The Standard - 2016 May 14 - Saturday

VOL. XXX  NO. 91  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  SATURDAY : MAY 14, 2016  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MARCOS LEADS EXPATS’ VOTING

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‘AUDIT SYSTEM NOW’ IT expert: code changes imperil poll credibility

By Joel E. Zurbano and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

A COMPUTER expert with the poll watchdog AES Watch on Friday urged the Commission on Elections o open its automated election system to an independent audit to determine what really happened to the system during the counting of votes on the eve of Election Day. “This [audit] should happen now. We can’t wait for another six years to resolve this issue,” said lawyer Glen Chong, an information technology expert and a member of the transparency watchdog AES Watch.

The appeal came on the heels of the poll body’s admission that the hash code of the data packet in the transparency server was indeed changed on the evening of May 9 while they were already transmitting the results from the vote counting machines.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said that Smartmatic project manager Marlon Garcia made the unauthorized change for a “cosmetic” reason— to change the “?” in some names to “ñ,” and said this did not affect the outcome or integrity of the elections.

But the camp of vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued the same challenge to the Comelec.

“It has become clear that our assertion that hash codes had been changed at 7:30 p.m. on May 9 is true. This is a matter of grave and immediate concern,” said Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz, Marcos’ campaign adviser.

Dela Cruz said two witnesses confirmed there were alterations made and a video has been circulating on social media that changes indeed were made, prompting Bautista and officials of Smartmatic, the poll body’s partner in the automated election system project, to admit that Next page

Unauthorized. Smartmatic project manager Marlon Garcia (left) and Smartmatic project director Elie Moreno maintain that the script they inserted in the Commission on Elections server was harmless although they admitted that they did so without the express approval of the poll body. LINO SANTOS

GO AFTER AQUINO, LEFTISTS DARE RODY

By Christine F. Herrera, Sandy Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz A LEFTIST group issued a first-100-days challenge to the presumptive president, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, to prosecute “big-time criminals” led by his predecessor, President Benigno Aquino III and his top officials for crimes com-

mitted against the people.

“We believe in Mayor Duterte’s call for a healing process in the name of unity, but such unity will remain futile and hollow if social justice is not served,” said Salvador France, vice chairman of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PamalakayaPilipinas).

The group said among the crimes that Aquino, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Senate President Franklin Drilon must be held accountable for are the misuse of public funds through the Disbursement Acceleration Program, Priority Development Assistance Fund, and donations given to the victims of Typhoon “Yolanda.”

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MINDANAO POLS WANT TO LEAD CONGRESS

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PH TAGGED AS HUB FOR KIDDIE PORN

THE Philippines has been identified as a key hub in Southeast Asia for organized cybersex with tens of thousands of children believed to have been exploited by “webcam child sex tourism” involving children performing sexual acts in front of a camera directed by the abuser, according to a landmark study on pedophiles.

This was one of the findings of the “Global Study on Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism,” a comprehensive review of how child sex tourism has evolved in the last two decades.

The study concludes that technology is transforming the global sex trade and making it easier than ever for travellers to prey on children.

The UN-backed report shines a light on the rampant spread of child sex tourism, a scourge that touches every corner of the world and is outpacing all efforts to contain it.

Researchers say the spread of communications technology is facilitating abuse at

every step—by helping offenders groom and procure children on the internet before they arrive, network among themselves and share or even livestream images of abuse.

“With the click of a button, offenders can have children ‘delivered’ to their hotel room or anywhere else they choose,” the report says.

Pedophiles can now speak directly to victims, using social media channels, with an immediacy “that was impossible 20 years ago,” it adds.

In a country like South Korea, where advanced communication technologies are widespread, more than 95 percent of commercial sexual exploitation of children is

arranged over the internet, according to researchers.

Shadowy digital spaces are also offering abusers thicker layers of anonymity, with tools like cloud computing and encryption reducing their visibility and risk of arrest.

“Thanks to the increasing use of the socalled ‘darknet’, predators can securely post, view and exchange child abuse materials produced during their trips through networks that are difficult to detect,” the report said.

New inventions in tech have also transformed the nature of abuse itself.

The takeoff of the “sharing economy” has also freed up new, more private places for travellers to abuse children, with sites like Airbnb inadvertently offering further insulation from the public eye.

The report writers called on tech companies to “take a lead” in developing solutions to undermine online business deals, such as programs that can track or block payments. AFP

Furious commissioner. Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon scores Smartmatic for tampering with a Commission on Elections server and insisted that the poll agency mount a formal investigation that should include determining accountability for the incident. LINO SANTOS

Go after...

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Aquino must also be made to answer for the bloody dispersal of farmers in Kidapawan, which led to two deaths, the group said.

Describing Aquino, Abad and Drilon as “big criminals,” they asked Duterte to prosecute them during his first 100 days in office.

France said that both DAP and PDAF were declared illegal by the Supreme Court, and that DAP was the brainchild of the President, Abad and Drilon.

France said the new president should also investigate the “theft of billions” in rehabilitation funds, including international donations, set aside for victims of “Yolanda.”

France said Aquino’s six years

were checkered with “corruption and plunder, human rights violations, sheer incompetence, criminal negligence and complete disregard for the people’s just demands.”

“We challenge President Duterte that if he is really sincere in providing social justice to the Filipino people who gravely suffered from ‘daang matuwid,’ he should heed the people’s sentiments on the urgent and unconditional prosecution of the Aquino and his ilk, sparing no one,” France said.

The Gabriela Women’s partylist group also called on Duterte to “hold Benigno Aquino III, and his cohorts, accountable to the corruption, violence and criminal neglect that caused the sufferings and loss of lives.”

“It is of utmost importance

that we call on the highest elected official, the incoming president Rodrigo Duterte to address the immediate demands of women: Create regular jobs in rural and urban areas; suspend all ongoing privatization of public services and utilities; promote the rights of marginalized women, children, LGBT and PWDs; end US military intervention via Edca [Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement] and other military agreements; release all political prisoners and immediately start the peace negotiations.

“These are the minimum set of challenges that the GWP is presenting to the incoming administration. We will remain vigilant and pro-active in advancing the cause of women in all levels of society,” said Gabriela party-list Rep. Emmi de Jesus.

De Jesus said the unprecedented victory of Duterte reflects the decision of the majority of the voters to reject the lies, corruption, use of taxpayers’ money for buying influence and votes, the injustice and puppetry to foreign interests of the Aquino Administration.

“Our party, obtaining second highest number of party-list votes, is set to begin work inside and outside of Congress to push for the programs that reflect the interest of the marginalized women and children,” De Jesus said.

“We will once again strive to push for bills on decent and affordable housing, health and education, to address the unequal status of women and LGBTs, end labor contractualization and to scrap unequal economic and military treaties,” De Jesus added. Rio N. Araja

‘Audit...

From A1 changes in the system had indeed been made.

But Chong of AES Watch said assurances from the Comelec and Smartmatic that the changes were merely cosmetic were not enough. Nor was it enough to show the original and change script to prove there was no cheating.

“Any IT expert worth his salt will not accept that,” Chong said.

Dela Cruz said the insertion of a new script put in question the results of the close vice presidential race as well as the senatorial contests.

“We do not agree with Chairman Bautista’s claim that the change was something innocuous,” he said.

Dela Cruz said the law prohibits any form of unauthorized tampering with electronic devices or their components used in the automated elections.

Furthermore, he said, Comelec rules also provide that changing the hash code requires an en banc resolution but as admitted by Bautista himself, even he was not informed about it.

“In addition, if the alteration was something innocuous, why did they have to change it in the first place while in the middle of transmission? Why did they deny the change only to admit it later on?” Dela Cruz demanded.

He said the inability of the Comelec to safeguard the AES system from unauthorized tampering has cast a cloud of doubt over the integrity of the entire process.

AES Watch co-convenor Bobby Tuazon described the recently concluded election as a “disaster.”

“After monopolizing the election technology in three automated elections [2010, 2013, 2016], it is time for Smartmatic to call it quits,” Tuazon said.

He added that Smartmatic “practically counted the votes by using a system that is not transparent thus leaving the country’s millions of voters in the dark whether their votes were properly and accurately counted.”

Tuazon said the AES Watch had alerted the public on the following scenario that might happen during and after the May 9 elections.

Among them: -There will be danger of double transmissions.

-The manual delivery of 92,509 SD cards from the precincts nationwide was vulnerable to double transmissions, tampering, and delayed ERs transmitted; -Tampering of the system: -Transmission failures.

-Vote Counting Machines malfunction.

-Improper and delayed final testing and sealing.

“In just three days after the elections, more than 2,000 machines have been reported malfunctioning, and possibly more not disclosed… resulting in manual voting, [that affected] 1.5-million voters,” Tuazon said.

Chong, also a member of the Reform Philippines Coalition, said the changes Smartmatic made threw the entire electoral process under cloud of doubt.

A hash code is the key or seal to any system. If it changes, it means the system was modified by someone.

Bautista has admitted that the Venezuelan technician from Smartmatic, the Comelec’s IT service provider, had changed the script without proper authorization from the Comelec, contrary to the law and to the agency’s rules.

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Digong allies to get top posts FOLLOWING presumptive president Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s ascendancy to power, his fellow Mindanaoans are set to capture the Senate presidency and the House speakership, and for the first time in history.

While he topped the senatorial race and most of the ruling Liberal Party’s candidates won Senate seats, Senate President Franklin Drilon, who now ranks number one in the senatorial race, will have to step down or fight it out with Cagayan de Oro’s Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, the lone Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan nominee who already announced his availability for the post.

The numbers game also begins in the House, where the lone PDPLaban nominee, Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Sur, is heading the 17th Congress.

As the Liberals led by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. won the majority of the House seats, and the 46-strong Visayan bloc led by Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez got reelected, most lawmakers have started to negotiate with Alvarezfor the committee chairmanships.

Belmonte and Benitez were negotiating to join forces to beat Duterte’s nominee or use their numbers to get the major House posts.

Belmonte remains quiet about the LP’s plan, but his party whips have started reaching out to other allied parties in the majority rainbow coalition, such as the 40-member Nationalist People’s Coalition that backed the presidential bid of Senator Grace Poe, and the 22-member National Unity Party that also supported the candidacy of LP standard bearer Manuel Roxas II. The 40-member Congressional Party-List Foundation, co-led by Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption Rep. Sherwin Tugna and Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, which also bankrolled Roxas, was also being wooed by the contenders for the speakership.

The Liberals won more than 100 House seats in the congressional race in this month’s polls.

But just like in the 2010 presidential elections, political pundits believe that “history will repeat itself.”

Christine F. Herrera BINAY

PIMENTEL III

Alvarez

Graft raps ordered against 6 Budget officials THE Office of the Ombudsman on Friday ordered the filing of graft raps against six Budget Department officials for the purchase of substandard inflatable rubber boats in 2010.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said Undersecretary Evelyn Guerrero, director IV Lourdes Santiago, procurement management officer V Julieta Lo-

zano, procurement management officer III Mervin Ian Tanquintic, administrative assistant III Alvin John Perater, and ad hoc member Lt. Malone Agudelo had violated the anti-graft law.

She also charged Anthony Hernandez of JOAVI Philippines Corp., saying his firm failed to comply with the government’s technical specifications.

The Ombudsman said the rubber boats were not equipped with intercommunication or inflation valves, over-pressure valves and roll-up floor.

The boats were designed as sports models and not military models, and JOAVI submitted falsified technical evaluation and post-qualification reports, the Ombudsman said. Rio N. Araja

Binay concedes, gratulates Duterte VICE President Jejomar Binay has conceded to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and extended his congratulations to the incoming president, his spokesman said Friday.

Joey Salgado said Binay talked with Duterte to congratulate him for winning the presidency three days after the May 9 elections.

“We confirm that Vice President Binay has talked to president-elect Duterte. He extended his congratulations and wished the president-elect all the best,” Salgado said.

The Binay camp became convinced that Duterte had won following his big lead in the unofficial tally of the Commission on Elections, which was transmitted through the transparency servers to its citizen arm.

Senator Grace Poe was the first to concede on election night, while Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II admitted defeat the day after.

Duterte now has almost 16 million votes while Roxas, his closest rival, has more than nine million. Vito Barcelo

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Foreign ‘playbook’ readied

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday said it will hand over the playbook to the incoming Duterte administration to continue to handle diplomatic initiatives of the country, including the territorial row with China on the disputed West Philippine Sea or South China Sea. Foreign Affairs Secretary Rene Almendras said the playbook will serve as a guide to Duterte’s administration on how to weigh things with China, adding that the new administration will not have to worry about the territorial row with the China after the arbitral tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands releases its ruling on the dispute.

In a press briefing, Almendras said they will brief and turn over to the next DFA secretary a healthy, robust play book, and its role in solving a mutual and beneficial in the disputed WPS. The playbook is a compilation of “four years intense diplomatic initiative of the Philippine government,” Almendras said.

He said the playbook includes the process the Aquino administration had undertaken in order to obtain the strong support of G7 nations, G20 and the European Union on Manila’s position visa-vis Beijing’s aggressive posturing and island-building actions.

While Almendras admitted that they cannot tell the new administration what to do, because we don’t know what the situation will be in the coming days and months, the playbook could help in forming decisions not only about the South China Sea, but the entire global geopolitics and economic relations of the Philippines.

Duterte has previously said that he is willing to talk with China over a highly sensitive territorial dispute in the South China Sea, his spokesman said yesterday, in a significant reversal of the incumbent’s stance.

Duterte has said he is also willing to form partnerships with China to extract gas and oil deposits that are believed to be in the sea, as well as explore joint fishing management systems, according to his spokesperson Peter Laviña.

China and the Philippines, under President Benigno Aquino III, have endured steadily worsening relations in recent years as they sparred over joint claims to parts of the South China Sea.

Playbook turnover. Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Almendras said Friday the DFA is preparing to turnover a foreign policy ‘playbook’ to the incoming administration of president-apparent Rodrigo Duterte. AFP FILE PHOTO

Marcos leads overseas absentee votes

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan VICE presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos leads the overseas absentee voting over rival administration bet Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, an official of the Commission on Elections said Friday.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said Marcos has officially garnered 144,392 votes while Robredo only got 77,574.

“We are awaiting for the remaining 66,818 votes from Hongkong and Tel Aviv [Israel],” Guanzon said.

Based on the partial and unofficial count of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Robredo so far leads the overall tally 14,003,003 votes while Marcos got 13,779,849 votes.

Guanzon noted that the Comelec, sit-

ting as the National Board of Canvassers, is not responsible for canvassing the votes for president and vice president.

It is the Congress, which is scheduled to resume session on May 23, that is mandated to canvass the votes for the top two government posts in the land. There are a total of 429,802 Filipinos overseas who were able to cast their votes during the month-long OAV. Meanwhile, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said there is no proof to support the claim of a Filipino-Japanese that there were irregularities, discrepancies and problems during the OAV in Tokyo and Okinawa in Japan.

“It seems there is no other basis for their allegations,” Jimenez said, in response to the claim of women’s rights advocate Socorro Yuko Takei that the the supposed irregularities in Japan

were aimed mainly against supporters of Marcos.

On Wednesday, Takei, of the Crusade for the Protection of Philippine Interests in Japan and the Philippine Women’s League of Japan, enumerated the alleged bias against the supporters of Marcos, who claim to form a majority of Filipino expats in that country.

However, Takei and her fellow poll watchers were surprised when they received unofficial results showing that Marcos came in second to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the running mate of leading presidential contender Rodrigo Duterte.

“Senator Marcos only came out second to Alan Cayetano when we expected him to win with Mayor Duterte,” Takei said, adding that the embassy refused to give them a copy of the certificate of canvass.

Senators named next week

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Homecoming. Four Indonesian sailors kidnapped by suspected Islamic militants in Mindanao arrive back at the Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in Jakarta on May 13. The four sailors were abducted off the east coast of Malaysia’s Sabah state on April 15.

COMMISSION on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista said that the poll body agency is looking to proclaim the 12 winning senators either on Tuesday or Thursday.

“We cannot proclaim them this weekend because we still have special elections [on Saturday],” Bautista told the reporters on Friday.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, for her part, said the poll body, sitting as the National Board Canvassers, could proclaim the winning either May 17 (Tuesday) or May 19 (Thursday).

On Saturday, there are a total of 19,791 voters who are expected to again cast their ballots in special elections in 14

towns and 55 clustered precincts.

These are Cordova, Cebu; Maitum, Sarangani; Sta. Cruz, Marinduque; Anini-y, Antique; Lope de Vega, Northern Samar; Matuguinao, Western Samar; Binidayan, Lanao del Sur; Pata, Sulu; Panglima Estino, Sulu; Tamparan, Lanao del Sur; Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; Loreto, Agusan del Sur; and Hinigaran, Negros Occidental.

The special elections will be held after the poll body declared a failure of elections in the aforementioned areas on Tuesday because of security concerns, lack of official ballots and misdelivery of official ballots, among others.

Bautista boasted that as of Friday, they have received 95 percent of certificate of canvass from 92,905 clustered precincts.

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Aquino signs law reforming OWWA

By Macon Araneta

Remembering the dead. Relatives of the 72 workers who perished in the May 13, 2015 Kentex fire light candles to mark the first anniversary of the incident in Brgy. Ugong in Valenzulela City on Friday. MANNY PALMERO

Palace transcom sets the stage for Duterte

By Sandy Araneta The transition committee of President Benigno Aquino III met on Friday to ensure the smooth transition to the administration of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said.

In its first meeting, the Presidential Transition Committee (PTC) focused on ensuring that the transition reports of all departments, agencies, bureaus, government-owned and-controlled corporations and other instrumentalities under the Executive Branch are submitted and consolidated by end-May, said Communications Secretary Her-

minio Coloma Jr. in a statement.

This will give the incoming administration ample time to review these reports before assuming office, Coloma said.

The meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Office of the President in Malacañang. Aquino was not present in the meeting, he said.

As directed by committee

head Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., the most senior career official will be designated as agency focal person for the whole duration of the transition process leading to the inauguration of the incoming president on June 30, 2016, Coloma said.

According to Ochoa, the PTC is prepared to work with, and meet with the transition team of the incoming president. However, the meeting with Duterte’s transition team has not been scheduled yet.

“This committee involves solely officials of the Aquino administration. No meeting has been scheduled with the transition team of Mayor Duterte,” Coloma added.

Meanwhile, Aquino signed on Thursday Administrative Order No. 49, or the “Creation of a Presidential Transition Committee and Other Agency Transition Committees.”

In AO 49, Aquino said “in order to have a smooth transition, the outgoing administration must ensure that the new administration is assisted by an orderly government that is ready to continue to serve the Filipino people.”

He also said, “there is a need for transition committees to work closely with the representatives of the president-elect in order to ensure a peaceful, orderly and effective transition on 30 June 2016.”

SENATOr Juan Edgardo Angara has hailed the signing into law of a bill that institutionalizes and strengthens the government’s support for overseas Filipino workers and their families by introducing reforms to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Angara said he was thankful to President Benigno Aquino III and his colleagues in the Senate and the House of representatives for the passage into law of the legislative measure that strengthen the mandate of OWWA to address the concerns of our OFWs and their families,” said Angara, acting chairman of the Senate labor committee and sponsor and co-author of the new OWWA law. republic Act 10801 declares OWWA a national government agency and an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment.

Under the new law, it would now receive government funding instead of relying solely on the contributions of its OFW members.

The recently enacted law also increases the number of representatives from the OFW sector in the OWWA Board of Trustees from the present three to five (two from land-based OFWs, two from sea-based OFWs and one from the women sector), while representatives from the government will be reduced from seven to six.

“As the principal agency of the government that serves and promotes the rights, interest and welfare of OFWs and their families, the composition of the OWWA Board of Trustees must be reformed to really represent the OFW sector,” said Angara.

Under this law, the 2.4-million OFWs have more say in the disposition of the funds of the OWWA and the prioritization of programs and services.

GCC countries deny reentry to OFW deportees away from sponsors and employers or because of a

FOrEIgN migrant work- court ruling for violating ers, including Filipinos, labor laws will be denied who have been deported entry by other gCC counfrom any member of the tries.

Saudi Arabia, the gulf Cooperation Council (gCC) will be barred from United Arab Emirates, entering any other gCC Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait country, the Philippine and Oman compose the Overseas Employment gCC. “The Ministry of InAdministration said.

POEA chief Hans Leo terior said the circular Cacdac said that Qatar’s is in accordance with Ministry of Interior has the resolutions of the of issued a circular declar- Secretary-general ing workers who have the gCC and the actibeen deported from any vation of the security gCC country for running link among gCC coun-

By Vito Barcelo

Clean-up drive. Volunteers start taking down election campaign materials in Bagong Barrio and Libis Baesa in Caloocan City on Friday. ANDREW RABUL

tries that any violator of labor regulations in one of the gCC countries will be treated as a violator in the other five countries,” Cacdac said.

The gCC hoped the measure will reduce cases of runaways and ensure labor market stability in the gulf area.

Cacdac said gCC members also have an existing agreement to disallow foreign workers who were deported for being involved in criminal offenses from entering other gCC countries.

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DBM urges performance evaluation for mid-year bonus

Shining Moment. This file photo taken on May 5, 2016 shows Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., a vice presidential candidate and the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reacting as confetti rains during his miting-de-avance in Manila. The younger Marcos was fighting to stave off election defeat on May 13, in a cliffhanger vice presidential contest against a novice politician. AFP

2 Sinos arrested in QC with P5-million shabu

By Joel E. Zurbano

Lawmen arrested two suspected Chinese drug dealers and confiscated a kilo of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, worth P5 million during a buy-bust operation in Quezon City Thursday.

The suspects, identified as Xiongwei Chen a.k.a. “Choleng” and Weier Chen, both natives of Fujian, China, are now detained and undergoing interrogation at the National Capital Region Police office headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

National Capital Region Police

office (NCRPo) Director Joel Pagdilao said his men from the Anti Illegal Drugs-special operations Task Group arrested the suspects following a brief chase from Katipunan Avenue to Carlos P. Garcia street at 12:30 p.m.

Prior to the arrest, one of the policemen posed as a buyer and arranged for the purchase of 250

grams of shabu with the suspects, who agreed to make the deal on Katipunan. After the transaction, the suspects noticed the presence of the other operatives and tried to escape on their get-away vehicle.

During the arrest, the police recovered four more plastic bags containing more or less 750 grams of the illegal substance.

Pagdilao said the latest apprehension of the Chinese nationals came on the heels of the previous arrest of three Taiwanese and two other Chinese drug dealers.

“The arrest of these suspects is a manifestation of our sustained anti-drug operations despite our election duties,” he said.

early this month, NCRPo operatives seized 55 kilos of shabu worth P275 million from three Taiwanese nationals in a buy-bust operation in Ayala-Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City.

Pagdilao said his team was busting illegal drugs trade in Metro Manila in line with the government’s oplan Lambat sibat program.

During the first four months of the year, the NCRPo arrested 55 suspected drug pushers and seized P400 million worth of the prohibited substance.

Pagdilao said that from January to April 24, his men confiscated 80.384 kilograms of shabu amounting to P401.74 million

THe Department of Budget and Management on Friday urged all government agencies to conduct an evaluation of their personnel’s performance as a basis for granting their mid-year bonus on May 15.

“We have been receiving queries on the guidelines for the grant of mid-year bonus, particularly for government employees who qualify based on their length of service, but have not yet received a performance rating by their respective agencies,” the DBM said in a statement.

