty tough course, the greens are firm, the bunkers are in the most perfect places. It’s going to be challenging.”

Ko won in Australia last year by two strokes, holding off a challenge from South Korea’s Amy Yang down the final stretch, kick-starting a season that ended with her being crowned player of the year. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Young Arvin Jay Millet (center) proved he’s ready for the big league when he captured the premier M&H Pro crown in the Northern Series kickoff over runner-ip Vanni Garcia of Vannitec (left) and third placer Angelo Chua (right).

Tiu, Millet dominate drag racing’s Northern series kickoff MULTI-TITLED Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing and promising Arvin Jay Millet of TEMZ took a step ahead in their title quests following their big wins recently in the kickoff of the 2016 Philippine Drag Racing Championship at the Clark International Speedway.

Tiu copped a double-title feat, ruling both his favorite Quick 8 and the M&H Super Pro classes, while Millet, on the

other hand, emerged champion in the premier M&H Pro class in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by M&H, Sparco, Aguila Auto Glass and GT Radials.

Tiu’s triumph also highlighted a 1-2 finish for the JCT-Blanche Racing together with Jonathan Young.

Tiu reigned supreme anew in his favorite class, the Quick 8

Colegio San Agustin wins COLEGIO San Agustin Makati moved unbeaten into the semifinals of the 13-Under Developmental Division of the 20th Women’s Volleyball League organized by the Best Center by trouncing The Seed Montessori School, 25-9-25-11.

The weekend crowd at the Xavier School gym was jubilant after the CSA girls logged their fifth straight win in as many match es to end the elimination round as the only unbeaten team in their group in this tournament sponsored by Milo. The Seed fell to 1-4.

Jubilee Christian Academy joined CSA-Makati in the semis by clipping Saint Pedro Poveda College, 25-23, 25-17, for its fourth win in five games. Jubilee will face Group B topnotcher Saint Anthony School (5-1) following a 25-3, 25-11 thumping of St. Dominic Salvo College.

where he clocked 12.045 seconds over Young who timed 20.152 seconds.

Tiu turned back Jackson Go in the opening round and thwarted Vanni Garcia of Vannitec with a fast time of 8.812 seconds in the semifinals to claim the first finals berth, while Young prevailed over Kenneth Bayani with 10.979 seconds.

The crowd was expecting Tiu to try another record-breaking

run but their hopes were turned down as their cars started experiencing problems and ran slower in their final duel.

Bayani bagged third place as Garcia withdrew due to engine problems Their car problems became more evident in the M&H Super Pro class that Young failed to fix the kinks in time paving the way for Tiu’s second title for the day.

Millet, on the other hand, emerged champion in the premier M&H Pro class over Vanni Garcia of Vannitec, with Angelo Chua claiming third place.

Millet prevailed over Ryan Quimpo in the first round and later moved to the finals after waylaying Angelo Chua, while Garcia had a tough battle over Tiu before sealing the finals encounter against Millet.

Le Tour hits road today

By Peter Atencio

ANTIPOLO City—Filipino riders will keep a keen eye on their foreign competitors as the seventh edition of the Le Tour de Filipinas gets going today with a Stage One race, which reels off in Antipolo City and ends in Lucena City.

The homegrown cyclists said they will especially mark defending champion Frenchman Thomas Leibas.

Leibas is the lead rider of the Japan-based continental squad Bridgestone Anchor Cycling Team in the Le Tour, presented

by Air21.

Leibas leads a tough foreign contingent in the race participated in by 74 riders in the 2016 edition, which has Petron, MVP Sports Foundation and Smart as Principal Sponsors.

Ric Rodriguez, team manager of the 7-Eleven SAVA

Road Bike Philippines, said that aside from Leibas, they will will also watch out for Spanish rider Francisco Mancebo.

Mancebo will ride with Skydive Dubai, one of 12 foreign squads which will answer the starting gun for the 153.53-km opening stage of the only International Cycling Union race in the country.

“We will be watching out for them. They have been competing in the highest level of cycling,” said Rodriguez.

The riders face an entirely different terrain from the first six editions of the Le Tour organized

by Ube Media Inc., headed by its President Donna Lina.

“I expect a tough ride from the

other cyclists but I believe me and my team will be up to the challenge,” said defending champion Leibas.

Among the Filipino riders who are expected to shine is Marcelo Felipe, who has been designated as the lead rider of the team 7-Eleven.

The other foreign challengers will come from Team Novo Nordisk (USA), Kinan Cycling Team (Japan), Terrenganu Cycling Team (Malaysia), Hsyport Look Cycling Team (China), Team Ukyo (Japan), Dutch Global Cycling Team (Holland), Vinno 4-Ever Sko (Kazakhstan), Attaque Team Gusto (Chinese Taipei), LX-IIBS Cycling Team (South Korea) and Oliver’s Real Food Racing (Australia).

Velezes, Lhuilliers boost net cast PATRICIA Velez sets out for another two-title drive while a host of others seek for a share of the spotlight in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala regional tennis circuit which resumes today with the Davao leg at the GSIS Tennis Club today.

Over 250 entries have signed up for the Group 2 tournament, the biggest thus far in the early going of the circuit, with bets from various parts of Mindanao and other provinces all primed up for cracks at top honors in various divisions of the ranking tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

Velez is on top of the list with the Precious International School of Davao ace eyeing a third straight sweep of the 16- and 18-and-under crowns after dominating the field in the Kidapawan and Koronadal legs of the circuit sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association headed by president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

“Patricia has been dishing out superb form and we expect her and her brother John David to dominate again especially at their turf in Davao,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro. “But we see a number of reversals in other divisions given the depth of

the competing field.”

For details, call tournament organizer and supervisor Bobby Mangunay, also the PPS-PEPP sports program development director, at 0915-4046464 or log on to www.palawanpawnshoptennis.com.

John David, who also scored victories in the boys’ 12- and 14-U sections in Koronadal, will have his hands full this time with JV Comendador, Andre Sing, Cedric Pamplona, Benjie Ringia, Joross Manangking, Joaquin Palo and Reyman Saldivar going all out to foil his bid in 12-U with Tenielle Madis from Mlang, Cotabato gunning for a second straight 10-unisex crown.

Kickoff leg. Former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos (third from left) poses with (from left) Hector Aquino, marketing manager of Asia Traders–Carlton, the official equipment sponsor; Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez; Dagupan City Sports Commission director Fenella Sim; consultant Manny Roy; and board member Ranjit Shahani before the ceremonial serve during the kickoff leg of the Ming Ramos Carlton Youth Age Group Badminton Championships at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City recently. The regional circuit will hold the second leg on March 19 and 20 in Cavite at the Imus Drive and Smash BC Lotus Mall.

For listup, call 0927-5332988, 0916-5601740 or 0932-4713313 or email pbaevents2012@ gmail.com.

T H U R S DAY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 16

A14

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Strict selection of PH team athletes sought A TRULY open National Games should help the Philippine Sports Commission and the various national sports associations in its search for young athletes who could help fuel the country’s drive in international competitions in the soonest future.

SBP lauded. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Sonny

Barrios, Gilas manager Butch Antonio and MVP Sports Foundation’s Patricia Bermudez Hizon receive the SBP’s Award from Manila Bulletin’s Waylon Galvez for its FIBA World Championship hosting bid during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the One Esplanade. MANNY PALMERO

Notice of Loss Stock Cer tificate

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

N otic e is hereby given that R ic a rd o S. Pa scua loss his sto c k c er t i f ic at e numb er 0 0 0 0 0 0 02 0 9 rep re sent ing 1, 9 6 0,770 p ref er red sha re s in Pr im e M edi a Hol ding I nc . (PM H I). Please t ake f ur ther notic e that af ter the expiration of one (1) year f rom the date of last public ation, if no c ontest has been presented to PM HI regarding said c er tif ic ate of stoc k, the r ight to make suc h c ontest shall be bar red and said c or poration shall c anc el in its books the c er tif ic ate of stoc k whic h has been loss and issue in lieu thereof a new c er tif ic ate of stoc k unless a bond for issuanc e of new c er tif ic ate before the expiration of one (1) year is sec ured.

BE IT KNOWN THAT ALMELA CONSTRUCTION owned by FE A. LALU with address at Block 6 Lot 1 James St., Hobart II Subd. Novaliches, Q.C. has changed its ownership from single proprietorship to corporation on May 27, 2015 and is now ALMELA CONSTRUCTION CORPOR ATION.

( F E B . 18 , 2 5 & M A R . 3 , 2 016)

This was stressed by Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, who said that for the country to achieve its first gold medal in the Summer Olympics, athletes bound to compete in international sports events must be carefully selected based on their performance rather than the prevailing “palakasan system” in the selection process.

Escudero, speaking before students and faculty during a San Beda College visit, said the PSC should strengthen its three grassroots development programs, namely: Batang Pinoy, Palarong Pambansa and the recently revived Philippine National Games.

“These events are oftentimes overlapping in terms of participants, but emphasis should be given to the PNG especially since it should give equal opportunities to athletes who want to prove

their mettle,” Escudero said.

The veteran Senator noted that it is about time the Philippines brought home a gold medal from the prestigious quadrennial multiple sports event, which will hold its 31st edition in Rio de Janeiro in August.

“Ni minsan hindi tayo nakatikim ng gold medal mula sa Olympics. Marapat at dapat, huwag na nating paabutin ng 2020, na magkaroon tayo ng gold medal mula sa Olympics,” said Escudero.

He proposed that the selection process of athletes be done through open competition and eliminate the “palakasan” within the National Sports Associations which often result in dismal tallies in various international sports competition.

“Isa sa mga solusyon at paraan para magawa yun, open competition sa sinumang ipapadala

( F E B . 18 , 2 016)

Republic of the Philippine

Republic of the Philippine

CITY OF NAGA BIDS & AWARDS COMMITTEE

CITY OF NAGA BIDS & AWARDS COMMITTEE

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ELECTRICAL MATERIALS

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS (A REPUBLICATION AFTER A FAILED BIDDING)

The City Government of Naga, through the Local Development Fund (LDF) Program-Streetlights Maintenance (Electrification, Power and Energy Structures), intends to apply the sum of Four Million Three Hundred Sixty Five Thousand (P 4,365,000.00) Pesos, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply and Delivery of Electrical Materials for use in the maintenance and repair of all streetlights, and for installation in the major thoroughfares, Contract Reference Number: 2016-010. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Item No.

Qty.

Unit

1

200

pieces

100 watts Ordinary Bulb

2

1,500

pieces

Led Bulbs, 12 watts

3

60

pieces

10 Amps Photo Control Switch

4

100

pieces

5

20

boxes

6

50

boxes

The City Government of Naga, through the Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) 2015-DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), intends to apply the sum of Two Million Two Hundred Seventy Nine Thousand Seven Hundred (P 2,279,700.00) Pesos, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply and Delivery of Agricultural Materials for distribution as starter kits to Vegetable and Fruit Crop Production Training beneficiaries of Farmers Field School (1 lot)-(a republication after a failed bidding), Contract Reference Number: 2016-003. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Item No.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

Items

Qty.

Unit

Items

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) per item

1

100

cans

Squash seeds

194,500.00

7,800.00

2

100

cans

Ampalaya seeds

162,700.00

390,000.00

3

100

cans

Sili seeds

36,000.00

4

100

cans

Eggplant seeds

162,500.00

3 Amps Photo Control Switch

50,000.00

5

100

cans

Tomato seeds

168,000.00

PDX Wire #10

84,000.00

6

100

cans

Upo seeds

43,000.00

PDX Wire #14

140,000.00

7

100

cans

Okra seeds

83,500.00

20

boxes

PDX Wire #12

70,000.00

8

100

cans

Sitaw seeds

86,000.00

8

200

pieces

Reflector #14

66,000.00

9

100

rolls

Culture net

450,000.00 450,000.00

9

200

pieces

Metal Base

17,000.00

10

100

rolls

Plastic mulch

10

200

pieces

Goose Neck 24”

26,000.00

11

100

pieces

Seedling tray

11

400

pieces

Threadless Clawfoot

27,200.00

12

100

pieces

Shovel

15,000.00

12

200

pieces

Mungol Socket

13

200

pieces

Porcelain Receptacle 2x2

3,000.00

14

200

rolls

Electrical Tape, big

6,000.00

15

2

boxes

20

rolls

CW Nails #3 (25 kilos)

7,400.00

Drop Wire #6

270,000.00

17

200

pieces

500 watts Fluorescent Bulb

18

24

pieces

Sodium Bulb, 250 watts

26,400.00

19

24

pieces

Sodium Ballast, 250 watts

33,600.00

20

24

pieces

Sodium Bulb, 150 watts

25,200.00

21

24

pieces

Sodium Ballast, 150 watts

32,400.00

22

100

units

Streetlights Poles with bracket Height: 20 feet; Plate: 10” diameter, Base: 6” diameter

23

100

units

Led Lamps, 90 watts (European, Japan, USA or Korean brand) TOTAL

82,000.00

1 lot

9,000.00 50,000.00

13

100

pieces

Plastic sprinklers

32,000.00

14

100

pieces

Bolo, big

35,000.00

15

100

pieces

Rake

25,000.00

16

100

pieces

Plastic hand spray, size 1 liter

10,600.00

17

100

pieces

Trowel

11,000.00

18

100

pieces

Hoe

38,000.00 32,000.00

19

100

sacks

Organic fertilizer

20

100

sacks

Carbonized rice hull

21

100

sacks

Organic commercial fertilizer

80,000.00

22

100

bottles

Organic insecticides

75,000.00

23

100

kilos

24

100

pieces

Pails

10,000.00

1,600,000.00

25

100

kilos

Garlic

10,000.00

4,365,000.00

26

100

kilos

Ginger

10,000.00

27

100

bottles

Lambanog

5,000.00

28

100

gallons

Coconut vinegar

8,000.00

1,350,000.00

The City Government of Naga now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Electrical Materials for use in the maintenance and repair of all streetlights, and for installation in the major thoroughfares. Delivery of the Goods is required within thirty (30) calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years, from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the City Government of Naga and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below starting from 8 AM until 5 PM. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders starting on Thursday, February 18 to 25, 2016, from the Office of the BAC Secretariat c/o City Planning & Development Office, 2nd Floor City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City, and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Five Thousand (P 5,000.00) Pesos and an Annual Registration Fee of Three Thousand (P 3,000.00) Pesos, and upon presentation of Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS showing your company name.

It may also be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity (www.naga.gov.ph), provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The City Government of Naga will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 3:00 PM at City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City, which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered to the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City, on or before Monday, March 14, 2016 at 3:00 PM. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security, either in the form of cash or cashier’s/manager’s check issued by a universal or commercial bank (2% of ABC), or, Bid Securing Declaration (BSD).

Molasses

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for 1 lot

34,400.00

7

16

natin para mag-compete sa anumang International Games.

Hindi palakasan sa NSA, hindi depende kung sino ang kakilala mo. Kung sino ang gusto sumali sa open competition para magqualify sa ipapadala natin sa anumang paligsahan sa ibang bansa, siya ang dapat kumatawan sa Pilipinas,” said Escudero.

The Senator has previously said that he will rally behind athletes bound who will compete in various Olympic qualifying events. These include boxers Clark Bautista, Felix Eumir Marcial and Roger Ladon; weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia; pole-vaulter EJ Obiena; and, Filipino-American BMX rider Daniel Caluag.

Escudero also criticized the Philippine Olympic Committee for its long-standing history of sending more officials than athletes in international sports events. POC is headed by President Aquino’s uncle Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

“Sa kasaysayan ng SEA Games at ng Olympic Games, palaging mas maraming ipinapadalang opisyal ang Pilipinas kesa atleta,” said Escudero, the leading vicepresidential candidate.

P 2,279,700.00 (1 lot)

2,000.00

2,500.00

The City Government of Naga now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Agricultural Materials for distribution as starter kits to Vegetable and Fruit Crop Production Training beneficiaries of Farmers Field School (1 lot)-(a republication after a failed bidding). Delivery of the Goods is required within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed, partial delivery not allowed. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years, from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the City Government of Naga and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below starting from 8 AM until 5 PM. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested bidders starting on Thursday, February 18 to March 14, 2016, from the Office of the BAC Secretariat c/o City Planning & Development Office, 2nd Floor City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City, and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Five Thousand (P 5,000.00) Pesos and an Annual Registration Fee of Three Thousand (P 3,000.00) Pesos, and upon presentation of Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS showing your company name.

