The - Standard 2016 - February 17 Wednesday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXX NO. 7 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 wedNeSday : FeBRUaRy 17, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

SolGen tells court Grace is qualified

npa killS 6 copS in caGayan fiGht By Francisco Tuyay

AT leAsT six policemen were killed and 10 others were wounded when they were ambushed by a large number of New People’s Army rebels on a hinterland road in the poor farming town of Baggao, in Cagayan Tuesday. Early reports said a police convoy led by Supt. Agpasid and Sr. Insp. Balisi (no first names were available) were going uphill when they were fired upon by about 40 heavily armed insurgents led by David Soriano at Kilometer 19 in Barangay Sta. Margarita at 10 a.m. Reports said two officers were among those slain, all members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion assigned in Cagayan province, while one of the wounded was identified as PO1 Layugan. Major Gen. Lysander Suerte, commander of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Isabela, said six were killed and eight were seriously wounded in the initial volley of gunfire. “They employed improvised explosive device that blew up one of the forward troopers,” Suerte said. The police were responding to a distress call from a private contractor on a government irrigation project, who said the rebels had burned their construction equipment Next page

Pacquiao calls gays ‘worse than animals’

Man on the spot. Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, who is seeking a senatorial seat, is under fire from netizens and human rights groups for describing members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as ‘worse than animals.’

BOXING champion, congressman and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao apologized Tuesday after drawing down a firestorm of criticism for describing gay couples as “worse than animals” in a television interview. “It’s common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female,” Pacquiao told TV5 in an interview aired earlier this week. “If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals.” Lawmakers and members of the gay community immediately condemned the remarks. “We are not animals, we are people,” said Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez, who said human beings should not be compared to animals based on their gender preferences. Gabriela party-list Rep. Luz Ilagan said there was no “common sense” in Pacquiao’s statements about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. “LGBTs are people, citizens and deserve the same rights as everyone else. Pacquiao should realize that if he wants to become senator of all Filipinos,” Ilagan said. Next page

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Poe qualified to run, SolGen says By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

SOLICITOR General Florin Hilbay told the Supreme Court Tuesday he believed Senator Grace Poe, a foundling, is a natural-born Filipino citizen according to the Constitution and is therefore qualified to run for president in May.

Welcome. President Benigno Aquino III is welcomed by US President Barack Obama before the Special USAsean Summit meeting in Rancho Mirage, California. MAlACAñAng Photo BuREAu

NPA...

were pinned down by the barrage of gunfire from the rebels. “We were hit hard by the first From A1 burst of fire,” he said. The Philippine Air Force Tacand fired upon them over the tical Operations Group sent two weekend, after they refused to helicopter gunships to provide pay a “revolutionary tax” to the air cover to the beleaguered cops communist insurgents. and to engage the rebels. A firefight broke out with Reports said the rebels scatArmy troopers from the 52nd tered after the choppers unDivision Reconnaissance Com- leashed a barrage of machinepany and the 17th Infantry Bat- gun fire. talion, and police from the ProSarmiento had asked Defense vincial Public Safety Battalion Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to joining the fight. send choppers with night-flying Interior Secretary Mel Senen capability to pursue the rebels. Sarmiento said the policemen It was not immediately clear if

the rebels suffered casualties, officials said. The 4,000-strong NPA has been waging a 46-year-long guerrilla campaign in the countryside and the conflict has claimed 30,000 lives, according to official estimates. The military says the group sustains itself by extorting money from businesses and from candidates during election campaigns. Repeated efforts by successive governments to arrange peace talks have failed to end one of the world’s longest-running communist insurgencies.

Pacquiao...

into Pacquiao on his Twitter account. “Some people think they can judge people like God just because they’ve attended a prayer meeting and read the Bible,” he said. “The Senate needs experts on politics and law, not blind prophets.” Amid the withering criticism, Pacquiao issued a brief apology. “I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt. I still stand on my belief that I’m against samesex marriage because of what the Bible says, but I’m not condemning LGBT. I love you all with the love of the Lord. Godbless you all and I’m praying for you,” he said. Pacquiao is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance of Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is running for president. Gay marriage is outlawed in the Philippines due to strong opposition from the Catholic Church. Gay marriages are officiated at small churches but these unions are not recognized by the church or the state. Maricel V. Cruz, AFP

long-delayed Anti-Discrimination Bill. “If he did, he would have From A1 learned of the contributions that the LGBTs have done for the Rep. Emmi de Jesus, also from country, as well as the discrimiGabriela, said hate crimes against nation and oppression we endure, LGBTs are fanned by remarks sometimes from our very own like Pacquiao’s. congressmen who rarely come to Ladlad, the national organiza- work, yet get the full benefits not tion of LGBTs, said Pacquiao be- due to them,” Remoto said. trayed “a shallow understanding Singer Aiza Seguerra, who reof sexual orientation and gender cently married her actress-girlidentity” and “even the very ba- friend, called on voters to boycott sics of science.” Pacquiao, who is also preparing “To say that animals are better for his last boxing fight in April, because males of the species sniff calling him an “ignorant, bigoted and have sex only with females of hypocrite.” the species is to be ignorant of the “You might have done our fact that homosexuality is also country proud but with your found in all forms of creation— statement, you just showed the from plants to animals, and yes, whole country why we shouldn’t even to people,” said the group’s vote for you,” Seguerra said in a chairman, Danton Remoto. post on Instagram. “This fact just goes to show “Outside the boxing ring, I that homosexuality is part of na- don’t think Manny Pacquiao ture, and not some repulsive idea should be taken seriously. It that the fundamentalist mind of struck me first as funny. I pity Pacquiao finds perverse.” him,” said Kakay Pamaran, a Ladlad also took Paquiao to pastor at a gay church. task for attending only four ses“I would advise him to talk to sions of Congress last year, where more LGBT persons, meet them he represents the province of and not just reduce his concept of Sarangani, and for missing the LGBT to the sexual act.” committee deliberations on the Gay comedian Vice Ganda tore

At the continuation of oral arguments on Poe’s petition to reverse her disqualification by the Commission on Elections, Hilbay told the Court that statistics and common sense dictate that a foundling like Poe should be considered a naturalborn citizen. Hilbay appealed to the justices to search through not only their feelings, but also the records of the 1935, 1973 and 1987 Constitutions to find any express intent to deny foundlings their status as Filipino citizens. “We cannot interpret the Constitution’s silence as indicating a discriminatory animus against an entire class of persons, in the face of the clearly discernible intent in the records to recognize them as Filipinos,” Hilbay said. “To exclude foundlings from exercising fundamental political rights and make them legally invisible would be baseless, unjust, discriminatory, contrary to common sense, and the wrong way to interpret the Constitution,” said Hilbay, whom the Court had ordered to present his legal views on the Poe case as the “tribune of the people.” The Solicitor General argued that there was no evidence that the framers of the country’s constitutions intended to deny foundlings their status as natural-born Filipinos. Hilbay also said the position of the Comelec and Poe’s detractors is contrary to common sense considering that foreigners do not come to the Philippines so they can get pregnant and leave their newborn babies behind. “We do not face a situation where the probability is such that every founding would have a 50-percent chance of being a Filipino and a 50-percent chance of being a foreigner,” he said. Hilbay noted that the chance that the parents of anyone born in the Philippines would be foreigners is almost nil, while the chances that the parents of anyone born in the Philippines would be Filipino is 99.9 percent. Hilbay also cited records from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which show that from 2010 to 2014, on a yearly average, there were 1,766,046 children born in the Philippines to Filipino parents, as opposed to 1,301 children born in the Philippines of foreign parents. “Thus, for that sample period, the ratio of non-Filipino children to natural-born Filipino children is 1:1357. This means that the statistical probability that any child born in the Philippines would be a natural-born Filipino is 99.93 percent,” he said. Hilbay said that from 1965 to 1975, the total number of foreigners born in the Philippines was 15,986, while the total number of Filipinos born in the Philippines was 10,558,278. “For this period, the ratio of nonFilipino children to Filipino children is 1:661. This means that the statistical probability that any child born in the Philippines in that decade would be a natural-born Filipino is 99.83,” he added. Hilbay even urged the Court to

invite statisticians and social anthropologists to look into the records, although he said he was confident that the statistical probability that a child born in the Philippines would be a natural-born Filipino will not be affected by whether or not the parents are known. “To deny full Filipino citizenship to all foundlings and render them stateless just because there may be a theoretical chance that one among the thousands of these foundlings might be the child of not just one, but two, foreigners is downright discriminatory, irrational, and unjust. It just doesn’t make any sense,” Hilbay told the Court. “There is no reason why this honorable Court should use an improbable hypothetical to sacrifice the fundamental political rights of an entire class of human beings. Your honors, constitutional interpretation and the use of common sense are not separate disciplines,” Hilbay said. On the residency issue, Hilbay took the position that Poe has satisfied the 10-year residence requirement of the Constitution. He noted that in December 2004, Poe’s father, movie actor Fernando Poe Jr., died, which was crucial to her decision to return to the Philippines for good. Hilbay noted that crucial to the issue was the year 2005 when Poe returned to the Philippines along with her three children who were uprooted from their schools in the United States and transferred to schools in Manila. “The narrative of her private and public life has since then been centered on the Philippines, save for a few visits to the United States. Based on these facts, the claim that she has been a resident of the Philippines for at least t10 years is a valid claim,” Hilbay said. Earlier, Hilbay said he could not represent the Comelec in the case. In Iloilo City, Poe’s adoptive mother, actress Susan Roces, broke her silence to deny longstanding rumors that Poe was the daughter of her younger sister, Rosemarie Sonora. “What they’re saying that she’s a daughter of my sister—why will I deny it if it’s true?” Roces said. At the time, she said, she and Sonora were together every day and night. “I never saw her pregnant, that was 1968, the year I got married and later she herself got married,” Roces said. This was the first time Roces spoke regarding persistent rumors that Poe was the daughter of her sister and the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he considered the decades-old rumor an “urban legend.” During a tour of the La Paz Public Market and Iloilo Central Market, Roces told reporters that during that time, Sonora was very busy doing television shows. “And she was very visible. She never, never got pregnant,” she added. She said they simply ignored this rumor because no matter what they said, it would not go away.

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A3 Duterte to move 2 departments to Mindanao

The foundling is home. Senator Grace Poe makes a ‘sentimental visit’ to Jaro Cathedral where she was found.

Poe says leased planes from legitimate firms ILOILO CITY—Independent presidential candidate Grace Poe said Tuesday the owners of the airplanes her team had been using in their campaign sorties were from legitimate and law-abiding companies. The senator made the statement after Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II challenged her to reveal the owners of the airplanes they had been using to campaign around the country. She said the people who owned those airplanes would not be given preferential treatment in case she won the presidency in the May elections.

“I can assure you that when our SOCE [Statement of Contributions and Expenses is issued], just see if they will be given extra favors,” Poe said. She made her statement even as Roxas on Tuesday admitted connections to a top mining executive who owned the various airplanes that he said he had been leasing for use in his campaign. “I personally know [Francis] Eric Gutierrez who is a personal friend,” Roxas said in Silay City. “All I know is that he’s a winner of a contest both international and local for the good performance of his company. He’s my friend so what’s wrong with that?” On Friday, Duterte accused Roxas of corruption for leasing planes from Gu-

tierrez whose SR Mining Inc. was fined by the government in 2007 for over-extracting nickel ore. Poe said they needed airplanes to move around the country while campaigning. She said they were thankful to the people who lent them their airplanes, adding they would come out with their names in the SOCE they would file with the Commission on Elections. Her running mate, Senator Francis Escudero, said they would be revealing everything in the SOCE “just like what we did in the past.” He said they will not hide anything as in the previous years. They will abide by the Comelec’s rules and regulations. Macon Ramos-Araneta and John Paolo Bencito

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte and his running mate Alan Peter Cayetano will transfer the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to Mindanao from Quezon City if elected, their camp said Tuesday. Duterte said Mindanao, the country’s food basket, had been neglected for years. It must be the new home of the two departments to boost its potential and to decentralize government operations. Fermin Adriano, former President Fidel V. Ramos’ policy adviser on Mindanao, said the transfer of the Agriculture Department’s central office to Mindanao would be a welcome development. “The relocation of the DA would be fine because Mindanao’s agriculture represents 38 percent of the Philippines’ agricultural output,” he said. Duterte’s backers said the Department of Energy also needed to be transferred to Mindanao. “This is in recognition of the island’s singular role as the nation’s food basket, and the decades’ worth of official neglect despite this undisputed distinction,” Cayetano said. But Adriano opposed the transfer of the Department of Energy and the Environment Department because they were needed in Luzon because of its growing environmental and energy problems. Duterte said government figures showed that Mindanao accounts for at least 34 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and 44 percent of the national food trade. Its coconut industry alone accounts for 64 percent of the country’s total coconut production. Mindanao is also a key driver of the minerals industry, with 20 of the 38 operating metallic mines representing 53 percent of the total number of mineral projects nationwide. The island also accounts for 80 percent of the total deposits of copper, nickel and gold. Adriano said it might be more prudent to “appoint a secretary or an undersecretary from Mindanao for the energy and environment portfolios.” Mariz Agbon, founding chairman of the Mindanao Business Council, expressed reservation on the relocation of Energy Department since “the reality is 70 percent of the Philippine power market is in Luzon.” “We’re talking here of industries and other large power-consuming businesses,” Agbon said. “In the case of Mindanao, it would do well for government to pursue a distributed energy policy environment wherein distribution utilities are encouraged to develop/solicit power projects in accordance with their respective projections of local economic development.” Rio N. Araja

Binay to push pro-poor agenda VICE President Jejomar Binay will not be distracted by the name-calling from Malacañang and will push through with his pro-poor agenda, his camp said in reaction to Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda’s allegation that Binay is an “expert in corruption.” “No amount of character assassination will stop the vice president from pushing for his pro-poor agenda,” Binay’s spokesman Rico Quicho said. “The problem with the unpresidential spokesman is he’s always relaxing inside his air-conditioned room and insensitive to the truth that poverty remains unsolved because of the government’s lack of concern

for the plight of the poor Filipino people.” “Walk the talk” was Lacierda’s unsolicited advice to Binay after United Nationalist Alliance spokesman Mon Ilagan accused the Aquino administration of using people’s money to bribe village officials. “I suppose that’s how VP intends to govern, to be bribed and to bribe. That’s why he is the expert in corruption and a joker when he talks about good governance,” Lacierda said. “When he talks about Freedom of Information, nobody believes him because he cannot even produce his own private secretary for many years, his financial adviser for many

years,” Lacierda said, referring to Eduviges “Ebeng” Baloloy and Gerardo Limlingan who are still missing. Binay’s camp said he will focus on delivering his message that poverty must be immediately solved. “The vice president will focus on delivering his message that poverty must be immediately solved. Quality education and proper health care must be available to our people,” Quicho said. He said Binay will make sure that the government’s dole program will continue but will have a wider scope to include senior citizens. Binay will also exempt the workers receiving P30,000 and below from paying tax. Vito Barcelo and sandy Araneta

Question hour. Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista, right, and Commissioner Christian Robert Lim fields questions on the Automated Elections System during the joint Senate-House oversight committee meeting on Tuesday. Ey AcAsio

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IS recognizes Sayyaf fealty By Francisco Tuyay THE Islamic State has officially recognized the pledges of allegiance of several jihadist groups based in Mindanao, according to a video recently released by the IS propaganda unit Al-Furat.

Sugar rush. Following the practice of sugar field workers who would snack on their produce, Liberal Party presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II munches on a stalk of freshly cut sugarcane during his visit to a sugar mill in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. JOHN PAOLO BENCITO

Asean meet focuses on China RANCHO MIRAGE, California—President Barack Obama welcomed Southeast Asian leaders to a California desert retreat Monday, with talks focused on how to counterbalance China’s increasing muscle in the region. Obama hosted representatives from 10 Asean countries at Sunnylands, a secluded, sprawling resort beloved by US presidents since Dwight Eisenhower. Hoping to increase pressure on China over land grabs in the South China Sea, Obama opened the meeting by declaring a US-Asean ‘‘shared goal of building a regional order were all nations play by the same rules.” The White House sees this summit, and the prestigious venue, as an opportunity to champion Obama’s “pivot to Asia” and

Asean’s growing importance, before the president leaves the White House in January 2017. “As president I’ve insisted that even as the United States confronts urgent threats around the world, our foreign policy also has to seize on new opportunities, and few regions present more opportunity in the 21st century than the Asia-Pacific,” Obama said opening the summit. “That is why early in my presidency I decided that the United States, as a Pacific nation, would rebalance our foreign policy and play a larger and long term role in the Asia-Pacific.” But the more immediate aim will be to secure a united front against China’s islandbuilding and military build-up in areas that

are subject to myriad territorial claims. The White House, betting that China does not want to be seen as a regional bully, has mustered an informal coalition of Pacific allies to demand that Beijing respect the rule of law. That effort will deepen at Sunnylands on Tuesday, where leaders are expected to discuss a common response to a key UN court ruling on the issue that is expected in April or May. The UN’s Permanent Court of Arbitration will decide whether China’s claim to a vast expanse of sea inside a “nine dash line” has legal merit. A collective US-Asean endorsement of the court’s verdict—whatever the outcome—would heap pressure on China, which refuses to recognize the court. AFP

Al-Furat released the video two days after United Nations Secretary-General Ban Kimoon warned of the danger of the Islamic State terror group spreading its tentacles to South and Southeast Asia. The Al-Furat video featured Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon and Malaysian bomb maker Mohamed Najib Hussein, alias Abu Anas al Muhajir, who was killed along with 12 Abu Sayyaf fighters in Al Barka, Basilan last December. Hussein is believed to have been the leader of the Katibat Ansar al Sharia group that is hiding out with the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, along with another jihadist group identified only as Katibat Marakah al Ansar. Another group, identified as Ansar al Khilafah in the Philippines has also pledged allegiance to Baghdadi. The UN secretary-general himself mentioned the Ansar al-Khilafah in the Philippines in a recent report to the UN Security Council. “The recent expansion of the ISIL sphere of influence across West and North Africa, the Middle East, and South and South-East Asia demonstrates the speed and scale at which the gravity of the threat has evolved in just 18 months,” Ban said in a report to the UN Security Council. “Moreover, other terrorist groups, including the Islamic Youth Shura Council and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Libya Province (Derna) in Libya, the Mujahideen of Kairouan and Jund al-Khilafah in Tunisia, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Tehreek-e-Khilafat in Pakistan, and Ansar al-Khilafah in the Philippines, are sufficiently attracted by its underlying ideology to pledge allegiance to its so-called caliphate and self-proclaimed caliph,” Ban said. In his report, Ban said the IS has also benefited from the arrival of a steady stream of foreign terrorist fighters, who continue to leave their communities to replenish its ranks. The return of these fighters from the battlefields of Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic and other conflict zones is a further major concern, as returnees can extend the presence of ISIL to their states of origin and use their skills and combat experience to recruit additional sympathizers, establish terrorist networks and commit terrorist acts, Ban said.

Enrile: Cory was a dictator By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Aquino administration stop tagging candidates as “dictators” since the only official dictator the country has ever had is no other than the deceased President Corazon Aquino, the mother of incumbent President Benigno Aquino III. “She dissolved the 1973 Constitution and then she established a revolutionary constitution,” Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile said on Tuesday when asked about campaign rhetoric about dictatorship in the country. “What was the Revolutionary Constitution? She arrogated unto herself, the power of legislation and the power of the presidency,” Enrile said, who served as defense minister of Corazon Aquino and her predecessor former President Ferdinand Marcos. The 92-year old senator noted that the only counterbalancing force to Aquino’s revolutionary government was the Supreme Court.

“But, even then, those people were beholden to her. But in fairness to the Supreme Court at that time, they did not follow all that the President wished to be done, “ he said. “They did not want me to be confirmed or to be proclaimed as a senator in the election of 1987. Who proclaimed me as senator was then Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee. He went to the Supreme Court to administer the oath of office to me,” Enrile said. Enrile made the remarks in response by the declartion of Malacañang that Marcos’ son Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is now running for vice president, should apologize for the abuses committed during Martial Law. “What sins of Martial Law are they talking about?” Enrile said. “Why don’t they file charges? Why did they go to another country to file a case against Marcos?” “Because, they know that Martial Law was a constitutional act,” Enrile said, answering his own question.

No fear. A mother nurses her newly born baby at the Fabella Hospital in Manila on Tuesday following a Department of Health warning to women against pregnancies this year because of the lack of information on the Zika virus now plaguing South and Central America. DANNY PATA

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Romualdez to lead war on corruption in government By Maricel V. Cruz

Historic coalition. Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (left) discusses with presidential candidate and Vice President

Jejomar Binay (right) the historic coalition of the UNA and One Cebu party headed by gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia during the UN and One Cebu General Assembly at Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City. VeR NoVeNo

Power lack threatens polls By Alena Mae S. Flores The energy Department has asked the Commission on elections for the issuance of a resolution that will resolve the power transmission problem in Mindanao and ensure adequate supply of electricity during the elections. energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada told reporters that the department has sent a letter to Comelec to help ensure that the national Grid Corp. of the Philippines, operator of the country’s transmission network, is able to repair the damaged facilities of tower 25 of the agus 2-Kibawe 138 kV line. Monsada said that Mindanao faces critical power situation during the dry months including the May elections and the repair of the facilities is crucial to ensuring a reliable power supply. “We proposed a resolution that will enable nGCP to undertake repair and restoration,” Monsada said. tower 25 was bombed in De-

cember last year by yet to be identified lawless elements, rendering the agus 2-Kibawe 138kV line non-operational. the repair of the facility has been hampered by the landowners’ refusal to allow the national Grid to repair tower 25 citing the failure of government to fully pay his settlement claims. “Comelec can deputize napolcom, DilG, PnP, and aFP to provide personnel to secure transmission lines and other related facilities, and assist the nGCP personnel,” Monsada said. national Grid has already filed a civil case requesting the issuance of a writ of preliminary

MONSAdA

injunction and/or temporary restraining order against the Sambitory family in the hopes of completing the damaged transmission lines located in the family property. Since then, national Grid said two hydro power plants—agus 1 and agus 2—both connected to the grid through the said transmission line, have been isolated, further straining the power supply situation in Mindanao. national Grid warned that if the family continues to refuse them access, this “will result in the shortage of power supply in

the island of Mindanao and the disruption of public service due to massive blackouts and power interruptions.” Monsada said the task force on elections and the task force on the Mindanao transmission situation has already met to discuss the problem of national Grid. She said agus 1 &2 hydropower plants with a derated output of 80 MW due to low water levels (from its 260 MW rated capacity) cannot deliver power because tower 25 remains unprepared. “efforts are now focused on having this tower repaired. Mindanao is still critical during summer especially if one or several plants are down,” the energy official said. Monsada said they are still in the process of verifying the priority voting areas during the elections and one option that could ensure reliable supply in Mindanao is for the electric cooperatives to lease generating sets. Monsada admitted that the use of gensets could result to higher rates “having no power is more expensive.”

Valisno bus franchise revoked, says LTFRB By Rio N. Araja tHe land transportation Franchising and regulatory Board on tuesday affirmed the cancellation of the franchise of Valisno express Bus for the deaths of two passengers in Barangay lagro, Quezon City in august 2015. an agency member ariel enrile inton said the board dismissed the motion for reconsideration filed by the owner of the bus firm, and revoked the company’s certificate of public convenience.

He said Valisno failed to provide safe, proper and adequate service, committed misrepresentation by the use of illegal trade name, and operated unregistered vehicles. in a motion, the firm’s owner rosalinda Cando-Valisno said she did not allow one of her bus units (tXV-715) to divert its route and even posted a memorandum preventing the use of unregistered units. She blamed the dispatcher for allowing the bus unit’s departure. But enrile inton said Cando-

Valisno’s contention was lacked merit. on Sept. 10, 2015, the ltFrB board issued an order of cancellation of Valisno’s franchise when its unit figured in a road mishap in lagro on aug. 12, 2015. at least two persons were killed and 18 injured. “even if the parties in the labor dispute were able to reach a compromise and that the labor arbiter has already issued an order declaring the labor dispute closed and terminated, the use of an illegal trade name without prior approval of the Board is

violative of the terms and conditions of the CPC to prevent misrepresentation,” the order read. “the Board finds the allegation that the unregistered Valisno Bus with Plate no. tXV715 that figured in the incident was not supposed to traverse its route to be without merit. the fact that the dispatcher of the Valisno express allowed the subject unit to depart the garage reveals that the respondent lacks control and supervision of her employees.” the cancellation covers the company’s 24 bus units.