“Thus, the DBM encourages government agencies to conduct the performance evaluation of their respective personnel for the grant of mid-year bonus on May 15, 2016,” the department said.

It added that pursuant to Budget Circular 2016-3, the grant of mid-year bonus requires government personnel to have rendered at least a total or an aggregate of four months of service from July 1, 2015 to May 15, 2016, to be currently in service as of May 15, 2016, and to have received at least a satisfactory performance rating in the immediately preceding rating period.

According to Memorandum Circular No. 6, s. 2012, a performance evaluation shall be regularly conducted by all agencies twice a year or once every semester following the guidelines prescribed by the Civil service Commission.

However, if the organizational needs of the agency concerned required a shorter or longer period, the minimum evaluation period shall be at least 90 days or three months, the DBM said.

Government personnel will get their mid-year bonus totaling P31 billion, Budget secretary Florencio Abad said.

Abad said the one-month midyear bonus for most state officials and employees would be tax-free. “eight in every 10 civilian personnel will receive their bonus in full, or tax-free under Republic Act No. 10653, which provides that gross annual benefits not exceeding P82,000 shall be tax-exempt,” he explained.

Abad said those who would get their mid-year incentive in full include 970,943 personnel holding salary Grades 1 to 16.

Sandy Araneta

2 Senate committees consider amendment of organ donor law

By Maricel V. Cruz A House proposal to amend the country’s Human organ Donation and Transplantation Program and provide penalties for its violation is now being considered by senators on the committee level.

House Bill 5538, or the proposed “organ Donation Act” principally authored by Yacap party-list Rep. Carol Jane Lopez, has been taken into consideration by the senate committees on health and demography, and on finance when they approved its counterpart measure, senate Bill 3221 last February 3, 2016

before the congressional adjournment.

In their committee report, the senate committee on health and demography chaired by senator Teofisto Guingona III, and committee on health chaired by senator Loren B. Legarda jointly endorsed the approval of sB 3221, in substitution of sBs187, 666, 1058, 2840 and 3078, and taking into consideration House Bill 5538 and senate P.s.R. (simple Resolution) 546.

Both HB 5538 and sB 3221 seek to further amend Republic Act 7170, otherwise known as the “organ Donation Act of 1991,” to strengthen the coun-

try’s Human organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Program and provide penalties for its violation.

Lopez, a House deputy minority leader, said at the outset, RA 7170 authorizes the legacy or donation of all parts or part of a human body after death for specified purposes.

“The law recognizes that an individual has the option to become a hero, so to speak, via a will or other document he or she executed or through the decision of his or her next of kin. Hence a mechanism has been set up to legitimize the donation of organs to take effect after death,” said Lopez.

A day’s work. A male teen wipes off dust on sandals as he helps his parents mind their makeshift stall at a Quezon City market. EY ACASIO

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Albay gov gains 92% congress’l mandate

Out to dry. A farmer scatters newly harvested rice grains for drying along Marcos Highway in Gapan, Nueva Ecija.

MANNY PALMERO

PPCRV member dies in ambush

ment regional center is situated. The district includes four municipalities—Daraga, site of the world famous Cagsawa Ruins and the Bicol International Airport, now under construction; the historic Camalig town; Manito, home to Luzon’s geothermal wells; and the island of Rapu-rapu, a rich fishing town.

“The provincial government of Albay has worked to provide its constituency better health and medical care and support and greater access to quality education while at the same time working hard to boost the local economy through our tourism efforts,” Salceda said.

“In Albay, we don’t measure development and progress in terms of towering skyscrapers or creating a sprawling metropolis. Instead, our development indicators include, among others, mothers who are no longer dying during childbirth; we are malaria and filariasis-free; our National Achievement Test rank has jumped from 177th in 2007 to 19th in 2012; our regional and provincial hospitals have been modernized,” he added.

Storm survivors lose hope on aid as Aquino term ends

By A. Perez Rimando By Ronald O. Reyes CAMP ABELON, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur—A female volunteer of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting was killed while her teenage son was seriously wounded in an ambush staged by unidentified men Tuesday afternoon in Dinas town, this province.

A police report received here by Sr. Supt. Michael Nicolas said PPCRV member Lilia P. Olmedo, a resident of nearby Barangay Garatta in Dinas, sustained multiple bullet wounds in the body and died on the spot.

Her son Manuel, 14, was hit on the shoulder and arms and was rushed to the Tabina Municipal Hospital. He is in serious condition.

Sr. Supt. Nicolas said Olmedo and her son were walking towards San Isidro Parish church in Dinas poblacion to submit final results of the May 9 elections when they were fired upon with M-16 Armalite rifle by unidentified gunmen.

Responding police recovered empty magazine of M-16 rifle and 11 spent shells of 5.56 caliber at the crime scene even as they theorized that political motive was behind Olmedo’s killing and her son’s wounding.

The suspects fled towards the outskirts of the town after the incident, police said, adding that the PPCRV national office has reportedly readied fund aid for Olmedo.

THREE-TERM Albay Gov. Jose Salceda gained 92 percent of votes for a seat at the House of Representatives.

“Dios Mabalos saindo gabos [I thank you all]. Truly humbled by your love, I accept your command. Let us work together for the greater glory of our beloved Capital District of Albay,” said Salceda.

Salceda is credited for the transformation of Albay province from an economically depressed province frequently ravaged by disasters, to a global standard model of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Albay is now a Unicef World Biosphere Reserve.

Albay’s development gains in the past nine years are largely felt in health, tourism, education, the local economy and its soaring popularity as pioneer in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Salceda said that once in Congress, he would push the development strategy he had started on Albay.

The 2nd District which includes Legazpi City, the provincial capital, is Albay’s central business area where the govern-

TACLOBAN CITY—Government workers hit by the 2013 Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Visayas expressed fear that full release of the housing aid promised to them through the President’s Social Fund would not happen as President Benigno Aquino III has merely one month left before stepping out from office.

Belen Manasis, 50, a public school teacher in “Yolanda” hard-hit town of Palo in Leyte, said she is already hopeless that the full housing aid due to her will be released.

“We have only been given half the amount due us,” she said.

In January 2014, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Julia Andrea Abad issued a guideline for the release of the housing reimbursement aid taken from President’s Social Fund.

Qualified recipients are entitled to P100,000 in cash, while those

with partially damaged houses were entitled to P30,000.

Recipients of the housing assistance are education personnel from different divisions in Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, X, and XI who were victims of Bohol earthquake in October and Typhoon “Yolanda” in November 2013.

“So when are they going to release all the funds? After elections, or if there is still something left of it? In the meantime, it is already earning an interest [in the bank],” Efleda Bautista, convener of coalition of storm survivors People Surge, said earlier.

“We cannot tell as to when it would be released. That’s beyond our control. That is already an issue with PMS ,” said Jasmin Calzita, regional information officer of Department

of Education in Eastern Visayas.

“We’ll just wait,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dean Lacandazo of People Surge said the issue of unreleased housing fund for government employees would now be a challenge to president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to implement what the Aquino government failed to fulfill.

“There is no doubt as to the incompetence and heartlessness of Aquino, thus this challenge to Duterte to champion the rights of “Yolanda” survivors especially our beloved teachers who are still yet to receive the promised housing aid,” he said.

“I think it is high time now for our teachers to make a protest,” added Marissa Cabaljao, spokesperson of People Surge.

A N N OU N C E M E NT To all ABS-CBNmobile Prepaid Subscribers with ABS-CBN TVplus: We are pleased to announce that ABS-CBNmobile KBO 30 (Kapamilya Box Office 30) will be available from 16 May 2016 to 31 October 2016.

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At the seams. A bus in Guiuan, Eastern Samar leaves the terminal filled with passengers. MEL CASPE

Per DT-FTEB SPD Permit # 7503 S2016

( T S - M AY 14 , 2 016)

S AT U R D AY : M AY 14 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

INVESTIGATE THE NOVOTEL CONTROVERSY

[ EDI TORI A L ]

A PLACE FOR WOMEN DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is not known for his high regard of women.

In fact, he is notorious for his lack—no, absence—of respect for women.

In various pronouncements, Duterte boasted of his conquests: wives, girlfriends and others he “maintains.” During sorties, he picked out attractive women and kissed them on the mouth, to their surprise and terror—if not revulsion. In one of the presidential debates, when asked how he could show he respected women, he mumbled something about banning bathing suits on the beach, betraying a superficial, if not outright wrong, notion of gender equality.

Perhaps the most galling was his recollection of the killing of an Australian missionary in his city many years ago, when he said he had wanted to be the first among the prisoners who had raped the woman because she was “so beautiful like a movie star,” as if that justified anything.

The statement gained harsh reaction over social media and made it to international news, even as it failed to dampen the larger population’s adulation of Duterte, something that was shown not only by the surveys that followed but by actual election results. The Davao mayor took on an early lead—and never looked back.

And now he will be the next president and the transition from an Aquino to a Duterte administration has begun. One of the members of the transition team would be Senator Pia Cayetano, sister of Duterte’s defeated running mate and who has positioned herself as a champion of women’s rights in the Upper Chamber.

Cayetano was scored when she did not denounce the mayor’s joke about the Australian woman—perhaps careful to not place her brother’s candidacy at risk— even as she insisted in her Twitter account that her stand on gender issues had not changed and that she had reached out to Duterte’s team after that remark.

Now the senator says she would push for the inclusion of more women in highlevel government positions. That the country has had two women presidents does not erase the fact that some quarters of government not only remain dominated by men but are actually hostile and discriminatory to women.

The new administration must look at the plight of marginalized women in conflict-ridden and extremely poor areas. They must be allowed to perform their diverse roles in rearing children, maintaining homes and earning a living. Women community leaders must be heard and empowered. Finally, they must be seen not as weak members of society need protection. They are, instead, citizens who must be accorded respect as any human being deserves.

We cannot wait to be proven wrong. It would take more than appointing a champion like Cayetano for Mr. Duterte to show a decent regard for women and an intention to reverse his reprehensible words.

PRESIDENT DIGONG POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO THE Filipino people gave Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte a huge vote of confidence. Being elected into office by almost 40 percent of the voting population is a feat that so far, only he has done. The people decided in a big way that this unconventional guy is the one who, in the next six years, would hold the rein of government—hopefully, in a way that will be good

for the country and its more than a hundred million people, more than ten million of which are scattered all over the world.

Thus, one can say that Digong’s administration will have to go beyond our lands if government is to also look into the welfare of overseas Filipinos.

I did not go for Duterte, as I have said before. But since the people chose him, I am bowing to the will of the voters. I choose to be as supportive as possible without letting my guard down.

I will praise when something is praiseworthy, but I will also criticize when needed. We are

in a democracy, after all.

Mayor Duterte made big promises during the campaign.

He vowed to significantly curb corruption and criminality, two of the most serious problems plaguing our land. He said he would go after drug lords, and other criminal elements roaming our streets. He promised a safe, secure, orderly environment where citizens can have peace of mind and not feel threatened or at risk.

Like all the other candidates, Duterte said that he would deal with poverty, that his government would fix the problems

A9

I choose to be as supportive as possible without letting my guard down.

with our public transportation system especially in Metro Manila. Infrastructure will be improved, agriculture and industrialization will receive the much needed attention. He said his administration would prioritize education and health.

Perhaps his biggest promises are the ones dealing with systems change. Duterte is the only candidate who openly said that he will pursue a federal form of government, and shift to the parliamentary system. I have written in the past that in my view, systems change can be good for us. These are big, radical changes that will be most challenging to take on.

I am looking forward to how President Duterte will lead the

nation towards these. Certainly, these need to be done within the confines of the law. Tinkering with the Constitution is always difficult and changing the form and system of government will necessarily go beyond amendments, we will need to change our Constitution.

My major objections against Duterte have to do with human and women’s rights. I will continue to oppose words and actions that demean people, particularly women. I am with those who will oppose vigilante, and extra-judi-

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-

cial killings. I will go against the reinstatement of the death penalty. On this respect I will keep a close watch on our incoming president. The change that he said is coming should be done without violating and disrespecting the people’s rights.

I want to be proven wrong in my perception of Duterte as having low regard for women’s and human rights. I hope that the people who told me that what Duterte repeatedly said were mere campaign posturing is correct.

So far, I am liking most of what I am

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

hearing and seeing in Duterte postelections. I liked the offer of peace to his opponents in the race. That was a very welcome gesture from him. After all the harshness, viciousness, and divisions during the campaign, we need a unifying president. We have had enough of the blame game practiced by outgoing President Noynoy Aquino throughout his yellow government.

People want a fresh, positive start, and Duterte’s offer of friendship to the other candidates is a welcome start.

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

ON THE early morning of election day, May 9, 2016, several automated voting machines were allegedly sighted at the Novotel, a high-rise hotel at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City. Soon enough, groups of people started arriving at the hotel, including representatives of the PDP-Laban party of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, to verify the report.

The PDP-Laban had good reason to be upset because the Araneta Center is owned by the family of Mar Roxas, the presidential bet of the pro-administration Liberal Party. It also turned out that some 20 top executives of Smartmatic, the provider of the voting machines being used in the elections, were billeted at the same hotel. They are foreigners working at the National Technical Support Center (NTSC) of the Commission on Elections.

The NTSC is located at the Abiva Building along Araneta Avenue, near Talayan Village in Quezon City.

At first, the hotel management refused to allow anybody to inspect the premises. When Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista arrived at the hotel several hours later, however, arrangements were reluctantly made for an inspection of five hotel rooms. The inspection yielded negative results.

Before leaving the scene, Bautista said that the foreigners at the NTSC of the Comelec are in the country to help in the elections.

Was the incident a false alarm? Circumstances surrounding the incident invite several questions.

First, why is the Comelec NTSC located several kilometers away from the Comelec head office in Intramuros, Manila, and even farther from the Comelec command center at the Philippine International Convention Center at the reclamation area in Pasay City? As a “technical support center,” shouldn’t the NTSC be stationed as near as possible to the Comelec command center at the PICC? There are enough office spaces at the Comelec head office and at the PICC to accommodate the NTSC. Even the location of the NTSC is suspicious. It is in an inaccessible area in the northwest sector of Quezon City.

If the purpose of putting the NTSC at a secluded place is to keep its existence a secret from the public and the political opposition, then its current location is perfect for that objective. Perhaps, its existence would have remained a secret were it not for the report that voting machines were seen at Novotel.

Second, since the Comelec is presumed to be paying the rental for the office space used by its NTSC in the Abiva Building, then public money was spent for the lease. Under the procurement law, extraordinary government expenditures like the lease of office space in a private building require a public bidding prior to approval. Was the requisite public bidding actually conducted by the Comelec?

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

S AT U R D AY : M AY 14 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

INVESTIGATE THE NOVOTEL CONTROVERSY

[ EDI TORI A L ]

A PLACE FOR WOMEN DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is not known for his high regard of women.

In fact, he is notorious for his lack—no, absence—of respect for women.

In various pronouncements, Duterte boasted of his conquests: wives, girlfriends and others he “maintains.” During sorties, he picked out attractive women and kissed them on the mouth, to their surprise and terror—if not revulsion. In one of the presidential debates, when asked how he could show he respected women, he mumbled something about banning bathing suits on the beach, betraying a superficial, if not outright wrong, notion of gender equality.

Perhaps the most galling was his recollection of the killing of an Australian missionary in his city many years ago, when he said he had wanted to be the first among the prisoners who had raped the woman because she was “so beautiful like a movie star,” as if that justified anything.

The statement gained harsh reaction over social media and made it to international news, even as it failed to dampen the larger population’s adulation of Duterte, something that was shown not only by the surveys that followed but by actual election results. The Davao mayor took on an early lead—and never looked back.

And now he will be the next president and the transition from an Aquino to a Duterte administration has begun. One of the members of the transition team would be Senator Pia Cayetano, sister of Duterte’s defeated running mate and who has positioned herself as a champion of women’s rights in the Upper Chamber.

Cayetano was scored when she did not denounce the mayor’s joke about the Australian woman—perhaps careful to not place her brother’s candidacy at risk— even as she insisted in her Twitter account that her stand on gender issues had not changed and that she had reached out to Duterte’s team after that remark.

Now the senator says she would push for the inclusion of more women in highlevel government positions. That the country has had two women presidents does not erase the fact that some quarters of government not only remain dominated by men but are actually hostile and discriminatory to women.

The new administration must look at the plight of marginalized women in conflict-ridden and extremely poor areas. They must be allowed to perform their diverse roles in rearing children, maintaining homes and earning a living. Women community leaders must be heard and empowered. Finally, they must be seen not as weak members of society need protection. They are, instead, citizens who must be accorded respect as any human being deserves.

We cannot wait to be proven wrong. It would take more than appointing a champion like Cayetano for Mr. Duterte to show a decent regard for women and an intention to reverse his reprehensible words.

PRESIDENT DIGONG POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO THE Filipino people gave Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte a huge vote of confidence. Being elected into office by almost 40 percent of the voting population is a feat that so far, only he has done. The people decided in a big way that this unconventional guy is the one who, in the next six years, would hold the rein of government—hopefully, in a way that will be good

for the country and its more than a hundred million people, more than ten million of which are scattered all over the world.

Thus, one can say that Digong’s administration will have to go beyond our lands if government is to also look into the welfare of overseas Filipinos.

I did not go for Duterte, as I have said before. But since the people chose him, I am bowing to the will of the voters. I choose to be as supportive as possible without letting my guard down.

I will praise when something is praiseworthy, but I will also criticize when needed. We are

in a democracy, after all.

Mayor Duterte made big promises during the campaign.

He vowed to significantly curb corruption and criminality, two of the most serious problems plaguing our land. He said he would go after drug lords, and other criminal elements roaming our streets. He promised a safe, secure, orderly environment where citizens can have peace of mind and not feel threatened or at risk.

Like all the other candidates, Duterte said that he would deal with poverty, that his government would fix the problems

A9

I choose to be as supportive as possible without letting my guard down.

with our public transportation system especially in Metro Manila. Infrastructure will be improved, agriculture and industrialization will receive the much needed attention. He said his administration would prioritize education and health.

Perhaps his biggest promises are the ones dealing with systems change. Duterte is the only candidate who openly said that he will pursue a federal form of government, and shift to the parliamentary system. I have written in the past that in my view, systems change can be good for us. These are big, radical changes that will be most challenging to take on.

I am looking forward to how President Duterte will lead the

nation towards these. Certainly, these need to be done within the confines of the law. Tinkering with the Constitution is always difficult and changing the form and system of government will necessarily go beyond amendments, we will need to change our Constitution.

My major objections against Duterte have to do with human and women’s rights. I will continue to oppose words and actions that demean people, particularly women. I am with those who will oppose vigilante, and extra-judi-

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-

cial killings. I will go against the reinstatement of the death penalty. On this respect I will keep a close watch on our incoming president. The change that he said is coming should be done without violating and disrespecting the people’s rights.

I want to be proven wrong in my perception of Duterte as having low regard for women’s and human rights. I hope that the people who told me that what Duterte repeatedly said were mere campaign posturing is correct.

So far, I am liking most of what I am

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

hearing and seeing in Duterte postelections. I liked the offer of peace to his opponents in the race. That was a very welcome gesture from him. After all the harshness, viciousness, and divisions during the campaign, we need a unifying president. We have had enough of the blame game practiced by outgoing President Noynoy Aquino throughout his yellow government.

People want a fresh, positive start, and Duterte’s offer of friendship to the other candidates is a welcome start.

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

ON THE early morning of election day, May 9, 2016, several automated voting machines were allegedly sighted at the Novotel, a high-rise hotel at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City. Soon enough, groups of people started arriving at the hotel, including representatives of the PDP-Laban party of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, to verify the report.

The PDP-Laban had good reason to be upset because the Araneta Center is owned by the family of Mar Roxas, the presidential bet of the pro-administration Liberal Party. It also turned out that some 20 top executives of Smartmatic, the provider of the voting machines being used in the elections, were billeted at the same hotel. They are foreigners working at the National Technical Support Center (NTSC) of the Commission on Elections.

The NTSC is located at the Abiva Building along Araneta Avenue, near Talayan Village in Quezon City.

At first, the hotel management refused to allow anybody to inspect the premises. When Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista arrived at the hotel several hours later, however, arrangements were reluctantly made for an inspection of five hotel rooms. The inspection yielded negative results.

Before leaving the scene, Bautista said that the foreigners at the NTSC of the Comelec are in the country to help in the elections.

Was the incident a false alarm? Circumstances surrounding the incident invite several questions.

First, why is the Comelec NTSC located several kilometers away from the Comelec head office in Intramuros, Manila, and even farther from the Comelec command center at the Philippine International Convention Center at the reclamation area in Pasay City? As a “technical support center,” shouldn’t the NTSC be stationed as near as possible to the Comelec command center at the PICC? There are enough office spaces at the Comelec head office and at the PICC to accommodate the NTSC. Even the location of the NTSC is suspicious. It is in an inaccessible area in the northwest sector of Quezon City.

If the purpose of putting the NTSC at a secluded place is to keep its existence a secret from the public and the political opposition, then its current location is perfect for that objective. Perhaps, its existence would have remained a secret were it not for the report that voting machines were seen at Novotel.

Second, since the Comelec is presumed to be paying the rental for the office space used by its NTSC in the Abiva Building, then public money was spent for the lease. Under the procurement law, extraordinary government expenditures like the lease of office space in a private building require a public bidding prior to approval. Was the requisite public bidding actually conducted by the Comelec?

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

A10

S AT U R D AY : M AY 14 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

INCITING TO WAR WITH CHINA BACK­ BENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN AFTER six years of hypocrisy and deceit, this shameless stooge has brought us right into the doorstep of possible armed conflict with China all because it has chosen to pursue the US-designed policy of inciting hostility with our neighbor. The confrontational approach chosen by outgoing President Noynoy Aquino has pushed us to a situation where we practically stand just one step closer to a “state of war” with China.

Such is most lamentable because our current relation with China is not of our own making. Rather, our dispute with China over the Spratly Islands appears to have been intentionally locked to justify US presence in the country and extend to it the preeminent right to conduct regular naval patrol in the South China Sea. The decision to bring our claim to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has made our position irrevocable, that even the succeeding administration would have difficulty modifying it without being accused of being a traitor.

The decision by the PNoy administration to bring our case to the PCA effectively deprived us of the leverage to resolve our dispute through direct and peaceful negotiations. There was initial optimism when the PCA declared its jurisdiction to hear the case. Paradoxically, though, it meant that we could no longer pull out our case in favor of direct negotiations.

It was a lose-lose proposition. Even if the PCA decides the case in our favor, we have known beforehand that China would not submit to its jurisdiction or accept its decision. Neither do we have the capacity to enforce a favorable decision. Some say that the policy we adopted is malignant such that a decision, favorable or otherwise, is bound to deteriorate. We did not consider that for as long as the channel for communication remains open, there is still the possibility to narrow the gap that separates the parties the same way that China and Vietnam were able to thresh out some of their differences in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Bringing our case to the PCA implies that we would respect whatever decision that the arbitration

court will render. We can no longer turn our back much that it was this government that took the initiative to bring the case for arbitration. On the part of the Chinese, they may not demand that we withdraw our case, but certainly they would not accede to negotiate while a case remains pending against them before the international arbitration tribunal.

By locking up our position with the devil, we perpetually remain under the so-called protective umbrella of the US. The case we filed is like a ticking time bomb working against us. Whatever the decision is, it would always be disadvantageous to us. If the outcome would not be in our favor, technically we would be forced to give up the islands we presently occupy without China even using its might to eject us. If we win, either we go to war to enforce the decision or suffer national humiliation because there is no way we can enforce the decision.

