The Standard - 2016 February 12 - Friday

VOL. XXIX NO. 365 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 FRIday : FEBRUaRy 12, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

UNA fears Comelec may not hold polls

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voters: poverty is biggest issUe

By Adelle Chua

POVERTY is the most pressing problem today, the latest The Standard Poll conducted by this newspaper’s resident pollster Junie Laylo shows.

In the survey conducted between Jan. 27 and Feb. 4, 23 percent of respondents nationwide rated poverty as the top concern, followed by corruption (20 percent), drug addiction or illegal drugs (14 percent), unemployment or lack of jobs (12 percent) and high prices of goods and services (9 percent).

Poverty was also the second most-cited reason for the nation’s being on the wrong track (16 percent), next to government corruption (25 percent).

Poverty was not the top issue in previous surveys.

In May 2015, respondents said unemployment was the worst problem (29 percent), followed by corruption (19 percent), high prices of goods and services (17 percent), and drug addiction or illegal drugs Next page

Bongbong: Senate had no hand in BBL’s death

By Macon R. Araneta

Chief concern. Voters want candidates to address the problem of poverty, symbolized in this file photo by a homeless man living out of a push cart on a Manila street.

SENATOR Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday denied an accusation by President Benigno Aquino III that he and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile connived to kill the Bangsamoro Basic Law, saying the House had to pass the bill before the Senate could vote on it.

“Perhaps somebody [should] explain to the President that the BBL, the [bill] that the senators were deliberating, is a law of local application,” Marcos said.

Under Senate rules, Marcos added, senators must wait for the House to pass a bill of local application before they can vote on it.

Marcos issued the statement in response to an accusation by the President that he connived with Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile to kill the PalaceNext page supported bill.

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Voters: ...

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Anti-poverty agency holds forum, but only for LP bets

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

THE National Anti-Poverty Commission has scheduled a forum to be attended by representatives from the poor and marginalized sectors, but the government agency invited only Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and his running-mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

NAPC Communications Officer Jomari Guillermo said there was nothing wrong if Roxas and Robredo were the only candidates asked to attend the forum, with the theme “Panawagan para Lubusin ang mga Nasimulang Reporma” (Call to Continue the Reforms) on Feb. 17.

“The executive committee of NAPC has decided to

Bongbong: ...

invite only Mar and Leni because they are the candidates of President Benigno Aquino III, and the forum will be an assessment on the social contract performance of the administration,” Guillermo said.

Asked if NAPC saw nothing wrong in spending government funds to host Roxas and Robredo, Guillermo said the other candidates will also be invited to future forums.

“We will hold forums for other candidates,” he said.

When pressed for the schedule of the next forum and who will be invited, Guillermo said: “We are not sure if the forums will push through because they are already on campaign mode. So I cannot promise anything. We will coordinate with the other candidates.”

The Feb. 17 forum will be held at the Bahay ng Alumni at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

It will gather national and local leaders of people’s organizations, including the representatives of the 14 Basic Sectors from the following groups: farmers and landless rural workers; artisanal

the interpellation was not yet over,” Aquino said.

He did not mention names.

From A1 Senate President Franklin Drilon added that Marcos was In an interview over radio dzBB, unable to focus on his legislative Marcos, chairman of the Senate work as he was busy campaigning committee on local governments, to be vice president.

Drilon also took a potshot at said they could hold hearings on the BBL but could not vote on it Enrile for asking so many quesuntil the House had passed it to tions during committee hearings.

In a major defeat for the Presithe Senate.

Campaigning in Iloilo City dent, neither the House nor the Wednesday for Liberal Party Senate passed the BBL. Marcos said despite the failure standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and vice presidential candidate to pass the bill, the peace process Leni Robredo, Aquino said two must continue, and he lauded the senators blocked the passage of the chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Mohagher BBL. “What was painful, there Iqbal, for saying they will continue seemed to be two senators who to pursue peace.

Government and MILF negotiaconnived. It took a very long time to come up with the report. Even tors met recently to reassess how during the last few session days, to move forward after Congress

fisherfolk; indigenous people; urban poor; women; formal labor and migrant workers; workers in the informal sector; persons with disabilities; children, youth and students; victims of disasters and calamities; cooperatives; non-government organizations; and senior citizens.

“While there have been forums organized by students, youth and business tycoons, there has been no forum yet organized by the poor and the marginalized,” said NAPC vice chairman for the basic sectors Ruperto Aleroza.

“No doubt, there is economic growth; but the poor has been left out. The government must provide avenues for meaningful participation of the basic sectors in policies, implementation of development projects and improving anti-poverty programs,” he added.

Aleroza will present the New Social Contract of the NAPC Basic Sectors that identifies specific policy recommendations that they would want the next administration to address.

Roxas and Roberdo will be asked to respond to the document.

failed to pass the BBL, the lynchpin in a peace agreement between the two parties.

“Today could have been a much happier occasion, if only we had the law that would have moved our road map forward in leaps and bounds. But we do not have the law—yet. Despite the extraordinary efforts of our teams and all the other tireless peace advocates and congressional allies who traveled with us in this difficult journey of a thousand miles, we saw the session days in Congress wither away, without a BBL in sight,” said government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer in her opening statement.

“We have learned our lessons.

The problem is structural and systemic… [T]here is widespread frustration on the ground by our people and members of the MILF.

They accused the government of resorting again to delaying tactics and just managing the conflict in Mindanao,” said Iqbal.

The proposed law would have replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a larger territory with greater autonomy.

The bill would have to be refiled in the next Congress, bringing the legislative effort back to square one.

Ferrer said during the meeting that the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was still in effect.

“The CAB remains our most viable road map, the source of the substance of the policies and legislation that we will continue to pursue under the next administration and the 17th Congress.

The next administration would be foolhardy to wage war, and [have]

(7 percent). Only 3 percent of those asked in May said poverty was the top national issue.

The number went even lower in September, with only 2 percent citing poverty.

In the December survey, corruption emerged as the top issue (31 percent), followed by poverty, drugs, unemployment and high prices at 15 percent, 14 percent, 10 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

In terms of geography, respondents from the Visayas who most strongly felt poverty was the main issue at 27 percent, higher than the national figure of 23 percent. The next most worrisome problem in the Visayas was drugs (22 percent) followed by corruption (19 percent).

For those in Mindanao, poverty was also top concern (22 percent).

Respondents from Metro Manila rated corruption as the top national problem (28 percent), with poverty coming in second (24 percent).

In Northern and Central Luzon, these two issues were both cited by 25 percent of respondents.

Other problems cited in the open-ended question were criminality, low salary or income, traffic, school facilities, flooding, water supply, illegal gambling, lack of housing and presence of rebel groups.

The Standard Poll was conducted with 3,000 respondents across the country, with 300 from the National Capital Region, 700 from Northern and Central Luzon, 600 from South Luzon and Bicol, 700 in the Visayas and 700 from Mindanao.

All respondents were biometrically registered voters who said they are certain to vote in the May elections.

The Standard Poll has a margin of error of +/-1.8 percent nationwide. everything to gain by upholding this pathway. It will have enough time to see both the CAB and a CAB-compliant law realized,” Ferrer added. “[T]he MILF and the government shall jointly find ways and means to address this dangerous situation and avoid actions that may increase the frustrations. We must provide them hope that there is a chance for passage of [a] CABcompliant BBL whoever will be the next President,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal said all Filipinos should work together to overcome the barriers of peace.

“Let us end the war, the suffering, the tragedy, and pains of our peoples, of the soldiers and our heroic fighters, of our mothers and sisters, of our children. Let us try to live quiet and peaceful lives,” he said. With Sandy Araneta

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Binay promises tax relief to 6m if elected president MORE than six million public and private workers earning P30,000 a month and below will not be required to pay income tax once Vice President Jejomar Binay wins the presidency, Binay’s spokesman said Thursday.

“With the current taxation system, up to 85 percent of the total individual income taxes is paid by the working class, while only 15 percent comes from self-employed individuals and their workforce,” Joey Salgado said. “[Binay’s plan] will also encourage more foreign investments, resulting in more jobs for our people and more revenues for the government.”

Salgado said Binay’s tax reform plan would also result in the improved competitiveness of Philippine corporations and their workforce.

He slammed Binay’s political opponents for opposing his tax plan, saying they would always find reasons to reject a plan that will improve the lives of overtaxed workers.

“This is no surprise as they come from a group whose knee-jerk reaction is to protect the status quo where factory workers, government employees and call center agents pay the same taxes as millionaires,” Salgado said.

“This is the mark of an insensitive leadership.”

Salgado said the impact of Binay’s tax plan would be wide-ranging and would bring relief to six million workers in the public and private sectors, among them factory workers, call center agents, teachers, policemen, soldiers and government clerks.

“We are pushing for a comprehensive tax system reform that will gradually reduce the personal and corporate income tax rates in the Philippines to a level that is more consistent with our Asean peers,” Salgado said.

“We will push for this program and give relief to millions of workers.”

Binay has previously said he will convene the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council within the 100 days of his administration for the swift passage of the tax reform bill. He has vowed to certify the tax reform bill as urgent should he be elected president in the May 2016 elections. Vito Barcelo

Migraine stops Duterte from addressing group PRESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte suffered migraine on Thursday, stopping him from addressing physicians of the Philippine Society of Hypertension and The Philippine Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society in Pasig City.

The mayor of Davao City was already at the Crowne a Plaza Galleria Hotel when he suddenly had the headache and his blood pressure shot up, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Duterte’s vice presidential candidate, told reporters.

“There is nothing to worry about. He was just tired and lacked sleep,” Cayetano said, adding Duterte had to rest in an undisclosed area of the hotel as a result of his migraine.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s spokesman said Thursday Cayetano’s staff did not stop some senatorial candidates from speaking during their proclamation rally in Tondo, Manila, on Tuesday.

Pete Laviña said only Duterte, Cayetano and Manila mayoralty can-

didate Amado Bagatsing were programmed to speak during the campaign.

He said the senatorial candidate including Greco Belgica, former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan, former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Domingo Santiago, Susan Ople, whistle blower Sandra Cam and pork barrel prosecution lawyer Levito Baligod had been invited as guests, and they were in fact individually mentioned by Duterte during the program.

PDP-Laban spokeswoman Paola Alvarez said the length of the campaign sorties and the number of speakers vary from place to place and from schedule to schedule.

“The DuterteCayetano tandem and the senatorial and local candidates like Congressman Bagatsing are all on the same page in fighting crimes and drugs, inequality and regional stagnation,” she said. rio n. araja and Joel e. Zurbano

Courtesy call. President Benigno Aquino III welcomes Misubishi Motors Corp. chief executive Osami Masuko during his courtesy call in Malacañang on Wednesday. With Aquino is Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. MalaCañang Photo Bureau

UNA wary Comelec might suspend polls THE United Nationalist Alliance on Thursday expressed fears the Commission on Elections would suspend the May elections because of the delays in the printing schedule and the glitches in the source codes of ballots.

“There are enough reasons for the Comelec to invoke its powers to suspend the national and local elections, such as the delays in printing, the case against Senator Grace Poe and the petitions to stop the reuse of the Precinct Count Optical Scan machines in this year’s balloting,” UNA spokesman Mon Ilagan said.

He hoped the delays were not deliber-

ate for the Comelec to implore Section 5 of the Omnibus Election Code, which empowers it to delay the elections within 30 days following a postponement of the elections.

“We hope that these issues and concerns being raised in relation to the delays and glitches will not be used as reasons to allow the Comelec to invoke their power to suspend the polls or force them to go back to manual voting,” Ilagan said.

The Comelec has already hinted that some PCOS machines were malfunctioning and failing to correctly read the ballots, which might have been the result of a glitch in the source code.

The National Movement for Free Elections had earlier said the Comelec was already behind schedule in the printing of the ballots. The delay and other tech-

nical problems might force the Comelec to suspend the elections in selected regions or localities.

“We pray and hope that it will be an honest, fair and clean elections in the coming May 9. Unfortunately, the reports of the delays, deliberate or not, are a cause for alarm,” Ilagan said.

“We should not allow sinister parties to manipulate the elections, and the Comelec must see beyond these delays and glitches and probe if there are quarters from within who are present to influence and exploit the situation.

“It is within the mandate of the Comelec to make sure that the conduct of the elections is fair, credible, honest, orderly and peaceful. The term of President Aquino will be ending in a few months, and this would be the best legacy he could leave behind.” Vito Barcelo

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Plans to close Edsa revised

By Joel E. Zurbano and Sandy Araneta

Drug launching. Physician Rose Capeding, head of the microbiology department of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, answers questions during the world launching of first dengue vaccine in the Philippines on Thursday at the Zuellig Pharmaceutical Co. in Parañaque City.

DANNY PATA

DoJ eyes reshuffle despite election ban

By Rey E. Requqjo and Vito Barcelo THE Department of Justice wants to again reshuffle about 200 Bureau of Immigration employees purportedly to avoid “too much familiarity with the area” despite a ban on the transfers and movements of officers and employees in the civil service during the election period.

In addition, Justice Secretary Emmanuel Caparas wants to pursue the investigation of former Immigration Commissioner Siegfried Mison for an administrative charge, arising from the custodial transfer of a South Korean fugitive, although he is already out of office.

BI officials could not explain the basis or motive of the two plans, but sources close to Mison said they may be connected to Mison’s order last year to limit the powers assigned to Associate Commissioner Gilbert Repizo after he was linked to the case

of Chinese fugitive Wang Bo. Repizo, who sources claimed is associated with Caparas, was stripped of some powers after he was blamed for the continued detention of Wang in Philippines although he was already set for deportation to China, which had asked for his extradition over a criminal case.

Caparas, for his part, stressed that while the administrative charge against Mison has become moot upon his removal from office, the Bureau of Immigration under new Commissioner Ronaldo Geron Jr. is pursuing the investigation.

“That’s a possibility. But again, that will really depend on the evidence we have.

That will depend also on recommendations of the NBI agents who have investigated the case. I don’t want to preempt them,” said Caparas, who also supervises the NBI. Caparas said Geron is now in the process of “revisiting” the case with cooperation of BI officials and personnel and in coordination with the Ombudsman.

Citing the Tuwid na Daan (straight path) policy of the Aquino administration, he said they would not want to send a message to the public that mere resignation or removal from office would allow government officials to evade penalties for their supposed liabilities.

AFTER public criticism of the proposal to close a major thoroughfare in Quezon City for 16 days as part of the People Power anniversary celebration, the government changed its plan and said White Plains Avenue will only be closed on the anniversary day itself.

“In line with the celebration of the 30th Edsa People Power Anniversary, the Edsa People Power Commission [EPPC] announced earlier today that White Plains Avenue will be closed ONLY on Feb. 25, [12 a.m.-1 p.m.],” the Metro Mainla Development Authority said in an advisory Thursday.

The sudden change of plan came following numerous complaints from motorists who will be affected by the said closure which covered the westbound lane of White Plains Avenue from Temple Drive to Edsa.

The latest advisory also stated “The previous plan to set up the Experiential Museum along White Plains Avenue was revised. Set up of said museum will instead take place inside Camp Aguinaldo.

Northbound lane of Edsa Ortigas to Edsa Santolan will also be closed on Feb. 25 [12 a.m.-1 p.m.].”

MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos said the closure of the westbound lane of White Plains Avenue was to be made to give way to the museum which will feature the event that led to the ouster of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

“The museum will be open on Feb. 25 to 26, but it would take time to construct it. Originally, it will be closed on Feb. 9 but we asked consideration since a lot of people and motorists will be affected. So the closure will start on Feb. 14,” he said.

Carlos said the northbound lane of Edsa will be closed from Ortigas Avenue up to Santolan on Feb. 25 for the annual “salubungan,” which is a reenactment of the meeting of ordinary citizens and rebel soldiers who backed the 1986 bloodless revolution.

FVR: Endorsement real

By John Paolo Bencito NAGA CITY—Former President Fidel V. Ramos reiterated on Thursday his support for Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo amid criticism that he was not sincere in endorsing the vice presidential candidate during their meeting last Monday. “[My] support to Congresswoman Robredo as a VP candidate was sincerely given, with no expectation of reward or favor,” Ramos said.

Robredo posted photos of her and Ramos during a meeting at Ramos’ Makati office early Monday morning on her Facebook account. One of the photographs showed Robredo and Ramos holding their thumbs up, a signature Ramos gesture, while another showed Ramos raising Robredo’s arm.

Robredo met with Ramos a day before the start of the 90-day campaign period at the latter’s office in Makati City.

In the meeting, Ramos shared his campaign experience in 1992 and offered Robredo some advice on how to woo voters as she visits different parts of the country.

Also on Thursday, Robredo vowed to establishing more university towns in the provinces and increase the budgetary allocations for State Universities and Colleges to give opportunities for students to find decent jobs.

“If we can improve the quality of education in our universities and colleges in different parts of the country, we can have more Iah Seraspi,” Robredo said, referring to a Romblon native who recently placed second in the Licensure Examination for Teachers despite studying in the countryside.

“We could bring more success stories like Iah should we have more additional university towns and should we add more funds to SUCs,” she added.

Proud daughter. Presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe smiles as she passes a statue

of her movie actor father Fernando Poe Jr. in Paoay, Ilocos Norte where the actor filmed one of his box office hits Ang Panday [The Smith].

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Ched draws flak over tuition hike

By Maricel V. Cruz A pArty-list lawmaker and student groups on Thursday denounced president Benigno Aquino iii and Commission on Higher Education chairman patricia licuanan for dismissing as ‘premature’ recent protest actions against impending tuition and other fee increases.

Constitution Day. Philippine Constitution Association president and senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez (right) shares a light moment with retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno (left) and Philconsa chairman-CEO Manuel Lazaro during the Constitution Day celebration held at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. Ver NoVeNo

Major network hit for bias “eThICAL standards apply to all or none at all.”

Paraphrasing a legal maxim, lawyer Raul Lambino on Thursday accused a major television network of “de facto electioneering” for featuring the life story of Liberal Party vice presidential bet Leni Robredo in a popular primetime drama three days before the start of the campaign period of candidates vying for national positions.

“The media like to hold elective officials to high ethical and moral standards, and are quick to point out what they believe are issues of impropriety,” said Lambino, Lakas CMD senior deputy secretary-general.

“I submit that the media should be held to those same standards; while ABS-CBN may not have technically violated the law by showing the Robredo biopic before the beginning of the campaign period, the timing of the episode is highly questionable and is indicative of the network’s bias,” stressed the lawyer.

According to the Fair elections Act, “No movie, cinematograph or documentary portraying the life or biography of a candidate shall be publicly exhibited in a theater, television station or any public forum during the campaign period.”

Lambino stressed that major networks should “shun such questionable

practices” as these “destroy the credibility of an institution the public relies on for information.”

The lawyer added that this was not the first time ABS-CBN had shown bias for or against the subject of its news stories.

“I’ve always found the network’s handling of news stories involving the Iglesia ni Cristo [INC] questionable,” Lambino said.

“It appears they always provide a venue for the church’s critics to throw accusations at the INC, but don’t exert effort to verify or validate these accusations before airing their stories.”

“There is no such thing as a ‘premature protest,’ Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon told the CheD official.

“By issuing this statement, Licuanan and CheD just proved that they are totally missing the point of the demonstrations. Students are enraged because under the Aquino administration, tuition rates and the profits of private universities have almost doubled. Students are protesting because all throughout these years, CheD has functioned as a mere stamp pad for the approval of tuition hikes,” Ridon added.

Licuanan, in a media statement released Thursday, said that “it is too early in the year to be able to determine the number of higher education institutions that will increase tuition and/or other school fees,” explaining that heIs still have until April 1 to submit their fee hike proposals to CheD. Licuanan made the statement in response to the results of Kabataan Partylist and the National Union of Students of the Philippines’ independent monitoring on schools that plan to increase tuition and other school fees next year, which the youth groups estimate to reach 400. The information has already sparked protests in various parts of the country, with student unions and councils also gearing for large anti-tuition hike walkouts on Feb. 24 and March 11.

Ridon was joined by Arah elago, NUSP national president and Kabataan first nominee, in lambasting Licuanan. elago hit out at CheD for its “passive wait-and-see approach” towards the impending tuition increase.

Under CheD rules, heIs need to conduct local consultations among students and other concerned parties in the month of February before the said schools can apply for higher tuition rates, elago said.

The problem, however, is that CheD is “totally blind” during the process of consultations, which many student councils describe as bogus, elago explained.

DND to bid out ammo supply deals

By Florante S. Solmerin The bids and award committee of the Department of National Defense met with suppliers during a pre-bid conference on Wednesday at Camp Aguinaldo for the procurement of three different rifle ammunitions worth P522 million.

The DND-BAC for the projects is led by Assistant Secretary ernesto Boac, a retired Army general.

At least six representatives of foreign suppliers such as ATK of United States, the controversial MKeK (Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation) of Turkey with its local partner System Nomics Philippines, and expal of Spain. Two more companies from Brazil and Israel also attended the conference but only ATK and MKeK bought bid documents.

“But that doesn’t mean we’re not qualified to join the bidding because we’ve until the last day of schedule to

buy a bid document worth P50,000,” a source said.

Also present during the conference was lawyer editha Santos, reportedly in the company of MKe representatives and their local representative System Nomics owner Alan Mendoza, another source said.

Santos was former chief accountant of the Philippine Army and among seven officials who were suspended for six months in 2009 by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the questionable procurement of Army boots worth P102.1 million in 2004.

Santos was also linked to the P1.2 billion helicopter deal controversy that some DND officials entered into with the US-based Rice Aircraft Services Incorporated.

On the ammo contracts, the DND broke down the bids into three projects: P534 million for SS109/ M855, P100 million for the Ball Linked and P102 million for M193.

Cops and lovers. Policemen and their partners led by Senior Police Officer 2 Dennis Ebuenga and wife Maryan Orsal take part in the 2016 PNP mass wedding held at Mt. Carmel Church in Camp Crame Quezon City. Nineteen couples tied the knot during the event. MANNY PALMero

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R e p u b l i c o f t h e Ph i l i p p i n e s E N E RGY R EG U L ATO RY C O M M I S S I O N S a n M i g u e l Av e n u e , P a s i g C i t y

NEWS A6 Romualdez: Plan ahead for displaced PH workers editorial@thestandard.com.ph

I N T H E M AT T E R O F T H E A P P L I C AT I O N F O R T H E A P P R O VA L O F T H E S A L E OF VA R I O U S S U B T R A N S M I S S I O N LINES/ A S S E T S O F T H E N AT I O N A L TR ANSMISSION C O R P O R AT I O N ( T R A N S C O ) T O L A N AO D E L N O R T E ELECTRIC C O O P E R AT I V E , INC. ( L A N E C O ) , A S C O V E R E D BY A L E A S E P U R C H A S E AG R E E M E N T D AT E D 19 D E C E M B E R 2 0 14 N AT I O N A L TR ANSMISSION C O R P O R AT I O N ( TR ANSCO) AND L ANAO DEL NORTE ELECTRIC C O O P E R AT I V E , I N C . ( L A N E C O ) , Applicants. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

E R C C A S E N O . 2 0 15 - 12 8 R C

By Maricel V. Cruz

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HE ARING T O A L L I N T E R E S T E D PA R T I E S: N o t i c e i s h e r e b y ’ g i v e n t h a t o n 0 9 J u l y 2 015 , N a t i o n a l Tr a n s m i s s i o n C o r p o r a t i o n ( T R A N S C O) a n d L a n a o D e l N o r t e E l e c t r i c C o o p e r a t i v e , I n c . ( L A N E C O) f i l e d a n application for the approval of the sale of various sub transmission assets of TR ANSCO t o L A N E C O, a s c o v e r e d b y a l e a s e p u r c h a s e a g r e e m e n t d a t e d 19 D e c e m b e r 2 014 .

In the said applic ation, TR A NSCO and L A NECO alleged, among others, the following: 1.

TR ANSCO is a government- owned and controlled corporation created and e x i s t i n g b y v i r t u e o f R . A . N o . 913 6 , o t h e r w i s e k n o w n a s t h e E l e c t r i c P o w e r I n d u s t r y R e f o r m A c t o f 2 0 01 ( E P I R A) , w i t h p r i n c i p a l o f f i c e a d d r e s s a t t h e T R A N S C O M a i n B u i l d i n g , Q u e z o n Av e n u e c o r n e r B I R R o a d , D i l i m a n , Q u e z o n City;

2.

L A NECO is an electr ic distr ibution utilit y (DU) duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal of fice address at 9209 Tu b o d , L a n a o d e l N o r t e , M i n d a n a o , P h i l i p p i n e s ;

3.

By vir tue of Section 8 of the EPIR A , TR ANSCO assumed the electrical transmission functions of the National Power Corporation, and the responsibility of the latter for the planning, construction and centralized operation and maintenance of high voltage transmission facilities, including grid interconnections and ancillar y ser vices;

4.

S e c t i o n 8 o f t h e E P I R A a n d R u l e 6 , S e c t i o n 8 (e) o f t h e E P I R A’s I m p l e m e n t i n g R u l e s a n d R e g u l a t i o n s ( I R R) a l s o m a n d a t e t h e s e g r e g a t i o n o f t h e t r a n s m i s s i o n and sub -transmission functions and assets for transparency and disposal, and a u t h o r i z e T R A N S C O t o n e g o t i a t e f o r, a n d t o t r a n s f e r s u c h s u b - t r a n s m i s s i o n a s s e t s (S TA s) a n d f a c i l i t i e s t o q u a l i f i e d d i s t r i b u t i o n u t i l i t i e s ( D U s) ;

5.

Pursuant thereto, this Honorable Commission promulgated the “Guidelines o n t h e S a l e a n d Tr a n s f e r o f t h e T R A N S C O ’s S u b - t r a n s m i s s i o n A s s e t s a n d t h e Fr a n c h i s i n g o f Q u a l i f i e d C o n s o r t i u m s ” ( E R C G u i d e l i n e s) d a t e d 17 O c t o b e r 2 0 0 3 , a s a m e n d e d b y R e s o l u t i o n N o . 3 , S e r i e s o f 2 0 0 5 d a t e d 17 M a r c h 2 0 0 5 w h i c h s e t f o r t h a m o n g o t h e r s , t h e s t a n d a r d s t o d i s t i n g u i s h T R A N S C O ’s t r a n s m i s s i o n assets from its sub -transmission assets and establish the approval process p r i o r t o t h e f i n a l s a l e a n d t r a n s f e r o f S TA s t o D U s ;

6.