Senatorial candidate leyte rep. Martin romualdez on tuesday assured presidential candidate and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago of his commitment to fight corruption in the government by championing good governance as “malasakit” (compassion) to Filipinos who have been frustrated by broken promises of genuine reforms. “My anti-corruption campaign is my strong commitment to further promote transparency and accountability in the government,” said romualdez after DefensorSantiago and her running mate Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. endorsed him and nine other senatorial candidates in a two-hour event on Sunday night in Pasig City organized by the Youth for Miriam volunteers group. other candidates endorsed include former technical education and Skills Development authority director general Joel Villanueva, overseas Filipino worker advocate Susan ople, Manila Vice Mayor isko Moreno, former armed Forces Chief of Staff Dionisio Santiago, former energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, former Metro Manila Development authority chairman Francis tolentino, reelectionist Senator ralph recto, actor-host edu Manzano and Sarangani rep. Manny Pacquiao. romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution association, thanked Santiago and his first-cousin Marcos for the statement of endorsement to his senatorial bid and for believing on his ability and leadership as senatorial candidate who can contribute for the betterment of the country. “i am deeply humbled and honored for the support to us by Senator Defensor-Santiago and Senator Marcos,” romualdez, head of the House independent Bloc and a three-term congressman who is running for the Senate under a platform anchored on compassionate governance, said. aside from Santiago, romualdez’s senatorial bid was also backed by Partido Galing at Puso presidential candidate and Senator Grace Poe even if the leyte congressman was not included in the PGP’s official senatorial lineup, assuring her that he would push the return of “malasakit” (compassion) to public service. romualdez thanked Poe’s “virtual endorsement” as the lady senator said she would have also wanted the congressman’s inclusion in her senatorial lineup. But Poe said romualdez came late to her, adding that other groups had already included romualdez in their Senate slate. Poe, who is pushing for unification, said romualdez is an intelligent candidate after having a chance to talk to him and lauded his advocacies for the people, asking the public to support someone like romualdez who hails from eastern Visayas. Similarly, romualdez’s senatorial bid was endorsed by Vice President Jejomar Binay and Davao City Mayor rodrigo Duterte, who are both running for president.

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Planted bullets review: Agencies forge deal By Joel E. Zurbano AIRPORT authorities on Tuesday came up with a new policy concerning the investigation process of cases involving passengers caught carrying prohibited items at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Officials of the Manila International Airport Authority and representatives of the Police-Aviation Security Group, Office for Transportation Security, National Prosecution Service, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration signed the agreement firming up the new measure. “The memorandum of agreement is aimed at resolving the ‘tanim-bala’ [bullet-planting] cases, especially those involving OFWs. The resolution of these cases are in coordination with the law enforcer, and the National Prosecution Service, as the prosecution arm of the government,” said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz during a press briefing at the Naia Terminal 3. OWWA and POEA will assist in the facilitation process especially for departing overseas Filipino workers, Baldoz said. Under the agreement, the POEA shall provide personnel at the terminals 24/7 to assist OFWs apprehended with prohibited items, resolve the interception, and in some instance, rebook their flights in coordination with airline companies. The POEA will also advise the passenger emphasizing his or her rights as a person who might be, or eventually be, or is already subject of a Custodial Investigation. It will request the Public Attorney’s Office for immediate designation of a government lawyer to provide legal representation to the worker during investigation, inquest proceedings, preliminary investigation and trial. “The POEA shall also require recruitment agencies that deployed the OFW to provide assistance to the worker by contacting and making representation with the employer on the potential delay in the worker’s arrival,” said Baldoz.

Militant students hold a protest action in front of the Commission on Higher Education calling on authorities to stop Increases in tuition and other fees. MANNY PALMERO

Freeze tuition hike, youth groups demand By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Araneta

Militant groups on tuesday urged President Benigno aquino iii to issue an executive order that will freeze any impending increase in tuition and other fees in the next academic year. Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon of Kabataan and the League of Filipino Students made the urging after an independent monitoring made by the youth party showed that about 400 colleges and universities are set to increase tuition and other school fees for the next school year. The call for tuition freeze came after a Bicol student killed himself, the fifth education crisis-related suicide under the Aquino administration which the militants blamed for commercializing education.

Militant students trooped to the Commission on Higher Education on Tuesday pressing for a stop to the impending tuition hike and demanding justice for all victims of commercialized education. The protesters hurled red paint on the gates of CHEd to illustrate that “the hands of Aquino and CHEd are stained with blood.” Ridon said that ordering a blanket tuition moratorium is the least this inutile government could do to help ease the burden of students and their parents. “It is doable, it is possible,” he said.

Ridon, a member of the Makabayan Bloc, noted that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did the same thing back in 2008, though the order was issued well into the enrollment period and only covered state schools. Arroyo’s order also contained an appeal to private schools not to increase tuition that year. “Aquino has not done anything in his almost six years in office to stop tuition and other fee increases. In fact, college unaffordability reached new heights under this presidency. When he stepped into Malacañang in June 2010, students shelled out an average P30,000-P50,000 on tuition yearly. This amount has already doubled to P60,000-P100,000 in 2015,” Ridon said. Ridon also noted that under Aquino, the annual profits of

some of the most prominent universities have almost doubled. “In fact, we have schools like the Far Eastern University and the University of the East that are included in the Top 1,000 corporations in 2015.” “Issuing an executive order to freeze tuition hikes is an immediate relief for students. However, we must emphasize that this is not the only thing the Aquino administration can do. If the government really has the heart to address the growing economic burden posted by soaring tuition rates, then it needs to address the extant policy of education deregulation,” LFS chairman Charisse Bañez said. Ridon maintained that at the heart of the issue of annual tuition hikes is the government’s policy of deregulation contained in the Education Act of 1982, which allows private school owners to set their own tuition rates.

INC to open 5 North American churches as part of expansion

Medical donation. Manila’s 5th District Congressman Amado Bagatsing leads the turnover of a digital X-ray machine and other medical equipment at the Kabaka clinic in Pandacan. DANNY PATA

THE Iglesia ni Cristo announced on Tuesday that it was inaugurating five new chapels in North America as part of its continuing expansion program, in what it calls “intensifying of the brethren’s faith in other parts of the world and a growing recognition of the unique character of this Christian Church.” INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala revealed that Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo is scheduled to visit and dedicate four chapels in the United States and one in Canada from February to March of this year. “We’re very excited, but

perhaps not as much as the members themselves in the localities where the new houses of worship will be opened and offered. Our brethren in North America have been requesting for these churches for some time now, and we’re glad that with the INC leadership’s guidance, we’re finally doing it.” “The new American churches are spread geographically all over the continental US, from the West Coast to the East Coast,” Zabala intimated. Executive Minister Manalo will inaugurate approximately 300-seating capacity edifices in Bakersfield, California, Jersey

City, New Jersey, Orange Park, Florida and Lubbock, Texas. The Texas church is the largest, with a 484-seating capacity for the main worship hall and another 150 people for the function hall. The one to be opened in Regina, Canada seats 250 in the main hall and 100 in its function hall. “The INC has continued to enjoy the blessings of a reenergized and reinvigorated church under the able leadership of Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo. We expect to have more new church blessings in other parts of the world in the coming months,” the spokesperson said.

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NEWS

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Ombudsman sanctions Leyte, E. Samar officials for malfeasance

Bulacan police get P1m for solving judge’s slay

By Rio N. Araja

Camp Olivas, pampanga—The Regional peace and Order Council awarded p1 million to the Bulacan police authorities for immediately solving the murder of presiding Judge Wilfredo T. Nieves who was killed Nov. 11 last year.

SOMe local officials from Leyte and eastern Samar have been sanctioned by the Office of the Ombudsman for malfeasance in office. Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Paul elmer Clemente ordered the dismissal from the service of Sergio Batistis Jr., provincial board member of Albuera, Leyte. Batistis was involved in the selling of fake certificates of appearance and receipts to interested participants of the Philippine Councilor’s League national Board meetings. In June 2015, Batistis was arrested for selling falsified PCL official receipts and certificates of appearance in an entrapment operation. Meanwhile, the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas found Guiuan, eastern Samar officials—Arsenio Salamida, esperanza Cotin, Ma. nenita ecleo, Felipe Padual, Danilo Colandog and Gilberto Labicane—guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and were ordered suspended without pay for six months and one day. The respondents, acting as the bids and awards committee, authorized the procurement of a P2.1-million remanufactured fire truck without public bidding in February 2007. Clemente ordered Guiuan Mayor Christopher Sheen Gonzales to implement the suspension of the eastern Samar officials.

By Romeo Dizon

The money was received by a representative of Bulacan police

command from Gov. Aurelio Umali, council chairman.

nieves, 63, was riding his Toyota Fortuner on his way home to Quezon City from his office at the Bulacan capitol compound when the suspects, led by Arnel Janoras, waylaid and killed him on the spot. After two weeks of continuous police operation, Janoras, 43, of De La Costa 3, Barangay Graceville, City of San Jose Del Monte was arrested. He was killed while trying

to escape. Authorities believe that the killing was work-related as the nieves had convicted Janoras’ gang members for car theft three years ago. Regional Office 3 Director Police Chief Supt. Rudy G. Lacadin thanked the council for its support to the police and promised they would continue to make the region safe.

At day’s end. Fishermen head back home after a day of fishing in Santa, Ilocos Sur. DAVID CHAN

Ilocos Norte honors young achievers One hundred sixty-two youth achievers from Ilocos norte were recognized through the Sirib Youth Awards by the provincial government. The young people were honored Feb. 13 at the emelda Cultural Center in Batac City “for bringing honor to the province and inspiring their fellow to harness their world-class talents and skills.” Ilocos norte Youth Office OIC June Arvin Gudoy said “the Sirib Youth Awards aims to recognize young Ilocanos who brought prestige to the province through their participation in various national and international competitions.” The awardees came from different fields including academics, leadership, sports, journalism, culture and arts.

They were led by international awardee Mhage Gerriahlouh Sebastian of Pasuquin, Ilocos norte who won in the 16th Asean Age Group Chess Championship. Special awards were also given to board exam topnotchers including Carlo Magno Vistro (Top 8 of nursing Licensure examination on June 2015), Dennis Pungtilan (Top 10 of Registered Master electrician Licensure examination in September 2015) and Danah Mae Arzadon (Top 6 of nursing Licensure exam in november 2015). The awarding was part of the celebration of Ilocos norte’s 198th Foundation Anniversary. Gov. Imee Marcos said that as Ilocos norte gears up for its bicentennial anniversary on 2018, it

is important to highlight the involvement of the Ilocano youth in achieving sustainable development. Along with certificates of recognition, medals and trophies, the youth achievers received cash incentives from the provincial government. Coaches and advisers of winning participants were also recognized. On behalf of her fellow awardees, Sebastian expressed her gratitude to Marcos for her continuous support to the Ilocano youth and for further inspiring them to pursue great achievements. “Salamat po sa pagpapahalaga niyo sa simpleng kontribusyon namin sa bayan. Sana patuloy niyo pong isulong ang kapakanan naming mga kabataan upang mas lalo pang mahasa ang

Young achiever. A girl receives the Sirib Youth Award in Ilocos Norte. mga talento namin at sa gayon patuloy po kaming makapagbigay-karangalan sa bayan.” John Lester Alos, champion in the 17th Inkblots

national Campus Journalism Fellowship newswriting Category who is also a beneficiary of PGIn’s Iskolar ni Manang Imee Program, also thanked the

governor for the endless opportunities she is giving to the Ilocano youth. He further expressed his desire to serve the province in the future.

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R u A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

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Racing against time

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AbAyA’s hAlf-truth BY the low bar set by this administration, the admission last week by transportation Secretary Joseph emilio Abaya was remarkable. In an interview with CNN Philippines, Abaya acknowledged that the problems on the Metro Rail transit system and other woes such as the intractable daily traffic snarls in Metro Manila were hurting the presidential bid of administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II—who himself was transportation secretary between 2011 and 2012. Abaya, who is also acting president of the ruling Liberal Party, called this “a fact of life and a reality” that even President Benigno Aquino III and other Cabinet members accepted. Any rational person who listened to this admission might be led to believe that finally, the untouchable Secretary Abaya—whom not even the President could fire—was finally owning up to his horrid performance at the Department of transportation and Communications and its contribution to candidate Roxas’ poor showing to date in all opinion polls. that rational person, however, would be flummoxed by Abaya’s next statements, which disavowed any responsibility for the MRt mess or the worsening traffic in Metro Manila. The unspoken and incredible assumption that Abaya wishes us to swallow is that the Aquino administration had no part in the worsening transportation environment in the almost six years that it has been in power. Does he believe, we are compelled to ask, that the role of government is to sit idly by and watch as public services deteriorate? Is it the job of a Cabinet secretary to conjure up excuses for this poor state of affairs, and not to find ways to make things better? And the question germane to the coming presidential elections is, if you have failed to fix any of the country’s transport problems in six years, why should we give your party another six years? But the impervious Abaya plowed on with his dubious claims. he said that his conscience was clear, and that he had followed the procurement law to the letter in his four years as transportation secretary—even though he had signed on his first few days in office what was clearly an anomalous contract with an unqualified maintenance service provider for the MRt, the price for which millions of commuters are now paying. today, the commuter trains break down so often that these occurrences are no longer considered newsworthy. They are, as Abaya says, a fact of life. What is it that Abaya has over the President that he can fail so spectacularly and still hold his job? This was the valid question recently posed by Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos. But maybe we do not give the secretary enough credit for thinking things through. While his admission last week was clearly only partly true, perhaps like Alfred Lord tennyson, Abaya realized that a lie that is half-truth is the darkest of all lies.

Pacquiao gets beat uP

See, this is what happens when people seek political office just because they can win. And I’m not even talking about Noynoy Aquino, but of the Fighting Pride of the Philippines, Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao. The irony of it all is that Pacquiao’s anti-gay comments probably aren’t going to cost him the Senate seat that he

seeks in the May elections. I doubt very much if the Filipino electorate can be swayed enough to deny the champion boxer his heart’s desire, no matter how many homosexual groups denounce him for his store-bought Christian fundamentalist views. A sophisticated electorate seeks sophisticated candidates. The reverse, unfortunately, is also true, which is why all the pre-election surveys are telling us that there is no stopping the Pac-Man from being sworn into office after the elections three

months from now. Pacquiao, of course, has shown enough political sense to apologize for his sexually extremist remarks, which have generated enough noise from the local gay community to fill a medium-sized boxing arena. But the billionaire boxer’s “worse than animals” remark is sure to stick to him like glue and remain long after he has ended his second career as a politician. But that doesn’t mean he won’t win. And therein lies the tragedy. I’ve long railed about Pac-

At least voters now know that Pacquiao actually stands for something, even if that something is homophobia.

quiao’s decision to convert his sports and celebrity capital into political equity, on the ground that this typifies everything that is wrong with the way we choose our national leaders. The metamorphosis of Pac-Man from sports superstar to political figure is, after all,

brought about by the same obsession with “winnability” that has given us that ever-lengthening parade of opportunistic celebrities who contribute nothing to the national discourse and the legislative agenda—but who win high political office anyway, purely on the strength

of popularity and name recall. On the plus side (and I’m trying really hard here), at least voters now know that Pacquiao actually stands for something, even if that something is homophobia. And I predict that, because he is who he is, the boxer will not be content—as many celebrities have been —to be a part of the permanent committee on silence in the Senate; he will want to be heard, and often, on stuff he knows absolutely nothing about. What a terrifying thought. And nev-

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er forget: Pacquiao actually has set his sights on even higher things, like the presidency. Not content with winning worldwide fame and fortune beyond even his wildest imaginings, Pacquiao wants to be your president, as well. For all our sakes, he must not be allowed to get into that ring. *** There’s a chance that people will get angry enough at Pacquiao to stop him from seeking higher office. But

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you don’t have to be Chavit Singson to know that the odds of that happening are about the same as the boxer being chosen as the Most Valuable Player in the Philippine Basketball Association. Basketball, of course, is yet another of the height-challenged Pacquiao’s many obsessions, up there with singing, high-stakes gambling and womanizing. (All of these interests, I think, have convinced Pacquiao that he would make a very good politician.) Continued on A11

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

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

The Commission on elections is racing against time to print 57 million ballots for the May 9, 2016 elections. Will the poll body be able to beat its own deadline? Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista is confident that the ballots will all be printed and distributed two weeks before the elections. Really? By Bautista’s admission some spoiled ballots will have to be reprinted to preserve the integrity of the elections, adding the Bureau of Printing can print one million ballots a day. Well and good, but distributing the ballots to our 7, 107 islands—in provinces, cities, towns, barrios and other far- flung areas is another challenge. The ballots we assume would be ferried by air, sea and land. Under lock and key, the ballots in boxes would be under heavy guard by military and police troops. During and after voters cast their ballots, the onus of keeping the elections clean will be up to the teachers who are conscripted as sentinels every time the country holds an election. It is welcome news they have been given an increase of P2,000 allowance for poll duty. They are at the forefront to keep elections free and orderly—often braving bullets, threats and sometimes invectives from losing candidates. This year’s election looms as possibly the most chaotic and hotly contested with five presidential aspirants vying for the highest post in the land Vice President Jejomar Binay regained the lead with 29 percent in the latest Social Weather Stations survey with Senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte tied for second with 24 percent while Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas is still struggling at fourth place with 18 percent. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago is stuck at 4 percent since she declared herself a candidate. her own admission she has stage 4 lung cancer has prevented her from taking to the hustings and has turned off voters who would support her. health issues are also hounding Binay who’s 76 years old. Duterte has admitted to suffering from bronchitis and constant migraine. he even had to cut short his appearance before a gathering of medical professionals and had to check in overnight at the Cardinal Santos hospital in San Juan City. his handlers tried to cover up the episode but 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

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Racing against time

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Pacquiao gets beat uP

At least voters now know that Pacquiao actually stands for something, even if that something is homophobia.

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A10 Binay and BongBong It IS not really difficult to see why Vice President Jejomar Binay continues to lead in poll surveys. Note that in all poll surveys, even when Mrs. Mary Grace Natividad Kelly Poe Llamanzares led, Binay’s ratings never fell below 22 percent. That’s his grassroots following. And it can only go up. There are many other factors going for Binay. The “masa,” which constitutes the bulk of the electorate, resonate with him—tall, dark-skinned, who does not at all look like an elitist. Binay is Ibanag. Binay’s paid television advertisement calls him “Nognog” and “Pandak.” He is the candidate whom the masses can identify with. He is one of them. Binay also knows only too well that the people want to see their candidate in person. And that’s why Binay continues to consolidate his grassroots machinery by going to places in the “bundoks” where no presidential candidate has gone before. The Binay constituency has consolidated and grown with the hundreds of Makati’s “sister” cities and municipalities. He has given away items with his name on them—including ambulances and even financial aid. What can beat that for awareness and debt of gratitude? My gulay, as vice president, Binay had all the luxury of time consolidating his grassroots machinery as presidential adviser on migrant Filipinos, and chairman of Pag-IBIG, in charge of housing. As national chairman of the Boy Scout of the Philippines, Binay has his photo displayed in calendars in almost every Here’s why home in the provinces where a Boy Scout they’re leading. lives. Hailing from the province and being a Boy Scout myself during my public school elementary days, I know how provincianos display their calendars. There is no substitute for this! The only presidential candidate who can match Binay on having a grassroots machinery is administration candidate Mar Roxas, because of his reach in the local government units. But the difference ends there. The masses can never identify with Roxas. There are all the advantages of the vice president as shown in poll surveys. That’s why I say that Binay can sustain his lead. This advantage can only improve as Election Day approaches. Still, I won’t bet. After 66 years in journalism, I know that elections are not a sure thing. “Miracles” do happen, as they have in previous elections. *** I am not at all surprised with the latest Social Weather Stations survey showing Senator Bongbong Marcos tied with erstwhile survey leader, Senator Chiz Escudero in the vice presidential race. Bongbong can identify with the young and the masses; he possesses the charisma of his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos. For one thing, Bongbong talks sense in his platform of government. He has an excellent track record as a legislator, as Ilocos Norte governor and then congressman and senator. One thing about being a Marcos and an Ilocano, Bongbong will surely solidify Ilocanos in his favor, and among the vote-rich Pangasinenses, other Ilocanos in Luzon, the Warays of Eastern Visayas because of the Romualdezes and even among the Ilocanos in Mindanao. I will not be surprised if Bongbong leads the next surveys. No matter how Marcos-haters denigrate Bongbong for being the son of a dictator, I do not believe that the sins of the father should be passed on to the sons. In fact, I would say that Bongbong has leaned early enough how to sustain democracy as a way of life. As an Ilocano myself, I would prefer Bongbong to be vice president. And then we can give him a chance to lead the country in 2022. *** If the handlers of administration candidate Mar Rox-

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OPINION

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SuSano’S revolution SHE is rich. She is one of the Philippines’ largest landowners. She is a sole heiress to what could be a stupendous fortune. She is descended from veritable national heroes. So why is Mary Ann L. Susano running for congressman of the fifth district of Manila? “I think of it as payback time,” says the former congresswoman of Quezon City. She means it. Helping the poor and philanthropy seem to her a 24/7 passion and vocation. Susano routinely donates land, by the hectares, schools by the buildings, and road projects by the kilometers. During her stint as a two-term congresswoman of Quezon City, she donated a two-hectare lot on which was built what was supposed to be a college for the poor with their tuition to be paid for by her. The city government converted it into an elementary school instead, with more than 10,000 students. In front of the Batasan building, aghast that several students had died while crossing the 14lane highway, she helped finance what she says is the longest pedestrian bridge in the Philippines. She pitched in P20 million of her personal funds, while the government expended another P70 million. “We saved a lot of lives,” she gushes. In Quezon City, Susano began her foray into politics as a councilor and later won as congressman for two terms. She would have been a cinch for a third term as congressman of the city’s second district. Instead, in 2010, she opted to run for mayor. Machine politics defeated her. In 2010, the city’s second district was the largest in the Philippines, with about a million residents, half of whom were voters. Unless one is financially endowed and willing to dispense moolah liberally, one cannot expect to win hands down, against Susano. However, she lost in her mayoralty bid. Her district was gerrymandered, greatly diminishing her influence. So when she tried to regain her congressional seat in 2013, she was upstaged by a virtual unknown. It was the election where the power of PCOS (precinct count optical scan) machines was displayed in full force and the ruling Liberal Party swept all of Quezon City’s six congressional districts. Hocus PCOS? Also contributing to Susano’s setbacks in 2010 and 2013 was her opposition to the city government’s plan to auction the vast 200-hectare Veterans Memorial Hospital property for commercial development.