The case we filed before the Permanent Court of Arbitration is like a ticking bomb working against us.

The US is unlikely to engage China to enforce the decision for us without taking into account the possibility of nuclear confrontation. One thing sure, any decision of the PCA could only justify the permanent presence of US forces in our territory, possibly demanding a higher price using the pretext that we need them more than they need us.

As we anxiously await the decision, China has carried out reclamation in the area, has built military structures—an airfield, for instance, and has installed communications and other facilities designed to remind us that they are there to stay. We are now stranded in isolation that we cannot even make any improvements in the Spratlys to back up our loud mouth. The proponents of this chauvinistic but misguided policy could not even request the US to show its determination that

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA WE CAN now all sigh with relief. Despite a few kinks and curls, the general elections were generally regarded as peaceful, orderly and credible. For sure, the electoral process allows for some more room for improvement but we can all agree that there is a marked progress in the conduct of this year’s automated elections since the time automation was first introduced in 2010 and later in the 2013 elections. From the record voter turn-out of an estimated 81 percent of registered voters, the record-setting pace in the transmission of election returns, and even the early concession by some of the candidates, the 2016 elections is propitious and a good indication of what is to come. Arguably, cheating remains. Vote buying is still rampant. But the possibility of pulling off dagdag-bawas and other techniques to manipulate election results has been reduced to minimum, if not nil. Thanks to automation which made sure that human intervention in the election process is limited to a bare minimum.

In the not-so-distant past when votes were still manually counted and canvassed, every election was a tinderbox, a powder keg of sort that could explode anytime, fueled as it was by a seriously flawed system which the candidates themselves and their supporters take advantage of. Fraud, viowhatever happens, it would stand by our side.

We completely deprived ourselves of the opportunity once offered to us by China, like a joint cooperation to explore, harness and develop the area.

Rather, we opted to initiate our version of the Cold War, which effectively denied us to share in the economic prosperity that China could offer through economic development assistance. In fact, some members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have already taken the approach of building stronger ties with China, consistent with the view that neighbors should cultivate friendship rather than heighten instability and insecurity. This could only open the door for the US to divide the countries of Southeast Asia.

A decision of the PCA in our favor is not even something for us to rejoice because the country would by then be teetering on the edge of possible armed conflict with China. Even

POST-ELECTION, COMES THE PARACLETE lence and allegations of cheating flying thick in the air were the norm and seen by a resigned and callous public as part and parcel of democracy, Philippine-style. The public then, always cynical and suspicious of the whole process, albeit for good reason, would easily fall prey to the antics of unscrupulous agitators.

As for the vice presidential race, I will keep my peace for now. All claims of victory by one side and cheating by the other are premature. As this is a close fight, we should all just stand down and wait for the canvassing by Congress to begin and to be completed.

This Sunday we will be celebrating Pentecost. I can just imagine the same relief that the Apostles felt when the Holy Spirit descended upon them to reenergize and reinvigorate their sagging spirits after the Lord ascends into heaven. Jesus’ disciples must have felt like abandoned orphans when he told them that he is going away, that he is about to return to the Father.

This causes some distress among the disciples, hearing that their Master is about to leave them.

Without the reassuring presence of our Lord, the future is uncertain for his followers. Who will protect them from the vengeful and hostile Jews?

What violence and persecution will they suffer in the hands of their enemies? This is why on the PNoy’s successors would have difficulty in changing our foreign policy direction. There would be hysteria of blind jingoism and misguided patriotism, ignoring the horrendous consequence that could be brought about in our attempt to enforce that decision. We needlessly pushed ourselves to the precipice of going to war which we could not even hope to win.

In fact, our filing of a case invariably justified the continued US military presence in our territory and in the China Sea. Notably, this administration’s signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allowing the conversion of the country to become a big US military base was timed when the Filipinos were already agitated by propaganda that China is an aggressor. China’s response was equally calibrated as if to remind us that it could also heighten its belligerence towards this country.

Knowing that our approach to resolve our dispute with China could

day of the Pentecost, the disciples, locking the windows and doors, huddle in prayerful silence, perhaps contemplating and discussing among themselves what the future holds.

Before the May 9 polls there must have been a collective foreboding about the outcome of the elections. Months leading to E-day, political analysts were saying that the elections would be hotly contested. And so it would seem since the poll surveys showed voting preference, particularly in the presidential race, shifting from one candidate to another. In the months leading to the elections, we would see VP Binay taking the early lead, then Senator Grace Poe and finally Mayor Duterte taking driver’s seat at the tail end of the campaign period that would eventually lead him to a landslide victory. That candidates were trading accusations and counter-accusations did not help.

Much like the disciples who acquired newfound courage from the Paraclete, giving them the zeal to proclaim the risen Lord among the Jews and gentiles, and ultimately face their worst fears, we can also say that the success of the recently concluded elections, sort of, emboldens us to confront the future and gain confidence in ourselves, knowing fully well that with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we have the capac-

ity to overcome the most serious of challenges.

Of course, the Holy Spirit does not promise a bed of roses and easy life to his followers. The apostles continued to suffer persecution and to bear all forms of crosses as they proclaim the Kyregma to the gentiles. In fact, with the exception of St. John the Beloved, all the apostles suffered martyrdom. What the Spirit of God offers is hope, courage, strength and wisdom.

In like manner, the success of the elections and the coming of a new administration do not guarantee that all the ails of our society will disappear. The promise of change by the incoming Duterte administration is not a panacea.

It is but a reason to hope and face the dawning of a new day with renewed courage and hope. I am interested to know how Mayor Duterte, with his colorful personality, will approach the challenges of governance. Will he inspire the courage and zeal of a Pentecost or will it be pain of the Passion all over again? The next six years surely will be interesting.

Let us all keep the faith for Christ has sent us the gift of the Holy Spirit, our helper and guide. And to this we say: “To You, O Paraclete, we raise / Unending songs of thanks and praise.” Yes, Holy Spirit, come and guide us.

ripen to armed conflict, President Noynoy Aquino, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and all those who advocated the idea of engaging China in a possible bloody war over those islands could be held liable for violating Article 118 of the Revised Penal Code for inciting the country to war or in giving motive for reprisals.

The offense they committed is serious. It means that the lives of the Filipinos would be sacrificed to enforce a decision that if examined closely is a US proxy war which the Philippines would serve as cannon fodder in securing its interest in this part of the globe.

PNoy, et al. committed an unlawful and unauthorized act because they purposely did not secure the consent of Congress. Congress alone has the authority to declare the existence of a state of war (Section 23[1], Article VI, Constitution). The deceit planned by the Aquino administration is for Congress to au-

tomatically approve its initiated war against China, not as a defensive declaration consistent to our policy of renouncing war as an instrument of national policy (Section 2, Article II, Constitution).

Many Filipinos failed to see this looming possibility because this shameless and stupid stooge exploited the weakness of patriotism that allegedly China is bullying us. We have not even officially or equivocally claimed it as part of our national territory to say that aggression was committed

by China, vis-à-vis compelling us to fight a just and defensive war. These people could be held criminally liable because they adopted a war-mongering policy not in defense of our territorial integrity but part of the US’ pivot-to-Asia policy to contain China where our people will pay the terrible price of having to go to war without comprehending why, and with the hope of winning.

Facebook: tonylavs5 or Dean Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

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OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

MINORITY REPORT

DIGONG’S CONGRESS

DANILO SUAREZ I SINCERELY congratulate Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte, who by this time would be the president-elect if not the presumptive president. Labels and formalities notwithstanding, it has become clear that the Filipino people have spoken decisively by giving him a commanding lead over his rivals—a lead poised to overtake President Benigno Aquino III’s 2010 numbers. Duterte is now our leader and, regardless of our stand during the campaign, we should unite behind him as an overwhelming number Filipinos tells us so.

Although I do not speak for the party, but as a member for the United Nationalist Alliance, I call for unity across party lines.

I call for unity as a seasoned veteran in the House of Representatives. From this week until

the opening of the Seventeenth Congress, we will see excitingly interesting times in both the Upper and Lower Chambers. It will be interesting because members of Congress who belong to Digong’s party, PDP-Laban, can be counted using one hand. The Liberal Party and its allies—whoever they are at the moment— practically dominate both houses. Every other party, including my own, has a smattering of numbers here and there. We are on the cusp of new alliances and coalitions, of a new majority and minority. Battle lines will be drawn. Loyalties would be tried, turned, or strengthened. How those divisions would be constituted remains to be seen, as faint murmurs of power brokering and wheeling and dealing are inevitable and undeniable.

Our democracy ensures a system of checks and balances between the three branches of government. A coalition or alliance that constitutes a majority in one or both chambers could either be supportive of the Duterte administration’s legislative agenda; otherwise, a contrarian Congress would result to a deadlock and a lurch in the legislative mill, at the worst of cases. I hope this does not happen, as the country needs to have laws made and amended to make sure that the economic gains it received from the past years would be sustainable.

If we were to be part of the minority, and if I were to be given the chance to once again lead the minority in the House of Representative, we will make sure that we will be a constructive

Investigate... From A9

located on Timog Avenue, West Avenue and Quezon Avenue areas in Quezon City which are nearer to Talayan Village than the Araneta Center is. Why weren’t these hotels chosen?

If convenience were the main consideration in choosing Novotel, the choice would not make sense. Even a high school student knows that the farther a destination is, the more inconvenient it is to go there.

Sixth, who is paying for the accommodations of the Smartmatic foreign executives at Novotel?

If the Comelec is picking up the bill, then public funds must have been involved. There being an expenditure of public money, was the required public bidding conducted by the Comelec?

Seventh, if the Smartmatic foreign executives were helping out in the elections as Comelec Chairman Bautista alleges, then they should be non-partisan, for obvious reasons. In fact, it is not enough that these foreign executives are non-partisan. They must also be seen by the Filipino people as non-partisan, if the election is to be considered credible. Such requisite neutrality was sorely wanting here.

The Smartmatic foreign executives chose to billet at Novotel

where the LP national headquarters was just within easy reach, instead of some other hotel distant enough from any political party headquarters. From an ethical perspective, their decision to billet at Novotel smacks of audacity and gall. What they did is an insult to the Filipino electorate.

Eighth, were there really no automated voting machines at Novotel? Hotel management allowed an inspection only after the lapse of several hours before the report came out. Were “remedial measures” taken in the meantime? Although there were 20 Smartmatic foreign executives billeted at the hotel, only five rooms were allowed to be inspected. Why? As of this writing, the vice presidential race appears to be a close one. At the end of election day, Leni Robredo, the LP bet, was losing to her opponent, Senator Bongbong Marcos, by a million votes. The next day, she was almost tied with Bongbong.

Lately, she has been leading by 200,000 votes. Does the Marcos camp have good reason to suspect cyber anomaly?

The Novotel controversy may provide the answer, and a real investigation on this incident should be undertaken.

Third, why were these foreigners “helping out” in the elections? Under the law, foreigners are prohibited from getting involved in Philippine elections, and foreigners who violate this prohibition are summarily deported. Even assuming, for the sake of argument, that the foreign executives of Smartmatic are authorized to tinker with Philippine elections, why was this information concealed from the public and the media?

Fourth, are these foreigners paid compensation taken from public funds? The law does not allow the disbursement of public funds to pay salaries of foreigners. A violation of this prohibition constitutes graft. Fifth, why were the foreigners billeted at Novotel? According to the official explanation, these foreigners “were looking for the nearest convenient hotel, and they felt that Novotel in Cubao is convenient.” What hogwash!

Is Novotel at the Araneta Center in Cubao the only hotel convenient enough to the Smartmatic foreign executives who hold office several kilometers away near Talayan Village? Of course not!

There are many first class hotels

#FAILOCRACY

minority. A constructive minority would be a “loyal opposition” that would be committed to embody the checks and balances, to make sure that the laws the Seventeenth Congress aims to pass will undergo thorough scrutiny, and to play advocate for the other side of issues so that it would not go unheard.

I see a Seventeenth Congress that would exercise transparency, fairness, and due diligence in its duties, and demand the same for the executive branch. I see this Congress and the Duterte administration looking at the same direction, at the same horizon. Thus, I call on my colleagues in this new Congress to lick the wounds of the past months’ campaigns towards healing and unity. We have a fresh mandate and a fresh start,

and we owe our electorate our energies and the fulfillment of our promises.

I also welcome the new breed of representatives in the Lower Chamber with open arms and a shoulder ready to support them in their freshman year. I imagine their first term to be as exciting, hopeful, and scary as mine. May their exuberance, especially from the younger ones, energize the halls of Congress and remind the more grizzled ones to remain to be hopeful for this country. This might as well be the reason why we have elections every three years: it’s a regular shot in the arm for an institution to move forward.

With all this promise and prospect, I cannot wait to work and get work done with this new government.

President... From A9 The names being floated around as possible members of the incoming president’s Cabinet seem to be acceptable especially to those in the know. I also like the pronouncement made by Senator Pia Cayetano that there will be a significant number of women in the Duterte administration. Senator Pia knows how angry the people were over the rape ‘joke’, so I hope she will facilitate the entry of capable women in Digong’s government. So far, the selection and vetting process that’s being put together for key government posts is commendable. Hopefully, this will not be ‘ningas cogon’.

Duterte’s FOI pronouncement is a very welcome one. Yes, start with the Executive and show the other branches of government how it should be done while waiting for the passage of the bill into law. How nice if the FOI law becomes the first output of the 17th Congress!

The list of do’s and don’ts that the incoming president, the nosmoking policy in all public places, videoke ban after 10:00 p.m., liquor sales ban after 1:00 a.m., curfew for minors who are not accompanied by an adult, etc. are understandable. It’s like a parent telling children what rules to follow. However, let us also be cautioned that regulations such as these, cannot go beyond people’s rights. What I’m saying is, yes, let’s put order in our house but we cannot be restrictive to the point of being unreasonable.

Obviously, Digong has hit the ground and is starting to work.

He knows that there is no time for a honeymoon.

Again, we all want change, and hopefully, we will have this with President Duterte, the people’s choice, at the helm. We all should give this a chance but still remain vigilant. The work of fixing our country is work for everyone, us, included. No president, no matter how good, can do it alone.

Congratulations, incoming President Duterte! bethangsioco@gmail.com. @bethangsioco on Twitter.

Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Aussie Tomic snubs Rio

An anti-terrorism rehearsal is held at the main bus station in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil prior to the Olympic Games. Participating in the rehearsal were 50 agents, policemen, firefighters, paramedics and extras who acted on the exercise of identification and deactivation of a bomb left by a suspect in the passengers’ platform of the station. It is estimated that more than 400,000 tourists from other countries are expected to use the bus terminal during the Olympics. AFP

Batang PBA tilt resumes Games Today (Phil. Science High gym) 8 a.m. – Alaska vs NLEX 9:30 a.m. – Tropang TNT vs Globalport 11 a.m. – Phoen ix vs Star

THE 2016 Cloudfone-Batang PBA 16&Under basketball tournament continues today with a three-game schedule at the Philippine Science High School gym in Quezon City After drawing the curtains Friday at the Ynares Arena in Pasig, Alaska faces NLEX at 8 a.m., Tropang TNT takes on Globalport at 9:30 a.m. and Phoenix meets Star at 11.

Kicking off hostilities yesterday were the games pitting Star against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and Tropang TNT against San Miguel Beer.

Tomorrow also at the PSHS gym, Phoenix tangles with Mahindra at 9 a.m., while San Miguel meets Blackwater at 10:30 a.m.

The scores: First game: GINEBRA (88) Tibayan 24, Palisoc 17, Marzan 16, Enorme 12, Pineda 7, Cartago 7, Tolentino 2, Valeriano 2, dela Cru 2, Santos 2, De Leon 0,, Solis 0.

STAR (68) Capispisan 20, Hererra 11, Lim 11, Cajayon 9, Limbo 4,Garcia 4, Nonan 4, Quilinguen 2, Yante 2, Palacielo 0, Estrella 0, Plamenco 0.

SYDNEY—Troubled tennis star Bernard Tomic announced Friday he will not represent Australia at this year’s Olympics, with unperturbed officials responding that they only want dedicated athletes on their Rio team.

It follows Tomic and fiery compatriot Nick Kyrgios being warned that their on-court behaviour could threaten their places at the Games in August.

World number 22 Tomic will instead play a low-ranking ATP Tour event in Mexico, which is on at the same time.

“With a heavy sense of regret, I have made the difficult decision to not play with the Australian tennis team as they pursue an Olympic medal in Rio,” he said in a statement.

“I have always proudly represented my country in Davis Cup and given my all when wearing the green and gold, but on the basis of

my extremely busy playing schedule and my own personal circumstances, I am regrettably unable to commit to this year’s tournament.

“I make this decision based on what is best for my tennis career,” he added.

The announcement comes after widespread criticism of Tomic’s recent on-court attitude and concern over his behavior by the Australian Olympic Committee.

He made headlines last week when he turned his racquet the wrong way to face a match point in the Madrid Masters first round against Fabio Fognini.

Tomic later told his post-match news conference: “I don’t care about that match point. Would you care if you were 23 and worth over $10 million?”

It prompted Australia’s Olympic chef de mission Kitty Chiller to call his behaviour in Madrid “appalling”. AFP

Philracom Triple Crown series kicks off Sunday THE most prestigious racing extravaganza for three-year-old horses, the Philippine Racing Commission-backed Triple Crown series returns Sunday at the Saddle & Clubs Leisure Park, Naic Cavite Fighting for the crown are Dewey Boulevard of multititled owner Hermie Esguerra, Indianpana of Deemark International Trading Corp.; Kid Benjie of Benjamin Virata, Radio Active of SC Stockfarm Inc., Sky Dancer of Joseph Dyhengco, Space Needle (filly) and Underwood of Stony Horse Farm Inc., Spectrum of Narciso Morales and Subterranean River Filly (filly) of Wilbert Tan. A total of P3 million in prizes will be up for grabs in the race over a distance of 1,600 meters, with P1.8 million going to the champion horse and P675,000 allocated for the runner-up. Third and fourth placers get P375,000

and P150,000, respectively.

The three-leg series is patterned after the United States’ Triple Crown, with its three legs comprised of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, also with progressively longer distances.

Different winners ruled last year’s Triple Crown, all longshots, with the first leg being ruled by filly Superv. Court of Honor, another filly, denied Superv of a second-leg win, before the second-to-the-longest shot of all, Miss Brulay, surged past six foes to claim the third leg.

Prior to last year’s Triple Crown staging in 2014, all three legs were won by Emmanuel Santos’s colt Kid Molave (Into

Mischief x Unsaid), earning a P500,000 bonus from Philracom for the rare feat.

The series was launched in 1978, with Native Gift winning the first two legs and Majority Rule denying him the sweep.

There have been only ten Triple Crown champions since then: Fair and Square in 1981, Skywalker (1983), Time Master (1987), Magic Showtime (1988), Sun Dancer (1989), Strong Material (1996), Real Top (1998), Silver Story (2001), Hagdang Bato (2012), and Kid Molave (2014).

“Like in past stagings of the Triple Crown, we expect this year’s event to be another well-attended edition,” Philracom Chairman Andrew A.

Sanchez said. “Participating horseowners and their families will be there, and so are the fans cheering for their favorite horses and jockeys.”

Also on tap on Sunday is the Philracom Hopeful Stakes Race offering P1 million in total prizes and the Philracom 3YO Locally Bred Stakes Race, with P500,000 at stake.

Dance Again, Gee’s Jewel, Guatemala, Homonhon Island, Mahayana Budur, Pinagtipunan, Real Flames, Secret Kingdom and Striking Colors comprise the cast in the Hopeful Stakes Race, while Charlord, Garlimax, He He He, Johnny Be Good, Kangaroo Court, Love Hate, Most Trusted, Mount Iglit, Pangarap, Play It Safe, Professor Jones and Virgin Victoria banner the 3YO Locally Bred Stakes.

FIFA congress seeks to clean up mess MEXICO CITY—IFA’s new president Gianni Infantino will preside over world football’s annual congress in Mexico City on Friday to push through reforms aimed at rehabilitating the scandal-tarred organization.

Infantino—who was elected in February after his predecessor Sepp Blatter was brought down by the corruption crisis—wants to turn the page and put the focus back on football.

“We will show to the world we are serious with the reforms, with our democratic process and football development,” Infantino said Thursday at an opening ceremony for the congress.

In another attempt at restoring trust, the North and Central American and Caribbean football confederation (CON-

CACAF), which has been in the eye of the corruption storm, elected a new president on Thursday.

Canadian football chief Victor Montagliani became CONCACAF’s fourth president in five years after his three predecessors were ensnared in corruption allegations, with the last one arrested in December.

FIFA’s new council, meanwhile, decided on Tuesday to resume the process to select the host of the 2026 World Cup, which had been frozen since last year over claims of misdeeds in awarding the tournaments to Russia for 2018 and Qatar for 2022.

But the scandals keep haunting world football.

On Monday, Infantino’s former boss, Michel Platini, said he

will step down as head of European football body UEFA after failing to overturn his ban from all football-related activity over allegations that he received a dubious $2 million payment from FIFA. Infantino was Platini’s number two.

Earlier this month, FIFA banned for life top executive members Sergio Jadue of Chile and Luis Bedoya of Colombia over bribes they accepted for football television and marketing contracts.

- ‘Calmer FIFA’ World football’s governing body must now ratify reforms that were approved by a special congress in February, which renamed the disgraced executive committee as the FIFA Council and pruned its powers. AFP

Closing ceremony. Jay DeMarcus (left) and Gary LeVox Rascal Flatts perform onstage during the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 closing ceremony at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

WBC initiates clean boxing program

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Jason Day of Australia plays his shot from the 17th tee during the first round of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. AFP

Novak sets up duel with Rafa ROME—Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame a first-set scare to set up a Rome Masters quarter-final with Rafael Nadal thanks to a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Tomaz Bellucci on Thursday.

Fresh from victory over British rival Andy Murray in the Madrid Masters last weekend, Djokovic is looking unstoppable as he seeks to build form for the tougher challenge of the French Open at Roland Garros later this month.

But the Serbian top seed left watchers puzzled in a one-sided opening set on Centre Court at the Foro Italico, where his service game, and his return of serve went awry as Bellucci raced to 6-0 after converting all three of his break points.

Djokovic said he was seeing the ball “like a watermelon”, and admitted: “It was a complete Bellucci storm and I was blown away from the court.

“So I had to change something when I restarted. At the end, I had a W (for winner) after this match and that’s all that matters.”

Once Djokovic awoke from his slumber, he had few problems rolling through the towering Brazilian to set up a mouth-watering clash with Spanish nemesis Nadal on Friday.

From 48 previous meetings, Djokovic holds the edge with 25 wins, and has won their last six meetings. Nadal’s last win over the Serbian came in the final of Roland Garros two years ago.

Djokovic expects a “big challenge” to make it eight on the trot, but said: “The fact I played a left-hander today hopefully will help me. And I’ve played him in Roma before, so I know what to expect.”

Earlier, Nadal, a seven-time winner in Rome, overcame losing the first set on tie break to Australian Nick Kyrgios to win their third round clash 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-4.

AFP

THE move of World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman to crack down on the use of performance-enhancing drugs has won praise, with ALA Gym president Michael Aldeguer branding it as “fantastic” Sulaiman announced on Friday that the WBC has “officially initiated the Clean Boxing Program Webinar produced by the WBC/VADA alliance and using Clearidium as its collector.”