It may also be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity (www.naga.gov.ph), provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend on Monday, March 14, 2016, at 3:00 PM at the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The City Government of Naga will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 3:00 PM at City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City, which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered to the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City, on or before Monday, March 14, 2016 at 3:00 PM. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security, either in the form of cash or cashier’s/manager’s check issued by a universal or commercial bank (2% of ABC), or, Bid Securing Declaration (BSD).

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

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend on Monday, March 14, 2016, at 3:00 PM at the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City. Late bids shall not be accepted.

For further information, please refer to: MR. FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR., Acting City Administrator, City Hall Compound, J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City Telephone Number: 054-4732240, 054-4723235, Email address: bac@naga.gov.ph, Website: www.naga.gov.ph

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

( T S - F E B .18 , 2 016)

(SGD) FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. BAC Chairperson

For further information, please refer to: MR. FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR., Acting City Administrator, City Hall Compound, J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City Telephone Number: 054-4732240, 054-4723235, Email address: bac@naga.gov.ph, Website: www.naga.gov.ph ( T S - F E B .18 , 2 016)

(S G D) FLO R E N C I O T. M O N G O S O, J R .

B AC C h a i r m a n

Stars join PAL golf WITH the regular Men’s championship division of the Philippine Airlines Interclub making a return in two weeks at Mimosa’s two courses, the current toast in amateur golf will all be seeing action, making the event a slam-bang affair.

Jobim Carlos, the twotime reigning national amateur champion, will be playing his last tournament in the ranks and will be seeking to lead Canlubang to a triumphant return in the centerpiece division.

National pool member Justin Quiban will banner defending champion Manila Southwoods; Jelbert Gamolo will be spearheading Del Monte and Cebu Country Club will have its rock-solid core trying to regain lost glory in the 72-hole event that tees off on March 2 at the Mountain View layout and the composite Lake View and Acacia nines.

Help to their stars could turn out to be the big difference with Carlos to be backed up by many-time national champ Rupert Zaragosa, Gab Manotoc, etc., while Quiban has reigning Southwoods club champion Yuto Katsuragawa and Ryan Monsalve with Gamolo to get support from the members of Del Monte’s grassroots program.

T H U R S DAY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 16

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Foton opens bid for 2nd straight Superliga crown

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

By Randy Caluag

Officials for 2 WBO title bouts named

By Ronnie Nathanielsz DANREX Tapdasan has been appointed by the World Boxing Organization to referee the WBO title fight between unbeaten Intercontinental junior featherweight/super bantamweight champion Prince Albert Pagara and Nicaragua’s bantamweight champion Yesner Talavera, while veteran international referee Bruce McTavish has been named to officiate the clash for the vacant WBO Youth featherweight championship between another unbeaten Filipino Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo and Mexico’s Eduardo Montoya.

Jose Izquierdo II, the newly appointed Executive Committee secretary informed The Standard/ boxingmirror.com that aside from Tapdasan, the judges for the Pagara-Talavera fight would be Salven Lagumbay, Edward Ligas and Greg Ortega.

WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel announced the appointment of McTavish as referee for the Magsayo-Montoya battle, with judges Edgar Olalo, Samson Libreas and Tony Pesons.

The supervisor for both title fights will be WBO Asia Pacific head Leon Panoncillo.

NEWLY crowned Grand Prix Champion Foton opens its bid for a second straight title Thursday against come-backing, three-time titlist RC Cola-Army as the third Philippine Super Liga unveils what organizers promised to be a more exciting, highly innovated Invitational Conference at the Arena in San Juan City.

“This (conference) is going to be different and exciting as we are introducing a lot of changes and innovations to the tournament,” said PSL president Tatz Suzara during the PSL launching Wednesday at St. Giles Hotel, where the six local competing teams were presented.

Aside from Foton and RC Cola, also seeing

action in the preliminary roundin our coverage. When you have Games Thursday robin competition are the New high-level competition like this, (The Arena) San Jose Builders, F2 Logistics, 3:00 p. m. • Opening Ceremony you don’t have to dress it more,” 4:00 p. m. • RC Cola-Army Petron Tri-Active and Cignal HD. said Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, vs. Foton What makes this conference head of Sports TV5.

6:00 p. m. • F2 Logistics vs.

San Jose Builders unique is the participation Leading contender Foton is of the powerhouse Bangkok coming off a mighty conquest Club from Thailand that will fight it out of three-time champion Petron, whom in the Final Round with the top three local it beat in the deciding Game 3 of their teams after the elimination round of this championship series last December. tournament supported by Asics, Mikasa, Foton and RC collide at 4 p.m., following Senoh, Grand Sport, Mueller, Focus the opening ceremonies to be led by Suzara, Athletics, LGR, Island Rose at Foton. also president of the organizing Sport Core “This will show how far we are doing. Event Management and Cosultancy, Inc. Sobrang lakas ng Thailand team, but it’s First timers F2 Logistics and New San okay, as we will showcase to the Filipino Jose Builders will complete the day’s pair of the high level of competition with this matches, which will be shown live over TV 5.

Final Round format,” said Suzara.

The Lady Troopers lost three players, led Television partner TV5 has also vowed by Jaja Santiago, but will have returning to put innovations into the coverage with setter Tina Salak and other seasoned more exposure on the stars of the league. spikers Michelle Carolino, Nene Bautista, “It’s going to be a showcase of heroics, Mary Jean Balse-Pabao and Joanna Bunag. skills and emotions but more than that, it’s RC Coach Kungfu Reyes said it’s a new the top-level competition that will stand out challenge now.

Proponents and players of the third Philippine Super Liga Invitational Conference are shown during the tournament’s launching Wednesday.

They are (standing from left) Angeli Araneta of Foton, with assistant coach Christian Fernandez, Cha Cruz of FLC, with Coach Rose Molit-Prochina, Mic Laborte of Cignal, with coach Sammy Acaylar, Aiza Maizo Pontillas of Petron with Coach George Pascua, Lourdes Clemente of NSJ, with coach Ken Molleno and Jovie Gonzaga of RC Army, with coach Emilio Reyes Jr., (seated from left) Anna Tomas, Gino Panganiban, Sports TV5’s Patricia Hizon, PSL president Ramon Suzara and PSL’s Ariel Paredes. ROMAN PROSPERO

National Mixed Pairs Championship THIS premier pair event held under the of SYLVIA LOPEZ auspicies ALEJANDRO the Philippine Tou r n a me nt Bridge Association and held in honor of the late Ike Belo-2016 Ike Belo National Mixed Pairs. The event was held at the Elks Club, Makati City on Saturday, February 13, 2016.

The field saw the welcome entry of the duo Allen and Gemma Tan. It must be recalled for the previous years they had won this Mixed Pairs for four consecutive years. The Tans are now residents in Singapore and their presence here was a challenge to the rest of the field. In February 12, 2011 I won with Jehran Chua this Mixed Pairs event.

Mr. Albert Quiogue and myself were regular partners here in the Philippines and partners/and or teammates in representing the Philippines to tournaments abroad. This was a reunion of sorts. We had agreed to play the system two over one alike what I played with Michel Giguere last year when we won

the Open Pairs event.

The pair number we picked was number seven evoking the belief by the late President Marcos that it was his lucky number. Our outstanding win proved lucky for us.

Albert and I agreed to play inverted Bergen raises. We agreed to play inverted Bergen raises because on an answer of 3♠! on a 1♥, opener can respond 3♦!, showing extra values, and allowing the responder to bid 3♥, showing 10 pts or anything else (3♠, 3♣), showing 11 pts with control or not control (3NT, 4♥) Ace or void… So responder may go to game pass 3NT or try for Slam because of the powerful 9 cards ♥ fit.

I illustrate this deal where we used inverted Bergen raises.

Board 7 S Deals None Vul West ♠Q10982 ♥5

North ♠K64 ♥9632 ♦AJ ♣ A864

♦42 ♣K10953

West

North

East

Pass

3♣*

Pass

South 1♥ 4♥

Alerted-showing 11 points with control or no control. Albert’s response allowed me to pass with four heart.

At the second session one board test the mettle of our partnership. This was Board 24.

Board 24 W Deals Both Vul

East ♠J73 ♥A107

South ♠A5 ♥KQJ84 ♦Q965 ♣J2

♦K10873 ♣Q7

West ♠A10 ♥AQJ10

North ♠KQJ6 ♥K8762 ♦J6 ♣86

East ♠875 ♥93

♦Q72 ♣A975

West 1NT 3♠ Pass

South ♠9432 ♥54 ♦K94 ♣Q1042 North 2♦* Pass Pass

East Pass 4♦ Pass

♦A10853 ♣KJ3

South 2♠ Pass

The alert: North two diamonds bid was showing both majors.

Four diamonds was par for his board giving us a top. My partner, Albert Marvelled at my creative bid of three spades.

Albert and I topped the first session with 118 matchpoints in session 1 with a high 70.00 percent average. We also won session 2 Quiogue and I declared were winners to the 2016 Ike Belo National Mixed Pairs with a total 175 matchpoints and the overcall percentage of 66.29%.

Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yahoo

A16

T H U R S DAY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 16 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

Phoenix import Kenny Edeleke loses the ball in a collision with NLEX’s Al Thornton and Asi Taulava during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. The Fuel Masters won, 118-106.

Pumped-up Phoenix 5 prevails on 1st PBA try

By Jeric Lopez

PHOENIX Petroleum introduced itself with a bang.

The league’s newest member listed a win right in its initial try as the Fuel Masters walloped NLEX, 118-106, in a rousing 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup debut at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Despite coming off a shoulder injury, rising star RR Garcia didn’t miss a beat as he resumed his improved play by exploding for a career-high 33 points built around six triples to finish with an incredible

Millet, Tiu shine in drag race kickoff leg TURN TO A13

68 percent shooting, to go with six assists in leading Phoenix to the victory.

“We obviously missed RR (Garcia) and what he brings. We missed that kind of spunk when he got injured late last conference,” said Phoenix coach Koy Banal of his prized ward. “We have him back now and he continues to play really well.”

Kenny Adeleke also had a good showing, producing a double-double of 18 points and 20 rebounds as he

manned the paint quite well for his squad.

“The players are all pumped up and inspired to play. I’m thankful that the players gave their all for us to get the W,’’ added Banal.

Phoenix, the league’s newcomer which bought the Barako Bull franchise last month, started taking charge in the second half, as it made a killing on both ends to break away from NLEX, which dropped to 1-1.

Following a tight first half, the Fuel Masters started the second half with a key 11-5 run, capped by a triple from Garcia for a 6152 lead at the 8:47 mark of

Foton eyes 2nd straight title win TURN TO A15

Games Friday (Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City) 4:15 p.m. - Alaska vs. Blackwater 7 p.m. - Talk ‘N Text vs. GlobalPort

the third period.

A few minutes later, Willie Wilson’s jumper at the 3:35 of the third gave Phoenix its first double-digit lead of the game, 75-64, before it carried an 84-76 edge into the last quarter.

From there, Garcia and the Fuel Masters held on as they shut down each comeback attempt by the Road Warriors and kept them at bay until the final horn.

JC Intal added 17 points and Mac Baracael came off the bench to score 15

for the Fuel Masters.

After exploding for 50 points in NLEX’s opening game win, Al Thornton was contained by Phoenix to 27 points.

Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa reduced the penalties and ban time of Talk ‘N Text import Ivan Johnson.

Following a one-on-one meeting last Tuesday afternoon at the PBA Office after Johnson personally apologized to Narvasa, the league head decided to instead give Johnson a lighter fine of P150,000 instead of the original P250,000, while also lowering the original lifetime ban sanction to a season-long suspension.

Azkals’ Gier retires

By Peter Atencio VETERAN Azkals’ player Rob Gier is retiring.

Gier, who had been on call with the Philippine national team since March of 2009, made his decision known on Twitter yesterday.

He told his friends and supporters that his time to retire has come.

“All good things must come to an end, so today I would like to announce that my playing career has now drawn to a close,” said Gier.

The 35-year-old Gier, whose mom is from Tacloban, debuted for the Azkals in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in their game against Bhutan.

He also scored his first official international goal for the Philippines in the 2014 Philippine Peace Cup against Chinese Taipei.

While with the Azkals, he has also been with Acott United for the last seven years.

“Football has given me everything: I have travelled the world, won trophies, played for and against some amazing teams, met wonderful people, played in the best stadiums in the world, in front of the most passionate fans in the world,” said Gier in his message.

Gier said he will now move to become a coach.

“Where one door closes, others inevitably open. I will continue my coaching education as well as Zenith Soccer Tours, where we are now entering our second exciting year,” added Gier.

He said he also looks forward to spending more time with his two children, Lily and Joseph.

B1

THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 18, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

PAL buys $1.8-b Airbus planes

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines said Wednesday it signed a deal with Airbus Group SE to acquire six A350-900 jets worth $1.8 billion, with an option to buy six others, to support its international expansion.

Asia’s first airline signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the order of six A350-900s for $1.83 billion, with six purchase options, worth another $1.83 billion, or for a total of $3.66 billion at the sidelines of Singapore Airshow.

The list price for each A350-900 aircraft was $304.8 million.

“After a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, we decided the A350 will best meet the requirements of our expanding operations,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said in a statement.

Bautista said the A350’s range capability was an important factor in the decision and would enable the airline to offer

non-stop service on all premium long-haul routes.

A350-900, which will have a three-class configuration (business class, premium economy and regular economy) is capable of flying non-stop from Manila to New York on a full load.

PAL was debating between Airbus’s A350 and Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, Bautista said last year.

PAL plans to deploy the A350 XWB (extra wide body), which seats more than 300, on new routes to North America and Europe. The first A350 is scheduled to be delivered in 2018.

Airbus president and chief executive Fabrice Bregier said A350 XWB set new standards, combining extra-long range capability with the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in the larger twin-aisle category.

“Passengers flying with PAL can look forward to the new levels of comfort offered by the aircraft, with a wider and quieter cabin, and more personal space for all,” Bregier said.

PAL also signed a $600-million order with Rolls-Royce for Trent XWB engines to power the six A350.

The Trent XWB is the world’s most efficient engine flying

today and the fastest-selling wide body engine with more than 1,500 engines sold to 41 customers. PAL currently uses Trent 700 engines for its fleet of 15 A330 aircraft.

A350 is the world’s latest generation airliner, featuring the most modern aero-dynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings. With the Trent XWB engines, the A350 operates at 25 percent less fuel burn and emissions, significantly lowering maintenance costs. The extra-wide cabin provides passengers more personal space in all classes.

Airbus recorded 777 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 41 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft on record.

PAL, 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 in 2014.

Philippine Airlines signs a $1.8-billion deal with Airbus Group SE to acquire six A350900 aircraft, with an option for another six, as Asia’s first airline seeks to increase flights to the US. Shown is a PAL A350 plane with the New York skyline in the background.

PSe comPoSite

index

Closing February 17, 2016

8000 8340 7880 7420 6960 6500

6,756.82 12.87

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing February 17, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P47.670

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P47.600 LOW P47.700AVERAGE P47.658 VOLUME 487.000M

IMF downgrades 2016 growth forecast to 6%

By Julito G. Rada THE International Monetary Fund said Wednesday it reduced again the gross domestic product growth forecast for the Philippines this year to 6 percent from 6.2 percent made in January, amid slower global growth and financial market volatility.

It also reduced the 2017 forecast to 6.2 percent from 6.5 percent, as concerns over China’s slowdown threatened Asia’s outlook. China is one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners.

IMF mission head Chikahisa Sumi issued the statement, following a visit to Manila on Feb. 11 to 17, where he met Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. and other senior government officials.

“The economic outlook is favorable, but subject to increased downside risks, including lower growth in China and the region, higher global financial volatility and capital outflows, and weather-related disruptions,” Sumi said.

“Real GDP growth is projected at 6 percent in 2016 and 6.2 percent in 2017, driven by continued strong domestic demand offsetting weak net exports,” Sumi said.

These forecasts were lower than the IMF projections in the World Economic Outlook released in January.

The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee also revised downward its growth target for 2016 by 0.2 percentage point, from the original range of 7 percent to 8 percent to a band of 6.8 percent to 7.8 percent.

The Philippine economy grew 5.8 percent in 2015, below the target range.

Sumi said despite the threats to growth this year both from external and domestic fronts, the “Philippines’ capacity to respond if these risks materialize is substantial given its ample reserves and policy space, both monetary and fiscal.”