Consistent with the ERC Guidelines, TR ANSCO adopted its own Guidelines on t h e S a l e o f S u b - t r a n s m i s s i o n A s s e t s ( “ T R A N S C O G u i d e l i n e s ” ) [ A n n e x “A” o f t h e A p p l i c a t i o n] a s a p p r o v e d b y T R A N S C O B o a r d R e s o l u t i o n N o . T C - 2 0 0 3 - 0 6 7 d a t e d 2 8 N o v e m b e r 2 0 0 3 [ A n n e x “A - I ” o f t h e A p p l i c a t i o n] , a s f u r t h e r a m e n d e d b y T R A N S C O B o a r d R e s o l u t i o n N o .T C - 2 0 0 4 - 0 0 9 d a t e d 16 M a r c h 2 0 0 4 [ A n n e x “A - 2 ” o f t h e A p p l i c a t i o n] ;

7.

O n 16 J u l y 2 011, t h e C o m m i s s i o n i s s u e d R e s o l u t i o n N o . 15 , S e r i e s o f 2 011 e n t i t l e d “A R e s o l u t i o n A d o p t i n g t h e A m e n d e d R u l e s f o r t h e A p p r o v a l o f t h e S a l e a n d Tr a n s f e r o f T R A N S C O ’s S u b - t r a n s m i s s i o n A s s e t s a n d t h e A c q u i s i t i o n b y Q u a l i f i e d C o n s o r t i u m s ”;

8.

In accordance with the aforesaid ERC Guidelines, and based on a thorough e v a l u a t i o n c o n d u c t e d b y T R A N S C O, i t w a s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t t h e A g u s 6 - Kauswagan 69 kV Line is a sub -transmission asset.

C o p i e s o f t h e R e p o r t r e g a r d i n g t h e n a t u r e o f t h e a s s e t s , L i s t o f S TA s f o r s a l e t o L A N E C O a n d t h e S i n g l e l i n e d i a g r a m a r e a t t a c h e d a s A n n e x e s “ 8 ”, “ c ” a n d “ D,” respectively;

9.

SENATORIAL aspirant and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Thursday urged the Aquino administration to double its efforts in drawing up contingency plans in providing alternative livelihood and repatriation to overseas Filipino workers as an act of “malasakit” (compassion) to them following potential employment crisis as an offshoot of the significant fall of oil prices in the world.

Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association, stressed contingency measures should be placed immediately especially in absorbing OFWs who may decide to return to the Philippines for good.

“Action is different from a praise release,” Romualdez, head of the House Independent Bloc and

Social Housing Finance Corporation a subsidiary of National Mortgage Finance Corporation INVITATION TO BID The Provision of Manpower and General Services for Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for One (1) Year 1.

TR A NSCO has clearly established that L A NECO meets the f inancial c apabilit y criteria under Ar ticle IV of the ERC Guidelines in acquiring, operating, m a i n t a i n i n g , u p g r a d i n g a n d e x p a n d i n g t h e s a i d S TA s .

A t t a c h e d a r e c o p i e s o f t h e F i n a n c i a l Q u a l i f i c a t i o n Ev a l u a t i o n [ A n n e x “ E ” a n d A u d i t e d F i n a n c i a l S t a t e m e n t s o f L A N E C O a s o f 31 D e c e m b e r 2 012 a n d 31 D e c e m b e r 2 013 [ A n n e x “ F ” ] ;

a three-term congressman who is running for the Senate under a platform anchored on compassionate governance, pointed out. “Our government should better anticipate the looming problem of displacement with dispatch. All forms of assistance to them should be readied and extended as soon as possible [ASAP],” Romualdez added.

Romualdez stressed the need for the government to provide the OFWs affected the immediate sustainable livelihood and better job opportunities even as he warned that the the plunging crude oil prices can create serious trouble to the jobs of many OFWs. Romualdez had earlier took the lead in calling on the government to plan in providing alternative livelihood for the estimated 2.2-million OFWs working in the volatile Middle East.

Romualdez also asked the government to look for available funding sources and adopt the template it used in war-torn countries in case of repatriation.

He said the government through the Departments of Foreign Affairs and of Labor and Employment should be able to plan ahead for the safety and alternative livelihood of OFWs should the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia and nearby countries over the Saudi execution of a Shiite cleric escalate.

2.

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) through its Corporate Budget for the Year 2016 intends to apply the sum of Fifty Four Million Eighty Two Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Five Pesos and 20/100 Only (P54,082,585.20) being the Annual Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for PROJECT NO. 2016-02: The Provision of Manpower and General Services for Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for One (1) Year. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid opening.

SHFC now invites bids for the Provision of Manpower and General Services for Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for One (1) Year located at BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City and its offices, and other contingencies as may be determined from time to time, particularly for the supply of a total of one hundred sixty two (162) technical, clerical and general support services personnel.

10 .

T R A N S C O h a s l i ke w i s e e s t a b l i s h e d t h a t L A N E C O m e e t s t h e m i n i m u m t e c h n i c a l qualifications of a DU as set for the under the ERC and TR ANSCO Guidelines.

A t t a c h e d i s a c o p y o f t h e Te c h n i c a l Q u a l i f i c a t i o n Ev a l u a t i o n o f L A N E C O [ A n n e x “ G ” o f t h e A p p l i c a t i o n] ;

11.

L A NECO is the only qualif ied DU that is directly c onnected to the Agus 6 - Kauswagan 69 kV Line, as evidenc ed by the at tached List of Connected D i s t r i b u t i o n U t i l i t i e s [ A n n e x “ H ” o f t h e A p p l i c a t i o n] ;

12 .

O n 0 9 J u l y 2 014 , t h e L A N E C O B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s i s s u e d R e s o l u t i o n N o . 118 , S e r i e s o f 2 014 [ A n n e x “ I ” o f t h e A p p l i c a t i o n] r e l a t i v e t o t h e d e s i r e d a c q u i s i t i o n;

13 .

O n 19 D e c e m b e r 2 014 , T R A N S C O a n d L A N E C O c o n c l u d e d a L e a s e P u r c h a s e A g r e e m e n t [ A n n e x “J ” ] c o v e r i n g t h e s u b j e c t s u b - t r a n s m i s s i o n a s s e t a m o u n t i n g to Thir t y Seven Million One Hundred Thir t y- Nine Thousand One Hundred Nine P e s o s ( P h P 3 7,13 9 ,10 9 . 0 0) , p l u s i n t e r e s t , p l u s t w e l v e p e r c e n t v a l u e - a d d e d t a x (12 % VAT ) w h i c h L A N E C O s h a l l p a y i n t w o h u n d r e d f o r t y (2 4 0) e q u a l m o n t h l y installments;

14 .

T h e s u b j e c t S TA i s v a l u e d i n r e f e r e n c e t o t h e S i n c l a i r K n i g h t M e r z (S K M ) v a l u a t i o n p u r s u a n t t o E R C R e s o l u t i o n N o . 01, S e r i e s o f 2 0 0 9 , a s a m e n d e d . A n exc er pt from the SK M repor t for the third regulator y per iod is at tached as A nnex " K ".,

15 .

F i n a l l y, t h e a p p l i c a n t s a l s o r e s p e c t f u l l y s u b m i t t h e f o l l o w i n g d o c u m e n t s i n c ompliance with the Commission's requirements:

4.

Interested Bidders may obtain further information from SHFC and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

a . D r a f t o f t h e D e e d o f A b s o l u t e S a l e [ A n n e x " L" o f t h e A p p l i c a t i o n] ; a n d b . Fr a n c h i s e D e s c r i p t i o n [ A n n e x " M " o f t h e A p p l i c a t i o n] .

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on February 12, 2016 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) to the SHFC Cashier.

16 .

The proposed sale has satisf ied all of the requirements and criteria set by the EPIR A and its IRR , as well as the Commission's Guidelines and TR ANSCO's Guidelines on the Sale of Sub -transmission Assets;

17.

The approval by the Commission of the instant Joint A pplic ation shall pave the way for the at tainment of a refor med electricit y industr y under the EPIR A , which would ultimately best ser ve the interest of the consuming public; and

Period of Contract shall be One (1) year and shall commence upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within two (2) yearsfrom the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

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

P R AY E R 18 .

The par ties pray that the Commission approve the sale of the sub -transmission assets of the National Transmission Corporation ( TR ANSCO) in favor of the Lanao Del Nor te Electric Cooperative, Inc. (L ANECO), under the terms provided in the Lease Purchase Agreement dated 19 December 2014.

The Commission has set the said application for jurisdictional hearing, pre -trial c o n f e r e n c e , e x p o s i t o r y p r e s e n t a t i o n a n d e v i d e n t i a r y h e a r i n g o n 0 2 M a r c h 2 0 16 ( W e d n e s d a y ) a t n i n e o ’c l o c k i n t h e m o r n i n g ( 9 : 0 0 A . M .) a t t h e L A N E C O M a i n O f f i c e , Tu b o d , L a n a o D e l N o r t e , M i n d a n a o.

A ll persons who have an interest in the subject mat ter of the proc eeding may bec ome a p a r t y b y f i l i n g , a t l e a s t f i v e (5 ) d a y s p r i o r t o t h e i n i t i a l h e a r i n g a n d s u b j e c t t o t h e requirements in the ERC 's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verif ied petition with t h e C o m m i s s i o n g i v i n g t h e d o c ke t n u m b e r a n d t i t l e o f t h e p r o c e e d i n g a n d s t a t i n g : (1) t h e p e t i t i o n e r ' s n a m e a n d a d d r e s s ; (2) t h e n a t u r e o f p e t i t i o n e r ' s i n t e r e s t i n t h e s u b j e c t mat ter of the proc eeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is af fected by t h e i s s u e s i n v o l v e d i n t h e p r o c e e d i n g ; a n d (3) a s t a t e m e n t o f t h e r e l i e f d e s i r e d .

A ll other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject mat ter of the proc eeding may f ile their opposition to the applic ation or c omment thereon at any stage of the proc eeding before the applic ant c oncludes the presentation of its evidence. No par ticular form of opposition or c omment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon.

A ll such persons who wish to have a c opy of the applic ation may request the applic ant, prior to the date of the initial hearing, that they be fur nished with a c opy of the applic ation. The applic ant is hereby directed to fur nish all those making a request with copies of the application and its attachments, subject to reimbursement of reasonable p h o t o c o p y i n g c o s t s . A n y s u c h p e r s o n m a y l i ke w i s e e x a m i n e t h e a p p l i c a t i o n a n d o t h e r per tinent records filed with the Commission during the standard of fice hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chair man, JOSE VICENTE B. SA L A Z A R , and the Honorable C o m m i s s i o n e r s , A L F R E D O J . N O N , G L O R I A V I C T O R I A C . YA P -TA R U C , J O S E F I N A PAT R I C I A A . M AG PA L E - A S I R I T, a n d G E R O N I M O D . S TA . A N A , E n e r g y R e g u l a t o r y C o m m i s s i o n , t h i s 8 t h d a y o f J a n u a r y, 2 016 a t P a s i g C i t y.

6.

SHFC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 23, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the SHFC Board Room, 5th Floor, BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 07, 2016at 10:00 a.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on March 07, 2016 10:00 a.m. at the SHFC Board Room,5th Floor, BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8. SHFC assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid. SHFC reserves the right to waive any or all formal requirements, so that it shall likewise not be held liable for any defects or typographical errors in all documents received by the bidder, which shall be presumed to have been read and understood by the bidders to be mere defects in form only.

9.

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

10. For further information, please refer to:

AT T Y. N AT H A N M A R A S I G A N Chief of Staf f O f f ice of the Chairman and CEO ( T S - F E B 5 & 12 , 2 016)

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

Ethel S. Bugho Officer-In-Charge, BAC Secretariat Social Housing Finance Corporation 2nd Floor, BDO Plaza, 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City (T) +63 2 750 6337 (loc) 421; (02) 8172794 procurement@shfcph.com (F) +63 2 817 3168 www.shfcph.com

( T S - F E B . 12 , 2 016)

(Sgd.) ATTY. JOSE D. MELGAREJO

Chairman, BAC

PH-German labor deal paves way for nurses’ placements

By Vito Barcelo HUNDREDS of Filipino nurses wanting to work in Germany can now apply in hospitals and clinics outside of the “Triple Win Project” labor agreement between the Philippines and Germany, the Department of Labor and Employment said on Thursday.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that the Governing Board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration which she chairs has issued a resolution, allowing the participation of private recruitment agencies in the recruitment, deployment, and employment of Filipino nurses to Germany.

“The resolution now paves the way for the immediate hiring and deployment of nurses to Germany outside of the Triple Win Project,” Baldoz said, adding that the high demand for professional nurses in one of Europe’s largest and most stable economies made the issuance necessary.

“Licensed private recruiters, however, cannot collect any placement fee from applicants,” Baldoz said.

Under the Triple Win Project and as outlined in the PhilippinesGermany labor agreement signed on March 19, 2013, job placement of Filipino health professionals in Germany, particularly nurses, may only be carried out by the POEA’s in-house placement facility and the Federal Employment Agency through the International Placement Services.

f r i D AY : f e b r u A r Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Authorities kill Basilan drug lord, nab 8 others

By A. Perez Rimando CAMP CALARIAN, Zamboanga City—A suspected bigtime drug lord, long wanted by authorities, was killed during a 10-minute gunfight with government authorities at dawn Wednesday during a buy-bust operation at their hideout in Sitio Canas, Barangay Calangcanas, Maluso town, Basilan.

Major Felimon Tan, Western Mindanao Command Information Officer, identified the slain drug lord as Abubakar Mohammad Alias Abubakar Asa. Eight of Mohammad’s followers, whom authorities declined to name, were wounded and later apprehended.

Tan told media the soldiers initially engaged the lawless elements in a running gun battle at around 4:30 a.m. which later resulted in the killing of Mohammad.

The government operatives, Tan said, were able to seize two M-16 Armalite rifles, one M-203 grenade launcher, two .22 caliber pistol, one rifle grenade, several rounds of ammunition, some 50 sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally called shabu, and other prohibited drug paraphernalia.

Mohammad’s men were later turned over to Maluso Municipal Police Station for the filing of appropriate charges against them, Tan added.

According to Tan, the buybust operation, carried out after a week-long surveillance, was jointly undertaken by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Maluso Police Station, Marine Battalion Landing Team-11 and 4th Special Forces Battalion.

Police reports from Basilan said Mohammad, together with his men, virtually controls illegal drug pushing and distribution in several municipalities of the island province.

Some of their alleged clients are high school and college students.

Poe to Ilocanos: Successful campaign not beyond reach

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Independent presidential candidate Senator Grace poe has managed to turn to her advantage the issue of her being the biological daughter of the late president Ferdinand Marcos.

Poe campaigned Wednesday in Ilocos Norte, the home province of the Marcoses.

She was welcomed by Gov. Imee Marcos who said she was open to support other presidential candidates even as her younger brother, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was

the vice presidential running mate of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Poe’s running mate is Senator Francis Escudero, also an independent.

“How about a ‘MarcosMarcos’ tandem occupying the land’s top two po-

sitions?” the governor told reporters in jest.

Poe spoke before students of the Mariano Marcos State University where she said a successful outcome of her candidacy was “not beyond reach” despite disqualification cases before the Supreme Court questioning her citizenship and residency.

She added she was “very grateful” that some members of the Supreme Court were beginning to see what they had long been saying that the Comelec turned a blind eye on the evidence

they had submitted to support her disqualification cases.

In front of Batac City officials and employees, Poe acknowledged the huge potential of the tourism industry in the province, where her father, Fernando Poe Jr. shot his most popular movie series, “Ang panday.”

She vowed to promote tourism in Ilocos Norte to generate more employment and income opportunities for locals, adding that the expansion of Laoag Airport would help boost tourism in the province.

Since the campaign kicked off Monday night at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Poe’s Partido Galing at Puso has campaigned in Cebu, a vote-rich province and the bailiwick of her campaign manager, outgoing Cebu Rep. Joseph Ace Durano, and in Ilocos Norte. She is scheduled to be in Pangasinan Friday.

Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, said Poe is very thankful for the warm reception she has been extended in the areas she has thus far visited.

Happy at work. Baguio-based artist Bumbo Villanueva makes sculptures for Cinema One awards. DAVID CHAN

Corn farmers in Isabela shift to cassava planting

By Brenda Jocson

Up in the air. Colorful balloons dot the skies during the first day of the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark Field, Angeles, Pampanga. DANNY PATA

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela —Corn farmers in this city are now shifting to cassava farming due to huge losses brought about by the effects of climate change in the province, according to the city agriculture office here.

City agriculturist Rufino Arcega said many of their farmers are saving more money from planting cassava which requires small amount of capital compared to corn farming requiring huge capital for expensive inputs and preparations.

“Our record in the agriculture office shows that around 3,200 hectares of

farmlands in the city are already planted with cassava, a root crop which is resilient to the effects of climate change,” Arcega said.

He said they are looking at eventually expanding the area for this dry spell-resistant crop once other corn farmers follow suit in cassava planting.

Studies, he said, showed that cassava is considered as a viable field crop due to its capability to survive drastic climatic changes, especially dry spells or drought.

“Besides the requirement of small capital, the crop is also drought-resistant and that farmers are assured of a ready market for their cas-

sava harvests,” Arcega said.

He said farmers will have no problem with possible fluctuations of its market prices as buyers pay for fresh cassava starting at P2.50 per kilo and dried-chips in granulated form at more than P8.50 a kilo.

He also explained that a cooperative here is willing to buy the farmers’ harvests in bulk at reasonable price provided it conforms to the cooperative’s requirements.

Arcega said this venture is expected to generate more jobs and improve farmers’ living standards here expecting the market prices and demand for the crop to continually increase in the coming years.

F R I D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO

CAMPAIGN PROMISES

[ EDI TORI A L ]

CCT PROGRAM REVISITED THE conditional cash transfer program on paper is a laudable initiative that aims to break the poverty cycle through regular health and educational grants to millions of the country’s households. If implemented properly, the program would produce more educated young people and a healthier population, and eventually contribute to economic growth.

The Asian Development Bank early this week approved another $400-million loan to the Philippines to finance the expansion of the conditional cash transfer program to include more high school students. The ADB considers the program critical to reducing the high rate of poverty incidence in the Philippines, saying an “impact evaluation shows that the CCTs are keeping vulnerable young people at school, opening the door to a better future.”

ADB’s evaluation report or its source, however, should be verified by another reputable agency, perhaps by the Commission on Audit, because of allegations that the program is being used as a political instrument to win votes.

By ADB’s own account, the number of CCT partner beneficiaries has increased from 340,000 since the program’s inception in 2008 to more than 4.4 million at the end of 2015, making it the fourth largest in the world after similar programs in India, Brazil and Mexico.

“The program has expanded rapidly since it began in 2008 and has evolved over time based on lessons and experience,” says the bank.

The CCT program, known locally as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino, provides grants to poor families if they send their children to school, visit health centers and attend family development sessions. It is designed to serve as an investment in human development that pays off when healthier and better educated young people grow up to get better jobs and break out of the poverty trap.

But the program is far from being a success, judging by the still-high poverty incidence rate, as reflected in the ugly sight of street children begging for money in many parts of the country and the number of homeless people and informal settlers. Perhaps this administration or the incoming one should form a review body to effectively monitor the CCT program and depoliticize it starting from the barangay level.

THE GOONS RETREAT LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES THOSE Yellow goons over at the Edsa People Power Commission succumbed to public outrage and withdrew their lame-brained plan to close White Plains Avenue for 16 days while they celebrate their 30th anniversary. The latest announcement from the commission states that the vital spur road to Edsa will be closed to traffic only for one day, Feb. 25.

That’s still one day too many,

if you ask me. Me, and those tens of thousands of commuters and motorists who were inconvenienced last year, when the Yellows shut down Edsa for their high holidays and forgot to tell the rest of the population to stay home.

Understand, I say “inconvenienced” only because one year is too long to hold a grudge, even against clueless Yellows who still think everybody shares their strange belief system. I personally walked more than a kilometer from the office where I work in the mornings on the Pasig side of Shaw Boulevard to a meeting in Manda-

luyong on the other, along with thousands of other ride-less Filipinos muttering curses under their breath, so I know exactly what happened last year.

But when the Yellows attempted to up the ante from last year by promising a 16-day traffic jam for their 30th anniversary, they got exactly what they had coming to them: Pure, unadulterated anger, especially online, where not even the most rabid of Aquino loyalists dared to defend the brain-dead plan.

Of course, no one has claimed responsibility for dreaming up the White Plains closure. The Yellows who con-

A9

Thank God we don’t have to suffer these Yellow hypocrites for much longer.

ceived this wonderful people power gift to the people were smart enough to not identify themselves—and that information will probably never leave Bahay Pangarap.

But you have to admire the audacity of the Yellows for expecting the rest of us to just accept that this is a big deal for them and that any inconvenience they may cause is their inviolable right. After all, they even had alternate routes drawn up, so people can’t accuse them of being insensitive to the problems of losing access to an important diversion road for more than two weeks.

So I don’t really think the Edsa commission should be congratulated for being

sensitive. If we charge people for attempting but not consummating murder, I suggest that we should also go after these jokers for trying to impose their beliefs on a weary population once again—even if they got cold feet and decided against it at the very last moment.

And these are the people who look down on people who have the courage of their political convictions when these don’t jibe with their own. Thank God we don’t have to suffer these Yellow hypocrites for much longer.

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-

*** Yesterday, the journalists and other staffers of The Standard celebrated an anniversary of their own, this newspaper’s 29th year in publication.

It’s been quite a run, really, for all of us who at one time or another worked in what was originally called the Manila Standard.

I’ve been privileged to have been a part of this newspaper from the very beginning, when Rod Reyes, Andy del Rosario and the rest of the original crew of editors, columnists and re-

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MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

porters assembled and combined their talents to come up with the newspaper that you, dear reader, have come to regularly read and love. And I’m proud to report that the current crop of journalists who put the paper together today share the same passion for reporting, editing and opinion-writing that inflamed the original staff.

All newspapers have their own stories that never make the pages that come out every day of the year, stories that, unfortunately, will never be Continued on A10

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

PROMISES, promises, promises. Of all the campaign promises presidential candidates make, the hardest one to keep would be in the jobs department. Even as the country heads into the May 9 elections, global factors, particularly the oil glut and its continuing price plunge in the world market, are affecting the employment of Filipinos in the Middle East where we have around 10 million overseas Filipino workers deployed.

With 9.1 million Filipinos in the country out of work, according to a recent Social Weather Stations survey, many more who are being laid off in the Middle East will add to the ranks of the unemployed.

Filipino workers in the Middle East are mostly employed in the oil fields or related areas resulting from the oil boom such as construction, hotels and service sectors. Taking the biggest hit are our seafarers who man those huge oil tankers carrying crude to many parts of the globe.

Those who have been displaced are looking at other countries in the Middle East but plummeting oil prices have affected the whole region. It’s not just Saudi Arabia and Iran who are at loggerheads. Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are reeling from the oversupply of oil and falling prices.

The Aquino administration, on its last four months in office, claims it has 24,000 jobs waiting for our returning OFWs who will be displaced from the Middle East crisis. That’s small comfort, considering we have around 10 million Filipinos working in the oil-producing countries. What kind of jobs will the government provide the returnees? Will it be the same onerous contractualized work they left in order to seek better employment opportunities abroad?

In some instances, the working conditions in foreign lands are even worse than the ones Filipinos left behind. Take the case of the 13 Pinays who perished in the Capitol Hotel fire in Kurdistan, Iraq.

Working as spa attendants in the hotel’s basement sauna and massage area, the victims had written relatives that the basement did not have any fire escape exit.

We have the makings of a social volcano if the unemployment problem is not addressed by the next President. Of the 9.1 million Filipino out of work, the SWS survey taken from Dec. 5 to 8 showed 4.1 million resigned or voluntarily left their jobs because of poor working conditions, such as low pay or a dead-end position that does not offer advancement opportunities.

Another 3.4 million were retrenched under the exploitative and illegal contractualization the Aquino administration and all the preceding governments had allowed. So, while Rodrigo Duterte vows to kill all the criminals, Jojo Binay plans to make Makati the model for the Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

F R I D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO

CAMPAIGN PROMISES

[ EDI TORI A L ]

CCT PROGRAM REVISITED THE conditional cash transfer program on paper is a laudable initiative that aims to break the poverty cycle through regular health and educational grants to millions of the country’s households. If implemented properly, the program would produce more educated young people and a healthier population, and eventually contribute to economic growth.

The Asian Development Bank early this week approved another $400-million loan to the Philippines to finance the expansion of the conditional cash transfer program to include more high school students. The ADB considers the program critical to reducing the high rate of poverty incidence in the Philippines, saying an “impact evaluation shows that the CCTs are keeping vulnerable young people at school, opening the door to a better future.”

ADB’s evaluation report or its source, however, should be verified by another reputable agency, perhaps by the Commission on Audit, because of allegations that the program is being used as a political instrument to win votes.

By ADB’s own account, the number of CCT partner beneficiaries has increased from 340,000 since the program’s inception in 2008 to more than 4.4 million at the end of 2015, making it the fourth largest in the world after similar programs in India, Brazil and Mexico.

“The program has expanded rapidly since it began in 2008 and has evolved over time based on lessons and experience,” says the bank.

The CCT program, known locally as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino, provides grants to poor families if they send their children to school, visit health centers and attend family development sessions. It is designed to serve as an investment in human development that pays off when healthier and better educated young people grow up to get better jobs and break out of the poverty trap.

But the program is far from being a success, judging by the still-high poverty incidence rate, as reflected in the ugly sight of street children begging for money in many parts of the country and the number of homeless people and informal settlers. Perhaps this administration or the incoming one should form a review body to effectively monitor the CCT program and depoliticize it starting from the barangay level.

THE GOONS RETREAT LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES THOSE Yellow goons over at the Edsa People Power Commission succumbed to public outrage and withdrew their lame-brained plan to close White Plains Avenue for 16 days while they celebrate their 30th anniversary. The latest announcement from the commission states that the vital spur road to Edsa will be closed to traffic only for one day, Feb. 25.

That’s still one day too many,

if you ask me. Me, and those tens of thousands of commuters and motorists who were inconvenienced last year, when the Yellows shut down Edsa for their high holidays and forgot to tell the rest of the population to stay home.

Understand, I say “inconvenienced” only because one year is too long to hold a grudge, even against clueless Yellows who still think everybody shares their strange belief system. I personally walked more than a kilometer from the office where I work in the mornings on the Pasig side of Shaw Boulevard to a meeting in Manda-

luyong on the other, along with thousands of other ride-less Filipinos muttering curses under their breath, so I know exactly what happened last year.

But when the Yellows attempted to up the ante from last year by promising a 16-day traffic jam for their 30th anniversary, they got exactly what they had coming to them: Pure, unadulterated anger, especially online, where not even the most rabid of Aquino loyalists dared to defend the brain-dead plan.

Of course, no one has claimed responsibility for dreaming up the White Plains closure. The Yellows who con-

A9

Thank God we don’t have to suffer these Yellow hypocrites for much longer.

ceived this wonderful people power gift to the people were smart enough to not identify themselves—and that information will probably never leave Bahay Pangarap.

But you have to admire the audacity of the Yellows for expecting the rest of us to just accept that this is a big deal for them and that any inconvenience they may cause is their inviolable right. After all, they even had alternate routes drawn up, so people can’t accuse them of being insensitive to the problems of losing access to an important diversion road for more than two weeks.

So I don’t really think the Edsa commission should be congratulated for being

sensitive. If we charge people for attempting but not consummating murder, I suggest that we should also go after these jokers for trying to impose their beliefs on a weary population once again—even if they got cold feet and decided against it at the very last moment.

And these are the people who look down on people who have the courage of their political convictions when these don’t jibe with their own. Thank God we don’t have to suffer these Yellow hypocrites for much longer.

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-

*** Yesterday, the journalists and other staffers of The Standard celebrated an anniversary of their own, this newspaper’s 29th year in publication.

It’s been quite a run, really, for all of us who at one time or another worked in what was originally called the Manila Standard.

I’ve been privileged to have been a part of this newspaper from the very beginning, when Rod Reyes, Andy del Rosario and the rest of the original crew of editors, columnists and re-

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

porters assembled and combined their talents to come up with the newspaper that you, dear reader, have come to regularly read and love. And I’m proud to report that the current crop of journalists who put the paper together today share the same passion for reporting, editing and opinion-writing that inflamed the original staff.

All newspapers have their own stories that never make the pages that come out every day of the year, stories that, unfortunately, will never be Continued on A10

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

PROMISES, promises, promises. Of all the campaign promises presidential candidates make, the hardest one to keep would be in the jobs department. Even as the country heads into the May 9 elections, global factors, particularly the oil glut and its continuing price plunge in the world market, are affecting the employment of Filipinos in the Middle East where we have around 10 million overseas Filipino workers deployed.

With 9.1 million Filipinos in the country out of work, according to a recent Social Weather Stations survey, many more who are being laid off in the Middle East will add to the ranks of the unemployed.

Filipino workers in the Middle East are mostly employed in the oil fields or related areas resulting from the oil boom such as construction, hotels and service sectors. Taking the biggest hit are our seafarers who man those huge oil tankers carrying crude to many parts of the globe.

Those who have been displaced are looking at other countries in the Middle East but plummeting oil prices have affected the whole region. It’s not just Saudi Arabia and Iran who are at loggerheads. Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are reeling from the oversupply of oil and falling prices.

The Aquino administration, on its last four months in office, claims it has 24,000 jobs waiting for our returning OFWs who will be displaced from the Middle East crisis. That’s small comfort, considering we have around 10 million Filipinos working in the oil-producing countries. What kind of jobs will the government provide the returnees? Will it be the same onerous contractualized work they left in order to seek better employment opportunities abroad?

In some instances, the working conditions in foreign lands are even worse than the ones Filipinos left behind. Take the case of the 13 Pinays who perished in the Capitol Hotel fire in Kurdistan, Iraq.

Working as spa attendants in the hotel’s basement sauna and massage area, the victims had written relatives that the basement did not have any fire escape exit.

We have the makings of a social volcano if the unemployment problem is not addressed by the next President. Of the 9.1 million Filipino out of work, the SWS survey taken from Dec. 5 to 8 showed 4.1 million resigned or voluntarily left their jobs because of poor working conditions, such as low pay or a dead-end position that does not offer advancement opportunities.

Another 3.4 million were retrenched under the exploitative and illegal contractualization the Aquino administration and all the preceding governments had allowed. So, while Rodrigo Duterte vows to kill all the criminals, Jojo Binay plans to make Makati the model for the Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

F R I D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WHAT SHOULD BE SAID PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO THE red flag is up. The race is on. But the beginning was inauspicious for intelligent discourse: settings and locale were chosen mostly for dramatic effect, and that is what I fear the discourse will be heavy on: drama! Even the Supreme Court has been treated to drama with some of its members injecting a fair amount of the dramatic into what should be the academic: “Pity foundlings” has been surreptitiously allowed to obscure the question: “Is she natural-born or not, as the Constitution requires.” That we are dramatic beings is a given, and that the dramaturgical is a basic form of human action is not doubted. But when we allow the sighs and sobs, the sniffles and the paroxysms of the dramatic to overrun cogitation, then we will once more be fulfilling the paradigmatic instantiation of insanity: “Expecting new results by having more of the same thing.”

We, as a nation, must demand a certain kind of discourse and develop a taste for it, with a resolute and firm rejection of anything baser.

A little-understood but crucial part of a graduate thesis is the conceptual or theoretical framework. In many theses, what one often gets in place of a coherent elucidation of the conceptual frame for the treatment of the issue is an incoherent, confounding hodgepodge of bits and pieces of pithy sayings, aphorisms from fools and philosophers, bits of superstition and common-sense pronouncement lent the trappings of hard science! I expect a candidate for the lofty office of president to provide the nation with some kind of theoretical framework for governance. To protest that the people will not understand is to underrate the very people upon whom sovereignty is reposed. It is true of course that there is a remark-

The goons... From A9 told. As the old newsroom adage says, people who love to eat sausages and read newspapers should never watch either being made.

We in The Standard have no shortage of stories to tell, apart from the ones you read. But it is

able number of Filipinos notorious for stupidity. But the Filipino people have every right to be regarded as mature and crucial. If we are not willing to grant that, then we have given up on ourselves as a nation, and future generations do not deserve that! When articulating one’s theory of government, it is not necessary that one use the language of political theory or argue as one would a philosophical theory. It is necessary though that one be thoughtful, and that the candidate think well of the people he or she addresses.

In fact, people should take offense when they are given the “bread and circuses” treatment. One candidate who has been heavily reliant on appeals to pity—long recognized to be fallacious by freshmen students of logic—is backed by financial heavyweights. That is one reason that this particular candidacy turns me off, because I see at work the very same filthy rich hands that shoved an incompetent to power for their purposes. It is this same candidate whose “supporters” (better: paid hacks) were treated to lunch boxes when they rallied in front of the Supreme Court. It is even more despicable when, on the occasion of a political sortie, government agencies choose this precisely propitious occasion to distribute government largesse.

Candidates have promised everything: from an end to graft and corruption, to inclusive prosperity, to lower taxes. Each of these items will certainly win applause, because seldom do people ever ask whether the proposal is doable, or whether it has been merely plucked from the realm of desiderata! But this is not yet the discourse in which “presidentiables” should be engaged. We need from each a theory of government: in much the same way that the Democrats espouse liberalism and Republicans propose a conservative government. By no means should we ape the Americans. There are, after all, enough apes among their politicians too, but what we can learn from them is take parties seriously and the position parties should take in respect to the whole business of government.

We should know that when a presidential candidate promises something that can be achieved only by legislation (or, worse, by an amendment of the Constitution), he is duping the people. Our Supreme still a continuing story, after all, and nobody can really divine the ending yet.

What amazes me no end is how those years seem to have flown by so fast. It seemed like only yesterday, for instance, when “RTR,” as we called our first editor-in-chief and publisher, would preside over edi-

SKIRTING PENSION ISSUES THE Social Security System was so popular in the 1980s to the point that it was used to bolster President Ferdinand Marcos’ candidacy against Ninoy Aquino’s widow Cory in the snap elections of Feb. 7, 1986.

Weeks before Election Day then, SSS sent to all its members —pensioners and non-pensioners —individual letters containing its accomplishments under the 20year Marcos administration and highlighting the 20 percent pension increase that it was granting on January 1 that year.

SSS has never done this again.

Perhaps, it has become wary of the high cost of mailing millions of letters to its members, a sizable portion of which ends up anyway as return-to-sender letters.

Besides, SSS now has little good news to tell its members and pensioners.

President Marcos’ political strategists were obviously influencing the voting decision of the 10.5 million SSS members who represented 40 percent of the 26.2 million registered voters then.

He won that election after garnering 10,807,197 votes in the first official canvass of the Regular Batasang Pambansa.

The same assembly, however, nullified this victory via a “people’s resolution” on March 4, 1986—barely a few days following the Edsa Revolution of Feb. 22-25, 1986. Using the tally of the National Movement for a Free Election, it declared Cory Aquino winner instead with 7,502,601 votes against the much-reduced 6,787,556 votes for President Marcos.

If that 20-percent SSS pension increase in 1986 was intended to shore up FM’s presidential candidacy, it certainly didn’t work.

Today 30 years later, it still isn’t working. Maybe it’s because we have only two million pensioners out of the 55 million registered voters.

Congressman Neri Colmenares, in particular, has successfully shepherded in both houses of Congress the passage of a bill granting a P2,000-increase in SSS pensions. This should have made him the darling of pensioners and their families.

FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO Unfortunately, PNoy vetoed it because it was unfunded and its approval would result in the “stability of the entire SSS benefit system” being “seriously compromised.”

Met with protests from pensioners, PNoy justified his veto by insisting that the bill’s approval would immediately bankrupt SSS. He also claimed that while the increase would benefit two million pensioners, it would jeopardize the future pensions of 31 million younger members.

PNoy must have been a genius by expediently losing the two million pensioners’ votes while gaining as compensation the 31 million members’ votes.

In fact, in the senatorial surveys that the Social Weather Stations conducted in September and December last year while Rep. Colmenares was furiously campaigning for the approval of his pension increase, he still landed at the bottom of the pit among 25 candidates. Even in the January survey when pensioners were already angry with PNoy, his ranking didn’t improve a bit.

The sad reality is that voters still prefer traditional politicians who are either incumbent or returning senators. Many macho voters still choose their boxing idol Manny Pacquiao and the once-sexy Alma Moreno over pension advocate Rep. Colmenares.

PNoy has paid SSS little attention throughout his presidency.

Instead, he has chosen to support the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and PhilHealth—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s favorite social welfare programs —by providing massive government subsidies to their indigent and senior citizen beneficiaries.

Reluctantly, he is releasing this year budget crumbs to indigent senior citizens aged 65 while still excluding younger senior citizens who have been waiting since 2010

Court has ruled that, in forging ing the correct assumptions in agreements, either with domes- our version of democracy?” is tic groups or with foreign States, another. And rather than tellthe President cannot promise ing us what he or she intends to more than he can constitution- do about China’s bullying, we ally deliver. Government in- would be better told about Asecoherence is what we get from an relations and foreign policy. a government that reacts to cri- For the average Filipino, it will ses and responds to challenges take getting used to, but it has piece-meal without an over- to be done. Otherwise, the disarching theory of government. course will remain puerile.

Can we carry on with the kind This should also enable of capitalism that we have en- us to discern who among the gendered in this country? This candidates is truly capable of is one such question on a theory governing. One whose vision of government. “Are we mak- stops short of a broad sweep, torial meetings while sitting on one corner of the central desk, one leg raised above the floor, his soft and kindly voice heard clearly above the suddenly quiet typewriters.

So much time has passed since those halcyon days, when there was no Internet, no Google, no Facebook and,

yes, no cellular phones, even.

But The Standard’s passion for news and opinion never changed; we still love delivering the concise news that you want and the opinions that make you understand it better.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank everyone in The Standard who’s made my own stay here, in

for that legislated P500 social pension.

He had Congress set aside P115.2 billion for these programs —P62.665 billion to 4Ps for indigent families, P43.781 billion to PhilHealth for the premiums of indigents and senior citizens, and P8.711 billion for social pensions.

But for SSS pensioners, he has set aside zero.

PNoy may have asked the million beneficiaries of these programs to vote for his anointed presidential candidate but not because of “utang na loob” or repayment. Neither has he nor his party mates—except for her everloyal social welfare secretary who had made a slip of the tongue —ever raised the threat of these programs being discontinued if his political opponents would succeed him in office.

In any case, Mayor Digong Duterte has his reasons to deny that he would discontinue them and that instead, he would improve on them.

It is now becoming clear that pension issues won’t be in the agenda of topics for debate by the presidential candidates in the next three months before Election Day on May 9.

Candidates would debate on more exciting topics about cursing the pope and kissing women, citizenship and residency, graft and corruption, incompetency and mediocrity, same-sex marriage and divorce, and other melodramatic topics.

They’d fuss about traffic jams, railways, toll roads, extreme poverty, unemployment, drugs, peace and order, and prices of education, fares, gasoline, electricity and rice.

They’d quarrel about federalism, PGMA, pork barrels, Bangsamoro Republic, Mamasapano, Chinese and American interventions, Middle East crisis and terrorism.

They’d promise passing laws on freedom of information and lower taxes.

But they’d be skirting pension issues.

We can only hope that the eventual winner would put his heart and mind into addressing them afterward. one who is utterly clueless about liberalism and its challenges, one whose thoughts never take to heights loftier than popular applause should not even be elected to the office of punong barangay, let alone president of this Republic. But we, as a nation, must demand this kind of discourse and develop a taste for it, with a resolute and firm rejection of anything baser! rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com various capacities and at various times over these past 29 years, so challenging, so colorful and ultimately so fulfilling. I’m proud to be a part of this organization and I always will be, wherever I end up eventually.

Happy 29th year to The Standard. Now we can start working on the next 29 years.

F R I D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

A11

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

BILLIONAIRES AND BAD PRESIDENTS

and limit these powers, we will always stand in danger in being governed by presidents and AT THE Philippine Constitution their subalterns who cannot Association’s celebration of Con- resist the temptations of power stitution Day Wednesday, Feb. and will betray the interest of 10, 2016, former Chief Justice the people.”

Reynato Puno denounced the “Worse,” Puno winces, “is kind of democracy and money the people have to endure a bad politics the country has had. president for six years. Theoreti“Beyond the thick cosmet- cally, a bad president can be reics,” he sneered in his 35-minute moved by impeachment before speech, “our democracy today the end of the term of his office.” is dismissed as no more than a It costs from P2 billion to plutocracy.”

P4 billion for a candidate to Chief Puno laments “the con- get himself elected president. centration of too much power Presidential candidates are alin the Presidency.” “The abu- lowed by law to spend P10 per sive use of this power brought voter plus P5 per voter by his us the PDAF (Priority Develop- party. ment Assistance Fund or pork In this year’s elections, there barrel) and the DAP (Disburse- are 55 million voters. So P15 ment Accelerated Program or times 55 million is P825 million, more pork) anomalies,” the per presidential candidate. former jurist explained, adding “If we have at least four can“With the power to appoint, didates for president and four our presidents can pack the candidates for vice president courts and independent consti- we are looking at a total of P6.6 tutional bodies like the COA, billion in campaign expendithe Ombudsman and the Hu- tures—assuming each candidate man Rights Commission with will spend the maximum altheir factotum. When the inde- lowed by law,” Puno estimates. pendence of these institutions “Candidates spend way beyond is lost, you can see the rise of de [that],” he figures. facto dictators.”

In 2013, a 30-second prime He elaborates: “Many of our time commercial was P834,374 problems in government, in- on Channel 2 and P695,500 on cluding corruptions running Channel 7. riot, are the offshoots of the In many cases, reckons Chief overwhelming power of the Puno, “a candidate buys as many President so often times mis- as 10 commercial spots per day used and abused.” Thus, “un- in one TV station, which will less and until we recalibrate cost, in the case of ABS-CBN,

P8.3 million a day and in the case of GMA7, P6.95 million a day. Even if one runs the commercials for just 30 days out of the 90-day campaign period for the presidency and the vice presidency, that would already total P457 million for just the two TV stations.”

Radio rates for 30-second prime time commercial are P67K for DZMM, P70K for DZBB, and P52K for DZRH. “And we are not including yet the cost of advertising in re gional TV and radio stations,” cautions Puno. “Add to these the cost of campaign materials: posters, tarpaulin banners, leaflets, sample ballots; plus the cost of holding rallies and meetings, transportation for moving around the country, organization, the buying of votes, etcetera—and the total per candidate could really run up to from P2 billion to P4 billion each.”

“Election spending is bad for democracy,” Puno asserts. Yet, “our election will not bring any meaningful change to our people. To the poor and the powerless, our election will just be all noise and nonsense. It will not improve their lot for our elections are mere contests between the haves and the haves. The winning haves will have it all. They will never look at the overlooked of our society especially the poor and the powerless.”

Predicts Puno: “The escalating cost of our presidential

election will ultimately kill our democracy. Consider the source of money funding our election.

It used to be that the candidates alone shoulder the expenses of their election for the simple reason they were affordable.”

Candidates tapping businessmen gives rise to corporate plutocracy. Also, “some candidates forged unholy alliances with criminal syndicates, the captains of jueteng and worst of all, the drug lords.”

Quoting the anti-illegal drugs agency, PDEA, Puno notes that “most of our barangays are already infiltrated by drug lords who now dictate the results of their election. The saddest day of our democracy is when narco-politics become our kind of politics. That is the day when our politics will produce profiteers instead of patriots and I hope we are not beginning to see its silhouettes.”

Chief Puno sounds exasperated: “I do not know how long we can endure the inequalities and inequities bred by our presidential form of government and our expensive election that has given us a democracy of the peso instead of a democracy for the people.”

He suggests the parliamentary system, pointing out that “more countries that have failed as democracies embraced the presidential rather than the parliamentary form of government. We should have the courage to change

our calcified conviction that the presidential form of government is best suited to our people.”

Puno sees constitutional change as the answer to “the tyranny of power of the national government; (or) the imperialism of Manila.”

He thinks the “centralization of power in the national government is the cause of the failure of a lot of our provinces, cities and municipalities to attain progress. It is self-evident that the growth of our local governments will always be stunted if we deny them the basic power to govern themselves. The continuing poverty in the countryside is the reason why we have the longest-running communist insurgency in the world.”

This May’s election, he asserts “will not resolve our political and economic problems. We can always change the persons who will rule us but unless we change the architecture of their constitutional power, we will end up in frustration.”

He suggests a “redesign the obsolete power structure in our Constitution, change our unitary Presidential form of government to federal Parliamentary form.”

“Until then, all we will have are their [candidates’] promises to the people and these promises are no better than post-dated checks that will bounce in due time.”

biznewsasia@gmail.com

Filipino families.

This, even as Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman has yet to make a full accounting of the government’s own P70-billion funding of the CCT program.

No airport at Sangley point The Aquino administration announced that the planned new international airport will no longer be located in Sangley Point nor on any other proposed sites near Manila Bay. The reason, according to Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya (him again) is that water traffic in the area would be affected. The Philippine Ports Authority is objecting to the Manila Bay airport project because the bay serves as anchorage area and would disrupt the flow of commercial ships. But many international

airports are built near the sea and even on reclaimed land like Hong Kong’s sprawling Chek Lap Kok with a modern rail link to downtown Kowloon.

It took Aquino and Abaya to decide scrapping the major project all of their six years in office.

Perhaps there were no takers of what could be another rigged bidding for the contract? Why only now when the Sangley airport project was proposed four years ago—are there fifty shades of a shady deal?

An estimated 100 million international passengers are projected to arrive in the Philippines by 2040. This could mean jobs in the tourism industry and related travel and service sectors like hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and our world-renowned island resorts

‘Hasta la vista, baby’ In bidding goodbye to the Department of Foreign Affairs press corps after he resigned from Aquino’s Cabinet, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, said “I’m using the words of an American icon: ‘Hasta la vista, baby!’” The American idol of course, was Hollywood action star Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The light-hearted, off-thecuff words was out of character for the US-educated Del Rosario who’s seen as a serious, nononsense official who fought for the country’s sovereignty against China’s sweeping claim of the South China Sea. Aside from filing the legal challenge to China’s claim with the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Del Rosario also brought up the Philip-

pine case in every multilateral forum like Asean and in bilateral meetings with his counterparts in Washington, Tokyo, Seoul and every Asean capital.

The richest man in the Cabinet even before he joined the Aquino administration, Del Rosario donated his salary to the DFA fund. He will surely be missed by the career diplomats and the rank and file.

The outgoing secretary recommended career Ambassador Laura del Rosario as acting secretary (I’m not related to Laura nor she to Secretary Del Rosario) DFA sources said there was strong objection among career diplomats to Undersecretary for Policy Evan Garcia whose wife, Ambassador Jocelyn Batoon Garcia, made a lot of enemies when she was head of the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services.

Campaign... From A9 whole country, Grace Poe offers a dawn of change, Mar Roxas promises to pass the Freedom of Information Bill, and Miriam Defensor Santiago threatens to throw all government crooks in jail—not one of them has come out to say clearly how he or she will address the country’s unemployment problem .

Don’t ask me how; I’m not running for president.

Meanwhile, the Manila-based Asian Development Bank will extend a $400 million (P19 billion) loan to sustain the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps. The loan, according to an ADB official, is to help keep students in school where the Conditional Cash Transfer makes its biggest impact on marginalized

#FAILOCRACY

CHONG ARDIVILLA

Republic of the Philippines CITY OF SAN PEDRO Province of Laguna BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Republic of the Philippines CITY OF SAN PEDRO Province of Laguna BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID PR NO. 2016-0226

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID PR NO. 2016-0227

1.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna through the 2016 Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsodintends to apply the sum of Php 2,921,630.20 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery of Laboratory Supplies, Reagents and Xray Supplies for 1st and 2nd Quarter of 2016. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids forthe following: QTY

UNIT

44 44 44 44 12 44 44 44 44 45 20 20 25 6

boxes boxes boxes boxes gal boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes pcs box

DESCRIPTION XRAY SUPPLIES Xray Film (14x17) 100s Xray Film (11x14) 100s Xray Film (10x12) 100s Xray Film (8x10) 100s Xray Developer Envelope 14x17 100s Envelope 11x14 100s Envelope 10x12 100s Envelope 8x10 100s Alcohol (for xray) Micropore Tape 5cmx9.1M Face Mask Patient Gown Marker 1-7, 0-9 Leaded

15 5 15 5 33

pcs box pcs gal pc

ULTRASOUND UPP-100 HG-Type 1 Condom/Ultrasound Probe Cover 144’s Alcohol Transmission Gel Tissue

5 3 3 5 5 6 6 3 3

box box box box box box box vial vial

REAGENTS SUPPLIES CRESCENT Glucose BUN Creatinine Uric Acid Triglyceride SGT/ALT SGOT/AST Normal Control (Biorad) Pathological Control (Biorad)

10 2 2 1 2 14 2 1 1 1 1

box set bot box set box pcs box vial bot set

15 15 15 20 30 5

box box box box pc box

HEMATOLOGY Diluent Hematology Control Immersion Oil Probe cleaner 12pc/box RAPI Stain Thin Coverslip 100s Wintrobe Tube Non-Heparinized Capillet 100s Epiclone AHG Poly 10ml E-Z Cleaner Occult Blood LABORATORY SUPPLIES 5ml Test tube (red top) 100pcs/box 2ml Lavander top 100pcs/box 1ml Syringe 100pcs/box (tuberculin) Urine Strips (4 parameter) 100pcs/box Torniquet Mindray chem/hema thermal paper 12pcs/box

10 15 60 5 5 8 33 15 15 15 15 15 20 10 10 15 10 25 30 10 5 5 30 10 10 10 10 10 10

box box pc box gal bot box box box box box box bot bot bot pcs gal bot pcs pcs pcs pcs ream ream bot bot bot bot bot

HEPA B Screening test pack 30pcs/box Face mask 100pcs/box Tissue Micropore 1 inch Bleaching Liquid Disinfectant Spray Glucose Strips 50 strips/lancets Applicator Stick 1000s Pregnancy Test 40s Dengue IgG/lgM Test 25s HIV 1/2 Test 30s Anti-HCV Test 30s Isoprophyl Alcohol 70% 50ml Insecticide Spray Distilled Water 1500ml Scotch Brite Pad Liquid Detergent Soap Hand Liquid Soap Hand Towel File Holder Flash Disk 16GB Calculator Bond Paper (letter size S24 for lab result) Bond Paper (legal size S24 for lab result) Hydrochloric Acid N/10 500ml Benedict’s Solution 500ml Hayem’s Solution 500ml Lugol’s Iodine 250ml Double Oxalate 250ml

1.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna through the 2016 Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsodintends to apply the sum of Php 4,000,192.80 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery of Various Medicines for the Indigent Constituents for 1st and 2nd Quarter of 2016. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids forthe following: QTY 40 20 576 100 100 70 200 30 192 576 60 60 40 192 60 576 20 10 40 60 192 576 288 288 60 20 150 30 60 10 576 10 40 10 20 100 40 6 40 10 20 144 40 10 10 10 20 20 10 30 576 90 20 50 288 20 40 20 60 90 288 40 288 60 40 20 288 288 576 60 192 576 576 20 10 10 90 4 20 150 20 20 20 110 20 12 10 4 12 12 12 110 3 3 3 3

Delivery of the Goods is required within thirty (30) days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed.

Bidders should have completed, within one (1) year from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

4.

3.

4.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: 5.

5.

March 4, 2016 10:00 AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

The City Government of San Pedro, Lagunaassumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bid.

For further information, please refer to:

6.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE:

February 22, 2016

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before the specified date and time. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

March 4, 2016 10:00 AM 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

The City Government of San Pedro, Lagunaassumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bid.

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

7.

Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat San Pedro City Hall San Pedro, Laguna Telefax No. 847.1722 (signed) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

February 15–March 4, 2016 8:30AM – 9:30AM 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

Bid opening shall be on the same date and time for deadline of submission of eligibility requirements and submission of bids and shall be conducted at the Office of the BAC Secretariat. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address given above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

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

7.

ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS: BAC Secretariat

DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND OPENING OF BIDS: BAC Secretariat

Bid opening shall be on the same date and time for deadline of submission of eligibility requirements and submission of bids and shall be conducted at the Office of the BAC Secretariat. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address given above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

6.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from City Government of San Pedro, Laguna and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 8:30AM to 9:30 AM only.

February 22, 2016

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before the specified date and time. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND OPENING OF BIDS:

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on thedate, time and address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php 5,000.00.

February 15–March 4, 2016 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

For further information, please refer to: Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat San Pedro City Hall San Pedro, Laguna Telefax No. 847.1722

(TS-FEB. 12, 2016)

(signed) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

Carlos leads; Superal nears title CANLUBANG—Jobim Carlos rode on a blazing windup to fire a five-under 67, battling from six strokes down and grabbing a onestroke lead over Japanese Yuto Katsuragawa even as Princess Superal moved closer to another title romp in the 21st W Express RVF Cup Amateur Golf Championship at Cangolf ’s North Course here yesterday.

The pro-bound Carlos, seeking a big win here to cap a checkered amateur career, scorched the backside with four birdies en route to a 67 and a 213, shouldering himself past a faltering Katsuragawa, who failed to sustain a lead-grabbing 68 halfway through and stumbled with a 74 for a 214.

With Justin Quiban laying six strokes adrift at 217 after a 73 and the rest too far behind to pose a threat, the fight for this year’s title is reduced to a two-man affair with Carlos and Katsuragawa bracing for a final round shootout in the event sponsored by W Express, conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines and held in honor of the late golf patron Rod Feliciano.

Office of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on thedate, time and address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php 5,000.00.

ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS:

DESCRIPTION Amoxicillin 500mg. Cap 100’s Amoxicilling 250mg Cap 100’s Amoxicillin Suspension 250mg Amlodipine 5mg Tab Amlodipine 10mg Tab Ambroxol Tab Ambroxol Syrup Aspirin Ascorbic Acid Drops Ascorbic Acid Syrup Ascorbic Acid Tab 500mg 100’s Atorvastatin 20mg Tab Allopurinol 300mg Carbocisteine Drops Carbocisteine 500mg cap Carbocisteine Syrup 250mg Catapres 75mg Tab Captopril 75mg Cefalexin Cap 250mg 100’s Cefalexin Cap 500mg 100’s Cefalexin Drops 10ml Cefalexin Suspension 250ml Cefalexin Suspension 125ml Cefuroxime Suspension 125 mg 60ml Cefuroxime Cap 500mg Celecoxib Cetrizine Syrup Cetrizine Cap Ciprofloxacin Tab 500mg Cinnarizine 25mg Tab Cloxacillin 250mg. Syrup Cloxacilling 250mg Cap Cloxacillin 500mg. Cap Clopidogrel 75mg Tab Cotrimoxazole 400mg Cap Co-Amoxiclav 250mg syrup Co-Amoxiclav 625mg Cefixime Cap Cefixime Syrup Clindamycin 300mg Cap Cefaclor Cap Cefaclor Syrup Diclofenac Tab 50mg Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops Tobramycin eye drops Dexamethasone 0.5mg eye drops Ferrous Sulfate Tab Folic Acid Tab Gliclazide 80mg Tab Glibenclamide 5mg Guaifenesin syrup 60ml Losartan 50mg Tab Loratadine 10mg Tab Loratadine Syrup Mefenamic Acid Suspension Mefenamic Acid Cap 250mg Mefenamic Acid Cap 500mg.

Meloxicam tab 50mg Metoprolol 50mg Tab Metformin 500mg Multivitamin Drops 60ml Multivitamins Cap 100’s Multivitamins Syrup Phenylpropanolamine Tab Omeprazole Cap 20mg 30’s ORS Paracetamol Drops 60mg.

Paracetamol Syrup 125mg Paracetamol Syrup 250mg Paracetamol tab 500mg Phenyl+Brompheniramine Drops Phenyl+Brompheniramine Syrup Salbutamol + Guaifenesin Syrup Salbutamol Nebules Budesonide Nebules Combivent Nebules Simvastatin 20mg Tab Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tab Salbutamol/Guafenesin Cap Cotrimoxazole 200mg/5ml susp.

Cotrimoxazole tab 800mg Cotrimoxazole tab 400mg Hyoscine N Butylbromide 10mg Tab Vitamin B12 Tab Tobramycin eye drops Telmisartan 5mg Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg Sitagliptin/Metformin HCL 100mg Telmisartan/Amlodipine 40mg/10mg SG-Glutergen Amlodipine/Besylate 5mg Flunarizine 5mg Cap Ploglitazone 5mg Tab Doxoflylline 200mg Tab Spiriva 5mcg Cap Budosonid/Formoterol

In addition,bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from City Government of San Pedro, Laguna and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 8:30AM to 9:30 AM only.

Office of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

UNIT boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes bots boxes bots bots boxes boxes boxes bots boxes bots boxes boxes boxes boxes bots bots bots bots boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes bots boxes boxes bots boxes pcs pcs pcs boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes bots bots boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes bots boxes boxes boxes bots bots bots boxes bots bots bots boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes pcs boxes boxes boxes boxes

Delivery of the Goods is required within thirty (30) days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within one (1) year from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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

In addition,bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

FRIDAY : FEB RUARY 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

(TS-FEB. 12, 2016)

2-way...

From A16 Meanwhile, the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eaglets swamped the Far Eastern UniversityDiliman Baby Tamaraws, 84-68, last Wednesday in their stepladder semifinal encounter at the Arena in San Juan.

Sam Belangel, Jolo Mendoza and Gian Mamuyac led their teammates with double-digit outputs as the Blue Eaglets went on to advance to the second stepladder semifinal round.

Belangel, Mendoza and Mamuyac provided 15, 14 and 13 points for the Blue Eaglets, who stayed in contention for the finals once again.

The Blue Eaglets will next meet the twice-to-beat La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers on Monday at 9 a.m. to earn the right to face the top-seeded National University Bullpups in the finals.

Peter Atencio

F RI DAY : F E B RUA RY 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

A13

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Nestle stops sponsorship over IAAF scandals GENEVA—Nestle has terminated a sponsorship programme with world athletics’ governing body (IAAF) over fears that the corruption and doping scandals surrounding the sport could damage the company’s reputation, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

“I confirm that we have decided to end our partnership with the IAAF Kids Athletics program with immediate effect,” Nestle spokeswoman Lydia Meziani told AFP in an email.

“This decision was taken in light of negative publicity associated with allegations of corruption and doping in sport made against the IAAF,” she added.

Nestle, the world’s largest food company, became in 2012 the main sponsor of a program aimed at promoting athletics for youths worldwide.

But Meziani said Nestle decided to “terminate (its) existing relationship with the IAAF” because a continued partnership “could negatively impact our reputation and image.”

The IAAF is facing crises on multiple fronts, including widespread allegations of corruption and bribery under disgraced former boss Lamine Diack.

The world body said it was in negotiations with Nestle.

“The IAAF is in discussion with Nestle concerning the final year of its five-year partnership with IAAF Kids’ Athletics,” said an IAAF statement.

“This has been a successful program with 15 million kids aged seven to 12 years in 76 countries taking part in fun team activities which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.

“In 2016 IAAF Kids’ Athletics plans to reach a further 15 countries, training 360 lecturers, instructing 8,640 physical education teachers, with three million children participating by the end of the activation.”

Separately, world athletics’ new boss Sebastian Coe has faced criticism following Russia’s ban from the sport for what a commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) described as “statesponsored” doping.

WADA’s report claimed that the IAAF governing council must have known about corruption orchestrated by Diack, and about doping in Russia.

Since the scandals broke, Coe has been travelling the globe, notably in Asia, where he has sought to shore up support for IAAF, hoping to ease the concerns of corporate backers weary of being tied to a tainted organisation. AFP

Kobe Bryant (24) of the Los Angeles Lakers enjoys cheers from the fans during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 10, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP

Cavaliers show Kobe no mercy in Cleveland farewell game LOS ANGELES—LeBron James spoiled Kobe Bryant’s Cleveland finale on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) as the Cavaliers cruised past the Los Angeles Lakers in a victory overshadowed by an injury to Kevin Love.

Kyrie Irving scored 35 points and James added 29 as the Cavs romped home 120111 against the Lakers, before the Cleveland fans bade a fond farewell to the retiring Bryant.

Bryant finished with 17 points and six rebounds while shooting just five of 16 for the Lakers.

However, the Cavaliers victory was marred by an alarming injury to Love, who left the game in the final minute of the second quarter after a tangle with Bryant.

Love yelled out in pain after Bryant’s arm appeared to catch his shoulder. It was the same left shoulder which

saw Love sidelined for six months after surgery last year.

A Cavaliers source said the injury did not appear to be as serious as the previous shoulder problem and that Love had left the match out of an abundance of caution.

Bryant meanwhile shared an embrace with James as he left the court for the final time with one minute left on the clock as the Cavaliers support rose in a standing ovation.

Bryant and James have always had a mutual respect.

Lakers legend Bryant revealed before Wednesday’s match that the two players

were closer than many fans realized.

“We’ve been close. We talk on the phone probably more than people know,” said Bryant, who announced in November that he would retire at the end of this season.

“We talk about the game, we talk about different strategies that center around the game.

We talk about different things off the court. Business related, players association related.

We speak, there is much more communication than people want to (believe).”

Bryant and James will have one more encounter when the Cavaliers face the Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles next month.

Between them they have combined to play in the last nine NBA finals, although oddly they have never faced each other in competition for basketball’s biggest prize.

There is no chance of that changing in Bryant’s farewell season, with the Lakers having

the worst record in the Western Conference, a miserable 11-44 for the season.

Only the Philadelphia 76ers (8-45) have a worse record. The Cavaliers improved to 38-14 with Wednesday’s win.

The Golden State Warriors stretched their winning streak to 11 games to improve to 48-4 for the season with a comfortable 112-104 victory against the Phoenix Suns.

Once again Steph Curry topscored for the reigning NBA Finals champions, chipping in with 26 points, just ahead of teammate Klay Thompson with 24 points.

The Memphis Grizzlies bounced back from the disappointment of losing star center Marc Gasol to a broken foot to dominate Brooklyn in a 109-90 victory.

The Grizzlies were left reeling on Tuesday after it was confirmed Gasol faces a long layoff—possibly the remainder of the season—after fracturing his right foot. AFP

Nishikori advances at Memphis Open LOS ANGELES—Threetime defending champion Kei Nishikori and Japanese compatriot Yoshihito Nishioka, a 130th-ranked qualifier, advanced to the quarterfinals of the ATP Memphis Open on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) with straight-sets triumphs.

Top seed Nishikori defeated 124th-ranked Ryan Harrison 6-2, 7-5 to book a last-eight date against Kazakstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin in the indoor hardcourt tournament.

Seventh-ranked Nishikori beat the American in the second round at Memphis for the second year in a row. Nishikori also won their only other prior meeting last year at Indian Wells.

Nishikori served for the match in the 10th game of the second set but Harrison denied him on four match points and forced the first break points the Asian star faced in the match, finally cracking his serve on his fifth chance to level the set at 5-5.

Nishikori responded by

breaking Harrison again in the next game and holding at love to claim the victory after 81 minutes.

Left-hander Nishioka downed Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko 6-1, 6-3 to book a quarter-final match against US fourth seed Sam Querrey, who eliminated Swiss qualifier Henri Laaksonen 6-3, 6-4.

Kukushkin advanced by ousting US fifth seed Denis Kudla 6-1, 7-5, winning 22 of 30 points off the American’s second serve. AFP

Blonde bombshell. A Utah Utes cheerleader performs before the game between the Washington Huskies and the Utah Utes at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on Feb. 10, in Salt Lake City, Utah. AFP

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

all generation facilities and loads connected, directly or indirectly, to the transmission system in accordance with the dispatch schedule submitted by the Market Operator.4 As such, NGCP seeks the approval of the following proposed system operation projects:

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF the IMPLEMENTATION · OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016, WITH PRAYER FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

Battle of top imports in PBA today

ERC CASE NO. 2015-210 RC NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP), Applicant. x-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 11 December 2015, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) filed an application for approval of the implementation of its capital expenditures for calendar year 2016, with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

In the said application, NGCP alleged, 1.

among others, the following:

NGCP is a corporation creatd and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner B.I.R. Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

It is the concessionaire which assumed the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANS CO) pursuant to R.A. 9136, otherwise known as the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” (EPIRA). It may be served with notices and other processes of this Commission through its counsel at the address indicated below..

2.

Pursuant to R.A. 95111, NGCP was granted the franchise to operate, manage and maintain, and in connection therewith, to engage in the business of conveying or transmitting electricity through a high-voltage back-bone system of interconnected transmission lines, substations and related facilities, system2 operations, and other activities that are necessary to support the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system and is authorized to charge its customers at the rates approved by the Commission.

3.

The application is filed pursuant to paragraph d, Section 9 of the EPIRA, which directs the transmission operator to seek prior approval from the Commission of any plan for expansion or improvement of its facilities in relation to its autpority and responsibility to construct, install, finance, improve, expand, rehabilitate and repair the nationwide transmission system and the grid.

4.

NGCP’s Final Determination for the Third Regulatory Period (3rd RP) covering calendar years 2011 to 2015, as approved by the Commission in ERC Case No. 2009-180RC, will end in December 2015 and under the Rules for Setting Transmission Wheeling Rates (RTWR) , the Final Determination for the Fourth Regulatory Period (4th RP) covering calendar years 2016 to 2020 shall commence immediately thereafter. However, NGCP has yet to undergo its regulatory reset for the 4th RP as it is still awaiting the Commission’s position paper to guide NGCP in the submission of its 4th RP Application

5· Notwithstanding, the absence of the Final Determination for the 4th RP, NGCP is mandated to ensure and maintain the quality, reliability, adequacy, security, stability and integrity of the nationwide grid. Hence, NGCP seeks authority from the Commission for the immediate implementation of various capital expenditure projects.

Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:15 p.m. - Mahindra vs.

GlobalPort 7 p.m. - Ginebra vs. NLEX A copy of the Project Description and Justification of the proposed projects is attached as Annex “D.” E. Corporate Infrastructure! Security/Information Technology 14. Lastly, to support the fulfillment of its mandate discussed above, NGCP seeks the approval of following similarly significant and indispensable projects:

The complete discussions of the proposals are described in the Project Description and Justification attached as Annex “E.” Disbursement Program of the Proposed CAPEX Projects 15. NGCP submits the following CY 2016 disbursement programs for the above-mentioned proposed CAPEX projects: The complete discussions of the proposals are described in the Project Description and Justification attached as Annex “E.” Disbursement Program of the Proposed CAPEX Projects:

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Program for CY 2016 6. NGCP has the legal mandate to ensure the non-discriminatory, reliable and highperformance operation of the transmission system; including a secured, reliable, and efficient management of the high-voltage grid of the Philippines. To perform such functions, NGCP submits to the Commission for its approval, its CAPEX program for CY 2016 together with their respective justifications.

A. System Expansion and Upgrade 7. One of the core mandates of NGCP is to implement upgrading and expansion programs to ensure that the system adequately and reliably meets: forecast demand, system reliability, demand market requirements and capacity of new generators.

8. Thus, NGCP is seeking approval for the following new projects3:

The detailed disbursement program is attached as Annex “F.” 16. The total CAPEX disbursement program for CY 2016 is PhP8,051.53Mn. Justification for the Issuance of Provisional Approval A copy of the consolidated Project Description and Justification of the proposed new projects is attached as Annex “A.” 9. Also, NGCP seeks the approval for the acquisition of the following assets:

17. To reiterate, NGCP is required under paragraph d, Section 9 of the EPIRA to seek prior approval from the Commission of any plan for expansion or improvement of its facilities in relation to its authority and responsibility to construct, install, finance, improve, expand, rehabilitate and repair the nationwide transmission system and the grid.

18. Along with its authority and responsibility for the planning, construction and centralized operation and maintenance of its high voltage transmission facilities, it is indispensable for NGCP to ensure a reliable and high-performance operation of the transmission system.

19. Thus, to avoid disruption of operation and non-compliance with its mandate under the EPIRA as the transmission operator, it is imperative that the implementation of the proposed CAPEX projects be immediately approved.

20. In support thereof, NGCP submits the judicial affidavit of Engr. Darryl Lon A. Ortiz, Head of the Business Strategic Development and Regulatory Management Division of NGCP attached as Annex “G.” 21. NGCP prays that the Commission: a. Issue immediately a provisionally authority to implement the proposed CAPEX projects; and b. Approve, after notice and hearing, the proposed CAPEX projects.

B. Maintenance and Replacement of Transmission Line and Equipment 10. NGCP is also required to ensure a reliable and efficient operation of existing transmission line and substation equipment; and to guarantee a safe and reliable energy supply to the distribution utility. To comply with this mandate, NGCP needs to implement, among others, rehabilitation, refurbishment, testing activities to the existing transmission line and substation assets..

11. Thus, NGCP proposes the implementation of the following maintenance and replacement programs:

The Commission has set the application for jurisdictional hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference and evidentiary hearing on 04 April 2016 (Monday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig C, ity.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by filing, at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verified petition with the Commission giving the docket number and title of the proceeding and stating: (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and (3) a statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the proceeding may file their opposition to the application, or comment thereon, at any stage of the proceeding before the applicant concludes the presentation of its evidence.

No particular form of opposition or comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon.

A copy of the Project Description and Justification of the proposed projects is attached as Annex “B.” C. Revenue Metering Expansion. Maintenance, Replacement/WESM Compliance Program 12. Moreover, NGCP is the duly authorized Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) Metering Service Provider (WMSP). As such, it must fully comply with requirements of the provisions of the Philippine Grid Code (PGC), the Wholesale Electricity Market (WESM) Rules, and the WESM Metering Manual and Guidelines. Thus, NGCP seeks the approval of its Revenue Metering Expansion, Maintenance, Replacement, Relocation, and Procurement of Spares/WESM Compliance Program.

A copy of the Project Description attached as Annex “C”.

and

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the application may request from the applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. The applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman, JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners, ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 19th day of January, 2016 at Pasig City.

ATTY. TTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Staf Office of the Chairman and CEO

Justification of the proposed project is

D. Telecommunication and SCADA Maintenance and Expansion

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 1

13. Another crucial mandate of NGCP is to operate the power system in accordancewith the applicable rules issued by Commission, such as, the PGC and the Ancillary Services Procurement Plan. NGCP is also mandated to provide central dispatch to

F R I DAY F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 16

2 3

4

An Act Granting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines a Franchise to Engage in the Business of Conveying or Transmitting Electricity Through High Voltage Back-bone System or Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and For Other Purposes; Id, Section 1; In addition, to address load growth and capacity addition, NGCP intends to file separate CAPEX application for approval of the implementation of the MarivelesHermosa 500kV Transmission Line Project (Luzon); Calaca-Dasmarinas sookV Transmission Line Project (Luzon); and Magdugo Substation (Visayas) as soon as project concept and cost estimates are available.

Section 1.3.3, WESM Rules, as amended; (TS-FEB. 12/19, 2016)

By Jeric Lopez FOUR more teams looking to start on the right foot plunge to action as the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup resumes.

Still high from its first-ever semifinal stint last conference, GlobalPort is looking to continue its progress even more when it gets back to action against Mahindra in the opening game today at 4:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Then, crowd-darling Barangay Ginebra and NLEX make their conference debut when they tango at 7 p.m. in the main event.

All four teams, more or less, are parading identical line-ups to the ones they had in the Philippine Cup. As for their imports, the two teams that will battle first will have new faces, while the two squads playing in the second game will present returning imports.

GlobalPort, the last team to enlist an import, will have former San Miguel Beer reinforcement in the Asean Basketball League Brian Williams in tow, while Mahindra parades lengthy Augustus Gilchrist.

The tiff between the Gin Kings and the Road Warriors will be highlighted by the match-up of two explosive imports.

High-scoring Al Thornton will once again lead the charge for NLEX, while Othyus Jeffers, who played one game for Talk ‘N Text last season, will now be playing for the Gin kings.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone has high hopes for Jeffers and what he can bring to the table for his squad. ‘’We’re comfortable with our import (Othyus). We feel like his versatility will really help our team a lot,’’ said Cone of his reinforcement.

Jeffers is expected to complement the inside game of Ginebra’s Twin Towers Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar as he is expected to play the wing position.

F R I DAY : F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 16

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Tabuena slows down, but still ahead by 6 MORONG, Bataan—Miguel Tabuena went on another hot start but this time ended up with a cold finish, settling for a two-under 70 but keeping a six-shot lead intact over Jay Bayron halfway through the P3.5 million ICTSI Anvaya Cove Invitational here yesterday.

Five birdies in the first six holes at the back hinted at the coming of another scorching round for the 21-year-old hotshot who reset the Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club course record to 62 Wednesday. But he reeled back with a double-

bogey on No. 17 on an errant drive then fumbled with two more bogeys against a birdie at the front to finish with a 37-33.

But with the rest failing to mount a serious challenge, the reigning Philippine Open champion remained

safely ahead at 12-under 132 as Bayron, who also bogeyed the tough par-5 ninth, could only match Tabuena’s two-under card, a 35-35 for a 138.

“I don’t think we can catch up. Miguel’s playing on a different level,” said Bayron.

But Tabuena remains wary of his rivals and his chances for the top P650,000 purse in the 72-hole championship sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., saying it’s still a long way

to go and anything can happen on a tough, windy course that continued to bedevil the games of the rest of the field.

“It’s still not finished, there are still two more days,” said Tabuena, eyeing a 20-under overall finish. “But same strategy—risk and reward. If I can pull it off, why not?”

Toru Nakajima, the Japanese topnotcher of the recent ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour Q-School, missed posting the best score in another hot, blustery day with a late bogey, his 69 putting

him alongside Tony Lascuna, who also gained some ground with a three-under card, at 140, still eight shots behind.

Park Min Ung, the young Korean who won the Philippine junior crown in 2012, rebounded from a 73 with a 69 to move up to fifth at 142 while Charles Hong, Clyde Mondilla and Dutch Guido Van Der Valk matched par 72s to remain tied at 143.

Angelo Que, who rallied from six strokes down with a final round 64 and beat Lascuna by three here last

year, appeared headed for missing the cut after a disastrous opening 76 and a triple bogey-marred 41 yesterday.

But the former three-time Asian Tour winner recovered a bit with a closing 34 and finished with a 75 for a seven-over 151, barely making it to the final 36 holes of the kickoff leg of this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by Adidas, TaylorMade, Pacsports Phils., Custom Clubmakers, KZG, Sharp and Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club.

Top PH sports execs to grace PSA Awards

Miguel Tabuena hits his tee shot on the par-3 13th

Velez, Guarde set up duel in Koronadal net tourney PATRICIA Velez sets out for the another two-time romp but Carlyn Guarde and a host of others go all out to stop the Davaoeña ace’s charge in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala regional tennis circuit presented by Slazenger which resumes today at the Koronadal Sports Complex in South Cotabato.

Velez defeated Guarde twice to re-stamp her class in Kidapawan last month but the top Sultan Kudarat bet is all primed up for a payback, guaranteeing a spirited battle for top honors in the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under sections of

the Group 2 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop.

Also tipped to contend for the crown in the five-day tournament hosted by Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes are Cagayan de Oro’s Gennifer Pagente, Tracy Llamas of Negros, Sidney Ezra Enriquez of Zamboanga and Minette April Bentillo, also of Sultan Kudarat.

“We invite all tennis aficionados and club members to watch South Cotabato’s top and rising players slug it out against their counterparts from other provinces and cities,” said Fuentes, who also thanked Palawan Pawnshop

for its continued support to South Cotabato’s youth tennis for the fifth straight year.

Fierce duels also loom in the boys’ side of the event with local aces Janus Ringia and Nicoel Gorospe going up against the likes of Vince AJ Tugade and Ramon Bentillo from Sultan Kudarat and Gen. Santos City’s Kylde Lagarde in the 16- and 18-U categories of the sixth leg of the nationwide circuit backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusively distributor of Slazenger, the official ball.

John David Velez of Davao and Kidapawan siblings Eric and JV

Comendador, meanwhile, banner the boys’ field that also includes Joross Mananking, Cedric Pamplona, Prince Langitao and Andre Sing (12-U) and Benjamin Ringia, Steve Aton and Kurt Haro (14-U).

“This is going to be exciting with so much pride at stake, particularly in the girls’ side. The huge turnout in the boys’ side and the 10-unisex division also makes it doubly interestin,” said Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro, referring to this week’s field numbering to around 200 entries in nine categories.

PH hosts Asian Taekwondo Qualification for Rio Games THE Philippines hosts another important international sports competition when the Philippine Taekwondo Association stages the Asian taekwondo qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on April 16-17 at the Marriot Convention Center Grand Ballroom at the New Port Complex in Pasay City.

“It’s a big honor for our country to be chosen by the World Taekwondo Federation (WFT) to host this event,” said Organizing Committee Chairman Sung Chon Hong.

Athletes from 43 Asian countries will participate in the Manila event sanctioned

by the International Olympic Committeeaffiliated WTF and promoted by the Asian Taekwondo Union.

In preparation for the Philippines’ qualifying bid, Hong said the PTA has invited the powerhouse Korean National Sports University (KNSU) team to train the Filipino in Manila.

One of the best Korean taekwondo schools known for producing many Olympic and world champions, KNSU is also ranks high in sharpening an athlete’s skillsskills and techniques and boosting his spirit.

The Koreans will train Filipino standouts

twice a day from March 6 to 22. After training with the Korean team, the Filipinos will undergo hard work and preparations from March 28 to April 10 at the PTA headquarters at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“The training will be spirited and intensive. We’d like to put our competitors in top shape for the Asian qualification tournament,” said Hong.

The major Asian taekwondo event will be supported by Smart, MVPSF, PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

NO less than the country’s top sports officials will be on hand when the Philippine Sportswriters Association honors the top athletes of 2015 in its Annual Awards Night presented by MILO and San Miguel Corp. this weekend at the One Esplanade.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping’ Cojuangco Jr. and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richie Garcia are going to lead the local sports community in recognizing the achievements and success of Filipino athletes in the year just passed.

World boxing champions Nonito Donaire Jr. and Donnie Nietes, along with golf star Miguel Tabuena lead the long list of awardees—111 in all—who will be feted during the gala night to be hosted by Quinito Henson and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon.

Also invited in the affair that starts at 7 p.m. are International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, POC vice president Joey Romasanta, chairman Tom Carrasco, PSC commissioners Jolly Gomez, Buddy Andrada, Akiko Thomson-Guevara, and Iggy Clavecilla, executive director Atty.

Guillermo Iroy Jr., and top officials and representatives of the various National Sports Associations.

The two-hour formal program has the PSC as major sponsor and National University, One Esplanade, Rain or Shine, Globalport, Philippine Basketball Association, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office/Philracom, Sen. Chiz Escudero, SM Prime Holdings, Maynilad, MVP Foundation, and Smart.

Awardees and guests who fail to get their invitations personally can get it right at the lobby of One Esplanade.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

F R I DAY : F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 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

Pacman gets 2 unbeaten sparmates Roach is expected to arrive on Feb. 13 in Manila and take a connecting flight to Pacquao’s hometown of General Santos City.

Pacquiao went through a full routine on Wednesday, jogging some 5 kilometers with two triathletes, practicing dribbling skills with two bas-

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

HALL of Fame trainer Freddie Roach is bringing in two unbeaten fighters as sparring partners for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who begins to step-up preparations for his third fight against Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley on April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

ketballs in an exercise aimed at strengthening his shoulder as well as his reflexes and also did some abdominal exercises, according to ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo.

Pacquiao also boxed in the afternoon, anchored on work on the punch-mitts.

Roach has indicated

DEFINING THE NEWS

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325 NO. XXIX VOL.

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in d t defende ies for the Presiden r part As the blamed othe Transit system,and Davao at the Metro Railice stopped run sertroubles muter train serv maintenance the com e—just as a new over. that ning twic ider was taking ya announced by vice prov same day, Aba sortium led a On the ino con p. had signed ean-Filip the Cor the Kor sportation contract with serBusan Tranmaintenance maintenance ar had three-ye ent to provide reports that it governm MRT despite ted deal amid con a the negotia ngled in vices to out of the ld become enta consorbacked it wou -Filipino nik cerns that by a German Industrietech gy filed nd nolo uit n-u laws nk Bah and Tech stium, Schu m Builders T, against Tranthe Com GmbH- p. or SBI-CB&Abaya before g Phils. Corials, includin n railway port offic yan. the Busa ninba Sandiga the operator of ing their tech an “With South Korea sharlic can expect in s and g pub train ridin network running in a rtise, the cal expe the number of s,” Abaya said in Next page operation. increase iency of the effic t Friday morning men

VOL. XXIX NO.

303 3 Sections

32 Pages P18

SATURDAY : DECEMBER 12,

2015 www.thesta ndard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.c om.ph

Davao’s safe image a myth, LP says

A3

OE TAKES 2 Comelec 1st Divi sion cancels her CoC N D H IT , cites ‘misrepresen tation’

By Sara Susann e D. Fabunan and Macon RamosAraneta

THE Commission Division cancelle on Elections 1st d the Certificate of Candidacy of Senator Grace Poe on Friday, dealing to her run for the a second blow presidency.

Like the 2nd Division that ruled against last week on a similar Poe petition, the 1st said Poe committe Division in her CoC when d material misrepresentation she claimed she was born citizen and that she had resided a naturalippines for 10 years—bo in the th requirements Philning for president. for runVoting 2-1, the 1st missioner Christian Division headed by ComRobert Lim favored tions of former Senator the petiFrancisco Tatad, sity of the East Law UniverLa Salle University Dean Amado Valdez, and De professor Antonio “Upon reviews Contreras. of and jurisprudence, the facts, applicable laws, grant the petitions the Commission resolves to and cancel the Certificate Candidacy of responden of t,” the resolution Poe twitted the said. the facts and said commissioners for ignoring it identity was being was “hurtful” that her very taken away from her.

“We submitted evidence of my citizenship residence, putting and our full faith in a Poe said. just process,” “However, it is sad has chosen to ignore the Comelec 1st Division the facts just to chance to better serve our countrymdeny me the deny our people en, and also their choices in an tion. “I am a true Filipino from birth. open elecas a Filipino, lived, I was studied, got married raised Philippines, and in the wish to serve my nos as a Filipino,” fellow Filipishe Poe’s lawyer, Georgesaid.

Garcia, said vision decision would not stop the 1st Dicandidacy. the senator’s Next page

that sparring will begin some two weeks after his arrival since Top Rank is still working on the travel documents of unbeaten 24-year-old welterweight Frankie “Pit Bull” Gomez, who has a record of 20-0 with 13 knockouts.

Roach has also acquired the services

of US Olympian and current North American Boxing Federation super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez, who is unbeaten in 16 fights with 12 knockouts.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, whose uncanny ability to spot talent said: “Jose Ramirez is on the track now to not only become a world boxing champion but to be a major star in the sport. He is an excellent competitor and he handles himself with dignity inside and outside of the ring.”

The quality of Pacquiao’s sparring partners provides an insight into how seriously he is taking the third fight with Bradley, where an impressive performance is likely to have a major effect on his bid for a seat in the Senate in the May elections.

Pacquiao is running on the ticket of Vice President Jojo Binay and made a ringing endorsement of the presidential bid of Binay in what was reportedly the highlight of the proclamation rally of the United Nationalist Coalition in Mandaluyong City in Metro Manila.

2-way fight for MVP title IT’S a two-way fight for the MVP race in the ongoing 76th University Athletic Association of the Philippines junior basketball wars.

La Salle Zobel Junior Archer Aljun Melecio leads the race, with National University Bullpups Justine Baltazar close behind.

Melecio is ahead with 78.928 points after ending the elimination round with norms of 22.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals, while Baltazar has 76.57 points, and with averages of 13.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 blocks.

They are expected to shine even more as the stepladder semifinal action gets into their final stages.

Turn to A12

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B1

FRIDAY: FEBRUARY 12, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Boracay sewer. Boracay Water marks six years of providing water and used water services in support of realizing a sustainable environment for the country’s premier island tourist destination, Boracay. Shown is the ongoing construction of Boracay Water’s Manocmanoc sewage treatment plant and sewer network that will increase used water service coverage in the island to 61 percent upon completion by middle of 2016.

PPP Center pushing metro subway mode

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Public Private Partnership Center said Thursday the next president should pursue a major subway system to decongest Metro Manila traffic.

PPP Center executive director Cosette Canilao said in a news briefing the next administration should also prioritize the development of airports in the country.

“The airports should be prioritized and the subway project should be looked at again. They should focus more on the transport and connectivity,” Canilao told reporters.

Traffic along Edsa and other major roads in Metro Manila slowed down in recent months, as vehicle sales surged while no major infrastructure projects were completed in the capital region.

PPP Center listed the P374billion Makati-Pasay-Taguig Mass Transit System Loop as a major project last year, but it remains unacted by the board of the National Economic and Development Authority because of the complexity of the project.

The project involves the connection of Bonifacio Global City, Makati central business district and the Mall of Asia area in Pasay City.

The proposed new rail line would run for about 12 kilometers underground.

The Transportation Department

is also in the process of bidding out five provincial airports worth P108.17 billion under the PPP program.

The five provincial airports included in the PPP bundle are the P20.26-billion Bacolod-Silay International Airport and the P30.4billion Iloilo International Airport under package 1, and the P14.62billion Laguindingan Airport, P2.34-billion New Bohol (Panglao) Airport and P40.57-billion Davao International Airport under package 2.

Canilao said the PPP Center was targeting to roll out at least two or three projects before the end of the Aquino administration in June 2016.

She said these projects might include the P9.33-billion Plaridel Bypass Toll Road, P74.56-billion Ninoy Aquino International Airport Development, P1.75-billion Philippine Travel Center Complex,

P14.72-billion Batangas-Manila 1 Natural Gas Pipeline, P1.58-billion New Nayong Pilipino at Entertainment City and P3.38-billion Judiciary Infrastructure Development through PPP project.

Canilao said some P556.56 billion worth of infrastructure projects were under procurement.

These include the P108-billion five regional airports, P18.99billion Davao Sasa Port Modernization, P50.18-billion Regional Prison Facilities through PPP, P122.80-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike, P298million Road Transport Information Technology Infrastructure project phase II, P1.59-billion Civil Registry System Information Technology project phase II, P18.72-billion New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam, P65.09-billion LRT Line 6 and the P170.70-billion North-South Railway south line.

GMA Network’s 2015 net income doubled to P2b BROADCAST company GMA Network Inc. saw its net income in 2015 double to more than P2 billion from a year ago, its top executive said Thursday.

“Our net income after tax [last year] is more than 100 percent of 2014. It’s more than P2 billion,” GMA Network chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon told reporters Wednesday night during the company’s thanksgiving party. The company posted a net income of P1.01 billion in 2014.

The company has yet to report the audited full-year net income in 2015. Nine-month profit jumped 80 percent in 2015 to P1.804 bil-

lion from a year ago, as revenues climbed 16 percent to P10.31 billion.

Gozon said he was optimistic the growth in revenues would be sustained this year. “For 2016, we expect it to be better. In fact, January is already better,” he said.

Gozon said GMA Network was no longer in talks with new investors, after the two failed negotiations with businessmen Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp. and Manuel Pangilinan of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. “There’s no hurry,” Gozon said, when asked about the timeline for a new investor.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

The Gozon, Jimenez and Duavit families own a combined 79 percent of the network, which airs on Channel 7 on free TV. Majority shareholders of the broadcaster earlier agreed to sell about 30 percent of the company to Ang, but the negotiation was scuttled after more than a year of talks.

Talks with the PLDT group also did not push through over price and regulatory issues.

GMA Network said its online unit was also doing well. GMA News Online achieved more than one billion page views in 2015 and continued to expand its readership base in line with the increase in

unique browsers, recent data from Effective Measure showed.

GMA News Online said it sustained its lead over ABS-CBNNews. com in terms of page views in December with 97.5 million page views ahead of the latter’s 69 million, and drove the portal’s web traffic.

Compared to the previous year, monthly average page views of GMA News Online hit 95 million in 2015, a 135-percent increase from the 40.4 million generated a year ago.

It said from 8.4 million in 2014, the website’s average unique browsers also increased to almost 13.3 million. Darwin G. Amojelar

PSe comPoSite index Closing February 11, 2016

8000 8340 7880 7420 6960 6500

6,663.43 25.95

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing February 11, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P47.450

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P47.360 LOW P47.490 AVERAGE P47.431 VOLUME 469.400M

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

oPriceS il P today

P20.40-P23.80 Diesel P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, February 11, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

47.5380

Japan

Yen

0.008823

0.4194

UK

Pound

1.453000

69.0727

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128363

6.1021

Switzerland

Franc

1.027221

48.8320

Canada

Dollar

0.718701

34.1656

Singapore

Dollar

0.718701

34.1656

Australia

Dollar

0.708617

33.6862

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656748

126.2965

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266745

12.6805

Brunei

Dollar

0.716127

34.0432

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028280

1.3444

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.9440

Euro

Euro

1.129300

53.6847

Korea

Won

0.000841

0.0400

China

Yuan

0.152332

7.2416

India

Rupee

0.014750

0.7012

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.242836

11.5439

New Zealand

Dollar

0.665203

31.6224

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030308

1.4408 Source: PDS Bridge

FRIDAY: FEBRUARY 12, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, February 11, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 0.92 2.6 1.01 100 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 0.74 1.02 0.225 78 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank First Abacus I-Remit Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 148 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 0.98 241

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 32 15.32 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 20.2 71.5 13.24 5.34 0.395 173

3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 6.75 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

2.3 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 3 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 161 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

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

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

LBC Express LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

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

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.26 0.152 837 5.3

76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 0.0670 2.31 1.61 2.99 84.9 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.510

49.55 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 0.030 1.23 0.550 2.26 59.3 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.310

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings Filinvest Dev. Corp.

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

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

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

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05

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

Ayala Land `B’

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

SHARES 3,822,609 94,202,495 327,500,161 82,498,150 212,159,730 3,164,188,200 3,884,944,753

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.76 2.6 44.75 44.6 100.00 98.90 90.00 88.40 35.5 35.2 2.51 2.50 1.45 1.40 14.3 14.3 16.56 16.3 0.72 0.72 1.78 1.78 0.460 0.440 73.7 72.95 15.18 15.18 50.90 50.50 101.5 101.4 265 265 33.5 33.2 145.5 144.2 1300.00 1300.00 55.15 55.10 1.46 1.46 INDUSTRIAL 41.7 42.15 41.7 4.54 4.6 4.42 0.62 0.65 0.65 1.3 1.32 1.29 10.92 10.88 10 165.00 175.00 150.00 16.48 16.8 16.32 19.42 19.44 19.2 37.1 38 37.2 2.09 2.1 2.08 2.18 2.31 2.15 11.5 11.52 11.4 8.300 8.430 8.200 7.30 7.35 7.28 5.21 5.25 5.20 5.65 5.82 5.50 18.24 18.3 17.96 56.55 56.95 56 14.30 14.30 14.02 5.33 5.4 5.35 2.290 2.360 2.260 210.00 213.00 208.00 8 8.9 8.1 1.85 1.85 1.85 2.7 3.2 2.9 25.9 26.4 25.55 14.88 15.1 14.6 5.9 5.9 5.68 312.20 318.40 312.20 3.95 3.95 3.95 2.93 3.05 2.99 6.70 7.16 6.70 2.99 2.44 2.44 3.50 3.59 3.45 1.34 1.66 1.35 2.37 2.32 2.27 3.85 3.85 3.81 137 140 139.3 2.38 2.49 2.38 0.149 0.159 0.148 1.01 1.08 0.99 2.08 2.10 2.06 194 194 193.5 4.64 4.57 4.57 0.6 0.61 0.59 1.03 1.06 1.03 HOLDING FIRMS 0.345 0.345 0.330 57.3500 57.9000 57.3500 14.00 14.34 14.12 0.95 1.04 1.00 5.91 6.00 5.91 0.208 0.226 0.226 685 698 670 7.31 7.42 7.24 11.90 11.94 11.66 4.71 4.71 4.61 0.200 0.213 0.210 1243 1244 1228 5.70 5.30 5.30 9.79 9.80 9.20 66.00 66.50 63.05 5.15 5.23 5.14 0.62 0.62 0.61 16.4 16.78 16.06 0.53 0.53 0.53 5.62 5.78 5.57 0.0290 0.0330 0.0280 1.080 1.170 1.070 2.030 2.060 2.010 2.74 2.74 2.56 73.80 74.00 72.60 813.00 815.00 804.00 1.04 1.06 1.04 0.72 0.74 0.73 122.000 130.600 118.400 0.2800 0.2900 0.2750 0.285 0.320 0.300 PROPERTY 7.100 7.050 6.870 0.74 0.78 0.72 1.160 1.210 1.170 0.210 0.215 0.215 31.500 31.600 30.850 2.76 44.7 99.50 88.40 35.15 2.50 1.48 14.3 16.54 0.72 1.78 0.440 73.75 15.00 50.50 103.2 270 33.2 143.8 1310.00 55.20 1.46

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.64 44.75 99.50 90.00 35.25 2.51 1.40 14.3 16.56 0.72 1.78 0.460 73.65 15.18 50.90 101.4 265 33.5 145.3 1300.00 55.10 1.46

-4.35 0.11 0.00 1.81 0.28 0.40 -5.41 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.00 4.55 -0.14 1.20 0.79 -1.74 -1.85 0.90 1.04 -0.76 -0.18 0.00

115,000 13,600 670,920 423,510 8,500 12,000 169,000 1,800 34,000 7,000 8,000 60,000 930,540 10,000 18,150 880 760 120,300 604,470 30 4,240 609,000

-13,600.00 563,210.00 354,055 17,228,480.50 -3,550.00

42 4.57 0.65 1.32 10.88 175.00 16.8 19.4 38 2.09 2.2 11.52 8.350 7.30 5.21 5.77 18.04 56.1 14.02 5.36 2.340 213.00 8.9 1.85 3.19 26 14.92 5.68 317.20 3.95 3.03 7.11 2.44 3.59 1.59 2.31 3.83 140 2.45 0.154 1.00 2.06 193.7 4.57 0.59 1.05

0.72 0.66 4.84 1.54 -0.37 6.06 1.94 -0.10 2.43 0.00 0.92 0.17 0.60 0.00 0.00 2.12 -1.10 -0.80 -1.96 0.56 2.18 1.43 11.25 0.00 18.15 0.39 0.27 -3.73 1.60 0.00 3.41 6.12 -18.39 2.57 18.66 -2.53 -0.52 2.19 2.94 3.36 -0.99 -0.96 -0.15 -1.51 -1.67 1.94

657,800 934,000 2,000 427,000 11,300 1,800 262,800 454,300 65,500 601,000 12,745,000 28,100 3,023,200 2,314,400 5,881,500 637,400 2,860,800 38,090 7,300 329,300 1,842,000 288,390 5,600 29,000 38,000 2,861,400 1,350,700 197,900 171,890 5,000 7,507,000 23,212,600 10,000 26,000 2,144,000 137,000 80,000 3,930 318,000 15,750,000 67,000 1,484,000 3,130,260 3,000 1,862,000 208,000

0.330 57.9000 14.24 1.00 6.00 0.226 691 7.39 11.90 4.65 0.213 1234 5.30 9.78 65.50 5.15 0.62 16.6 0.53 5.7 0.0310 1.170 2.010 2.74 74.00 805.00 1.06 0.74 130.600 0.2850 0.315

-4.35 0.96 1.71 5.26 1.52 8.65 0.88 1.09 0.00 -1.27 6.50 -0.72 -7.02 -0.10 -0.76 0.00 0.00 1.22 0.00 1.42 6.90 8.33 -0.99 0.00 0.27 -0.98 1.92 2.78 7.05 1.79 10.53

50,000 419,370 21,188,670.50 5,984,500 -38,053,284.00 44,000 501,800 -577,767.00 40,000 140,090 26,010,790.00 2,007,000 -677,543.00 2,005,900 14,248,598.00 15,000 160,000 69,230 -50,423,955.00 5,000 1,962,600 1,421,000 2,517,632.50 4,514,300 8,335,718.00 10,000 6,989,700 -63,758,900.00 11,000 35,790,700 21,203,115.00 259,600,000 61,600.00 8,000 1,216,000 48,000 1,075,500 -13,475,465.00 334,190 -83,771,705.00 34,000 85,000 188,020 -176,936.00 1,450,000 -5,600.00 1,180,000 9,500.00

6.930 0.76 1.200 0.215 31.000

-2.39 2.70 3.45 2.38 -1.59

75,500 1,850,000 19,000 450,000 4,218,600

-7,250.00 -119,700.00

-23,321,032.00 -903,982.50 -15,900.00 1,204,320 -5,567,594.00 -1,654.00 4,623,210.00 123,450.00 217,500.00 3,509,854.00 2,127,840 154,970.00 2,344,620.00 -1,679,566.00 -7,365,282.00 -20,516,198.00 1,437,781.00 -10,057,720.00 -463,289.50 -1,887,720.00 8,353,194.00

13,434,175.00 1,421,936.00 197,558.00 8,946,096.00 -405,320.00 -70,082,709.00 10,690.00 -62,090.00 45,950.00 -278,900.00 -77,320.00 -55,200.00 -103,929,789.00 -527,400.00

-17,481.00 -20,440.00 -31,148,300.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.69 10.96 0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 8.54 31.8 2.29 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.415 2.4 0.83 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 2.69 22.15 1.6 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Primex Corp.

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

10.5 66 1.44 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 95.5 15.2

1.97 35.2 1 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 3.1 6

0.62 1.040 6.41 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.335 0.37 3 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

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

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

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Manila Broadcasting Melco Crown Metro Retail MG Holdings NOW Corp.

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

SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

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

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

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

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

TA Petroleum

70 525 515 12.28 1047

33 500 480 6.5 1011

78.95 84.8

74.5 75

1.34

1

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ GLOBE PREF P Leisure and Resort PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred F Swift Pref

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant Alterra Capital Italpinas Xurpas

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

VALUE 269,288,775.55 1,267,999,178.49 1,240,125,181.09 631,861,459.90 1,023,220,095.831 394,901,906.205 4,831,549,485.261

FINANCIAL 1,524.18 (up) 9.47 INDUSTRIAL 10,672.43 (up) 62.76 HOLDING FIRMS 6,271.047 (up) 6.44 PROPERTY 2,678.38 (up) 11.24 SERVICES 1,504.14 (up) 12.74 MINING & OIL 10,541.09 (up) 422.15 PSEI 6,663.43 (up) 25.95 All Shares Index 3,846.72 (up) 21.51 Gainers: 111; Losers: 64; Unchanged: 30; Total: 205

Close

2.38 4.75 0.510 0.91 0.970 0.395 21.6 0.880 0.91 1.49 1.24 3.44 0.080 8.48 25.30 1.48 20.90 0.76 6.2 0.930 4.200

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.52 2.4 2.5 4.8 4.8 4.8 0.51 0.500 0.500 0.96 0.91 0.96 1.020 0.950 1.020 0.400 0.400 0.400 23.1 21.05 22.8 0.890 0.880 0.890 0.93 0.91 0.91 1.52 1.49 1.51 1.25 1.23 1.25 3.5 3.4 3.4 0.085 0.081 0.085 8.4 8.39 8.39 25.40 25.00 25.25 1.48 1.45 1.46 21.90 20.70 21.55 0.77 0.75 0.76 6.19 4.94 6.19 1.080 0.910 1.040 4.270 4.100 4.270 SERVICES 6.28 6.38 6.28 6.38 54.5 54.9 54.4 54.8 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 10.5 10.08 10.08 10.08 4.16 4.26 4.12 4.19 0.0470 0.0480 0.0450 0.0460 3.1 3.1 3.07 3.07 77 79.5 77.5 79.5 9.99 9.99 9.3 9.31 1.6 1.54 1.45 1.54 5.85 5.85 5.70 5.80 1875 1868 1826 1855 6.52 6.52 6.48 6.52 1.14 1.15 1.14 1.15 56.45 57.9 56.7 57.9 11.96 11.96 11.96 11.96 0.0086 0.0086 0.0086 0.0086 0.151 0.171 0.150 0.160 1.1500 1.1700 1.1300 1.1500 2.1 2.12 2.09 2.12 7.35 7.35 7.10 7.29 4.02 4.02 3.95 3.96 18.00 18.00 18.00 18.00 2.2 2.28 2.12 2.16 3.40 3.41 3.28 3.38 0.255 0.255 0.250 0.255 0.710 0.740 0.700 0.720 4.49 4.50 4.50 4.50 26.00 26.00 24.00 26.00 2140.00 2170.00 2142.00 2158.00 0.390 0.405 0.380 0.405 0.830 0.870 0.810 0.840 33.15 33.85 33.20 33.30 59.90 61.70 59.95 60.90 5.13 5.30 5.14 5.27 3.24 3.55 3.24 3.33 0.410 0.415 0.405 0.405 3.73 3.8 3.7 3.71 0.320 0.335 0.315 0.335 4.050 4.100 4.050 4.100 MINING & OIL 0.0045 0.0045 0.0042 0.0042 1.95 2.25 2.06 2.12 4.45 4.64 4.45 4.51 0.200 0.210 0.203 0.210 0.56 0.62 0.56 0.59 0.390 0.430 0.385 0.425 7.70 8.10 7.27 8.06 0.670 0.670 0.630 0.650 0.265 0.285 0.265 0.280 0.246 0.305 0.265 0.290 0.260 0.320 0.280 0.295 0.0130 0.0140 0.0120 0.0130 0.012 0.014 0.013 0.014 1.72 1.75 1.7 1.75 4.8 4.82 4.62 4.79 2.48 2.6 2.4 2.45 0.5500 0.5800 0.5400 0.5800 1.1600 1.2300 1.1400 1.1900 0.0096 0.0095 0.0094 0.0094 5.36 6.05 5.60 5.93 1.47 1.55 1.46 1.51 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 121.50 124.00 120.20 123.10 1.87 1.96 1.79 1.88 PREFERRED 53 52.5 52.45 52.5 531 540 539 540 522 521 521 521 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1026 1026 1025 1025 105 105 105 105 108.5 109 109 109 80.6 80.5 80.5 80.5 82.6 83 82.5 82.5 79.6 79.6 79.6 79.6 2.3 2.1 2.1 2.1 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.600 2.700 2.400 2.500 SME 3.4 3.35 3.18 3.3 2.45 2.5 2.4 2.4 12.42 12.7 12.2 12.5 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 108.4 109.3 108.4 109.3

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

5.04 1.05 -1.96 5.49 5.15 1.27 5.56 1.14 0.00 1.34 0.81 -1.16 6.25 -1.06 -0.20 -1.35 3.11 0.00 -0.16 11.83 1.67

1,854,000 12,000 1,604,000 6,000 33,000 110,000 3,324,300 40,000 1,217,000 7,912,000 265,000 27,318,000 60,000 6,500 409,000 13,000 12,006,700 668,000 2,749,800 13,355,000 2,910,000

-320,410.00

1.59 0.55 0.00 -4.00 0.72 -2.13 -0.97 3.25 -6.81 -3.75 -0.85 -1.07 0.00 0.88 2.57 0.00 0.00 5.96 0.00 0.95 -0.82 -1.49 0.00 -1.82 -0.59 0.00 1.41 0.22 0.00 0.84 3.85 1.20 0.45 1.67 2.73 2.78 -1.22 -0.54 4.69 1.23

34,200 17,890 5,000 40,000 2,515,000 61,300,000 181,000 254,640 61,800 19,000 1,133,100 101,580 26,000 89,000 1,723,270 300 1,000,000 44,420,000 1,124,000 6,000 400 425,000 800 29,668,000 772,000 100,000 5,527,000 1,000 60,800 104,405 890,000 4,011,900 641,600 278,330 1,358,500 14,754,000 1,680,000 213,000 40,000 33,000

-6.67 8.72 1.35 5.00 5.36 8.97 4.68 -2.99 5.66 17.89 13.46 0.00 16.67 1.74 -0.21 -1.21 5.45 2.59 -2.08 10.63 2.72 0.00 1.32 0.53

1,112,000,00042,500.00 1,170,000 908,000 -1,468,120.00 840,000 1,944,000 9,000.00 9,640,000 97,750.00 55,100 13,976,000 -462,000.00 190,000 476,630,000 63,320,000 -603,300.00 1,231,900,000 208,500,000 480,000 51,300.00 5,650,000 -5,141,730.00 266,000 160,000 510,000 7,000,000 16,066,400 -15,033,927.00 527,000 -420.00 11,200,000 550,670 -10,549,159.00 394,000

-0.94 1.69 -0.19 0.00 -0.10 0.00 0.46 -0.12 -0.12 0.00 -8.70

160,410 3,690 100 250,000 18,320 162,100 5,110 20,000 49,300 11,600 1,000

-3.85

811,000

7,350.00

-2.94 -2.04 0.64

23,000 284,000 265,800

558,404.00

0.83

600

127,500.00 4,800.00 4,845,260.00 -46,000.00 5,501,820.00 -248,000.00 -46,632,740.00 781,765.00 -7,300.00 87,438,070.00 -200,345.00 -152,390.00 -1,093,130.00

-2,704,760.00 5,756,122.00

-66,351,485.00 10,260.00 -144,809.00 -43,520.00 -1,170.00 1,458.00 -672,570.00 611,800.00

-62,133,990.00 -60,750.00 -268,960.00 3,290,645.00 7,756,304.00 -288,550.00 -5,960,900.00 -3,800.00

-8,368,900.00

-17,020,500.00 -1,610,000.00 1,229,230.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Phoenix Semiconductor

1.59

18.66

Phil H2O

2.44

-18.39

Mabuhay Vinyl

3.19

18.15

Swift Pref

2.1

-8.70

Lepanto `A'

0.290

17.89

House of Inv.