The notice, which was forwarded to The Standard, made it clear that “All fighters who meet the description of being a WBC champion or holding a position in the Top 15 of our WBC Ratings, must view the e-learning program, that can be found on our Website

(wbcboxing.com) WBC Clean Boxing Program section and register, which is a mandatory requirement to be accomplished within the following 90 days.”

“After viewing the WBC/ VADA e-learning webinar, you will find the necessary paperwork under the title forms/ protocols/policies to be completed and sent back to us (the WBC) via e-mail luiswbc@aol. com or by scanning of the document to info@VADA-testing. org or fax to (702)-255-8420,” the WBC said.

Sulaiman reiterated: “The WBC is committed to support the boxers of the world and protect them from the dangers of performing-enhancing drugs. The WBC has as its priority the education of all boxers concerning PEDs and the prevention of their usage.”

Day matches course record 63, leads TPC MIAMI—Top-ranked Jason Day of Australia matched the TPC Sawgrass course record on Thursday, firing a bogey-free nine-under-par 63 to grab a two-stroke lead in round one of the US PGA Tour Players Championship.

The 28-year-old Aussie, who captured his first major crown at last year’s PGA Championship, has won six times in his past 16 starts and took full advantage of soft greens and top scoring conditions.

“I can’t really recall the way that I hit the ball as well as I did today, and then also putting as well as I did,” Day said.

The course record of 63 was first achieved by American Fred Couples in 1992, matched by

Aussie Greg Norman two years later and equaled by American Roberto Castro in 2013 and Germany’s Martin Kaymer in 2014.

Starting on the back nine, Day opened with three birdies in a row and added another at the par-3 17th with its island green. He birdied the first, par5 second and fourth then closed with birdies at the seventh and ninth holes.

“The temperature was hot,

so the ball was going a long way, and when the ball goes a long way, you’re coming in with shorter clubs if you hit the fairways,” Day said. “We thought the greens were sticking and a lot of guys could attack the pins that we had out there.”

Ireland’s Shane Lowry, England’s Justin Rose and Americans Bill Haas, Cameron Tringale and Brendan Steele shared second on 65 while a pack on 66 included South African fourtime major champion Ernie Els, Italy’s Francesco Molinari and Americans Hudson Swafford, Daniel Berger and Brooks Koepka.

New Zealand’s Danny Lee and Canada’s Nick Taylor were in a group on 67 with afternoon starters still on the course.

Els, who stumbled with a sixputt disaster in his opening hole at the Masters last month, eagled the second hole.

“Gave myself some chances, especially early on the front nine, and I made some putts,” Els said.

“It feels really good.”

World number two Jordan Spieth, who defends his US Open title next month at Oakmont, is in his first event since squandering the back-nine lead to lose the Masters last month. He shot 72 after ending his first competitive round since his Augusta National meltdown with a double bogey at the ninth.

England’s Danny Willett, who won the green jacket after Spieth’s collapse, opened with a 70 in his first start since claiming his first major title. AFP

PSC Sportswriters’ Camp set IN an effort to harness/develop the talent of budding collegiate writers from Metro Manila schools, the Philippine Sportswriters Association will be holding its 1st ever Philippine Sports Commission-PSA Sportswriters’ Camp on May 28 and 29, at the PSC administration building, Vito Cruz, Manila.

The first part of the Sportswriters’ Camp will be a seminar/workshop, to be handled by veteran scribes Francis Ochoa of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Abac Cordero of the Philippine Star, Joel Orellana of the Business Mirror and Richard Dy of Fox Sports.

They are expected to impart their knowledge of sportswriting both as an art form and a field in journalism.

PSC Chairman Ricardo “Richie” Garcia will deliver the opening remarks.

The second day will have the chosen participants being asked to use what they learned in the first day by writing a story from a live coverage of the Philippine 2016 Philippine Superliga Challenge Cup beach volleyball tournament finals at the Sands at SM By the Bay in Mall of Asia.

The top three written stories will receive cash prizes of P20,000 (1st), P10,000 (2nd) and P5,000 (3rd), plus giveaways from the camp sponsors.

Registration is free. Only 100 slots are available in the two-day interactive camp open only to collegiate writers not working professionally as contributors/correspondents/reporters to websites and media publications.

Interested participants must send their intention to join to philsportswritersassociation@gmail.com.

Work it. The Oklahoma City dance team performs at the halftime of the Western Conference Quarterfinals’ Game 6 between the Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Saso cruises to 3-shot ICTSI romp GEN. TRIAS, Cavite—Amateur Yuka Saso bucked the wind and a wobbly backside start with a blazing windup, saving an eagle-spiked 72 and cruising to a three-stroke victory over Korean Kang Ji-won as Princess Superal crumbled in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Ladies Invitational at Eagle Ridge’s Aoki course here yesterday.

As her pro rivals hardly recovered from poor starts and Superal wavered at the finish on a wind-raked day, Saso bounced back from a bogey-par-bogey-double bogey miscue from No. 11

with clutch birdies on Nos. 15 and 17, turning what had appeared to be a wild finish into a runaway victory.

“I lost my focus at the back but was lucky to have recovered,” said Saso, who

seized control early with a 67, dropped into a lead share with a charging Siriprakob in the second round and won by three with a 54-hole aggregate of five-under 211.

“I was pretty confident with my game and my chances and I really wanted to win this coming off a victory in the national match play,” said the 14-year-old home study program student from Harvard School of Laguna who dominated the junior event at Alabang last week.

She thus became the second amateur to win on this

year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. after absentee Bernice Olivarez Ilas reigned at Beverly Place Classic two weeks ago.

A tight finish loomed after Superal, in a flight ahead, tied Saso at twounder overall with a third straight birdie on the par-5 15th. But the Fil-Japanese chipped in for birdie on her turn to regain a one-stroke lead then added another birdie on the 17th to anchor her roaring triumph.

Kang fell by as many as

seven but pulled to within two with an eagle on No. 15, only to settle for pars on the last three holes for a 71. With a 214 total, the Korean placed second overall but took the top purse of P100,000 as the top pro in the fourth leg of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Just one down with three holes to play, Superal lost her bid for a fourth pro crown with bogeys on Nos. 16 and 18 in a rare late meltdown by the top The Country Club bet whose stretch-run brilliance has marked her pre-

vious wins here and abroad.

She ended up with a second straight 73.

Thai Chatprapa Siriprakob, whose impressive 69 netted her a share of the lead Thursday, never recovered from a wind-blown 40 start and wound up with a 76 to tie Superal, who won at Wack Wack last year, at third at 215. She, however, took the P70,000 runnerup prize in the event backed

by Custom Clubmakers, adidas, KZG, Sharp, Summit Mineral Water, Srixon, Champion, TaylorMade and Pacsports.

Petron XCS, RC Cola try to boost PSL bids

Yuka Saso hoists her twin trophies after sweeping the overall crown and the low amateur honors in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Ladies Invitational Friday.

PRE-TOURNAMENT favorites Petron XCS and RC Cola-Army A try to bolster their respective title bids when they tackle separate foes Saturday in the second weekend of the 2016 Philippine Superliga Challenge Cup beach volleyball tournament at the Sands at SM By the Bay in Mall of Asia.

After pulling off an easy win in the opener, the seasoned tandem of Bang Pineda and Aiza Pontilas is tipped to receive a serious challenge when they battle Cherry Rondina and Patty Orendain of Foton in the muchanticipated 3 p.m. match of this prestigious tourney bankrolled

by Sands at SM By the Bay, Petron, Foton, Accel, Mikasa, Senoh and Island Rose.

On the same note, multititled Jovelyn Gonzaga and Nene Bautista of RC ColaArmy A will face dangerous Meralco of April Ross Hingpit and Jonafer San Pedro at 6 p.m., following the 4 p.m. battle between UE Manila and Standard Insurance Navy A and the 5 p.m. encounter between Standard Insurance

B and fancied F2 Logistics of reigning champion Danika Gendrauli and Aby Marano.

Wrapping up the busy schedule in the women’s division is the game between FEUPetron of Kyla Atienza and Bernadeth Pons and Cignal Team Awesome of Mary Grace Berte and Vhima Condada at 7 p.m.

Also expected to steal the limelight are the battles in the men’s side with good-looking twins Daniel and Tim Young of SM By the Bay facing brothers Rey and Relan Taneo of Cignal Team Awesom in the 6:45 p.m. match followed by the encounter between Philippine Navy A and FEU B in the night cap at 8:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the 8 a.m. match between Wayuk and FEU will tip things off followed by the match between UE Manila and IEM at 8:45 a.m.; FEU B and Cignal Team Awesome at 9:30 .am; Wayuk and Philippine Navy B at 10:15 am; FEU A and UE Manila at 11 am; Philippine Navy A and Cignal Team Awesome at 11:45 am; TVM and FEU B at 12:30 pm; and Philippine Navy B and IEM at 1:15 pm.

Heat’s Deng questionable in Game 6 MIAM—Britain’s Luol Deng, a key playmaker for the Miami Heat, was declared questionable by the NBA club on Thursday for Friday’s crucial home playoff matchup against the Toronto Raptors.

The 31-year-old Sudanese-born forward underwent an MRI exam that revealed no fracture in showing the extent of the injury, which was suffered in Wednesday’s 99-91 loss at Toronto.

That result gave the Canadian club a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series. The winner will face the Cleveland Cavaliers to decide a berth in next month’s NBA Finals.

Miami center Hassan Whiteside, the team’s top playoff rebounder with 10.9 a game, remains unlikely to play after missing the past two games due to a sprained ligament in his right knee.

Deng ranks second for the

Volcanoes...

From A16

The Volcanoes have a 2 and 1 record over Sri Lanka, defeating the Tuskers in 2012 and 2014, before they bounced back in 2015 to take the no. 1 ranking, leading into these championships.

The Volcanoes have a chance of retribution this Saturday with the competition wide open, with a win guaranteeing the Volcanoes remain in Division 1, along with being crowned champions.

A loss, however, could see the Volcanoes demoted to Division 2.

“After Wednesday’s results, the competition is

Heat in playoff rebounds with 6.1 a contest in addition to 14.3 points, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals.

In the regular season, Deng averaged 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Southeast division champions.

Deng played from 2004-2014 with the Chicago Bulls before being traded to Cleveland. He signed with the Heat in July of 2014 after LeBron James left Miami to return to the Cavaliers. AFP

wide open. We’re presented with an opportunity to win this tournament. Sri Lanka will be a very tough game for us, but we know that we can win if we play to our strengths and are disciplined. Our team has faith and I know we will put in an effort that our supporters will be proud of,” said Captain Oliver Abalos Saunders The national Rugby team has been led by the performances of the back row, with Derrick DeGuzman Broussard, Benjamin Priagola Mudie and Terry Javier Carroll spearheading the charge.

All three players will look to once again put the Volcanoes on the front foot and hope to see veterans Gareth Dela Rosa Holgate and Matthew Abalos Saunders outplay the Tuskers in the backs.

Spanish Formula 1. Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s British driver Lewis Hamilton adjusts his jacket before taking part in the first practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona ahead of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix. AFP

S AT U R D AY : M AY 14 , 2 0 1 6

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

LOTTO RESULTS 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 4 DIGITS 00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Host San Beda to honor cage great Loyzaga

In sync. Germany’s Sascha Klein and Patrick Hausding compete in the Diving Men’s 10m Synchro Final at the European Aquatics Championships in London. AFP

Gilas to train in Europe; Abueva is PBA top cager

By Jeric Lopez

THE building blocks of Smart Gilas’ campaign in the upcoming 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament are all set.

National team coach Tab Baldwin on Friday revealed the training agenda of Smart Gilas Pilipinas leading up to the tournament which the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will host.

Europe will be the primary training ground of the national pool as Gilas Pilipinas will have some of its training sessions in Greece.

Two pocket tournaments in Bologna and Italy are also lined up as the team is looking for as many tune-up games as possible to be fully prepared for the July 5 to 10 tournament.

The team faces several national teams preparing for either the FIBA Qualifiers or the Rio Olympics.

Gilas has already submitted an initial 24man national pool, which includes PBA stars Calvin Abueva, Jayson Castro, Jeff Chan,

June Mar Fajardo, Ranidel De Ocampo, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Marcio Lassiter, Terrence Romeo, Mark Pingris, Ryan Reyes, Greg Slaughter, Troy Rosario, Moala Tautuaa and LA Tenorio.

The other members that are non-PBA cagers are naturalized import Andray Blatche, along with amateur standouts led by Bobby Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Ferrer, Mac Belo, Roger Pogoy and Russell Escoto.

Blatche is set to arrive anytime this week to start participating in the team’s preparations for the July qualifier.

Meanwhile, Alaska star Calvin Abueva was named as the Best Player of the Conference while Meralco’s Arinze Onuaku was cited as the Best Import of the Conference in the 2016 Philippine Basketball

One dream at a time INSIDE SPORTS RONNIE NATHANIELSZ

IT does seem that eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will achieve another milestone in his career when he is formally sworn in as a member of the Philippine Senate.

That he beat such seasoned veteran politicians like Sergio Osmena and former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino and TG Guingona seems to be a clear indication that Filipino voters recognized his extraordinary accomplishments in the ring and his image of humility that helped restore the country’s standing in the international community at a time when the Philippines is going through a bad spell.

His devastating series of victories as he raced through several weight divisions and disposed of much bigger fighters spoke eloquently of his courageous Filipino heart and his dedication, discipline and hard-work in preparing to take on his opponents.

While Manny did come under severe criticism for attending only four congressional sessions, we’ve always maintained that attendance was more of a perfunctory gesture as very often, the house of representatives failed to muster a quorum, which delayed the passage of important legislation with many congressmen showing up for the roll call, raising their hands to signify attendance and then disappearing from the session hall.

We are well aware that Pacquiao often spent his time attending to his poorer con-

stituents and endeavoring to teach them how to earn a decent living.

It’s a well-known fact that Pacquiao bought a vast tract of land in Sarangani province, which he represented as the lone congressmen and built homes for some 150 families.

He reportedly plans to increase this to 500, basically using the money he earned through his exploits in the ring.

However, those of us who voted for Pacquiao feel strongly about the need for him to fully concentrate on his demanding task as a senator, which covers a nationwide constituency rather than a single congressional district as in his two-terms in the House of Representatives.

It is time we believe for some of the people around Pacquiao, those who have benefited from his exploits in the ring, to back

Association Commissioner’s Cup. The two were awarded prior to the start of Game 4 of the finals between Rain or Shine and Alaska.

Abueva was finally able to get his first-ever Best Player recognition after his consistent play throughout the tournament helped the Aces reach the finals for the third straight conference, while Onuaku spearheaded the Bolts’ huge turnaround this conference as they made the semifinals following a dismal showing in the Philippine Cup where they ended up last.

The Aces’ enigmatic force bested perennial BPC contenders San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo and Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter for the individual plum, while Onuaku topped San Miguel’s Tyler Wilkerson, Rain or Shine’s Pierre henderson-Niles and Alaska’s Rob Dozier for his reinforcement award.

As of this report, Rain or Shine is doing its best to end its four-year title drought and win the Commissioner’s Cup championship via sweep in its first chance as it is battling Alaska in Game 4 of the best-of-seven finals. off and not try to entice him to renege on his promise of retirement and to step into the ring again.

Trainer Freddie Roach has suggested that Pacquiao can beat Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, whose single brutal punch knocked out Amir Khan, cold.

While Pacquiao does not have as fragile a jaw as Khan, we must not forget how Juan Manuel Marquez knocked him senseless with one vicious shot in their fourth meeting.

“Canelo,” who usually rehydrates to around 170 pounds on fight night, would be far too big and certainly too strong for Pacquiao, who can’t even tip the scales at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds.

Even Khan himself believes Pacquiao will come out of retirement to fight again, perhaps against him.

The only one, who stands resolute in the contention that Pacquiao now has a far greater responsibility to the people,

HOST San Beda will honor alumnus and the late basketball great Carlos Loyzaga by retiring his No. 14 jersey during the opening of the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball season on June 25 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

NCAA Management Committee chair Jose Mari Lacson said the family of Loyzaga, known as the “The Big Difference” and considered the best basketball player this country has produced, will be present to witness the historic event.

“Caloy Loyzaga has made not just San Beda and NCAA, but also the whole Philippines proud, so it’s about time we returned what he had done by honoring him with this,” said Lacson.

Loyzaga, who passed away early this year, won a pair of championships with San Beda in 1951 and 1952, helped the country win gold medals twice in the FIBA-Asia Championship (1960 and 1963), four times in the Asian Games (1951, 1954, 1958 and 1962) and secure a bronze in the FIBA Worlds in 1954 in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

That bronze in Rio is unmatched until today.

Lacson also announced that Chito Loyzaga, who like his father also played and won championships with the Lions, will also declare the games open.

Organizers also promised a big opening number that will be choreographed by Roxanne Lapus and directed by Douglas Nierras to jumpstart the season set to unfold at 12:30 p.m.

Set to open basketball hostilities are Mapua against Jose Rizal at 2 p.m. and defending champion Letran and last year’s runner-up San Beda in the main game at 4 p.m.

The Knights, who will be coached this year by Jeff Napa after Aldin Ayo left for La Salle, beat the Lions in three games to win the championship a season ago.

Andy Jao is commissioner.

who voted him into the Senate and that he should remain retired, is promoter Bob Arum.

Pacquiao should listen to Bob and also to his mother Dionisia and charming wife Jinkee, as well as their sons, who are growing up to be fine young gentlemen, and quit boxing for good.

Pacquiao told me at least on three occasions in the past that he would pray for us to live until 2022, and stand behind him to witness him take his oath of office as President.

There are those, who would scoff at this indication of his ambition to serve his country and people. Well, he could begin right now to start studying the role he plans to play in the Senate and make sure that he is present when the sessions begin because that will be one way of observing and learning.

Manny is truly capable of absorbing what he needs to learn about his role in the na-

tional political arena and hang up his gloves, never to lace them up again no matter what the temptation.

We recall that shortly after he had annihilated Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in November 2003, he walked into the office of his manager and father-figure, the late Rod Nazario and told him in our presence that he wanted to enter public service and serve his people, especially the poor.

Rod, bless his soul, scoffed at the idea and told Manny, you are a fighter what do you know about public service. But Manny was insistent and today we see the second stage of his desire to serve his countrymen.

His dream of the presidency six years from now may remain just a dream. But there is no harm in pursuing his desire to serve.

May God guide him and bless all his noble endeavors.

S AT U R DAY : M AY 14 , 2 0 16

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS Thunder finish off Spurs in Game 6 Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City celebrates after steering the Thunder past the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Kevin Durant scored 37 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a 4-2 series victory over the San Antonio Spurs to advance to a Western Conference finals showdown with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.

He left the game to a standing ovation after a superb personal contribution that also included nine rebounds and two assists.

“We’re not done yet,” Durant said.

“We have to keep improving. Keep getting better and get ready for the next series.”

The host Thunder punched their ticket to their fourth Western Conference finals in six years with a 113-99 victory in front of a crowd of 18,200 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The finals will be a chance for Oklahoma City to avenge their regular-season record against the Warriors, where they lost all three games.

San Antonio, NBA finals champions as recently as 2014, were always struggling against a powerful Thun-

Day ties course record 63 at TPC TURN TO A13

der team led by Durant and Russell Westbrook, who finished with 28 points.

“We just came out with great intensity,” said Westbrook, who had two back-to-back strong performances against the Spurs. “We knew how important this game was.”

“They been a great team for years,” he added. “Tonight was a tough game but we came out with the win.”

Oklahoma City showed that when either Durant or Westbrook get in a groove, they are tough to beat and when both get going at the same time, it’s almost impossible to stop them.

“We know what we can do as a team,” Westbrook said. “We are confident in ourselves.”

The Spurs had trailed by as much as 26 points at one stage in the game, but despite narrowing the gap in the fourth quarter, were always struggling to overhaul the deficit.

The Thunder continued their rebounding dominance with a 50-40 advantage. They turned the ball over 12 times, while the Spurs gave the ball away just 10 times. Oklahoma City outshot San Antonio from the floor, 47 percent to 43 percent.

“Game one they just outplayed us,” Durant said of the Spurs, who won the series opener by 32 points. “Game thee, I think we gave the game away, and we didn’t want to do that again.

Russell (Westbrook) was huge last game. I think that propelled us into having a good game tonight.

The semi-final exit could conceivably mark the end of the road for at least two of San Antonio’s long-serving veterans, with Tim Duncan, 40 and Manu Ginobili, 38, in the twilight of their NBA careers.

The evergreen Duncan finished with 19 points, while Kawhi Leon-

ard was the top scorer for the Spurs with 22.

Duncan’s last game?

Duncan turned 40 last month and hasn’t made it clear whether he plans to return for another season. He has a player option on his contract.

Although Duncan’s minutes were reduced this year, he still came up with some turn back the clock moments and played a big role in helping lead the veteran Spurs squad to their best regular season in franchise history.

Asked in the Spurs’ dressing room what the future holds for him, Duncan said, “I will get to that when I get out of here.”

In order to reach the finals, Westbrook said, they must beat Golden State on their home court -- which he believes they can accomplish.

“Very confident we can beat them,” he said. “They are a good team. They are the defending champs. We are going to go there to take care of business and try to move on.”

“It is time to knuckle down.” AFP

Saso cruises to 3-shot title romp TURN TO A14

Volcanoes shoot for Asian title

KUALA LUMPUR—The Philippine Volcanoes saved their toughest game for last when the national rugby team takes on no. 1 seed Sri Lanka for the Asia Rugby Division 1 title.

The Philippine Volcanoes fell short in their second match with a heartbreaking loss to Singapore, going down 24 to 28 in the dying minutes of the game.

The final match will be played at Royal Selangor Stadium, Kuala Lumper at 2.30 p.m.

The Volcanoes currently sit on top of the table with 6 points with Malaysia, while Sri Lanka and Singapore are tied with 5 points.

All teams have a record of 1 win and 1 loss going into the final day of competition. Only the Philippines and Malaysia received bonus points for their last performance, scoring four tries each and losing by less than seven points.

After Malaysia’s dominant performance over Sri Lanka, the host nation look to have a favorable advantage playing Singapore.

This leaves the Volcanoes the final task to take on the no. 1 seed Sri Lanka to have any hopes of winning the competition.

Turn to A14

SATURDAY: MAY 14, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

Local roadmaps. The Board of Investments and the Trade Department’s regional office in Cagayan Valley gather around 300 participants from the region to discuss how it can draw up a localized version of the national industry roadmaps and achieve further growth and competitiveness. Shown are (from left) Trade Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba; Klaus Peter Berkemeyer, development advisor of GTZ-Promotion of Green Economic Development on Greening the Industry Roadmaps; and Mary Ann Darauay, regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority-Cagayan Valley.

4 foreign firms eye SMC band PSe comPoSite

index

Closing May 13, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,436.79 111.75

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing May 13, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P46.555

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P46.550 LOW P46.770 AVERAGE P46.672 VOLUME 589.370M

P426.00-P637.00 LPG/11-kg tank P35.40-P42.60 Unleaded Gasoline

o

il P PriceS today

P23.49-P27.07 Diesel

San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said in an interview at the sidelines of the annual stockholders’ meeting of San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc. he was also open to talks with Globe Telecom Inc. and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. for the 700-megahertz spectrum.