Sumi also said the Philippine economy performed remarkably well in 2015 despite a weaker external environment and global financial turbulence.

The IMF official noted the decline in unemployment rate to a decade’s low of 5.3 percent, although significant underemployment remained.

Inflation rate fell to 1.4 percent in 2015, below the inflation target

range of 2 percent to 4 percent, due to lower food and fuel prices.

“Despite a sizable decline in the fuel import bill and continued strong business process outsourcing inflows, the current account surplus is estimated to fall to 3 percent of GDP in 2015 [from 3.8 percent in 2014] due to sluggish exports and remittances, and is likely to narrow further in 2016,” Sumi said.

Sumi said while credit growth slowed to 13.1 percent in 2015, it remained supportive of financial stability and sustainable growth.

He said monetary conditions also remained supportive of growth while fiscal policy was focused on the medium-term objectives of supporting inclusive growth and infrastructure investment.

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

oPriceS il P today

P20.40-P23.80 Diesel P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, February 17, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

47.5080

Japan

Yen

0.008769

0.4166

UK

Pound

1.429800

67.9269

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128388

6.0995

Switzerland

Franc

1.011531

48.0558

Canada

Dollar

0.720202

Singapore

Dollar

0.711288

33.7919

Australia

Dollar

0.709320

33.6984

Bahrain

Dinar

2.657454

126.2503

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266738

12.6722

Brunei

Dollar

0.708767

33.6721

34.2154

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.028079

1.3340

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.9358

Euro

Euro

1.114000

52.9239

Korea

Won

0.000819

0.0389

China

Yuan

0.153414

7.2884

India

Rupee

0.014608

0.6940

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240964

11.4477

New Zealand

Dollar

0.655093

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030117

31.1222 1.4308 Source: PDS Bridge

THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 18, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Wednesday, February 17, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 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 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

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 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 79 3.95 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 7.34 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 15.32 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 20.2 71.5 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 34.1 2.3 1.63 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 1.65 5.9 161 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Century Food Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI First Gen Corp.

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

Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 0.0670 2.31 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 156 0.710 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 0.030 1.23 0.550 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 80 0.211 0.310

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

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Zeus Holdings

10.5 1.99 1.75 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44

6.74 0.65 1.2 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79

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

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

SHARES 8,133,150 78,631,905 144,102,527 177,000,755 488,114,432 831,345,167 1,727,843,456

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.04 2.85 44.85 44.8 99.80 98.70 90.10 89.70 35.9 35.75 2.51 2.51 1.53 1.53 14.38 14 16.6 16.5 0.455 0.450 76 75.05 0.95 0.92 15.30 15.30 51.20 50.90 96.9 96.9 275 270 34.5 34 142.2 141 1325.00 1325.00 55.50 55.00 1.47 1.45 INDUSTRIAL 42.3 42.5 42.3 4.6 4.62 4.52 0.64 0.71 0.66 1.43 1.48 1.41 10.6 10.7 10.5 17.2 17.4 17.32 18.1 19 17.9 37.4 39.55 37.3 2.09 2.1 2.05 2.23 2.3 2.24 11.4 11.44 11.2 8.720 8.890 8.400 7.29 7.29 7.27 5.61 5.75 5.66 6.18 6.41 6.20 18.7 19 18.7 57.6 58.3 57.6 13.60 13.60 13.58 5.65 5.7 5.64 2.360 2.450 2.380 209.80 214.60 210.00 25.00 27.15 27.15 1.85 1.85 1.85 3.19 3.01 3 39.35 38.75 38.75 26.15 26.4 26.15 15.5 15.72 15.32 5.71 5.83 5.7 322.00 323.00 319.40 3.95 3.98 3.98 3.03 3.1 3.04 8.50 8.70 8.40 11.50 11.48 11.14 3.70 3.75 3.70 1.50 1.50 1.38 2.62 2.8 2.69 3.75 3.80 3.75 2.48 2.88 2.78 4.7 4.7 4.7 139 140.1 135 2.45 2.44 2.39 0.150 0.155 0.147 1.01 1.01 1.01 2.06 2.11 2.07 189 189.8 185.8 4.6 4.94 4.64 0.65 0.65 0.63 1.01 1.03 1.01 HOLDING FIRMS 0.340 0.340 0.330 57.8500 57.9500 57.7500 14.40 14.60 14.34 6.00 6.04 6.00 0.230 0.240 0.235 0.234 0.239 0.239 696.5 700 686 7.3 7.41 7.3 11.84 11.94 11.84 4.6 4.86 4.6 4.65 4.62 4.60 0.215 0.217 0.214 1230 1236 1214 5.30 5.85 5.62 67.90 69.00 67.35 5.36 5.41 5.19 0.65 0.68 0.64 16.18 16.3 13.14 0.5 0.52 0.5 5.66 5.72 5.64 0.0300 0.0310 0.0300 1.350 1.460 1.350 2.100 2.130 2.070 73.00 73.00 70.60 2.3 2.45 2.25 819.50 829.00 817.00 1.04 1.04 1.04 143.000 143.900 140.500 0.2900 0.2950 0.2850 0.290 0.305 0.300 PROPERTY 6.860 6.910 6.860 0.84 0.85 0.81 1.190 1.460 1.200 31.750 32.100 31.200 2.81 2.86 2.81 4.5 4.5 4.45 0.570 0.58 0.540 2.86 44.85 99.05 90.00 35.5 2.51 1.54 14.4 16.54 0.455 75 0.94 15.00 50.90 97 270 33.5 141.9 1310.00 56.00 1.49

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.95 44.8 99.50 89.98 35.75 2.51 1.53 14 16.56 0.450 76 0.95 15.30 51.00 96.9 274 34.1 141 1325.00 55.00 1.45

3.15 -0.11 0.45 -0.02 0.70 0.00 -0.65 -2.78 0.12 -1.10 1.33 1.06 2.00 0.20 -0.10 1.48 1.79 -0.63 1.15 -1.79 -2.68

160,000 11,300 2,566,960 1,164,110 6,000 20,000 55,000 7,300 24,500 110,000 1,737,850 8,000 37,500 130,300 10 2,190 162,100 1,446,820 40 82,900 400,000

42.4 4.52 0.69 1.44 10.5 17.34 17.9 39.55 2.06 2.26 11.28 8.420 7.28 5.68 6.40 18.7 57.6 13.58 5.66 2.390 214.20 27.15 1.85 3 38.75 26.15 15.6 5.8 322.00 3.98 3.1 8.57 11.48 3.75 1.44 2.77 3.78 2.79 4.7 135 2.39 0.153 1.01 2.11 187 4.8 0.65 1.03

0.24 -1.74 7.81 0.70 -0.94 0.81 -1.10 5.75 -1.44 1.35 -1.05 -3.44 -0.14 1.25 3.56 0.00 0.00 -0.15 0.18 1.27 2.10 8.60 0.00 -5.96 -1.52 0.00 0.65 1.58 0.00 0.76 2.31 0.82 -0.17 1.35 -4.00 5.73 0.80 12.50 0.00 -2.88 -2.45 2.00 0.00 2.43 -1.06 4.35 0.00 1.98

3,654,200 205,000 553,000 190,000 1,100 227,300 387,900 68,300 165,000 724,000 120,300 4,907,200 4,682,200 22,994,600 1,487,500 6,909,700 47,650 312,400 153,900 3,408,000 1,767,410 200 1,000 17,000 25,500 613,900 609,900 213,900 159,710 1,000 271,000 10,742,300 6,200 793,000 1,143,000 1,706,000 77,000 23,000 2,000 16,450 32,000 2,390,000 1,000 805,000 3,421,470 1,075,000 183,000 261,000

0.330 57.8500 14.48 6.01 0.240 0.239 699.5 7.35 11.90 4.86 4.60 0.217 1215 5.62 68.20 5.2 0.67 16.18 0.5 5.68 0.0310 1.400 2.130 72.50 2.45 821.00 1.04 143.900 0.2850 0.300

-2.94 0.00 0.56 0.17 4.35 2.14 0.43 0.68 0.51 5.65 -1.08 0.93 -1.22 6.04 0.44 -2.99 3.08 0.00 -1.00 0.35 3.33 3.70 1.43 -0.68 6.52 0.18 0.00 0.63 -1.72 3.45

60,000 1,571,890 7,764,000 85,100 200,000 50,000 235,370 2,828,600 3,035,500 14,000 29,000 560,000 541,415 106,800 2,684,670 9,738,700 287,000 1,838,700 264,000 33,463,200 1,760,700 7,000 3,289,000 517,410 3,000 96,590 13,000 188,660 3,290,000 660,000

6.870 0.82 1.390 31.450 2.84 4.45 0.560

0.15 -2.38 16.81 -0.94 1.07 -1.11 -1.75

49,300 1,673,000 2,540,000 10,360,700 5,826,000 127,000 3,107,000

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 0.72 31.8 2.29 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

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

Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Realty `A’ 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 5.06 99.1 7.67 4 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 1 2.46 15.2

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 4.8 2.58 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 0.650 1.8 6

0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.335 0.37 14.54 3 79 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 Calata Corp.

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

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

SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

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

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

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

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 Oriental Peninsula Res. Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

TA Petroleum

-84,600.00 -3,183,256.00

70 553 525 120 515 12.28 111 1060

33 490 500 101.5 480 6.5 101 997

9,606,205.00

1047

1011

-265,520.00

84.8

75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

-50,800.00 416,790.00 -79,267,715 29,958,244.50 -7,650.00 -81,340.00 82,213,618.00 6,264,290.00 -969.00 4,410,845 -37,331,763.00 -4,489,098.50 52,044,090.00 -58,840.00 2,129,742.00 1,881,496.00 2,407,790 -15,960.00 -314,740.00 -8,111,865.00 -14,403,530.00 35,734,443.00 5,016,866.00 -25,946,960.00 459,131.00 -1,017,280.00 570.00 385,080.00 128,551,182.00

2,974,360.00 4,026,576.00 28,912.00 -944,374.00 121,890.00 13,072,778.00 -2,611,250.00 1,108,710.00 -3,780.00 -1,374,477.00

-419,000.00 -170,857,770.00 -145,740.00

19,659,317.00 14,146,258.00 -442,354.00 -34,838,420.00 -3,960,234.00 -4,151,124.00

-364,013,720.00 -286,400.00 -19,979,695.50 15,421,125.00 14,425,300.00 61,531,212.00

-33,550.00 296,850.00 -28,400.00 -60,864,925.00 3,474,850.00 -97,140.00

Alterra Capital Italpinas Xurpas

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

VALUE 715,610,126.69 1,949,577,678.48 1,827,509,615.76 921,670,747.68 1,163,314,299.638 326,694,866.2783 6,909,627,558.53

FINANCIAL 1,530.89 (up) 5.66 INDUSTRIAL 10,771.88 (up) 15.47 HOLDING FIRMS 6,340.73 (up) 7.36 PROPERTY 2,700.37 (down) 9.47 SERVICES 1,569.85 (up) 11.07 MINING & OIL 10,648.16 (up) 35.33 PSEI 6,756.82 (up) 12.87 All Shares Index 3,893.15 (up) 5.69 Gainers: 104; Losers: 69; Unchanged: 37; Total: 210

Close

1.030 0.114 0.410 23.5 0.850 0.92 1.52 1.22 3.46 0.090 0.370 25.20 1.5 21.40 0.77 5.9 0.970 4.310

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

1.030 0.900 1.000 0.123 0.115 0.115 0.430 0.415 0.415 24.2 23.2 23.55 0.870 0.840 0.860 0.94 0.92 0.92 1.55 1.52 1.54 1.24 1.23 1.24 3.47 3.41 3.47 0.091 0.081 0.081 0.380 0.370 0.370 25.40 24.70 25.40 1.5 1.48 1.48 21.60 21.00 21.35 0.76 0.75 0.76 5.9 5.68 5.9 0.990 0.950 0.950 4.340 4.290 4.310 SERVICES 6.3 6.4 6.27 6.34 54.6 55.15 54.1 54.5 1.15 1.17 1.17 1.17 0.460 0.475 0.460 0.475 10.06 10.1 10.1 10.1 4.49 4.63 4.38 4.44 0.0460 0.0530 0.0460 0.0510 3.13 3.3 3.1 3.11 81.5 81.3 80.85 81 5.91 6.09 5.83 5.99 2.39 2.48 2.40 2.48 975 990 990 990 1889 1888 1870 1871 6.77 6.87 6.74 6.75 1.15 1.15 1.13 1.15 59 59.35 57.35 57.8 0.156 0.171 0.156 0.166 1.1400 1.1500 1.1300 1.1400 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 7.31 7.45 7.30 7.45 4.00 4.05 3.96 3.99 1.03 1.04 1.04 1.04 2.20 2.33 2.18 2.33 0.510 0.510 0.500 0.500 1.97 1.81 1.81 1.81 2.1 2.21 2.12 2.13 3.40 3.50 3.41 3.45 0.275 0.260 0.260 0.260 0.720 0.740 0.710 0.730 17.9 18.28 17.38 18.28 4.50 4.50 4.45 4.45 99.00 100.00 99.00 100.00 27.30 27.50 27.15 27.50 2280.00 2326.00 2274.00 2326.00 0.400 0.400 0.390 0.400 0.810 0.860 0.810 0.820 33.70 34.40 33.80 34.20 61.50 62.00 61.00 61.50 5.19 5.25 5.10 5.17 3.40 3.53 3.30 3.30 0.460 0.465 0.455 0.465 3.87 3.97 3.87 3.89 0.320 0.325 0.310 0.315 4.850 4.990 4.850 4.850 MINING & OIL 0.0044 0.0044 0.0043 0.0044 2.14 2.20 1.95 2.00 4.34 4.49 4.35 4.35 0.211 0.220 0.212 0.212 0.6 0.62 0.6 0.61 0.430 0.440 0.430 0.430 7.75 8.20 7.00 7.04 0.710 0.760 0.710 0.710 0.290 0.295 0.275 0.290 0.310 0.320 0.295 0.305 0.320 0.325 0.305 0.320 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0120 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 1.82 1.93 1.82 1.89 4.76 5.2 4.81 5.08 2.43 2.49 2.4 2.43 1.3300 1.3600 1.3000 1.3300 3.45 3.49 3.45 3.45 5.65 5.63 5.41 5.42 1.75 1.83 1.70 1.72 0.0110 0.0120 0.0110 0.0110 122.00 124.60 123.00 123.30 2.34 2.46 2.2 2.25 PREFERRED 52.1 53.95 52 53.45 525.5 525.5 525.5 525.5 531 531 529 530 117.9 118 118 118 515 520 516 520 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 112 112.5 112 112.5 1035 1035 1035 1035 1088 1090 1090 1090 1028 1028 1026 1028 105.9 105 105 105 82.3 82.35 82 82.2 77.5 77.5 77 77 79 79 78.8 79 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.480 2.530 2.400 2.450 SME 3.6 3.6 3.55 3.55 2.46 2.55 2.43 2.5 12.96 13.32 13 13.26 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 110 110.5 110 110.1

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-2.91 0.88 1.22 0.21 1.18 0.00 1.32 1.64 0.29 -10.00 0.00 0.79 -1.33 -0.23 -1.30 0.00 -2.06 0.00

50,760,000 11,290,000 1,920,000 631,700 390,000 955,000 30,278,000 29,000 30,094,000 2,610,000 330,000 1,776,200 638,000 9,730,400 140,000 93,600 706,000 8,177,000

-27,415,850.00 -10,710.00 -323,700.00 4,699,225.00

0.63 -0.18 1.74 3.26 0.40 -1.11 10.87 -0.64 -0.61 1.35 3.77 1.54 -0.95 -0.30 0.00 -2.03 6.41 0.00 0.00 1.92 -0.25 0.97 5.91 -1.96 -8.12 1.43 1.47 -5.45 1.39 2.12 -1.11 1.01 0.73 2.02 0.00 1.23 1.48 0.00 -0.39 -2.94 1.09 0.52 -1.56 0.00

41,100 635.00 59,250 11,000 200,000 40,000 4,153,000 -5,047,790.00 324,400,000 -324,900.00 518,000 330,780 -5,809,823.00 1,694,500 25,000 240 61,595 -10,702,060.00 127,600 135,000 115,000.00 898,510 -16,101,822.50 28,030,000 -21,020.00 1,423,000 -18,400.00 13,000 260,800 1,935,297.00 297,000 0.00 3,000 130,000 136,000 75,000 32,267,000 -10,476,220.00 910,000 95,370.00 90,000 2,083,000 105,080.00 9,000 7,000 -27,000.00 720 -43,920.00 425,500 9,695,485.00 140,360 -8,408,390.00 3,260,000 -58,500.00 50,675,000 -6,643,300.00 6,973,800 -122,101,165.00 1,009,460 1,103,648.00 903,200 18,767,000 -13,615,140.00 1,870,000 -45,500.00 3,866,000 -5,943,330.00 410,000 97,500.00 145,000

0.00 -6.54 0.23 0.47 1.67 0.00 -9.16 0.00 0.00 -1.61 0.00 -7.69 0.00 3.85 6.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 -4.07 -1.71 0.00 1.07 -3.85

448,000,000 21,500.00 180,000 4,000 -4,350.00 340,000 276,000 -6,100.00 670,000 505,600 176,300.00 29,533,000 -6,568,020.00 70,000 137,110,000 22,630,000 -28,600.00 21,100,000 22,600,000 993,000 -132,170.00 30,991,000 7,002,980.00 592,000 24,500.00 75,000 -13,000.00 8,000 4,788,500 -8,003,907.00 6,084,000 -58,700.00 103,700,000 406,170 -23,811,840.00 582,000 110,000.00

2.59 0.00 -0.19 0.08 0.97 0.00 0.45 0.00 0.18 0.00 -0.85 -0.12 -0.65 0.00

383,950 3,860 9,710 20,000 1,200 5,000 18,780 1,035 60 5,925 29,500 21,600 280,000 71,630

-1.21

587,000

-1.39 1.63 2.31

7,000 215,000 285,400

0.09

8,120

92,000.00 -173,250.00 -2,037,640.00 18,750.00 -16,537,745.00 -676,060.00 2,879,260.00 -148,800.00 2,547,810.00

10,367,505.00

1,035,000.00

82,350.00 1,971,200.00

2,293,886.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Araneta Prop `A'

1.390

16.81

MRC Allied Ind.