milk, the source of dairy for Metro Manila and the raw material for the famous Selecta and Arce ice cream. The original Selecta owner, Arce was related to Serrano who in turn was related to Susano. A cousin of Mary Ann fretted about the plight the Susanos sold the land where the of tens of thousands squatters dis- Iglesia ni Cristo central is now on placed by such commercialism and Commonwealth Avenue. by more than 100,000 trees that About 20 of the 120 hectares of would have to be cut down. “The the Montalban property were doVeterans compound is bigger than nated for the benefit of teachers. Fort Bonifacio [the business dis- In the kangkong farm of Apolonio trict cheek-by-jowl with Makati],” Samson, Mary Ann’s grandfather, she notes. Andres Bonifacio and at least 500 Mary Ann is again making a Katipuneros staged the Cry of Pupolitical comeback, this time in gad Lawin, the ritual tearing up Manila’s fifth district. Here, the of their cedulas [residence certifipopulation is much smaller, about cates], in defiance of 375 years of 350,000 but the demographics are Spanish rule. the same. It is a poor man’s disIn Manila’s fifth district, Mary trict. Ann owns a little more than an Behind the patina of elegance obligation to help the poor and the epitomized by upscale hotels in its dispossessed. Malate-Ermita tourist belt and the two congressmen, Amado ancient Intramuros in its walkways Bagatsing and Joey Hizon, had alof history are cesspools of squatters ternated in their stranglehold of like the reclaimed area called Ba- Manila’s fifth district. Amado’s son seco on the edge of beautiful Ma- wants to keep the district he has nila Bay. held for three terms while the father At this writing, Susano has vis- runs for mayor. Hizon is making a ited Baseco at least three times, comeback of his own. “Initially, hobnobbing with barangay offi- Bagatsing had the upperhand in the cials and people who daily, cope district,” confides one barangay ofwith grime, crime, and drugs. More ficial. “Lately, Susano has been gainthan 90 percent of its streets are un- ing ground and popularity. She is a paved, literally and virtually, living tireless campaigner,” she says. latrines and toilets. Lurking behind Susano also wants to redevelop the ramshackled shanties are drug Ermita and Malate into bustling dealers and drug victims, and for tourist districts. all we know, even Muslims sympaIf Novaliches and Manila have thetic to the separatist movement any common thread, it is Andres and its violent means. Bonifacio. The Great Plebeian is The candidate promises to build considered the hero of Manila. health centers, to pave the streets, to For its part, Quezon City has a herprovide livelihood, to build schools. oine named tandang Sora. It is a formula that has spelled sucShe was born in Banlat, Kalookan cess for her in Novaliches. The only (now Banlat, Balintawak, Quezon difference: Her family owned much City) on Jan. 16, 1812. So when she of Novaliches. joined the Revolution in 1896, she Under the late Don tomas Susa- was well past her senior at 84. no, the family patriarch, the Susano When Bonifacio and about 500 clan once owned vast tracks of land Katipuneros showed up at tandang sprawling from the old Kalookan to Sora’s farm in 1896, she willingly Quezon City and Montalban. This helped them, cooking and providwas the Don tomas Hacienda. Don ing them food, medical care and tomas was the father of Inocencio, an shelter. engineer and the father of Mary Ann. It happens that tandang Sora Inocencio’s wife, Doña Rosa, a school was related somehow to the great teacher (and Mary Ann’s mother), grandparents of Mary Ann Susano. was a Spanish mestiza. It was on the farm of Susano’s The Susano Hacienda had plenty grandparents that Bonifacio and of horses, cows and carabao. The his men tore up their cedulas. Novaliches property alone totaled today, Mary Ann Susano is stag6,000 hectares. The Susanos put up ing a defiance of her own, by chalthe Novaliches market (now a mall), lenging the powers-that-be of Maback in 1906, predating today’s SM nila. In the name of the poor and and Robinsons malls by 70 years. the dispossessed. Mary Ann relates that Novaliches got its name from nova leche—new biznewsasia@gmail.com

as are still wondering why Mar is being left behind in poll surveys, they should just use their coconuts. For one thing, the phrase “Daang Matuwid” has become meaningless and even hypocritical. There is so much incompetence and insensitivity in this administration. People perceive Mar as a clone of BS Aquino III. He does not have his own plan. It is the President who is campaigning for him. The truth is that Mar cannot erase his image as “plastic.” He tries too hard to identify himself with the poor when he is in fact a rich man. I really sympathize with Mar. He is qualified and has a good background. He has worked in both the Executive and Legislative branches of government, as Cabinet member and legislator, across various administrations. In fact, in 2010 when BS Aquino III was catapulted to the presidency because of the death of his mother, Cory, I had wanted Mar to run for president. But fate inter-

vened. Now, it is this same association with President Aquino that has become his undoing. *** A supporter of Mrs. Llamanzares called me to protest my column where said that she is the “alternative candidate” of the administration. I told my caller that the most obvious fact was when the President invited Mrs. Llamanzares to his birthday party last week. Now, why would a president who is campaigning for one candidate invite that same candidate’s political adversary? And why did Mrs. Llamanzares attend that party? Her presence only makes people suspect something is going on. Some who were in the party said Mr. Aquino even accompanied Mrs. Llamanzares to the door where they talked for a while. About what, I wonder. Perhaps she assured him he would never land in jail if she becomes president.

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OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

Humanity’s race against itself By mark Buchanan HUMANITy is engaged in a high-stakes race with its own growth: Lest our use of energy and materials get out of control, we must constantly innovate to become more efficient. Unfortunately, new research suggests we may be losing. The rapid advancement of electronics technology illustrates how the race works. The number of transistors in the world’s devices has gone from one in 1947 to a thousand billion billion today— more than there are letters in all the written text produced in human history. The proliferation hasn’t inundated the planet because the amount of physical material and energy used in each transistor has shrunk spectacularly, reflecting a relentless advance—seen in

RACING... From A9 word still leaked out apparently from hospital staff who recognized him. It’s nothing but a case of migraine, claims the Duterte camp. If that’s the case, can you imagine the king-sized headache Duterte is going to suffer if elected president considering the myriad and demanding problems of the presidency? We hope he gets well. It’s more interesting to have a five-way race, specially one as close as this.

almost all technologies— that gets economists and tech enthusiasts excited about the possibilities for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future. The hope is that by doing more with less, we can keep growing without bumping up against physical limits— an optimistic vision sometimes called “decoupling.” But is there any evidence for it? That’s less clear. Long ago, the economist William Jevons noted that improvements in energy efficiency, by reducing prices, often induce people to use still more energy. For decoupling to work, efficiency gains in energy or material must outpace this “rebound effect,” as well as other factors such as overall growth in production and population. Despite all the progress humanity has made, a new

With health issues hounding three candidates, the race for the vice presidency gets more interesting. Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos are statistically tied at second place. The smart money are putting their bets on Bongbong on what they see as the support of the Solid North Ilocano bloc of his father and namesake plus the Visayan votes of his mother, former first lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

PACquIAo... From A9 I guess someone who grew up dirtpoor in General Santos City and who turned out as well as Pacquiao did can easily be convinced that the world and everything in it, as Scarface believed, can be yours. And Pac-Man, on the verge of retiring from boxing, seems to be of the belief that there is nothing he cannot accomplish, if he sets his mind to it.

#failocracy

parsing of the empirical data suggests that’s not happening. Two engineers, Christopher Magee of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Tessaleno Devezas of the University of Beira Interior in Portugal, looked at two sets of data covering 116 different technologies existing between 1940 and 2010, ranging from the chemical industry and electronics to metals, wood and energy. Almost every technology over this period shows exponential improvement (though at different rates) in prices, performance and efficiency of energy and material use. Over 20 years up to 2009, for example, the price of photovoltaics consistently dropped about 10 percent per year. The improvements weren’t But don’t rule out the tandem of Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo. They have the LP party machine and the financial resources to move their numbers up come crunch time. Somehow, despite Palace disclaimers, the suspicion that Grace Poe is PNoy’s secret candidate has refused to die down. The question is: Can Aquino and his ruling Liberal Party fund and sustain two candidates? Poe as Aquino’s secret Plan B or P came from Minority Floor Leader Juan Ponce

I’m not belittling Pacquiao’s accomplishments as a boxer or looking down on him because of the accident of his humble roots. But if Pac-Man really wants to serve his country after leaving the boxing ring, perhaps he can concentrate on his famous—if erratic—philanthropy. What Pacquiao is really, unquestionably good at, after all, is being a boxer. He can use his unique and world-beating

enough, though, to outpace the combination of population growth, economic expansion and the rebound effect. As a result, overall material use tended to increase: Those photovoltaics, for example, consumed about 13 percent more materials each year. To be sure, the data are far from perfect. Information on many of the 116 technologies exists over intervals of only one or two decades. Still, the fact that none of the data fit the usual story of decoupling suggests that the concept is at the very least highly questionable. The only six exceptions were technologies for producing substances such as asbestos, mercury and thallium—all toxic materials that were ultimately controlled by policy intervention and legal restriction.

The results don’t imply that humans won’t ever achieve decoupling. They simply suggest that the historical record so far isn’t encouraging, and that there’s no reason to expect it to happen on its own. Magee and Devezas, for their part, remain optimistic. We might still find a solution, they told me, if we can manage to eschew politically motivated argument and predetermined conclusions in favor of more good science and especially empirical work. The more we recognize the burden that ever-increasing materials use puts on the planet, the more we might be able to encourage forces of many kinds—market, government or spontaneous social movements—to counter the trend. Bloomberg

Enrile who called Grace Noynoy’s “Manchurian candidate.” The idea behind the Machiavellian plan is to keep the President out of jail when he loses his immunity from suit after he steps down from office on June 30, 2016. Enrile himself plans to file a case against Aquino for betrayal of public trust, violation of the Constitution and for allegedly abandoning the 44 PNP-SAF commandos to be killed by MILF-BIFF rebels in Mamasapano in

skills, his name recall and his celebrity status to help young people, especially, who want to follow in his historic footsteps—and if they can’t all be boxers, he can help them just the same to get ahead in life. Of course, no one can tell Pacquiao what he should do with his money, his time and his fame. And since Pacquiao really listens to no one but God, my only hope is that God knocks some sense into

Maguindanao last year. Erratum: Oops…! Deadline pressure got me mixed up between two Latino- descent US presidential candidates—Ted Cruz and Mark Rubio. A reader correctly pointed out it was Ted Cruz who won the Iowa caucus, and not Mark Rubio. The polls in Iowa and New Hampshire are the first two of several primaries and are not the benchmarks of how the US White House race will go but it still serves as a weather vane on how Americans will vote.

him and makes him realize his limitations and not just his vast powers. Pacquiao right now has achieved the status of a national treasure. It would be sad if he turned from champion boxer to do-nothing politician, someone who had the opportunity to help and inspire but who just decided to cash in. That said, the rest of us can help Pacquiao by not voting him into office anymore. Really.

chong ardivilla

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Kuznetsova, other seeds fall in Dubai GERMANY’S Julia Goerges crushed double Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-0, 6-1 to advance to the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday. The 55-minute demolition was eight-seeded Kuznetsova’s heaviest defeat since suffering a similar scoreline last October in Wuhan, China. The only two seeds playing in Monday’s first round fell at the first hurdle with sixth seed and 2015 finalist Karolina Pliskova upset by American CoCo Vandeweghe who won her first match of the season 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 over the Czech wild card. Goerges repeated history over Kuznetsova after beating the 18th-ranked Russian in the first round in Dubai four years ago on opening day. “It was not one of my best,” the 54th-ranked winner said. “I was very solid but I had a few mistakes. “I didn’t give her the chance to get into the match, I played aggressive.” Fellow German Andrea Petkovic also got off to a winning start, breaking six times in a 6-2, 6-1 defeat of Italian Camila Giorgi, to end a twomatch loss streak. The 28th-ranked Petkovic, who exited in the Australian Open first round, and then was beaten in the Fed Cup by Swiss Belinda Bencic, is

working with a new coaching team and feels her tennis has turned a corner after she toyed with the idea of quitting the sport last December. Petkovic could face new world number nine Bencic in the next round at the Aviation Club if the weekend finalist in St. Petersburg beats former number one Jelena Jankovic in the opening round. The 40th-ranked Giorgi saved two match points in the final game as Petkovic closed out the victory in 63 minutes with 15 unforced errors to the 33 of her opponent. “I’m very happy with how I played, I’ve worked hard over the past few weeks to be ready here and I was able to translate good training onto the match court,” Petkovic said. “All the work paid off, things are coming together for me.” Petkovic had a close call after the end of last season, as she pondered her future in the game. “I was in New York and thought about just staying there. “But in the end I took my plane to Germany and began to work on my game,” she said. “I’m happy I made the right decision to stay in tennis.”

Giorgi had won the first three matches between the pair, with Petkovic beating the Italian last season in Cincinnati. “I didn’t have the best headto-head against her, but I’m finding the balance between consistency and going all out

for your shots, coming in on the short ball - I think I did that quite well today,” said Petkovic. “I feel much more ready physically than I did last year and I’m looking forward to the season.” Kristina Mladenovic beat Le-

sia Tsurenko 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) while Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia put out Slovak Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-4, 6-1. American Madison Brengle erased a 4-0 deficit in the second set to advance over Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 7-5. AFP

Olympic bid. A picture taken shows banners on the facade of the city hall of Marseille, to support the candidacy of Paris for the Olympics Game in 2024. The city of Marseille should host sailing events and several football matches, if Paris were to secure its 2024 Olympic Games bid. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN BIDS AND AWARD COMMITTEE

Re p u b l i c o f t h e Ph i l i p p i n e s Pr ov i n c e o f B o h o l M U N I C I PA L I T Y O F S E V I LL A

Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300

I N V I TAT I O N TO B I D FO R :

I nv i t a t i o n t o B i d for C O N C R E T E I N G O F TA I R A N - B AG B AG E N , K A LU G U S A N ROA D ( PH AS E I I ) for the MUNICIPALITYOF LANTAWAN, PROVINCE OF BASILAN The Provincial government of Basilan, through the 20% development funds intends to apply the sum of NINETEEN MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P19,400,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for CONCRETEING OF TAIRAN-BAGBAGEN, KALUGUSAN ROAD (PHASE II) for the MUNICIPALITY OF LANTAWAN, PROVINCE OF BASILAN. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

L o c a t i o n / P r o j e c t D e s c r i p t i o n: R e g i o n V I I P r o c u r e m e n t o f o n e (1) u n i t B r a n d N e w C r a w l e r H y d r a u l i c E xc a v a t o r, Tu r b o charged, intercooler with a minimum o f 117 K W H p a t 18 0 0 r p m , 4 c y l i n d e r s , 519 3 c c d i s p l a c e m e n t d i e s e l e n g i n e a n d equipped as follows: Cab/ Aircon M o n o b o o m (5 7 0 0 m m) Arm 2.9 meter B u c ke t ( 0 . 9 -1. 0 c u m) w i t h 6 teeth Tr a c k s h o e s 6 0 0 - 8 0 0 m m t r i p l e grouser waterproof c onnections; working lights on the fuel tank and boom Af ter sales ser vice maintenance and spare par ts are loc ally available

Contract Duration

ABC

12 0 -15 0 c . d .

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The Provincial government of Basilan now invites bids for CONCRETEING OF TAIRANBAGBAGEN, KALUGUSAN ROAD (PHASE II) for the MUNICIPALITY OF LANTAWAN, PROVINCE OF BASILAN. Measuring 1,000 l.m. of length per approach. Completion of the Works is required within 79 calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary 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”.

The Local Government Unit of Sevilla, Bohol has availed a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) – Tagbilaran City Branch for the procurement of one (1) unit Brand New Crawler Hydraulic Excavator.

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from The Provincial government of Basilan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00am to 5pm.

The Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol, through the Bids and Awards Committee now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply and delivery of the aforementioned equipment with an Approved Budget for the Contract of Eleven Million Pesos (11,000,000.00) . Price quotation shall include freight on board, VAT, custom clearance charges and other costs of handling and other related charges. The unit shall be delivered at LGU-Sevilla, Bohol. Completion of the Work is within one hundred twenty to one hundred fifty (120-150) calendar days reckoned from the date of receipt of the Notice of Award, Notice to Proceed and Purchase Order.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P25,000.00) ANDONE THOUSAND PESOS (P1,000.00)for the Letter of Intent.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding using the non-discretionary “PASS/FAIL” criterion as specified in the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as Government Procurement Reform Act.

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by any interested Bidders or his duly authorized representative from the BAC Secretariat upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos Only (Php 25,000.00) which shall be available during office hours from February 22, 2016 to March 4, 2016.

The Provincial government of Basilanwill hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 24, 2016 at BAC Office, Provl. Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan Province, which shall beopen to all interested parties.

The Municipal Government of Sevilla will hold a Pre-Bid Conference open to all interested Bidders on February 22, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. at the SB Session Hall, 2nd floor Municipal Building, Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol.

Bids must be delivered on Bid Opening to the address below on or before March 11, 2016 at BAC Office, Provl. Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan Province. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause ‎ 18.

Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project with a single largest contract of at least 50% of the Approved Budget of the Contact.

The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II – Instruction to Bidders.

Interested Bidders must submit their bids at the BAC Secretariat on or before March 7, 2016 @ 12:00 noon. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the form indicated in the Bid Documents. Late bids shall not be accepted. Bid opening shall be at 1:00 o’clock P.M. on March 7, 2016 at the SB Session Hall, 2nd floor, Municipal Building, Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol.

The Municipal Government of Sevilla, Bohol reserves the right to accept or reject any bid or to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. 9.

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

10. For further information, please refer to: The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Ground Floor, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417 E-mail Add: tigerlily _diamond@yahoo.com

( T S - F E B . 17, 2 016)

Bids and Awards Committee.

(SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids

(SGD.) ARTEMIO D. PERIN BAC Chairman Municipal Hall Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol 0998-884-6108/ 0977-817-4101

( T S - F E B . 17, 2 016)

McIlroy aiming for No.1 return RORY McIlroy has set his sights on regaining the world number one ranking from Jordan Spieth in time for the Masters as he prepares to make his debut at the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles this week. The Northern Irishman, who has slipped to third in the latest world rankings behind Spieth and Australia’s Jason Day, hopes his appearance in California can kick-start his season. “I can get off to a good start (to the) year, there’s no reason why I can’t be the No. 1 player in the world going into Augusta,” said McIlroy, who is chasing a career Grand Slam at the Masters. “That’s a goal of mine, to get off to a fast start ... and try to reclaim that position as quickly as I can.” This week’s Northern Trust at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades should suit McIlroy’s strong ballstriking game. “I’ve heard Riviera is a great course, and I want to go play there in LA, and I think it’ll be a good course for me,” said McIlroy. Spieth meanwhile has already experienced the Riviera’s challenging (TS-DEC. 1, 2015) layout. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Talavera: I’m not afraid of Pagara By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Top sailors. Philippine Sailing Association president Ernesto ‘Judes’ Echauz (second right) and top sailor Allan Balladares (second from left) hold their trophies as they pose with Philippine sailing team members Rommel Chavez (left) and Richly Magsanay (right) after they were feted by the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at One Esplanade last Saturday. The sailing team took home the country’s first Southeast Asian Games’ sailing gold in a decade last June. Centennial III, skippered by Echauz, also swept last year’s Commodore’s Cup Regatta in Subic Bay Freeport, the Subic to Boracay Race and the Boracay Cup Regatta 2015.

Le Tour de Filipinas 2016 to promote PH tourism THE fabled Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo City, Bagasbas Beach in Daet and Tatlong Eme in Atimonan in Quezon Province that includes the so-called Magnetic Hill at Km. 155. And of course, Mayon Volcano in Legaspi City in Albay. These are just a few notable landmarks—tourist attractions—the close to 400-strong 2016 Le Tour de Filipinas entourage would be feasting on when the seventh edition of the International Cycling Union race on the Asia Tour hits the road starting tomorrow (Thursday, February 18) in Antipolo City. The sporting component of the Le Tour de Filipinas presented by Air21 is tops on the

priorities of race organizer Ube Media Inc., but also high on the totem pole is the sports tourism aspect that rides on the fourstage cycling spectacle featuring 12 foreign teams and three local squads. “Cycling as a sport has always been the advocacy of Air21 and Ube Media Inc., but with it is the promotion of the Philippines as a major tourist attraction,” Ube Media Inc. President and Le Tour

de Filipinas chairman Donna Lina said on Tuesday. “In the six editions of the Le Tour, the attractions of Central and Northern Luzon were promoted intensely by the race. This time, we are headed down south where Southern Luzon and Bicol would be at center stage, featuring a different yet equally picturesque attractions,” Lina added. Practically all 75 cyclists, plus their team managers and staff, were accounted for last night (Tuesday night) in three resorts in Antipolo City where they are billeted. UCI procedures, including the License Check and Team Managers Meeting, are scheduled this afternoon (Wednesday), after

which the entire entourage will be treated to the Welcome Ceremony and Dinner at the Hinulugang Taktak. The checkered flag will be waved at 8:30 a.m. in tomorrow’s Stage One at the Sumulong Park start in front of the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and Antipolo City Hall. The finish after the 148.97-kilometer stage will be in front of the Lucena City Hall. Stage Two on Friday from Lucena City to Daet will cover 204.82 kms and Stage Three on Saturday from Daet to Legaspi City in Albay is 185.79 kms long. Mayon Volcano will be a majectic backdrop in the two-loop Legaspi-Legaspi 160.20-km Stage Four on Sunday.

NICARAGUA’s bantamweight champion Yesner “Cuajadita” Talavera has put on a brave front, saying he’s not afraid to fight unbeaten Filipino super bantamweight Prince Albert Pagara despite being a huge underdog in his main event showdown on the celebrated “Pinoy Pride” 35th edition at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel and Casino on Feb. 27. Talavera, who leaves for the Philippines on Feb. 20, told Nicaraguan media he is not afraid as he looks for recognition. An excited Talavera told reporter Ruben Murillo Haxel: “I’m motivated. My opponent is very tough, but for this, we are to fight the best.” His fight against Pagara will be the star of an 8-fight card of Ala Promotions, in cooperation with ABS-CBN. Talavera, who has a record of 15 wins (4 by KOs), 3 losses and a draw, is the reigning 118-pound Nicaraguan champion, but his bout against Pagara will be at 122 pounds for the IBF Intercontinental and WBO Youth titles. Pagara, who knocked out fancied Nicaraguan William “Chirizo” Gonzalez after 2 minutes and 20 seconds of the sixth round in October of 2015 at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California is conceded to be unbeatable. Nicaraguan media reported that Talavera “took the challenge of facing the Filipino, thinking that he might surprise him, but the harsh and cruel reality say the chances of a victory are minimal” Pagara is undefeated with 25 wins, 18 by knockout. He aims to become the next Filipino world champion. “He (Pagara) is concededly far superior to all. Unique, faster, more punchy, more technical with experienced resources,” said Haxel.

Velez siblings score in Koronadal net tourney PATRICIA Velez reasserted her mastery over Carlyn Guarde, winning the girls’ 16- and 18-andunder plums while younger brother John David took the 12- and 14-U titles in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional tennis circuit at the Koronadal Sports Complex in South Cotabato yesterday. Patricia, ranked No. 4 upended No. 2 Gennifer Pagente, 6-0, 6-2, in the semis then smothered Guarde, 6-1, 6-3, in the 16-U finals although the ace Davaoeña netter need-

ed an extra set to topple her rival from Sultan Kudarat, 6-1, 1-6, 6-1, to rule the premier side of the Group 2 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and hosted by Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes. The two-title feat was a repeat of her sweep of the Kidapawan leg of the nationwide circuit presented by Slazenger last month with Velez bracing for another romp when action resumes Thursday (Feb. 18) for the seventh leg in Davao. For details, call tournament organizer and supervisor Bobby Man-

gunay, also the PPSPEPP sports program development director, at 0915-4046464 or log on to www.palawanpawnshoptennis.com. John David wore down Andre Sing, 6-4, 6-3, to pocket the 12-U diadem then scored a 1-0 (ret.) win over his same rival in the 14-U finals of the nationwide circuit backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusively distributor of Slazenger, the official ball. “We take pride in producing future stars since our year-long, nationwide circuit gives these young players, including

the Velezes, Tugades, Enriquez, Bentillos and Madis, the chance to measure up against each other in highly competitive tournaments,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Sultan Kudarat’s Vince AJ Tugade matched the Velezes’ feats, stunning top seed Janus Ringia twice, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, for the 16-U title and 6-1, 6 -3, for the 18-U crown while top seed Sidney Ezra Enriquez from Salug Central School, Zamboanga del Norte held on to beat April Bentillo, 6-3, 6-3, for the girls’ 14-U plum.

Golf champ. Miguel Tabuena (left) holds his trophy as he poses with ICTSI Public Relations head Narlene Soriano after scoring a come-frombehind three-stroke victory in the ICTSI Anvaya Cove Invitational at the Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club in Morong, Bataan last weekend.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Ronda PH gets warm reception THE decision by the LBC Ronda Pilipinas organizers to open the door to practically every cycling stakeholders this year via the newly introduced community ride is already getting a warm reception from the community. LBC Ronda sports development head Moe Chulani said they have already drawn a lot of interests not just on its pro and amateur races, but also its community ride set on March 13 during the Visayas Leg, and on April 3 at the Paseo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and on March 13, both during the Luzon Leg.