Ang said if the telecommunication companies were interested in San Miguel’s 700 MHz, the telcos should also be willing to share their facilities such as cell sites.

“If we do that, I can bring in a foreign partner even faster,” Ang

By Julito G. Rada

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, May 13, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.5840

Japan

Yen

0.009173

0.4273

UK

Pound

1.445500

67.3372

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128879

6.0037

Switzerland

Franc

1.030822

48.0198

Canada

Dollar

0.778513

36.2662

Singapore

Dollar

0.728704

33.9459

Australia

Dollar

0.732500

34.1228

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

123.5716

Rial

SAN Miguel Corp. said it received four “serious offers” from foreign investors to be its joint venture partner for a mobile broadband business, after talks with Telstra Corp. Ltd. of Australia bogged down in March. said.

Ang said the four foreign investors with telecom venture offers were asking about the interconnection issue with other telecommunication firms.

“If they [Globe and PLDT] are wiling cooperate and make this a level playing field for the three of us, definitely I am open [for partnership],” Ang said.

Ang said San Miguel planned to offer its own mobile broadband this year.

He said San Miguel would decide before the end of the month

or early June on whether it would push through with the telco venture with a partner or on its own.

San Miguel owns 100 Mhz of spectrum in the 700-MHz band, of which 80 Mhz was assigned

to wi-Tribe Telecommunications Inc., 10 Mhz to High Frequency Telecommunications Inc. and 10 Mhz to New Century Telecommunications Inc. The 700-MHz band, located above the TV broadcast channels, penetrates buildings and walls and covers larger areas. Mobile service providers in other countries have been using the spectrum to offer mobile broadband services.

Aside from 700 Mhz, San Miguel Group owns spectrum under the 900 Mhz, 800 Mhz and 1,800 Mhz. PLDT Group holds frequency in the 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz and 2,100 MHz bands while Globe owns frequency in the 900 Mhz, 1,800 Mhz and 2,100 Mhz bands.

PLDT and Globe earlier asked the National Telecommunications Commission to reassign the 700 MHz to existing telecom players.

MB closes down GSIS Family Bank; PDIC takes over

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene

Saudi Arabia

By Jenniffer B. Austria

0.266660

12.4221

Brunei

Dollar

0.726058

33.8227

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028297

1.3182

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

12.6835

Euro

Euro

1.137900

53.0079

Korea

Won

0.000855

0.0398

China

Yuan

0.153516

7.1514

India

Rupee

0.014982

0.6979

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.248942

11.5967

New Zealand

Dollar

0.681200

31.7330

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030670

1.4287 Source: PDS Bridge

THE Monetary Board, the policymaking body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, placed the 22-unit GSIS Family Bank (A Thrift Bank) under the custody of Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. due to unsound financial condition, the ninth bank closed this year.

The board closed the bank on May 13, 2016. PDIC as receiver took over the bank on the same day.

GSIS Family Bank is a 22unit thrift bank with head office at the second floor of AIC

Grande Tower, Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The bank has seven branches in the National Capital Region, one in Bulacan, 11 in Cavite, and two in Laguna.

The Government Service Insurance System controls 99.6 percent of GSIS Family Bank. The bank’s president is Emmanuel Benitez while the chairman is Geraldine Marie BerberabeMartinez.

Latest available records show that the bank as of March 31, 2016 had 14,507 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P974.81

million. Total insured deposits amounted to P786.39 million, or 80.67 percent of total deposits.

PDIC said all bank records would be gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer assured depositors all valid deposits would be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.

Prior to closing down GSIS Family Bank, Bangko Sentral shut down eight rural banks since January this year, also to unsound financial condition.

These were Surigao-based Surigao City Evergreen Rural

Bank Inc., Rural Bank of Malinao (Aklan) Inc., Rural Bank of Panay Inc., Koronadal Rural Bank Inc., Negros Oriental-based Rural Bank of Basay, Rural Bank of Villaviciosa (Abra) Inc., Cebubased Lapu-Lapu Rural Bank Inc. and Rural Bank of Bayawan, also in Negros Oriental.

The Monetqry Board in 2015 closed 14 rural banks, matching the same number of banks closed in 2014. Financially-ailing rural banks are normally placed under the custody of state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.

SATURDAY: MAY 14, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Friday, May 13, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 0.92 2.6 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 124

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 0.74 1.02 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 59

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 148 20.6 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 3.95 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 0.62 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 1450 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 1.3 26 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 32 15.32 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 2.3 1.63 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 0.335 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 801 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 0.640 10.02 1.2

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 5.29 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 9.66 0.0670 2.31 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 390 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 3 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 3 0.030 1.23 0.550 2.26 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 170 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.45 3.27 46.35 45.25 104.70 102.90 94.00 92.75 40.2 39.95 3.04 2.95 1.62 1.53 14.2 14.2 16.22 15.96 7.05 7.05 0.7 0.7 1.73 1.73 0.580 0.570 87.2 85.2 0.7 0.96 15.10 15.00 52.00 51.05 105.9 105.9 275 265 30.6 30 195 189.9 60.00 58.50 INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp.

45.35 49 45.4 Agrinurture Inc. 3.78 3.78 3.6 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.84 0.92 0.81 Alsons Cons.

1.76 1.83 1.71 Asiabest Group 14.1 14.38 13.5 C. Azuc De Tarlac 230.00 193.00 190.00 Century Food 19.98 20.8 20.3 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 198 197 195 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 17.96 18 17.54 Concepcion 46.5 46.45 46 Crown Asia 2.28 2.28 2.25 Da Vinci Capital 5.03 5 4.7 Del Monte 10.6 10.8 10.6 DNL Industries Inc. 9.300 9.520 9.330 Emperador 7.75 7.82 7.60 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.94 6.02 5.85 EEI 7.34 7.40 7.27 Euro-Med Lab 1.7 1.7 1.7 First Gen Corp.

21 21.5 21 First Holdings ‘A’ 67 68.2 66.7 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 14.78 14.78 12.52 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.40 14.40 14.62 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.55 5.75 5.6 Ionics Inc 2.450 2.560 2.350 Jollibee Foods Corp.

229.80 237.80 229.60 LMG Chemicals 2 2 2 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.65 3.65 3.5 Macay Holdings 36.90 39.80 37.00 Manila Water Co. Inc. 27.6 28.1 27.6 Maxs Group 22.55 24.1 22.35 Megawide 6.5 6.6 6.4 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 344.40 347.00 337.00 MG Holdings 0.285 0.285 0.270 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.42 3.59 3.42 Petron Corporation 10.96 11.74 10.86 Phil H2O 3.07 3.08 3.01 Phinma Corporation 11.50 11.62 11.50 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 5.43 5.50 5.27 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.59 1.60 1.53 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.7 2.89 2.69 RFM Corporation 4.21 4.25 4.20 San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’ 220 225 220 Splash Corporation 2.54 2.6 2.49 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.154 0.158 0.154 TKC Steel Corp.

1.20 1.20 1.14 Trans-Asia Oil 2.56 2.66 2.58 Universal Robina 204.4 209.8 205.4 Vitarich Corp.

0.95 0.97 0.94 Vivant Corp.

31.00 31.00 31.00 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.37 1.43 1.35 HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.405 0.435 0.400 Aboitiz Equity 70.50 71.70 70.75 Alliance Global Inc. 14.46 14.80 14.48 Anglo Holdings A 1.41 1.40 1.13 Anscor `A’ 6.00 5.95 5.95 ATN Holdings A 0.500 0.530 0.445 ATN Holdings B 0.500 0.530 0.450 Ayala Corp `A’ 786.5 840 801 Cosco Capital 7.89 7.97 7.87 DMCI Holdings 12.60 12.74 12.46 F&J Prince ‘A’ 5.07 5.07 5.06 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

5.84 5.92 5.85 Forum Pacific 0.290 0.285 0.260 GT Capital 1410 1473 1422 House of Inv. 6.21 6.39 6.39 JG Summit Holdings 86.80 92.00 88.30 Keppel Holdings `A’ 5.88 5.33 5.33 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.42 7.8 7.4 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.69 0.73 0.69 LT Group 13.36 13.86 13.52 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.485 0.465 0.465 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.86 6.13 5.85 MJCI Investments Inc. 3.49 3.39 2.85 Pacifica `A’ 0.0340 0.0340 0.0330 Prime Media Hldg 1.400 1.370 1.370 Prime Orion 1.840 1.880 1.840 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.67 2.75 2.57 San Miguel Corp `A’ 70.00 71.40 70.50 Seafront `A’ 2.14 2.15 2.14 SM Investments Inc. 947.50 998.00 942.50 Solid Group Inc. 1.15 1.19 1.15 South China Res. Inc. 0.77 0.81 0.78 Transgrid 190.00 190.00 190.00 Top Frontier 151.000 155.000 150.000 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3200 0.3250 0.3150 Wellex Industries 0.2350 0.2430 0.2310 Zeus Holdings 0.310 0.325 0.300 PROPERTY 8990 HLDG 7.530 7.600 7.460 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.27 1.30 1.22 Araneta Prop `A’ 2.100 2.200 2.050 Arthaland Corp.

0.270 0.265 0.265 Ayala Land `B’ 35.250 36.800 35.150 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.05 3.08 3.03 Cebu Holdings 5.24 5.23 5.1 Century Property 0.530 0.54 0.520 Cityland Dev. `A’ 0.900 0.990 0.980 Crown Equities Inc. 0.138 0.137 0.135 Cyber Bay Corp.

0.475 0.475 0.465 Double Dragon 43.2 49.5 43.3 AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Union Bank

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

Close

SHARES 23,780,251 116,046,251 280,048,060 242,305,522 244,637,808 3,973,764,056 4,941,001,180

3.3 45.9 102.40 93.00 39.8 2.90 1.61 14.2 16 7.06 0.68 1.7 0.590 82.7 0.97 15.00 51.40 105 273.4 30.6 180 58.50

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.39 46 104.00 93.00 40 3.00 1.54 14.2 16.2 7.05 0.7 1.73 0.570 87 0.97 15.00 51.80 105.9 273.4 30.05 190.5 59.00

2.73 0.22 1.56 0.00 0.50 3.45 -4.35 0.00 1.25 -0.14 2.94 1.76 -3.39 5.20 0.00 0.00 0.78 0.86 0.00 -1.80 5.83 0.85

125,000 25,900 3,917,060 1,716,110 192,100 145,000 163,000 4,300 386,300 600 5,000 7,000 697,000 11,117,290 53,000 50,300 66,660 20 940 192,900 4,340,120 222,030

47 3.71 0.91 1.74 14.2 193.00 20.5 195 18 46.45 2.27 4.79 10.6 9.480 7.60 5.85 7.32 1.7 21.35 68 14.78 14.58 5.69 2.390 234.60 2 3.6 39.50 28 22.95 6.6 340.40 0.285 3.46 11.46 3.01 11.62 5.50 1.58 2.8 4.21 221.6 2.6 0.154 1.20 2.63 206.6 0.96 31.00 1.35

3.64 -1.85 8.33 -1.14 0.71 -16.09 2.60 -1.52 0.22 -0.11 -0.44 -4.77 0.00 1.94 -1.94 -1.52 -0.27 0.00 1.67 1.49 0.00 1.25 2.52 -2.45 2.09 0.00 -1.37 7.05 1.45 1.77 1.54 -1.16 0.00 1.17 4.56 -1.95 1.04 1.29 -0.63 3.70 0.00 0.73 2.36 0.00 0.00 2.73 1.08 1.05 0.00 -1.46

2,344,300 762,000 2,879,000 20,961,000 2,500 50 1,959,100 1,100 51,500 4,200 533,000 698,700 112,900 4,018,800 1,549,700 12,159,500 212,100 1,000 3,922,600 163,900 13,700 337,500 473,500 7,912,000 1,392,040 5,000 45,000 5,000 590,600 1,864,200 79,500 302,190 330,000 149,000 27,056,300 7,000 500 980,600 588,000 634,000 111,000 15,700 437,000 5,430,000 100,000 2,509,000 2,364,910 7,051,000 2,800 1,633,000

0.405 70.80 14.60 1.23 5.95 0.445 0.450 828 7.95 12.62 5.07 5.88 0.285 1451 6.39 91.10 5.33 7.8 0.69 13.52 0.465 6.02 3.39 0.0340 1.370 1.840 2.75 70.50 2.15 980.00 1.18 0.81 190.00 154.000 0.3200 0.2330 0.305

0.00 0.43 0.97 -12.77 -0.83 -11.00 -10.00 5.28 0.76 0.16 0.00 0.68 -1.72 2.91 2.90 4.95 -9.35 5.12 0.00 1.20 -4.12 2.73 -2.87 0.00 -2.14 0.00 3.00 0.71 0.47 3.43 2.61 5.19 0.00 1.99 0.00 -0.85 -1.61

4,980,000 202,500.00 2,095,840 -14,550,393.50 9,349,200 -76,848,432.00 1,149,000 1,000 124,960,000 12,733,000 108,160.00 1,186,260 388,955,665.00 952,400 -663,635.00 4,215,800 7,962,614.00 21,900 610,600 2,284,558.00 1,490,000 336,415 93,933,605.00 2,000 8,511,890 115,403,412.50 1,600 8,031,300 -4,170,172.00 135,000 12,805,600 33,498,738.00 20,000 61,310,200 11,737,470.00 20,000 10,800,000 12,000 1,036,000 -280,000.00 67,000 219,740 -1,104,076.50 11,000 551,430 105,308,100.00 274,000 25,960.00 266,000 10 2,050 9,240.00 1,810,000 6,440,000 3,590,000

7.500 1.24 2.100 0.265 35.500 3.06 5.23 0.540 0.990 0.136 0.465 49

-0.40 -2.36 0.00 -1.85 0.71 0.33 -0.19 1.89 10.00 -1.45 -2.11 13.43

412,600 5,351,000 2,180,000 980,000 22,126,300 682,000 31,000 6,356,000 66,000 2,830,000 750,000 4,063,700

973,350.00 56,096,902 35,010,757.50

-2,290,584.00

238,873,824.00 -1,033,242.00 -1,059.00 -3,440,260 -13,022,465.00 -8,964,739.50 77,766,000.00 18,000.00

9,281,480.00 36,000.00 156,400 6,780.00 24,500.00 -1,130,816.00 4,772,957.00 1,359,481.00 -10,746,701.00 -1,073,076.00 10,023,185.00 -5,606,589.50 40,770.00 23,424.00 -733,270.00 -73,472,786.00

-178,165.00 2,287,190.00 283,415.00 -30,732,334.00 134,200.00 -31,394,848.00

48,000.00 293,930.00 645,986.00

-52,000.00 28,867,732.00 27,200.00

-83,800.00 -1,360,710.00 127,510,615.00 309,220.00 150,624.00 -365,560.00 14,700.00 -303,860.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

High

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 23 2.69 22.15 1.6 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

Empire East Land 0.840 Ever Gotesco 0.158 Global-Estate 1.00 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.91 Interport `A’ 1.26 Keppel Properties 5.20 Megaworld 4.12 MRC Allied Ind. 0.083 Phil. Estates Corp.

0.2900 Phil. Realty `A’ 0.540 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 34.25 Primex Corp.

8.52 Robinson’s Land `B’ 28.80 Rockwell 1.57 SM Prime Holdings 24.90 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.91 Starmalls 6.6 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 1.070 Vista Land & Lifescapes 4.740

1.19 0.00 1.00 1.05 4.76 -5.77 3.16 12.05 0.00 -3.70 -9.49 0.94 2.43 -0.64 -4.42 1.10 -0.15 -0.93 4.43

226,000 70,000 5,899,000 30,169,000 21,000 22,200 92,576,000 22,170,000 680,000 5,921,000 12,300 3,800 3,461,200 218,000 24,757,300 4,143,000 4,000 1,457,000 3,649,000

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 2720 8.41 70.5 1.97 119.5 7 5.8 0.017

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 1600 5.95 17.02 1.23 102.6 3.01 4 0.011

0.8200 2.2800 5.93

0.041 1.200 2.34

12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 95.5 1 2.46 15.2

6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 3.1 0.650 1.8 6

1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 1.71 5 0.315 1.14

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

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

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ Imperial Res. `B’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail 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 Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

-2.45 -1.48 -7.59 -1.67 -1.04 0.35 3.06 0.00 0.00 2.28 0.53 0.00 2.22 0.00 -0.74 -0.21 0.84 1.27 -2.42 0.00 0.00 1.05 -3.95 -0.53 0.00 -1.57 1.18 3.69 14.29 0.00 -3.27 -3.33 0.00 0.42 1.50 -2.44 -0.11 2.60 -5.98 1.08 -1.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.34 0.16 -1.25 0.00 0.00 0.88 4.05 11.55

92,000 581,960 128,000 445,000 14,200 100 11,094,000 11,060,000 251,000 1,561,620 12,000 38,000 81,200 82,215 139,900 3,000 35,000 827,330 81,900 720 9,400,000 510,000 90,840,000 18,394,000 294,000 6,400 138,400 4,988,000 8,000 2,000 400 43,000 508,000 6,587,000 13,741,000 18,017,000 3,100 132,200 970 139,000 184,400 530,000 23,295,000 8,529,400 1,527,630 366,600 12,780,000 383,000 5,000 1,279,000 2,630,000 871,800

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 0.330 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 9.43 0.236 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

4.88 -0.99 -2.10 7.69 0.41 -2.50 -0.13 -2.90 -1.92 0.46 -3.37 -3.17 2.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.02 -1.57 3.92 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.05 -1.27 0.96 0.00 -0.39 -0.28 6.67

2,011,000,000-189,600.00 17,000 139,000 -37,950.00 8,300 20,000 22,400 24,700 -82,897.00 269,000 -33,500.00 903,000 -2,040.00 3,100 27,195,000 2,877,160.00 440,000 26,110,000 1,820,000 27,700,000 153,000,000 569,000 6,483,300 -4,302,706.00 807,000 272,000 36,000 8,000,000 70,000 1,257,200 -944,810.00 18,472,000 2,690,080.00 38,700,000 1,124,530 -15,080,483.00 3,610,000 163,100.00 1,645,300,000 -319,200.00

70 525 8.21 12.28 111

33 500 5.88 6.5 101

1047 84.8

1011 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I

-4.62 0.94 0.00 0.00 -0.55 3.33 0.00 0.00 -0.26 0.39 0.60 0.13

1,141,060 10 14,000 1,000 1,160 300 110 37,480 3,100 1,800 1,120 20

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

-1.30

277,000

15

3.5

49.89 6.05 2.33 3.71

3,696,000 3,000 25,000 4,284,900

2.24

17,540

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,674.59 (UP) 37.51 INDUSTRIAL 11,946.42 (UP) 134.02 HOLDING FIRMS 7,463.57 (UP) 226.15 PROPERTY 3,095.50 (DOWN) 4.46 SERVICES 1,496.37 (UP) 0.88 MINING & OIL 10,884.95 (DOWN) 53.99 PSEI 7,436.79 (UP) 111.75 All Shares Index 4,412.26 (UP) 57.31 Gainers: 112; Losers: 78; Unchanged: 49; Total: 239

Close

0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 27 8.54 31.8 2.29 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.860 0.850 0.850 0.158 0.149 0.158 1.03 1.00 1.01 1.95 1.89 1.93 1.35 1.26 1.32 5.10 4.89 4.90 4.43 4.12 4.25 0.096 0.084 0.093 0.3100 0.2800 0.2900 0.540 0.500 0.520 35.00 30.05 31.00 8.6 8.6 8.6 29.65 28.50 29.50 1.58 1.54 1.56 24.85 23.80 23.80 0.93 0.89 0.92 6.59 6 6.59 1.070 1.030 1.060 4.950 4.750 4.950 SERVICES 7.75 7.75 7.5 7.56 54 54 52.8 53.2 1.45 1.44 1.34 1.34 0.600 0.600 0.580 0.590 11.5 11.7 11.38 11.38 28.4 28.5 28.5 28.5 4.58 4.83 4.68 4.72 0.0580 0.0590 0.0570 0.0580 3.1 3.14 3.07 3.1 89.95 92.5 89.95 92 9.5 9.55 9.45 9.55 1.7 1.71 1.7 1.7 6.75 6.90 6.71 6.90 2252 2320 2248 2252 6.80 6.85 6.74 6.75 23.55 23.65 23.50 23.50 1.19 1.20 1.19 1.20 63.2 64.6 63.05 64 16.50 16.68 16.02 16.10 185 185 180 185 0.0100 0.0100 0.0099 0.0100 9.55 9.68 9.60 9.65 0.380 0.390 0.365 0.365 1.8900 2.0000 1.8100 1.8800 2.09 2.22 2.07 2.09 11.48 11.48 10.5 11.3 7.65 7.77 7.47 7.74 4.34 4.64 4.35 4.50 1.12 1.28 1.28 1.28 2.80 2.80 2.80 2.80 22.95 22.20 22.20 22.20 0.600 0.580 0.580 0.580 2 2 2 2 2.37 2.45 2.35 2.38 4.00 4.13 3.98 4.06 2.870 2.950 2.740 2.800 17.58 17.56 16.88 17.56 5.00 5.13 5.10 5.13 115.40 112.00 108.00 108.50 23.25 23.50 23.10 23.50 1746.00 1757.00 1725.00 1726.00 0.420 0.420 0.395 0.420 0.930 0.940 0.900 0.930 42.10 42.60 41.90 42.10 81.05 82.95 80.50 82.95 6.19 6.37 6.20 6.20 3.20 3.26 3.06 3.16 0.600 0.610 0.590 0.600 1.98 1.98 1.94 1.98 3.4 3.48 3.4 3.43 0.370 0.410 0.355 0.385 5.110 6.000 5.050 5.700 MINING & OIL 0.0041 0.0045 0.0041 0.0043 2.03 2.03 1.99 2.01 4.29 4.27 4.20 4.20 13.00 14.50 11.80 14.00 0.243 0.244 0.244 0.244 8.0000 8.8 7.8 7.8000 7.7600 7.7500 7.6700 7.7500 0.69 0.69 0.67 0.67 0.520 0.530 0.510 0.510 8.66 8.88 8.20 8.70 0.890 0.880 0.860 0.860 0.315 0.315 0.295 0.305 0.250 0.255 0.247 0.255 0.270 0.270 0.270 0.270 0.0130 0.0140 0.0130 0.0130 0.0140 0.0140 0.0130 0.0140 1.99 2.07 1.97 2.05 5.08 5.07 4.91 5 2.55 2.82 2.5 2.65 0.6000 0.6100 0.6000 0.6000 1.3500 1.3500 1.3500 1.3500 0.0093 0.0096 0.0093 0.0093 3.76 3.95 3.77 3.95 6.30 6.30 6.15 6.22 3.12 3.38 3.05 3.15 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 127.50 129.00 127.00 127.00 3.54 3.85 3.53 3.53 0.0150 0.0180 0.0130 0.0160 PREFERRED 53 53 50.4 50.55 530 535 535 535 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.6 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 109.6 109.1 109 109 1050 1085 1079 1085 1022 1022 1022 1022 80 80.4 78.5 80 76.4 76.2 76 76.2 77.2 77.5 77.5 77.5 75.05 75.5 75.05 75.5 75.1 75.2 75.2 75.2 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.080 3.090 2.970 3.040 SME 4.49 6.73 4.49 6.73 3.8 4.03 3.79 4.03 3 3.1 3.02 3.07 17.26 18.2 17.66 17.9 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 120.3 123 120.5 123

T op g ainerS VALUE 2,461,579,379.294 2,026,829,667.049 3,839,025,587.52 2,254,677,041.94 1,805,915,590.77 330,255,330.024 12,892,342,859.693

Low

1,490.00 -264,000.00 -11,943,100.00 1,320.00 -17,079,820.00

-29,566,185.00 142,200.00 -208,007,835.00

8,017,910.00 22,800.00 84,000.00 -15,960.00 13,542,650.00 58,000.00 3,070.00 52,487,787.50 171,202.00 -3,498,070.00

8,972,825.00

4,826,350.00 7,500.00 296,270.00 -202,120.00 -819,050.00

-74,170.00 -4,902,100.00 121,310.00 -5,130.00 88,605.00 -16,185.00 -73,104,845.00 -1,931,750.00 105,066,270.00 -5,415,262.50 18,630.00 -7,603,060.00 1,872,490.00 363,150.00 -56,250.00

-39,769,527.00 92,400.00 109,000.00

121,920.00

31,840.00 -8,528,154.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Alterra Capital

6.73

49.89

C. Azuc De Tarlac

193.00

-16.09

Lorenzo Shipping

1.28

14.29

Anglo Holdings A

1.23

-12.77

Double Dragon

49

13.43

ATN Holdings A

0.445

-11.00

MRC Allied Ind.