0.081

-10.00

Roxas and Co.

2.79

12.50

Dizon

7.04

-9.16

Boulevard Holdings

0.0510

10.87

Manila Jockey

1.81

-8.12

Liberty Flour

27.15

8.60

Manila Mining `A'

0.0120

-7.69

Alliance Tuna Intl Inc.

0.69

7.81

Apex `A'

2.00

-6.54

Nickelasia

5.08

6.72

Mabuhay Vinyl

3

-5.96

Seafront `A'

2.45

6.52

MG Holdings

0.260

-5.45

Island Info

0.166

6.41

Philex `A'

5.42

-4.07

House of Inv.

5.62

6.04

Phoenix Semiconductor

1.44

-4.00

Macroasia Corp.

2.33

5.91

TA Petroleum

2.25

-3.85

THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 18, 2016

B3

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

Market advances; Jollibee, PLDT up

FirstGen’s 10th.

First Gen Corp. holds a special bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange to celebrate its 10th listing anniversary. The company, which is engaged in the power generation business, listed its shares in the PSE on Feb. 10, 2006. Shown are (from left) FirstGen senior vice president and compliance officer Victor Emmanuel Santos Jr.; director Elpidio Ibañez; senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer Emmanuel Singson; executive vice president and director Richard Tantoco; president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno; chairman and chief executive Federico Lopez; PSE chairman Jose Pardo; director Emmanuel Bautista; chief operating officer Roel Refran; president and chief executive Hans Sicat and director Alejandro Yu.

San Miguel pursues P30-b share offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DIVERSIFIED conglomerate San Miguel Corp. is braving the volatile market conditions as it scheduled the sale of P30 billion worth of preferred shares next month.

San Miguel officials disclosed during an investors’ briefing at the Makati Diamond Hotel the offer period would be held on March 7 to 11, or after securing an approval and permit to sell from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Issue and listing date was set on March 21.

SMC is raising P30 billion to refinance maturing US dollar-denominated obligations amid continued strengthening of the US dollar against the local currency.

San Miguel will offer 280 million shares, with an oversubscription of 120 million

shares at an offer price of P75 per share.

This forms part of the 975.571 million preferred shares the company registered with the SEC. The unissued preferred shares will be placed under shelf registration and will be issued over the next three years.

San Miguel hired eight banks to handle the transaction. These are BDO Capital and & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., ING Bank, PNB Capital and Investments Corp., RCBC Capital Corp., SB Capital Investments Corp., Standard Chartered Bank and United Coconut Planters Bank.

The preferred shares will be listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The company had $8.54 billion of dollardenominated debt as of end-September 2015, representing 47 percent of its P855.8billion ($18 billion) total liabilities, based on the company’s third-quarter filing.

San Miguel also raised P33.5 billion last

year from the issuance of preferred shares at P75 apiece.

That offering was five-times oversubscribed and proceeds partly refinanced P54 billion of similar securities due that month.

San Miguel is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines by revenues and total assets, with sales of about 6.2 percent of the Philippine gross domestic product in 2014.

The conglomerate is broadly exposed to the Philippine economy through its diverse range of businesses spanning the beverage, food, packaging, fuel and oil, energy, infrastructure, telecommunication, property and banking industries.

San Miguel said it was well-positioned for significant future growth as established businesses in beverage, food and packaging continued to provide stable cash flow, while new businesses enabled the company to expand its ability to generate higher returns.

THE stock market rose Wednesday to erase early losses, bucking the downward trend in the region.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 12.87 points, or 0.2 percent, to 6,756.82 on a value turnover of P6.9 billion. Gainers beat losers, 104 to 69, with 37 issues unchanged.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, gained 2.1 percent to P214.20, while Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the largest telecommunications firm, climbed 2 percent to P2,326.

Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co rose 1.5 percent to P34.20, while Nickel Asia Corp., the biggest nickel miner, advanced 6.7 percent to P5.08.

Most Asia stock markets, meanwhile, went into reverse Wednesday after a recent rally, with energy firms down and oil unable to hold early gains after an output freeze by top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia left investors disappointed.

Tokyo’s Nikkei fell 1.36 after enjoying a more than seven percent surge in the previous two sessions, with a stronger yen acting as a millstone.

In other markets, Hong Kong lost one percent, Sydney ended 0.6 percent lower and Seoul was 0.2 percent off.

The sell-off came despite gains in New York, where the Dow closed up 1.4 percent Tuesday, the S&P 500 rose 1.7 percent and the Nasdaq added 2.3 percent.

However, Shanghai added more than one percent—on top of the 3.3 percent gain Tuesday—on growing hopes for fresh measures to kick-start the world’s numbertwo economy.

Oil had enjoyed a surge from Friday to early Tuesday as Moscow and Riyadh–the world’s two biggest producers—prepared for talks on a rout that has seen the cost of a barrel collapse and hammered global markets.

But the conditional agreement between Saudi Arabia—the de facto leader of Opec—Russia, Venezuela and Qatar to freeze output at record January levels, rather than make cuts, left a bad taste in the mouths of traders, sending both main contracts into reverse. With AFP

Concepcion allots P100m to buy back shares in the market

By Jenniffer B. Austria APPLIANCE maker Concepcion Industrial Corp. earmarked P100 million for a share buyback program to be implemented over a three-year period.

“The buyback program aims to enhance shareholder value through the repurchase of shares whenever the stock is trading at a price discount perceived by the company as not reflective of its fair corporate value,” Concepcion said in a disclosure to the

stock exchange.

The buyback will run from February 17, 2016 to February 16, 2019.

Concepcion said the share repurchase program would be capped at a maximum of 11 million common shares, representing three percent of the company’s current market capitalization.

The buyback program is not expected to adversely affect the company’s ability to fund its prospective and existing investment projects.

From a 52-week high of P65.80 per share on March 20, 2015, share price of Concepcion has plunged by more than 43 percent to P37.40 apiece on Tuesday.

Concepcion early this month reported that net income in 2015 rose 3.5 percent to P661 million from P637 million year-on-year on lower margins.

Concepcion said the 2015 sales increased 15 percent to P10.6 billion from P9.2 billion in 2014.

The company earlier projected both revenues and net income to

grow 15 percent in 2015.

Despite the slower growth in 2015, Concepcion chief finance officer Victoria Betita said the company remained on track to accelerate growth over the next five years.

“We are confident about our accelerated growth plans for the next five years. 2015 was about taking action toward achieving longer-term goals. In addition to our constant focus on cost reduction and profitability, we have made significant strides in building organizational capability and

processes.” Betita said.

The company will prioritize utilizing synergies in 2016 to boost sustainable profitability without undermining sales growth and capability building.

Concepcion has been in the business of manufacturing of air conditioning units, refrigerators and freezers for the domestic market for more than 30 years.

It is known for its several notable brands that include Carrier, Condura, Kelvinator and Toshiba-Carrier.

B4

Japanese investors study PH projects

By Othel V. Campos JAPANESE businessmen have shown interest in the Philippines, as a 29-man delegation, composed of executives in the fields of manufacturing and services, explored economic zones for their planned investments.

Japan External Trade Organization executive vice president Tatsuhiro Shindo led the Japanese mission and met Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. to express the group’s interest in Philippine investments.

Cristobal said the Japanese delegation’s visit was timely, as the government pushed for the Manufacturing Resurgence Program.

“Our investment promotion offices led by the BoI [Board of Investments], the Foreign Trade Service Corps and our Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo are more than ready to provide assistance to Japanese companies who would want to set up shop or expand their operations in the country,” he said.

Cristobal also cited the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program, a component of MRP, which provides a comprehensive package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to automotive manufacturers.

The government is allocating P27 billion in fiscal support for the next six years to encourage investments in the manufacture of whole-body large plastic parts and other strategic auto parts that are not currently produced locally.

The same fund provides variable incentives to induce both volume production and logistics efficiency.

Japanese businessmen continue to show keen interest in further investing in the country as a 29-man delegation, composed of companies in the fields of manufacturing and services industries, visits the Philippines for a four-day mission to explore investment opportunities. Led by Japan External Trade Organization executive vice president Tatsuhiro Shindo (left), the Japanese delegation pays a courtesy call on Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. (right).

Customs collection missed January goal

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

THE Bureau of Customs said Wednesday collection rose 5.2 percent in January from a year ago, but fell below the monthly target amid the slump in global petroleum prices.

Preliminary figures from the BoC showed the agency collected P30.9 billion in January, up from P29.4 billion a year ago.

The actual collection in January, however, missed the target for the month of P39.2 billion by 21 percent, mainly because of weak oil prices that affected the tariff collection.

Crude prices in the world market fell below $30 a barrel in Jan-

uary, on large inventory and increased production, coupled with weak global economic outlook.

Data showed both volume and value of imports increased by 19.5 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively in January, despite the drop in oil imports by value.

Volume and value of non-oil imports increased 23 percent and 17.2 percent, respectively, which

also resulted in increased tariff collection.

Non-oil source of the revenue collection grew 8.9 percent to P26.9 billion from last year’s P24.7 billion.

Collection sourced from oil, however, fell 14.6 percent to P3.9 billion from P4.6 billion registered in January 2015.

The agency said total collection was affected by the plunge of oil prices in the world market.

It said the 41.2-percent drop in the weighted average price of crude and petroleum products resulted in the decline of oil import value by 18.7 percent despite an increase in volume of oil imports by 8.4 percent.

“It is also important to note that non-dutiable value of imports due to free trade agreements, import promoting agencies and other special laws compose 70 percent of the total value of imports,” said Cecile Soriano, customs director for financial services.

Customs commissioner Alberto Lina said the bureau would continue to step up efforts to meet the monthly revenue targets despite the continuing drop in oil prices.

The agency also failed to meet its target in 2015, when it collected only P366.9 billion, or 16 percent short of the P436.5-billion goal for the year.

El Niño to reduce sugar harvest this year, says SRA

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales THE Sugar Regulatory Administration said Wednesday it expects lower sugar production in the current crop year because of the impact of El Niño dry spell.

SRA administrator Ma. Regina Martin said sugar production in crop year 2015 to 2016 was expected to reach 2.15 million to 2.19 million metric tons.

Martin said the projected volume would be significantly lower than the actual production of 2.32 million MT in the last crop year. It would also be lower compared with the earlier forecast of 2.25 million to 2.35 million MT. “Because of El Niño and a reduction in area planted with sugarcane, sugar production is projected to be lower than the initial estimate at the start of the crop year,” Martin said.

Martin earlier said the government was likely to increase sugar imports in the current crop year to ensure there would be enough sugar in the domestic market.

SRA earlier allowed sugar producers and traders to import as much as 142,000 MT of sugar to replace the volume that would be shipped to the United States.

The Philippines received a regular US sugar quota allocation of 142,000 MT raw value under the

tariff-rate quotas under crop year 2015 to 2016.

Martin said the additional sugar imports would ensure a healthy buffer stock for domestic consumption.

“SRA has a program being implemented now to export to the US and replace this volume within this crop year. Any additional imports yet to be determined will be announced soon,” Martin said.

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

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

Acadame hurting from GMO ruling THE Supreme Court decision to stop the field testing of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, is snuffing out the dreams of young students and scientists. The ruling is also removing the incentive to study the benefits of agriculture biotechnology and threatening the country’s food security goals.

The Philippines had long been at the bottom in the field of sciences.

Only one-fourth of the average number of university enrollees, according to the Commission on Higher Education data from 1994 to 2011, choose engineering, information technology and natural sciences programs. The number of graduates does not even carry that same ratio—only about 14 percent of graduates on the average come from these courses.

The numbers may grow worse at this time, especially now that the Philippine judiciary seemed to have backtracked on its rules on biotechnology―the use and even the study of biotechnology are now currently put to halt unless the joint department circular among line agencies led by the Department of Agriculture is approved.

The Supreme Court’s decision in December to temporarily ban the “contained use, field testing, propagation and commercialization, and importation” of GMOs followed a ruling to permanently halt the development of GMO eggplant, after a legal case filed by a group led by the Philippine unit of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

The High Court ruling has its own dire repercussions on a number of students enrolled in the agriculture biotechnology courses in the country. Over 300 students of the University of Los Baños taking agriculture biotechnology are now in a quandary after the Supreme Court issued the controversial decision.

The UP Grains or the U.P. (Genetic Researchers and Agricultural Innovators Society), comprised of a mix of agriculture biotechnology students who are readily giving trainings to farmers, is frustrated and wants to voice out its side of the GMO story.

UP Grains member and officer Kohlin M. Lallabban, a graduating agriculture biotechnology student, notes that “for years, science has been duly neglected in the country, from the decreasing budget allocations, to the lack of support for local innovations, and recently, the repealing of the only official support the Philippine government ever had for biotechnology in the country.”

“These are disturbing trends, showing how the Philippines isn’t advancing, but turning backwards to the time when people are afraid of change just because they don’t understand it,” laments Lallabban.

A daughter of a farmer and a teacher, Kohlin greatly depends on the state funding to finish her course. However, as the UP system now prohibits the use of the school laboratories for any biotechnology applications in accordance to the SC directive, she must now personally finance her laboratory research requirements to finish her thesis. She concedes her family could not afford to pay for the lab expenses, which could entail at least P65,000.

She hopes government line agencies will immediately approve a joint department circular governing the use of biotechnology in the country.

Contrary to the claims of GMO critics, students like Kohlin are not there to “exploit, abuse and earn” from the technology. Their ideologies are still intact.

“We do not wish to exploit the masses and the environment through science and we never will. After all, we, as the millennials, will be the ones to inherit it anyway. We have every reason to believe that we have given much effort to improve people’s lives, and make this country a better place to live in,” she says.

Kohlin, students and the rest of the academe are hoping that public consultations on the new rules governing the country’s use of biotechnology, whether for research and commercial purposes, will unravel the truth.

Biotech supporter Kohlin and other aspiring agriculture scientists are not alone in trying to educate the public about the benefits of GMOs. The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines earlier expressed concern over the impact of the Supreme Court decision to stop the field tests on food security and scientific research.

NAST-PHL said the court’s conclusion that there was lack of consensus on the safety of genetically modified crops was derived from a very limited literature survey and questionable sources.

The science body said none of the references covered the statements of the academies of science of many developed and developing countries that there was no difference in the risks between GM crops and conventionally-bred crops.

“The information sources cited by the court, in fact, recommend that further research be conducted to assess the risks in the deployment of GM crops. Unfortunately, by permanently stopping the field tests of Bt eggplant, the research that would have provided the answers to the reservations on the safety of Bt eggplant can no longer be continued,” the group said.

“It must be pointed out that this move, if not clarified, will have serious repercussions on the research and development activities, especially in plant breeding as well as the flow of the supply of food and feed specifically those that are based on crops largely harvested from transgenic lines, like soybean and corn,” the group said.

“The possible disruption in the supply chain may cause food security issues in the near future,” it warned.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@thestandard.com.ph or extrastory2000@gmail.com

B5

Davao port bidding delayed to March 28

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Transportation Department has deferred the bid submission for the P19-billion Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project by more than a month.

Transportation Undersecretary for planning Rene Limcaoco said the bid submission for Davao Sasa project was moved to March 28 from Feb. 26 to give prequalified bidders “more time to conduct technical, financial and legal due diligence.”

The bidders include San Miguel Holdings Corp.-APM Terminals Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.; Portek International Pte Ltd.-National Marine Corp. Consortium; International Container Terminal Services Inc; Asian Terminals Inc.-DP World FZE Consortium; and Ballore Africa Logistics The Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Davao earlier issued a resolution stopping the Sasa port bidding because of “the irregular

procedure as well as the various questions raised against the Sasa Port Modernization project now being bid out without prior consultation and expressed approval of the local government as provided for by the Local Government Code.”

The winning bidder will build a new apron and linear quay, expand the back-up area, container yards and warehouses and install ship-to-shore cranes and rubbertyred gantry.

The government said once the first phases of the project were completed by 2018, the Sasa Port would be comparable to the country’s top ports in terms of speed and quality of service, cutting down cargo unloading from three days to three hours by using

modern ship-to-shore cranes and port operating systems.

Davao thrives in banana exports, being the second largest exporter of the fruit in the world. A study conducted by International Finance Corp. and the Development Bank of the Philippines showed that container traffic in the Davao area would increase by at least 6 percent annually over the next 25 years.

The government said without the added capacity of a modernized Sasa Port, there would be a strong chance of shortage in port capacity in Davao Bay, which might affect small banana growers.

Apart from added capacity, the proximity of the Sasa Port to banana plantations will help growers save at least P8,000 in trucking costs per delivery.

Sasa wharf currently has a capacity of 700,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, but the Philippine Ports Authority expects the volume to rise to 1.2 million TEUs in the next five years.

ProWine Asia. ProWine ASIA 2016 will be held on April 12 to 15, 2016 at the Singapore Expo, alongside the 20th Food & HotelAsia 2016 for the first time. ProWine Asia 2016 serves as a strategic bridge to connect regional wine and spirit traders with international producers looking to foray into the burgeoning Southeast Asia market, including ‘newcomers’ to the international wine business. It is jointly organized by Singapore Exhibition Services Pte. Ltd. and Messe Düsseldorf GmbH.

Thrift banks’ profits rose 18% in 2015

By Julito G. Rada THRIFTS banks in the country saw their combined net income rise 18 percent year-on-year in 2015, data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

Thrift banks, also known as savings banks, earned a combined P12.23 billion in 2015, up from P10.29 billion in 2014.

Data showed there were 67 thrift banks in the country, with assets ranging from P75 million to P243 billion as of end-September 2015.

Net interest income of thrift banks increased to P49.093 billion in 2015 from P40.806 billion in 2014, while non-interest income declined to P11.791 billion from P11.828 billion.

Non-interest expenses, which include compensation and fringe benefits, taxes and licenses, fees and commission expenses, other administrative expenses, depreciation/amortization and impairment losses also increased to P40.05 billion from P35.205 billion a year ago.

BPI Family Savings Bank Inc. was the largest thrift bank, with total assets of P243 billion as ofend September, followed by Phil Savings Bank with P158 billion and RCBC Savings Bank with P86 billion.

Bangko Sentral data showed that thrift banks increased their branches as they continued expanding nationwide to seize the growth opportunities in the regions.

Thrift banks had a total of 2,052 offices (including branches) as of end-September.

THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 18, 2016

B6

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

Mining industry gets boost —Leviste

THE out-of-box initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that widens participation of mining stakeholders in the industry’s technological development effort has brought excitement to industry leaders.

Mining stakeholders see a window of opportunity to accelerate the transfer of world-class technology to the local industry.

The DENR initiative enhanced Administrative Order No.96-40 through an amendment by Administrative Order No. 2010-13, which mandates the involvement of mining stakeholders in the development of technology and geosciences .

OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. chairman Jose Leviste Jr. was among the first mining industry stakeholders to proactively act on the opportunity to contribute to the industry’s technological advancement.

He said the initiative not also brought up minerals from underground but also assisted in developing advanced technology to make the goal of the mining industry efficient and safe.

Leviste said OceanaGold for its part has drawn up a program to develop mining technology and geosciences and spent a total of P13.198 million covering expenditures for research, scholars, fellows, trainees, thesis and capital outlay components.

OceanaGold’s scholarship program produced its first mining engineering graduate, Klara Chattie Bulayo from Barangay Dibibi, Cabarroguis, Quirino, who graduated BS Mining Engineering from St. Louis University in Baguio. OceanaGold’s scholarship offers materials engineering and chemical engineering sources.

Leviste said the program also produced two researches related to mining—the assessment of the socio-economic impacts of the Didipio project and predictive Models on Cu-Au exploration at OceanaGold’s areas.

Tzu Chi conference.

Medical and health professionals from across the world who embrace the humanistic practice of medical care will gather on March 4 to 5 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippines’ Still Thoughts Hall in Quezon City for the annual Tzu Chi International Medical Association Conference.

TIMA is an organized global service network of over 5,500 licensed doctors and nurses who serve as volunteers. It is held annually to provide a platform for members of TIMA chapters all over the world to share their knowledge and experiences with one another. Shown is the last conference held last year.

PH starts marketing 25-year dollar bonds THE Philippines has started marketing 25year sovereign dollar bonds as it seeks to retire shorter-term debt three months before an election.

The notes are being offered at an initial yield guidance of 4 percent, according to people familiar with the sale who asked not to be identified because the information isn’t public. Investors holding global securities due 2016 to 2037 are invited to switch to the new bonds or tender for cash, the Bureau of the Treasury said in a statement. The guidance is at a premium to the 3.53 percent secondary-market yield on the nation’s dollar paper due 2040.

Filipinos head to the polls in May to choose a successor to President Benigno Aquino III,

who is prohibited from running for another six-year term. There is no clear front-runner in the race to replace the incumbent, who managed to shrink the budget deficit and make progress in tackling corruption, while boosting growth to the fastest pace since the 1970s.

Political risk is weighing on the peso, Alastair Pinder, an Asian foreign-exchange strategist at HSBC Holdings Plc in Hong Kong, wrote in a research note on Monday.

“The actual rate will come in lower than the indicative price,” said Noel Reyes, chief invest-

ment officer at Security Bank Corp., which manages $950 million. “If you are holding dollars, where will you put that money when the US may not raise interest rates anymore this year, Japan has negative rates and many countries are cutting” borrowing costs, he said.

The government has approval to sell as much as $2 billion of bonds, of which around $1.25 billion will be used to buy back existing debt, Treasurer Roberto Tan said Tuesday. The Philippines last sold 25-year dollar notes in January 2015, at a yield of 3.95 percent.

The nation’s global securities have handed investors a return of 4.3 percent in the past year, the best performance among eight Asian sovereigns after Pakistan, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. indexes.

The government sold P25 billion worth of debt paper Tuesday on lower interest rates on expectations that the US Federal Reserve Board will be less aggressive on its own rate hikes this year.

Bond rates averaged 3.647 percent in Tuesday’s auction, down 15.3 basis points from the rate of 3.8 percent.

“We had a robust set of bids that came in, so we are happy about that. And based on our internal analysis, we were able to achieve better levels than what we are expecting to accept,” National Treasurer Roberto Tan told reporters after the auction.

Tan said the announcement of Fed chair Janet Yellen that interest rates would probably be less than what it was originally looking at in December and the volatile global market tempered the bids of investors. With Bloomberg

COA must audit partially gov’t-funded entities CAN an entity that receives government support of one kind or another be characterized as an entity that should not be audited by COA (Commission on Audit)?

This is the issue that has been raised by the Executive Committee (Excom) of the Metro Manila Film Festival in its response to the demand of one of MMFF’s legally designated beneficiaries, the Film Academy of the Philippines, for a “full accounting of MMFF funds in the last ten years.”

MMFF’s other designated beneficiaries are the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) with a share of fifty percent of MMFF proceeds, the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, with a share of 20 percent, Film Development Council of the Philippines (5 percent) and Optical Media Board (5 percent). The 20-percent balance is FAP’s share.

MMFF’s Execom told the January 11, 2016 hearing of the House of Representatives amusements committee that MMFF is

a “private entity” and therefore is exempt from CoA auditing. It was not established as, and is not, a government entity, Execom’s spokesman told the Representatives.

It is clear that MMFF’s leadership believes that CoA’s constitutional mandate covers only institutions and entities created by law or otherwise characterizeable as government entities. This is an erroneous understanding of the function and mandate of CoA. If MMFF has the benefit of advice from lawyers well-versed in Constitutional law, they will—and should—be informed that the object and focus of CoA attention is not institutions but public funds. If public funds are involved in any undertaking, CoA will follow the documentary trail and determine whether the funds have been used properly and for the declared purpose. It matters not to CoA that an institution is not a government entity; if the institution avails of public funds of one kind or

another, CoA will conduct an audit of the use of the funds.

And how did public funds figure in the staging of MMFF? Through the amusement tax, which should have been paid by the MMFF exhibitors but were not collected by the Metro Manila governments within whose jurisdictions the films chosen for exhibition were shown.

In effect, the Metro Manila government’s non-collection of the amusement tax— on a total 2015 MIFF take exceeding P1 billion the tax proceeds would have been enormous—was their financial contribution to the festival. And any outlay of public funds, by donation or otherwise, is properly auditable by CoA. MMFF’s leadership must realize that there is a public-image aspect to a refusal to have funds audited by CoA. I like to believe that, with individuals like Boots Anson-Rodrigo in its Board of Trustees, MMFF has done nothing wrong and has

nothing to hide. But a refusal to be audited by government, to which MMFF owes its existence, sends a very strong message of a very wrong kind.

In the end, this is still a case of CoA’s being mandated to audit all uses—repeat, uses—of government funds. MMFF may be a private entity, but the foregone amusement tax collections are governmental in character. They are imbued with public interest.

My unsolicited advice to the MMFF folk: Drop that private-entity nonsense and submit MMFF funds to a CoA audit with no further ifs and buts. Do not dissipate whatever goodwill MMFF still enjoys among Metro Manila moviegoers who for one entire week are allowed to see only Filipino movies.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

Jets in show of force in South Korea OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea—Four US F-22 stealth fighters flew across South Korea Wednesday to an air base near Seoul where they are being deployed in a show of force following Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile tests.

Escorted by eight other US and South Korean fighter jets, the radar-evading aircraft

landed at Osan Air Base near Pyeongtaek City, 70 kilometers south of the border with North

SCN FORM NO. 1 001336

Korea.

The deployment of the raptors, which are normally based on Japan’s Okinawa, is the latest move by Washington to bolster the defenses in South Korea following North Korea’s fourth nuclear test last month.

“This mission demonstrates the strength” of the US-South Korea

the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF JENNIFER GO TAN WONG to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. 000608

x-------------------------- x PETITION

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is Jennifer Go Tan Wong, but I have also been known since childhood as or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) .

2. My present place of residence is at 111 (Unit 4-B) D. Tuazon St. City/Municipality of Quezon City, Province of _______ and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 39-A Speaker Perez St., Quezon City (2000-2010) 1128 G. Masangkay St., Sta. Cruz, Manila (1991-2000) 1116 C.M. Recto, Manila (1973-1991) 3. I was born on 14 April 1973, in Manila Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of People’s Republic of China.

4. My father's name is Cai Tong Tan and he was born on 06 March 1928, in Chingkang, China. He is a citizen or subject of Philippines (naturalized). My mother's name is Juanita S. Go Tan and she was born on 13 March 1938 in Kawit, Cavite. She is a citizen or subject of People’s Republic of China.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is employee. and from which I derive an average annual income of P Two Hundred Ten Thousand Pesos (P210,000.00), inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is sales agent and from which she derives an average annual income of P Two Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos (P240,000.00) (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: _____, (2) name of school: _____ and (3) years graduated: _____] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is married , I was married on 12 March 2006 in Ermita, Manila. My wife's/husband's name is Eric Tiu Wong and she/he was born on 29 Feb. 1968 in Manila. She/he is a citizen or subject of Philippines and presently resides at 111 (Unit 4-B) D. Tuazon St., Quezon City.

7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N.A. granted by N.A.. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N.A. in N.A..

8. I have one (1) child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows: Date of Birth Place of Residence Birth Elijah Nathaniel 13 Aug, 2013 Manila 111 (Unit 4-B) D. Tuazon St., Quezon City

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

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

14. My character witnesses are Ms. Olive P. Abala and Ms. Evezel D. Fuentes both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 270 Gumamela St., Batasan Hills, Quezon City and Blk. 14, Lot 19 Brgy. Gaya-Gaya, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

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

Place of School

Dates of Study

Philippine Cultural High School

Manila

1978-1986

Highest Grade Completed Elementary

Philippine Cultural High School

Manila

1986-1990

High School

Philippine School of Business Administration

Manila

1990-1994

College

[/] [/] [/] [/] [ ] [ ]

a. b. c. d. e. f.

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

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/ her petition: Certification dated 19 Aug. 2015 Form 137-Elementary T.O.R.-High School BIR Form 1604 CF (Alphalist) -for the year 2012, 2013 & 2014 Medical Report Drug Test Report

N.A.

Name and Place of School N.A.

Date of Enrollment N.A.

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character.

I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of

Serology Radiographic Report Psychological Evaluation Form Barangay Clearance Police Clearance Certificate NBI Clearance RTC Clearance

MTC Clearance Office of the City Prosecutor Clearance

PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 23RD day of March 2015.

JENNIFER GO TAN WONG Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: 111 (Unit 4-B) D. Tuazon St.,Quezon City Telephone Number: 732-0928

in the first military muscle flexing in response to North Korea’s fourth nuclear test a few days earlier.

On Monday, the USS

North Carolina attack submarine arrived at the southern port of Busan for joint training with the South Korean navy. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Depar tment of Environment and Natural Resources ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU D E N R C o m p o u n d , V i s a y a s A v e n u e , D i l i m a n , Q u e z o n C i t y 1116 Te l . N o s . 9 2 5 - 4 7- 9 3 t o 9 7 E m a i l : e m b . g o v. p h V i s i t u s a t h t t p : / / w w w . e m b . g o v. p h

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORT of the proposed expansion of the SOUTHERN NEGROS GEOTHERMAL PROJECT of the proponent ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (EDC) in the MUNICIPALITY OF VALENCIA, PROVINCE OF NEGROS ORIENTAL: Notice is hereby given to all parties who wish to give their opinion regarding the implementation of the proposed expansion of the SOUTHERN NEGROS GEOTHERMAL PROJECT to attend a Public Hearing on 10 MARCH 2016 (THURSDAY) at 9:00 AM (registration starts at 7:30 AM) in YEVA GYMNASIUM, VALENCIA, NEGROS ORIENTAL: This Public Hearing is being conducted in connection with the review of the EIA Report of the aforementioned project by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

All interested parties who wish to attend/ participate in this Public Hearing should confirm their attendance/ participation and may give their opinion(s) in a concise position paper to the Environmental Impact Assessment and Management (EIAM) Division of this Office through mail or through email at eia@emb.gov. ph. You may also reach us at telephone numbers (02) 920-2240 to 41. Those who will not be able to confirm or submit written positions may be given the opportunity to share their issues and concerns on the day of the hearing itself.

The project’s EIA report will be downloadable at our website: www.emb.gov. ph starting 12 February 2016 (kindly access the Notice of Public Hearing/ Consultation link found in the lower right portion of our web page) while the hard copies will be available at this Office and in the following offices starting 17 February 2016: 1.

EMB Negros Island Region Office Address: Corner Porras-Abad Santos St., Barangay 39, Bacolod City 2 . Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Office Municipality of Valencia, Province of Negros Oriental 3. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Province of Negros Oriental For more details, please contact the EIAM Division of this Office and look for the project Case handlers: 1. ENGR. CARLO VIC ARIDA 2. ENGR. JOSE PAOLO ARAGONCILLO Protect the environment... Protect life..

( T S - F E B . 11 & 18 , 2 016)

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) Interim Eastern-Western Samar Irrigation Management Office Office Address: Telefax No.: Website:

Catbalogan City

DA Compound, Brgy. Guindapunan Catbalogan City, Samar (055) 251-2818 www.nia.gov.ph

Email Address: bac_samar@Yahoo.com TIN: 000-916-415-010

INVITATION TO BID NO. 01-2016

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Interim Eastern-Western Samar Irrigation Management Office, Catbalogan City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contracts. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Approved Budget Duration Cost of Bidding for the Contract Documents

ITEM/DESCRIPTION 1. Balangiga CIP-L-01-2016 -Construction of Concrete Canal & Canal Structures of Balangiga CIP Balangiga, Eastern Samar

8,684,636.65

240 cd.

10,000.00

2. Balangiga CIP-L-01-2016 - Construction of Concrete Canal & Canal Structures of Balangiga CIP Balangiga, Eastern Samar

8,324,690.93

240 cd.

10,000.00

3. Bangon CIS-L-01-2016 - Repair of Concrete Canal of Bangon CIS Balangkayan, Eastern Samar

2,834,102.01

120 cd.

5,000.00

4.

Maslog Panik-an CIS-L-01-2016 -Construction of Dam & Left Wing Intake, Concrete Canal & Canal Structures of Maslog-Panik-an CIS Maslog, Eastern Samar

7,559,997.14

270 cd.

10,000.00

5. Osmeña CIS-L-01-2016 - Construction of Concrete Canal & Canal Structures of Osmeña CIS Dolores, Eastern Samar

7,557,308.47

240 cd.

10,000.00

6. Rizal CIS-L-01-2016 - Construction of Concrete Canal & Canal Structures of Rizal CIS Dolores, Eastern Samar

4,724,332.38

180 cd.

5,000.00

7. Saliang CIP-L-01-2016 - Construction of Dam & Repair of 200m Concrete Canal & 1 unit R.C. Flume of Saliang CIP Dolores, Eastern Samar

7,559,612.68

240 cd.

10,000.00

8. Villahermosa CIS-L-01-2016 -Repair of Dam & Concrete Canal & Construction of MFD of Villahermosa CIS, Dolores, Eastern Samar

4,724,443.33

150 cd

.5,000.00

The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184) otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

The prospective bidders must secure an Affidavit of Site Inspection and Certificate of Inspection before the purchase of bid documents.

Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm.

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

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

commitment” to the defence of South Korea, he added.

Last month, a US B-52 heavy bomber flew over South Korea

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

Name

Name of Child

alliance and “the resolve of both nations to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula”, Lieutenant General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of US 7th Air Force, told journalists.

Calling the F-22 Raptor “the most capable air superiority fighter in the world”, the US maintains “an ironclad

The pre-bid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the bid documents. No more sale of bid documents after pre-bidding conference in order for the bidders to submit a highly technical and educated bid.

The Schedule of BAC Activities are as follows:

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

BAC Activities

Schedule

Time

1. Issuance of Bid Documents

Starting Feb. 17, 2016

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF PASIG) S.S.

2. Pre-bid Conference

February 24, 2016

10:00 a.m.

3. Receipt and Opening of Bids

March 8, 2016

09:00 a.m.

I, JENNIFER GO TAN WONG, of legal age and a resident of 111 (Unit 4-B) D. Tuazon St.,Quezon City, after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents to eligible bidders from the address above and upon payment of non-refundable amount of Php10,000.00 for Balangiga CIP, Maslog-Panik-an CIS, Osmeña CIS and Saliang CIP and Php5,000.00 for Bangon CIS, Rizal CIS and Villahermosa CIS to the Cashier.

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at PASIG CITY this 13th day of Aug 2015.

DOC. No. 232 PAGE No. 48 BOOK No. 1 SERIES OF 2015

For qualified/eligible bidders, please take note that after qualified bidders has been determined, we prefer cash bond, cashier’s or manager’s check and bank guarantee with the amount equivalent to two (2%) percent of the ABC of the contract and surety bond with the amount equivalent to five (5%) percent of the ABC of the contract as Bid Security The NIA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to the contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

SGD. RIZALINA B. GALLARDE BAC Chairman

Noted: SGD. ALEJANDRO C. CULIBAR, D.M.

(TS-Feb. 4/11/18, 2016)

Officer In-Charge

(TS-FEB. 18, 2016)

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

B8

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Send no troops, Riyadh warned BRUSSELS—Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned Saudi Arabia on Tuesday not to deploy troops in Syria, saying it would violate international law, while also demanding that Riyadh stop bombardments in Yemen.

Zarif, whose country supports the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was questioned about Saudi Arabia’s announcement that it could deploy ground forces as part of the USled coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

“Those who are operating in Syria without the authority of the sovereign government in Syria are violating international law,” he told a news conference at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Speaking later after a meeting with his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders, Zarif added: “We believe

that’s dangerous... I believe everybody should put forces together to find a peaceful solution, not to create more danger and more hostility in the region.”

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said after talks in Washington earlier this month that any operation would be US-led but that Saudi Arabia would play a leading role.

Iran, which has sent thousands of “military advisers” into Syria, also supports the Damascus regime via the Shiite movement Hezbollah and above all Iraqi Shiite militias.

Zarif told the European Parliament that Tehran does not have troops in Syria.

“Iran does not have boots on the ground in Syria .. we have military advisors in Syria, as we have them in other places on the invitation” of the government, he said. AFP

Present. Actresses Aline Elasmar and Azita Ghanizada attend SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s The Business Presents Acting Beyond Stereotypes: Middle Eastern & South Asian Actors Breaking the Mold, on February 16, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

US passivity in Syria criticized WASHINGTON—The United States is coming under increasingly bitter criticism for its perceived lack of leadership over Syria as the country’s brutal civil conflict heads toward new levels of intensity.

Washington appears unable or unwilling to prevent its ally Turkey from bombing Kurdish fighters inside Syria, its critics say. And it has done little to rein in Russia’s mounting military involvement on behalf of Bashar al-Assad.

President Barack Obama, at a summit in California, said “this

is not a contest between me and Putin.”

“The real question we should be asking is what is it that Russia thinks it gains if it gets a country that’s been completely destroyed as an ally, that it now has to perpetually spend billions of dollars to prop up?” Obama said.

In the eyes of his detractors, Obama is guilty of refusing to engage in Syria by doing exactly what he said he would do when he was elected in 2008: pulling America out of Middle Eastern wars, after the Iraq debacle, and “pivot” US foreign policy towards Asia.

A pointed attack came Tuesday from France, where few have forgotten Obama’s last-minute refusal to take action against Syria in 2013 after evidence surfaced that the

government used chemical weapons against civilians.

“Obama had said, ‘If he uses chemical weapons, it will cross a red line,” former Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Tuesday on Europe 1 Radio. “And that red line was crossed with no reaction.”

“When the history books are written, we’ll see that this was a turning point, not only in the Middle East crisis but also for Ukraine, Crimea and the entire world,” Fabius said earlier this month, adding that he regretted “ambiguities” and the “lack of very strong engagement” Washington has shown with respect to Syria.

After the bombing of hospitals and other civilian targets around the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Monday, the State Department

only bemoaned the “continued brutality of the Assad regime against its own people” and questioned Russia’s “willingness” to put a stop to it.

For Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, that simply wasn’t enough.

“Historians will one day look back at our archives and wonder what we thought we’d accomplish with such statements,” Schanzer tweeted Tuesday.

Republican Senator John McCain lashed out at the Obama administration’s Syria choices.

“The intensification of Russian air strikes in Syria over the past two days, including the bombing of schools and hospitals, is tragically unsurprising,” McCain said.

“As expected, our adversaries in

Syria are using that time to accelerate and conclude their siege on Aleppo... This is diplomacy in the service of military aggression, and unfortunately, the Obama administration is enabling it,” he stressed.

The White House has dismissed the accusations of inaction.

Washington says the military coalition of 65 countries it has led for the past 18 months has carried out thousands of air strikes against jihadists of the Islamic State group, who control territory in both Syria and Iraq.

At the same time, Secretary of State John Kerry—a skeptic of military interventionism known for his boundless public optimism about the diplomatic process—has spearheaded an attempt to launch a peace process together with 20 global and regional powers. AFP

Viets mark border war with China

There for gold. Customers sit waiting outside a shop to buy gold to mark the annual God of Wealth Day in downtown Hanoi on February 17, 2016. Customers flocked to gold shops in the Vietnamese capital on the 10th day of the Lunar New Year on February 17, where they lined up for hours to buy gold with the hope of it bringing them luck with money during the year. AFP

HANOI—Vietnamese activists chanted anti-China slogans in Hanoi Wednesday as they marked the 37th anniversary of a border war with their giant neighbor, in a memorial that followed reports that Beijing has installed missile systems in contested seas.

The two communist countries are locked in a long-standing territorial dispute over the Paracel and Spratly islands in the South China Sea. Vietnam’s premier is due to return home Wednesday after attending a summit hosted by the United States aimed at bolstering regional resolve in the face of China’s military muscle-flexing.

On Wednesday images relayed

by Fox news appeared to show two surface-to-air missile systems installed by Beijing on Woody Island in the Paracels chain, which is also claimed by Taiwan.

In a pre-planned event, more than 100 people gathered in Hanoi to mark an older territorial conflict: China’s 1979 invasion of Vietnam’s northernmost provinces.

Security officials stood by as veterans chanted “down with China, down with China’s invasion.”

The short but bloody war came after Vietnam toppled the Beijing-backed Khmer Rouge regime in neighboring Cambodia.

It claimed tens of thousands of lives and ended with Chinese forces withdrawing but both powers claiming victory.

Although Vietnam fetes its military victories over the French and American armies, it has not arranged any official events to mark the China border wa— much to the chagrin of veterans and activists.

“We are very sad that there has never been any official organization [memorial] for the day,” 64-year-old Vietnamese war veteran Pham Thanh told AFP at Wednesday’s commemoration in central Hanoi, where demonstrators carried banners that read “we will never forget”. AFP

B cre ser in tes ha pu

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

W EL L BEING

LIFE

PHOTOS BY STAR SABROSO

Jumping on trampolines can burn up to 1200 calories an hour

ZERO GRAVITY ZONE FINE FETTLE

BY BUBBLES PARAISO

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must admit that I’m one of those rare ladies who don’t watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians for the simple reason that I don’t see the point of it. But, a couple of years ago, I remember being able to catch an episode as I was baking a cake with a friend in her house, with the TV on and that show being aired. It was quite interesting since, if there was one thing in that episode that got stuck in my head, it was that the Kardashian sisters went to work out in a warehouse that was lined with trampolines from wall to wall. The way they jumped up and down as a form of workout seemed so fun, I kept wondering why we didn’t have it in Manila.

Well, wonder no more. Last

week, the UK version of this fun, wonderful place just opened its doors in the center of the Metro, with an easy access from our main road that is EDSA. The moment I stepped into the 700-sqm space, the vibrant purple and yellow hues caught my attention and after watching that two-minute safety video, I started jumping.

Founders Shay Yellin and Mark Hogsden, and a few more business partners, decided to open Trampoline Park – Zero Gravity Zone because, aside from seeing the popularity it has in the UK, they wanted to open up a fitness place in Manila where friends and family can have fun socially while still having a great fitness session.

According to Shay, he doesn’t see people smiling or having fun in the gym so he wanted to change that.

Trampoline Park provides the same fitness benefits of toning up and losing weight, so why not do it with fun, right?

Some benefits of working out on a trampoline include the following: improves metabolism, strengthens cardiovascular health, improves

balance, cleanses the lymphatic system, lessens joint impact, strengthens muscles and bones, and boosts our positive energy.

The Trampoline Park emphasizes on sports – having basketball slamdunk competitions, volleyball and dodge ball tournaments and exciting DJ beats trampolinedancing parties on their list of activities. There are also parkour, zumba and parkour sessions available plus a zone filled with foam blocks so you can try doing somersaults without injuring yourself. Safety is of utmost importance to them, that’s why aside from the two-minute safety video one must watch before the start of the session, they require you to wear non-slip socks and have additional padding all over the area, plus they have numerous staff watching over the jumpers.

One can burn up to 1200 calories per hour jumping on trampolines – I was quite sweaty just after 40 minutes but I didn’t want to stop because I was having so much fun.

This park is open for everyone six years old and above, although Mark

You can try to do somersaults without injuring yourself because the foam makes the landing very soft and safe

Because your vertical acceleration and deceleration is soaked up by the trampoline pad, which takes up over 80 percent of the shock, trampolining has low joint impact on your body

mentioned to me that even younger kids will have the chance to jump – in special kids classes, and with adult supervision (parents or guardians), of course.

I must say, with all these interesting new fitness places popping up, trampolines may just be the newest craze in town! I’ll be back for sure!

The Trampoline Park – Zero Gravity Zone is at The Portal, Mayflower St., Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. For more updates and information follow @trampolineparkph on Instagram.

Follow me on twitter and instagram @bubblesparaiso

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Ampalaya juice and tea

CAN AMPALAYA CURE CANCER? The bitter vegetable may have the sweetest remedy for patients

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he bitter-tasting vegetable ampalaya, or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), is known as an alternative cure to cough, stomach problems, wounds, and, most notably, diabetes.

Positive results of numerous clinical trials and first-hand experience of diabetics have established the effectiveness of ampalaya in lowering blood sugar levels. In 1995, the Department of Health officially classified ampalaya as “halamang gamot” for diabetes.

But recent scientific studies indicate that the juice of this non-kid friendly veggie can also kill cancer cells.

According to a group of researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, fresh bitter gourd

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juice “exerts strong anti-cancer efficacy against human pancreatic carcinoma cells, both in vitro (in glass) and in vivo (in living organism).”

The extract of ampalaya contains two compounds, a-eleostearic acid (from seeds) and dihydroxy-a-eleostearic acid (from the fruit), which have been found effective to induce apoptosis or cell death.

In the clinical tests conducted, the juice activated the cellular energy sensor AMP (adenosine monophosphate)-activated protein kinase, causing apoptotic death of the cancer cells during the 24-, 48- and 72-hour treatments.

Surgeon-oncologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center, lay health educator and former president of the Philippine Society of Oncologists Dr. Roel Tolentino explains that the components in the ampalaya, namely Polypeptide P, Momordicin and Charantin,

open up the cells in our system to absorb sugar (which fuels the cancer cells to spread) in the blood, thereby “starving to death” the cancer cells while sparing the healthy cells. These same components are the ones responsible for giving bitter gourd its blood sugar lowering potency.

Herbcare Corporation, the manufacturer of popular ampalaya herbal product Charantia, cites another study which reveals that drying sliced bitter gourd at low temperature, followed by a brief roasting, increase the vegetable’s antioxidant properties. The company notes that the said finding supports the many FDA-registered food supplements, like those they offer, which use dried and roasted ampalaya fruit to transform it into tea and capsule form intended for diabetes.

Dr. Tolentino added that these recent scientific breakthrough studies “have strengthened the possibility of preventing cancer and slowing down its progression through lifestyle modification, particularly by following natural low-sugar, low fat diets reinforced by natural food supplements like ampalaya tea and capsule products.”

Herbcare president Daniel Abelarde, for his part, is optimistic that cancer patients can find alternative cure from their range of ampalaya products. “As the active ingredients in the fresh juice [of bitter melon], which kill the various cancer cells, are also found in our Charantia Ampalaya Food Supplements in tea and capsule form – then whether our product can also kill cancer cells, I have to answer that this is very possible.”

KARADA GOES TO BORA AND MOA

he Japanese wellness center that’s currently taking the Philippines by storm, one aligned body at a time, Karada opens two new branches in response to popular demand for more locations across the country.

People vacationing and living in the paradise island of Boracay and those near SM Mall of Asia can now avail of Karada Japanese Body Therapy Center’s

signature treatments, most popular of which is the AP Balance. AP Balance works by realigning the body’s atlas (neck and shoulders), and pelvis (base of the body) back to its natural state, thus resulting in improved balance, posture and mobility. Other services include FT (foot treatment) and a combination of AP & BT. Just in time for summer vacation, Karada in Boracay (Nandana Hotel,

Karada’s Mall of Asia, the largest branch, boasts of 10 beds to accommodate its clientele

Station 1) is a refreshing respite for those looking for a place to relax and recharge after a long day of swimming, frolicking and partying on the beautiful island. Its treatments, which focus on proper body alignment and improved muscle function, are the perfect complement to the hustle and bustle of Boracay, providing vacationers a holistic holiday escape that’s good for the mind and the body.

Meanwhile, Karada’s Mall of Asia branch is the company’s biggest thus far, boasting of 10 beds to accommodate its clientele which has grown exponentially in the short span of time that the wellness center has been in the country.

During the visit of Karada Japan president Megumi Komaki in the Philippines last year, the official was visibly happy with the growth of Karada here in the country. Komaki also expressed optimism for the Japanese wellness center to continue being successful as the company expands to more locations this year, including its first branch in Quezon City located in Eastwood as well as more in BGC and another one in Pasig.

Karada Japanese Body Therapy Center specializes in the age-old tradition of restoring the body’s inner balance through muscle and bone alignment.

The treatments are applied with the help of a specially trained therapist who makes an expert recommendation on what treatment should be performed based on a client’s present condition and any identified problems such as

Karada Japanese Body Therapy Center in Boracay

misalignments, locked spinal joints, pinched nerves, stiff muscles and incorrect posture.

Other Karada branches are located at Glorietta, Greenbelt Radissons, Serendra, Alabang, Greenhills, Greenbelt 1 and 8 Forbes Town Branch.

Contact Karada SM Mall of Asia at (639) 17 548-8872 or (639) 27 1377045 and its Boracay branch at (036) 288-1090 or (639) 17 870-5602. Visit www.karada.com.ph for more details.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

WWF-PHILIPPINES APPOINTS IZA CALZADO AS FEMALE NATIONAL AMBASSADOR

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ulti-awarded actress and TV personality Iza Calzado joins the growing family of celebrities in World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) as its newly appointed National Ambassador to help spread WWF’s solutions on climate change, conservation, resource protection and environmental education.

“Iza embodies the empowered Filipina who leads an active, healthy and sustainable lifestyle,” says WWF-Philippines president Joel Palma. “Plus, she’s actively involved in raising environmental awareness,” he adds.

Iza is excited to do her part for the organization and help raise public awareness on ecological issues. “It’s time for us to give extra attention to environmental solutions and how we can turn the tide if we work together, today,” says Calzado.

WWF is operating in over 100 countries globally and it has been in the Philippines since 1997.

This year, it is celebrating its 20th year. WWF-Philippines’ wellknown projects are Earth Hour, the world’s largest environmental mass action, the conservation of iconic species like the whale

WWF-Philippines' newest National Ambassador, Iza Calzado

sharks of Donsol, and a vigorous environmental education drive, which has reached over 700,000 children across the country.

“We’re really excited to work with Iza. We believe she’ll be a great WWF ambassador in reaching our goals and touching the hearts of people,” shares longtime WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez.

WWF-Philippines’s celebrity ambassadors include climate solutions steward Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, marine conservation steward Luis Manzano, forest conservation steward Piolo Pascual, plus environmental education stewards Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi with their kids, Mavy and Cassy.

Filipinos have a penchant for following their celebrity idols’ advocacies and WWF hopes that by engaging celebrity-advocates, more Pinoys will embrace all the good causes that the organization hopes to achieve for the country and the world.

To learn more about WWF’s work in the Philippines visit wwf.org.ph.

CHI, THE SPA UNVEILS LUXURIOUS HAMMAM TREATMENT

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ammam is a Turkish bath that is an important part of Moroccan culture and lifestyle. In Western culture, it can be compared to a steam bath or sauna, but bathing is more closely related to ancient Greek and Roman practices where people habitually go to bath houses each week to cleanse themselves.

This coming March, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila’s premier day spa, Chi, The Spa, brings this traditional treatment to Manila in a modern setting and in secluded luxurious Hammam treatment rooms. The spa will bring you back to a ritual that has evolved over thousands of years from Turkey but done in your own private refuge elegantly covered with black marble featuring a heated marbletopped “bathing slab,” cold wall, bathtub, and private shower plus changing room.

To make the luxurious experience more exotic and authentic, they flew in Turkish therapist from Shangri-La Istanbul Najat Elkhai for guests to get

Chi, The Spa Outer Sanctum

the traditional Hammam bath experience. Guests may opt to choose from three treatments: Traditional, Luxury or the Royal Hammam Experience, where they can enjoy an exfoliating scrub and relaxing foam massage designed to help blood circulation, revive skin and release tension.

The 45-minute Traditional Hammam combines a reviving body scrub and a foam massage to soften muscles and refresh the mind, body and soul. The 60-minute Luxury Hammam treatment on the other hand includes a reviving body scrub, revitalizing full-body foam massage, water therapy, organic body mask, smoothing hair wash and a moisturizing session using organic lotion. The 120-minute Royal Hammam experience combines the benefits of the Luxury Hammam with a fullhour Aroma Wellness signature massage perfect to renew the body and spirit. The price of these luxury treats starts at P3,800. The ritual succession was

Private Entrance at CHI, The Spa

created to draw deep impurities, provide detoxification to purify, deeply invigorate and relax the whole body.

Chi, The Spa is open to all inhouse and outside guests and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. Located in the hotel’s Garden Wing, it houses a variety of single, double and specialty treatment suites. Booked guests may also enjoy its outdoor bathing facilities, relaxation lounges, a library and a yoga studio.

For the month of February, you may share the R&R experience to your friends and loved ones with Chi, The Spa’s Gift of Wellness for only P15,000. Choose amongst two holistic packages – Kanlungan and Katahimikan which are inclusive of up to eight spa treatment vouchers, a piece of kashwere headband, a birthday treat of 60-minute Simply Chi Massage, discount vouchers for the hotel’s room and F&B outlets as well as Chi Signature Massages.

Chi, The Spa unveils its newest luxury spa treatment, the traditional Hammam or Turkish bath experience

Members may also bring in a guest for a day to enjoy a complimentary signature massage. Vouchers are valid for six months from the date of purchase.

For reservations, call (+632) 633 8888 Ext. 3553 or e-mail chi.esl@shangri-la.com. Visit www.shangri-la.com/manila/ edsashangrila or like Edsa Shangri La on Facebook or follow @edsashangrila on Twitter and @edsashangrila on Instagram.

Luxuriate in Chi, The Spa's Hammam Treatment Room

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

STRESS, WEIGHT GAIN AND PAIN: THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF COMMUTING

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t’s not true that “traffic is not fatal.” On the contrary, the daily grind of commuting to work and back home especially in Metro Manila brings with it numerous health hazards due to the pollution that permeates the air. Much earlier, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje had admitted that traffic is choking people to death, with various studies linking air pollution to several health problems.

A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that as of 2010, the transport sector accounts for 27 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions all over the world – and by 2050, the number could double. In the Philippines, several studies show that vehicular emissions are responsible for 30 percent of air pollution in the Philippines but in Metro Manila, the number is as high as 90 percent.

With the holidays now over, it’s back to the harness for everyone, with commuting an everyday reality that Filipinos have to endure every day. Not many people know however that the daily grind of commuting-to-work-and-back-home (regardless of whether you drive a vehicle or take public transportation) can have a serious impact on one’s overall health and wellness.

Makati Medical Center, the Philippines’ premier healthcare facility, gives the lowdown on what people need to know and what can be done to offset the damage.

Blood pressure spikes. Traveling during rush hour, especially with the nightmarish traffic congestion experienced by those working in

As of 2010, the transport sector accounts for 27 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions all over the world

Metro Manila, can result in temporary spikes in stress levels that jack up even a normally stable blood pressure.

Dr. Donna G. de Padua of MakatiMed’s Emergency Department says that “Rushing to work or a meeting and getting trapped in a gridlock can cause anxiety, stress and an ill temper.”

A possible solution, she says, is to leave well before rush hour. For sure, this is a hassle but one that may be worth doing rather than constantly feeling anxious for every passing second that traffic remains unmoving. So to prevent the stress from escalating, do some breathing exercises to calm yourself down, Dr. De Padua says.

It’s a pain in the neck, and the back – literally.

Ongoing neck and back pain are some of the most common health complaints of commuters. The long periods of sitting slumped forward on the train, bus, or in the driver’s seat can contribute to this condition. “Make an effort to sit up straight, with your head evenly over your shoulders,” Dr. De Padua advises. “Maintaining good posture lessens the strain on your muscles and improves your self-image. It helps to do slow stretches in the morning before your day starts and at intervals during the day, especially if you have been seated for a long time.”

Lack of zzzs. People who go on long commutes report lower sleep quality and more exhaustion.

“Today’s digitally driven world requires us to be ‘on’ all the time – checking emails or fielding calls,” shares the good doctor. “Regardless of your commuter status, it would be good to use the time spent in transit to turn ‘off ’ for a bit, and recharge. You can do so by having a quick nap on a long commute. If you’re driving, you can listen to music or podcasts, or something equally relaxing and soothing.”

It’s a factor in weight gain. Sad but true, it isn’t surprising that people who spend the longest time commuting are also the ones least likely to get a decent amount of physical activity because so much time is wasted seated in vehicles. “Make a bigger effort to be active during the day instead,” says Dr. De Padua.

Its also advisable to take walking breaks and making the effort to get up from the desk every now and then doing some stretching exercises. If you are physically able and can walk to the bus terminal, then by all means do so, instead of taking a jeep.

Walking will help burn calories, so one option is to park your car further so you have a longer walk to and from your office. And most important of all, find the time to exercise regularly.

Commuters are exposed to numerous health hazards primarily due to pollution. The daily grind of commuting has a serious impact on one's overall health and wellness PHOTOS BY STAR SABROSO

For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at 888-8999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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God’s of Egypt is a big screen spectacle that transport audiences into a vivid universe of ancient myths

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STunnIng VISual EffEcTS In ‘gODS Of EgypT’

he power of ancient myths and the imagination of today’s most gifted storytellers have come together for the action fantasy adventure movie Gods of Egypt, a grandly entertaining spectacle that transports audiences into a vivid universe of larger-than-life figures locked in epic battle.

In Gods of Egypt, the survival of mankind hangs in the balance as an unexpected mortal hero Bek (Brenton Thwaites) undertakes a thrilling journey to save the world and rescue his true love. In order to succeed, he must enlist the help of the powerful god Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in an unlikely alliance against Set (Gerard Butler), the merciless god of darkness, who has usurped Egypt’s throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. As their breathtaking battle against Set and his henchmen takes them into the afterlife and across the heavens, both god and mortal must pass tests of courage and sacrifice if they hope to prevail in the spectacular

final confrontation.

Horus in mythology is known as the Lord of the Air. While his ego is initially inflated by his status as a god, through his association with Bek, Horus slowly learns to respect mortals, and even develops a liking of them. It’s a change of heart he’ll need if he’s going to avenge the death of his father Osiris and retake the throne from the usurper Set. Horus’ deity is a winged and armored form with a falcon-shaped head. His power resides in his eyes.

One of today’s fast-rising actors, Brenton Thwaites, stars as Bek, a mortal who is affably mischievous. Bek comes from modest beginnings and has little to offer the woman he loves, Zaya (Eaton), aside from his heart.

Having lost faith in the gods, Bek relies on his own zeal and ingenuity to make his way in life.

Imagine a world carved from stone and gilt in gold. Visually futuristic, this realm conjures an alternate world where ancient gods live among mortals. This coexistence between beings

existed so long as there was peace, but the trust between man and god has been shattered by hubris, jealousy and betrayal as the destruction of all creation dawns nears. Visionary director Alex Proyas has created an otherworldly Egypt, beyond time and history, in which moviegoers voyage through dazzling cityscapes, mythological characters, and epic heroism in this pulse-pounding, fantasy action-adventure. Proyas envisions a completely unique, one-of-a-kind world by combining the timeless art of storytelling and the latest in digital cinema technology.

Gods of Egypt also brings an impressive cast of immensely talented and engaging actors such as Geoffrey Rush, Elodie Yung, Chadwick Boseman Abbey Lee, Yaya Deng, Courtney Eaton and Rufus Sewell.

Bringing to life a complex array of fictional characters, Gods of Egypt is an original story unlike anything viewers have seen.

It openson Feb. 24 in cinemas nationwide from Pioneer Films.

brenton Thwaites in the fantasy action adventure

Courtney Eaton in Gods of Egypt

Luis Manzano prefers DoCkers for Dressy feeL

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TV host and actor Luis Manzano says Dockers offers stylish staple pants that endow its wearer a huge confidence boost while ensuring supreme comfort.

ith new technologies and trends, professionals, like TV host and actor Luis Manzano, are more competitive than ever and changes in the workplace are necessary. For professionals nowadays, multi-tasking and restrictive deadlines just won’t hack it; there must be work-play balance, too.

To attain this, professionals now are inclined towards collaboration and creating a positive and friendly corporate environment wherein employees have reduced work stress that, in turn, results in diminished absenteeism.

On the other hand, there are workrelated matters that are also affected by the changing times. The corporate

dress code is one. These days, employees are increasingly seen donning outfits theywear on a typical night out, something not ideal or allowed before.

While workforce nowadays may be averse to donning traditional office attires, must they totally disregard propriety and decorum when dressing up for work?

While corporate fashion is in a constant state of flux, there is one thing that career counselors assert should never change: dressing for success.

Yes, you may chuck your wooly slacks or linen pants for more comfortable ensembles, but you still have to show up at work looking dressed to take charge. This gives you an aura of respectability among peers that, in

turn, will make superiors and clients take notice.

The newest Dockers Signature OnThe-Go Khaki Stretch Straight-Fit Flat-Front pants is your go-to collection when checking for office attires that make you look smart yet casual enough for a dinner-and-movie date.

Dockers Signature On-The-Go Khaki Stretch features business-casual pants that exude such timeless flair that no matter what comes up in your agenda, wearing one will help you rise to the occasion.

Small wonder, then, that Dockers is the favored khaki brand of Americans and most professionals from different parts of the world, like Manzano. The Signature On-TheGo Khaki Stretch is a straight-ahead

style with a straight fit, flat front, and moisture-wicking technology, which delivers modern flair and continuous comfort.

Dockers perennially offers stylish staple pants that endow its wearer with a huge confidence boost while ensuring supreme comfort—something all professionals need.

And since flexibility is key, your clothes must take you from a breakfast meeting to a night on the town.

Just pair your Dockers khakis with a nifty shirt and throw on a smart jacket when you want to dress to impress.

At the end of the day, remember that tremendous self-confidence, aligned with your innate skills and dependability, are all you need to make your mark in the industry you’re in.

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T HuR SDAY : F EbRuA RY 18, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

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MaRTIn ROMualDEz anD wIfE YEDDa a lOvE BuIlT On HElpIng OTHERs

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t is not very often that we hear stories of political couples and still be fascinated by the minute details of how their love blossomed from the beginning until ever after. Some say politics and matters of the heart do not mix well. But for one couple, Martin and Yedda Romualdez, a love built-on-loving-others make their love story worth telling.

Ferdinand Martin Gomez Romualdez, incumbent Representative of the first District of Leyte, is by all means a made man. He comes from a known political family in Leyte, and yet his claim to success rests on his own laurels.

For his undergraduate studies, he went to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and finished with a degree in Arts Government, and consequently earned his Certificate of Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. He then proceeded to study law at the University of the Philippines where he earned his LLB degree.

So, on that fateful day in 1995, an already accomplished Martin was in Cebu City on business when he first saw a photo of the then Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt, a fashion model at the time, in

one of the city’s malls. Already, Martin grew a fondness for his future wife even without even laying his eyes on her personally. It was indeed love at first sight.

This early attraction led to curiosity, which then led to queries on the beautiful person behind the image. Bedazzled by the girl in the photo, he was relentless as any man can be.

He pursued this newfound interest until one day, he showed up at the residence of Yedda’s grandfather, Democrito Mendoza, a labor leader and lawyer who recently passed away. Martin recalls this visit up to this day as he was chased by the family dog, something he says an unforgettable experience for him.

And so, the budding romance began and Martin continued to be an avid suitor to Yedda until she competed and won the 1996 title of Bb. Pilipinas International. After that, they became a couple and was married a few years later. They are blessed with four lovely children: Andrew, Marty, Minxie and Maddey.

Today, Martin is attempting to win over voters for a Senate seat while Yedda is running for a spot in the House of Representatives as a congresswoman.

Now, their love for each other is nur-

tured and strengthened by a common heart for the people.

“Ang tunay na diwang pagmamahalan ay yung may malasakit sa kapwa. We never forget to help people when we can, especially those in my hometown who suffered a great deal during Yolanda,” Martin said.

“Kailangan nating magmalasakit sa puso at diwa. Ito ang tunay na kahuluga ng pag-ibig,” he adds.

As they combed through people at the grassroots level, Martin and Yedda found a common affection for the people who need help. It is the political platform on which they rest their respective political careers and it is also what keeps them going as a couple.

“Sa lahat ng pinupuntahan namin, ang lagi naming panawagan sa mga tao ay magkaroon ng malasakit sa isa’tisa.

Tayo-tayonalang ang magtutulungan ng ating mga sarili,” Martin said.

And so the story goes for the lawyer and the beauty titlist, of how Martin and Yedda found a new calling in helping people. But let us not forget how this story started, a story of love at first sight, how one photograph, one powerful image changed the life of a young Martin and that of Yedda.

FEBRUARY 18, 2016 congressman martin Romualdez and mrs. Yedda marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez

TV5’S ElEcTIon EngAgEmEnT As the election campaign period begins, TV5’s 2016 election coverage goes into high gear with the launch of Bilang Pilipino, Ano’ng Say Mo?.

This engagement with Filipino voters on today’s election issues brings the country’s leading media giants: TV5, PLDT, Voyager, Meralco and Smart together in a nation-wide drive to educate Filipino voters on the policies and concerns that are important to know as they go to the polls on May 9.

To kick-off Bilang Pilipino, Ano’ng Say Mo?, a symposium was conducted on Feb. 5 at TV5 Studio 4 on Reliance, Mandaluyong City which drew a crowd of opinion makers, social media influencers, and Bilang Pilipino partner employees. It was a remarkable event that made #BilangPilipino one of the top trend-

ing topics on Twitter that day. Focus of the discussion was on Metro Manila’s worsening traffic problem that was thoroughly discussed by well-known UP Professor and Architect Paulo Alcarazen and Urban Planner Karima Palafox. The two experts traced the root causes of traffic congestion in the metropolis and other urban centers in the country as well as its impact in the lives of Filipinos and its possible solutions. Highlighted was the need for long-term solutions that the next Philippine President has to embark on to address the threat of urban gridlock that will make Metro Manila “uninhabitable” within four years according to some observers.

Despite the fact that it will definitely take years for the nation to solve the traffic issues, Palafox emphasized that now is the best time

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 42 MLB stats 43 Well-behaved kids 44 Covers with mail 46 Final word (hyph.)

48 Sea World whale 49 Movie double’s job 50 Game of strategy 52 P.D. dispatch 55 Gaius’ garb 56 Close 57 Tree with pods 59 Ex-senior 60 Second-story man 61 It may turn on you 62 Fiddling despot 63 Latin infinitive 64 Surgical tool DOWN ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE 1 Bait 2 River in Belgium ACROSS proposal 1 Swimsuit fabric 23 Shade-loving plant 3 Leadership positions 6 Temporary trends 24 Chops down 4 Gas-pump abbr.

10 First-magnitude 26 Removes the rind 5 Action-movie name star 27 Hoity-toity (hyph.)

6 Medieval holdings 14 Walk the aisles?

29 Very thin models 7 French friar 15 Hieroglyphics bird 31 Dumpster output 8 Designer label 16 Hera’s son 32 Hotel employee 9 W-2 info 17 Wear the crown 33 — Paese cheese 10 Noxious fumes 18 Black, to Donne 36 Whatever 11 Backspace on a PC 19 Breathe hard (4 wds.)

12 Polite chaps 20 Prior to 40 Soyuz destination 13 Movie terrier 21 Negotiator’s 41 Take the podium

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

22 Gulf st.

23 Sword handles 25 Colleen’s home 26 Bon voyage site 27 Focal points 28 Uproars 29 Has a yen for 30 Lotion additive 32 Perfume bottle 33 Camps out (var.)

34 MIT grad 35 Reduced 37 Chicken’s seat 38 Guthrie of folk music 39 Mia — of soccer 43 Superenergetic one 44 Happy sighs 45 Rogue 46 Evening wrap 47 Bode 48 Twilled fabric 49 Ollie’s partner 50 So-so grades 51 “Macbeth” trio 53 Whey-faced 54 Transvaal trekker 56 The “Science Guy” Bill — 58 Wheel buy (2 wds.)

for the Philippine government to find ways on how to encourage motorists to get out of their cars when it’s possible for them to walk; fix the imbalances in the cities through affordable housing projects and the like; and for every Filipino to choose the common good – follow traffic rules and regulations and embrace the streets with equanimity. Likewise, Architect Paulo Alcarazen stressed that there is a need for inclusive mobility to solve traffic issues – cleaning and clearing are the first steps; reducing garbage and blockages in cities like Metro Manila; and creating more rails than roads.

Through Bilang Pilipino,TV5 joins the nation in its quest for better and more effective governance starting in educating and equipping Filipino voters with everything they need to know about the upcoming national elec-

guest interviewees in one of the episodes of TV5’s bilang Plipino campaign

tions. Get the latest updates on Bilang Pilipino campaign and Bilang Pilipino, Ano’ng Say Mo? project.

Visit http://bilangpilipino.com/ or follow TV5’s Bilang Pilipino on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/BilangPilipinoand Twitter https://twitter.com/BilangPilipino.

T HUR S DAY : F EBRUA RY 18, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

From C8

C7

ALDUB’S POST-VALENTINE’S DAY DATE ON ‘TONIGHT WITH ARNOLD CLAVIO’

Valentine’s Day maybe over but Tonight with Arnold Clavio (TWAC) will continue to spread love in the air as it features the phenomenal love team Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza.

The first part was aired on Feb. 17, while the concluding part on the 24th.

AlDub Nation will surely look forward to the second part of the special two-part interview as

Arnold “Igan” Clavio grills the Kapuso love team, asking about the real score between them. Note that in Alden’s previous guesting appearances in TWAC, the PambansangBae referred to Igan as

“Tay”.

Will Alden finally introduce Maine as his girlfriend to him?

Igan, in turn, will find out who between Alden and Maine is more sweet, playful, and moody.

Watch out for the sweet exchange of messages between Alden and Maine in the last of the special episodes of Tonight with Arnold Clavio on Feb. 24, 10:15 p.m., only on GMA News TV.

****

HEART, CHIZ CELEBRATE FIRST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

STATEMENT ON ‘MMK’

We got this in our e-mail box, a statement of ABS-CBN on the uproar over the MMK episode featuring Leni Robredo’s story. We are printing the network’s statement in toto.

“In reaction to claims reported in various news outlets that attempt to impute wrongdoing to ABS-CBN Corporation with regard to the February 6 episode of “MMK” that focused on the story of Jesse and Leni Robredo, their children, and their life in public service, ABS-CBN wishes to clarify that the episode broke no law or any legal restrictions, including laws governing the 2016 elections. The choice of what content to air, meanwhile, is a lawful exercise of the network’s basic freedom under the Constitution. ABS-CBN guarantees the episode in question underwent and passed the test of truthfulness and accuracy, with facts and claims that can be easily checked and substantiated. Aligned to its commitment to be in the service of all Filipinos, the network will continue to deliver content that not only engages but also depicts values that resonate with every Filipino, such as those about love, dedication, selflessness, and sacrifice, which the questioned episode was able to showcase.”

Signed: Kane Errol Choa Head, Corporate Communications ****

IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIOUSNESS

A year after the beautiful wedding, Heart Evangelista and Sen. ChizEscudero are very happy as a married couple. Heart hasn’t felt any better than when the Senator came to her life.

Heart showed how much love she has for Chiz and happy that they have hurdled their first year in a series of photos she posted on her Instagram account to tell her husband how happy she is especially for their first wedding anniversary.

The photos were taken during their wedding on Balesin Island and some from the pre-nup photos.

Heart says that the photos inspire her and taught her a lot about love and life.

“You are the light of my life, my mentor, my inspiration the only one who made me feel so much love. I am who I am today all because of you... I can’t thank God enough for giving you to me... I am blessed with having you in my life,” Heart said.

“Thank you, babe, for loving me, for teaching me to spread my wings… To many more beautiful years together, my darling. Cheers to today and forever… Happy anniversary,” she continued.

Heart and Chiz celebrated Valentine’s Day, also her birthday an their wedding anniversary in Sorsogon with their families and friends.

Heart couldn’t contain her emotion with the warm welcome and surprise of the Sorsogueños, especially when they went to visit Bulusan Lake, one of her favorite places in the province.

After the simple celebration, Chiz is back on the campaign trail with his presidential running mate Sen. Grace Poe. Heart said she will be on the campaign trail herself and will go to places her husband hasn’t been to yet.

Chiz on the other hand still feels he and Heart have just been married.

“Alam mo, kaming mga bagong kasal, hindi trabaho ang iniisip,” Chizsaid in a jest in an interview.

Heart traveled to Sorsogon on Feb. 12 and Chis followed the day after.

T

Chokee (Marco Masa) puts a stop to Ramjay’s (Lemuel Pelayo) laziness and teaches him the importance of industriousness as his adventure with Sisay (Sharlene San Pedro) continues in Wansapanataym Presents: Susi ni Sisay.

After reuniting with Sisay, Chokee learns that Ramjay goes back to being lazy and once again becomes a burden to their family. With this, the dragonfly prince uses his powers and disguises as a ghost to scare and to teach Ramjay a lesson.

Meanwhile, with his return to Sisay’s home, Chokee once again sees Susan (Jolina Magdangal) and attempts to take back the key to their kingdom’s gateway. But to his disappointment, Susan does not have the key with her. Can Chokee still find the gateway’s key? Will he have the chance of seeing his family again?

Joining the cast of Wansapanataym Presents: Susi ni Sisay are Marvin Agustin, Tetchie Agbayani and Matet De Leon.

Don’t miss the life lessons shared in the show every Sunday on ABS-CBN. For more information about the program, visit the official social networking site of Dreamscape Entertainment Television at Facebook.com/ DreamscapePH, Twitter.com/DreamscapePH, and Instagram.com/DreamscapePH.

Jolina Magdangal

Child actor Marco Masa

Lemuel Pelayo

Sharlene San Pedro

Marvin Agustin

STUDENTS TO COMPETE IN 22ND ALAY NG ROTARY

he Rotary Club of Kamuning (RoCK) is holding the 22ndAlay ng Rotary saArawngKabataan (RoCKAlay) – an annual arts and culture competition for thousands of Quezon City students -- at the Amoranto Sports Complex, Quezon City on Feb. 20,.RoCK President Siegfred ‘Yeye’ L. Manaois said the RoCK-Alay event is expected to draw in some 3,500 elementary and high school students who will be competing in various fields which showcase the best of Philippine cul-

ture and arts.

“The RoCK-Alay program for the youth aims to inspire the elementary and high school students to engage and excel in Filipino arts and culture, to renew memories of our tradition; and to harness their talents towards excellence in their chosen field,” Manaois said.

Participants will compete in the drum and lyre competition, rondalla competition, vocal solo singing, chorale singing, on the spot painting, and interpretative dancing, among other fields of competition.

Started in the 1994, the RoCK-Alay eventaims at giving the students a day to enjoy and be free from the hardships in studying; to develop their sense of sportsmanship, teamwork, creativity, self-confidence and discipline. Through this event, students will be enlightened on the importance of values formation and have a will to fight against theuse of drugs and alcohol abuse.

The RoCK-Alay competition is held in coordination with the district 3780 of the Rotary International, the Quezon City Government, and Division

of City Schools of Quezon.

It counts among its major sponsors Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, a past president of the RoCK. “Kinikilala ito na isa sa mga awarded, isa samga pillars at contribution ng Rotary Club of Kamuning sa Rotary International,” Bautista said of the annual Rotary event.

A total of 7,000 people–including parents, teachers and visitors– are expected to attend the RoCK-Alay event that starts at 7:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening.

Admission is free.

T HUR S DAY : F EBRUA RY 18, 2016

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ Regine Velasquez

Lovi Poe

GMA Thanksgiving Party 2016 hosts Betong and Boobay

I

KAPUSO NETWORK RINGS IN NEW YEAR WITH STAR-STUDDED TRADE EVENT

n a heartfelt show of gratitude, GMA Network through its Marketing and Productions Group hosted a star-studded thanksgiving party ISAH V. RED for its clients, advertisers and agency partners on Feb. 10 to welcome the New Year.

Pure excitement and entertainment filled the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La as GMA officers and top Entertainment and News and Public Affairs personalities came to celebrate with the Network’s esteemed partners from the trade.

Leading the celebration was GMA’s top management headed by its Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, and Chief Marketing Officer Lizelle G. Maralag.

The evening was made more memorable with the presence of some of the brightest Kapuso stars –Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Michael V., Lovi Poe, Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, Tom Rodriguez, Carla Abellana, Megan Young, Eugene Domingo, Gabby Concepcion, Raymart Santiago, Rhian Ramos, Solenn Heussaff, Iya Villania, Camille Prats, Jean Garcia, Donita Rose, Kris Bernal, Glaiza de Castro, Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, Janine Gutierrez, Mikael Daez, Rocco Nacino, Benjamin Alves, Senator Tito Sotto, and Ai-Ai delas Alas.

Also present were Aljur Abrenica, Julie Anne San Jose, Kylie Padilla, Max Collins, Sef Cadayona, Jackie Rice, Andrea Torres, Barbie Forteza, Bea Binene, Derrick Monasterio, Kristoffer Martin, Thea Tolentino, Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid, Gabbi Garcia, Louise delos Reyes, Ken Chan, Kiko Estrada, Jake Vargas, Enzo Pineda, Bettinna Carlos, Winwyn Marquez, Sheena Halili, Martin del Rosario, Fabio Ide, Ervic Vijandre, Jeric Gonzales, Joyce Ching, Maricris Garcia, Pancho Magno, Dion Ignacio, Chris Tiu, Chef Boy Logro, Ina Feleo, Hiro Peralta, Rafa Seguion-Reyna, Juancho Triviño, Klea Pineda, Migo Adecer, Ayra Mariano, Elyson De Dios, Jillian Ward, Miggs Cuaderno, Jerald Napoles,and Stephanie Sol. Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, Rhea Santos, Pia Arcangel, Connie Sison, Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz, and Luanne Dy of GMA News and Public Affairs, the country’s most trusted and most awarded broadcast news organization, also graced the occasion.

The event proved to be a unique Kapuso experience from start to finish as guests were treated to a show-stopping performance by Rock ‘N Soul Diva Aicelle Santos, along with an exciting preview of programs that will soon be shown on the country’s premier free-to-air channel.

The Network also put together a special edition of the pop culture phenomenon, Lip Sync Battle, for its partner agencies. Finalists of the activity were Zenith Optimedia, Carat, Touch BPN, Starcom Mediavest, Universal McCann, AQ Advertising, M.E.C., One:Manila and the grand winner was Mediaforce Vizeum Philippines. The Network recently acquired the rights to produce a local adaptation of the highly popular US program, which will air on GMA beginning Feb. 27 hosted by multi-talented artist Michael V. together with TV host-actress Iya Villania.

GMA also recognized the remarkable traits and accomplishments of its trade partners in the first “Kapuso Fun Awards.” Over P3 million worth of prizes including 3 brand new cars were also raffled off throughout the event with Kapuso comedians Betong Sumaya and Boobay as hosts.

Continued on C7

L-R (top): Don Bautista, Liza Obispo, Barbie Forteza and Thea Tolentino L-R (bottom): Princess Latina, Katrina Kwan and Nina Prim

L-R: Marie Mendoza (Starcom), Anne Panopio (Emperador Distillers, Inc.), Jenny Carl Timtiman (Emperador Distillers, Inc.), Denise Co (Emperador Distillers, Inc.), Eugene Domingo, Cherry Bonto, and Earl Angeles (Starcom)

Rhea Santos, Pia Arcangel, Connie Sison, Arnold Clavio, and Luanne Dy

L-R: Michael Barinque (Grand Monaco Realty Marketing, Inc.), Jazzmin Yutuc (Grand Monaco Realty Marketing, Inc.), Fabio Ide, Dancel J. Leonardo(Grand Monaco Realty Marketing, Inc.), Editha L. Manansala(Grand Monaco Realty Marketing, Inc.)

Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix

Dingdong and Marian Dantes

GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon and GMA President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr with Eugene Domingo

Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards and Chef Boy Logro

L-R: Keangelou Esguerra and Aly Ocampo of Zenith Optimedia, and Dingdong Dantes with Sarah Hernandez and Camille Cadiz of TMCR