Interestingly, the Iloilo date coincides with the province’s Bike Festival. “Ronda is giving everyone a chance to not just be discovered and represent the country in future international race, but also to simply give them a chance to feel the Ronda experience by joining our

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF CORAZON P. ARCILLA

In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CORAZON P. ARCILLA has been extrajudicially settled among her heirs as per Doc. No. 391, Page No. 79, Book No. 3, Series of 2016 of Notary Public Atty. Ramiro S. Osorio with CA-M. No. NP-013(2016 -2017) of Quezon City. ( T S - F E B . 3 ,10 ,17, 2 016)

S t a n d a r d F o r m N u m b e r :S F - G o o d - 0 5 R e v i s e d o n: J u l y 2 8 , 2 0 0 4

I N V I TAT I O N TO A PPLY FO R E L I G I B I L I T Y A N D TO B I D The Local Government Unit of Catanauan, Quezon, through its Bids and A w a r d s C o m m i t t e e ( B AC) , i nv i t e s s u p p l i e r s / m a n u f a c t u r e r s /d i s t r i b u t o r s / contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project: N A M E O F PRO J ECT 1.

S U PP LY A N D D E LI V ERY O F L A B O R A N D M AT ER I L A S (ST R A I G H T C O N T R ACT ) FO R T H E PRO P O S ED E X T EN S I O N /C O N ST RU CT I O N O F R I V ER D I K E & S E AWA L L , B RGY.1, 2 , 3 , 4, 5 ,7&10, C ATA N AUA N , Q U E ZO N

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A PPROV ED B U D G E T FO R T H E C O N T R ACT

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community ride,” said Chulani. Aside from introducing a new format and innovations, Ronda has also included a mountain bike race in each of every leg of Ronda’s sixth edition, presented by LBC and LBC Express, sanctioned by PhilCycling and sponsored by Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation, Petron and Versa RadioTech 1 Corp., with Maynilad and NLEX as minor sponsors. “LBC Sports Devt Corp. feels everyone should have the chance to join Ronda Pilipinas 2016, which is the fourth biggest race in the world in terms of distance covered, not just the elite riders,” said Chulani. “That’s why Ronda Pilipinas 2016 will be a bigger and better event, where we will have everyone, including the executives and amateurs joining us,” he added. Ronda will officially start on Feb. 20 with a road race from Butuan

City, proceeds with a criterium on the same city the next day and in Cagayan de Oro on Feb. 23, an ITT in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich on Feb. 25, before concluding with another criterium in Malaybalay on Feb. 27. The Visayas leg is composed of a Stage One criterium in Bago City, Negros Occidental on March 11, Stage Two criterium in Iloilo City on March 13, a Stage Three road race from Ilolilo to Roxas City on March 15, a Stage Four criterium and Stage Five ITT both in Roxas on March 17. Capping Ronda is the Luzon stages consisting of a Stage One criterium at the Paseo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on April 3, a Stage Two ITT from Talisay to Tagaytay the next day, a Stage Three criterium in Antipolo City on April 6, a Stage Four road race from Dagupan to Baguio on April 8 and a Stage Five criterium in the City of Pines.

Mansito fights no. 1 Magdaleno FILIPINO Edward Mansito is scheduled to face World Boxing Organization’s No. 1 super bantamweight in a 10-round bout at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Arizona this Saturday in what looks like a terrible mismatch. Magdaleno is unbeaten with a record of 22 wins with 16 knockouts and is also rated No. 3 by the World Boxing Association and No. 10 by the World Boxing Council, while Mansito, who has a record of 13-3 with 7 knockouts, is not even rated

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in the Philippines. The southpaw Magdaleno is coming off a knockout of Filipino Vergel Nebran at 2:22 of the very first round, while Mansito, nicknamed “The Nightmare” may be facing just that when he takes on Magdaleno. Reporting on the Nebran fight, the Las Vegas Review Journal said Magdaleno “made short work of Vergel Nebran, scoring a first-round knockout in a their 10-round featherweight fight in Phoenix.” Ronnie Nathanielsz

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

N OT E : P r o s p e c t i v e B i d d e r s o f a l l p r o j e c t s r e q u i r i n g a g g r e g a t e s o r t h e s u p p l i e r o f t h e s a m e s h a l l h a v e a n ex i s t i n g a n d u p d a t e d P r o v i n c i a l M i n i n g a n d R e g u l a t o r y B o a r d ( P M R B) P e r m i t , M ay o r ’s P e r m i t a n d o t h e r Clearances.

Invitation to Bid for ONE (1) YEAR LEASE OF FIFTY (50) UNITS PRINTERS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE (DOF) 1.

The DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE (DOF), through the Government of the Philippines under the General Appropriations Act for FY 2016, intends to apply the sum of Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 3,500,000.00), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for One (1) Year Lease of Fifty (50) Units Printers in the Department of Finance (DOF) (the “Project”). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

P r o s p e c t i v e b i d d e r s s h o u l d h av e ex p e r i e n c e i n u n d e r t a k i n g a s i m i l a r project within the last 2 years, with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project for bidding. The Eligibility Check /Screening as well as the Preliminar y Examination of Bids shall use non- discretionar y “pass/ fail” criteria. Post- Qualif ication of the lowest calculated bid shall be conducted.

The DOF, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) registered contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for One (1) Year Lease of Fifty (50) Units Printers in the Department of Finance (DOF). Bidders should have completed, within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project which is equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC for the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

A l l p a r t i c u l a r s r e l a t i v e t o E l i g i b i l i t y S t a t e m e n t a n d S c r e e n i n g , B i d S e c u r i t y, P e r f o r m a n c e S e c u r i t y, P r e - B i d d i n g C o n f e r e n c e /s , Ev a l u a t i o n o f B i d s , P o s t Q u a l i f i c a t i o n a n d A w a r d o f C o n t r a c t s h a l l b e g o v e r n e d by t h e p e r t i n e n t p r o v i s i o n s o f R . A . 918 4 a n d i t 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) .

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 (R-IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. However, only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

I n t e r e s t e d b i d d e r s s h o u l d b i d c o l l e c t i v e l y f o r t h e a b o v e m e n t i o n e d t h r e e (3) i t e m s . T h e i t e m s s h o u l d d e l i v e r e d o n s i t e by t h e w i n n i n g b i d d e r.

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 the BAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex, corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. St. Roxas Boulevard, Manila starting February 17, 2016 during office hours.

LO C AT I O N Brief Description

: :

S o u r c e o f Fu n d

Catanauan, Quezon CONSTRUCTION AND CONCRETING P R O J EC T S B U B 2 016 A N D DA A N N UA L B U D G E T 2 016

T h e c o m p l e t e s c h e d u l e o f a c t i v i t i e s i s l i s t e d , a s f o l l o w s: AC T I V I T I E S

SCHEDULE

1. P r e - P r o c u r e m e n t C o n f e r e n c e

0 3 Fe b r u a r y 2 016

2. Publication

17 Fe b r u a r y 2 016

19 Febr uar y 2016, 2:0 0 pm @SB Hall

Pre-bid Conference

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on February 17, 2016 from the BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP 5,000.00).

4 . S u b m i s s i o n o f L e t t e r o f I n t e n t a n d 17 Fe b r u a r y 2 016 to 0 3 M a r c h 2 016 Issuance of Bid Documents (8:0 0 a m - 5:0 0 p m,m o n - f r i.) 5. Opening of Bids

0 4 March 2016, 2:0 0 pm @SB Hall

6 . P o s t - q u a a n d B i d Ev a l u a t i o n

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7. N o t i c e o f A w a r d

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The Bidding Documents may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the PhilGEPS and the website of the DOF, provided that the Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. 6.

ACTIVITIES Posting of Invitation to Bid Issuance and Availability of Bid Documents Pre-Bid Conference Request for Clarification Issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletin Deadline for Submission of Bids Opening of Bids

B i d D o c u m e n t s w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e o n l y t o p r o s p e c t i v e b i d d e r s u p o n p ay m e n t o f a n o n - r e f u n d a b l e a m o u n t i n f o r m a t t h e O f f i c e o f M u n i c i p a l Tr e a s u r e r o f Catanauan, Quezon. The cost of bidding documents shall correspond to the ABC range as i n d i c a t e d i n t h e t a b l e b e l o w. T h i s s h a l l b e t h e m a x i m u m a m o u n t o f f e e t h a t procuring entities can set for the acquisition of the bidding documents. Approved Budget for the Contract

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents

500,000.00 and below

1, 0 0 0 . 0 0

More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

5,000.00

M o r e t h a n 5 M i l l i o n u p t o 10 M i l l i o n

10 , 0 0 0 . 0 0

M o r e t h a n 10 M i l l i o n u p t o 5 0 M i l l i o n

25,000.00

More than 50 Million up to 500 Million

50,000.00

More than 500 Million

75 , 0 0 0 . 0 0

The Local Government Unit of Catanauan, Quezon assumes no r e s p o n s i b i l i t y w h a t s o e v e r t o c o m p e n s a t e o r i n d e m n i f y b i d d e r s f o r a ny ex p e n s e s i n c u r r e d i n t h e p r e p a r a t i o n o f t h e b i d . A p p r o v e d by :

( T S - F E B 17, 2 016)

500.00

More than 500,000.00 up to 1 Million

S g d . J E R RY M . M E N D O Z A Municipal Assessor B AC C h a i r m a n

The schedule of bidding activities is as follows: SCHEDULE February 17, 2016 Starting February 17, 2016 February 24, 2016, 10:00 am February 26, 2016 (by email) February 29, 2016 March 7, 2016, 9:45 am March 7, 2016, 10:00 am

Bids must be delivered at the 7th Floor, EDPC Building cor. P. Ocampo Sr. St., Manila on or before March 7, 2016, 9:45 am. The bidders shall drop their duly accomplished eligibility requirements, technical and financial proposals in two (2) separate envelopes in the bid box located at the abovementioned address. All the Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the Instructions to Bid (ITB) Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on the date indicated above at the DFG Conference Room, 4th Floor DOF Building. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. “LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.”

The DOF reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, 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.

For further information, please refer to: Lilia R. Tan, Head - BAC Secretariat Department of Finance BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo, Sr. Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila Telephone No.: 526-8475 Telefax No.: 525-4227 Email Address: ltan@dof.gov.ph

(TS-FEB. 17, 2016)

(SGD) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and DOF-BAC Chairman

Sea Horses level series with Griffins JOHN Paul Manansala and John Cymon Reed took charge early in the game to lead the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses to a 72-64 subduing of the Colegio de San Lorenzo Griffins, 72-64, last Friday at the Marikina Sports Complex. Their big efforts in Game 2 helped the Sea Horses equalize their best-of-three series with the Griffins at 1-all in the 8th Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association men’s basketball championship. Manansala struck with 23 points, while Reed had 15 for the Sea Horses, who bounced from a 53-56 loss they took from the Griffins in Game 1. It was Manansala’s drive and three-point play in the last 1:34, which allowed the Sea Horses to move away, 29-20, in the first period. Reed, who kept an eye in his matchup with big man Jun Gabriel all throughout, scored from inside the paint in the last 5:19, handing the Sea Lions a 4128 cushion in the next play. Teammate Arvee Capinding hit 11 points, including a putback at the buzzer, which gave PATTS a 53-48 halftime spread. “We just focused on offense and defense. It was match-ups which got them and our fullcourt press, which gave us a big lead,” said Sea Horses coach Rensy Aranzaso. Earlier, CJ Catura and Eljohn Limpin shot 18 points each in leading National College of Business and Arts to a 73-65 win over St. Francis of Assissi College in the battle for third place. The Griffins made an effort to come back in the fourth, but they lost Gabriel the last 1:51 after he was slapped an unsportsmanlike foul off his defense on Jayson Orada. With Gabriel thrown out, and suspended in Game 3, PATTS later moved out of range in the last 53.7 seconds off a drive and free throw from Manansala, 70-61.

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

PH hosts 2 international volleyball tournaments THIS year will be like no other for Philippine volleyball with two major international tournaments lined up by the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas and Philippine Superliga. Ramon Suzara, PSL president and key officer of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation, bared the plans during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate. Coming up in September is the Asian Club Championship where Foton, the reigning PSL Grand Prix champion, will represent the country against the best women’s volley clubs in the region. Suzara, an LVPI adviser, said Foton has the prerogative to beef up the team by tapping players from other PSL teams. It can also hire as many imports as long as only two are

fielded at the same time. A maximum of 12 teams, including reigning Asian WCC champion Thailand, will see action from Sept. 3 to 13 either at the Philsports Arena in Pasig or the MOA Arena in Pasay. The winner will represent Asia in the prestigious World Club Championships, which the country will also host from Oct. 18 to 23 at the MOA Arena. Suzara, head of the AVC developmental and marketing committee, said the world’s top eight women’s clubs will compete in the event to be held in the Philippines for the first time. “It’s the first time in Philippine volleyball history,” said Suzara, also a member of the FIVB development commission. He said the PSL is finalizing a deal with TV5 as the event’s TV partner. The PSL, said Suzara, has been awarded by the FIVB the right as local organizer of the World WCC, which will feature the

world’s best. At least three clubs from Europe, including Russia, Italy and Switzerland, will vie together with two South American clubs, including one from Brazil, will come in. For Asia, it will be Japan and China, and Suzara said he’s still trying to convince the FIVB to award a slot to the host country, the Philippines. If granted a slot, the PSL will field its top six players to be joined by six imports to be recommended by the FIVB. Suzara said the imports can be paid as much as $10,000 each. Suzara said for imports, he might request for a Brazilian setter, and a couple of tall players from Russia, then the others from the United States or Italy. The PSL chief added in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. that he’s also eyeing a foreign coach to beef up the Filipino coaches.

Ramon Suzara, PSL president and key ofﬁcer of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation, announced the plans of his associations during Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate. EY ACASIO

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 6 DIGITS 0-0-0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

P0.0 M+ P0.0 M+

UP, Adamson try to check losing skid UNIVERSITY of Games today (The Arena) the Philippines 8 a.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men) and Adamson 10 a.m. – NU vs UST (Men) p.m. – UE vs UST (Women) try to check their 42 p.m. – UP vs AdU (Women) two-game slide skid in a key UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball contest today at The Arena. The winner of the Lady Maroons-Lady Falcons match scheduled at 4 p.m. will give it a piece of fourth place. Defending two-time champion Ateneo is lording it over at 4-0, while National University and De La Salle are holding identical 3-1 slates in joint second. Far Eastern University is in solo fourth with an even 2-2 card. Winless squads University of Santo Tomas and University of the East seek to avoid getting deeper in the cellar in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, the La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers may have lost main man Aljun Melecio to five fouls in the last two minutes of their game on Sunday. But three reserve players scored from the free throw line and propelled the Junior Archers to a 75-68 stomping of the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eaglets Monday in the stepladder semifinals of the 78th UAAP junior basketball at the Arena in San Juan. Jaime Cabarrus, Sean Francisco and Miguel Fortuna sank seven of eight charity attempts in the final minute, allowing La Salle-Zobel to move ahead after the Blue Eaglets tried their best to come back from four points down. This put the Junior Archers in the finals with the National University Bullpups starting Friday. It will be their first championship appearance since they lost the crown to the Kiefer Ravenaled Blue Eaglets in 2009. Peter Atencio

Longshot Pangarap cops PCSO 3YO Open THE HOARSE WHISPERER JENNY ORTUOSTE

IT’S not unusual for longshots to win races sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and it happened again last Feb. 13 at San Lazaro Leisure Park. Pangarap won the PCSO 3YO Open Race as the far fifth favorite. Trial race winner Pinagtipunan was the favorite, but, running off the pace from Pangarap, could not pull away from the latter who ran wireto-wire under easy handling and won by a length and a half. Pangarap is owned by Roman L. Santos and trained by Pedro C. Sanchez Jr., and was ridden by Kelvin B. Abobo. The colt by Tempestu-

ous Wind out of Glenn Rose clocked 1:35 for 1,500-meters (18-24-25’-27’). Pinagtipunan 2nd, Space Needle 3rd, Secret Kingdom 4th. *** PCSO’s next race is the Feb. 28 Freedom Cup mile for horses 4YO and older at Metroturf. The race pits lone filly Gentle Strength against colts Kanlaon, Biseng Bise, Low Profile, and Messi and Tap Dance (coupled entries). For the agaency’s Mar. 12 3YO maiden race over 1,400-meters at Santa Ana Park, the declared runners are Wolverine, Big Cat Drama, Indianpana, World Famous, Silhouette, My Destiny, Tapped It, Lollipop, and Clear Time. The trial race is on Feb. 26. *** Congratulations to the honorees of the Philippine Racing Commission Honor and Citation

Awards held Feb. 14 at SLLP. Ruben Dimacuha’s Low Profile is Horse of the Year, having earned P5.45 million from 12 wins, four second places, and one third place. Lawyer Narciso O. Morales is Horseowner of the Year. His stable earned P33.71 million in horse prizes (HoP) from 137 wins, 139 2nds, 138 3rds, and 169 4ths. Among Morales’s well-known horses are Messi and Spectrum, respectively the 10th and 12th highest-ranking horses of 2015. Trainer Fred Abobo received the trophy in behalf of Atty. Morales. The Trainer of the Year is Ruben Tupas. With 238 wins, 176 2nds, 184 3rds, and 162 4ths, he earned P4.3 million, nearly double the earnings of the second-place trainer. In HoP terms, the horses he trained earned P56.2 million.

It’s no surprise that Jonathan Hernandez is the Jockey of the Year, after posting 182 wins, 132 2nds, 110 3rds, and 90 4ths to earn P4.5 million as an individual and P44.49 million in HoP of the horses he rode. Oliver Velasquez’s SC Stockfarm, Inc. is the Breeder of the Year. Among the ranch’s progeny are Low Profile, Miss Brulay, Miss Brulay (2015 3rd leg Triple Crown winner), and multiple-stakes winner Princess Ella, among others. The Most Successful Racing Event is the 7th Mayor Ramon Bagatsing Sr. Memorial Racing Festival, which grossed P40.55 million on Aug. 30 last year at SLLP. Manila representative Amado S. Bagatsing received the award in behalf of the Bagatsing clan. According to Philracom Chairman Andrew A. San-

chez, the selection criteria are “the statistics and empirical data of earning and numbers of wins.” It was my honor to emcee the event, graced by all the commissioners, regretfully sans Philracom Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez who is recovering from minor surgery. (Get well soon, sir!) Commissioners Ramon S. Bagatsing Jr., Wilfredo de Ungria, Victor V. Tantoco, and Jose Santillan Jr. (all lawyers), with Bienvenido C. Niles Jr. and Lyndon B. Guce handed out the trophies. They were accompanied by veterinarian Andrew Rovie Buencamino, the agency’s executive director, and lawyer Pilita Venturanza, legal officer. The host Manila Jockey Club was represented by racing manager Jose Ramon C. Magboo and assistant racing

manager J-fel Cuevas. Plaques for outstanding service were also awarded to Guce and Tantoco, the longest-serving among the commissioners. ***** Herminio Esguerra’s Manalig Ka (Real Spicy x Tatler Cover) won the Philracom 1,400-meter 1st leg Import/Local Challenge also last Valentine’s Day at SLLP. Ridden by jockey Fernando M. Raquel Jr. the 5YO colt earned P300,000 for first. Holly Bear 2nd, Miss Zizou 3rd, Cats Dream 4th. Time for 1,400-meters: 1:27.4 (12’-2424’-26’). The next Philracom stakes race for the month is the 1,400-meter 4YO and Older Stakes on Feb. 28 at Metroturf. *** Facebook: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @gogirlracing, Instagram: @jensdecember

A16

W E D N E S DAY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 16 RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Tanduay’s Sandy Cenal tries to outwit three AMA Online defenders, led by Rashawn McCarthy and Jovit dela Cruz in a PBA D-League Aspirant’s Cup game won by the Rhum Masters, 92-83, at The Arena in San Juan.

2 Fil-Ams shatter PH records By Peter Atencio FIL-AMERICAN bets Jessica Lyn Barnard and Marisa Kwiatkowski set new Philippine national indoor records in two separate track and field meets in the United States held the last three weeks. The 25-year-old Barnard smashed the 1-mile indoor women’s run mark when she finished eighth place with a time of 4:53.30 in the fourth heat of the Husky Classic. She improved on her old best time of 4:55.51 during the meet, which was held at the Dempsey Indoor Stadium in Seattle Washington. The 20-year-old Kwiatkowski, a student at Stanford University, reset a previous national mark she owned in the junior women’s triple jump after clearing 12.45 meters. She went past the 12.37-meter national record last Jan. 30 at the Penn State meet at the Horace Ashenfelter indoor track of University Park in Pennsylvannia. Kwiatkowski’s records are recognized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, while Barnard’s feat is still undergoing a verification process.

Bolts eye 3 straight win rd

By Jeric Lopez

THREE undefeated teams aim to keep their records unblemished, while another one makes its franchise debut as the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup resumes today. Early leader Meralco (2-0) guns for a third straight victory as it looks to keep its spot ahead of the pack, but it faces a stiff challenge against Rain or Shine (1-0) when they go at it at 7 p.m. in the main event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Three hours earlier, NLEX (1-0) welcomes league newcomer Phoenix Petroleum, formerly Barako Bull, to the PBA in their 4:15 p.m. collision. Phoenix bought the Barako Bull franchise in between the first two conferences and will be using the moniker Fuel Masters.

McIlroy aiming for No. 1 TURN TO A12

Following a disappointing Philippine Cup campaign, where they finished dead last and only won a single game, the Bolts look like they are finally starting to get their bearings going this season. Meralco won its first two assignments to show that it has improved. The last of those two quick wins came at the expense of sister team Talk ‘N Text, 88-84, last Saturday as the Bolts capitalized on the ejection of Texters’ temperamental import Ivan Johnson. Bolts’ coach Norman Black feels like his squad is in a much better

shape in its campaign fice in Libis yesterday to Games Today for this import-laden (Smar Araneta Coliseum) personally apologize to 4:15 p.m. - NLEX vs. Phonix conference. league Commissioner Petroleum “I think we’re in betChito Narvasa for utter7 p.m. - Meralco vs. Rain or Shine ter physical condition ing choice words against this conference and the PBA official last Satwe’re also keeping our composure,’’ urday. His outburst got the import said Black. ‘’We just need to keep immediately banned in the league. on improving on our spacing and Narvasa accepted the apology our shot selections even more.’’ and issued a statement regarding Rain or Shine also had its own the matter. fine start. “Ivan (Johnson) came here on The Elasto Painters knocked his own. I understand him. I don’t down rival and fellow powerhouse think it’s intentional. I don’t think Star, 95-86, also last Saturday. it’s personal,” said Narvasa, who However, Rain or Shine coach have been criticized for handing Yeng Guiao wasn’t completely out an immediate decision on the pleased with his team just yet. matter without due process and ‘’Our last game wasn’t as smooth evaluation. as we wanted it to be,’’ he said. The rookie commissioner then ‘’Marami pa kaming dapat i-im- said that he will come up with a prove kasi hindi pa namin naku- decision as soon as he can regardkuha ‘yung larong gusto namin.’’ ing Johnson’s future in the PBA, Meanwhile, Talk ‘N Text import leaving a possibility that he might Ivan Johnson came to the PBA Of- reverse his initial sanction.

PH hosts 2 international volleyball tournaments TURN TO A15

WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 17, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

PSe comPoSite index Closing February 16, 2016

8000 8340 7880

BUSINESS

7420 6960 6500

6,743.95 51.37

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing February 16, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P47.570

44.00

43.00

HIGH P47.400 LOW P47.590AVERAGE P47.508 VOLUME 590.100M

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

F oreign e xchange r ate Unit

the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore. Airbus’s and Boeings Co.’s 20-year outlooks are dependent on Asia Paciﬁc for new ﬂeet sales, with estimates that 39 percent of their total deliveries will be to that region through 2034. BLOOMBERG

San Miguel to start MRT-7 construction By Darwin G. Amojelar

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tuesday, February 16, 2016 Currency

Singapore Airshow. Fabrice Bregier, chief executive of Airbus Group SE, pauses during a media brieﬁng at the Singapore Airshow held at

US Dollar Peso

United States Dollar

1.000000

Japan

Yen

0.008728

47.4880 0.4145

Pound

1.443200

68.5347

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128439

6.0993

Switzerland

Franc

1.013171

48.1135

Canada

Dollar

0.723223

34.3444

Singapore

Dollar

0.714694

33.9394

Australia

Dollar

0.714184

33.9152

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656748

126.1636

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266738

12.6669

Brunei

Dollar

0.712149

33.8185

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.028069

1.3329

UAE

Dirham 0.272279

12.9300

Euro

1.115700

52.9824

Korea

Won

0.000826

0.0392

China

Yuan

0.153988

7.3126

India

Rupee

0.014680

0.6971

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.242424

11.5122

New Zealand

Dollar

0.664717

31.5661

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030189

1.4336 Source: PDS Bridge

SAN Miguel Corp. is now ready to start the construction of a mass rail transit system extending to Bulacan province, after completing the funding package of the project, seven years after the original proposal was presented.