0.093

12.05

ATN Holdings B

0.450

-10.00

Yehey

5.700

11.55

Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry

31.00

-9.49

Alliance Tuna Intl Inc.

0.91

8.33

Keppel Holdings `A'

5.33

-9.35

Atok-Big Wedge `A'

14.00

7.69

Acesite Hotel

1.34

-7.59

Macay Holdings

39.50

7.05

Phil. Seven Corp.

108.50

-5.98

United Paragon

0.0160

6.67

Keppel Properties

4.90

-5.77

Makati Fin. Corp.

4.03

6.05

Da Vinci Capital

4.79

-4.77

SATURDAY: MAY 14, 2016

B3

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

Stocks hit 7,400 level; DD leads advancers STOCKS climbed to a ninemonth high Friday, after the camp of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte unveiled an eight-point economic agenda that will keep most current economic policies and companies reported strong first-quarter profits.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, climbed 111 points, or 1.5 percent, to close at 7,436.79 Friday, the highest level since it settled at 7,439.80 on Aug. 13, 2015. The bellwether was also up 7 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also advanced 57 points, or 1.3 percent, to finish at 4,412.26, on a value turnover of P12.9 billion. Advancers led losers, 112 to 78, while 49 issues were unchanged.

Fifteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by DoubleDragon Properties Corp., which climbed 13.4 percent to P49. Security Bank Corp. rose 5.8 percent to P190.50, while conglomerate Ayala Corp. gained 5.3 percent to P828.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. added 5.2 percent to close at P87.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks ended a choppy week with more losses Friday following a negative lead from New York and Europe, with Apple suppliers taking a hit after the tech giant’s shares tumbled in US trade.

Oil prices also retreated after hitting new six-month highs on a prediction from the International Energy Agency that a global supply glut would ease in the second half of 2016.

Tokyo finished 1.4 percent lower after a disappointing earnings season and as the yen edged higher despite the Bank of Japan’s chief repeated a pledge that he was ready to unleash more stimulus measures to boost the sagging economy.

The greenback was trading at 108.83 yen in the afternoon, against 109.00 yen on Thursday in New York. with AFP, Bloomberg

Katha awards.

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions recognizes exporters and designers through the Katha Awards, considered as the most prestigious in the Philippine design scene, coinciding with the conclusion of the 63rd edition of Manila Fame. Shown are are (from left) Citem executive director Rosvi Gaetos, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Celia Jiao of Schema, a Vito Selma representative, Ito Kish, Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr., Malou Romero of Joanique, Jun Balderrama of Casa Mercedes and Trade undersecretary Nora Terrado.

Markets welcome Duterte’s agenda

By Julito G. Rada

THE economic agenda outlined by the incoming administration of president-elect Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will be good for the financial markets, investment bank J.P. Morgan said in a report Friday.

“We believe that financial markets will welcome the explicit commitment of the incoming administration in keeping the current macro-economic policies, particularly its focus on infrastructure. The absence of any drastic shifts is encouraging, in our view,” it said.

“However, given the broad pronouncements, the appointment of a capable and experienced cabinet and economic team, and eventually, the ability to execute, are the next milestones to watch for,” it said.

It said the focus on grassroots development was also laudable, as inclusive growth became a per-

sistent problem of the economy.

It also said it helped that the new government was cognizant of the need to maintain fiscal discipline despite its goal of making income tax more progressive.

“We think this should assuage concerns about Duterte’s lack of clarity on his economic platform,” J.P. Morgan said.

Carlos Dominguez, a member of Duterte’s transition committee, earlier listed eight broad economic points for the incoming administration. He said the new government would maintain the current macro-economic policies, but would focus on eight economic

priorities.

The new administration aims to implement progressive reforms in the two major revenue collection agencies, Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs, to reduce corruption and ultimately increase tax effort.

The Duterte administration aims to accelerate spending on infrastructure, including publicprivate partnership projects, in a bid to maintain government infra spending ratio of 5 percent of GDP. Dominguez said the new administration was planning to revisit the economic provisions of the Constitution, particularly the foreign ownership limit.

There is also a plan to adopt Davao City’s model where ease of doing business was not an issue to enhance competitiveness. Core to this objective is to reduce criminality and improve security for people and business.

Also included in the policies

are the modernization of the agriculture sector, addressing the land administration and management, more progressive tax administration, expansion and improvement of the conditional cash transfer program and strengthening of basic education system.

The new government plans to strengthen training in communication, logical thinking and mathematical skills in the basic and primary education system.

It also intends to expand scholarship programs, Dominguez said.

Major global debt watchers Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Fitch Ratings said the investment grade rating of the Philippines would not be affected by the change in leadership after the May 9 polls.

“We expect fiscal and economic policies under the incoming administration to remain supportive of the ‘BBB’ long-term rating on the Philippines,” S&P said in a report this week.

Jollibee plans to open 200 stores, build three commissaries in 2016

By Jenniffer B. Austria JOLLIBEE Foods Corp., the largest food service company in Asia, said Friday it plans to roll out 200 new stores in the Philippines this year.

This year’s store expansion is lower compared with the 249 stores Jollibee opened in 2015.

Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it also planned to build three new commissary facilities in Luzon, expand the capacity of its biggest commissary

in Canlubang, Laguna and set up two new distribution warehouses in Luzon to support the fast growing business.

The fast-food chain operator earlier announced plans to spend P10.4 billion in capital expenditure in 2016, or more than double the P4.7-billion capital expenditures in 2015.

Jollibee’s net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company grew 17.7 percent in the first quarter to P1.14 billion.

System-wide sales, a measure of all sales to consumer both from company-owned and franchised stores, increased 14.8 percent to P34.2 billion in the first quarter.

The sales increase was driven by an 8-percent growth in samestore sales on a worldwide basis and store network growth of 6.8 percent. Same-store sales growth pertains to restaurants that were already open for at least 15 months. It excludes sales growth from new stores opening.

Philippine brands reported strong sales in the first quarter, growing 16 percent from a year ago, on continued strong samestore sales growth and higher volume of customer traffic per store.

The company said election-related spending boosted consumer spending and helped drive the group’s same-store sales growth in the first quarter.

The foreign business reported a 10.5-percent growth in systemwide sales in the first quarter.

The US business grew 17.4 percent while Southeast Asia and the Middle East business expanded by 32.2 percent, led by Jollibee Vietnam with 48.2-percent growth.

The China business grew at a slower rate of 1.9 percent, as Yonghe King, JFC’s biggest brand in China experienced sales pressure from recovering competing brands.

Jollibee also announced plans to enter other markets such as Malaysia, Oman, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom.

SATURDAY: MAY 14, 2016

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

IN BRIEF $67-m energy loan

THE World Bank on Friday approved $67 million worth of energy projects for the Philippines to expand the electricity access of the poor and remote households.

The World Bank on May 12 extended a $44-million guarantee under the Philippines Renewable Energy Projec to help reduce risks of commercial lending to electric cooperatives.

The guarantee, according to the bank, would enable cooperatives to expand their electricity network, invest in renewable energy like small hydroelectric and solar power plants, and increase the electricity access of poor households.

Separately, on April 28, the World Bank approved a $2- million grant for the Access to Sustainable Energy Project, which will help bring solar power to remote communities and islands not connected to the electricity grid managed by electric cooperatives.

Gabrielle Binaday

Shell CDO fuel depot

PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. is set to complete a P6-billion fuel import facility in Cagayan de Oro within the year, a top official said Friday, “We’re nearing completion, within the month,” Shell country chairman Ed Chua told reporters in a chance interview.

The Cagayan de Oro facility is expected to meet the rising energy needs of residents, motorists and other consumers in Visayas and Mindanao.

Shell is is set to formally inaugurate the facility by June.

Chua, meanwhile, lauded the government for a “clean elections and quick results.”

“Everyone have their own candidates but once the people have choses, all of us will support,” Chua said.

Shell also completed the upgrade of its 110,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in Tabangao, Batangas early this year.

The refinery is now producing Euro IV compliant diesel and gasoline fuels.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Cebu Pacific’s profit jumped to P4 b in Q1

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Air Inc. said Friday net income in the first quarter of the year jumped 81 percent mainly due to higher passenger traffic and cheaper fuel costs.

The airline company owned by industrialist John Gokongwei said net profit amounted to P4.04 billion in the January-to-March period from P2.23 billion in the same period last year.

The parent company of Cebu Pacific said revenues rose 13 percent to P16.11 billion from P14.20 billion last year.

Passenger revenues grew 11 percent to P12.02 billion in the three months ending March from P10.81 billion posted in the same period last year.

The increase was mainly at-

tributable to the 13 precent increase in passenger volume to 4.8 million from 4.3 million in 2015, driven by the increased number of flights in 2016.

Cebu Air’s number of flights rose 1.8 percent year-on-year as the group added more aircraft to its fleet. Cebu Pacific Group’s aircraft stood at 56 aircraft as of March.

The company’s cargo revenues increased 8.3 percent to P836.427 million from P772.545 million last year.

The group incurred operat-

ing expenses of P11.888 billion, higher by 4.6 percent from P11.368 billion recorded last year.

Cebu Pacific said the higher expenses were due to the increase in majority of the group’s operating expenses driven by its expanded operations, growth in seat capacity from the acquisition of new aircraft and the weakening of the Philippine peso against the US dollar.

The peso depreciated to an average of 47.27 per US dollar for the three months ending March 31 from an average of P44.42 last year.

“The increase was however partially offset by the substantial drop in fuel costs compared to the same period last year due to the sharp decline in global jet fuel prices,” Cebu Pacific said.

Cebu Pacific group’s flying op-

erations expenses fell 13 percent to P4.474 billion in the first quarter from P5.144 billion incurred in the same period last year.

This is primarily attributable to the 16.7 percent decline in aviation fuel expenses to P3.6 billion in the first quarter from P4.325 billion for the same period last year.

Jet fuel prices dropped to $42.10 per barrel in the three months from $68.98 per barrel in 2015.

Cebu Pacific earlier said the opening of new destinations such as Guam will enable the airline to increase passengers by 9 percent to nearly 20 million in 2016.

“This year, I think in terms of target, we are looking at close to 20 million passengers,” Cebu Air Inc. vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said.

EDC hikes income

ENERGY Development Corp. of the Lopez Group reported a consolidated recurring net income of P2.63 billion in the first quarter, up 7 percent from P2.46 billion year-on-year.

EDC, the country’s largest geothermal and wind energy company, disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange consolidated revenues reached P9.10 billion in the first quarter, up 7 percent from P8.5 billion on year.

The higher core income and revenues resulted primarily from higher energy sales reported by EDC’s 150-megawatt Burgos Wind Project following the completion of the uprated Laoag-San Esteban transmission line in September 2015.

The core income of the Burgos wind project rose by P520 million following a P670-million increase in revenues during the period. Alena Mae S. Flores

‘Hot money’ fleesportfolio REGISTERED foreign

investments, or “hot money,” posted a net outflow of $354 million in April, significantly higher than $31 million in the same period last year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

The April figure was a reversal from $482 million net inflow in March this year.

Gross inflows for the month reached $1.3 billion, lower than $1.934 billion a year ago, while total outflows stood at $1.62 billion, also down from $1.96 billion on year.

“Outflows rose by $421 million or 34.9 percent from last month’s $1.2 billion due to profit taking, coupled with concerns on the oil supply surplus, slump in Chinese equities, and the coming elections,” Bangko Sentral said.

About 80.3 percent of investments registered during the month were in Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities, while 19.7 percent were in peso government securities.

Julito G. Rada

ICTSI nets $42.2m

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Friday net income fell 22 percent in the first quarter of the year, dragged down by weak container volume.

The port operator owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. reported a net profit of $42.2 million in the January-to-March period from $54 million in the same period last year.

ICTSI’s revenue from port operations amounted to $266.5 million in the first quarter, a decrease a 10 percent from $296.1 million in the same period last year.

“The decline in earnings was mainly driven by lower storage & ancillary revenues, unfavorable container volume mix, lower capitalized borrowing cost, higher depreciation and amortization expenses and start-up costs of new terminals and projects,” the port operator said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Trade fair. The Trade Department opens the 9th Paddayna Lima OTOP Regional Trade Fair 2016 at the Robinsons Mall, Santiago City, Isabela

on April 25, 2016. Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya (second from right) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony. With her are Region 2 director Ma. Esperanza Banares, Cordillera Autonomous Region director Myrna Pablo, Region I director Florante Leal, Region 3 director Judith Angeles and Santiago City Mayor Joseph Tan.

Science Park developing 4th Batangas industrial zone

By Othel V. Campos SCIENCE Park of the Philippines Inc., a unit of Investment and Capital Corporation of the Philippines, is developing a P3billion industrial park in Malvar, Batangas province, its fourth in the south.

ICCP chairman and chief executive Guillermo Luchangco said the company received the gosignal from Malacañang through a proclamation order to develop Light Industry and Science Park IV, LISP IV, in Batangas.

“We’re opening up another in Malvar [Batangas]. Both the Trade Department and Peza [Philippine Economic Zone Au-

thority] said there is a shortage in industrial spaces for locators.

Good thing we just received the approval,” he said at the sidelines of launch of the Philippines Report 2016 by the Oxford Business Group.

ICCP is actively pursuing more industrial parks in the Philippines to lure foreign investors who wanted to put up manufacturing businesses in the country.

Luchangco cited a renewed interest from European investors as well as Americans to set up manufacturing operations here. Japanese and Taiwanese companies were also keen on doing business here.

“There is a long line waiting for us to get proclaimed. Right after

the approval, we already signed 12 hectares,” he said.

LISP IV covers about 200 hectares and another 40 to 50 hectares of combined residential and commercial spaces.

LISP IV is strategically located along the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, providing convenient access from Metro Manila’s commercial business district. It is 35 kilometers away from Batangas international seaport.

The industrial park has ready access to amenities and the necessary infrastructure in place for manufacturing operations.

ICCP is also interested in establishing another industrial estate within two years.

Luchangco said the company was looking at the best site for a fifth industrial park possibly in Visayas or Mindanao.

The development of LISP IV is expected to make SPPI the biggest developer of industrial estates with combined area of more than 800 hectares.

SPPI developed the first LISP in Cabuyao, Laguna in 1991. LISP II operates in Calamba, Laguna while LISP III is in Sto.Tomas Batangas.

“Calabarzon [Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon] is a favorite [investment hub] among investors. Most of them prefer to set up businesses in these areas probably because of its proximity to Manila,” said Luchangco.

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CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Indonesia goes for the tofu KALISARI, Indonesia—In a dark and steamy room in Indonesia’s tofu heartland three men sweat over bubbling cauldrons, churning creamy beancurd witah wooden paddles before draining it by hand and slicing it into silky cubes.

Verdicts loom for student leader

HONG KONG —Hong Kong student leader Joshua Wong was in court Friday for the last day of a trial over prodemocracy protests, as he faces two imminent verdicts and a possible prison sentence.

Teenage Wong was at the forefront of the mass rallies in 2014 that brought parts of the semi-autonomous city to a standstill as residents called on Beijing to allow fully free elections for future leaders.

He has been in and out of court hearings for the past year after being charged with multiple offenses linked to the protests leading up to what became known as the “Umbrella Movement”.

Wong, now 19, has always argued that the cases against him are political persecution.

Friday saw final arguments in a case where Wong and two other young protest leaders were charged over climbing into a Hong Kong government complex forecourt known as Civic Square on September 26, 2014.

That protest triggered wider rallies that exploded two days later when police fired tear gas to disperse crowds.

Wong faces charges of taking part in an unlawful assembly and inciting others to do so, which carry a jail term of up to five years. AFP

For the screening. US actor George Clooney holds on May 12, 2016, the hand of his wife, British-Lebanese lawyer Amal Clooney, as she struggles with her dress upon arriving for the screening of the film ‘Money Monster’ at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes. AFP

Tofu has been cooked this way for generations but today, innovative villagers on Java island are producing something extra from the simple soybean cheap, renewable energy, piped directly into their homes.

Around 150 small tofu businesses in Kalisari village, many run from the family home, are benefiting from a pioneering green scheme that converts wastewater from their production floors into a clean-burning biogas.

Where families once relied on sporadic deliveries of tanked gas or wood for stoves, tofu producers like Waroh can access this cleaner fuel anytime with the flick of a switch.

“The advantages are huge, because we produce the gas with waste,” Waroh, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told AFP as he boiled tea over a steady blue flame coming from his kitchen stove.

Experts say harnessing power from unconventional sources like tofu holds enormous potential in Indonesia, a vast energy-hungry nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

Renewable energy accounts for just a fraction of the power generated across Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of more than 17,000 islands with around 250 million people.

But the government has committed to curbing Indonesia’s greenhouse gases it is one of the world’s top emitters and wants a quarter of the country’s energy to be derived from renewables by 2025.

Small-scale projects alone won’t meet this target, but they are making a contribution.

While most renewable energy projects use traditional sources of power such as solar or wind, the Kalisari initiative is among a handful taking a more original approach. Other projects include generating energy from sorghum production, and also from pig waste.

In Kalisari, villagers sometimes wait weeks for LPG gas tanks to arrive. Delays due to poor logistics and bad roads are common in Indonesia, especially on overcrowded Java.

“One month you had it, another one you didn’t.

Thanks to this biogas, things are a lot easier for people here,” Waroh said, as he ground soybeans through an ancient, spluttering machine. AFP

Iceland’s elves a force to reckon with REYKJAVIK—Since the beginning of time, elves have been the stuff of legend in Iceland, but locals here will earnestly tell you that elves appear regularly to those who know how to see them.

Construction sites have been moved so as not to disturb the elves, and fishermen have refused to put out to sea because of their warnings: here in Iceland, these creatures are a part of everyday life.

But honestly, do they really exist?

Anthropologist Magnus Skarphedinsson has spent decades collecting witness accounts, and he’s convinced the answer is yes.

He now passes on his knowledge

to curious crowds as the headmaster of Reykjavik’s Elf School.

“There is no doubt that they exist!” exclaims the stout 60-year-old as he addresses his “students”, for the most part tourists fascinated by Icelanders’ belief in elves.

What exactly is an elf? A wellintentioned being, smaller than a person, who lives outdoors and normally does not talk. They are not to be confused with Iceland’s “hidden people”, who resemble humans and almost all of whom speak Icelandic.

To convince skeptics that this is not just a myth, Skarphedinsson relays two “witness accounts”,

spinning the tales as an accomplished storyteller.

The first tells of a woman who knew a fisherman who was able to see elves who would also go out to sea to fish.

One morning in February 1921, he noticed they were not heading out to sea and he tried to convince the other fishermen not to go out either. But the boss would not let them stay on shore.

That day, there was an unusually violent storm in the North Atlantic but the fishermen, who had heeded his warning and stayed closed to shore, all returned home safe and sound. AFP

Performance. This photo taken on January 20, 2016 shows, performers dancing and singing during a Chinese national opera of the ‘Red Detachment of Women’ at the Hainan Center for the Performing Arts in Haikou, south China’s Hainan province.

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WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Thieves burned alive in crisis-hit Venezuela CARACAS—Josefina can still hear the shrieks two men made when a crowd set them on fire.

She was heading home from work at dusk when she saw a mob beating them. As she got closer, the flames broke out.

“I shudder when I remember those lads’ screams of pain,” the 43-year-old hairdresser told AFP. Terrified by the violence in her neighborhood, she would not give her second name.

The crowd accused the two of thieving. They were among a growing number of people targeted by mob justice as Venezuela’s economic crisis boils over into desperation and violence.

In a worsening economic and political situation, citizens are suffering shortages of food―and also police.

When someone is caught stealing in Josefina’s neighborhood of Los Ruices in eastern Caracas, the cry of “Catch him!” rings out.

Quickly, a call goes out on the WhatsApp mobile phone messaging service to 350 neighbors in the group, she says.

They rush to their doorsteps to catch the suspected thief as he runs away.

“We have to defend ourselves because there are not enough police patrolling,” says William Collins, a local neighborhood leader.

He insists the groups organized themselves aiming to scare off thieves, not kill them.

“The lynchings broke out

spontaneously.”

The chief of police for the surrounding municipality of Polisucre, Manuel Furelos, admitted he does not have enough boots on the ground.

“The United Nations recommends deploying four police officers per thousand inhabitants,” he told AFP. “In Polisucre, like in most police forces in this country, we have half that.”

Robberies accounted for 37 percent of all the crimes investigated

by Venezuela’s state prosecutors last year, according to official data.

The state prosecution service recorded 4,696 murders in the first quarter of this year―higher than the average for 2015.

Last year, there were 17,778 murders, or 58 for every 100,000 inhabitants. The state Venezuelan

Violence Observatory, however, estimates the rate is much higher―about 90 murders per 100,000 people, or more than ten times the world average.

In mid-April, attorney general Luisa Ortega said her office was investigating 26 cases of vigilante violence that left 20 people dead. Two were from 2015; the rest dated from the first quarter of this year.

Two weeks later, Ortega said the number of such cases being investigated had risen to 74, involving 37 deaths.

“No one should carry out lynchings, even if the person has committed a crime, because sometimes injustices are committed,” she said.

The family of 43-year-old cook Roberto Bernal said a crowd mistook him for a robber in Los Ruices. He was beaten, doused in petrol

and burned to death.

One person has been charged for that killing, but prosecutors say he was ambushed by a whole group.

Psychologist Magally Huggins says lynchings show that citizens “do not believe they are guaranteed justice” by the authorities.

Furelos said that in Polisucre, “eight out of 10 people who are arrested red-handed get back on the street without being charged, because the courts are overwhelmed.”

But he condemned vigilante justice.

“It is dangerous when violence becomes an acceptable private way to settle disputes,” said criminologist Andres Antillano.

“You lose sight of the difference between someone who kills to rob and someone who kills to stop it.”

One local man in Los Ruices showed AFP photographs on his mobile telephone: two men stripped naked and covered in blood, lying on the ground with their hands and feet tied.

He said they were seized by a lynch mob and kept that way while locals waited for the police to arrive.

That kind of photo is circulating frequently on online social networks.