5.30

-7.02

Manila Mining `B'

0.014

16.67

Centro Esc. Univ.

9.31

-6.81

Lepanto `B'

0.295

13.46

Abra Mining

0.0042

-6.67

Suntrust Home Dev. Inc.

1.040

11.83

Bright Kindle Resources

1.40

-5.41

LBC Express

8.9

11.25

AG Finance

2.64

-4.35

Philex `A'

5.93

10.63

Abacus Cons. `A'

0.330

-4.35

Zeus Holdings

0.315

10.53

Asian Terminals Inc.

10.08

-4.00

Coal Asia

0.425

8.97

LR Warrant

2.500

-3.85

FRIDAY: FEBRUARY 12, 2016

B3

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

Roulez THIS year, Valentine’s Day falls on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday.

In the store fronts of New Orleans bakeries, the gold, green, violets of Mardi Gras are giving way to reds and pinks.

Mardi Gras, of course, is simply French for Fat Tuesday. On this last day before Lent, this historically Catholic city breaks out into party mode. Our tour guide explains, only semi jokingly, that Mardi Gras is the city’s way of getting all of the sinning out of the way before Lent.

In a way, it is like a bachelor’s party or bachelorette party before the wedding day. The real question, of course, is why there is a need for that last hurrah at all.

Laissez As our guide readily admits, even though the day after Mardi Gras is meant to mark a more solemn time, the reality is that Mardi Gras is inevitably followed by other celebrations, including Saint Patrick’s day, Saint Joseph’s day and the Jazz festival which happens at the end of April. There is a part of New Orleans that is, quite simply, party central.

New Orleans, the birth place of Jazz, the Crescent city, the Big Easy, has a unique vibe.

Like the music it gave birth to, New Orleans can be plaintive or joyful, most predictable in its very unpredictability. The old French Quarter is a happy mishmash of old, historical landmarks. It includes the loud and colorful bars and restaurants of Bourbon street and the artsy nooks of Royal street, the entire place liberally sprinkled with artists, street performers, and Jazz musicians. Food, art and history jostle each other on every street.

It is a city of beautiful architecture.

Beautiful structures include the Roosevelt hotel, Hotel Moteleone and the Cathedral of Saint Louis.

The city has other faces, of course. It is a city of water. The city hugs a curve of the Mississippi River very near the Gulf of Mexico. Our guide explains that the locals don’t really go by compass points when they give directions. Instead, they will tell you to go towards the river, or towards the Lake (Lake Pontchartrain). The river, of course, was and is a major commercial artery and continues to define the city’s economy. Near the City Park, visitors can laze around Bayou Saint John, a peaceful body of water with pelicans, ducks and great big anahaw plants. In the park itself, stately oaks laden with the silvery lace of Spanish moss guard dark waters.

The bayous and oaks reflect the other part of the city, the one probably best experienced with a walking tour in the city’s garden district.

The garden district is a predominantly residential area, dominated by stately homes. Here, the slim iron posts of the galleries in the French quarter are replaced by stately columns. Walking through these streets is like stepping back in time.

The Big Easy, the city’s most common nickname, probably reflects the heart of the city. It is not, though, what some people think it is. It is not about laziness or irresponsibility. Rather, it is about let-

ting go and letting be.

Laissez, let go. That is the first word in a sentence on the wall of the Southwest Louisiana visitor’s bureau, on the shore of Lake Charles: Laissez les bon temp roulez. A Cajun phrase meaning Let the good times roll, It is a phrase most associated with the city of New Orleans. It is. Of course, the first step in change, letting go of the old in order to welcome something new.

Bon temps, bon saveur New Orleans is the sort of place that requires a retracing of steps; there are so many places to savor, in some cases, literally. New Orleans is not just a treat for the eyes and ears, it is a city that celebrates food.

The modern city offers two unique cuisines: Creole, the flavors of the early settlers of historical New Orleans, and Cajun, the flavors of the settlements around the city. These co-exist with the city’s version of French, Spanish, and Italian classics. I hit New Orleans with a list of dishes I had to try in the few days of our visit. So focused was I on food that I would have completely missed seeing the grand old Cathedral of Saint Louis had it not been pointed out to me. This was, of course, because I was concentrating completely on my first encounter with Café du Monde beignets, essentially a French donut.

A quick look at the city’s history explains why its food is a melting pot of many different traditions.

This history, as well as the continuing variety of local cuisine, however, is best explained by its geography. Nearby states give the city access to good meat and the gulf of Mexico gives it access to seafood.

Here is a place that can truly boast access to the bounty of both surf and turf.

Unlike other cities, however, where there are almost too many new things being done with food, New Orleans seems to be concentrating more on deepening roots.

This ability to concentrate on its own unique identity makes visiting this city a joy. It is unlike anywhere else.

Roulez Moving forward, as opposed to just moving, is, of course, not just about letting go. It is also not strictly about good times. It is about being clear about what is important and good.

In organization development, one of the tools we use is appreciative inquiry (AI). Essentially, AI is about clearly defining what is desirable, based on what has been found to create peak moments in the past. In this way, we let past evidence guide us in discovering what is truly important. This then guides our future goals.

Moving forward and making a commitment towards a bright future. It includes letting go of unnecessary strictures. It involves clarity about what is desired. And finally it is about moving forward, with courage and with joy.

Laissez les bon temps roulez. Let the good times roll. Because the future should be about embracing joy. I am in the right place for it this week.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Readers can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com.

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

San Miguel issuing shares to raise P30b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. is raising P30 billion through the issuance of preferred shares mainly to refinance maturing US dollar-denominated obligations amid a weaker peso.

The P30-billion preferred shares offering forms part of the P73.16-billion worth of Series 2 preferred shares under shelf registration and approved by the board of directors of San Miguel in January.

San Miguel said in a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission the initial tranche covered 280 million shares with an oversubscription of 120 million at an offering price of P75 per share.

San Miguel hired eight banks to handle the transaction. They are

BDO Capital and & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., ING Bank, PNB Capital and Investments Corp., RCBC Capital Corp., SB Capital Investments Corp., Standard Chartered Bank and United Coconut Planters Bank.

The company did not indicate the timetable of the offering. San Miguel has scheduled an investors’ briefing about the preferred shares offering on Feb. 17.

“Proceeds of this offer will be principally used for the refinancing of existing US dollar-denominated obligations of the company

and for other general corporate purposes,” San Miguel said.

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

The local currency has been weakening against the dollar on the recovery of the US economy.

The situation has made it more expensive for companies in the Southeast Asian nation to serve their dollar-denominated debt.

Economists from First Metro Investment Corp. and University of Asia and the Pacific earlier projected the peso might trade between 48 and 49 against the greenback this year, taking into consideration the volatility in the global financial markets.

San Miguel last year raised P33.5 billion also from the issuance of preferred shares at P75 apiece. The offering was five times oversubscribed, with the proceeds partly refinancing P54 billion of similar securities due that month.

Highly rated.

Standard Insurance Co. Inc. president Patricia Echauz-Chilip (right) receives from Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc a certificate of authority to operate for another three years.

Global Credit Rating Co., a highly reputable rating agency operating across four continents, affirmed the investment grade rating of the leading motorcar insurer to A(single A minus) for its claims-paying ability.

It also upgraded the international scale rating of the company to BB-, both with stable outlook.

Global Credit Rating is majority owned by DEG/ KFW, a banking group of the German government rated AAA.

BSP warns vs Global Investment Bank

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday advised the public not to do any transactions with Global Investment Bank, or GIB Philippines Bank Ltd., because it was not authorized to engage business in the Philippines.

The bank regulator in a statement Thursday warned the public against the unauthorized banking activities of GIB or GBPL in the country.

Bangko Sentral said in its Web site that GIB/GPBL misrepresented itself to the public as a licensed bank in the Philippines authorized to carry out banking transactions for international activities.

“The BSP clarifies that GIB/ GPBL has no certificate of authority to operate as a bank in the Philippines and is not licensed

to accept deposits. In view of this, the BSP strongly advises the public not to transact with GIB/ GPBL,” Bangko Sentral said.

Bangko Sentral also warned the public against fraudsters who mislead potential victims by providing a link in their Web site to a spoofed or fake Bangko Sentral Web site created purposely to deceive and make it appear that it is listed as a Bangko Sentral-supervised entity.

“To make sure that the correct Web site is accessed, the URL should be directly entered into the Web browser instead of clicking links from unknown sources,” it said.

Bangko Sentral also reminded the public to remain vigilant and cautious in handling online financial transaction, which should only be done on a secure, trusted

and verified Web site.

“A Web site is ‘secure’ if there is an ‘https’ in the URL and a closed padlock icon ( ) on the status or address bar of the browser. It is also prudent to avoid doing online financial transactions from internet cafés or public computer terminals,” it said.

The central bank said the caution would minimize the risk that sensitive information such as usernames and passwords are retained in the said terminals and eventually end up being used to conduct unauthorized transactions on behalf of the legitimate user.

“Furthermore, the BSP advises everyone to avoid opening and to immediately delete unsolicited messages also known as spam or junk e-mails from strangers to avoid falling prey to these scammers,” it said.

FRIDAY: FEBRUARY 12, 2016

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

Coca-Cola support.

IN BRIEF

Coca-Cola Femsa Philippines signs an agreement with the Labor Department to support employment and/ or livelihood programs for overseas Filipino workers returning permanently to the country. Under the partnership, Coca-Cola Femsa will work with the department to provide skills training, job matching, business seminars and other possible employment opportunities across the company’s extensive value chain. Shown during the signing of the agreement in Intramuros, Manila are Labor Secretary Rosalinda DimapilisBaldoz (left) and Coca-Cola Femsa Asia division director Fabricio Ponce.

BSP maintains rates

THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday kept the benchmark interest rates steady for the eleventh consecutive time since October 2014.

Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., who is also the chairman of the Monetary Board, said policy rates were retained at 4 percent for overnight borrowing and 6 percent for overnight lending.

“The Monetary Board’s assessment of manageable inflation dynamics and robust growth conditions continue to support steady monetary policy settings. Average inflation is projected to settle within the target range of 2 to 4 percent for 2016-2017, while inflation expectations remain firmly anchored within the inflation target band over the policy horizon,” Tetangco said.

He said the Monetary Board also noted that risks surrounding the inflation outlook had shifted slightly to the downside.

The board reduced the average inflation forecast for 2016 to 2.2 percent from the 2.4 percent estimate made in December 2015. The forecast for 2017 was maintained at 3.2 percent.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the board considered three factors before revising the 2016 forecast.

These were the declining oil prices, reduction in jeepney fares from P7.50 to P7 and lower inflation. Julito G. Rada

ERC: Explain rate hike

THE Energy Regulatory Commission ordered Manila Electric Co. to explain the P0.42-per- kilowatt-hour rate increase for residential consumers in February.

ERC chairman Jose Vicente Salazar asked Meralco “to submit the details and bases of its computation on generation rate, transmission rate, system loss rate, lifeline rate and other pass through charges together with the supporting documents thereof, within three days from receipt therein.”

Salazar said in a separate interview Meralco should submit its charge computation by Feb. 28 but “we can always require them to submit in advance of the period.”

“The order will indicate, will require Meralco to submit justification why rates increased last month. There was indication that it was a substantial increase so we’re asking them to justify the increase,” he said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Public debt declines OUTSTANDING public sector debt declined

1.6 percent year-on-year to P7.3 trillion as of end-September 2015.

The Finance Department said at P7.3 trillion, the public sector debt represented 55.8 percent of the gross domestic product, down from 60.3 percent of GDP in the same period in 2014.

“This figure marks the lowest OPSD debt-to-GDP ratio ever since the earliest comparable period of 1998, and is a marked difference from 2009, when it stood at 70.9 percent, a 15.1 percentage point difference,” the Finance Department said.

Outstanding public sector debt covers the general government debt, borrowings of both the 14 non-financial public corporations and the financial public corporations, less the intra-sector debt holdings.

“We will continue to closely monitor GOCC debt to ensure they remain healthy and resilient from external volatility. Over the past six years we have seen our GOCCs get their acts together. As long as there’s still room for improvement, you can expect the government to continue pushing for progress,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said.

Gabrielle H. Binaday

Foreign investments decline 3.4% to $5.5b

By Julito G. Rada

FOREIGN direct investments dropped 3.4 percent in the first 11 months to $5.5 billion from $5.64 billion a year ago, despite the double-digit growth in net inflows recorded in November.

Data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that net inflows of FDIs rose 16.4 percent in November to $464 million from $399 million a year ago. The November figure was also higher than the $451-million net inflow in October 2015.

“The robust FDI net inflows during the month was underpinned by sustained investor confidence on the economy on the back of the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamen-

tals,” Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

All major components recorded increases from the previous year’s levels. Contributing largely to the growth of FDI net inflows was the 26.6-percent expansion of net placements by parent companies abroad in debt instruments issued by local affiliates to $187 million from $148 million.

Net placements in equity capital also increased 11.2 percent to $224 million from $201 million a year ago. This developed as equity capital placements amounting to $234 million more than offset equity capital withdrawals of $10 million.

The bulk of equity capital placements came from the Netherlands, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States. These were channeled to manufacturing, financial and insurance, real estate, wholesale and retail trade, and information and communication activities.

Data showed the 11-month FDI net inflows declined, on account of the 9.9-percent drop in

Tarlac backs Clark City

STATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority said it has gained the support of Tarlac officials and residents for the development of Clark Green City.

BCDA said with the backing of the local community, development of Clark Green City was now in full swing.

“Road works are ongoing to improve and rehabilitate some 19.4 kilometers of existing roads leading to and within the Clark Green City,” BCDA president and chief executive Arnel Paciano Casanova said.

He said the roads would play a vital role in the development of the area and help increase its land value and economic potential as well as its attractiveness to interested investors.

The improved roads will service the development of Clark Green City’s phase 1 which covers 288 hectares and the future site of the 70-hectare University of the Philippines campus and other institutional areas. Othel V. Campos

Mitsubishi investments

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. is investing P4.3 billion to manufacture Mirage hatchback and sedan starting 2017 to participate in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program.

Mitsubishi Motors chairman and chief executive Osamu Masuko, Denso Corp. chairman Naboaki Katoh and Yazaki Corp. president Shinji Yazaki paid a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III Wednesday.

“I have expressed MMC’s determination to participate in the Cars program. We are going to make the investment right now.

We want to have an environment that creates more employment. This is the direction we want,” Masuko said in a news briefing at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.

He said Mitsubishi would soon file an application as a participant in the Cars program, which aimed to increase local vehicle production and sales. The Cars program provides time-bound fiscal and non-fiscal incentives worth P27 billion to three participating car makers who are expected to produce at least 200,000 units each over six years. Othel V. Campos

Election 2016: Let’s get ready to rumble!

THE gloves are off, and everyone is fair game now that the campaign season has officially kicked off. Excuse us if we do a Michael Buffer and holler, “Let’s get ready to ruuummmbllllle!” because this is going to be one heck of a fight especially for the position of president, dirty tricks included. For sure, money will flow (“Take it, take it!” a buddy with a mercenary streak urged his cronies, channeling the late Mauritian beauty queen Viveka Babajee, and belatedly adding, “But vote with your conscience!” when he noticed the dirty looks he was getting from the others.)

Happy Hour though is looking forward to hearing and watching those campaign jingles and videos that will range from the hilarious to absurd, to tearjerkers and in-your-face OPM-worthy materials. Early on, one of the pre-campaign videos that caught people’s attention is the material of former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima shot in black and white. It opens with a shot of a bar called Benito’s La Italia, panning to a man snorting coke then a sexily clad waitress who delivers not the tray she is holding but herself directly on the lap of a man seated on a table with other unsavory looking characters, discussing bribes and payoffs.

The next scene shows the troika of criminals getting caught in the rain then cornered in an alley by an umbrella-carrying figure in a trench coat – who turns out to be Leila de Lima. Close up on her face with the eyeglasses showing the Justice icon, then she tugs on a

net placements in debt instruments to $3 billion from $3.3 billion.

Bangko Sentral forecast that FDI net inflows would reach $6.3 billion in 2016. Bangko Sentral said the target was in line with the sustained positive developments in the domestic economy and some improvement in the global economic conditions as well as the implementation of public-private partnership projects.

It said the implementation of various PPP projects would send a strong signal to investors, boosting their confidence to invest in the country.

Foreign direct investments posted a record $6.2-billion net inflow in 2014, or 65.9 percent higher than $3.737 billion-net inflow registered in 2013.

Bangko Sentral’s statistics on foreign direct investments cover actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment or earnings and borrowings between affiliates.

chain out of nowhere and a cage falls on the criminals. A voice over then says Leila de Lima helped put the corrupt in prison, ending with the tag” Justice without fear or favor.” In fairness, the video is quite artistic but it’s the last part that many don’t really buy – the justice without fear or favor bit because De Lima is perceived to have a selective sense of justice that tilts more favorably to those identified with the yellow persuasion.

Our current favorite though is the “Iskolar ng Bayan ni Mr. R – Roman Romulo video” for being totally out of the box. Whoever thought of this ad should have a bonus from because it’s getting a lot of laughs that could translate into votes for the congressman from the lone district of Pasig.

The TVC begins with a scruffy looking man on his way home in a poor neighborhood, while a voice over talks about life’s misfortunes.

Turns out it was just a radio which the man proceeds to turn off – then gives the sad news that his son might not be able to go through college. And that’s where the hilarity starts, with the scrawny, nerdlike teen saying, in perfect, accented English: “But Dad, why? I’m at the top of my class!” He points to all his numerous medals and a comical exchange follows, with the man removing his wig to show his bald head to stress the kind of hardship he is going through.

It’s the way the TVC was crafted that makes it such a welcome (comic) relief from the other usual ho-hum campaign materials, and ends with Romulo (in his trademark pink shirt) suddenly appearing like a genie to tell the man and his kid that there’s hope – because Mr. R filed the “Iskolar ng Bayan” bill that provides free college education to students who graduated at the Top 10 bracket of their public high school batch, and not just the valedictorians, salutatorians and honorable mentions. The video ends with a photo of the man’s late wife now shown smiling with a thumbs-up sign. We couldn’t agree more.

To watch the video, click on this link so you’ll appreciate what we’re talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H9qycNIQl8.

••• For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may email to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com. You may also visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ happyhourmanilastandard. We’d be very happy to hear from you.

Cheers!

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

B5

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Outrage, anxiety reign at the border RAJU, South Korea—A sullen mood of anger and anxiety hung over scores of South Korean businessmen crossing the border Thursday into North Korea to save what they could of a decade-long investment.

A day after Seoul announced it was shutting down the jointly run Kaesong industrial park, which lies 10 kilometers inside North Korea, the heavy border traffic was almost exclusively in one direction... northwards.

Given barely any notice of the government’s decision, owners of the 124 companies operating factories in Kaesong dispatched trucks and managers to the complex in the early morning to start removing finished goods and equipment.

“I’m speechless at what has happened,” said Jang Ik-Ho, a manager with an engineering company in the complex.

“The companies have all done our best to make things work, and now this happens. What did we do to deserve this?” Jang said, as he prepared to cross into the North.

Jang’s remarks reflected a general sense of outrage among Kaesong’s South Korean business community over the shutdown order.

Opened in 2004 as a symbol of inter-Korean reconciliation, the project had—until now—proved remarkably immune to the regular upheavals in North-South relations.

But the awareness that much of the money that the North made from Kaesong went to leader Kim Jong-Un’s inner circle and the country’s nuclear weapons program has always grated, and last month’s nuclear test followed by a long-range rocket launch on Sunday proved to be the final straw.

The government in Seoul said the closure decision was “unavoidable” in the circumstances, but company owners insisted their businesses were being liquidated by bad politics.

“It’s as if we’re just being ordered to jump off a cliff,” said Jeong GiSeob, head of the Kaesong owners’ association.

Jeong also warned that companies could face severance payment totaling around 100 million dollars. AFP

WORLD After rocket test, allies target North’s finances PAJU, South Korea—The United States and its Asian allies tightened the economic screws on North Korea Thursday, with the US Senate adopting fresh sanctions and South Korean firms abandoning a joint industrial park that helped finance Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.

Arrival. Actress Nicola Peltz, in Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane, arrives at the Saint Laurent show at the Hollywood Palladium on February 10, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

The unilateral moves, which included Japanese sanctions, came with UN Security Council members still stalled on how far to go in punishing the North for its latest nuclear test and long-range rocket launch.

Following Seoul’s surprise decision to shut down the Kaesong industrial zone in North Korea, hundreds of South Korean trucks crossed the border Thursday morning to retrieve finished goods and equipment from the factories there.

Defending what it called an “unavoidable” decision to close the jointly run park, Seoul said North Korea had been using the hundreds of millions of dollars in hard-currency that it earned from Kaesong to fund its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

The move was slammed as “utterly incomprehensible” by the owners of the 124 South Korean companies operating factories in the estate, who said their businesses were being destroyed by politics.

“I’m speechless at what has happened,” said Jang Ik-Ho, a manager with an engineering company in the complex.

“The companies have all done our best to make things work, and now this happens. What did we do to deserve this?” Jang said, as he prepared to cross into the North.

Seoul has called on Pyongyang to ensure the “safe return of our citizens” amid concerns that the North Korean authorities might refuse to let everyone leave the park, which lies 10 kilometers over the border.

In September 2014, Pyongyang drafted a new operational regulation—rejected by Seoul—that would have allowed the North to detain South Korean businessmen in Kaesong in the event of an unresolved business dispute.

“It would be a lie to say I’m not worried about my personal safety,” said one textile company operative, Yoon Sang-Young.

Several people who crossed back into the South on Thursday said they had noticed an increased military presence in Kaesong, including armed soldiers carrying backpacks and sleeping bags. AFP

Thai Mad Men tugging at heartstrings with ‘sadverts’ BANGKOK—Feverishly jotting down ideas in a funky glass-paneled conference room, Thailand’s “Mad Men” are doing what they do best: creating tearjerker adverts that leave viewers scrambling for the tissue box.

The so-called “sadvertising” has exploded around the world in recent years as brands jostle to engage customers and stand out from competitors.

An annual nostalgia-tinged

Christmas commercial from retailer John Lewis has become a festive tradition in Britain, while Budweiser’s Lost Dog pulled heart strings and swept advertising awards in the US. But few places are doing it with such devastating efficacy as the Thais, where the adverts are often as gruelling as they are memorable.

To outsiders Thailand advertises itself as the Land of Smiles, but its more emotionally complex than

that.

The Thai language has more than one hundred phrases that use the word heart—”jai”—to discuss a whole gamut of emotions, while its soap operas are renowned for their notoriously tragic storylines.

The same is true of adverts. One recent spot, for a lingerie brand, pivots on a woman diagnosed with cancer on the same day she discovers she is pregnant, leaving her with the heart-wrenching choice

of risking the baby’s life with chemotherapy, or her own.

Another, accompanied by the trademark soft piano music and a melancholic voiceover, is about a deaf and dumb father who saves his daughter with a blood transfusion after she attempts suicide.

The emotional punch packed by such adverts has flummoxed many international viewers, with videos of non-Thais trying not to weep through the adverts doing

the rounds on YouTube.

“This is so horrible,” exclaims one viewer under the name ‘Deadlox’ as he watches the advert featuring the girl who attempts suicide, which was commissioned by a life insurance company.

“Why would they do that?”, he says of the filmmakers.

Jinn Powprapai, founder of CJ Worx, a Bangkok agency that specializes in producing emotional viral adverts, offers one answer. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Pambansang Pangasiwaan ng Patubig (National Irrigation Administration) UPPER PAMPANGA RIVER INTEGRATED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Division III Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City 3100 Tel. No. (044) 463-1346

INVITATION TO BID NO. UPRIIS-DIII- 01-2016 The National Irrigation Administration, Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (NIA-UPRIIS) Division III, Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City, through the GAA CY 2016 Regular Infra funded projects under UPRIIS-Division III Service Area intends to apply the hereunder Approved Budgets for the Contract to payment of the corresponding contract below. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1. a. Contract ID: b. Contract Name: c. Location: d. Scope of Works: e. ABC: f. Contract Duration: 2. a. Contract ID: b. Contract Name: c. Location: d. Scope of Works: e. ABC: f. Contract Duration:

DIII-RRREIS-2016-01 Improvement of Lateral AM, AM-3 & AM-5 & Installation of Steelgates Aliaga, N.E. Construction of Concrete Lining, Installation of New Steelgates and Canal Excavation 13,950,000.00 180 cal. Days DIII-RRREIS-2016-02 Improvement of DC-2 Tail Ends, Installation of Steelgates & Road Resurfacing Cabanatuan City, N.E. Construction of Concrete Lining, Installation of Steelgates and Road Resurfacing Works 9,300,000.00 150 cal. days

3. a. b. c. d. e. f.

Contract ID: Contract Name: Location: Scope of Works: ABC: Contract Duration:

DIII-RRREIS-2016-03 Improvement of DC-2 @Natividad Natividad, N.E. Construction of Concrete Lining 9,300,000.00 150 cal. days

4. a. b. c. d. e. f.

Contract ID: Contract Name: Location: Scope of Works: ABC: Contract Duration:

DIII-RRREIS-2016-04 Improvement of TBBMC, TMC & BBMC San Leonardo, N.E. Construction of Concrete Lining & Structure 16,275,000.00 180 cal. days

5. a. b. c. d. e. f.

Contract ID Contract Name Location Scope of Works ABC Contract Duration

: DIII-RRREIS-2016-05 : Improvement of PBRIS MC @ Sta. Rosa : Sta. Rosa, N.E. : Construction of Concrete Lining : 4,710,500.00 : 120 cal. Days

6. a. b. c. d. e. f.

Contract ID: Contract Name: Location: Scope of Works: ABC: Contract Duration:

DIII-RRREIS-2016-06 Improvement of Lateral B & PBRIS MC Cabanatuan City, N.E. Construction of Concrete Lining 4,650,000.00 120 cal. Days

7. a. Contract ID: b. Contract Name: c. Location: d. Scope of Works: e. ABC: f. Contract Duration: 8. a. Contract ID: b. Contract Name: c. Location: d. Scope of Works: e. ABC: f. Contract Duration: 9. a. Contract ID: b. Contract Name: c. Location: d. Scope of Works: e. ABC: f. Contract Duration: 10. a. Contract ID: b. Contract Name: c. d. e. f.

Location: Scope of Works: ABC: Contract Duration:

11. a. Contract ID: b. Contract Name: c. d. e. f.

Location: Scope of Works: ABC: Contract Duration:

DIII-RRREIS-2016-07 Improvement of Lateral G & Various Irrigation Facilities San Leonardo, N.E. Construction of Concrete Lining, CHB & Structures, Improvement of Lining Canals & Roadways 14,133,733.85 180 cal. Days DIII-EEEIS-2016-01 Construction of TBBMC Ext’n,Concrete Lining & Raising of Embankment @ TBBMC San Leonardo, N.E. Construction of Canal, Concrete Lining & Structure 9,418,000.00 150 cal. Days DIII-EEEIS-2016-02 Construction of Pump house & Appurtenant Structures and Supply, Delivery & Installation of Pumps Cabiao, N.E. Construction of Structures, Installation Pumps & Engines 18,672,750.22 360 cal. Days DIII-EEEIS-2016-03 Construction of CHB Canal & Structures @ Bagong Sikat Cabiao, N.E. Construction of CHB Line Canal & Structures 4,945,710.24 120 cal. Days DIII-EEEIS-2016-04 Construction of CHB Canal & Structures @ Lat. D Ext’n & Installation of Steelgates San Antonio, N.E. Construction of CHB Line Canal 14,175,088.87 180 cal. Days

Interested bidder may obtain further information from UPRIIS-Division III Office, Cabanatuan City and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below February 12, 2016 to March 3, 2016 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and March 4, 2016 from 8:00 am – 10:00 am for contract IDs DIII-RRREIS-2016-01, DIII-RRREIS-2016-02, DIII-RRREIS-2016-03, DIII-RRREIS-2016-04, DIII-RRREIS-2016-05, DIII-RRREIS-2016-06, DIII-RRREIS-2016-07, DIII-EEEIS-2016-01, DIIIEEEIS-2016-02, DIII-EEEIS-2016-03 & DIII-EEEIS-2016-04 .

A complete set of Bidding Documents (BD’s) may be purchased by the interested Bidders from the address below upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount shown below: CONTRACT ID NOS.

AMOUNT

DIII-RRREIS-2016-01

Php 15,000.00

DIII-RRREIS-2016-02

Php 10,000.00

DIII-RRREIS-2016-03

Php 10,000.00

DIII-RRREIS-2016-04

Php 20,000.00

DIII-RRREIS-2016-05

Php 5,000.00

DIII-RRREIS-2016-06

Php 5,000.00

DIII-RRREIS-2016-07

Php 15,000.00

DIII-EEEIS-2016-01

Php 10,000.00

DIII-EEEIS-2016-02

Php 20,000.00

DIII-EEEIS-2016-03

Php 5,000.00

DIII-EEEIS-2016-04

Php 15,000.00

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) www.philgepsgov.ph and the website of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) www.niagov.ph provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Pre-Bid Conference to be held at the Conference Room, NIA-UPRIIS Division III, Cabanatuan City at 2:00 pm, February 19, 2016 shall open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable form and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below: ACTIVITIES 1. Issuance of Bidding Documents

CONTRACT ID NOS. DIII-RRREIS-2016-01, DIII-RRREIS-2016-02 DIII-RRREIS-2016-03, DIII-RRREIS-2016-04 DIII-RRREIS-2016-05, DIII-RRREIS-2016-06 DIII-RRREIS-2016-07, DIII-EEEIS-2016-01 DIII-EEEIS-2016-02, DIII-EEEIS-2016-03 DIIIEEEIS-2016-04 2. Deadline for payment DIII-RRREIS-2016-01, of Bid Docs, Reciepts DIII-RRREIS-2016-02 and Submission of Bids DIII-RRREIS-2016-03, DIII-RRREIS-2016-04 DIII-RRREIS-2016-05, DIII-RRREIS-2016-06 DIII-RRREIS-2016-07, DIII-EEEIS-2016-01 DIII-EEEIS-2016-02, DIII-EEEIS-2016-03 DIIIEEEIS-2016-04 3. Opening of Bids DIII-RRREIS-2016-01, DIII-RRREIS-2016-02 DIII-RRREIS-2016-03, DIII-RRREIS-2016-04 DIII-RRREIS-2016-05, DIII-RRREIS-2016-06 DIII-RRREIS-2016-07, DIII-EEEIS-2016-01 DIII-EEEIS-2016-02, DIIIEEEIS-2016-03 DIII-EEEIS-2016-04

February 12 – March 3, 2016 8:00 am – 5:00am March 4, 2016 @ 10:00 am

March 4, 2016 @ 12:00 nn

March 4, 2016 @ 2:00 pm

Prospective Bidder shall submit their duly accompanied forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, including the eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid.

Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post-qualification.

The NIA-UPRIIS Division III Office, Cabanatuan City, reserve the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to Contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

Submit your bids and for further information refer to: JOSE ARIEL G. DOMINGO BAC Chairman NIA-UPRIIS Division III Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City 3100

JOSE ARIEL G. DOMINGO Chief, Operations & Maintenance Section Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee Noted by:

The National Irrigation Administration, Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (NIA-UPRIIS) Division III Office now invites bids for the abovenamed project. Bidder should have experience in undertaking a similar project within the last two (2) years with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project. The description of an eligible bidders is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorship, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (70%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

DATE AND TIME

(SGD.) JOSELITO A. MANGUNAY Division Manager, NIA-UPRIIS Division III Noted by:

(SGD.) FLORENTINO R. DAVID, CESE Department Manager, NIA-UPRIIS (TS-FEB. 12, 2016)

Scared tourists flocking to Spain BA R C E L O NA— It’s low season and the sun in Barcelona shines only timidly, but Noel Sheehan’s cycling tours are doing a roaring trade as holiday-makers shun their usual Mediterranean tourism hot spots after a spate of jihadist attacks.

As the world’s third tourism destination after France and the United States, Spain has already beaten records in the number of foreign visitors for three years in a row, and 2016 is expected to follow the same trend.

“I’ve been doing this for 16 years and 2015 was our best year,” Sheehan tells AFP in the office of his tour company, tucked away in a small, pedestrian alley in the picturesque Gothic quarter of this Mediterranean city -- the most visited in Spain.

“We’ve been working well during winter too and we’re receiving more calls to ask for information or bookings for the high season,” says the bearded Irishman as he prepares bikes for the next tour.

He adds that for some time now, Europeans have for a large part replaced Americans in his client list, thanks to the expansion of lowcost airlines and sporadic unrest in many Mediterranean countries.

The jihadist attacks on tourists in Tunisia last year and the ISclaimed October crash of a Russian plane that took off from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, as well as a suicide bomb in Istanbul, have seen travelers shunning these once-favored vacation destinations.

People like Florian Grohe and Saskia Oetzmann, a young couple from Munich in Germany who had originally planned to go to Istanbul, but ended up in Barcelona.

“Our parents were saying all the time ‘don’t go now, don’t go now, look for something else’ and flights to Barcelona were cheaper,” said Oetzmann.

“We were not scared but we did not want them to worry and I am a big supporter of FC Barcelona, so it was a good choice as well,” added Grohe.

Oetzmann and Grohe are but a drop in the ocean of tourists in Spain. Some 68.1 million foreign travelers visited in 2015, nearly five percent more than the previous year. AFP

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

B7

JUST JETTA Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

JUST before the year of the fire monkey set in, Volkswagen Philippines held an appreciation night at the Volkswagen BGC showroom in recognition of the media’s role in the company’s achievements in 2015.

Volkswagen Philippines led by its president and chief executive officer John Philip Orbeta and chief operating adviser Klaus Schadewald ushered in the double celebration, the appreciation party and the launching of the new VW Jetta sedan.

"Volkswagen Philippines enters 2016 a much stronger corporate entity due to the confluence of several things: an enduring and trusted brand, a pedigree of professionalism, integrity and customer service and strong support from our parent Ayala Corporation and your role as our media partners to serve as an indispensable link between Volkswagen and the public,” Orbeta said in his welcome remarks. “The Volkswagen brand has ridden on this unprecedented industry wave, and I express my deepest appreciation to all of you for helping us achieve extensive market awareness for

our entire product line-up. I also want to express my gratitude for helping Volkswagen hurdle the challenges along the way, through your balanced, objective and fair reports of the various automotive issues."

Raising the bar, Volkswagen rolled out the Jetta sedan in gasoline and diesel versions.

According to Schadewald, the target market for the Jetta are the upwardly From left: Franz Decloedt, marketing director; Klaus Schadewald, chief operating adviser; and, JP Orbeta, president and mobile professionals and CEO. young executives who demand power, comfort and variant has a 1.4 TSI engine with Comfort Brake Assist- will introduce in 2016 the respectively and is available fuel efficiency in their daily which is mated to a 7-speed ant, Antilock Brake System following product develop- in five colors: Pure White, drives. The high-end vari- DSG transmission with 118 (ABS), Electronic Differen- ments: The Golf Comfort- Deep Black Pearl, Ruby Red ant Comfortline features kW (160 Ps) at 5,800 rpm tial Lock and Anti Slip Reg- line and Highline variants; Metallic, Blue Silk Metallic, a 2.0 Turbo Common Rail of power and maximum ulation, Hill Hold Control, the R-Line of the Passat and and Platinum Grey Metallic Direct Injection 4-cylinder torque of 177 lb-ft (240Nm) and Cruise Control.

Touareg, and; the return of (for Comfortline). diesel engine, mated to a at 1,500-4,500 rpm.

Volkswagen also preVW also announced up- the original rugged version 6-speed DSG transmission, The new Jetta is also load- grades to the popular Polo of the iconic Beetle – Beetle sented an addition to its with a maximum output ed with upgraded drive and subcompact sedan and com- Dune.

BGC dealership, an Ilof 103 kW (140 Ps) at 4,200 safety features such as driv- pact SUV Tiguan and some The new Jetta 2.0 TDI ustrado satellite restaurant rpm, and maximum torque er, passenger, side and head surprising news from Ger- DSG Comfortline and 1.4 at a quaint corner of the of 236 lb-ft (320Nm) at 1,750 curtain airbags, Electronic many. Schadewald said that TSI DSG Trendline retails at showroom which serves rpm. The gasoline Trendline Stabilisation Program (ESP) Volkswagen Philippines P1,498,000 and P1,378,000, Filipino dishes.

FAST FASTLANE

High performance, better protection

Davao City puts faith in Tata TATA Motors Davao, which is operated by Davao Bonifacio Motors Incorporated, along with, Davao City Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, turned over the second batch of Tata Ace Bata units with jeepney bodies to 53 barangays, with each barangay receiving one unit. The turnover ceremony was held at the People’s Park, Davao City at around 4:00 p.m.

The released 53 units of Tata Ace Bata Jeepney units are the second batch on top of the first 101 units initially released last March 2015 for the police stations of Davao City.

The Tata Ace Bata Jeepneys, will be used as emergency response vehicles for the City of Davao during times of calamity and to be used by the local government units for their day to

day operations.

The Tata Ace “Bata” Jeepney is the best in its category for fuel efficiency with its efficient Diesel engine and a load capacity of 750kg. Best as a jeepney body variant, it can confidently brave both city and rural roadsbecause of bigger tires, high ground clearance, independent suspension system with disc brakes and drum brakes for the front and rear, respectively. Safety is a big investment, so the Tata Ace has intrusion panels on the front doors, seat belts, and a crashtested body from the front, roof and back. Various body configurations can be used on the Ace, as well as a 2 year or 36,000 km warranty is included in every purchase thus making it a very versatile investment.

MOTUL’S top-of-the-line, full synthetic racing oil with technical expertise and race track experience crammed into it, 300V is the brand’s most popular product the most trusted brand by racing teams all over the World. 300V is cutting-edge stuff, and while you certainly can use it in every application, and advisable for usage for daily driving your high performance car.

Mechanics at the Dakar Rally or LeMans endurance race empty a can of the stuff into the competition vehicles they service, and it’s the exact same stuff that you can buy off-theshelf at your local Motul dealer or service provider.

Racing oils provide the same things that ‘street’ (or regular) oils do: Improve power, protect the engine, improve the reliability and

longevity of components.

300V is a very specific product, and there are even different formulations for different racing applications, from sprint races to endurance rallies.

So, besides those with actual racing cars, who should use 300V? Avid motorsport enthusiasts whose vehicle are in a high state of tune or which are used regularly at track days or sporting events such as time attacks, gymkhana or drag races.

The reformulated 300V line now has eight different product options. Six viscosities found previously in the line include: 0W20, 5W30, 5W40, 10W40, 15W50 and 20W60. Two new additional viscosities include: 0W15 for pure performance and 0W40 for power and optimized reliability.

More ETC lanes on Skyway, SLEX MOTORISTS will be seeing more lanes marked as “ETC” or electronic toll collection lanes to allow them to experience the benefits of the latest technologies in cashless or electronic tolling on the Skyway System and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

“ETC” lanes are primarily for vehicles using the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker tags that enable faster transaction and safer travel along the Skyway and SLEX. Motorists can avail of the RFID sticker tags at the SLEX Office in Calamba, Skyway Office in Bicutan, Parañaque and selected Petron service stations in Metro Manila.

A limited number of RFID stickers are being issued for free and motorists are encouraged to avail of this

promotion while there are a few units remaining.

RFID installations in villages and barangays are also ongoing. Companies, villages, subdivisions and organizations may also contact the RFID accounts management group for corporate and fleet servicing at (02)632-3886 or (02)318-TOLL(8655) and/ or email at customercare@ skywayslexrfid.com. For more details and updates, motorist may also visit the RFID website: www.skywayslexrfid.com.

In another development, effective April 1, 2016, the old e-Pass system will cease to operate. All e-Pass users who want to continue enjoying electronic tolling are requested to convert their accounts to RFID on or before March 31, 2016.

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

motoring Text and photo by Dino Ray V. Directo III

There’s a whale of a difference BeTween Toyota’s latest iteration of the alphard and the previous model. one thing that hits you is the massive “in your face” chrome grille design. You would think that this luxury van is part of optimus Prime’s crew that would transform any time a decepticon decides to spring a surprise and ambush the autobots on the road.

While the domestic market is not that big on luxury vans such as the alphard and would rather stick to the traditional ones like the Hi ace Grandia, a discerning few would prefer to travel in style sitting on a Captain’s chair while stuck in a horrendous traffic jam.

The alphard is a star in countries like China and Hong Kong where the it is the preferred choice of limousine services and companies for their VIP fleet. In Japan, where the van culture is a bit on the wild side, owners slam their alphards to the ground with coilovers, wide wheels and a sound system that can be heard a block away.

The alphard was designed and built to compete with the nissan elgrand and Honda’s elysion, a luxury van related to the odyssey but not in the same

a whale on wheels

mold. “The alphard interior emphasizes luxury, while its exterior emphasizes boldness in design,” says Satoru Suzuki, president of Toyota Motors Philippines. although the alphard has a four-banger version, it’s a good thing that Toyota supplied this third generation to the local market with its high end variant that comes equipped with a powerful 3.6 liter V6. For a passenger van

that weighs 1,790 kilograms, this luxury on wheels is agile and has no qualms driving up a hill on a full load of six adults and more.

When you buy this luxury yatch on wheels, expect VIP treatment all the way. like a seat at a hotel lounge, the suspension is cushier than the average van, luxurious and wide second row Captain’s chairs with a wood grain finished side table with a power ottoman

function; plus an abundant trim of 3-D printed olive burl woodgrain panels with a metallic base layer which spells out a luxury-techno nature experience. It has a superb sounding 17-speaker JBl system and twin moon roofs complimented by a roof mounted leD lighting system for that nighttime visual experience.

Known as the Toyota arufado in Japan, this full-size MPV has been in production

since 2002. It is available in either seven or eight seater and primarily sold in Japan, South east asia, Uae and in russia, the model’s only european market. It has grown in length by 60mm, width by 20mm and a longer 50mm wheelbase in comparison with the previous generation.

The alphard retails at P3.277 M, not much of a difference from the special White Pearl version that fetches P3.292M.

This baby’s in black and rolls on all fours

FERRARI GTC4LUSSO

Maranello—Ferrari has an addition to its range, the GTC4lusso, a four-seater which is said to be a major evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer concept by integrating rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time.

This is a car designed for clients wanting to experience the pleasure of driving a Ferrari anywhere, anytime, be it on short spins or long journeys, snowy mountain roads or city streets, alone or in the company of three lucky passengers. Drivers who demand exceptional power but refuse to compromise on in-car comfort, sporty elegance and impeccable detailing. In short, the GTC4lusso brings unprecedented versatility to Ferrari driving, like the FF before it which won the Prancing Horse a new, younger client base that, significantly, also makes greater use of its cars, clocking up 30% higher mileage than average.

The GTC4lusso’s name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT - one of enzo Ferrari’s favourites - and the 250 GT Berlinetta lusso, which represented a sublime combination of elegance and high performance. The number 4 alludes to the car’s four comfortable seats.

The GTC4lusso’s 12-cylinder engine punchersd out a massive 690 cv at 8,000 rpm. Both its 2.6 kg/cv weight-to-power ratio and its 13.5:1 compression ratio set new records for the category.

Maximum torque is 697 nm at 5,750 rpm with 80% already available at just 1,750 rpm for superb responsiveness even at low revs.

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE

Red Letter Day

Valentine Gift Ideas For Your Lady Love 3

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kay, so just because it is Valentine’s and red is prevalent for the season doesn’t mean that it’s the only color you can gift her for hearts’ day.

We understand your man bun frustration on having to find the perfect gift for your lady love, so we put together some ideas for you to choose from. Women differ in personality and taste, and just because a friend of yours likes a certain thing doesn’t mean that your girlfriend or wife will like the same thing.

Based on her personality, choose styles and items that she will truly love. Here’s a list of items from Spring/Summer 2016 that might just give you an idea on what to wrap for Valentine’s.

Furla: A colorful Interlude Is she a fun and happy kind of gal, a little eclectic and likes to wear colorful items?

Furla’s bag collection for SS2016 features an array of colorful shades in playful graphic compositions with a strong gender-bender appeal that is versatile for both day and night.

Choose from a palette of shell, onyx, acid green, turquoise, sienna brown and lots of deep red interwoven in geometric 3-D

shapes for a fun V-Day present. There are also small leather goods and accessories to match her colorful personality.

get her something that she can use at night as she transforms into a fierce maven after a hectic workday.

1 Artesia Large Top Handle in Ruby; 2 Furla Zafiro Bag; 3 Metropolis Mini Crossbody in Onyx, Chalk and Turchese; 4 Venere Furla Bracelet in Carminio

5 Vita 100 pantent leather nude; 6 Agnes patent leather-latte; 6 Candy-aluminum gold; 8 Riley – smooth leather watersnake – dark Shiraz; 8

Furla is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Jimmy Choo is located at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Plaza East Wing.

Jimmy Choo: All in a day’s work She works hard as everyone’s boss and still commands presence in parties and social gatherings at night. Yes, this can be a hard one to buy fashion items for as she will probably laugh at your choices once she opens your purchase. Jimmy Choo’s Spring Summer 2016 will probably not disappoint; the new collection ushers in an upbeat attitude that marries the old and new, almost with artisanal vintage references blended with bold, graphic architectural detail. Pumps are usually part of the daily arsenal for the working girl, together with a sharp bag that can support her daily carry-ons. You might also want to

Michael Kors: Sunshiny Gal Summer is already near and if it’s one of your girl’s favorite seasons, then Michael Kors’ latest shoes and accessories’ collection might be your go to for her gifts. The new collection exudes earthy elegance and we chose something woven and something white from the collection thatt are easiest to pair with any breezy and flowy summer outfit.

9 Michael Kors White Gabriella Medium Cornhusk Satchel; 10 Michael Kors White Holly Leather Sandal; 11 Michael Kors White Silver-Tone Clear Kempton Patent Watch

Michael Kors is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Radley: Polished Sporty For Spring Summer, Radley is taking sporty to a sleeker, more polished look.

The collection has a sharp and confident feel that even self-proclaimed sportsshy personalities can turn into fullon athletics mode. If your girl is into the sporty look but requires a sleeker wearable for work, then you may opt for Radley’s backpack designs. They are sporty yet polished, perfectly designed for office and off-duty days.

12 Essex Road Large Ziptop Backpack in Black; 13 Border Large Flapover Backpack in Blonde; 14 Essex Road Large Ziptop Backpack in Reed

Radley is located at Shangri-La Plaza Rustan’s: All that glitters Sometimes, shining and shimmering jewelries always win a woman’s heart.

And at Rustan’s, they’ve curated the most coveted and luxurious brands for your Valentine. For the woman of taste and elegance, you may choose from the delicate designs by different luxury brands like Carrera Y Carrera, Tiffany & Co, Damiani, Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, Meissen, Continued from c1

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

FEEL THE LOVE FROM SOUL TO SOLE WITH YOSI SAMRA

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alentine’s Day is just around the corner, and love is definitely in the air. Men typically give flowers and chocolates but a girl will think it even sweeter if her man will give her something that’s cute and fashionable but also functional and practical – something that would make her feel good from “soul to sole.”

Think Yosi Samra, the New York brand that inspired fold-up ballet flats whose elegant and classic pieces with runway-inspired details are also known for quality craftsmanship. The latest line from YS comes in a wide array of supple leathers, satins, patents and suede in bold prints, rich tones, and classic neutrals that will suit every personality and preference.

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Thanks to its ultraflexible design, any Yosi Samra pair conveniently folds into a small pouch that fits in her bag – making quick changes from high heels to chic flats a breeze. What’s more, the flats are perfect, whether for dancing or a romantic stroll under the moonlight.

The brand also recently launched the first ever Yosi Samra Elite Card to give customers a bevy of perks such as exclusive access to sale previews and new collections. Just visit the nearest participating Yosi Samra branch to avail of the Yosi Samra Promo Card. For every YS pair purchased, a customer gets one corresponding stub. Collect a total of 10 stubs – five from the Core Collection and five from the Fall/Winter 2015 or Spring/Summer 2016

The YS Elite card gives exclusive perks

Collection – to claim the Yosi Samra Elite Card at your branch of choice.

The brand also brings the perk of personalization to cardholders with chic monograms. Patrons can enjoy wearing their favorite Yosi Samra pair (except for patent leather designs) with

their initials embellished in rich gold imprint.

With monograms, the brand bestows upon Elite Cardholders an elegant, subtle way of making their ballet flats truly their own.

Customers can claim their personalized pairs after three working days.

Elite Card redemption period runs until August 10.

Green Tee, Inc. is the Exclusive Regional Distributor for Yosi Samra in Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. To date, it has a total of 14 local branches, including ones in Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod,

and Iloilo. Globally, YS is available in over 1,000 boutiques across the US and 85 countries. For branch locations and collection updates, follow Yosi Samra Philippines: www.facebook. com/YosiSamraPhilippines and www.instagram.com/ yosisamra.ph.

UNO DE 50’S VALENTINE COLLECTION HITS THE MARK WITH HEARTS AND ARROWS

alentine’s Day is just two days away, and if you want to make your lady love feel special, you should gift her with something that pays homage to her femininity yet celebrates her feisty spirit and character. After all, no two women are the same – not even identical twins for that matter.

This Valentine, Uno de 50 has launched a capsule collection that allows women to celebrate the day of hearts in their own manner, with pieces done in silver and leather that evoke individuality and independence while retaining that feminine appeal.

In keeping with its mold-breaking and urban spirit, the Spanish jewelry firm is armed to captivate with necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in the shape of shooting arrows and pierced hearts.

The brand’s design team took inspiration from some of the most iconic characters in art and literature, such as Bonnie and Clyde, Thelma and Louise, Tristan and

Isolde, or Don Quixote and Dulcinea in naming original creations for Valentine’s Day this year.

Through its creativity, unique style, bold spirit, and 100 percent handcrafted pieces, UNO de 50 makes a statement that sets it apart from the rest. Founded in the late 1990s by the group of designers who resolved to establish a brand of fashion jewelry and accessories that would break all existing molds, Uno de 50 has since asserted itself with its daringly innovative philosophy of creating only 50 units for each design, in keeping with its trademark name. This unorthodox approach soon proved an unqualified success.

UNO de 50 currently has more than 50 shops in Spain and over 25 located in some of the world’s top fashion capitals such as New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Milan, Rome, and Amsterdam. In Southeast Asia, it opened its first store in partnership with SM Retail at SM Aura Premier.

Bonnie&Clyde brown leather necklace with a long pendant going through a big silver-plated metal heart

UNOde50’s Valentine Collection pieces evoke a rebellious but sophisticated appeal

Tristan&Isolda brown leather long pendant, with an arrow shaped silver-plated metal knotted in a very original way

Michael&Cameron bracelet with a silver-plated metal arrow with a tip that serves as its lock

Iman&Bowine earrings

Don Quixote&Dulcinea original leather and silverplated metal earrings

Iman&Bowine silver plated necklace with a flat heart pendant pierced by an arrow

UNO de 50 is located at the Second Level of SM Aura Premier, the Third Floor of SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall, at the Second Level of the SM Mall of Asia’s Main Hall, at the Ground Floor of SM Makati, and at the Ground Floor of SM Store’s Branded Accessories Section in SM City Cebu. Visit and like UNO de 50’s Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/unode50.es.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

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@LIFEatStandard

ZALORA’S VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

o time to go to malls and find the best Valentines gift for that special someone in your life? Head on to www.zalora.com.ph and browse on the Valentine’s Day Gift Guide that Zalora has in store for you. Browse for fashion items for him and for her and have them delivered to your doorstep with a kiss and signed “Love, Zalora.”

“Thinking of the perfect gift for our loved ones is often harder than it seems. That’s why we, at Zalora, want to go the extra mile for our customers with our Valentine’s Day gift guide where we thoughtfully put together a list of clothes and accessories for both men and women,” says Paulo Campos, co-founder and CEO of Zalora Philippines.

The house of Zalora curated a gift guide that suits anyone’s personality –whether he is sporty or a globe trotter, or she’s a dainty maven or a plain Jane, the online site has affordable and stylish items ready to be shipped to your doorstep. No need to shuffle on so many items at the Men’s section as the store already put together recommended fashion pieces for him – from coats, jackets, shirts, pants and shoes to accessories.

Score major points with her if you pick carefully curated fashion items chosen for her personality. She will not only think you know her by heart, she will also think you’ve got good taste.

“We know that each person is different. That’s why we’re very excited to share our Valentine’s Day collection, which has gift ideas for men and women for any personality, any date, and, not to mention, any budget,” says Campos.

Shop at Zalora’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide and enjoy flexible payment methods, fast delivery, and the 15-minute Try-It-On and 30-day Free Return features. Visit www. zalora.com.ph or download the Zalora app and surprise your partner with exciting gifts.

For your sporty man

Valentine's Day Gift Guide showcases affordable and stylish items ready to be shipped to your doorstep

Zalora prepared a gift guide for every type of man

Continued from c1

RED LETTER DAY: VALENTINE’S GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR LADY LOVE

Mikimoto, Yvel, Tamara Comolli, Ippolita, Ziio, Adami & Martucci, and John Hardy, among others.

Saint Laurent Paris is located at the East Wing of ShangriLa Plaza.

15 Carrera Y Carrera Love Ring in White and Yellow Gold with Diamonds; 16 John Hardy Women’s Classic Chain Silver Diamond Pave Multi Row Coil Ring; 17 John Hardy Women’s Dot Gold and Silver Kick Cuff with Fresh Water Pearl;

Salvatore Ferragamo: Black is her warmest color In fashion, the trend has become gender-less dressing, and sometimes it bewilders you why your lovely girl is wearing a man-repellent outfit to hide her devilish woman curves. She also loves to wear anything black and white and those may be her favorite colors. Well, you’re with her for a reason so you must love her fashion forward taste in fashion. Check out Salvatore Ferragamo’s accessory collection for SS2016. The brand has black selections from bags to shoes, and even jewelries that are fierce – definite statement pieces for your girl.

18 Meissen Joaillerie Timepiece Arabian Nights Flying Carpet Pave

To know more about the latest collections available in the stores, you may visit Rustan’s in Makati, Shangri-La, Gateway, Alabang and Cebu.

Saint Laurent: Animal Instinct If your girl is into bedazzled and embroidered animal prints, then Saint Laurent’s Spring 2016 accessory collection is a good choice. A classy fringed shoulder bag with animal print may complement her creative and sexy wild side.

A glammed up leopard sequin bag will make her purr.

19 Medium Kate Serpent monogram Saint Laurent in Tapisserie fauves and black leather with fringes; 20 Small bijoux bag in leopard sequins.

21 Stone bucket bag; 22 Gaia sandals; 23 Tahiti Pearl Ring

Salvatore Ferragamo is located at Alabang Town Center, Greenbelt 4, Newport Mall, Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La.

TOD’s: Turn up the Funk Tod’s newest collection shows younger and edgier designs inspired by unique young women who do not follow rules and usually break norms. This is also apparent in their newest band of ambassadors Lizzy Jagger, Sonia Sieff, Langley Fox Hemingway, and Tea Falco. Accessories range from funky colorful animal charms and their classic Gommino shoes bear guitar style studs or moon and other shape cut outs. These metals studs are also seen on their small shoulder bags. The upbeat and edgy collection houses selections for your audacious girl.

24 Charms; 25 Tods Spring Summer 2016 Gommino; 26 Tods Spring Summer 2016 shoulder bag

Tod’s is located at Greenbelt 4 and Rustan’s Shangri-La. For more information and updates on the mentioned brands, visit www.ssilife.com.ph and follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

A SUNBURN-FREE

SUMMER The UV-sensitive Nivea Sun Dolls teach kids about the importance of using sunscreen in an engaging manner

Nivea lets everyone enjoy various outdoor activities this summer while being protected from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays

Any water activity calls for the use of sunscreen as water reflects 10 percent of ultraviolet rays

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS When there are plenty of places to be discovered and tons of activities to be engaged in, putting on sunscreen might be the least concern of many. In fact, applying this product religiously everyday or urging someone to do so can be taxing especially if the ill effects are not immediately visible.

According to Dr. Liang Chen of Beiersdorf Research and Development’s Far East Hub, accumulated skin damage from prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays appears years after. While sunburn may heal after a few days and the color of your slightly tanned skin may revert back to its original complexion, your dermis (inner layer of the skin) is actually gradually thickening and its ability to retain moisture is reduced, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Overexposure can also cause skin cancer.

These alarming sun damage facts notwithstanding, many still forget and forgo applying sunscreen. Perhaps it would only take a few experts and a couple of data to compel adults to wear the needed sun protection, but urging children to do the same can be a challenge.

In a bid to teach kids the importance of using sunscreen, skincare label Nivea introduces the Nivea Sun Doll. Created and initially launched in Brazil, the doll is made of UV sensitive material thus it sunburns when exposed to UV rays without protection.

“Kids are usually eager to go out of the sun that they don’t want to wear sunscreen,” Nivea states in the promotional video.

Applying sunscreen rids the doll of the painful red color, and putting it on before exposure protects the toy from getting sunburned. In this way, children – as well as adults – are taught about the significance of sunscreen use in a playful and engaging manner.

A Beiersdorf (maker of Nivea) Philippines official said during the Nivea Summer Kick-off in Bohol that the doll “will definitely be available in the Philippines this summer.” The price and mechanics on how to get one will be announced soon.

As kids happily slather Nivea sunscreen on their doll, they are also educated on the proper use of sunscreen to fully get the protection from the product.

Burning facts about sun and sunscreen During the Nivea Sun forum, Dr. Chen said that two kinds of sun’s UV rays – long wave or ultraviolet A and short wave or ultraviolet B – reach the earth’s surface. And although a person is not directly exposed to sunlight, it does not mean he is exempted from the harmful effects of UV radiation, as the rays that penetrate the atmosphere are reflected off the earth’s surface.

People frolicking in grassy areas are at risk of six percent of reflected UV rays,

Dr. Liang Chen of Beiersdorf Research and Development's Far East Hub

Stay protected from the sun while trying out outdoor activities

while those on the beach can get as much as 25 percent from the UV bouncing off from the sand. Water, on the other hand, reflects 10 percent of sun’s radiation and snow produces the most indirect UV rays exposure at 30 percent.

UV rays can also penetrate clouds and even our roofs, which means an overcast day or spending time indoors does not spare you from wearing sunscreen.

“If you want to protect yourself [from sun damage], you have to protect yourself all the time,” declared Dr. Chen, reiterating the importance of wearing protection everyday regardless of weather and location.

It goes without saying that choosing the right sunscreen is important to make sure you’re getting the most protection. While many labels only advertise the SPF (sun protection factor) value of their products, Dr. Chen advised to choose a sunscreen that also has Protection Grade of UVA

or PA. “SPF protects you against UVB while PA shields you from UVA.” Sunscreen with SPF 50 is the recommended SPF value.

In a demonstration, Dr. Chen showed that the right amount of sunscreen a person needs to apply on every part of his body should be a straight line from the tip of the middle finger down to the end of the palm. He added to make sure to apply the product evenly to maximize the product’s protection capacity.

“Some consumers want to make the product last longer so they use less amount.

Even if the product claims SPF50++, when you apply less [than the recommended amount], you’re only getting SPF 25,” shared Dr. Chen.

Fun under the sun with Nivea Sun Nivea offers a wide range of sun protection products for various needs and circumstances.

The Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture is suitable for everyday use as the range offers reliable protection and moisturization for up to 24 hours. Be protected while lightening the skin with Nivea Sun Protect & White range which features Active Whitening Complex that reduces skin pigmentation and melanin production.

For those who desire the covetable sunkissed glow and a natural, even tan, they can rely on Nivea Sun Protect & Bronze Spray.

Efficient sun protection and pleasurable sensation of freshness are combined in Nivea Sun Protect & Light Feel Invisible Sun Mist.

Meanwhile, playful kids who have more sensitive skin can depend on the especially formulated Nivea Sun Kids line that is composed of extra water resistant sunscreen products.

According to Dr. Chen, a sunscreen can only claim the “extra water resistant” tag if 50 percent of the original SPF is detectable after four times of being drenched or exposed in water for 20 minutes.

Finally, get after-care from Nivea Sun Cooling After Sun Spray which has aloe vera that cools and soothes while helping restore skin moisture after prolonged sun exposure.

F RIDAY : F EBRUA RY 1 2, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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RAP MUSICAL HONORS

FRANCIS T

he Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) features the music of Pinoy rap legend Francis Magalona in the new musical 3 Stars and a Sun to close its 48th season.

The musical pays tribute to another Pinoy hitmaker in Francis M. However, compared to the Aegis-inspired musical, the new futuristic story, written by young fictionist and playwright Mixcaela Villalon in collaboration with veteran writer Rody Vera, is premised on a situation when the country’s problems are left unresolved. The theater group looks into a dystopian future as it challenges today’s youth to unite and act swiftly before time runs out.

Villalon, who was inspired by the science-fiction film Snowpiercer, said she wrote the story for “those who can recite the Green Lantern oath but don’t know the minimum wage, the kids who are steeped in the history of Westerns but doubt the atrocities of Martial Law, all of us who are tired of activists blocking traffic while we think we can change the world through dank memes.”

She added, “Francis M’s music works as the perfect war drums for the play. The story may be set in the future, but his songs ground us back to the present.”

The tale is set inside a giant steel dome created to protect the entire country from extreme weather and the threat of global warfare. The spherical shelter, which is called the Stormdome, is equipped with millions of hidden cameras designed to keep track of the citizens and maintain peace and order, particularly in its darker side, the Diliman sector.

Most of the people in Diliman are scavengers who look for surplus goods, old gad-

M

By Seymour Barros Sanchez gets, and scraps, which they exchange for measly food packs to survive. On the other hand, the glossy and developed Lumino city, the heart of the Stormdome, is filled with educated and highly skilled citizens who are responsible for keeping order and balance inside the fallout shelter.

Two groups – kids coming from Lumino city led by free-spirited slacker Chino and those from the rough streets of Diliman led by fiery troublemaker Sol, clash given their varied lives. Despite these differences, the Lumino and Diliman kids must realize that there are

The stars of rap musical 3 Stars and a Sun: (clockwise) Bodjie Pascua, Gold Villar, Jet Barrun, John Moran, Anna Luna and Paolo Valenciano

problems far larger than their petty gang issues.

Nicco Manalo and Gold Villar alternate as Sol, the leader of the Diliman gang of rebels who call themselves Tropang Gising. Sol is tired of the inequality and injustice in their city and attempts to turn the system upside down. Chi-

no, alternately played by Paolo Valenciano and Gio Gahol, is the eldest child of the Stormdome’s ruling family. Chino tries to evade responsibility as much as he can although he is being groomed to be the next leader.

The rap musical is directed by Nor Domingo, with the music of the late visionary and master rapper arranged by Myke Salomon, awarded Outstanding Musical Direction in 2015 for his work in the hit musical Rak of Aegis.

After enjoying a breakout 2015 characterized by recordsetting comebacks and a reimagining of literary classics, PETA takes a leap into the future but still provides a social commentary on Philippine politics and culture like what they are known for. Although the futuristic world is something the group hasn’t done before, expect another exciting show in a fresh context.

Domingo calls on all those concerned to “go back to what it actually means to be revolutionary” especially at this time “when the word ‘revolution’ has become so commonly used in association with changing fashion trends and online shopping price markdowns.”

Through 3 Stars and a Sun, the director asks, “What change do we want to see? What questions do we need to ask now?” In the musical, bombs go off in search for the sun. He and his colleagues from PETA hope that “this will light a fire in the young and rekindle it in the not-so-young.

With every little spark in each one of us, the bigger fire of revolution begins.”

3 Stars and a Sun runs until March 6, Tuesday to Sunday (Tuesday – Friday 8 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.) at the PETA Theater Center.

PETA is located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

For tickets and inquiries you may call 725-6244 or visit petatheater. com and ticketworld.com.ph.

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F RIDAY : F EbRuA RY 1 2, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

pEOplE ¼

are talking about

¼

are not talking about

KRIs AquInO

AlDEn RIchARDs

In a lengthy blog post, she explained why she “purposely stayed away from social media.” She called her social media fasting a form of maturity because it made her merely just an observant to all the things happening around her, which is a bit unusual to a person known by many as rather tactless. Kris already has own trademark.

We actually can’t wait for that moment when she would say she’d like to speak her mind again.

DAnIEl pADIllA

FEBRUARY 12, 2016 Some people insinuate that he uses someone else’s voice especially when he performs in big events and television shows amid already being a multiplatinum recording artist. We do understand if he chose to use a ghost singer because ironically he’s not a good singer to begin with. We just pity those rabid fans that blindly believe their idol is a certified vocalist.

RIchARD guTIERREz

After two multi-platinum records, the country’s hottest male celebrity is gearing up for another album under GMA Records. And people don’t expect the album to underperform .After all, Alden has the entire AlDub Nation rallying behind him, supporting anything and everything he does. With the new album, Alden becomes even busier. We are just curious how he’ll manage his hectic schedule.

pIAWuRTzbAch

The 26-year-old beauty queen is having a whale of time attending numerous functions as the new Miss Universe. The most recent being is the Super Bowl 50 (you know, the biggest sporting event in the US), where she appeared as a special correspondent for Inside Edition. Indeed, she’s realizing her dreams one by one especially now that the producer of the next James Bond movie is inviting her to audition to be the next Bond girl.

Jennylyn Mercado

Fresh off her best ever performance as a leading lady, which even earned her best actress awards, the Kapuso star is heading into an extremely busy year. Jennylyn is now the top choice of A-list actors to be their co-star. The most recent one is John Lloyd Cruz who Jennylyn will team up with in an upcoming romantic film under Star Cinema.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE

ACROSS 23 Fossilized plants 1 Red on the inside 25 Smidgens 5 Like cheetahs 27 Great brightness 9 Outback mineral 31 Chin features 13 Viking name 35 Gaslight and Big 14 Ventricle neighbor Band 15 Bud holder 36 Plenty, to a poet 16 Explorer — Erikson 38 — incognita 17 Bramble 39 Tolerated 18 Great gusto 40 Monet 19 Cream puff contemporary 21 Pond maker 42 Friction easer 22 Lemon peel 43 Good conductor

46 Start all over 47 Machu Picchu founder 48 Pale 50 Gave money back 52 Kind of ticket 54 Foolhardy 55 She loved Lennon 58 Float like a cork 60 Sawmill output 64 Revival shout 65 Rock tumbler stone 67 Oaf 68 Smaller than compact 69 Well-known 70 Ferber or Millay 71 Portico 72 Thin Man’s terrier 73 Big bucks?

DOWN 1 Butler, to Gable 2 Sir — Guinness 3 Means of shipping 4 Blots out 5 Debate side 6 Dry as dust 7 Place 8 Runway surface 9 Be the boss 10 Sanskrit dialect 11 Cold — — icicle

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

12 What libraries do 14 Rubbed against 20 Ca++, for one 24 Solitude enjoyer 26 Diner sandwich 27 Alabama town 28 Groom carefully 29 Starbucks order 30 Pilot’s OK 32 Palm branch 33 In a — (quickly) 34 Dinner course 37 Heron or egret 41 Overnight guest’s spot (2 wds.)

44 Smelling salts 45 Kind of detector 47 Got some air 49 Bathhouse 51 Canteen initials 53 Alligators on shirts 55 Edible tubers 56 Leave out 57 Vegas game 59 Fiberglass bundle 61 Grabbed a cab 62 Kind of buggy 63 Galaxy unit 66 Drink with scones

We have noticed that his career is just not quite like in the past, reason why we don’t feel too giddy about him being chosen by Viva and TV5 to play the iconic role. which Fernando Poe, Jr., and more recently by Bong Revilla, made popular on the big screen.

But we do honestly hope him playing Panday will change our observation, otherwise he’ll just end up as part of washed up celebrities list.

VAlEnTInE TREAT fROM sTAgEs ToNIGhT is a night of secrets, stories and songs first dates, first loves, break ups, make ups and everyas Stages Sessions presents - Confessions – a pre- thing that has something to do about LoVE through Valentine’s Day concert featuring the country’s up- songs and music. coming musical stars at the Music Museum.

Stages has been recognized as the launching This is Stages Session’s Valentine offering to all pad for some of the country’s most talented singlovers out there—families, friends and significant ers and musicians. It has been producing shows relations—celebrating the Love Month. This night and events that feature their outstanding talents of romantic music will surely take its audience deep that combine innovative presentation with great into the passion and longing of musical performances. In 2015, vintage and current songs from it initiated Stages Sessions, which their favorite Stages artists. had become a favorite venue where Confessions will feature some Stages artists present their musical of the country’s top millennial repertoire before live audiences and indie and mainstream artists; interact with them as well. Driven Aicelle Santos, Curtsmith, Bulby this passion and commitment of let Dumas, Issa Rodriguez, bringing oPM closer to audience’s Dane Hipolito, Keiko Necesahearts, Stages Sessions is presenting rio, Ryan Christopher Sy, Tim Confessions as its Valentine gift of Pavino, Franz Pantaleon, Tippy love to Pinoy fans and music lovers.

Dos Santos, Gio Quintos, Polly, Catch this wonderful ValenSteven Silva, Clara Benin, Serge tines offer at 8 p.m. tonight at MuGabriel and MorisetteAmon. sic Museum.

It will be a memorable evening For tickets, log on to www.ticketto reminisce, talk and sing about Rising diva Morissette Amon world.com.ph or call 891-9999.

F RIDAY : F EbRuA RY 1 2, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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ThE ‘ROyals’ pERfORm In manIla anD CEbu

onsidered local music industry’s royalties, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Erik Santos, and Angeline Quinto are together in a show called The Royals Concert tomorrow night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and in Cebu on the following night at Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

The four singers, all acclaimed for their respective achievements – Martin Nievera is Concert King while Regine Velasquez-Alcasid is known as Asia’s Songbird and Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto are the king and queen of teleserye love themes – feel good that they share one stage at last.

Quinto admits she is very nervous to perform with VelasquezAlcasid as the latter has been her idol since she was a little girl and performing around her neighborhood in Manila.

h

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Santos fells similarly in his numbers with Nievera who he says has been his idol since he started singing.

Both Santos and Quinto feel “blessed” to be on the same stage as their idols. In fact, Quinto is always on the verge of tears when speaking about her feelings being in the show with both Nievera and Velasquez-Alcasid.

“I am sorry if I cry easily,” she says when tears start to well from her eyes, “I am really a cry baby.

Celebrate music and romance and let the sweet voices of Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Angeline Quinto and Erik Santos serenade you in this pre-valentine concert. The Royals Concert will be happening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena tomorrow and Waterfront Cebu on Saturday.

For tickets, go to SM Tickets or call 470 2222.

Local music royalties: (from left) Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Angeline Quinto and Erik Santos

Manila launChes singing Contest

alf a million pesos and a recording contract from VIVA will go to the grand winner of the first Tinig ng Maynila ,a singing contest under the sponsorship of the city of Manila.

The talent search is a project of Manila City Hall under the Sulong Manila program of President Mayor Joseph Estrada, in cooperation with VIVA Live* Incorporated.

Auditions for the contest kicked off on Nov. 21, with tsemifinals held on Jan. 30 and 31 at the Dragon 8 Mall, Lucky Chinatown and Robinsons Place Manila.

Two winners were chosen to represent each district of Manila.

The winners that were able to make it through, and who will compete for the title of becoming the very first TinigngMaynila are 16-year-old Eugene Mae Santos of Barangay 42, and 20-year-old Francesca Lapada of Barangay 4, both from District I. Representing District II are Joanna Rose Alvarez, 24, from Barangay 159, and Justine Jose,13, of Barangay 214.

From District III areMa. Jinky Lourdes Banzon, 27, of Barangay 360, and Ma. KrissanManikan, 25, Barangay 357.

Larnie Rose Cayabyab, 19, of Barangay 529, and Rochelle Jeanne Solquillo,

Alyssa Patricia Hernandez

Eugene Mae Santos

John Carlos Tan

Joanna Rose Alvarez

Justine Rose

Ma. Jinky Lourdes banzon Alyssa Patricia Hernandez

Rocelle Jeanne Solquillo

Alisah Nina Luz bonaobra

17, of Barangay 439, represent District IV,while Alisah Nina Luz Bonaobra, 20, of Barangay 815, and JhastineGenebe, 17, of Barangay 649, represent District V. Lastly, Alyssa Patricia Hernandez, 18, of Barangay 896, and Roan Isaac Hemor,13, of Barangay 898

Jhastine Genebe

are representing District VI. The 12 grand finalists were presented to the press on Feb. 2 at Manila City Hall. The date and venue of the grand finals have yet to be finalized.

The grand finals will be aired on TV5 on a delayed telecast. Aside from a grand winner, there will

Ma. Krissan Manikan

WORlD-Class DanCE fEsT gOEs TO ClaRk A world-class party experience is happening in Clark Freeport Zone as Widus Hotel and Casino turns Pampanga into the country’s party capital with Pulse showcasing some of Asia’s best DJs tomorrow night.

Staged by Yaparazzi Events, spearheaded by party guru Javi Martinez, and supported by Valkyrie Club, this ultimate party experience will be topbilled by the Singapore-based Rave Republic, the dynamic DJ duo who has a chart-topping single signed under Warner Music Singapore.

Rave Republic has performed in some of the biggest festivals and clubs in Asia like ZoukOut, Ultra Music Festival in Korea, Road to Ultra Singapore and It’s the Ship Festival in Singapore, and as well as in other countries like China, Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia, bringing with them their distinct high energy beats.

Also performing are the most popular and most followed local deejays - Mars Miranda, Callum David, Miaow, Funky Avy, Martin Pulgar and Katsy Lee. “Pampanga people like to party but most of them have yet to discover and experience a true dance festival that’s comparable to the ones that the party crowd in Manila enjoy. Because we want to make Widus the next premier entertainment destination in the North, we’ll be the first one to bring them a world-class party experience that they deserve through Pulse,’’ said Daesik Han, president and CEO of Widus Hotel and Casino.

The first In Pampanga, Pulsewill dazzle party-goers with laser lights, fireworks, smoke machines and towering screens that make for everybody’s dream party.

Widus Hotel and Casino, for one night, will become the Philippines’ hottest party destination.

Tickets are at The SM Store in Clark, Pampanga, and Tarlac and at Widus Hotel and Casino’s website (www. widus.com) for online purchase. For more details, visit Widus Hotel and Casino’s Facebook Page (https://www. facebook.com/widusclark) or call (+63 45) 499.1000 and (+632) 840.1430 for inquiries and VVIP reservations.

Roan Isaac Hemor

be a first placer who will receive P300,000.00 and a second placer who will get P200,00.00.

PBO, Viva TV and TMC are the event’s official media partners. The official venue partners are Dragon 8 Shopping Center, Lucky Chinatown and Robinsons Place Manila

Singapore-based dynamic duo, Rave Republic

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F RIDAY : F EBRUA RY 1 2, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo as Yna and Angelo in the top-rating drama Pangako Sa ‘Yo

‘PANGAKO SA ‘YO’ T

wo lovers’ ultimate promise of love to each other will face its final test tonight as the iconic teleserye Pangako Sa ‘Yo, with Asia’s emerging love team, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, airs its final installment.

The retelling of the well-loved Filipino love story has garnered praises and successes since itspremiere in May 2015.

The enormous impact on the careers of Kathryn and Daniel further sealed their positions as Philippine showbiz’s Teen Queen and King.

“This project is a stepping stone for me and DJ (Daniel) to be more open to mature roles.

This is the perfect project because it’s been tried and tested.

You can see that we have really grown here. And that’s the goal – to show a different side of us,” said Kathryn, who portrays Yna in the series.

Daniel, meanwhile, cannot help but reminisce the scene he considers the most memorable from Pangako.

“That trailer where we were running on a hill, that was m e m or ab l e to me, because everything started there. We felt at that time that this was it. It was

FINALE TONIGHT

toughness of their respective characters.

In the last few days of PangakoSa ‘Yo, Amor (Sta. Maria) and Eduardo (Veneracion) finally ISAH V. RED found out that Yna is their long lost daughter Maria Amor, dea legendary scene. It’s an honor spite Claudia’s efforts to hide the for us,” shared Daniel. truth from them.

But, aside from the undeniable But following this revelation is impact of Kathryn and Daniel’s the realization that Yna and Anteam-up is the unexpected love gelo (Padilla) are half-siblings, team of Jodi Sta. Maria and who recently vowed to love each IanVeneracion known as “Amo- other forever by tying the knot. rado,” that added spice to the How will that affect Yna and series.

Angelo’s promise of love? How In fact, Jodi and Ian have will they discover that Angelo’s gained their own solid following real father is Simon (Alex Meafter fans noticed their undeni- dina) and not Eduardo? Will able chemistry onscreen.

Claudia be still able to destroy The remake also Amor and Eduardo’s hapmade a mark in piness? terms of acting, as Since it premiered last Jodi and Angelica year, Pangako Sa ‘Yo has Panganiban reconsistently recorded prised the notable high TV ratings and roles of Amor Powbeat its rival program, ers and Claudia according to data from Buenavista.

Kantar Media.

Like in the origiIn fact, it got its allnal Pangako, time high national the two KaTV rating of pamilya 40.6 percent on actresses Feb. 2 in the did not episode where disapAmor and point in Eduardo were conveyseen leading ing the closer to the humantruth about i t y , their daughter p ain, Maria Amor.

Kathryn and and Pangako Sa Daniel in one of ‘Yo was also the final scenes in trailblazing Pangako Sa ‘Yo

Pangako Sa ‘Yo main cast: (clockwise) Kathryn Bernardo, Jodi Sta. Maria, Ian Veneracion and daniel Padilla

online as it is the first ever teleserye in the country to generate a million tweets on Twitter on June 2015 with its “Batas ngAlipin” episode. Aside from that, it was also the most searched TV series in the country, according to search engine Google.

As the program continued to reach new heights, Kathryn and Daniel’s achievements also kept coming. During the show’s run, Kathryn and Daniel, received numerous awards from different award-giving bodies, such as Vietnam’s Face of the Year Awards, LionHearTV’s RAWR Awards, PUSH Awards, ASAP Pop Teen Awards, and

ALTA Awards.

The show also produced bestselling TV show merchandise.

Proving the popularity of the series are its jam-packed mall shows and “Thanksgiving Day” legs in the country and in the United States.

Don’t miss the finale of the classic Filipino love story on television, Pangako Sa ‘Yotonight after FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.. Meanwhile, you also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of the show on ABS-CBNmobile.

For more information, please go to www.abscbnmobile.com.