Universal LRT Corp. BVI Ltd., the MRT-7 concessionaire controlled by San Miguel, said it fully complied with the financial closure requirements of the P62.7-billion project that would involve the construction of a 22.8-kilometer rail system from North Ave. at the corner of Edsa in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan. Financial closure refers to the process of completing all financial transactions related to the project.

ULC said it was now preparing to break ground for the vital infrastructure project that would serve some 2 million commuters in the northern parts of Quezon and Caloocan cities and the towns of Bulacan province. “We have already submitted required documents to the Department of Transportation and Communications last week, certifying commitment from us and our banks to provide financing facilities for the project,” ULC chairman Ramon Ang said. The deadline for the submission of financial closure was on Feb. 19. The MRT-7 concessionaire achieved financial closure under the terms of the project’s concession agreement following the submission of the documents. Having achieved financial closure, the contract for the construction of MRT-7 is now deemed “contract effective” under the terms of the MRT-7 concession agreement. ULC asked the Transportation Department to determine the date for the project’s groundbreaking.

San Miguel said the MRT-7 construction timeline submitted by contractor Hyundai Rotem-EEI consortium was approved by the department. The construction timeline calls for the start of the MRT-7 construction and construction-related activities on Feb. 18, 2016 and completion on Aug. 17, 2019. Construction of MRT 7 was delayed for about seven years, because of the proponent’s failure to secure a performance undertaking from the Finance Department. A performance undertaking represents a recognition of the obligation of the Philippine government through the Transportation Department under the concession agreement, particularly the remittance of semi-annual amortization payment in favor of ULC. MRT 7 involves the construction of a 22.8-kilometer rail system from North Ave. in Quezon City, passing through Commonwealth Ave., Regalado Ave. and Quirino Highway up to the proposed intermodal transportation terminal in San Jose del Monte. The project will cover 14 stations.

Japan company wins $30-m contract to supply 3,000 e-trikes By Alena Mae S. Flores BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Uzushio Electric Co. of Japan, won a $30-million contract to supply 3,000 electric tricycles to the government in 2016. Bemac said the e-trike production and supply contract was under the joint project of the Energy Department and the Asian Development Bank. The Philippines is home to over 3.5 million gasoline-fueled tricy-

cles, which are commonly used as public transportation over short distances. The government announced in 2012 a project to replace 100,000 units of traditional tricycles with e-trikes in a bid to reduce the environmental impact of these vehicles. Bemac bested four other companies to win the a bidding for the supply of 3,000 e-trikes in May 2015. The company said that after rounds of price negotiations, the

final price was settled at around $30 million for the production, delivery and servicing of 3,000 electric tricycles. Uzushio Electric Co., a manufacturing company based in Imabari City, is Japan’s top large ship outfitter, chiefly manufacturing electric and communications equipment since 1946. Uzushio launched an electric vehicle development program in 2011 and developed a prototype in 2012. Its local subsidiary Bemac pre-

pared systems for the manufacture, sale and distribution of 6,000 vehicles yearly with cooperation from local partner companies led by Almazora Motor Corp. as its local assembly partner. Uzushio Electric Co. president Masato Oda said in a previous visit to the Philippines the company was very serious in its e-vehicle business and was looking at possibilities of introducing more variants including four-wheeled e-vehicles. Yvonne Palomar Castro, Be-

mac vice president for operations, sales and marketing, said in a statement the company was excited about being a catalyst for change in helping resolve transportation problems and their associated impact to the environment. “As an EV advocate first, I am glad that we got this award because we are committed to provide an EV technology and after sales support system that will be the new benchmark in the local EV industry,” Castro said.

WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 17, 2016

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Tuesday, February 16, 2016

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 0.92 2.6 890 1.01 100 30.5 75 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 1.02 625 0.225 78 17.8 58 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. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

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 20.75 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 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173

3.95 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

2.3 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 1.65 161 4.1 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’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp. LBC Express LMG Chemicals Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ SPC Power Corp. Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837

76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 0.0670 2.31 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 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 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.310

Abacus Cons. À’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anscor À’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp À’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacific GT Capital IPM Holdings JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp. Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. LT Group Mabuhay Holdings À’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Pacifica À’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion San Miguel Corp À’ Seafront À’ 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 5.6 5.59 1.44

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79

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

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

SHARES 7,513,273 145,078,250 87,268,440 225,863,082 241,781,488 1,516,063,996 2,225,189,069

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.95 2.85 44.85 44.3 99.50 98.60 90.00 89.75 35.7 35.5 2.52 2.51 1.55 1.42 14.4 14 16.56 16.5 0.7 0.7 1.75 1.75 575.00 565.00 0.460 0.455 76.05 74.6 15.00 15.00 24.70 24.70 50.90 50.40 97 96.5 274 270 33.55 33.5 143.2 141.8 1325.00 1300.00 56.50 56.00 1.49 1.47 INDUSTRIAL 42 42.45 42 4.65 4.62 4.49 0.64 0.66 0.63 1.47 1.47 1.4 10.88 10.9 10.3 190.00 190.00 170.00 17 17.4 17 19.4 19.2 18.1 37.15 37.5 37.4 2.09 2.09 2.06 2.2 2.34 2.19 11.68 11.72 11.4 8.570 8.900 8.560 7.30 7.31 7.28 5.30 5.70 5.35 6.02 6.21 6.05 18 18.86 18.1 56.5 57.6 56.6 11.80 12.00 11.94 13.90 13.90 13.52 5.5 5.7 5.5 2.280 2.420 2.270 209.60 210.80 209.00 8.21 8.45 8 1.81 1.85 1.84 26.15 26.3 25.8 15 15.74 15.22 5.9 5.88 5.7 319.60 325.00 319.00 3 3.07 3 8.42 8.90 8.31 3.19 3.19 3.19 11.38 11.50 11.50 3.66 3.70 3.63 1.61 1.61 1.50 2.43 2.65 2.42 3.83 3.79 3.75 2.7 2.48 1.88 145 145 139 4 4 4 2.4 2.46 2.39 0.154 0.155 0.149 1.01 1.10 1.00 2.07 2.10 2.06 193.8 195.5 189 4.55 4.6 4.55 0.65 0.67 0.62 1.00 1.05 0.98 HOLDING FIRMS 0.340 0.340 0.340 57.9000 57.9500 57.8000 14.20 14.50 14.28 6.00 6.00 6.00 0.228 0.240 0.228 0.191 0.240 0.230 692 701 692 7.33 7.35 7.3 11.80 11.90 11.60 4.7 4.61 4.6 4.60 4.65 4.65 0.215 0.215 0.210 1245 1270 1230 9.78 9.77 9.60 67.25 69.00 67.35 5.3 5.43 5.2 0.65 0.66 0.63 16.2 16.28 16.14 0.53 0.51 0.48 5.63 5.7 5.63 0.0300 0.0320 0.0300 1.320 1.470 1.280 2.140 2.140 2.080 73.55 73.60 73.00 2.4 2.40 2.05 818.00 834.50 818.00 1.03 1.08 1.04 0.77 0.75 0.75 138.000 143.000 136.000 0.2950 0.3050 0.2900 0.305 0.300 0.290 PROPERTY 6.900 7.000 6.860 0.75 0.87 0.74 1.200 1.220 1.070 0.215 0.219 0.202 31.150 32.200 31.400 2.7 2.89 2.7 4.75 4.62 4.5 0.510 0.59 0.500 2.91 44.8 98.20 89.65 35.45 2.51 1.55 14.1 16.6 0.72 1.76 575.00 0.460 74.5 15.00 21.80 50.90 97.35 273 33.5 140.8 1300.00 56.35 1.47

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.86 44.85 99.05 90.00 35.5 2.51 1.54 14.4 16.54 0.7 1.75 565.00 0.455 75 15.00 24.70 50.90 97 270 33.5 141.9 1310.00 56.00 1.49

-1.72 0.11 0.87 0.39 0.14 0.00 -0.65 2.13 -0.36 -2.78 -0.57 -1.74 -1.09 0.67 0.00 13.30 0.00 -0.36 -1.10 0.00 0.78 0.77 -0.62 1.36

221,000 33,300 2,407,620 1,391,260 49,600 78,000 397,000 14,500 10,900 8,000 1,000 530 70,000 2,428,120 7,000 100 6,540 6,900 330 38,200 286,510 225 7,310 48,000

42.3 4.6 0.64 1.43 10.6 190.00 17.2 18.1 37.4 2.09 2.23 11.4 8.720 7.29 5.61 6.18 18.7 57.6 12.00 13.60 5.65 2.360 209.80 8.2 1.85 26.15 15.5 5.71 322.00 3.03 8.50 3.19 11.50 3.70 1.50 2.62 3.75 2.48 139 4 2.45 0.150 1.01 2.06 189 4.6 0.65 1.01

0.71 -1.08 0.00 -2.72 -2.57 0.00 1.18 -6.70 0.67 0.00 1.36 -2.40 1.75 -0.14 5.85 2.66 3.89 1.95 1.69 -2.16 2.73 3.51 0.10 -0.12 2.21 0.00 3.33 -3.22 0.75 1.00 0.95 0.00 1.05 1.09 -6.83 7.82 -2.09 -8.15 -4.14 0.00 2.08 -2.60 0.00 -0.48 -2.48 1.10 1.00

2,700,100 327,000 138,000 409,000 2,000 70 2,581,100 807,000 23,500 250,000 4,275,000 96,000 6,422,200 3,025,700 43,089,200 1,837,600 9,566,500 303,810 700 40,100 141,000 3,831,000 705,170 54,200 9,000 2,245,700 4,278,900 34,000 297,020 314,000 24,190,600 6,000 500 4,626,000 501,000 1,631,000 172,000 24,000 5,150 7,000 903,000 3,350,000 152,000 6,254,000 2,734,060 246,000 5,894,000 556,000

0.340 57.8500 14.40 6.00 0.230 0.234 696.5 7.3 11.84 4.6 4.65 0.215 1230 9.77 67.90 5.36 0.65 16.18 0.5 5.66 0.0300 1.350 2.100 73.00 2.3 819.50 1.04 0.75 143.000 0.2900 0.290

0.00 -0.09 1.41 0.00 0.88 22.51 0.65 -0.41 0.34 -2.13 1.09 0.00 -1.20 -0.10 0.97 1.13 0.00 -0.12 -5.66 0.53 0.00 2.27 -1.87 -0.75 -4.17 0.18 0.97 -2.60 3.62 -1.69 -4.92

50,000 1,765,410 7,144,000 995,200 2,700,000 700,000 348,470 579,400 4,956,600 18,000 19,000 450,000 92,170 2,204,000 1,531,270 6,106,300 20,000 1,932,600 1,071,000 18,218,900 29,500,000 16,000 2,160,000 537,410 19,000 196,930 201,000 20,000 126,010 2,780,000 560,000

6.860 0.84 1.190 0.219 31.750 2.81 4.5 0.570

-0.58 12.00 -0.83 1.86 1.93 4.07 -5.26 11.76

29,300 13,473,000 205,000 310,000 8,176,400 9,755,000 235,000 16,269,000

1,388,015.00 -61,991,452 -7,315,471.50 -124,610.00

9,912.00 67,820.00 -24,726,458.50 -65,145.00 -485,000.00 -154,260 -2,660,922.00 -312,580.00 18,536,345.00 45,980.00

-335,600.00 333,330 18,670.00 624,190.00 -290,526.00 5,442,944.00 -9,397,274.00 22,147,118.00 5,131,474.00 53,016,396.00 636,966.00 -11,781.00 -54,280.00 -51,209,348.00 7,786,300.00 5,799,608.00 -20,444,018.00 750,980.00 -26,202,144.00 -16,535,300.00 136,560.00 853,340.00 -195,330.00 -77,319.00

-418,000.00 -153,329,989.00 273,000.00 61,750.00

23,554,635.00 -26,754,142.00 -180,000.00 -52,800.00 -115,018,795.00 816,294.00 -11,058,802.00

-68,653,210.00 17,128,128.00 -1,035,750.00 -9,567,920.00 -41,475,298.00 22,400.00 -262,800.00 2,553,326.50 -35,115,155.00 -1,722,140.00 67,350.00

-244,190.00 47,089,485.00 4,714,830.00 -464,000.00

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. À’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport À’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp. Phil. Realty À’ Primex Corp. Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

10.5 66 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 2.6 7.67 4 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 95.5 1 15.2

1.97 35.2 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 1.6 4.8 2.58 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 3.1 0.650 6

1.040 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils. Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 12.7 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

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

Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Basic Energy Corp. Benguet Corp À’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto À’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining À’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum

70 553 525 8.21 111 1047 84.8

33 490 500 5.88 101 1011 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ GMA Holdings Inc. MWIDE PREF PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant Alterra Capital Italpinas Xurpas

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

VALUE 595,306,684.45 1,941,861,436.806 1,175,410,380.85 1,266,932,440.26 1,455,193,369.82 329,711,032.5793 6,793,305,908.77

FINANCIAL 1,525.23 (UP) 8.04 INDUSTRIAL 10,756.41 (UP) 11.71 HOLDING FIRMS 6,333.37 (UP) 18.67 PROPERTY 2,709.84 (UP) 32.27 SERVICES 1,58.78 (UP) 32.76 MINING & OIL 10,612.83 (DOWN) 101.66 PSEI 6,743.95 (UP) 51.37 All Shares Index 3,887.46 (UP) 20.09 Gainers: 93; Losers: 88; Unchanged: 38; Total: 219

0.92 0.960 0.119 0.410 23.3 0.890 0.140 0.91 1.51 1.21 3.33 0.091 0.2450 0.365 8.4 25.50 1.49 3.05 21.35 0.77 5.95 0.970 4.270

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.96 0.96 0.96 1.030 1.020 1.030 0.118 0.114 0.114 0.445 0.400 0.410 24.1 23.5 23.5 0.880 0.840 0.850 0.140 0.140 0.140 0.95 0.91 0.92 1.54 1.50 1.52 1.22 1.20 1.22 3.5 3.38 3.46 0.093 0.090 0.090 0.2490 0.2300 0.2300 0.370 0.355 0.370 8.4 8.39 8.39 25.55 25.10 25.20 1.5 1.46 1.5 3.05 2.93 3.05 21.80 21.35 21.40 0.77 0.75 0.77 5.95 5.46 5.9 1.010 0.950 0.970 4.360 4.210 4.310 SERVICES 6.22 6.35 6.27 6.3 54.7 54.7 54.5 54.6 0.470 0.470 0.460 0.460 10.06 10.06 10.06 10.06 4.58 4.85 4.48 4.49 0.0460 0.0460 0.0450 0.0460 3.1 3.17 3.08 3.13 80.65 81.5 80.5 81.5 1.55 1.57 1.47 1.57 5.96 6.14 5.91 5.91 2.38 2.39 2.38 2.39 990 975 975 975 1866 1894 1888 1889 6.82 6.83 6.76 6.77 1.15 1.19 1.15 1.15 57.45 60.2 57.55 59 0.0092 0.0092 0.0092 0.0092 0.159 0.158 0.155 0.156 1.1500 1.1400 1.1300 1.1400 2.15 2.2 2.15 2.2 7.35 7.37 7.31 7.31 4.15 4.15 3.96 4.00 1.04 1.05 1.03 1.03 2.23 2.20 2.10 2.20 25.40 27.00 25.90 25.90 0.510 0.510 0.510 0.510 2.2 2.38 2.1 2.1 3.37 3.45 3.35 3.40 0.700 0.720 0.690 0.720 4.49 4.50 4.50 4.50 100.00 100.00 99.00 99.00 27.80 27.70 26.20 27.30 2196.00 2280.00 2202.00 2280.00 0.405 0.405 0.400 0.400 0.880 0.930 0.810 0.810 33.30 33.80 33.30 33.70 61.05 61.65 61.05 61.50 5.20 5.28 5.14 5.19 3.28 3.52 3.27 3.40 0.460 0.475 0.455 0.460 3.84 3.96 3.84 3.87 0.335 0.325 0.320 0.320 4.550 4.970 4.580 4.850 MINING & OIL 0.0044 0.0044 0.0043 0.0044 2.18 2.20 2.01 2.14 4.59 4.50 4.34 4.34 0.220 0.221 0.211 0.211 5.4000 4.85 4.84 4.8400 0.58 0.62 0.59 0.6 0.435 0.440 0.425 0.430 8.00 8.01 7.50 7.75 0.700 0.760 0.700 0.710 0.285 0.290 0.280 0.290 0.310 0.320 0.295 0.310 0.330 0.335 0.310 0.320 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 0.014 0.014 0.013 0.013 1.83 1.94 1.82 1.82 4.66 4.91 4.66 4.76 2.46 2.58 2.4 2.43 0.5400 0.5500 0.5400 0.5500 1.2700 1.3600 1.2700 1.3300 0.0092 0.0096 0.0096 0.0096 0.0095 0.0094 0.0094 0.0094 3.47 3.45 3.45 3.45 5.89 5.84 5.62 5.65 1.91 2.05 1.75 1.75 0.0110 0.0120 0.0110 0.0110 122.50 125.00 122.00 122.00 2.34 2.64 2.34 2.34 PREFERRED 52 52.8 52 52.1 530 525.5 525.5 525.5 531 531 531 531 6.75 6.75 6.75 6.75 112 112 112 112 1020 1028 1020 1028 83 82.35 82.3 82.3 78.2 78.2 78.2 78.2 77.55 79.5 77.5 77.5 79.2 79.4 79 79 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.500 2.630 2.430 2.480 SME 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 2.39 2.49 2.39 2.46 12.72 13.3 12.72 12.96 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 109.4 110 109.4 110

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

4.35 7.29 -4.20 0.00 0.86 -4.49 0.00 1.10 0.66 0.83 3.90 -1.10 -6.12 1.37 -0.12 -1.18 0.67 0.00 0.23 0.00 -0.84 0.00 0.94

46,000 8,000 3,620,000 5,580,000 813,600 6,159,000 40,000 5,534,000 19,515,000 118,000 93,293,000 120,000 1,010,000 930,000 44,000 1,235,600 368,000 108,000 20,912,700 2,325,000 267,700 3,380,000 10,011,000

1.29 -0.18 -2.13 0.00 -1.97 0.00 0.97 1.05 1.29 -0.84 0.42 -1.52 1.23 -0.73 0.00 2.70 0.00 -1.89 -0.87 2.33 -0.54 -3.61 -0.96 -1.35 1.97 0.00 -4.55 0.89 2.86 0.22 -1.00 -1.80 3.83 -1.23 -7.95 1.20 0.74 -0.19 3.66 0.00 0.78 -4.48 6.59

8,900 34,820 10,370,000 149,200 29,869,000 5,700,000 86,000 71,210 4,000 341,600 11,000 6,490 85,620 57,800 22,000 2,502,430 6,000,000 3,780,000 2,318,000 28,000 266,900 833,000 22,000 7,000 5,900 30,000 67,984,000 1,138,000 3,265,000 80,000 12,870 696,600 240,255 800,000 69,810,000 182,800 1,779,160 1,048,500 11,116,000 15,260,000 4,057,000 170,000 628,000

0.00 -1.83 -5.45 -4.09 -10.37 3.45 -1.15 -3.13 1.43 1.75 0.00 -3.03 0.00 -7.14 -0.55 2.15 -1.22 1.85 4.72 4.35 -1.05 -0.58 -4.07 -8.38 0.00 -0.41 0.00

880,000,000 -39,600.00 401,000 748,000 -101,990.00 240,000 5,000 1,205,000 1,390,000 1,600 39,869,000 81,450.00 100,000 219,340,000 48,500,000 -31,500.00 77,400,000 152,700,000 1,088,000 -92,000.00 7,938,000 797,290.00 463,000 32,000 1,068,000 -130,100.00 2,000,000 12,000,000 8,000 9,197,200 -3,924,738.00 16,150,000 -1,203,100.00 39,200,000 585,540 -31,676,229.00 2,855,000 528,000.00

0.19 -0.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.78 -0.84 0.00 -0.06 -0.25

76,450 10,000 250 12,100 1,920 14,535 45,000 4,300 152,730 35,050

-0.80

768,000

2,510.00

0.00 2.93 1.89

2,000 222,000 1,291,500

9,361,652.00

0.55

105,040

-95,700.00 1,670,515.00 55,800.00 -215,280.00 -36,390,570.00

-1,435,280.00 -285,000.00 32,450.00 76,653,150.00 150,520.00 -22,751,260.00

-4,700,000.00 -430,906,530.00 2,157,176.50

68,077,045.00 23,000.00 5,286,411.50

-174,740.00

-3,522,690.00 -116,990.00 150,520.00 -13,500.00 62,370.00 791,260.00 295,864,730.00 -8,000.00 -7,366,860.00 18,701,495.50 -4,513,830.00 45,500.00 -3,025,200.00

3,408,050.00

2,703,555.00 38,800.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

ATN Holdings B

0.234

22.51

Benguet Corp `A'

4.8400

-10.37

Phil Bank of Comm

24.70

13.30

PhilexPetroleum

1.75

-8.38

A. Brown Co., Inc.

0.84

12.00

Roxas and Co.

2.48

-8.15

Century Property

0.570

11.76

Premium Leisure

0.810

-7.95

Pryce Corp. `A'

2.62

7.82

Manila Mining `B'

0.013

-7.14

Cityland Dev. `A'

1.030

7.29

Phoenix Semiconductor

1.50

-6.83

Yehey

4.850

6.59

Cirtek Holdings (Chips)

18.1

-6.70

Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC)

5.61

5.85

Phil. Estates Corp.

0.2300

-6.12

Oriental Peninsula Res.

1.3300

4.72

Mabuhay Holdings `A'

0.5

-5.66

Oriental Pet. `A'

0.0096

4.35

Atlas Cons. `A'

4.34

-5.45

WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 17, 2016

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

First Pacific exits Victorias By Jenniffer B. Austria

First Pacific Ltd. Co. of Hong Kong is pulling out from Victorias Milling Co. Inc., less than two years after investing in the Negros Occidental-based sugar producer. Victorias said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved the acquisition of 365 million shares held by First Pacific-owned First Agri Holdings Corp., Hargate Investments Ltd. and Nestar Investments Ltd. in the company at a price of P5 per share, or P1.825 billion. The acquisition price represents a 9.8-percent premium to the stock’s closing price of P4.55 per share Friday.

Victorias on Monday asked the Philippine Stock Exchange to temporarily suspend trading of its shares, pending the disclosure of material information. The trading suspension was lifted at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Sources said First Pacific had initially offered the Victorias Milling shares to other shareholders of the company, including LT Group of tycoon Lucio Tan, which owned 23.6 percent of

the sugar producer. Sources said there were no takers. Victorias said in a statement the acquisition sent a strong signal that the management believed that the future of the company remained bright and it was willing to invest in itself. Victorias said it had sufficient funds to finance the acquisition. It said effectively, its earnings per share would increase to about 42 cents from 34 cents. “Management constantly pursues ways to enhance shareholder value not only by continuing excellence in operations, but also by cutting costs as highlighted in this year’s net income surpassing the P1billion mark, a record in VMC’s 97 year existence,” Victorias said. The 365 million shares will be

placed under treasury shares of Victorias. First Pacific led by businessman Manuel Pangilinan started buying Victorias shares from the open market equivalent to 5.78 percent in April 2014. After buying more shares from the market, First Pacific also acquired a 100-percent interest in Hargate and Nester, which held direct interest in the sugar milling firm to increase the group’s ownership to 16.8 percent. Luis Limlingan, managing director of Regina Capital Development Corp., said First Pacific’s exit in Victorias would allow the company to concentrate on another sugar milling firm Roxas Holdings Inc., which earlier reported a decline in net income in

fiscal year 2015 and a net in the first quarter. “The deal came at a good time because VMC was profitable the last quarter. Maybe it is a good time for MVP to exit and concentrate on his sugar business,” Limlingan said. Roxas Holdings, which is 51-percent owned by First Pacific, registered a net loss of P125 million in the first quarter of fiscal year ending December 2015, a turnaround from a net income of P9 million recorded in the same period last year, amid operational challenges affecting its two manufacturing plants. Sources said First Pacific might use the proceeds from the sale of its stake in Victorias to finance the planned stock rights offering of Roxas Holdings.

Market advances; First Gen, EDC rise

Labor consultation. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz underscores the evolving changes taking place in Mindanao in her discussion about the crafting of Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2016-2022 during the Mindanao-wide consultation at Pryce Plaza Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

Max’s Group closing down Le Coeur de France RESTAURANT chain operator Max’s Group Inc. said Tuesday it will close down bakery chain Le Coeur de France this week. Max’s Group investor relations head Paul Cheah, in a text message, confirmed the announcement made by Le Coeur de France on its social media account. “The closure is a part of ongoing rationalization program to improve store network quality,” said Cheah. Cheah said four stores Le Coeur de France would serve customers only until Feb. 19. Around 19 employees will receive severance pay and will be subjected to talent matching with other brands within the

group, the company said. Max’s Group started closing down some of Le Coeur de France’s stores last year. It said from 14 stores as of endSeptember 2015, the number of stores was reduced to four this year. Le Coeur de France is the second restaurant brand to be discounted by Max’s Group, after it acquired Pancake House in 2014. It previously closed down The Chicken Rice Shop due to operating losses. Other homegrown and international brands under the Max’s Group are the flagship Max’s Restaurant, Max’s Corner Bakery, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Pancake House, Yellow

Cab, Dencio’s, Teriyaki Boy, Sizzling Pepper Steak, Kabisera and Maple. Max’s Group is currently implementing a comprehensive restructuring program to rationalize its portfolio of brands and streamline operations. This exercise involves strengthening winning brands, revitalizing, selling or winding down underperformers and retraining staff to improve service levels. The restaurant chain operator earlier targeted to end 2015 with a total of 600 stores and plans to add another 70 to 80 stores this year. It also continues to bring its homegrown brands overseas in

line with the target to have 200 stores abroad by 2020. The restaurant chain finalized five new international partnerships with various international partners last year. Max’s Group will roll out 15 Yellow Cab stores in Saudi Arabia within 10 years, 10 Yellow Cab and eight Pancake House restaurants in the United Arab Emirates within five years, 10 Sizzlin’ Steak outlets in Vietnam within five years and three Max’s Restaurants in San Diego, California over the next five years. Share price of Max’s Group rose 3.3 percent Tuesday to close at P15.50. Jenniffer B. Austria

STOCKS rose for the second day, as more companies reported profit growth in the fourth quarter and authorities committed to step in to boost growth in major economies. The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, gained 51 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 6,743.95 Tuesday. The bellwether, however, was still down 3 percent since the start of the year. The heavier index, representing all shares, also advanced 20 points, or 0.5 percent, to settle at 3,887.46, on a value turnover of P6.8 billion. Advancers led losers, 93 to 88, while 38 issues were unchanged. Sixteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by geothermal power producer Energy Development Corp., which surged 5.9 percent to P5.61. Property developer Megaworld Corp. climbed 3.9 percent to P3.46, while First Gen Corp. rose 3.9 percent to P18.70. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. added 3.8 percent to close at P2,280. Meanwhile, gains on European markets also gave investors confidence to buy again as Shanghai surged more than 3 percent on speculation China is preparing stimulus measures to boost the world’s number two economy. Chinese stocks were also given a lift by official figures showing bank lending surged to a record high in January, as credit gushed to help boost the flagging economy. Analysts expect further monetary loosening after six interest rate cuts in the 12 months to November and several cuts in the amount of funds banks keep in reserve. With AFP

B4 IN BRIEF

Airport bus ﬁrm

THE government granted Airfreight 2100 a permit to operate an interim premium airport bus service starting Wednesday. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said it qualified Airfreight 2100 in August last year, after passing and meeting the financial requirements as specified in LTFRB’s guidelines. Airfreight 2100, a member of the Lina Group of Companies, plans to deploy six brand new Hino bus models, and one MAN articulated bus for the new premium airport bus service. Airfreight 2100 will offer premium airport services in two bus routes—the 24-km NAIA—Roxas Boulevard area, including Mall of Asia and Entertainment City, and the 18-km NAIA--Makati Central Business District route. “With the official launch of this airport bus service, LTFRB together with the management of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Airfreight 2100, we will be able to provide an alternate and convenient transport mode for airline and airport passengers and employees in our three key terminals,” LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Allianz acquisition THE Insurance Commission on Tuesday approved the acquisition of more than half of the common shares of Philippine National Bank’s life insurance arm by Allianz SE of Germany. PNB, the fifth largest commercial bank owned by the Lucio Tan group, in December last year sold its 51-percent interest in PNB Life Insurance Inc. to the Allianz Group. Allianz said the acquisition and the ensuing merger would operate under the name of “Allianz PNB Life Insurance Inc.” “The partnership of the two companies will allow Allianz to enter into the market with an established distribution network through its proposed bancassurance agreement with PNB, which has more than 660 branches located in the country,” Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc said. The acquisition was the second time Allianz Group joined the Philippine market after it pulling out from Pioneer Allianz Life Assurance Corp. Allianz, a Munich-based international company which offers insurance services and asset management products, said the joint venture was a part of a 15-year bancassurance agreement. Gabrielle H. Binaday

Villar tender offer

VISTA Land and Lifescapes Inc., owned by the family of former senator Manuel Villar Jr., said Tuesday only a few minority shareholders of Starmalls Inc. joined the recently-concluded tender offer conducted by the company. Vista Land and Starmalls are both principally owned by the Villar Group. Vista Land made a tender offer to acquire the remaining shares in Starmall held by minority shareholders in line the the Villar Group’s plan to consolidate its mall and commercial businesses under Vista Land. Vista Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its tender offer agent Maybank ATR Kim Eng Securities Inc. reported that 6.67 million Starmall shares were tendered at the end of the offering period on Feb. 15, which is equivalent to just 0.079 percent of the total outstanding common shares of Starmalls. Following the transfer of the tendered shares to Vista Land, the public ﬂoat of Starmalls will stand at approximately 11.66 percent. Jenniffer B. Austria

Unchanged. A woman holding an umbrella walks along a bridge during a snowfall in Seoul on February 16, 2016. South Korea’s central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at a record low 1.5 percent for an eighth straight month with the local currency weakening and exports extending a year-long downward trend. AFP

LandBank records P13.3-b net income By Julito G. Rada

LAND Bank of the Philippines, which will emerge the second-largest bank in the country with the expected merger with Development Bank of the Philippines, posted a 10-percent increase in net income to P13.3 billion in 2015 from P12.1 billion in 2014. The 2015 performance exceeded the bank’s annual target of P12 billion by 11 percent. The profit also translated into a high return on equity of 17.15 percent. “We started 2016 strong and well-positioned for sustained growth taking off from our solid performance last year,” bank president and chief executive Gilda Pico said in a statement. The bank registered a 14-percent growth in deposits, which breached the trillion mark for the first time at P1.05 trillion as of end-2015. LandBank’s total assets increased to P1.2 trillion from P1.05 trillion at the end of 2014. Pico attributed the increase in total assets and revenues to higher interest income on loans, which jumped 19 percent on the back of a 16-percent increase in the bank’s gross loan portfolio to P537 billion from P460.3 billion.

Capital, meanwhile, stood at P80.0 billion, 6 percent higher than the year-ago level of P75.2 billion. LandBank is the biggest credit provider to small farmers and fishers, and local government units, and the biggest lender to micro-enterprises and small and medium enterprises among government financial institutions. It is the only bank present in all of the country’s provinces, with a nationwide network of 361 branches and 1,503 automated teller machines as of Dec. 31, 2015. These are complemented by 24 other banking offices across the country, which allow clients to conduct non-transactional banking activities such as ATM withdrawals, self-service cash deposits, and submission of loan applications. President Benigno Aquino III

on Feb. 9 approved the planned merger of LandBank and state-run lender Development Bank of the Philippines to create the second largest bank with total assets of over P1.6 trillion. Aquino issued Executive Order No. 198, approving the merger of the two government-owned banks, with LandBank as the surviving entity, given its bigger assets and branch network. The merger will create the second largest bank, behind BDO Unibank Inc. with P1.88 trillion in assets as of end-September 2015. It will surpass Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.’s assets of P1.37 trillion and Ayala-controlled Bank of the Philippine Islands’ P1.16-trillion resources.

Govt sells P25 bond worth of bonds at lower interest rates By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE government sold P25 billion worth of debt paper Tuesday on lower interest rates on expectations that the US Federal Reserve Board will be less aggressive on its own rate hikes this year. Bond rates averaged 3.647 percent in Tuesday’s auction, down 15.3 basis points from the rate of 3.8 percent. “We had a robust set of bids that came in, so we are happy

about that. And based on our internal analysis, we were able to achieve better levels than what we are expecting to accept,” National Treasurer Roberto Tan told reporters after the auction. Tan said the announcement of Fed chair Janet Yellen that interest rates would probably be less than what it was originally looking at in December and the volatile global market tempered the bids of investors. Tenders for the government’s P25-billion bond offering was

oversubscribed at P56.002 billion. The reissued debt papers have a remaining life of five years. “The announcement of probably less policy rate hikes this year or even none at all created an environment where forward looking interest rates in fact plateaued,” Tan said. Tan, meanwhile, said the government had not decided on a planned $2-billion bond sale after securing a shelf registration in the US Securities and Exchange

Commission. “We’re continuing to watch the developments of the international financial markets. We will make a decision when we think it’s optimal to launch an issue. Right now there’s no decision so far,” Tan said. The Philippines recently secured the approval of the US SEC for an additional $5-billion debt shelf as a requirement for the possible bond sale. A debt shelf acts like a credit line with the balance reflecting

the allowable amount of debt an issuer can float in a particular currency. Tan said the government asked the help of four lead coordinators to arrange the bond sale—Standard Chartered, HSBC, Dolce and Citibank—and lead managers such as JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, UBS and Credit Suisse to monitor the market. “We’ve already advised them and they’re already helping us monitor the market and provide advice,” Tan said.

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

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

Election risk seen to weaken the peso POLITICAL risk, a narrowing current-account surplus and greater central bank tolerance for currency weakness will weigh on the Philippine peso this year, according to HSBC Holdings Plc. Europe’s biggest lender forecasts the currency, the best-performing in Southeast Asia in the three years through 2015, will drop 2 percent to 48.5 a dollar by year-end, Alastair Pinder, an Asian foreign-exchange strategist in Hong Kong, wrote in a research note Monday. Investors should look for opportunities to short the peso before risk events like May’s presidential elections, he wrote. President Benigno Aquino II, who is prohibited from a second six-year term, shrank the budget deficit, made progress in tackling corruption and has presided over average annual growth of 6.6 percent since 2012, the fastest since the 1970s. There is no clear front-runner in the race to succeed him and the winner will have to contend with a slowdown in global growth that’s hurting remittances, which make up 10 percent of the economy. “While the outcome of the election is looking uncertain, one thing is for sure—Aquino’s replacement has big boots to fill,” wrote Pinder. “We suspect the peso will be sensitive to the result this time around.” The peso declined 0.7 percent Tuesday to 47.57 a dollar. One- month implied volatility, a gauge of expected swings used to price options, has risen 123 basis points in 2016 to 6.61 percent and reached the highest level since October 2014 in January. Volatility more than doubled in the run-up to the last presidential election in 2010. The Philippines’ currentaccount surplus shrank to $5.6 billion in the nine months through September from $6.8 billion in the year-earlier period, according to central bank figures. Remittances are forecast to have grown 0.1 percent in December from a year earlier, compared with 3.2 percent in November, according to a Bloomberg survey before data due on Friday. The narrower excess in the broadest measure of trade means the peso is more vulnerable to outflows and the central bank’s introduction of an interest-rate corridor system may make the authority more tolerant of depreciation, Pinder wrote. While it’s not yet the right time to offload the peso, if implied yields were to decline HSBC would prefer to sell it against Indonesia’s rupiah and India’s rupee, he wrote. Bloomberg

Probe San Miguel’s MHz band—telcos By Darwin G. Amojelar

TELECOMMUNICATION companies urged the Philippine Competition Commission to look at San Miguel Corp.’s control over the entire 700 megahertz band, saying it is “anticompetitive.” Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Globe Telecom Inc. have repeatedly requested since 2008 and 2005, respectively, for an allocation of the 700 MHz frequency from the National Telecommunications Commission, which has not acted on the requests. The two companies stressed the need to distribute the unused frequency to help bridge the gap in Internet speeds between the Philippines and other countries in Asia. “We hold that position that the 700 MHz frequency should be reallocated for the benefit of the country and the industry. We have been call-

ing on the NTC to do this since 2005 and we will continue to exert all effort to get that reallocated,” Globe legal counsel Froilan Castelo said. “In an era of very scarce spectrum resource globally, we should be utilizing all our resources in delivering high speed data to our customers,” he said. Castelo said the Philippines and Thailand were the only countries in the Asia Pacific region with major issues that prevent the allocation of the 700 MHz band to mobile broadband technologies. “We continue to call on the government and our regulators, in particular, to ensure the equitable distribution of that spectrum throughout the industry,” Castelo said. PLDT and Smart Communications head of public affairs Ramon Isberto described San Miguel’s possession of the entire 700 MHz band as “anti-competitive.” He called on the government to reassign the 700 MHz to other existing telecommunication companies. Spectrum is the “real estate” on which telecommunication operators develop their respective network to deliver services to customers. The amount of spectrum assigned to

a company impacts on the cost of building capacity, overall network performance, ability to offer new multimedia services and general customer experience of wireless services. Using the 700 MHz will allow the deployment of a high-capacity LTE based wireless and fixed broadband network to deliver higher data rate and LTE wireless broadband service. With the use of the 700 MHz frequency, broadband prices can go down, further benefitting consumers. The companies’ statements came at the heels of the announcement that former Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan was named the first chairman of PCC, which is tasked with ensuring fair competition in the business sector, and preventing anti-competitive agreements, mergers or acquisitions that substantially restrict competition, and foster abuse of dominant position. Balisacan said one of the sectors the PCC would focus on is the telecommunications industry, which includes a study of the 700 MHz issue and how San Miguel was able to obtain and maintain control of the scarce frequency in spite of calls for a public bidding.

Sweep Awards. The Batangas State University team, winner of the 12th Sweep Awards, receives its trophy from Smart senior vice president for network Mar Tamayo (far left), Science Assistant Secretary Mon Liboro (second from left), Smart public affairs head Mon Isberto (second from right) and event host Miriam Quiambao. Smart has been recognizing innovative projects of information technology and engineering students under its industry-academe partnership called the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program, or Sweep. The company teams up with colleges and universities to improve engineering and IT education in the country.

Six NPO officials ‘have to stay’ put, says Coloma THE six officials of the National Printing Office who were ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman for grave misconduct last year will remain in office, Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said Tuesday. “Unless and until their dismissal becomes final and executory, they have to stay put,” Coloma said. Coloma said the six officials—director Emmanuel Andaya, chief administrative officer Sylvia Banda, super-

vising administrative officer Bernadette Lagumen, printing operations chief Josefina Samson, printing operations chief Antonio Sillona and printing operations assistant chief Ma. Zita Gracia Enriquez, who had never been accused of graft and corruption or crime involving moral turpitude—would simply have to report for work until the Ombudsman has acted on the MR that was submitted. “We will follow the rule of law,” he said. “They cannot just leave their job. That’s against

the law,” Coloma said. Guillermo Sylianteng, a former supplier of the NPO, filed no less than 60 cases against various executives and lawyers of the government printer. The Office of the Ombudsman took credence in one case where the six officials had approved a contract to supply the National Bureau of Investigation P1.9 million worth of travel clearance certificates back in 2010. Sylianteng was blacklisted by the NPO for five years starting in 2009 for allegedly falsifying

financial statements. His company, Ready Forms Inc., was one of the top suppliers of the NPO for more than a decade until it was blacklisted. During that period, RFI supplied some 25 percent of the printing jobs farmed out by the NPO. Andaya said he was “stunned, shocked and surprised” why a sixyear-old case that was still pending would suddenly appear in media. “We were only doing our job,” Andaya said, “Why are we being subjected to trial by publicity? And why only now?”

WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 17, 2016

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

Alorica hiring 6,000 Filipinos By Roderick T. dela Cruz

US business process outsourcing company Alorica Inc. is hiring 6,000 Filipinos in the first quarter of 2016, as a part of a global expansion, a top executive said Tuesday. “The Philippines is a key part of our strategic growth,” Alorica Inc. senior vice president for operations Colleen Beers said in a news briefing at Makati Shangri La Hotel

in Makati City. “Our clients and Alorica love the work ethic, the passion and the skill set of Filipinos. It is just exceptional,” she said. Beers said Alorica, which currently had more than 12,000 team members in the Philippines, planned to hire more customer engagement experts in the first quarter across five facilities in Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Lipa City and Cebu City, as more companies chose Alorica as their customer service partner. Alorica completed the acquisition of West Corp.’s agent services businesses for $275 million in 2015. The acquisition made Alorica among the largest BPO providers in the US.

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. 2016-0339 1.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna through the 2016(GAD) Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsodintends to apply the sum of Php 3,499,650.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery for Balik Eskwela (Gamit Eskwela for 16,650 Day Care & Grade 1-6 Students) of City of San Pedro Laguna. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids forthe following: QTY UNIT Day Care Students 2500 pcs 2500 pcs 2500 pcs 2500 packs 2500 packs 2500 pcs 2500 pcs 2500 pcs 2500 btl 2500 pcs 2500 pcs 2500 bklt 2500 bklt

DESCRIPTION Pad Paper Crayons 8’s Big Pencil Art Paper (assorted color – 10’s) Bond Paper (10’s) Sharperner Eraser Notebook Glue Crayons 8’s School Bag Day Care Service Program (Parents Handbook) Early Childhood Care & Development Checklist

Grade 1-6 Students 14150 pcs 14150 pcs 14150 pcs 14150 pcs 14150 pcs 14150 pcs 56600 pcs 14150 pcs

Pad Paper Crayons 8’s Pencil Ballpen Eraser Sharpener Notebook Expanding Plastic Envelop w/ Handle

Delivery of the Goods is required within thirty (30) days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. 3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a 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.

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 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:

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: 5.

5 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 5 5 20 20 5 5 5 5 5 10 10 30 20 5 5 5 120 60 1 10 10 10 5 5 5

pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pcs pc pc box box box box box box box pc pc gal gal bots pc pc box box box pack box box box

Size: 17 Size: 17.50 Size: 18 Size: 18.50 Size: 19 Size: 19.50 Size: 20 Size: 20.50 Size: 21 Size: 21.50 Size: 22 Size: 22.50 Size: 23 Size: 23.50 Size: 24 Balanced Salt Solution (Euromed) 1L Balanced Salt Solution (Euromed) 500ml Disposable Syringe 3cc Disposable Syringe 1cc Disposable Syringe 5cc Disposable Syringe 10cc Tegaderm/Eye Sheet (10cmx12cm) Ciprofloxacin 500mg Mefenamic Acid 500mg Acetozolamide 250mg Curagel (FDA Approved) Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 2% 2.0ml Stersol - Glutaraldehyde Alkaline (soaking solution) Hydrogen Peroxide Formalin Macroset Oxygen Mask with Tubings Ophthalmic knife 2.75mm (Mani) Sterile Gloves Size 6.5 Sterile Gloves Size 7 Paper Stem Cotton Buds Sterilization Pouch (small) Sterilization Pouch (medium) Sterilization Pouch (large)

March 7, 2016 10:00 AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office 5.

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.

Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat San Pedro City Hall San Pedro, Laguna Telefax No. 847.1722

ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS:

February 19–March 7, 2016 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

PRE-BID CONFERENCE:

February 24, 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 March 7, 2016 REQUIREMENTS AND OPENING OF BIDS: 10:00 AM. BAC Secretariat 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. 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.

For further information, please refer to:

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

Denatured Alcohol Blurex/Trypan Blue Suture Nylon (10.0) Aurolab/Alcon Miostat (Carbachol) Vigamox/Occumox (Moxifloxacin Preservative Free) Antibiotic Steroid Ointment (tobramycin+Dexamethasone) Prednisone Eye Drops (Pred Forte) Eye Pad Sterile (50’s) Eye Shield (goggles) Intra Ocular Lens (Neo Eye)

February 24, 2016

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.

bot pc roll pc pc pc pc box pc

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.

City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

10 20 10 20 20 20 20 20 120

February 19–March 7, 2016 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

Alorica, which is headquartered in Irvine, California, employs 48,000 team members in 73 locations across the globe, of whom about a quarter are in the Philippines. Beers said the company posted $1.2 billion in revenues last year. Beers, who is responsible for the company’s Philippine operations, said Alorica’s largest facility at SM City Lipa in Batangas now had 2,500 employees, up from just 500 last year. Alorica is also recruiting more people at its other facilities at Alphaland Southgate Mall along Chino Roces Ave. in Makati, Exportbank Building along Gil Puyat Ave. also in Makati, Robinsons Cybergate 1 in Mandaluyong City and Skyrise Building 1 at Asiatown IT Park in Lahug, Cebu City. Republic of the Philippines “We are expanding CITY OF SAN PEDRO Province of Laguna by two floors at ExBIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE portbank Building [in Makati],” Beers said. INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID PR NO. 2016-0379 “We are very excited about our growth in The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna through the 2016(GAD) Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsodintends to apply the sum of Php 2,000,265.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract the Philippines.” (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery Cataract Supplies FY 2016. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Beers said of the The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids forthe following: total job openings, QTY UNIT DESCRIPTION 2,500 are for new po20 bot Tropicamide Eye Drops (Mydriacyl) 20 pc Lidocaine 2% 5ml Preservative Free (Eurocaine) sitions while 1,000 to 22 bot Alcaine Eye Drops 5 gal 10% Povidine Iodine 1,500 are for seasonal 5 gal 7.5% Povidine Iodine 20 pc Ploymyxin B Sulfate Neonycin Sulfate jobs. The rest are for 20 pc Dexamethasone Eyedrops 10 bot Distilled Water 600ml (absolute) other opportunities, 5 box Blade Size 11 (Feathers) 5 box Blade Size 15 (Feathers) she said.

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. 17, 2016)

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

(TS-FEB. 17, 2016)

Veritas bullish on PH By Othel V. Campos VERITAS Company LLC, a leading data storage company, said Tuesday it expects a growth of 10 percent to 15 percent in the Philippines this year, as economic growth supports the expansion of industries. “The Philippines has the biggest growth potential in Asean. The need to organize, store and manage information will soon burden companies especially the small and medium enterprises if not addressed professionally,” Veritas managing director for Asia south region Victor Chen said. Veritas was relaunched as a privately-held company, after software maker Symantec Corp. sold the company to Carlyle Group LP for $7.4 billion last year. Veritas said with the relaunch of the brand, it would introduce more products, applications and business solutions that not were not given the push needed when the company was a part of Symantec. “Before, we were lagging behind. We were always mistaken for a security software brand. Now that we’re privately-held, we expect to grow and maximize our potential,” said Chen.

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

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

WORLD

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

Park says time to be tough on North SEOUL—South Korean President Park GeunHye on Tuesday said a fundamentally new approach was needed to derail North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, marked by an uncompromising, assertive response to Pyongyang’s provocations. In a speech to the National Assembly that seemed to have one eye on upcoming parliamentary elections, Park warned that South Koreans had, over the years, become “numb” to the threat from their northern neighbor, and said it was time to take a more courageous stand. The speech came a week after Park took the unprecedented step of shutting down operations at the jointly run Kaesong industrial estate in North Korea, triggering an aggressive response from Pyongyang. “It has become clear that we cannot break North Korea’s will to develop nuclear weapons through existing means and goodwill,” Park said. “It’s time to find a fundamental solution for bringing practical change in North Korea and to show courage in putting that into action,” she added. After her speech, the Yonhap news agency cited defense officials in Seoul as saying four US F-22 stealth fighter jets would fly a mission over South Korea on Wednesday in a show of force aimed at Pyongyang Citing the North’s nuclear test last month and long-range rocket launch on February 7, which was widely viewed as a ballistic missile test, Park said it was clear Pyongyang had no intention of discussing denuclearization. “If time passes without any change, the Kim Jong-Un leadership—which is speeding without a brake—could deploy a nuclear-tipped missile and we will suffer,” she said. Defending the closure of Kaesong, Park said it was “just the beginning” and signaled further steps that she argued were needed to derail the North’s nuclear program. “The government will take stronger and more effective measures to make North Korea bitterly realize that it cannot survive with nuclear development and that it will only speed up regime collapse,” she said. AFP

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. 2016-0380

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROJECTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna through the 2016 Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsodintends to apply the sum of Php 2,251,746.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery Various Medicines and Medical Supplies for 1st Quarter of 2016 for JLAEH, City of San Pedro Laguna. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

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

ERC CASE NO. 2015-153 RC DAVAO LIGHT AND COMPANY, INC. (DLPC),

POWER

Applicant. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 12 August 2015, the Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC) filed with the Commission an application for the approval of its capital expenditure projects for calendar year 2015. In the said application, DLPC alleged, among others, that: 1.

DLPC is a corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at Aboitiz Corporate Center, Gov. Manuel A. Cuenco Ave., Kasambagan, Cebu City. It is the grantee of a legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 8960 to operate the electric light and power distribution system in the Cities of Davao and Panabo, and in the Municipalities of Carmen, Sto. Tomas and Braulio Dujali, all in the Province of Davao del Norte (Franchise Area). DLPC may be served with orders and other processes of the Commission through its counsel;

In accordance with Resolution No. 26, Series of 2009 of the Commission, otherwise known as the “Amended Rules for the Approval of Regulated Entities’ Capital Expenditure Projects”, DLPC hereby applies for the authority of the Commission to implement the construction, ownership and operation of the following Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX) which will be implemented for Calendar Year 2015, summarized and enumerated as follows:

Project Name Acquisition of Land Buildings and Improvements Substation Projects Upgrading of Distribution Lines IT Hardware and Management Tools Meter Data Management Mobile Apps Project Aguila Project Hyperion Single Sign-On WAM Phase 2 Consultancy Residual Capex TOTAL 3.

Project Cost (PhP) 72,000,000 147,642,106 99,101,650 373,257,089 14,669,131 15,567,818 173,784 3,495,698 7,215,000 3,120,000 274,560 243,210,329 979,727,165

The justifications for DLPC’s CAPEX for Calendar Year 2015 are discussed in detail in Annex “A”, including sub-annexes, in support of DLPC’s application and containing the following: a. b. c. d. e. f.

Major Project Description and Justification; Project Cost Estimates; Technical Analysis; Economic Analysis; Project Schedule; and DLPC Distribution Development Plan;

The total cost of the proposed CAPEX for Calendar Year 2015 is estimated at PhP979,727,165.00 to be funded from long term loans to be secured by DLPC;

The construction, ownership and operation of the above CAPEX for RY 2014 and RY 2015 has been approved by the Board of Directors of DLPC as evidenced by the Secretary’s Certificate attached to the application as Annex “B” thereof;

The foregoing CAPEX for Calendar Year 2015 are indispensable for the systematic and economic expansion and rehabilitation of DLPC’s distribution facilities and ensuring compliance with safety, performance and regulatory requirements. It will ultimately benefit customers in terms of continuous, reliable and efficient power supply; and

It prays that the Commission: 1. Approve the Capital Expenditure Projects for Calendar Year 2015 listed in paragraph 2 of DLPC’s Application; and

The Commission has set the application for jurisdictional hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference and evidentiary hearing on March 8, 2016 (Tuesday) at eleven o’clock in the morning (11:00 A.M.) at the ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mezzanine Floor, Mintrade Building, Monteverde corner Sales Streets, Davao City.

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.

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO ( T S - F E B . 17/ 2 4 , 2 016)

100 20 20 50 50 30 100 50 50 100 50 100 100 20 20 20 20 30 30 30 30 100 100 100 100 10 10 10 5 5 10 10 20 20 20 20 20 150 10 50 200 200 100 20 10 5 5 5 5 10 10 20 20 20 1 5 5 5 5

bots gals gals pcs rolls rolls vials pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs boxes boxes boxes boxes pcs pcs pcs pcs boxes boxes pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs rolls unit pcs pcs pcs

DESCRIPTION JLAEH Medical Supplies (Central Supply Room) Alcohol Betadine Hydrogen Peroxide Soluset Cotton Roll Big Gauze Roll Big Sterile water for injection 100cc Oxygen Mask (adult) Oxygen Mask (pedia) Nebulizer kit Digital Thermometer Oxygen Cannula (adult) Oxygen Cannula (pedia) Micropore 1” Gloves (small) Gloves (medium) Gloves (large) 1cc Syringe 10cc Syringe 3cc Syringe 5cc Syringe Abbocath 20g Abbocath 24g Abbocath 22g Abbocath 26g Arm Sling (small) Arm Sling (medium) Arm Sling (large) Silk 2/0 Silk 3/0 Chromic 2.0 Chromic 3.0 Elastic Bandage 5cmx4.5m Elastic Bandage 7.5cmx4.5m Elastic Bandage 10cmx4.5m Elastic Bandage 15cmx4.5m Tongue depressor (wooden) Face Mask Leukoplast 1/2” Lubricating Jelly 150g Venoset Macro Venoset Micro Heplock Torniquet Tissue forcep toothed Blade Holder No. 3 Needle Holder (small) Iris Scissor Stetoscope (Littman) Bed Pan Urinal BP Bulb BP Bulb (adult) BP Cuff (child) Rubber Tubing BP Apparatus Aneroid Type Oxygen Humidifier Ambubag (adult) Ambubag (pedia)

100 100 100 10 10 10 5 80 2 30 100 100 80 80 7 80 80

amps amps amps boxes boxes boxes boxes pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs pcs packs boxes pcs pcs

FOR DELIVERY ROOM Methylergonorvine Maleate Oxytocin Vit K D5LR 1L PNSS 1L D5 LR 500cc 0.9 Sodium Chloride for Irrigation 1L Venoset Adult Safety Razor Underpad Abbocath G20 Abbocath/IV Catheter - gauge 20 Abbocath/IV Catheter - gauge 22 Sanitex Chromic 2.0 Abbocath/IV Catheter - gauge 24 Abbocath/IV Catheter - gauge 26

10 10 10 20 20 10 10 20 20 20 10 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 10 3 5 3 3 10 20 20

amps amps amps vials vials amps amps amps amps amps boxes vials amps amps pcs amps amps amps amps amps amps tubes boxes boxes boxes boxes pcs amps amps

BASIC ER MEDICINES Methylergonorvine Maleate Oxytocin Epinephrine 1ml/amp Hydrocortisone 250mg/vial Hydrocortisone 100mg/vial Dopamine 200g Diphenhydramine 50mg Ketorolac Tramadol amp 50mg Paracetamol amp 300mg Salbutamol 2mg (nebules) Ephedrine SO4 Digoxin 0.5mg Diazepam 10mg/2ml Diclofenc NA Furosemide Hydralazine Haloperidol 50mg Tranexamic acid Dexamethasone Ranitidine Silver Sulfadiazine Catapres 75mcg Bromide Salbutamol+Ipratropiem Amiodarone 150mg Paracetamol Tab 500mg Erythromycin Eye Ointment Dobutamine 250mg Hyoscine 20mg

37 27 37 27 27 37 27 27 16 16 16

boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes

IV FLUIDS D5LR 1L D50.3% NaCl 500cc D50.3% NaCl 1L D5LR 500cc D5NSS 1L PNSS 1L D5NM 1L D5 IMB 1L D5 IMB 500cc Plain LR 1L Plain LR 500cc

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”. 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 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:

February 19–March 7, 2016 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

PRE-BID CONFERENCE:

February 24, 2016

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 the 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 25th day of January, 2016 at Pasig City.

UNIT

2. Grant DLPC the authority to implement, construct, own and operate said Capital Expenditure Projects.

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.

QTY

March 7, 2016 10:00 AM 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

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

(TS-FEB. 17, 2016)

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

B8 Libyans lose hope on return of unity TRIPOLI—Five years after the uprising began against dictator Moamer Kadhafi, many Libyans have lost hope of seeing the rule of law return to a divided country threatened by jihadist expansion. The Islamic State group has exploited the chaos engulfing the oil-rich North African nation since the 2011 revolution to gain a foothold and expand its influence. Last June, it seized Kadhafi’s coastal home town of Sirte—450 kilometres east of Tripoli—and has since transformed it into a training camp for Libyan and foreign militants. “The Islamic State likely sees Libya as the most favourable country in which to establish a regional hub of its caliphate,” Ludovico Carlino of the IHS Jane’s think-tank said. With a port and airport, there are growing fears that IS—which seized large parts of Syria and Iraq in 2014—may try to use Sirte as a base from which to attack Europe. Despite the jihadist threat, there are also signs of hope on the political front. On Monday, a UN-backed council of rival factions announced the formation of a revised government of national unity line-up to be put to lawmakers. Approval of the cabinet—headed by prime minister-designate Fayez al-Sarraj—would be a vital step in resolving Libya’s political disarray, capping off months of difficult diplomacy. “The journey to peace and unity of the Libyan people has finally started,” UN Libya envoy Martin Kobler wrote on Twitter. Africa’s largest oil reserves -Beyond Libya’s current political and security vacuum, “the availability of large stockpiles of weapons and porous borders, made it the main transit point for North African militants seeking to reach Syria and Iraq to wage jihad there,” Carlino said. The country also sits atop the largest oil reserves in Africa, estimated at 48 billion barrels, although output has slumped since 2011. AFP

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Air strikes cast doubt on ceasefire in Syria BEIRUT—Hopes for a ceasefire in Syria were fading on Tuesday, after dozens were killed in air strikes on hospitals that France branded war crimes and Syria’s president said implementing a truce would prove “difficult”.

Present. Singer Selena Gomez attends The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

The United Nations said nearly 50 civilians, including children, died in bombings of at least five medical facilities and two schools in northern Syria’s Aleppo and Idlib provinces. UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon said the raids violated international law and “cast a shadow” over efforts to end Syria’s five-year civil war, while France said the attacks “constitute war crimes”. “Attacks against health facilities in Syria by the regime or its supporters are unacceptable and must stop immediately,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault. The United States, which like the UN did not identify who carried out the air strikes, said two civilian hospitals were hit in northern Syria: one run run by medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres and another in rebel-held Azaz city. The region around Syria’s second city of Aleppo has been the target of a major offensive by Syrian government troops, backed by Russian warplanes, which has sent tens of thousands fleeing to the Turkish border. “That the Assad regime and its supporters would continue these attacks... casts doubt on Russia’s willingness and/or ability to help bring to a stop the continued brutality of the Assad regime against its own people,” the State Department said. MSF confirmed a hospital supported by the charity was hit in Idlib, northwest Syria, and said seven people were killed and at least eight were missing, presumed dead. But Syria’s ambassador to

Moscow, Riad Haddad, said the hospital had been targeted by a US raid. “American warplanes destroyed it. Russian warplanes had nothing to do with any of it -- the information that has been gathered will completely back that up,” he told Russian state television channel Rossiya 24. The heated words cast fresh doubt on a days-old deal to enforce a nationwide ceasefire later this week, with Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad saying it would be “difficult” to implement. “They are saying they want a ceasefire in a week. Who is capable of gathering all the conditions and requirements in a week? No one,” Assad said in televised remarks. Seeking to keep alive the deal for a “cessation of hostilities” in Syria clinched in Munich, Germany, last week, the UN’s envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, arrived in Damascus on Monday. Kurdish fighters in northern Syria meanwhile captured a key town, despite Turkey resuming shelling in several parts of Aleppo, alarmed by their recent advances against mostly Islamist rebels. Ankara accuses the Kurdish forces of ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) that has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. Britain-based monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least two children died in Monday’s shelling and an AFP journalist on the border said Turkish howitzers fired for around 20 minutes from the Akcabaglar region. AFP

HK tycoon loses appeal over graft case HONG KONG—Hong Kong property tycoon Thomas Kwok and ex-deputy leader Rafael Hui saw their appeal bids against graft convictions rejected Tuesday as they faced serving out their jail time. The pair were found guilty of corruption in 2014 after a blockbuster trial over a cash for favors scandal. Francis Kwan and Thomas Chan, sentenced to five and six years respectively for acting as middlemen for the payments, also saw their appeals fail. A written judgment to the court of appeal Monday said: “The ap-

peals against conviction of Rafael Hui, Thomas Kwok, Thomas Chan and Francis Kwan are dismissed.” A frail-looking Hui and grayhaired Kwok were grim-faced during the hearing, which lasted less than a minute. Former chief secretary Hui, 68, was the highest-ranking official in Hong Kong’s history to be found guilty of taking bribes. The seven-month trial centered around a total of HK$34 million ($4.3 million) in handouts, which the prosecution said were made to Hui by Kwok and his billionaire brother Raymond, to be their “eyes and ears” in government.

Hui was jailed for seven-and-ahalf years in December 2014, while 64-year-old Kwok—who was joint chairman of Hong Kong’s biggest property company, Sun Hung Kai -- was sentenced to five years. The case shocked the city and deepened anger over cozy ties between officialdom and big business. Thomas Kwok’s son Adam said the rejection of the appeal was “disappointing”, adding he hoped the case would be brought to the Court of Final Appeal. “I personally believe in my heart... that my father is innocent and that this is an unjust case,” he said outside court. AFP

Meeting. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipas (R) meets with European Council president Donald Tusk in Athens on February 16, 2016. AFP

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

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

H OME & L I V ING

LIFE Chef Sandy daza (center) with MAGGI executives led by Nestle Corporate Communications head Aurora Alipao (left) and Food Business executive manager Geetha Balakrishna (third from left)

Media participants were all smiles after the cooking lessons from Chef Sandy Daza

ARE YOU A COOKING-CHALLENGED MOM? LET MAGGI SHOW YOU DAZA WAY TO COOK IT BY BING PAREL

es, yes, I confess – I’m a cooking-challenged mom who would rather tinker with a bike and figure out how to put the wheels back on than peel potatoes or slice those onions, and I’m more comfortable wielding a hammer rather than using a spatula or a ladle. The thought of cooking fills me with dismay (dread would be too strong a word), perhaps because my mom, who is half Kapampangan, is such a great cook (she takes after my lolo, Pang Jay) and I figured I could never measure up. My hubby also happens to be very handy in the kitchen and since our son loves his chicken and pork adobo, who am I to deprive our little man of the dishes that his daddy cooks so deliciously? Truth be told, I don’t really want my culinary repertoire to be confined to food that comes straight out of a can or vacuum-sealed plastic that only needs a dollop of oil to fry. Every now and then, I’d find myself wishing I could whip up something really scrumptious and healthy to serve my boys and see their faces light up in amazement and appreciation – but I don’t have the confidence to even cook Chinese fried rice and serve it up the way they do in restaurants. You know, presentation and all. So when the invitation came from MAGGI to participate in a parent-kid cooking adventure at The Cookery Place in BGC with the Sandy Daza – I took it as a challenge and an opportunity to well, maybe learn a cooking tip or two. (The event was, quite aptly, dubbed “Daza Way You Cook It, Presented by MAGGI” and you will soon figure out why.) “You need confidence-building recipes,” Chef Sandy said when I (and most of the participants) admitted that we were not into cooking. And he’s right, because newbies like me can start with simple, easy-to-prepare dishes and work it from there. It doesn’t really make sense after all to aspire for those complicated sounding gastronomic delights if you don’t even know how long you should sauté the garlic or how strong the fire should be. “The dishes don’t really have to be complicated nor expensive,” he explains, proceeding to share several tips. For one, it pays to be organized – having all the ingredients you

Chef Sandy shows 'Daza way you cook it'

Fried rice ala Mom and Jet

Chicken Chorizo

need measured and prepared, arranged according to when they are needed. (Makes sense, because it keeps you from getting frazzled, hurrying to measure something that you forgot while the dish is in danger of getting burned.) And since every chef has a secret ingredient, I discovered that MAGGI products – in particular MAGGI Magic Sarap seasoning granules and MAGGI Oyster Sauce – have just become my best friends in the kitchen. Our first challenge was the Chicken Chorizo, and I learned that when adding flavor or seasoning, it won’t do to be too enthusiastic – add a little at a time until you get the taste right. Deglazing – or adding liquid like cooking wine for instance – enhances the flavor of the food as the cooking juices from the meat are incorporated.

Presentation also makes the food look more appetizing, and we were told that a simple trick is to give the food “height” and of course, it helps to have paper towels or table napkin to wipe the smear off the serving plate (or bowl). Top the dish with chopped garnish to make it look like done by a pro. The cooking lessons also served as bonding moments for my son and I – he was listening intently and became more enthusiastic as the lesson progressed, handling the pan (don’t forget the pot holder; safety first) and putting in the ingredients more skillfully using a wooden cooking spoon. During the break, I had an opportunity to talk with MAGGI Food Business executive manager Geetha Balakrishna who disclosed that they have been conducting the MAGGI Sarap Sustansya Caravan, “a five-day event that visits communities, designed to educate and equip Filipino mothers with good kitchen practices and habits. Our goal is to build a community of mothers that thoughtfully ensure the right balance of taste and nutrition in the family dining table.” Our next challenge was the fried rice, and we were pleasantly surprised to know that MAGGI Oyster Sauce can also be used not only to enhance the flavor but to give the rice that wonderful color – but make sure to mix well

Cooking with MAGGI can turn into bonding moments

The author with son Jet Barbero

so that the color comes out even. Chef Sandy told us to make our own signature fried rice and we had fun choosing our ingredients, starting with the aromatic vegetables (garlic, onions, pepper, celery, etc.), then the other ingredients that are a mix of vegetables, seafood and meat (protein is important). “Make it colorful,” the chef advised, so we had corn, carrots, shrimp, chopped crabsticks and meatloaf and some greens as well. It made my day when the chef complimented my son and I for the evenly mixed color and the presentation of our fried rice – saying our creation looked really good and we were given the “Most Participative” award – our first culinary award that personally encouraged me to have some more bonding moments with my son. Happiness, indeed, is homemade – and I’m actually glad to know we don’t always have to run to a restaurant to enjoy a good meal, or that I can actually cook balanced meals that are also delicious, thanks to the wide array of MAGGI products that give me that added confidence to step into the kitchen and turn it into a fun place where happy moments can be created. For MAGGI recipes that create homemade happiness, visit www.maggi.ph.

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

JC Buendia, Tessa Prieto Valdes, Liz Uy, Bianca Gonzalez, Darla Sauler,and Rex Atienza

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Sharp senior vice president for sales Emmanuel Valencia and vice president for marketing and sales Satoshi Chujo

JC Buendia and Rex Atienza put Ariel Power Gel to the test against leading brand X

ARIEL POWER GEL LEADS A LAUNDRY REVOLUTION

Bianca Gonzalez proves the breakthrough 2x stain removal power of Ariel Power Gel

TECHNOLOGY continues to provide daily conveniences at home and while home appliance companies innovate every year, even the products used for appliances get upgraded. One of the frequently used spaces of the home is the laundry area, and as washing machine brands up their ante, laundry detergent brands also compete for better washing capabilities. Today, we have washing machines that are capable of soaking, washing and rinsing a lot of laundry with just a touch of a button. Better machines also call for an innovative detergent that cleans and removes tough stains on clothes. This inspired the production of the new Ariel Power Gel, which addresses major stain problems using an ultra-concentrated gel that uses less detergent but gets better results. Ariel Power Gel contains advanced nano-molecules that perform two times better at cleaning than normal detergent because they target specific hard-to-remove stain substances such as grease, mud, food stains from spinach, chocolate and beverage such as tea and coffee. The product comes in ultra-concentrated form that enables every wash to use fewer amounts. For a load of 15-20 pieces of clothes, you only need about half a cap or 45-ml of Ariel Power Gel, versus using 1.5-2 scoops of powder. This makes it more economical and easier on your monthly grocery bill. A 45-ml sachet only costs P8.75, a 400-ml pouch is P75, and 1-L bottle is P175.

In a recent launch, Ariel Power Gel teamed up with Sharp to introduce the product’s capability. Ariel Power Gel Influencers JC Buendia, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Liz Uy, Bianca Gonzalez, and Rex Atienza – whose line of work focuses on home, clothes and fashion – led the Pilipinas Laundry Revolution and put the laundry gel to the test. Ariel Power Gel is available in most hypermarkets and supermarkets nationwide. Catch its IL bottle promotion until February 29 and get 50 percent off on its retail price. Promo applies in selected hypermarkets and supermarkets nationwide only.

P&G research and development fabric care senior technology manager Aaron Uy and SHARP senior vice president for sales Emmanuel Valencia

Jewelry holders

Bra organizer

Laundry baskets

AWESOME PRODUCTS AT WELLWORTH

mart mommies (and daddies, too) are always on the lookout for good items that are not painful on the pocket. After all, every penny of hard-earned money counts, and if we could get quality items for less and save up in the process, who are we to complain? From sprucing up your home, to getting yourself on the fast track to a fit new bod, find inspiration from Wellworth’s quality items that include clothing, jewelry, media and bills organizers, nifty home items and accents, cleaning products, and bathroom must-haves for

a spic and span space. Follow your #Fitspiration and dress the part too with the wide array of gym gear including dri-fit tops, shorts and jogging pants, jackets, trainers, and bags, plus sports equipment available. Wellworth also makes sure that customers are provided conveniences well beyond shopping with bills payment, foreign exchange, and free giftwrapping services, as well as gift certificates and installment plan offers in store. Find everything you need at Wellworth, and usher in a good year with awesome items.

For updates and more information log on to www.wellworth.com.ph, and like Wellworth Philippines on Facebook and follow @WellworthPH Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube. Wellworth Department Stores are located at Fairview Terraces Mall, Novaliches, Quezon City, and U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Wellworth also has a Bills Payments Center, a Foreign Exchange counter and offers FREE Gift Wrapping with a minimum purchase.

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Inject a fresh, new look to your home with simple household updates using functional appliances

Sweep dust away with the help of Electrolux ErgoClean vacuum cleaner

HOW TO UPDATE YOUR HOME IN 3 SIMPLE WAYS

fresh coat of paint is said to be the best way to inject a fresh, new look to your home. The second best, and far simpler, is to buy new household items or appliances. But when it comes to large appliances, many employ the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” principle, which is a great way to maximize the capacity and value of the home gizmo. The coming of the Year of the Fire Monkey was a great excuse for us to do a home makeover to usher in the fiery luck. Feng shui aside, these three appliances, from one of the global leaders in home and professional appliances, will help you update your home in three functional ways. KEEP IT CLEAN The first thing feng shui experts suggest to welcome the luck and good fortune into our spaces is to keep it clean and clutterfree. In this way, the chi flows freely around the house. To help you sweep out the accumulated misfortunes and dust away, there is Electrolux ErgoClean bag-less vacuum cleaner. Powered by the 4G Cyclonic Technology, this handy cleaning helper offers powerful suction to ensure your home is dirt- and dust-free all year round. The ErgoClean also comes with an 18-cm Crevice Nozzle to allow users to reach corners and crevices more easily. For added luck, the vacuum cleaner also comes in a gorgeous purple hue, one of the lucky colors for 2016. REGULARLY CHANGE CURTAINS AND LINENS You don’t always need to break the bank to create a new look. A few simple rearrangements at home can completely change the vibe of your space. One way to refresh the interiors is to change the curtains and linens – you could buy a new one that will match the paint or other decors or let those curtains and linens hidden in the closet finally see the light. But not even the fanciest fabric can be spared from musty smell and dust from

being used or not used too long. Wash your curtains and linens regularly with the help of Electrolux UltraMix Washing Machine. The washing machine premixes water and detergent before entering the drum which then fully activates the cleaning power of the soap. This program gives the most effective clean to quickly revive and freshen up fabrics.

PREPARE SUMPTUOUS MEALS While this may not technically be a home makeover tip, it does apply to those who barely cook or prepare meals at home. Having the right kitchen equipment – even at least the basic ones – allows anyone to finally be able to cook food which, in turn, may make him look at his home in a new light. With their spacious layout and powerful

sealed burners, Electrolux Cooking Ranges are the perfect kitchen partners in preparing simple everyday meals or sumptuous feasts. The powerful burners or the cooking ranges give you maximum heat quickly and efficiently, while precision temperature control makes for delicious, perfectly-cooked dishes every time.

Prepare meals everyday using Electrolux Cooking Gas Range

The UltraMix Washing Machine freshens up your curtains and linens in one cycle

Visit www.electrolux.com.ph to know more about Electrolux’s range of home and professional appliances.

W E D N E S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

A tree located in front of the door can have an impact on the homeowners’ health in a negative way

@LIFEatStandard

Your driveway and main door create opposing sha which is similar to hitting traffic on a T-junction

HARMFUL ENERGIES AND THEIR CURES CALEIDOSCOPE WORLD BY CAL TAVERA

re you superstitious? I try not to be because certain stories freak me out. I used to have a third eye when I was younger but I requested several pray overs to close it. I don’t know if I should have revealed that because now, I sound like a crazy person. Ha ha! I no longer feel or see much “energies” around me, thank God. When I was younger, I used to experience things in various spaces. Maids would complain that they would hear wooden slippers (slapping on the floor) or sometimes the lights would be switched on when the maids returned even when no one is home. I would also like to share a personal story that validated my “gift.” One night, I was

meeting my previous boyfriend’s friends. It was my first time to visit their home and meet them personally. We were sitting in the living room when I happened to see a white lady with long hair by the screen door of the main entrance. My eyes just rested there briefly before turning away. I was quiet about it because why would I reveal that experience to a bunch of people I just met? A person beside me whispered to me and asked, “You saw HER as well, didn’t you?” Remembering that incident never fails to give me goose bumps and how the heck did he know I saw that? That was 13 years ago, and although I have not gone through anything like that again, it did remind me to always be aware of my surroundings. I think all kinds of energies surround us, positive and negative. As mentioned earlier this month, I am dedicating the month of February to feng shui, as tribute to the Chinese New Year. For my column, I’ll be focusing on the “sha” which is the harmful chi (universal energy) at our doorsteps and the cures we can utilize to prevent it from entering in our houses. For this week, I will be focusing specifically on the gate or main door of the house. These areas are significant

A banana tree located in front of the main door of the house is believed to cause mental illness

because they determine what kind of chi enters our space. I don’t own a house... yet. Perhaps you live in a condominium like me as well, but you may know someone who can benefit from this and if you have time, kindly pass it on. It is also good to know these details because one day, who knows? We may have our dream home earlier than expected.

1ST SCENARIO: Tree in front of the

main door SHA: Having a tree located in front of the door can have an impact on the homeowners’ health in a negative way. It is worse if it happens to be a banana tree, which is believed to be one of the causes of mental illness. CURE: Relocate either the tree or the door. If both scenarios are not possible, hang a hexagon Ba-gua over your door.

2nd SCENARIO: Neighbor’s gate is bigger and opposite your door SHA: The function of the gate is to attract fortune. The house with the bigger gate will attract or suck in more fortune than the house with the smaller gate. CURE: Don’t outdo each other by competing with bigger gates. If there is no

If the main door of a house faces the electric post, it can affect the health of the homeowners

way to transfer your smaller gate, hang a hexagram Ba-gua on the gatepost.

3rd SCENARIO: Your main door is in line with the neighbor’s driveway SHA: This can lead to losses in business opportunities. The driveway and main door create opposing sha which is similar to hitting traffic on a T-junction. The layout breaks up the chi from entering the home. CURE: Hang a hexagram Ba-gua or convex mirror on top of the door. 4th SCENARIO: The main door faces the electric post SHA: This will affect the health of the homeowners. CURE: Request Meralco to relocate the post. Another possibility is to hang a hexagram Ba-gua over the door facing the electric post. Next week, I’ll be discussing feng shui for the interiors. Watch out for it! For comments and topic suggestions, please email me at caltavera@gmail.com. For my personal adventures, follow my Instagram cal_tavera.

A house with a bigger gate will attract more fortune than the house with the smaller gate

WEDnESDAY : F EbRuA RY 17, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

CElEbRITIEs In COnvERsE spRIng/ summER 2016 launCh

eld at the pineapple Lab, sneaker enthusiasts, fashionistas , athletes , and showbiz personalities recently attended the unveiling of the latest converse Spring/Summer 2016 collection . Led by Filcon Ceo Margie Go,seen in the event are opM Icon Jim Paredes, actress-singer Arci Munoz, award winning balladeer Erik Santos, screen heartthrobs Anjo Damiles and Vince Velasco , singeractress Natalia Moon, ace photographer Xander Angeles, models Christianna Collings and Janina Manipol and athlete- models Darius Estrella, Ron Lastimosa and Kim Cinco . Converseunveiled its Spring/Summer2016 Converse All Star Footwear and Apparel Collection with a new collection that explores innovative materials, bold patterns, bright colors and woven textures that embody the spirit of the season. Converse continues to expand the offering for the innovative Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II by introducing several styles this season. First to launch is the classic monochrome black and parchment Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II . The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Mono

Arci Munoz

Jim Paredes

Converse Philippines CEO Margarita Go (left) with Erik Santos

Doble Kara leading man Anjo Damiles with Converse Philippines PR Officer Jeffrey Osoc and modelhost natalia Moon

includes both colorways in high top and low top silhouettes.This new style incorporates all the comfort and forward thinking technology including a Nike Lunarlonsock liner for ultimate arch supportas well as a gusseted and padded tongue. Converse also celebrates the legendary band, Sex Pistols, with the new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sex pistols collaboration. The collection features colors, materials and graphics inspired by the band’s iconic style and album art. The footwear collection features details such as stitch detailing and graphic over-

lays. each style includes the iconic Sex pistols logo on the tongue of the sneaker as well as in the foot bed. The apparel collection combines elevated fabrics and graphic executions that also represent the spirit of the Sex pistols. The Converse All Star Apparel Collection fuses style with comfort providing elevated touches to everyday essentials. The collection also boasts a variety of cuts, prints and textures on core tees - the perfect addition to any wardrobe this year. For men, the Spring/ Summer 2016 season offers a broad tee collection. The Converse Chuck Taylor

All Star Short Sleeve raglan, ringerand open NeckTeecollectionsprovide plenty of options for day and night. Featuring everything from Converse logo lockups, to rocker and all-American graphics, these tees will prove to be a go-to this season. For women, Converse explores tees and tanks in flowy, whimsical silhouettes. The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Swing Tee and Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Swing Tank – both offered in an array of fun colors - are versatile and comfortable. The lightweight styles are the perfectessential for road trips and music festivals this summer season.

‘Legends’ marks triumpHant debut on Warner tV Superhero fans in the philippines tuned in en masse to catch the premiere of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow on Warner TV on Jan. 22. It was Warner TV’s No. 1 transmission for 2016 in the key 20-44 demographics. Its encore airing on Saturday night primetime was the No. 1 transmission across english entertainment channels for the entire week of Jan. 17-23 for both Cable 2+ and Cable 20-44. It generated 1.18 TVratingss for Cable 20-44, leading the nearest competitive channel by more than 2 times. “Warner TV has recently been really successful in attracting younger

audiences, in particular amassing a sizeable fan base for our DC Comicsinspired shows. Viewers who already tune in for iZombie, ARROW, Gotham and The Flash are rubbing their hands with excitement at DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. The show builds on the best of all of these – delivering a hugely impressive cast, a big-budget feel and a legendary storyline,” said Marianne Lee, vice president of General entertainment Content at Turner Inaternational Asia pacific. “This 16-part show is really the springboard for DC this year on both small and big screens. on Warner TV, in addition to all our re-

turning series, there is also Supergirl flying in later this year. high-profile Warner Bros. theatrical releases from the DC universe in 2016/7 include Batman v Superman, Suicide Squad, The Justice League Part One and Wonder Woman,” she added. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow features an all-star cast playing an ensemble of the most legendary (but also ragtag) characters in comic book history as they battle against a diabolical threat against the world. It brings in characters from sister-series The Flash and Arrow. New episodes air every Friday, the same day as the uS, 9 p.m. on Warner TV.

The cast of the superhero series Legends of Tomorrow

WEDnESDAY : F EbRuA RY 17, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

MusT-sEE wEEkEnD shOws On TV ance on Karelasyon trended on Twitter a few months back. Eugene and Divine, together, change how wIThOuT local viewers consume comedy and it’s rathwang2 er a good thing. Though the concept of the nIckIE wang show is not new at all, the way it is delivered (based on its pilot) is a breath of fresh air. For sure, Dear Uge will not be the last show we would see Eugene and Divine work together. With Dear Uge, and the program that precedes it, changing weekend afternoon TV landscape, we wouldn’t be surprised if GMA-7’s rival comes up Comediennes with something similar, which we only hope will Eugene Domingo give audiences more and better options. and Divine Grace

Over the weekend two shows debuted on TV, one on GMA-7 and another on ABS-CBN. While AGB Nielsen and TNS Kantar Media are yet to release the ratings performance of these shows, feedback from social media have been overwhelming that it is safe to say that both shows were warmly received by television viewers.

FEBRUARY 17,TOnI 2016 Aucina

MMK with a twist Or more appropriately, Magpakailanman with a twist is how we can easily describe Dear Uge, touted by the Kapuso Network as the “first comedy anthology show on Philippine TV.” In Dear Uge, host Eugene Domingo plays Urbana Genoveva Esperanza, a variety store owner who hosts a web show. Like Ate Charo and Mel Tiangco, Uge reads out a letter (email) and gives her advice to the letter sender. But unlike Charo and Mel, Uge has a cameo role in each episode giving audience a taste of her natural comedic flair not just as a host but as an actor as well. Adding flavor to the interesting show is the inclusion of theater actress Divine Grace Aucina, who herself had broken the Internet when her appear-

OPM goes global We liked and shared posts on Facebook showing foreigners singing “Bahay Kubo,” “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” Ïkaw,” “Hawak Kamay” and that Pangako Sa ‘Yo theme song to name a few. And who can forget the vocal group The Lettermen who made our kundiman sound classy and sophisticated? Let’s admit it, we are fascinated when, let’s say a Russian girl or a blue-eyed American man sings OPM (Original Pinoy Music). We feel this sense of pride when foreigners appreciate local songs and sing them with the same sensibilities but with a different accent. Now, we don’t have to sift through YouTube or Facebook to find foreigners who love OPM because they are now on TV. Last Saturday, Kapamilya Network introduced television viewers to I Love OPM (stylized as I ♥ OPM: Original Pinoy Music). Hosted by Anne Curtis and comedian Eric Nicolas, I Love OPM, which turns the spotlight on foreigners who can sing local songs fluently. The show is all good amid having poor production budget. Though some contestants were obviously allowed to audition for entertainment purposes, I Love OPM is a groundbreaking show nonetheless.

I Love OPM host Anne Curtis

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Demanded attention, as a dog 6 Large number 10 Crowbar end 14 Slur together 15 Ibsen heroine 16 Island dance 17 Telescope lens 18 Heavy hydrogen discoverer 19 Cast- — stomach 20 Missing something

22 23 24 26 29 31 aid 32 33 34 38 40 42

Patsy of country Minor setback Fell hard 45 or 78 Roofing piece Hosp. diagnostic Fiesta cheer Prepare cherries Turn to bone Contract proviso Skip stones Comet — -Bopp

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

10 Immature 43 Hollow 11 Wildly dramatic 46 Retirees’ kitties 12 Isolated 49 Guy’s date 13 Subsided 50 Schuss 21 Cafe au — 51 Brain part 22 Strays 52 Pea-green boat 25 Insurance gp. passenger 26 Univ. marchers 53 Guesses 27 Defendant’s 57 Poodle pros answer 59 Hibachi residue 28 Vanna’s boss 60 Spaghetti 30 Inbox filler go-withs 35 “Othello” heavy 65 Remain 36 Blemish 66 Chervil or chive 37 Loud cry 67 Slack-jawed 68 Raise, as a question 39 Made typos 69 Oprah’s middle name 41 Readily verified 44 Bout enders 70 Sponge 45 Feminine principle 71 Earned a citation 47 Drive the getaway 72 Park feature car 73 Work, as clay 48 Delay DOWN 53 Grates upon 1 Day laborer 54 Bar legally 2 Brand for Bowser 55 Action film 3 Life-of-the-party highlight types 56 Blur, as ink 4 Proofreads 58 “Cosmos” host 5 Pours the wine 61 Buffalo’s lake 6 Cuddled up 62 Fill the hull 7 Petty of 63 Links org. “Tank Girl” 64 Nut, actually 8 Standing tall 66 Statue meas. 9 “— cool!”

Album cover of Toni Gonzaga’s My Love Story

anD Paul’s

lOVE sTORy

hilippine showbiz’s Ultimate Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga-Soriano shares the songs that reflect her journey to happy-ever--after in her newest album called My Love Story, released by Star Music. “Music can move you in different ways. And when you’re in love, it echoes the emotional chord of your heart. Once in a while, you will bump into songs that speak so much of how you feel at that moment,” Toni narrates in the album. My Love Story includes six covers of songs, namely,”When You Say Nothing at All,” “You & Me,” “Your Love,” “I Won’t Give Up,” “Falling Slowly,” and the album’s first single “Baby, Now That I’ve Found You.” Toni also made the album very special with interludes before each song that recount her

thoughts on love, as well as her experiences with now husband Paul Soriano that led to their marriage last year. There is also a 2015 version of her hit song “Catch Me, I’m Falling,” which Toni calls the “love theme of my life” as its music video was directed by Paul. The album can now be streamed on Spotify and is now available at P250 at all leading record bars nationwide. Digital tracks can also be downloaded from online music stores such as iTunes, Amazon. com, ABS-CBN Store, OneMusic.ph and Starmusic.ph. For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/ starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/ starrecordsph and Instagram. com/Starmusicph.

WEDnESDAY : F EbRuA RY 17, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

HEaRT paInTs amIDsT campaIgn fREnzy

No one can stop Heart Evangelista from painting. She says she can forget everything else but not painting. She is very focused on making a name for herself as an artist that even if she is scheduled to go on provincial sorties with her husband Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero who is gunning for the second highest postion in the government, she won’t forget painting. “I will continue talaga. Kung meron akong isang dedication is I will really paint until tumanda ako. Matitigil na lahat ng pag-aartista, magpi-paint pa rin ako. Yun ang goal kaya kahit busy ako, tuloy pa rin angpagpipaint,” says Heart. Heart held an exhibit of her works called Oceans Apart at the Ayala Museum recently featuring her art works that he dedicated to her father, Rey Ongpauco. She also did a collaboration with Mark Bumgarner. She hand painted some of thegownsthat were auctioned for the benefit of Thalassemia Foundation of the Philippines

Heart Evangelista at Art Space for the exhibition oceans Apart. A collection of her personal works

nad Corridor of Hope. Heart is very dedicated to her craft. Apart from the recent exhibit she could be starting a new project on GMA 7. She is also working on her line

of clutch bags.“I’m designing clutch bags so I’ll be launching a clutch line soon and pati na rin mga bags ko. Hopefully, by the end of the year mai-launch ko sya,” the actress-turned-painter says.

FPJ EnRollED DAugHtER In tAEkWonDo clASSES HIS fans are familiar with his rapid-fire punches that made Fernando Poe, Jr. unbeatable and unparalleled as an action hero. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that he enrolled his daughter, Grace Poe, in taekwondo classes when she was still a young girl. In fact, Grace is a black belter although she never brags about it or shows it to colleagues and friends. You can’t even notice it in her physique. “Importante sa tatay ko natalagang kaya mong depensahan ang sarili mo at saka kahit malumanay kang magsalita ay hindi ka rin naman magpapaapi,” Grace said in one interview. Grace doesn’t think of her gender when it comes to fighting drugs and criminality. And this she said she will lead

grace Poe in a fighting stance

when she becomes the president of the nation. “Ako na mismo, kung ako ang pangulo, ang tututok sa PDEA, PNP, military, kung sino man, kung national security threat kagaya ng droga,” the Senator assured Filipinos. “Hindi lang ako mukhangmasyadong brusko. Pero, huwag ninyong kalilimutanna ang nagpalaki sa akin ay si FPJ,” Grace added.

BRidal faiR 2016 picks Jessy Mendiola

Jessy Mendiola and model Daniel Felipe Richter

eddings & Debuts Bridal Fair, staged every year at the SM Megatrade Halls 1, 2, & 3 in Mandaluyong City, gathers more than 350 wedding and debut suppliers under one roof, giving couples and debutantes a wide array of suppliers to choose from. For the Bridal Fair’s 2016 edition to be held on Feb. 19, 20, and 21,ABSCBN actress Jessy Mendiola and Brazilian hunk model Daniel Felipe Richter were tapped as the The annual Weddings & Debuts Bridal Fair is distinct from other bridal fairs as it offers not just two but three days of shopping galore for future brides ad debutantes. This means more time for the couples and debutantes to scout for their suppliers. They can can-

Red-letteR day foR 90.7 love Radio the radio jocks at love Radio

vass on the first day, shortlist on the second day, and book on the third day. “This is one of the reasons why a lot of Filipina brides based abroad schedule a trip to the country in February to visit our Bridal Fair, they have ample time to choose and book their wedding suppliers,’’ says one of the organizers. It is also a plus that the fair features a diverse group of vendors under one roof. “Brides are not working on an unlimited budget. That is why we make sure we have suppliers from various price points. A certain bride can, for example, splurge on her caterer, but can opt to choose a more modest cake,” she explains. Another plus factor is the participation of trusted, seasoned suppliers as major sponsors. Smart Shot Studio is one of them. With more than 100 Awards and accolades both here and abroad, Lito Genilo, an expert in the field of wedding photography, may well be an understatement. He is backed by an armada of international awards and recognitions, including the prestigious title of Master Photographer from the New York-based Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). This award giving body which has members from all over the US and more than 50 countries has recognized Genilo’s

masterpieces numerous times from 2007 up to the present. Lito’s colleagues in the wedding photography industry, namely the Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the Philippines, (WPPP) have likewise recognized this by honoring him with the same title. A WPPP Certified Wedding Photographer, Genilo twice won the Photo of the Year award from the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (SPPP). Aside from having catered major celebrity weddings, Juan Carlo The Caterer has also dominated the debut scene. After catering the coming of age parties of actresses Julia Montes, Kathryn Bernardo and Eula Caballero, Juan Carlo The Caterer was also chosen to cater the debut party of Liza Soberano in Mabini, Batangas. The party’s theme was Bohemian inspired. Juan Carlo served its famous meat dishes, including Jalapeño Bite with Mixed Seafood and Beef. other signature Juan Carlo Hors d’oeu vres, dishes, and desserts include the Lengua Cecilia, a food heritage from the third generation of the Del Rosario’s, Juan Carlo’s Pork Belly With Chili Caramel Sauce, Beef Calderetang Batangas, Salmon with Tequila Cream Sauce, Frutta Pavlova. Aside from the Grand Raffle of the organizer of Weddings & Debuts 2016 Bridal Fair, AMI Jewels will give out P

50,000, P 20,000 and P 10,000 cash prizes for lucky on-the-spot booking couples who will book with them at the Bridal Fair. Every P 1,000 worth of payment entitles couples to 1 raffle ticket. As only bookers during the 3 days are eligible to join, couples get a big chance to win. AMI Jewels has a loyal clientele owing to its beautifully crafted designs and competitive prices. The company prides itself with seasoned gemologists, one of which even studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the same body trusted to grade and provide diamond certifications worldwide. To get free entrance to the Weddings and Debuts Fair,register at www.weddingsanddebuts.com.ph and like on FB /weddingsanddebuts.

Jessy Mendiola and brazilian Daniel Felipe Richter modeling for bridal Faor

0.7 Love Radio had all the reasons to celebrate Valentines Day. Not only was it the station’s 42nd anniversary on the FM band, but it has kept its ranking as the over-all no.1 radio station for the 14th straight year, and amid the stiff competition among FM stations, it certainly is no mean feat for DZMB (the station’s original call sign). With the onset of 2016, top honchos on the FM radio operations team at Manila Broadcasting Company have come up with bigger plans to ensure that Love Radio remains a step ahead, particularly with a strong pitch to combine their strength on radio with the capability of new media. Projects still in the pipeline will keep station hands focused on giving their best, making sure that when listeners are surveyed as to which station they listen to, the answer remains the same -- 90.7 Love Radio kailangan pa ba’ngi-memorize’yan?

W EDNES DAY : F EBRUA RY 17, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

‘AHA!’ PROMOTES

Drew Arellano and his guests in the show

INCLUSIVENESS, TEACHES SIGN G LANGUAGE

MA’s consistently toprating and long-running science and infotainment program AHA! incorporates the teaching of sign language in its episodes beginning last Sunday —becoming the only program in the Philippines today that teaches the said method of communication. Sign language on TV is usually presented by a “signer” that appears in a cameoat the bottom left corner of the screen as the program is being broadcast. Believing that inclusiveness is integral in learning, AHA!now enables the sign language to share the limelight with the spoken or oral language. For program host Drew Arellano, teaching sign language in AHA! is a welcome addition to the show. Drew says being among people who can only communicate through sign language can be a challenge so he can only imagine how hearing-impaired individuals feel when being with those who can clearly hear. “Ganun pala ‘yun. Kapag kasama ko [sila], ako ‘yung hindi kayang mag sign language. So, sila

AHA host Drew Arellano

ISAH V. RED

parang smooth ‘yung kanilang communication. Ako yung nakakarinig, pero ako ‘yung very indifferent sa kanila,” Drew says about his experience with being with the hearing-impaired individuals. “So I’m sure, ‘pag sila naman ay mapunta sa setting kung saan mas marami ang nakakarinig, eto rin yung nararamdaman nila, nahihirapan din sila,” he adds. AHA! is a weekly program that dishes out interesting facts and trivia about a wide array of topics. Each episode promises new discoveries in the form of wacky adventures, making learning more fun. By teaching sign language in every AHA! episode, the hearing-impaired viewers will be able to appreciate the show better and will have a healthier relationship with the rest of the show’s audience and vice versa.

Along with this move to introduce and teach sign language to a broader audience and to create a greater awareness of it as another means of communication, AHA! also aims to promote core Filipino and social media values in its episodes. This will further bolster the program’s thrust in promoting science and learning as cool, enjoyable, and accessible to all—be it for hearing or hearing impaired children. Ever since its first airing in 2010, AHA! Has remained the no. 1 program in its timeslot. It continues to earn the nod of various award-winning bodies. It has consistently been a recipient of the Anak TV Seal Award since 2010. It won as Best Lifestyle Show while Drew was cited as Best Lifestyle Show Host at the 2015 Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Television. It also took home the Outstanding Educational Program and Outstanding Educational Program Host awards at the 6th Golden Screen TV Awards in April last year. AHA! airs every Sunday at 8:15 a.m. on GMA.

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DULAANG FILIPINO RESTAGES SHAKESPEARE CLASSIC WITH A TWIST Rolando S. Tinio’s classic Filipino translation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet gets a modern-day update in Dulaang Filipino’s R&J, the theater company’s official entry to the 11th Lasallian Arts Month. Set in the neon-lit fast-paced world of show business, Juliet is the rising star of Capulet Studios Inc., while Romeo is the leading male artist of Montague Studios Inc., its rival. This tragic story is subjected to the trappings of music videos, klieg lights and paparazzi to provide today’s au-

dience with an alternate way of appreciating this classic. Dulaang Filipino (DF), the official theater group of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), presents its contemporary adaptation until Feb.19at the School of Design and Arts Theater. A benefit show on Feb. 19 will be staged specially for DF alumni. This production is the company’s main presentation for this school term. The Lasallian Arts Month is an an-

nual month-long event that celebrates the arts with a series of productions by the different artist groups under aegis of DLS-CSB’s Office of Culture and Arts. These are Dulaang Filipino, Saint BenildeRomançon Dance Company, Coro San Benildo, Karilyo and Stage Production Operations Team. Students from the Jaime Hilario Integrated High School, a Lasallian public school in Bagac, Bataan, is joining in a special participation. For inquiries, log on to facebook.com/ cultureandarts.benilde.

Dulaang Filipino presents R ‘n J