Surveys carried out by the OVV between 2002 and 2012 indicated that just a third of Venezuelans disapprove of lynchings. AFP

Land of poverty, beaches to vote for its president

Protest. Supporters of the government of suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff protest against her coming impeachment trial in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Man gets $400,000 for 20 years in jail BEIJING—A Chinese man freed after spending more than 20 years in prison for murder will get more than $400,000 in compensation, a court said Friday according to official media.

Chen Man, now in his early 50s, was given a suspended death sentence―which in China is normally commuted to life imprisonment―in November 1994 for killing in the southern island province of Hainan.

After a series of appeals going as far as the country’s highest court, he was finally

acquitted and released in February due to a “lack of evidence”.

It was one of a series of cases to highlight miscarriages of justice in China, where the courts are tightly controlled by the ruling Communist Party, forced confessions are widespread and more than 99 percent of criminal defendants are found guilty.

Hainan’s provincial court, which upheld Chen’s suspended death sentence in 1999, agreed Friday to pay him around 2.75 million yuan ($422,000) for loss of

personal freedom and mental suffering, said state broadcaster China Central Television.

Chen initially demanded more than 9.66 million yuan in compensation and for the court to make formal apologies in national and local media outlets.

“I have to accept it,” Chen told the Legal Evening News on Friday.

“We have regrets. But we acknowledge it according to the State Compensation Law,” he said, according to the report. AFP

SANTO DOMINGO—The Caribbean tourist haven of the Dominican Republic votes for a president on Sunday, with incumbent Danilo Medina tipped to win despite crime, poverty and corruption accusations against his party.

His centrist PLD party has been in power for 12 years in the Spanish-speaking state, which shares the island of Hispaniola with its troubled neighbor, Haiti.

The Dominican Republic’s economy is booming thanks to the millions of dollars foreigners spend visiting its luxury hotels and beaches. Output grew seven percent last year.

But 40 percent of the island’s 10 million residents are estimated to live in poverty and the unemployment rate is about 14 percent, according to the government.

Medina, 64, nevertheless ranked as the most domestically popular leader in Latin America, with an 89-percent approval rating in a survey by Mexican consultancy Mitofsky.

The surveys of voting intentions by pollsters such as Gallup indicate he will get around 60 percent of the vote, enough to win the election outright without the need for a runoff.

His nearest rival, social democrat Luis Abinader, had 29 percent, the survey showed.

“Medina represents continuity and maintaining the monopoly on leadership that one party holds,” political scientist Rafael Toribio Dominguez said.

Relaxing on the seafront in the capital Santo Domingo, 37-year-old hospital worker Juana Soriano said she would vote to keep “giving Medina a chance because he has improved education and the economy.”

Her friend Jason Acosta, a 36-year-old evangelical pastor, disagreed.

“We need a change,” he said. “The PLD has been in power for a long time. The security situation has got worse, there are power cuts and the gap between rich and poor is very big.”

Medina has vowed to narrow that gap and create thousands of jobs.

He has also promised to make public life more transparent in the face of corruption accusations against former leaders and other officials from his party.

Rivals also blame him for the country’s high level of crime.

When Medina was elected in 2012, he was supposed to be limited to one four-year stint as president. But he passed a reform in 2015 that has allowed him to run for a second term. AFP

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PROPERTY PROPERTY maannaa@ @ggm maaiill..ccoom m jjddllaaccssaam

JOEL D. L ACSAMANA JOEL D. L ACSAMANA

EDITOR EDITOR

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Capitalize on PH growth, entrepreneurs told.

The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) recently bared plans to empower entrepreneurs to help in nationbuilding for the next five years. With the coming of a new leader, the call seemed anchored on solid moorings as the Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in the ASEAN, according to a recent World Bank report. AFFI president Jerry Ilao of Ink-All-You-Can (Shown in photo) talked on how entrepreneurs can make the most out of this upsurge in the county’s economy. “We can think of different approaches for our own businesses to capitalize on the results of this economic growth. We can use this time to further promote the huge roles of medium and small scale businesses in real, inclusive growth,” he said. AFFI is known for its mentoring programs from seasoned entrepreneurs who have made it their advocacy to help new businesses grow.

Space to call home. Fort Victoria is home to the BLIMS showroom, La-Z-Boy—also under the BLIMS Lifestyle Group.

One of the first brands to invest in this bustling city, BLIMS showcases design and decor that go hand-in-hand when it comes to curating living spaces. “Here, we are able to reach out to urban sophisticates who share the same ideals as we do,” said Sam Gregory Lim, the fifth generation vice president of the family-run company. Jean Ong, president of Nhabit Collections, Inc, shared that being in Fort Victoria gives their customers a well-rounded image of their identity as a brand.

Ong heads premiere German brands Leicht and Noblessa, which offer the latest in modular kitchen designs. “This is the space to fight for!” concluded Ferdie Ong, the man behind Minotti and Bulthaup Philippines. Currently, the three-tower, 25 storey complex—a development of New San Jose Builders—continues to attract some of the best brands closer to their target markets.

Builders of the future. Seven engineering students from the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) were recently chosen by Megawide Foundation as its first batch of scholars. The students were selected out of a pool of shortlisted candidates from civil, mechanical and electrical engineering. The partnership with TUP is the first with a number of engineering schools targeted in the program. Megawide Foundation wants to provide opportunities to students through this scholarship program and is looking to help improve engineering education in state schools and produce world-class Filipino engineers. Megawide Foundation was set up in 2012 to provide opportunities to communities where Megawide Construction operates, and in areas where the Company’s expertise and resources are needed. Shown in photo are :(top row, from felt to right) Megawide Foundation executive director Maila Angela Ong; TUP coordinator of student affairs Randymax Bulaquit; foundation president Louie Ferrer; Megawide vice president for human resources Claudia Soriano; TUP president Dr. Agnes Pinili; and TUP director of student affairs professor Rosemarie Cruz.

Water, water everywhere. Water, and lots of it, is something you immediately notice when you walk into the Century Properties’ Acqua Private Residences, Azure Urban Resort Residences, and The Residences at Commonwealth. The beach at the Azure (inset), in particular, brings into harmony urban living and a laid back daily lifestyle. Meanwhile, the nature escape at the Residences at Commonwealth is highlighted by a reflecting pond, a rapid pool, and water falls (Main photo).

In all these developments, the water features are not just there to look at: residents and guests can plunge into it, swim through it, and revel in all its fresh glory at their own pace.

Batangas find. Up-and-coming developer Ovialand, Inc.

is pulling all the stops to ensure that its maiden project, Terrazza de Sto. Tomas, a sprawling 5.8 hectare property in Batangas province, is a success when it hits the ground running. The project offers three model units, Amore, singledetached, 99 sqm; Dolce (Shown in photo) duplex, 75 sqm; and Bacci Quad, 65-86 sqm. Each unit has its own mini garden and laid out in such a way that its residents feel an ambience of exclusivity.The gated community also shares a clubhouse, recreational court, and landscaped pocket gardens.

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JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PROPERTY REAL ESTATE SHOPPING ANYONE? Growing internet use boosts business for buyers, sellers

BUSINESS owners and entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to the internet in a bid to grow their companies as more people switch online in Asia, Latin America and other emerging markets.

Lamudi Global managing director Paul Philipp Hermann observed that the online real estate sector, in particular has been the beneficiary of this trend, as “house-hunters in the emerging markets turn to property platforms to find their dream home.”

But while the internet is increasingly integrating in everyday life in these countries, the speed of web connectivity in these regions still lags significantly behind more developed markets.

On a global scale, the number of Internet users world-

wide hit an estimated 3.2 billion in 2015, or about 43 percent of the world’s population. Of these, two billion web users are based in the emerging markets, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

This means that for every Internet user in the developed world, there are two in developing countries.

Yet significant disparities in access remain. Figures from the ITU show that 34 percent of households in developing countries have Internet access. In developed countries, 80 percent of households have an Internet connection.

Opportunities knocking?

Not to worry, said Hermann.

True, internet usage in the developed world significantly

outstrips that in the emerging markets. But the fast-growing internet penetration rate outside of the west “presents an opportunity for online businesses operating in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.”

Also, while shopping for clothes or searching for property online have been common practice in developed markets for some time, these tasks are now catching on in emerging countries.

“Recent research shows that online platforms are becoming the primary tool to find real estate to buy or rent in countries in Asia and Latin America,” Hermann said. “In the Philippines, a survey of agents and brokers revealed that 91 percent of real estate professionals observed a significant increase in online inquiries during 2015.”

Leave the plumbing to us. Buyers of Anya units like the fact that they don’t have to personally maintain and look after their purchases. “If something went wrong, I wouldn’t be getting a call and be bothered with having to fix everything. Anya takes care of it,” Japanese buyer Keiko Ozaeta said.

Buy-to-let scheme a winner in Tagaytay resort

Nowhere to go but up. Burgeoning internet penetration a boon for

online businesses operating in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

THE concept of renting property is becoming more attractive to buyers, thanks to developer Roxaco Land Corporation, which launched last year its investor program for Anya Resort & Residences in Tagaytay.

Under Anya’s “buyto-let” program, an owner is guaranteed his certified condominium title coupled with an equal number of free stays at the resort. When not in use by the owner, the unit

becomes part of the hotel inventory, allowing the owner to “rent” it out and earn income in the process. The revenue generated by the room rental is split 4555, between the pool of unit owners and the hotel operator respectively. The owners’ shares from the room revenues are then pooled and evenly distributed to each owner on a per square meter basis. This means that all owners earn income regardless if their re-

spective units are occupied or not.

“As the industry becomes competitive, there is a need to ensure that a solid marketing campaign strategy is formed to lure in a tenant to rent your property,” said Roxaco CEO Santiago R. Elizalde. “The marketing strategy for Anya Resort & Residences is focused and engaging enough to secure tenants all throughout the year.”

He added that owners are assured that

their units will be consistently occupied with resort guests since these will be professionally managed and marketed by Fuego Hotels and Properties Management Corporation, the same company that manages Club Punta Fuego, and Terrazas de Punta Fuego. Anya is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Group, ensuring that the resort is being marketed to the global market as well.

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A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

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P oP CU LT U RE

LIFE

SAM AjDAnI: A MAn Of ThE WORlD Get to know our Mister World 2016 representative

#CoffeeWithKai

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By KAI MAgSAnOC

ye candy. Stud muffin. The shirtless guy.

Filipino-Persian model Sam Ajdani is all these, as seen in his body of work for the past four years, from catwalk to billboards to the pages of a magazine. But there’s more to this 26-yearold than meets the eye, making him the rightful representative of the Philippines to the Mister World 2016 competition, which will take place at Southport, United Kingdom, on July 19.

Mister World is dubbed the search for “the world’s most desirable man.” It is organized by the same organization behind Miss World, and is a competition based on a man’s holistic appeal instead of just his looks. It runs for two to three weeks, and is comprised of five parts: Fashion and Style, Extreme Challenge, Multi-media Award, Sports Challenge, and Talent Competition.

One winner from each challenge will be selected, and these five winners will automatically enter the Top 10. Five more contestants will qualify for the Top 10 based on their over-all performance, disposition, and interviews with the judges. From this fine crop of 10 men, one Mister World will be declared. As with Miss World, the finalists need to answer one question: Why do they want to win Mister World, and what would it mean to them?

The Philippines has sent two representatives in the past: celebrity and athlete Andrew Wolff (Mister World 2012 First Runner-Up), and military man and model John Spainhour (2014). The competition is held every two years. The current title holder is Nicklas Pedersen from Denmark.

I have had the chance to work with Sam, and it was through that experience that I realized the guy has depth and is what many would call an old soul. While he can get along with everyone he works with, Sam is reserved but is kind. Behind the face of a model is a mind that knows how to do things consciously and with intention.

While others his age would be whimsical and flighty, Sam is mindful and calm.

We sat down with Sam for a quick interview at Lusso, Greenbelt 5. He arrived despite not having had any food for the day (he came from a workshop), and thoughtfully answered all of our questions.

fast facts on Sam Ajdani • He started modeling only four years ago • He graduated with a degree in Information Technology • He took his Masters in Information Management and just needs to finish his thesis • His mother is a Filipina from Bacolod. His parents are based in Iran • He has an older sister who is now based in Australia, and a younger brother, Tohid, who is with him here in manila

STYLING BY KAI mAGSANoC I PHoToGRAPHY BY RxANDY CAPINPIN APPAREL AND FooTwEAR FRom FoREvER 21 mEN I SHoT oN LoCATIoN AT mARCo PoLo mANILA

On the phrase ‘just a model’

“I have been meeting so many models in the past four years, from different countries.

Many of them are well educated, and if they want to do something else, they could. But they choose modeling because they enjoy it; they love doing it. I don’t think ‘just a model’ is the right way of putting it when pertaining to models.”

On fitness Boys Ph

“Aside from modeling, I’m into fitness.

I just made my first video (ab workout) posted on my Facebook timeline. Business is something I am also interested to get into.

My friends and I sit down once a week and see what kind of opportunities we have, so we can hopefully choose what’s best for us.

We’d love to have a gym soon!”

On being a geek

“I’m into computers. I’m currently working on my site, but I think it will take a while because I need to do all my research for it to be a very good site. I understand the hardware much better than the programming side. I read books, mostly self-help books. I also read self-help blogs, but much prefer the physical book.”

Continued on C2

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SAm AjDAnI...

From C1

on being Mister World Philippines

“I never thought of it. I never even dreamed of it. It wasn’t part of the plan but it happened.

My agent encouraged me, and I thought about it overnight. Something told me to just do it, just go. I usually listen to my feelings when it comes to these things. I know I don’t like competitions much, but let’s see what happens.”

on hopefully winning the title

“After a person wins a title or a crown, the expectations get higher. People expect you to do great. I don’t feel pressured right now, honestly. I have many people who support me, which I am thankful for. They give me positive energy.

“I just talked to Andrew Wolff a few days ago.

He was very nice. He is one of the people who encouraged me to go for this. (John) Spainhour always tells me about his experiences in Mister World. They both have a positive impact on me.”

on the support of his fans and followers

“I’m very grateful for your support, and I hope that you continue supporting me throughout this journey. I hope that I can deliver. I will do my best. I will be my best. Let’s see what happens.”

Our Mister World Philippines 2016 is on Facebook (Sam Ajdani), Instagram (@samajdani), and Twitter (@samajdani8).

Follow me at @kaimagsanoc on IG and Twitter for more updates

A hobby expo in Fisher mall

By Edgardo S. TugadE Last April 29 to May 1, Fisher Mall held a Hobby Expo in partnership with the International Plastic Modelers SocietyPhilippines (IPMS), the premiere scale modeling club in the country. It was founded in 1968 by the late Bert Anido, the father of the late actor Alfie Anido.

The expo exhibited scale models of historic ships, planes and cars as well as military uniforms worn by live models who had photo ops with the visitors. They were provided by JMN Hobby Square, who also displayed an impressive array of model ships, planes and cars.

IPMS-Philippines-Bert Anido vice president Rancie Legaspi said, “Fisher Mall, in partnership with IPMS Philippines-Bert Anido, thought of holding a Hobby Expo in their newly opened Expo Hall. They invited us as a sponsor. This is the first Hobby Expo for Fisher Mall, and perhaps the first in the country as well. The expo was created to gather and attract the different hobbyists and hobby clubs and introduce the different hobbies to non-hobbyists and at the same time promote the specialty/ hobby stores of Fisher Mall.”

JMN Hobby Square owned by Natalie Kaw was a major sponsor in the expo.

Neutral Grounds, Diecast PH, Historical Living Society, Big Boys Collectible Toys,

Model of ship in first circumnavigation of the world

Ace Hardware and Fisher Department Store were the other stores, manufacturers and hobby clubs that participated. Kaw told us earlier that scale modeling teaches patience and hones artistic skills. She said scale modeling attracts few females who only want to buy models for their boyfriends, and that her store periodically holds cut price sales and promos for hobbyists.

“In terms of awareness, the expo was a success; a lot of people went there to see the event and got interested and signed up with the participating hobby clubs,” Legaspi said.

“Fisher Mall might make the Hobby Expo an annual thing,” he added, explaining that the “Hobby Expo is a collaboration of several hobby clubs, a platform where each and every club member shares his works or collection to the public. At the Hobby Expo, we have actual scale model kits, basic building techniques, demos of deck/board games.

A die-cast collector modified a kit and a re-enactors club lectured about World War II unifoms and their historical importance.

It’s a good place to gather information if you want to start a hobby.”

What are the benefits of scale modelling to a hobbyist? “Scale model building is a good form of relaxation and it helps you develop a keen sense of detail,” Legaspi said.

Toy cars for sale at Hobby Expo

Models in wwii military uniforms

Vintage bicycle models

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During the election canvassing many Filipinos took to the Internet to express their opinions, tweeting words of support for their respective bets, among other politics-related statements

IT ALL boILED Down To #bbm4VP VS #LAbAnLEnI Bongbong s son Sandro, who has been very active and visible on the campaign trail. The younger Marcos sent out a pair of tweets with the hashtags #DayaangMatuwid and #DayaangDILAW, a dig at the Liberal Party, which Leni is running under. Both tweets have since been deleted.

Suddenly the center of attention, Sandro, perhaps because of his candor on social media, received a lot of flak for his statements, as well as his perceived luxurious lifestyle. Some Robredo supporters on Twitter questioned his intelligence, poked fun at the fact that his vote for president was invalidated due to a shading error, and criticized his logic. They also attacked his fans, quoting the latter s tweets and adding their own insulting comments.

Meanwhile, as Leni widened her lead over Bongbong, the hashtag #RecountVP began to trend, a response to the possibility of either miscalculation by the Pastoral Parish Council for Responsible Voting, the independent body tasked with the unofficial count, or cheating by the Liberal Party.

The arguments from both sides are identical: that the son should pay for the sins of the father, and that the lady should

I

n perhaps the closest vice presidential election in Philippine history, many Filipinos took to the Internet to express their opinions, tweeting and Facebooking words of support for their respective bets, among other politics-related statements.

If the debates were mostly centered on the merits and demerits of the presidential candidates in the weeks leading up to the elections, it was the VP hopefuls particularly the two frontrunners Senator Bongbong Marcos and Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo who were in the spotlight immediately following the polls.

Mere hours after polling closed May 9, the conversation quickly shifted from the presidential to the vice presidential race when Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte emerged the clear winner in the former, easily taking a comfortable lead as soon as the first partial and unofficial vote count was released.

By day s end, the apparent consensus on social media was acceptance of a Duterte presidency. ( Du31, read as Duterte won, trended on Twitter in the evening.)

While most agreed that we made a grave mistake in giving Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao a Senate seat, the VP race proved polarizing for online Filipinos. The exchanges were brutal and vicious, with a few posts reaching offensive territory.

As some comments border on abusive, the tyranny of the majority concept comes into play. In this scenario, the loudest and most relentless of voices make it difficult for others to be heard. This happens when a large group of people, either individually or collectively, goes after someone with what is deemed to be an unpopular opinion, which is something we repeatedly observe on social media. This round of online debates is no exception.

The positive side of it all is a heightened state of awareness, diligence and vigilance among the electorate or, at least, among those who actively participate in the online discussions. We are not only part of the discourse; we are leading it and taking it to all possible directions. This will open up new talks and help in revisiting old and forgotten ones, making for a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Senator Bongbong Marcos' son Sandro became a focus of netizens because of his candor on social media

When Bongbong was leading in the quick count Monday evening, Twitter erupted with anti-Marcos sentiments, recalling the atrocities of the senator s father s dictatorial regime. #NeverAgain, a recurring trending topic throughout the campaign season, was revived, usually accompanying social media posts that warn of the possible consequences of another Marcos in power. Many claim to be appalled by the Filipino public s memory loss. It s frustrating, they say, that millions of voters seem to have forgotten the abuses during the Martial Law years. Some have even ventured into questioning the sanity of present Marcos supporters.

As the night progressed and more votes were counted, BBM s lead over Leni began to narrow. This resulted in the latter s supporters tweeting messages of hope with the overnighttrending hashtag #LabanLeni, themselves owning and being invested in the fight. They were rewarded at past 3 a.m. the next day, when Leni finally overtook Bongbong in the partial and unofficial canvassing.

At which point, it was Bongbong s supporters turn to bombard the social networking site with posts. All day Tuesday, #BBM4VP trended. At the same time, the idea of electoral fraud in favor of Leni was floated, partly bolstered by the suggestion of

be blamed for the sins of her party. The difference lies in the narratives: he s evil and overly ambitious because it s in his blood while she s just a political puppet.

Her supporters call her mom, offering that she ll be able to balance the new president s tough-dad ways but opponents believe that this country doesn t need a mother. His supporters say he s the most qualified for the job but opponents insist that he s, well, a Marcos.

Naturally, in any race that will go down to the wire, tensions are high in opposing camps. And what we ve witnessed on social networking sites is a testament of how passionate Filipinos are or, at least, have become about the elections. The high levels of engagement among social media users show that we are not taking our democratic freedoms for granted.

By Wednesday, more than 24 hours after the PPCRV count started, the race was still tight. Expectedly and rightfully, online Filipinos still refused to keep quiet about it. And contrary to what a certain arrogant and marginally talented celebrity thinks, I hope we never shut up. Because we never have to.

bagful of summer fun with bobson A fun summer awaits as pure Japanese denim brand Bobson presents a fresh, fashionable style update with a full range of tees, button downs, jeans and more for the young and young-at-heart’s daily casual wear. What’s more, the brand is also giving shoppers a classy accessory to complement their chic spring/summer looks.

Customers can avail for free the limited edition Bobson Okayama Backpack for every purchase of regular items worth P3,500 exclusive to the Men’s Wear line. Simply present your receipts to the salesperson where the purchase was made to claim the stylish new Okayama Backpack.

This exclusive promo runs until May 31 at Bobson stores in select SM Department Stores nationwide. Redemption period is until June 21.

Like Bobson’s official Facebook page for updates at BOBSONJapan or visit bobsonjapan.com for more information.

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R.O.X. Outdoor Festival 2016 at Bonifacio High Street

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An Epic SummEr with r.O.X. OutdOOr FEStivAl 2016!

t’s extremely hot outdoors but for most Filipinos, this doesn’t stop them from heading out to some far-flung beach to get a tan or participate in fun outdoor sports activities with their family and friends.

Last April, R.O.X. or Recreational Outdoor eXchange, Southeast Asia’s biggest outdoor superstore and the go-to place for outdoor gears, held R.O.X. Outdoor Festival 2016 in partnership with Bonifacio High Street, Ford Go Further, and co-presented by Summit Natural Mineral Water, marking the event as an epic summer experience.

The event has proven that people can endure the heat if they’re having fun, as athletes and weekend warriors participated in challenges, games and workshops that kept everyone going the whole day. The festival aimed to encourage people to get a taste of the outdoors with activities like walk climbing, biking, skateboarding, obstacle courses and special crash courses like the talk on Outdoor Survival by Dr. Ted Esguerra – the Expedition and Wilderness Emergency Medical Services Physician of the Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition team and the Voyage of the Balangay – that encouraged the crowd to experience the calling of the wild outdoors, and photography sessions for outdoor shoots.

One of the most fun to watch was the endurance challenge – Last Man Standing – where a group of strong-knee-hopefuls braved the hours from day to night, standing on rounded wooden stilts until their knees gave way and made them fall. Those who didn’t join the activities stood in awe, cheering and screaming at The Zero Gravity

challenges while men and women competed in wall climbing. Booths were lined up with special prizes waiting for any brave soul who would accept physical challenges.

The fun outdoors didn’t stop even when the sun already set, as the crowd was treated to outdoor film showings and band performances from Up Dharma Down, which kept everyone pumped up. Capping off the event was the announcement of winners.

Outdoor brands that participated in the festival and whose products were available during the event and also at the multistorey building of R.O.X. in Bonifacio High Street were North Face, Salomon, Fox, Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear, Sea To Summit, Poler, Eddie Bauer, Quiksilver, Roxy, O’Neill, Volcom and DC, among others.

R.O.X. is owned and operated by the Primer Group of Companies. Whether it’s climbing, trail running, biking, camping, swimming or surfing, you can find all your outdoor needs in R.O.X. Visit their stores at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street in Taguig; R.O.X. Solenad 3 Nuvali, Laguna; R.O.X. Marquee Mall Pampanga; R.O.X. Camp John Hay Baguio; R.O.X. Ayala Cebu; R.O.X. Abreeza Mall Davao; R.O.X. The District in Cagayan De Oro; and R.O.X. The North Point Bacolod. To keep updated with the latest promos and events, visit @roxphilippines on Facebook. To see more photos from the participants of the event, check the hashtag #ROXOUTDOORFESTIVAL2016 and #ROXPHILIPPINES.

The Zero Gravity Challenge

Outdoor biking obstacle course

A group of strong-knee-hopefuls competing for the Last Man Standing challenge

Vita Coco introduces pineapple variant Drinking coconut water gives you more electrolyte than the normal sports drink you have in your refrigerator. With the current heat enveloping the country, it’s best to always have coconut water accessible to you.

Vita Coco Natural Coconut Water in Pineapple and Pure Coconut Water variant

Vita Coco, one of the favorite packaged coconut water brands in the US and in the country, gave the trusty resealable tetra a little twist with an additional flavor for its consumers. Combined with the natural sweetness of pineapple and the refreshing purity of coconut, this new healthy drink flavor not only satiates your thirst, it also helps replenish your body with vitamin C and valuable electrolytes like potassium. Think pineapple and coconut in a refreshing pack of Vita Coco, and yes, it could be the best item in your thirst quench arsenal during the summer season.

Vita Coco was born on the beaches of Brazil, founded by long-time friends Michael Kirban and Ira Liran. Today, the packaged coconut water is sold in the US, loved by Hollywood celebrities like Madonna, Rihanna, Courteney Cox, Mischa Barton, Gisele Bundchen and Sienna Miller. The brand has also become popular with athletes, fitness gurus and beauty experts around the world.

Brazilian carnival-themed launch of Vita Coco Natural Coconut Water with Pineapple

Vita Coco Pineapple recently launched in an energetic Brazilian carnival-themed event attended by sexy dietitian to the stars Nadine Tengco at the Palace Pool Club.

Guests partook in the sampling of this allnew tetra pack and enjoyed the refreshing goodness of pineapple and coconut.

Manufactured and distributed in the Philippines by Century Pacific Food Inc., Vita Coco Pineapple is available at leading convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide. For more information, visit www.vitacoco.com/ph or VitaCocoPH on Facebook.

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mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig is an environmental performing arts group composed of young adults and children who were born or have grown up in Smokey mountain

LIkas kayang PILIPInas EnvIROnmEnTaL cOncERT aT skyDOmE

m

allgoers had the rare opportunity to see an environmental performing arts group share their advocacy through dance during Likas-Kayang Pilipinas: an Environmental Concert held recently at the Skydome at SM City North EDSA. A joint project of SM City North EDSA and Sinag Arts, the performance by Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig was just in time for the worldwide celebration of the Earth Day. Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig is an environmental performing arts group composed of young adults and children who were born or have grown up in Smokey Mountain, said to be the third largest untreated garbage dump in the world. With that, they are committed to protect the environment and to encourage everyone to treat each other kindly, through the different dances and rituals they perform on stage.

Fr. Ben Beltran, executive director and founder of Mga Anak

Fr. Ben Beltran, Executive Director and Founder of mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig together with soprano Dra. Fides Cuyugan-Asencio.

ni Inang Daigdig proudly said that the group has been chosen Ambassadors for Peace and Environment by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) upon seeing the group’s ecological projects. They started planting bamboo trees together with the Dumagats at the Marikina Watershed to help reduce the

mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig ends their concert with a promise of commitment to protect and help support the life of our planet with Fr. Ben Beltran joining them on stage for their final plea

drastic effects of climate change.

During the concert, they performed more than 20 different kinds of dances, demonstrating how we can help in conserving nature. It opened with a dance interpretation of the legend of Malakas and Maganda, depicting Global Equality, and how poverty was not yet experienced during the early days.

This was followed by cultur-

al dances such as Sala Ti Mais and Bulaklakan to promote the health and wellbeing of every Filipino. Other folk dances such as Pandanggo which uses small candles while dancing, and Maglalatik which uses half coconut shells to emphasize the importance of energy sustainability, safe environment and sustainable living for everyone.

The show ended with a promise

from Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig performers and Fr. Ben that they will continue to inspire other individuals to commit themselves in to taking care of our Mother Earth and create strategies in the fight for sustainability and environmental equity.

Likas Kayang Pilipinas: An Environmental Concert is one of the many exciting events at SM City North EDSA.

Ghost hunters slaughtered in ‘Haunted’ The James Wan produced horror Haunted (also known as Demonic) brings a detective (Frank Grillo) and a psychologist (Maria Bello) together to investigate the slaughter of five amateur ghost hunters in a house that is said to be haunted.

James Wan, considered one of today’ most-sought horror filmmaker, who frightened the movie going public with his work in

The Conjuring, Saw and Insidious brings Haunted with his unique touch in making horror movies along with director Will Canon who used multiple shooting styles and partly shot via found footage.

Up and coming actor, Dustin Milligan who also appeared in the same genre such as Final Destination 3, Slither, and Shark Night plays the only survivor of a group of teens who were killed

“Haunted,”released as “Demonic” in the uK, stars maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn and Dustin milligan

while trying to summon ghosts.

His character John, being the survivor, is tasked to explain to the paranormal investigators of the horrifying demise of his friends.

“He starts the film as a skeptic before arriving at the house and after everything that happens. He struggles to believe that what is happening to him and his friends can be the result of something supernatural and he can’t believe what

he is seeing. He’s in total shock after the events, he was a great character to play,” shared Milligan about his character in the movie.

Fans of the horror genre such Steven Wood of www.horrortalk. com wrote, “On paper, Demonic (Haunted) is likely to be seen as a runof-the-mill haunted house story with some possession aspects thrown in.

Luckily though, that is not the case.

There are a certain number of unique

A scene from the American supernatural horror film directed by Will Canon

plot devices that will keep your attention throughout.”

Likwise, Milligan enthuses, “With Demonic (Haunted) I’m glad that it doesn’t fall into the clichés of those things and it didn’t turn into found footage that wasn’t justified or overused. Again, because the film switches from the recollection of my character John of what happened in the house that led up to all these horrific murders to the present day where an interview is being given by Maria Bello’s character and Frank Grillo, how the film jumps back and forth in time in order to solve this mystery is to me what makes it a horror film as much as it does a suspense thriller. I like the fact that it straddles those two genres and is not specifically one or the other at any given time. I like the way that Demonic offers audiences a lot more than your standard horror movie in terms that it is so heavily engaging.”

Haunted opens May 18 in cinemas nationwide from Pioneer Films.

Trailer link: https://youtu. be/5kUPDfFZqgM

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CHARISSE BAlDoRIA’S ConCERt At u.P.

nternational prizewinning pianist and University of the Philippines alumna Charisse Baldoria will have a solo piano recital at the UP College of Music Minihall 6:30 p.m. on May 17. Titled Musical Crossroads, it features music inspired by Southeast Asia, Spain, and Argentina, whose influences come together in the music of the Philippines.

National Artist Ramón P. Santos’ Gong-An suite is the program’s pièce de résistance.

Inspired by gong cultures in northern and southern Philippines, it evokes the Mindanao kulintang and Cordillera gangsa, drawing upon the piano’s sonorities as it makes unusual technical and musical demands on the pianist. Also in the program is music inspired by the Javanese and Balinese gamelan (gongchime ensemble), with works by Debussy, Godowsky, and New Zealand composer Gareth Farr; as well as pieces from Albéniz’s Iberia, Argentine tangos by Piazzolla, and Mayón by Francisco Buencamino.

Charisse, a former Fulbright scholar who got her doctorate from the University of Michigan and is now a piano professor at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, has presented lecturerecitals and performances of

Santos’ works in various places around the world, from Buenos Aires to Boston to Helsinki, and recorded it for her latest CD Gamelan on Piano.

“I have a strong fascination with Southeast Asian culture, and as Filipino, I feel like both an outsider and an insider,” she says. “I feel a sense of exoticism, as well as a desire to go back to our roots. Ramón Santos has done a lifetime of tremendous work with this, and I feel a great affinity with his art.” Future projects include performing and publishing editions of works by Southeast Asian composers.

A piano professor at the University of the Philippines from 2006-2008 during her Fulbright home residence requirement, Dr. Baldoria took the opportunity to travel around Southeast Asia, performing and traveling around Myanmar during the monks’ Saffron Revolution of 2007 and accidentally meeting a Lao prince on a trip from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai, among other adventures. “My Southeast Asian explorations are of a cultural and personal nature,” she quips. Fascinated by the music of Spain and Argentina as well, she has traveled in these countries and cites their intersections with Philippine cul-

musical Crossroads features international prizewinning pianist and uP alumna Charisse Baldoria

ture, recording this music in her highly acclaimed CD Evocación.

Prizewinner of the San Antonio International Piano Competition, Charisse was also twice first-prize winner of the Philippines’ National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) and has performed in five continents. She studied with the late Filipino pedagogue Nita Abrogar-Quinto and with Logan Skelton at Michigan.

For more information, call the UP College of Music at 926-0026.

Experience the Power of X with Caltex Experience the power of X as Caltex, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox, launches the Power of X promotion for the latest installment of the most-anticipated blockbuster movie, X-Men: Apocalypse.

Since the dawn of time, Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from the X-Men universe awakens after a thousand years of slumber only to be disillusioned with the world. To cleanse mankind and create a new world order where will reign, he recruits a team of mutants, including Magneto, to take over the world.

Cast in the latest sequel is a powerhouse assemblage of stars that include Jennifer

cROsswORD puzzlE

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

ACROSS 1 Breathe hard 5 Jar tops 9 Prior to yr. 1 12 Not sunnyside up 13 Best possible 15 Tints 16 Shaq’s teammate 17 Partner of Wells 18 Troubles, to Hamlet 19 Get one’s goat

21 Favor 23 Smidgens 25 Dry wines 26 I am, to Caesar 29 Cat calls 31 Big scissors 35 Melodrama shout 36 Guinness and Waugh 38 From days of yore 39 Godmother, often 41 Ouija alternative

43 Roman squares 44 Admire oneself 46 Prey grabber 48 Home furnishing 49 Lustrous fabric 51 Volcano goddess 52 USN officer 53 Patricia of “Hud” 55 Inoculants 57 Tree climber 61 Rock band flunky 65 Confident 66 Magna — 68 Peanut shell 69 Stadium section 70 Greasy — 71 La femme 72 Kind of glass 73 Tizzy 74 Did batik DOWN 1 Jab playfully 2 Bard’s river 3 Wyo. neighbor 4 — lightly 5 It keeps you afloat 6 Ms. Lupino 7 Earl — Biggers 8 Gray-green shrubs 9 Daffodil starter 10 Chamber 11 Latin I verb 14 Mislays 15 Actor’s cameo role, maybe

SATURDAY, MAY 14 , 2016

20 22 24 26 27 28 30 32 33 34 37 40 42 45 47 50 54 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 67

Vasco da — Mountain refrain Nature’s coolant Bath cakes Lieutenant under Kirk “Haystacks” painter Fragment Dig deeply “Late Show” feature Becomes tangled Boot bottoms Smaller yet Easygoing — -do-well Claudius’ successor DEA agents Springs up Oohed and — Mach 1 breakers Wisecrack Heavy hydrogen discoverer Hubbard of sci-fi (2 wds.)

As expected Archipelago dot Just scraped by Paris pronoun

Lawrence as Mystique, James McAvoy as Professor X, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Channing Tatum as Gambit, Rose Byrne as Moira Mac Taggert, Olivia Munn as Psylocke and Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse. Bryan Singer, the cinematic genius behind X-Men and XMen: Days of Future Past, is back at helm behind the camera.

X-Men: Apocalypse is different. The emergence of Apocalypse brings a new twist to the X-Men series where the theme has always revolved around mutants vs. humans. This time, it will be mutants battling it out in a mission to save the world.

With the Power of X promo, get a chance to win exclusive X-Men: Apocalypse premium items, shirts and movie passes with every purchase of participating Havoline® and Delo® products in the fortnightly draws, or a 150cc Yamaha motorbike in the grand draw on June 6.

The promotion gift boxes are available at selected Caltex stations and Caltex Lubricants workshop nationwide starting 1 April until 12 June 2016, or while stocks last.

For more information on the ‘Release the Power of X’ promotion, visit www.calteXmen.com

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FIlIpInoS wERE HookED on GmA’S ElEkSyon 2016

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s the country went through one of the most polarizing national elections to date, more Filipinos trusted GMA News and Public Affairs’ Eleksyon 2016 special coverage as the most credible news source onair and online.

Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement overnight ratings data for May 9, GMA’s special coverage of the 2016 national elections was the most watched nationwide with an average people share of 37.7 percent in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM). It beat ABS-CBN’s Halalan 2016, which posted 34.1 percent and TV5’s Bilang Pilipino 2016 with 7.5 percent.

The Kapuso Network’s special coverage registered even higher numbers in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 77 and 60 percent of all urban TV households in the country.

GMA’s Eleksyon 2016 scored an average people share of 42.4 percent in Urban Luzon as against ABS’ 29.2 percent and TV5’s 6.1 percent. In Mega Manila, Eleksyon 2016 dominated competition with 45.3 percent compared to ABS’ 25.7 percent and TV5’s 6.1 percent.

Eleksyon 2016 was also the goto news source of netizens with GMA News Online registering an unprecedented 34 million page

views on May 9, according to data from Effective Measure for worldwide audience. It led ABS-CBN News, which only managed 6 million page views on the same day.

Anchored by Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Arnold Clavio, Howie Severino, and Jessica Soho, Eleksyon 2016 delivered the most in-depth coverage of the national elections being the first television news organization to broadcast the partial and unofficial results tally.

And shortly after, GMA News was able to do a live interview with leading presidential candidate Mayor Rody Duterte in the Kapuso primetime newscast 24 Oras.

GmA news Eleksyon 2016 hosts Vicky morales, Arnold Clavio, Jessica Soho, mike Enriquez, mel tiangco and Howie Severino

GMA’s special coverage also featured cutting edge technology such as immersive graphics, 360-degree video cameras, and live drone footages that took Filipinos right where the action was, giving them blow-by-blow accounts of the election as it unfolded nationwide.

Adding star power to the coverage were Kapuso celebrities who volunteered at the Eleksyon 2016 call center as well Eat Bulaga’s

Maine Mendoza, who delivered the do’s and don’ts of voting via a number of vignettes, and another Eat Bulaga girl Patricia Tumulak, who delivered the updates from GMA’s social media hub.

As it reaffirms its commitment to delivering Serbisyong Totoo, GMA News and Public Affairs has once again proven that it is the country’s most trusted news source on-air and online, especially during events of national significance.

‘kilig’ is in the air with the premiere of ‘Single/Single Season 2’ Cinema One and PhilStar TV’s breakthrough series, Single/Single returns for another season with leveled up comedy, kilig and relevance for today’s millennial audiences.

Watch the premiere episode of Single/Single Season 2, 10 p.m. tomorrow on Cinema One, and catch up with your favorite Single/ Single characters who will be facing new issues, dilemmas and challenges as they forge ahead, learning “#HowToAdult” in a complicated digital world.

Find out what happens to the characters of Matteo Guidicelli and Shaina Magdayao – Joey and Joee – who are now living separately and moving forward from a romance that didn’t quite work out. Tita Bianca, Joey’s foxy mom, portrayed by veteran actress, Cherie Gil, returns fresh from New York and with a new flame in tow. Rounding up the gang are Ranee, played by Cinema One Originals actress Anna Luna, and Benny, played by the-

the cast of “Single/Single:” (from left) Anna luna, Shaina magdayao, matteo Guidicelli, Cherie Gil and Brian Sy

ater actor Brian Sy, whose individual entanglements are equally interesting and engaging.

The premiere episode promises to be exciting with hilarious catch-ups and awkward one-onones among the characters as they go “glamping” to celebrate Joey’s birthday.

For the whole Single/Single Season 2, expect quality entertainment that raises issues and themes worthy of a discourse. Beyond comedy and romance, Single/Single tackles quarter-life crises, the importance of managing finances, planning a career path and maintaining work-life balance – matters that are truly relevant for today’s urban millennials.

Don’t miss the premiere of Single/ Single Season 2, airing every Sunday 10 p.m. on Cinema One with replays at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more updates, visit facebook. com/SingleSingleC1 and @SingleSingleC1 on Twitter and Instagram. You can also watch the first season of Single/Single at philstartv.com.

Singer-songwriter ogie Alcasid with wife Regine Velasquez

ogie returns to kapuso network today It will be an hour of fun and a bit of nostalgia today in Sarap Diva as former Kapuso-now-Kapatid star singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid joins his wife, Songbird Regine Velasquez with their first born, Nate, in tow in today’s episode of the weekly talk-cum-musical show.

Find out how the couple remains sweet as ever during the whole show.

Also joining in the fun is comedienne Boobsie. Inday will not be far behind as she unveils her “pasabog na baon” from her trip to Pagsanjan in Laguna.

The audience must taste Songbird’s “paandar sa pananghalian” that makes Sarap Diva a scrumptious, yummy morning show on The Kapuso network, immediately after the dramatic anthology Manila.

Cnn ‘Culinary Journeys’ features philippines’ margarita Forés Season two of CNN International’s acclaimed Culinary Journeys series kicks off with Filipino chef Margarita Forés, who was recently crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016.

Filipino food is rarely mentioned amongst the stars of Asia’s culinary scene, but Forés is determined to change perceptions, one dish at a time. Culinary Journeys follows Forés on her quest as she invites viewers to learn about a new side of Filipino food.

Starting in Manila, Forés walks through the market where her passion for food was first formed. The chef ’s efforts in promoting the farm to table movement are evident in her restaurant, Grace Park, which is part of her culinary empire.

Forés then takes CNN down to Negros, the island where she spent her childhood summers amongst the sugar cane fields. She

Filipino chef margarita Forés hosting a meal at her family home

presents how the local cuisine was born out of its sweetest crop creating some of the Philippines’ best desserts, and how its seaside has attracted Latin American flavors.

Over the course of her 30-year career, Forés has prepared dinners for three Philippine presidents as well as U.S. Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama. Forés’

Asia’s Best Female chef margarita Forés is featured on Cnn “Culinary Journeys”

culinary journey culminates with her hosting a meal back at her family home in Manila, where she shares the best of the Philippines with both family and friends.

Culinary Journeys on CNN International airs on May 19, 4:30 p.m. with encores on May 20, 21, 28, 29, and 30. For schedules of the show, check with CNN International.

sat urday : m ay 14, 2016

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IsaH V. rEd EDITOR NICKIE WaNG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ JOhn LLOyD CRuz bELIEvEs gREaTnEss Is In EvERy FILIpInO ISAH V. RED

G

reatness is in every Filipino. That’s what actor and popular matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz believes in.

The actor said that during his introduction to members of the media, both print and electronic, including digital, at a press conference at Crowne Plaza last Tuesday as the new face of Great Taste Coffee.

Cruz said that greatness could be in a variety of ways and forms, in any situation, at no particular place or time. From gamechanging choices to simple, unplanned acts of kindness, greatness can thrive every day.

Believing in the remarkable traits of Filipinos, apart from Cruz, is Great Taste Coffee. Through the years, according to Universal Robina Corporation President and CEO Lance Gokongwei, constant innovation has allowed the brand to constantly introduce new and better ways to enjoy a cup of coffee. As it continues to help bring out the greatness in every Filipino, Great Taste Coffee introduces a new endorser to join its journey of serving even greater experiences to its loyal consumers.

During the Choose to Be Great event, where Great Taste introduced John Lloyd Cruz as its newest brand endorser, the guests were treated to various activities that showcased Great Taste’s celebration of the Filipino’s everyday greatness.

“We are very pleased to have John Lloyd Cruz as the latest addition to the Great Taste family. As our endorser, we believe he will reinforce our values and philosophy with the same kind of passion and greatness that he has exemplified in his life,” said Gokongwei.

During the event, the guests were treated to an exclusive preview of Great Taste Coffee’s newest campaign featuring John Lloyd Cruz. The new campaign captures the respect and admiration that he and the brand have for Pinoy’s greatness.

Like Great Taste Coffee and John Lloyd Cruz, Filipinos can achieve greatness—from small triumphs, to great milestones. Choose to be great with Great Taste Coffee, available at

Local showbiz a-lister and Kapamilya star John Lloyd Cruz

all leading supermarkets, convenience stores, and sari-sari stores nationwide.

a special picnic-themed Mother’s Day event

Now on its 10th year, Lifestyle Network and Working Mom Magazine will once again pay tribute to hard-working mothers through a fun-filled family picnicthemed celebration where moms will be treated to a much deserved fun and relaxation at the park.

Dubbed as “Mother’s Day Picnic,” the event will be open to public and will be held at the UP Sunken Garden 2 p.m. tomorrow with lots of picnic activities and games that families will surely enjoy.

The event will also feature various booths, guest celebrity performances, game zones for the children, and exciting arts and crafts perfect for family bonding. Moms can also avail of free makeovers, massages, and lots of other pampering activities.

John Lloyd Cruz teams up with Jennylyn mercado in a rom-com entitled “Just the 3 of us”

The first 150 moms who will register online via the Lifestyle’s Facebook page will be given a special picnic basket filled with exciting treats and giveaways such as awesome ABS-CBN merchandise from ABS-CBN Licensing.

Another set of picnic baskets will also be raffled off during the event.

Another reason to be excited about this Sunday is that families that will troop to the event will also get a chance to meet and greet Min Bernardo and her daughter, Teen Queen Kathryn Bernardo. The mother and daughter are on the cover of Working Mom Magazine’s Mother’s Day issue. Mommy Min shares her joys and sacrifices in raising her successful children. The May issue is also packed with amazing activities that moms can do on their special day.

The event will also launch Lifestyle’s newest local shows: Modern Girls and the new season of A Pinch of Portia.

The hosts of Modern Girls, Filipino volleyball player and television host Gretchen Ho, television host and Korean expatriate Sam Oh, and Filipino actress and singer Denise Laurel will also be present at the event to join in the fun with the families.

Premiering soon, Modern Girls is a new talk show on Lifestyle that covers engaging topics catering to the modern Filipinas.

To complete the ultimate Mother’s Day experience, Portia will also give a cooking demo on a special dish dedicated for mothers. For a revolutionary cooking experience, the cooking demo will feature pretty and efficient cookware from O Shopping. Portia runs Rustic Mornings, a famous comfort food restaurant in Marikina.

Appreciating the role of mothers for being every Filipino family’s superhero, “Mother’s Day Picnic” creates a perfect opportunity for moms to enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and bonding with family.

John Lloyd Cruz with fellow Kapamilya star Piolo Pascual in Lav diaz opus “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis”