The Standard - 2015 June 08 - Monday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 110  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  MONDAY : JUNE 8, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Japan to rally G-7 against Russia, China

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Poe should declare her plans soon

New system. Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno speaks during the nationwide launching last Saturday of the Bagong Sistema, Bagong Pag-Asa movement. Among other things, Puno is calling for the convening of a Constitutional Convention to address national issues like amending the Charter’s economic provisions. LINO SANTOS

‘WANG BO HEADS P91-B SYNDICATE’ Next page

Triathlon sparks gold haul

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PhilJets bares intentions

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Senate’s last BBL hearing to focus on taxes, minerals

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE last Senate hearing on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Tuesday will focus on taxation and the management of natural resources in the Bangsamoro territory, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chairman of the committee on local governments, said Sunday.

The hearing will also discuss the proposed law’s implications on business, trade, finance, health and women’s issues.

“I had to call another hearing because many of our resource persons invited on June 2 were not able to speak and provide us their inputs for lack of time,” Marcos said.

“We have to give them an opportunity to be heard too as the issues they would discuss are no less important than the previous ones we have tackled,” he added.

After the hearing, Marcos said he would write the committee report that would address the flaws of the draft BBL submitted by the Palace.

At the previous hearing, Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares objected to the tax privileges granted to the Bangsamoro regional government under the draft BBL. She also confirmed that under the BBL, the Bangsamoro government would retain all taxes collected.

“If you read the law, on sharing, everything we will collect from Bangsamoro will go to them, so what sharing do we have to discuss? Everything will go to them,” Henares told the committee.

Marcos noted no other local government in the country, including the poorest ones, enjoys such a privilege. In addition, he said the Bangsamoro stands to get an estimated P75 billion in subsidy in grants, including a block grant of about P27 billion in 2016.

Because the June 2 discussions focused mostly on police and security concerns, Henares and other resource persons were unable to complete their testimony.

Marcos said Tuesday’s hearing will tackle concerns raised over the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro over the 350-square kilometer Lake Lanao, which lies between Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

Data showed that the six hydroelectric dams built on the lake’s outlet, Agus River, produces 680 megawatts, estimated to supply more than 60 percent of the energy requirement of the entire Mindanao.

The provision giving the Bangsamoro jurisdiction over the major energy source of Mindanao has serious security as well as business implications, Marcos said.

He said he also hoped to hear from business leaders on the implications of an autonomous Bangsamoro government on business and trade, finance and the economy, not only for Mindanao, but for the entire country.

Among those invited to the hearing are representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Finance Department, the Trade and Industry Department, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Commission on Audit, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Mindanao Development Authority.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. will represent private business.

Representatives from the Health Department, the Women and Gender Institute and the Philippine Commission on Women are also invited to address women’s health concerns.

Marcos has said he cannot support the draft BBL because it is riddled with flaws and would only bring more trouble to the country.

He said he would present a substitute bill that will withstand constitutional challenge, address the concern of major stakeholders, and will work toward s achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.

In the House, Sulu Rep. Tupay Loong, an administration lawmaker, defended the opt-in provision in the Palace-drafted BBL, saying no one will be forced to join the Bangsamoro region.

The provision, one of the most controversial, would allow provinces adjacent to the proposed Bangsamoro region to opt in after its creation by petitioning for a plebiscite.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who earlier vowed to excise eight unconstitutional provisions in the BBL, on Sunday said the draft law being discussed in plenary session was free of constitutional infirmities.

The draft, submitted by Rodriguez, removed only two of the eight provisions he had earlier described as unconstitutional.

Ready for June 12. Hundreds of Philippine flags adorn a stretch of Aguinaldo Highway in Dasmariñas City in preparation for the 117th Independence Day on June 12. Avito DAlAn

‘Wang head of P91-B gambling syndicate’

By Christine F. Herrera

NEW evidence provided by the Chinese Embassy shows that suspected crime lord Wang Bo, who was suspected of paying off immigration officials in exchange for his freedom, runs a syndicate with an illegal gambling network worth P91 billion—not P4.4 billion as earlier reported.

The embassy said the proceeds of Wang’s illegal gambling activities were brought into the Philippines to expand his illegal network.

The evidence prompted Immigration Commissioner Siegred Mison to push for the reversal of the May 21 release order that would have freed Wang and restored his businessman status.

“The amount of money in this case is 13 billion yuan (or P91 billion). It is huge,” said the Chinese Embassy document submitted to the Bureau of Immigration and the Justice Department.

Mison accused Associate Commissioners Gilberto Repizo and Abdullah Mangotara of arranging Wang’s release after meeting with his representative.

Mison said shortly after the meeting, Repizo and Mangotara changed their tune and pushed to reverse the bureau’s March 5 deportation order.

Repizo and Mangotara denied meeting with Wang’s representative and ordering his release in exchange for money.

Repizo, a member of President Benigno Aquino III’s ruling Liberal Party, said his act was in support of the President’s position on the country’s territorial dispute with China.

“My act is a small gesture of support for the respect that… President Aquino is demanding insofar as our territorial boundary dispute [is concerned],” said Repizo in a May 27 memorandum to Justice Secretary

Leila de Lima explaining his vote to release Wang.

De Lima intervened to stop Wang’s release on May 26 following a protest filed by the Chinese Embassy.

Allegations of a payoff—and that the money was used to convince lawmakers into voting for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)--are now the subject of a House investigation.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who filed the resolution, deputized Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the leader of the independent minority bloc, to represent him in the committee on good government and public accountability, which will carry out the investigation.

“Wang Bo was suspected of opening casinos and illegal business operations... [and] was listed as [a] fugitive by the Jiusan Nongken Public Security Bureau on May 26, 2014,” the Chinese Embassy said.

Mison said he was alarmed by the new evidence presented by the Chinese.

Wang’s lawyer, Dennis Manalo, said his client and the fugitive that the Chinese government is after are not the same person.

Manalo said Wang was a “successful businessman who has earned powerful social and political enemies” in China.

Sending Wang back to China would endanger his life, he added.

In a formal protest against the release order filed by the Chinese Embassy on May 22, Police Attache Fu Yufien submitted documentary evidence to show that Wang was a fugitive wanted by Interpol and the Chinese government for illegal gambling and money laundering. The embassy added that as an undocumented and undesirable alien with a cancelled passport, Wang posed a risk to the Philippines.

“Wang Bo, as the key player of the Skybet network gambling company, has returned to China many times for applying for bank cards with other Chinese people, such as Chen Dingson, Yan Rongsheng, etc.,” the Chinese Embassy document says under the title, “About the Suspect Wang Bo’s Crime on Opening Casino and Illegal Business Operation.”

The document, a copy of which was obtained by The Standard, showed Wang had

“all the bank cards carried into the Philippines” for his gambling activities.

“His relatives (parents and sisters) also helped him apply for bank cards for the gambling fund flow of his company,” the embassy said.

“He commanded the people in China to transfer and launder the gambling funds.

Wang Bo’s crime can be confirmed by many [pieces of] evidence, such as other suspects’ testimony, bank documents, bank transaction records, the dialogue records between Wang Bo and other suspects, among others,” the Chinese Embassy said.

Before the March 5 deportation order, Manalo filed a petition for bail for Wang.

“The records will show that (Wang) was merely reported to be a Chinese fugitive wanted for illegal gambling in China through a mere letter of Chinese police official (Fu), who did not even bother to provide the honorable commissioner with authenticated documents to prove that he is a fugitive, that a criminal case for illegal gambling is pending against him in China or that he is indeed the person wanted in China,” Manalo said.

Repizo used the same arguments and said China “overextended its authority.”

In a memo to De Lima, Repizo said Wang’s human and legal rights must be protected.

“He has been in the country since 2008 with a valid CEZA (Cagayan Export Zone Authority) visa up to May 2015. By the nature of his CEZA visa, he is legally exposed to online gambling. The assertion against him is that he operates a local casino in Manila with transnational operations. Competent proof of his illegal operation in the Philippines must be shown as well,” Repizo told De Lima.

“Aside from the technical issue of the validity of the unauthenticated supporting documents, my position is an assertion that the Chinese authorities must observe international practice in exerting their authority and must show compliance with our requirements. If they cannot deal with our embassy on authentication of documents, it is no surprise how they can conveniently ignore international agreements including the UNCLOS in our claims in the West Philippine Seas,” Repizo said.

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Ex-Erap lawyer: Poe ineligible

By Rey E. Requejo

THE former lawyer of deposed President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said Sunday he believed Senator Grace Poe is not qualified to run for president in 2016 because of the 10-year residency requirement.

“Poe is, with all due respect, not qualified to run for higher office under our Constitution,” said Raymond Fortun.

“There is a reason why the Constitution requires a 10-year residency for a presidential candidate--at the least, it is to guarantee that a candidate knows what ills this country, and has a love for it enough to desire to be a catalyst for change,” the lawyer said.

Fortun appealed to Poe, as a public servant who projects honesty, to concede tthat she is not qualified to run in the presidential poll next year.

“If you really placed ‘6 years, 6 months’ as of May 13, 2013, please show a love for your chosen country by conceding that point and follow and obey this country’s laws. Otherwise, we cannot expect that you would follow those same laws if you become president,” Fortun said addressing Poe directly.

“That you are now trying to wiggle your way out of that declaration under oath somehow tarnishes you in my eyes because the least that I expect from you is honesty,” he added.

Fortun said Poe cannot just say that she simply committed a mistake in putting “6 years and six months” on her certificate of candidacy when she ran for senator in 2013, calling it “clearly an afterthought.”

“I can safely assume [you]

that nobody stuck a gun to her temple to write ‘6 years 6 months’; meaning, that date is true and correct. So now, can you file an affidavit and later say, oops, sorry, honest mistake? That is so bad from a legal standpoint,” the lawyer said.

Fortun said Poe either lied then when she filed her COC for senator in 2012 or is lying now in case she decides to run for presidency in 2016.

The lawyer pointed out that the law does not prohibit committing an honest mistake.

“But you do that of your own volition without anybody pointing it out to you.

You do not change your declarations under oath as it may suit you or if it will be advantageous to you,” he added.

Fortun said if Poe would really admit it was an honest mistake, she should have said so and corrected the wrong information “at the first opportunity” and not wait three years to do so, when critics have already raised the matter.

“So any attempt to correct the ‘mistake’ now is highly suspicious at the very least,” he said.

Fortun said it was common for people to commit mistakes when accomplishing documents, like a birth certificate. But it would be much different from committing a mistake on “something as important as a COC… done under oath for an elective post.”

The park at night. Lights and dancing fountains illuminate the Rizal Park on the night of June 6. Danny PaTa

‘Grace should declare her intentions soon’ SENATOR Grace Poe should declare any plan to run for President by July or it would be too late for her to build her campaign machinery and find a running mate, a political analyst said Sunday.

“The time has come for Senator Poe to declare,” Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms, told dzBB radio.

“She still has time to decide, but that period is getting shorter since she still has to build her machinery.

She won’t have the time to prepare if, say, she declares her political plans in September or October. She has

to do it in July at the latest.

“After July, she would already miss her chance. Her possible supporters would have already decided to support another candidate, and she would not be able to get a vice president.”

Casiple said Poe was not likely to run for vice president given her strong standing in the recent surveys among the possible presidential bets in 2016.

Poe has consistently trailed behind Vice President Jejomar Binay in the recent surveys, but has stayed comfortably ahead of even Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, the Liberal Party’s presumptive standard bearer.

She has remained coy about her political plans for 2016, although she says the recent criticisms on her residency brought up by the opposition have made her “closer to 100 percent” in deciding to run for higher office.

She had earlier expressed a preference for Senator Francis Escudero as her partner should she run for higher office.

Casiple said several businessmen, supposedly including SyCip, Gorres, Velayo and Co. founder Washington SyCip, were interested in supporting Poe’s presidential bid.

He said a Poe presidential bid might even cause a split within the administration

and opposition coalitions.

“If she decides not to run under the administration ticket, former President Joseph Estrada might decide to support her. If that happens, Estrada will leave the United Nationalist Alliance,” Casiple said.

“As for the Liberal Party, many of its present members are political butterflies, such as those who came from Lakas. Of course, the group of Mar is courting these politicians not to bolt the administration. But until the LP or the LP-led coalition produces a viable candidate, their biggest problem would be maintaining unity and cohesiveness among their members.”

Mar put himself in worst place?

By Christine F. Herrera

Drill. Jerry Carual, head rescuer of the Search and Rescue Unit Foundation, teaches a

volunteer in Makati what to do in case an earthquake happens during a drill. Danny PaTa

INTERIOR Secretary Manuel Roxas II became his own “political PR nightmare” after he hesitated to resign at the height of the Mamasapano debacle, and that could lead to the members of the ruling Liberal Party abandoning him due to his poor ratings, a political analyst said Sunday Ramon Casiple, convenor of the Institute for Political and Economic Reforms, told dzBB radio that all potential presidential bets were facing serious PR problems, but Roxas—whose every move was being made a PR campaign—was in a “worst position.”

“Mar is not following the logic of public opinion,” Casiple said.

While Roxas was a good person and erroneously being projected as elitist without

empathy for the poor, Casiple said, the problem was not the amount of PR strategy Roxas is trying to employ but his own demeanor.

He said several PR strategists had given up on Roxas so that no one now wanted to handle his media campaign, but he did not name the PR outfits or strategists that Roxas had hired.

Casiple said Vice President Jejomar Binay, another presidential aspirant under the banner of the United Nationalist Alliance, had maintained his top position because the allegations of corruption against him had reached a “plateau.”

Those who left Binay were gone but those who had stuck with him would stay with him until the elections unless his opponents had something new to slap on him, Casiple said.

He said Roxas had

passed off many chances within which to shine. For example, in the case of the Mamasapano carnage in which 44 elite Special Action Force commandos were killed, Roxas was kept in the dark as to the circumstances that led to the massacre.

“Mar was left out of the loop. In fact, he appeared to have felt slighted for not being informed,” Casiple said.

“Many people including myself believed that the logic of the situation at the time might lead into something drastic—like resigning. Resigning in protest that his post, which requires the confidence of his President, had been compromised.

“Everybody was waiting for Mar’s move. He did not resign. He hesitated. Had he resigned, his ratings would have improved.”

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No to Cha-cha. Members of lawyers’ and farmers’ groups express their opposition to the House of Representatives’ recent passage on second reading of amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which they said will be destructive to the local economy and the agriculture sector. The protest was staged at the 2nd National Peasant Lawyers Conference at UP Diliman. EY ACASIO

Puno: Cha-cha may face challenge in high court

By Rey E. Requejo

The move to amend certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution may face a constitutional challenge after the House of Representatives treated a resolution changing economic provisions as if it was an ordinary legislative proposal, instead of exercising its “constituent power” with the Senate in a joint session of Congress.

Retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno made this observation even as he strongly urged Congress to tackle proposed amendments to the economic provisions of the basic law in a Constitutional Convention.

“It is better to discuss proposed amendments to the economic provisions of our Constitution in a Constitutional Convention. Their implications are far-reaching and potentially divisive. They should not be rushed by our Congress whose members are preoccupied by the Bangsamoro problem and their [own] bids for reelection,” Puno said in a text message.

“Moreover, the mode being followed by both houses to bring about the amendments is vulnerable to a constitutional challenge before the Supreme Court,” he warned.

In a position paper submitted to the house of Representatives, Puno stressed the need for both the house of Representatives and the Senate to convene themselves in a joint assembly when exercising the power to propose amendments to the constitutions.

Puno said the procedure adopted in the lower house to amend the Constitution, through the usual lawmaking process of

approving a resolution or a bill by one chamber rather than convening both houses of Congress in a joint session, is unconstitutional.

Resolution of Both houses 1, principally authored by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., which seeks to amend certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly Articles XII, XIV and XVI, is expected to be approved by the Lower house on third and final reading before June 11, when Congress adjourns sine die.

Puno argued that Section 1, Article XVII of the 1987 Constitution, which provides the procedure for such amendments or revisions, does not allow the Lower house to deliberate on proposed changes without convening a joint assembly with the senators.

The section states that “[a]ny amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by: 1. Congress, upon a vote of threefourths of all its Members; or 2. A constitutional convention.”

Puno said that while Section 1 does not specifically command

that two houses of Congress, the Senate and the house must meet in joint session, this does not mean that “Congress need not convene as a joint assembly when exercising its power to proposed amendments to the Constitution.” “[This] will attract a strong constitutional challenge. It is too simplistic to argue that they are not literally prohibited by Article XVII, Section 1. The unequivocal history of Section 1 rejects them,” the retired chief magistrate said.

“Its history reveals that this section was written in anticipation that a unicameral legislature would be established in the final draft of the 1987 Constitution. Contrary to expectations, a bicameral legislature was chosen by the Commissioners. Unfortunately, the Committee on Amendments and Transitory Provisions forgot to rewrite Article XVII Section 1 and adopt the time-tested procedure of amending or revising a Constitution where the legislature is bicameral in character,” Puno said.

Customs probes importer of 196 containers The Bureau of Customs is investigating a Manila-based firm that imported 196 containers filled with grocery and household items, to determine if it committed fraud for not describing its shipments in detail for proper valuation.

The BOC’s Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group will also look into past importations made by Luisitano Inc. for possible violations of Customs rules and regulations.

“I will ask somebody to back-

track on this,” Deputy Commissioner Agaton Uvero said in an email interview.

Uvero explained that the Fiscal Intelligence Unit of the Department of Finance is in charge of the post-entry audit functions, which include the validation of the accuracy of import declarations and duties paid by the firm for shipments already released.

AOCG has also referred the case to the agency’s Intelligence and enforcement Group, which monitor shipments involving fraud.

earlier, the Import Assessment Service under the AOCG recommended the suspension of 70 importers and 46 brokers for alleged violations of Customs Administrative Order No. 8-2007 and Customs Memorandum Order 28-2007.

Under the orders, importers and brokers are required to enumerate details such as specific product descriptions in import entries.

Luisitano’s importations turned up while BOC was looking into firms allegedly engaged

in the “technical smuggling” of imported goods. The company is believed to be a supplier of retail chain stores Puregold and S&R. Documents showed that Luisitano Inc. brought in 196 container vans filled with grocery and household items to the Manila International Container Port (MICP) last December 2014.

But the items were not fully detailed in its import entries. Some cargoes were only identified as health and beauty products and mixed groceries. Rey E. Requejo

MUNICh – Group of Seven leaders will start a two-day meeting Sunday in Germany at which Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will seek to drum up the major democracies’ opposition to attempts by Russia and China to “change the status quo” in Ukraine and the east and South China seas, respectively, by force.

Drawing parallels between the Ukraine crisis sparked by Russia’s annexation of Crimea last year and China’s massive land reclamation in disputed waters in the South China Sea, Abe, together with his G-7 peers, is expected to urge Moscow and Beijing to refrain from flexing muscles that escalate tensions with other countries and behave in accordance with international law, according to Japanese officials.

Japan is not part of claimant states in the South China Sea, but it is embroiled in a row with China over a group of islets in the east China Sea. China has repeatedly been sending official ships into Japanese waters around the Senkaku Islands in an attempt to undermine Japanese administration of the islands.

Meanwhile, Malacañang welcomed on Sunday China’s statement that it “would not seek any military solution to the territorial disputes” in the West Philippines Sea. “We are happy for statements like these and we also agree to the proposition that a military solution is improper. And we also agree with their statement that the 40 years of relations between China and the Philippines have been peaceful, friendly and cooperative,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary herminio Coloma Jr. in a radio interview with Radyo ng Bayan.

But Coloma said that since the maritime dispute also involves other countries, it will not be simple to solve the problem bilaterally.

“There are many countries disputing the features or maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea. So that is our position.

It’s not that simple,” said Coloma.

Last Friday, Zhao Jianhua, China’s ambassador to Manila, said the Chinese “want the Philippines to return to the negotiating table,” adding that China will set no precondition to the resumption of the bilateral talks.

In March last year, the Philippines filed a memorial before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) against China regarding its reclamation activities in the WPS. Other claimants to the land features in the disputed maritime area are Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

In Tokyo last Friday, President Benigno Aquino III said that the Chinese are being given a lot of opportunities in terms of trade, tourism, investments and other areas in the Philippines despite the ongoing tension caused by the territorial dispute. he said China is being given more by the Philippines compared to what China is giving the Philippines, said Aquino during a press conference with the Japan National Press Club at the Nippon Press Center Building in Tokyo.

“In 2011, when I had a state visit to China, we did point out the relationships between our countries. If you look at it from an economic perspective, [the relationship was] very, very much in favor of China,” said Aquino.

For instance, Aquino said that in 2011, China sent 200,000 tourists to the Philippines.

“We send China 800,000 [tourists a year].

The Philippines’ population has just reached a hundred million. China’s population is 1.3 billion at least,” said Aquino.

In terms of direct investment,the President said China provided about $600 million to the Philippine economy, while Philippine corporations put in about $2.5 billion into the Chinese economy, he said. PNA, Sandy Araneta and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Filipino, German drown DUBAI - Two men, a German and a Filipino, have drowned after the boat they were aboard sank in Gulf waters off Bahrain, the official BNA news agency quoted the coast guard as saying.

Another four passengers, whose nationalities were not given, were rescued following the incident Friday near the King Fahd Causeway linking the archipelago with Saudi Arabia.

They were said to be in good health.

Details were not immediately available on the type of the vessel, which was towed to a nearby naval base.

There was also no information on its origin and destination nor the cause of the accident. AFP

Marcos Jr. ‘moving forward’ SENATOR Ferdinand R. “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. fell just a nod short of confirming his run for the presidency as he told a large throng of Ilocano leaders that he is now ready to lead the ‘solid north” saying the nation’s clamor for leadership change can no longer be ignored.

Admitting that he had adopted a “watch and wait” position during the last six years, Marcos, Jr. said it is “now clear that public support for the administration and the ruling party have waned,andthisgrowingclamor for the country to move forward ismovingourway.”

The event held at La Vista, Quezon City, which was called the gathering of “kailians,” or fellow Ilocanos, by organizer former La Union vice governor Aida Aspiras, drew former and current political leaders from Regions 1 and 2, the Cordilleras and National Capital Region.

Bike brigade. Female members of the Manila Police undergo a motorcycle riding training course at the Manila Police District ground along United Nations Avenue. DANNY PATA

KL cops blamed for 6 Pinoy deaths

By Francisco Tuyay

The Sultanate of Sulu on Sunday condemned Malaysian authorities for the death of at least six Filipinos on the outskirts of Sandakan shortly after police arrested undocumented workers last week.

Sultan Abraham Idjirani, secretary general of the Sultanate of Sulu, told The Standard that several Filipino undocumented workers in Sandakan were beaten up by Malaysian police following a series of raid at their dwelling in Sandakan four days ago.

Idjirani said the death of Filipino refugees in Sandakan was relayed by one of the descendants of the Sultanate residing in Sandakan, citing that at least six refugees from the group of

Filipinos rounded-up died of still undetermined circumstances.

Idjirani said the six Filipino refugees were killed after Malaysian police conducted a series of raid against Filipinos in Rumah Mera village in Sandakan.

“We strongly condemned the dastardly act by Malaysian authorities against Filipino inhabitants in Sabah, a continuing drive by Malaysia to weed out Filipinos in the island,” Idjirani said .

“While we denounce the acts by Malaysian police, we also appeal to the Department of Foreign Affairs “to look into the reported massacre of Filipinos refugees perpetrated by the Eastern Security Command,” Idjirani urged.

“Some of those who were roundedup were detained and their present condition remained unknown,” he added.

Two months ago, Malaysian police caused the death of17 Filipino refugees in two separate incidents in Sandakan and in Lahad Datu in Sabah.

Idjirani identified the victims as Nordin Akang, 16; Lahudin Nasir, 17; and Alex Nasir, 18, all residence of Lahad Datu; the other victims remained unknown.

In another incident, three minors

were casually walking at a market in Lahad Datu when patrolling policemen chase them.

The victims, in an apparent attempt to evade arrest, ran toward a nearby house and hid in a septic tank, “ they thought there were already safe inside the tank but they were pursued by the policemen.

He said, policemen were anticipating that the minors would resurface beneath the tank but to no avail. Authorities then called for a fire truck and deliberately poured water into the septic tank, causing the 3 victims to drown.

Majority of Filipinos in Sabah said were descendants of those who migrated to Sabah from1976 to 1982, Idjirani said.

Binay makes a plea for Pinay

By Macon Ramos Araneta

Talents’ protest. Members of the Talents Association of GMA(TAG), joined by supporters from media, labor and other organizations picketed the headquarters of the TV network in Quezon City, to protest alleged unfair labor practices and harassment by the broadcast giant.

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VICE President Jejomar C. Binay on Sunday called on the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to exhaust all legal actions to help bring justice to the family of a Filipina who was allegedly burned to death in Malaysia.

“I urge Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to exhaust all means necessary to help shed light on the death of our kababayan and in the process, bring justice to her family,” Binay said in a statement issued on yesterday.

Earlier, the Philippine Embassy, through its Police Attaché, asked Malaysian police

authorities for a full investigation on the death of Ruby Lloren who died in a fire incident in Johor Bahru.

In particular, the embassy wanted to know how and why Lloren was trapped inside the burning house.

According to her Malaysian husband, a robber entered their house while he was away. The robber allegedly burned the house and in the process killed Lloren.

However, Lloren’s family said autopsy results show that Lloren was poisoned first before she was burned to death.

The victim lived with her Malaysian husband for seven years in Johor Bahru. She

worked in a fast food chain.

Meanwhile the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia said the 12-year old Filipino-Singaporean, who was confirmed dead by Kinabalu Park authorities on Sunday, was in Malaysia due to an educational tour.

Karyl Mitzi Matahom, a resident of Singapore, was among the fatalities during the 6.0-magnitude earthquake which struck Sabah, Malaysia last June 5.

The girl, born to a Filipino mother and a Singaporean father, was in Sabah as part of her Singaporean school’s educational tour of the area.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Energy chief’s agenda exposed AS POWER interruptions have hit Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, a partylist lawmaker denounced Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla for solving the problem with “useless” energy conservation advertisement that have failed to solve the power crisis, and only fulfilled one goal: advancing his political ambitions.

“Walang silbi ang mga ito kundi isang pampulitikang kampanya lamang ni Secretary Petilla na nagkukubli sa maskara ng kunwariang payo sa pagtitipid” said Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, who accused the energy chief of exploiting the power crisis to increase his awareness among voters.

(These ads serve only one purpose; they purportedly promote energy conservation but only serve to mask the political campaign of

Secretary Petilla.)

Zarate added that as brownouts have continued to hit many parts of the country, Petilla used this situation as a pretext to bombard print and broadcast media with advertisements ostensibly promoting energy tips.

Provincial leaders have all but given up hope that the energy crisis will be addressed, lamenting that their constituents have already accepted the painful

reality regarding regular power outages.

According to Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez, “wala nang nagugulat sa paputul-putol na serbisyo ng kuryente dito. Sanay na ang mga tagarito sa brownout, hindi na ito bago. (No one here is surprised with the repeated interruptions in power service. This is not new; everyone here is used to brownouts.)”

Ramirez was reacting to the nine-hour power out-

ages being scheduled by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in the town of Medellin and neighboring municipalities in the province of Cebu as a result of the preventive maintenance repairs being done on the Cebu Electric Cooperative (Cebeco) 2 Compostela-LiloanConsolacion 69-kilovolt (KV) transformer line.

Rotating brownouts have hit large parts of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, the City of Naga and the town of Minglanilla in Metro Cebu in the last 11 days in the past month, with some of the power outages lasting as long as 13 hours.

Power interruptions have also plagued other areas in the Visayas. In Feb-

ruary, the Visayan Electric Company began rationing electricity as a result of inadequate power supplies for the Visayan Grid, resulting in two-hour rotational brownouts. Power interruptions also hit areas serviced by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) from May 23 to June 3, affecting the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Salvador Benedicto, Talisay, Silay, and the municipality of Murcia.

In Luzon, several towns in Isabela experienced tenhour brownouts on April 23, while 11-hour power outages were experienced in towns in Kalinga and Mountain Province on May 5. On May 19, several Cagayan Valley towns were

hit by ten-hour brownouts.

Rotational power interruptions ranging from six to twelve hours will continue to affect towns covered by the Cagayan Electric Power & Light Company until June 7.

In April, widespread blackouts hit Mindanao with several provinces experiencing brownouts that lasted as long as seven hours.

Affected areas were hit during the Holy Week, with brownouts starting after midnight in Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Agusan, General Santos City, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Surigao City, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato City.

InvItatIon to BId no. 104

ConstruCtIon of amBurayan rIs (PaCkage 1) The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Eight Million Thirty Seven Thousand Fifty-Two & 93/100 PESOS (PHP8,037,052.93) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Construction of Amburayan RIS (Package 1) with Contract No R1LUIMO-15-06-104. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Construction of Amburayan RIS (Package 1) under FUND 101. The project is located in Sudipen, La Union with the description of: l. Canalization Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Eighty (180) calendar days.

2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. 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 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”. 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.

Bookworm. Hernando Guanlao arranges books at his house on Balagtas street in La Paz, Makati City on Sunday, June 7, 2015 as he prepares for the opening of classes for private schools on Monday.

DANNY PATA

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of EIGHT THOUSAND PESOS (Php8,000.00).

De Lima weighs in on anti-trust bill

6.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 11, 2015, 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, June 23, 2015 at the address below.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

10. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

12. All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

13. The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

14. Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

For further information, please refer to: ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan

Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com (SGD) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman Noted:

(SGD) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A

(TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

By Rey Requejo THE Senate and House of Representatives bicameral conference committee has been asked to delete bad provisions from the proposed anti-trust law or competition law to make it aligned with global standards and international best practice.

In an apparent bid to persuade Congress to pass a world class competition law, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima wrote the bicameral panel chaired by Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV on June 01, 2015 asking its members to expunge from the bill provisions on “good faith”, “forbearance” and on “grandfathering clause,” which grants immunity to longtime monopolies.

“The international best practice espoused by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is that competition law should be a general law of general application, that is, it should apply to all sectors and to all economic agents in the economy engaged in the commercial production and supply of goods and services,” de Lima stressed.

Aquino leads the Senate

contingent to the bicameral conference panel being the chairman of the committee on trade and commerce.

De Lima also gave copy of his letter to other members of the bicameral conference panel on the competition law.

The bicameral panel is expected to come up with its unified version on Monday, De Lima stressed that the ‘good faith’ clause in the bill, which tolerates bad business behavior like predatory pricing as long as it is in good faith should be expunged from the measure since “selling below cost with the intent of driving competition out” is already a prohibited act in itself and therefore, in bad faith.

Both the Senate and House versions provide that entities or companies could be exonerated of bad business practices like predatory pricing, price fixing or selling below cost as long as it is in “good faith.”

De Lima also asked for the removal of the provision on “forbearance” which empowers the Philippine Competition Commission, the law’s regulatory body, to exclude or exempt entities or companies from the

application of the law.

It grants discretionary powers to the Commission to grant exemptions, however, without requisite standards or conditions.

The provision also gives arbitrary power or unbridled discretion on the part of the Commission to withdraw the exemption previously given, which violates the requirements of due process and the void for vagueness doctrine, De Lima said.

The bill creates the Philippine Competition Commission that will spearhead the policing of unfair trade practices such as price fixing.

De Lima also objected the provision granting ‘immunity’ to entities or companies, which were already regarded as a monopoly or dominant player long before the enactment of the anti-trust or competition law.

“This provides a blanket exemption for entities that were able to acquire a dominant position prior to the passage of the law,” she said, referring to the “grandfathering” doctrine that exempts industries from regulation by virtue of being in the business for so long.

m o n d ay : J U n E 8 , 2 0 1 5

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

40% of Baguio, Benguet firms delinquent in social security

By Dexter A. See BAGUIO CITY—Some 5,737 employers of the 14,427 registered in the Baguio and Benguet areas were found delinquent by the Social Security System for their intermittent payment of the contributions of their workers.

SSS Baguio branch head Nancy Umoso said a total of 7,690 employers, or a little below 50 percent, were regularly paying employers.

“We classified the 5,737 employers as intermittently paying because they have gaps in their records which means that there are months which the employers were not able to remit their contributions for reasons only known to them,” Umoso stressed.

The SSS Baguio branch head revealed of the intermittently paying employers, 1,872 have registered but are now classified as non-paying. They have never paid a single centavo of their contributions.

The cases of some 705 employers have been forwarded to the legal department of the SSS for study and recommendation on the need to file charges against them. These employers have failed to submit a detailed report of their employees, remit contributions, update records and declare actual number of workers, among others.

“We are seriously and aggressively pursuing cases against erring employers to protect the members from such serious violations that prevent them from enjoying the full SSS benefits due them once they are separated or retire from the their chosen fields of service,” Umoso added.

Under Section 28C of the penal clause of Republic Act 8282 or the SSS Law, failure or refusal of an employer to register their employees or deduct contributions from the employee’s compensation and remit the same to the SSS corresponds to a penalty of fine from P5,000 to P20,000 or imprisonment from six years to twelve years.

Umoso explained there were delinquent employers in almost all sectors.

Greenest queue. Farmers from around Benguet, a major producer of highland vegetables, form long lines to unload their produce in La Trinidad trading post as there is a noted oversupply and low demand leading to cheaper vegetables in the market. DAVE LEPROZO

Music festival heralds Tacloban City’s recovery

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY- The city government of Tacloban on Friday opened the “Sangyawan Ha Tacloban” at Balyuan Park, marking the return of the city’s grand festival a year and a half after being pummeled by super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

“We are resilient. The return of our grand Sangyaw festival brings hope that we can rise again as a people and as a city,” said city councilor and tourism chairperson Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez.

“Tell your friends and loved ones to see Tacloban again, to celebrate life and the rebirth of the city,” said

Romualdez, adding that the influx of visitors to the city will help bring back its economy.

Tacloban mayor Alfred Romualdez, his wife-councilor Cristina, led city employees and constituents in a motorcade around the city’s thoroughfares during Friday opening of

various music, cultural, sports and religious activities for this year’s fiesta celebration in honor of its patron saint Sr. Sto. Nino with the theme “Resilient Tacloban.”

“Congratulations to all of you, for surviving typhoon Yolanda.

Everybody stays strong. You guys are still here to rock in roll with us!” Ruben Caballero, vocalist of Manila-based rock band Cueshe, told the concert-goers at Balyuan Park, as the group ushered the nightly concert in the city for the Sangyaw festival.

Other known bands set to perform in the city include True Faith, Razorback, Wolfgang, Aegis, Gloc-9, Parokya ni Edgar, Rocksteddy, Ely Buendia and Pupil, Greyhoundz, along with

television celebrities, local artists, and many more.

Councilor Romualdez also announced the return of Miss Tacloban beauty pageant, Sangyaw Awards for outstanding individuals and/or groups in the city and Sangyaw Parade of Lights.

A “Resilient Summit” will also be held during the festival.

Romualdez said they are holding the grand Sangyaw festival this year “to make it known to the world that Tacloban has bounced back.”

“This event brings out the best of Tacloban. Sangyaw 2015 is bigger and brighter. We can showcase to the world that we are beautiful and progressive despite what happened to us during super typhoon Yolanda,” Romualdez earlier said.

High maternal mortality hounds Palawan despite RH Law passage

By Macon Ramos Araneta

Fly magnet. Uncollected garbage in Langihan Tabo-an Market in Butuan City is a sore sight.

ALVIN T. GUANZON

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Palawan has one of the “the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR) in the country” with almost 1 in 10 maternal deaths in the 15-19 age bracket, according to a consortium of nongovernment organizations here.

According to the Provincial Health Office report, Palawan recorded 125 maternal deaths per 100,000 in 2012. This rose to 182 in 2014, making it among the highest in the country, said Chi Vallido, advocacy expert of Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc. in a press conference.

“This is such a huge increase over the last two years, making the maternal mortality rate of Palawan among the highest in the country. Per PHO report, 9 percent of the total maternal deaths in Palawan are between 15-19 years old,” she said.

The consortium added there is a need to

speed up the delivery of reproductive health services as provided by the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act of 2012.

“The law has already been passed, but we still have to work on our reproductive health situation. We really have to make the law work for us to change these statistics because since its passage, our maternal mortality rate hasn’t changed,” Vallido said.

Palawan’s topography makes it harder for the Commission on Population (PopCom) to go to the people, given its limited human resources, Vallido said as she urged the media to help raise awareness of the services provided under the RH Law of 2012.

She also said that Palawan, per PHO report, has the highest teenage pregnancy cases in the Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan (Mimaropa) region with 888 (4.84%) in 2012, which rose to 2,240 (12.47%) in 2013 before dropping to 1,247 (7.01%) in 2014.

A8

adelle chua EDITOR M O N d aY, J u N e 8 , 2 0 1 5

opinion [ edI TORI a l ]

nOT On OuR DImE THERE is a major disconnect between President Aquino’s constant claims of good governance and the continued employment of his good friend Alan Purisima.

The disgraced former national police chief finished serving a six-month suspension last week, but is still on the government payroll, despite allegations of corruption against him and his questionable role in the Mamasapano massacre in which 44 police commandos were killed in a botched covert operation to capture two terrorists.

In December 2014, the Office of the Ombudsman placed Purisima on preventive suspension over his alleged involvement in an anomalous deal for the delivery of gun licenses.

Mr. Aquino’s trusted associate is also facing plunder and graft charges following reports that he owns a mansion in Nueva Ecija, and that he accepted millions of pesos in questionable donations to renovate his official quarters in Camp Crame.

In congressional testimony, Purisima also admitted to getting a hefty discount worth at least P2 million on a purchase of a luxury vehicle.

While he was still serving his suspension, Purisima called the shots in the covert Mamasapano operation and kept the acting national police chief and other key government officials in the dark until the last minute. His failure to coordinate the law enforcement action with military officials kept Army units from responding swiftly to the calls for help from the police commandos.

Through all these controversies, the President defended his good friend, dismissing out of hand allegations of corruption without looking at the evidence against him, and misrepresenting his key role in the Mamasapano fiasco as a mere consultant.

When the evidence of Purisima’s poor judgment in the Mamasapano debacle became too obvious, the President reluctantly accepted his resignation as national police chief in February—but kept the four-star police general on the government payroll until his mandatory retirement in November.

For taxpayers who must foot the bill for Purisima’s salary of P117,000 a month plus allowances, that is five months too long. Given the string of corruption charges against him and his miserable track record as police chief, Purisima should have been fired—or at least made to resign, not only as police chief, but from the service.

In the meantime, Purisima’s continued employment means no other police general can get the four-star rank that normally goes with the office of the national police chief, because there can only be one four-star general at any given time.

If the President truly followed his own straightpath policy, the way forward is clear. Fire or force Purisima to resign and appoint a new, more ethical and more effective chief of the Philippine National Police. That he has not done this again shows us that President Aquino’s straight path is there only for others to tread. If you are a friend of the President, you can take the long and winding road on the taxpayer’s dime.

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

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Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

The noble profession A PROMDI placed 7th in the Bar exams but instead of hanging out his shingle in Manila, he took the first boat home to take on a job he coveted most – that of a public school teacher.

Snubbing entreaties from law firms who beat a path to his door with lucrative offers, he defied convention and joined the faculty of a provincial high school.

Later in life, he described his two-year stint as a teacher “as the most professionally satisfying” in his storied career.

The promdi’s name? Carlos P. Garcia . Yes, our nation’s 7th president, he who parlayed his oratorical prowess, among his many gifts, not the least was a good head which matched a good heart, into years of service to the Republic So from 1923 to 1925, CPG eschewed court pleadings for lesson plans, and the fees that go with the former, to labor with love as a casual teacher in the Bohol Provincial High School in Tagbilaran.

What he did is inconceivable in this age when some Bar topnotchers, toasted and lionized, are gifted with cars that they can drive to their firm of choice.

But to put it in a proper perspective, Garcia’s move was less like a Dagohoy-like defiance of norms and more as a reflection of the

then his prescription us to pour more concrete to make the problem go away. pasTOR The teacher should be at the core of apOllO any effort to modernize education. quIbOlOy Students can withstand schools with a leaky roof or no roof at all, or times. errata-ridden textbooks. They howIt was an era when a teaching was a highly-esteemed profes- ever cannot survive teachers with sion so much so that the simple no head and no heart for teaching.

Manicured lawns, antiseptic toititle “maestro” carried true social lets, state-of-the-art labs are not cachet. what make a school great. It is the High schools then churned out quality of teaching which does. graduates ready for teaching chores.

The syllabus to improve teacher They were so qualified that the competency and compensation- Malthusian growth in school is long. enrolment during “peacetime” But let’s begin with the credenwas ably met by a cadre of high tialing of our mentors. Two weeks school diploma-holders who, to ago , sans fanfare, the Professional borrow a government report at Regulation Commission, rolled out that time, “can recite Shakethe names of 30,007 passers of the speare, explain Pythagoras , and Licensure Examination for Teachers. quote Newton.”

I wonder if the Top 100 got offers To be a teacher then was a favored from DepEd to teach in any of the career option. Now, among the youth, country’s

46,497 schools. the road to teaching is the not just the least but often last taken.

I would even bet that none got a congratulatory text from our eduThis is sad because no profession cation bureaucrats .DepEd should is more important than the one even send offer sheets to the Top that molds the mind of our young.

1,000 passers as it is poised to reTeaching is the profession that crecruit 39,000 teachers this year. ates other professions.

The LET, if the passing rate is the So when the next politician gauge, is by no means less grueling preens before the gallery and belthan other licensure exams. For lows the need to pour billions into elementary teachers, 72 percent of our school system for more class rooms , but silent on the need the takers flunked, while for high to improve the quality of teaching, Continued on A11

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

A10 OUTCOMESBASED EDUCATION I dId not start out peNsées as a friend of outcomes-based educafr. raNhilio tion (OBE).

That callaNgaN aquiNo is because I strenuously opposed CHEd Memorandum Order No. 46 that embodied it. I still have serious reservations about that particular issuance, mainly because, in several respects, I believe that it intrudes unduly into the academic freedom of institutions.

But it was precisely my position against CMO 46 that goaded me to study the theory of outcomes-based education with greater interest and attention, and I see what it is putting acros—and it is not such a bad idea at all. I have, in fact, at the behest of the Legal Education Board that my father still heads—because there are no takNo regulatory ers for his position! agency can and should derogate from the —joined the team academic freedom that goes around the of each institution to country urging law determine for itself schools to adopt outwhat its objectives comes-based educashould be. tion for law schools.

To be sure, OBE is not without its critics, and they have good reasons to be cynical about it, for exactly the same reasons that I took issue with CMO 46. However, if one considers that it has been some time now that we have complained about a mismatch between the output of our educational system and the needs of society and of industry, then OBE should be one promising way of addressing this perennial malaise. One of the first precepts of OBE is to plan in the reverse: Consider the outcomes desired of the educational system and then work your way backwards towards curriculum design and planning on effective delivery strategies.

When one plans on desired outcomes, one must take a long and hard look at institutional philosophies, missions and goals. Often, though prominently displayed on tarps and painted on walls of schools, institutional philosophies are hardly anything more than terms selected because of their bombast; they are strewn together into impressive statements nowhere near reality! OBE asks that educational institutions envision their typical graduate—not only as a result of some lofty ideal or noble inspiration, but more practically, as a result of societal, industry, regional and global demands. To arrive at a sound articulation of desired outputs, dialogues and linkages with external stakeholders are not only recommended but are indispensable. From these, the programs within an institution take their bearings and project their own outcomes accordingly.

The teacher does not start by asking what she would like to teach, but what the student should be learning —and these are not necessarily the same. But “should be learning” is a tricky phrase; unless properly handled, it reduces all education to craftsmanship and apprenticeship, to the impoverishment of the human spirit. Outcomes must include critical thinking and

M O N D AY : J U N E 8 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

THE POT BOILS THOugH elections are yet a year away, the political pot has started to boil.

This is due partly because the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy, as in 2013, has been advanced by the Commission on Elections to October 16. And that is a scant four months from now.

Of course, for Vice-President Binay, the pot has been stirring for the last ten months. When his numbers went stratospheric, the hurling of accusations of perfidy and plunder of the public till began in earnest. After all, these issues need time to get traction, time to seep in to the consciousness of the masses. From 41 points in the second quarter last year to 29 points in the first quarter of this year is a pretty steep descent. The question is where is the bottom, and when will his enemies see that bottom.

Some surveys I have seen show the numbers at 25 or 26, the gap between him and second-placer grace Poe narrowing down to just a few percentage points.

Binay die-hards say the worst is over for the beleaguered vice-president. And instead of discouraging his detractors, they stepped up the attack.

Last month, they leaked an Anti-Money Laundering Council report that detailed some 240 bank accounts purportedly belonging to the vice-president and/or his family, most of them jointly with alleged financial fronts, from his financial adviser-in-hiding to his personal secretary and confidante, also nowhere to be found.

We should see in a few weeks if the AMLC revelations that summed up to mind-boggling 10 digits took a toll on the VP’s poll survey numbers, and by how much. Then his detractors can plumb where the bottom would be.

Even up-and-coming Rodrigo duterte of davao got some dirt thrown at him, the sleaze ball coming all the way from New York. Human Rights Watch was reportedly aghast at his statements about how he kept the peace in davao City, adjudged the 9th safest city in the world. duterte, in character, got mad at these “stupid” foreign groups, “bleeding hearts” who pontificate their Western norms to a Third World country like ours.

He told them to look at their own backyard, at African-Americans who are killed by their white police officers, and twitted them for their silence over the genocide happening in North Africa.

This got the local human rights “champions”, recently retired CHR chair Etta Rosales and previous chair, now dOJ Secretary Leila de Lima to rehash their “findings” on the human rights situation in davao City. duterte hit back, in characteristic color, challenging them to file charges which they have not when they were with CHR, and thus, “make my day”.

Netizens and media commentators weighed in, powerful combinatorial capabilities—the power to research and to use the outcomes of research in fresh and challenging combinations!

Because outcomes are it, education that is fashioned in OBE terms puts a premium on assessment and evaluation, because one must ask after all whether or not the outcomes have been met, and you do not use a pencil-and-paper test invariably for this. Letting students perform tasks, exhibit skills, demonstrate desirable attitudes and habits—all these call for different forms of assessment and evaluation.

But my objections to an intrusive paradigm stand: No regulatory agency can and should dero-

at a ratio of 10 to 1, in favor of the tough-talking davao mayor. The tit for tat was a sensation for a week over free and social media, and lito must have increased awareness if baNayo duterte throughout the country, which the last time the pollsters looked, in March, was a low 74 points, compared to the competition, all of whom were in their 98 to 100 percent awareness, although he had a very high vote conversion rate. How will the higher awareness this time convert into votes?

We will see.

Meanwhile, after spurning a public offer to run as Binay’s vice-president, grace Poe went on the offensive against her father’s erstwhile campaign manager in the run of 2004. Snide remarks were made by both sides; one twitting the neophyte senator for her lack of experience; the other responding about the “black” kettle comparing itself to the enamel “white” pot.

So when grace Poe signed the Pimentel-Cayetano-Trillanes sub-committee report on the “plunder of Makati”, the first one after the authors to do so, the Binay “ouch” was one of deep hurt. More, that she did not just quietly sign, she had to publicly explain why she signed, fuelling personal resentment.

In the words of the VP himself said to a seat-mate over lunch at a kingmaker’s residence, “diyan mo nakikita ang karakter”. days after, uNA’s Toby Tiangco goes to town with Sen. Poe’s certificate of candidacy filed before the Comelec when she ran for the Senate a little over two years ago. The Constitution, the Navotas congressman said, specifies a continuous residence of 10 years before election, and since she indicated in her sworn statement that she had lived in the country six years and six months before May 13, 2013, then by May 9, 2016, she would have been a resident only nine years and six months. Per Tiangco, she cannot thus run for office higher than senator.

Again the “citizenship” card, which is like déjà vu for grace, upon whose father FPJ the same charge was hurled in 2004. She answered back, in acerbic manner, that it is better to be accused of this legal technicality than to be charged with plunder. Ouch, ouch, ouch once more for the Binay camp.

Clearly, this will not end here. Whether it will discourage Poe, or egg her on to challenge Binay even more … bueno, vamos a ver.

The knives have been drawn.

Mar, in the meantime, keeps relatively silent, allowing his mom, sugar baroness Judy Araneta-Roxas, to speak for him among the hacienderos de Negros. And Mar says he will “just do his job”, which is distributing Mahindra police jeeps all over the land, and sniping (with the President’s help, no less) at the gatchalians, Binay loyalists in fire-stricken Valenzuela.

Wait until wife Korina chimes in.

so i see

gate from the academic freedom of each institution to determine for itself what its objectives should be. The “secular, free-thinking, incomedriven Filipino” is not and cannot be the imposed outcome for all educational institutions. I am not even sure that it is worthy of any educational institution at all!

With this caveat in place, however, it should be worth giving OBE a try. rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

M O N D AY : J U N E 8 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A11

TIME FOR SYSTEM CHANGE IT’S still a year away from the 2016 national elections but already, those who RITA LINDA have indicated their V. JIMENO intention, whether expressly or impliedly, to run for the top post are getting hit from all angles by other contenders or their handlers. The sad thing about it is that—as it has always been in the last 30 year—politics in the Philippines is a battle among personalities and of popularity ratings. Politicians or parties do not pretend to stand for ideologies or platforms anymore. In fact, candidates fly from one party to another, depending on which standard bearer has a stronger mass support and following.

In coffee shop talks these days, the question that always pops up is, “So, whom will we elect as president in 2016?” Invariably, after an exchange of viewpoints, conversations end with a sigh and a question, “Isn’t there anyone else we can elect?”

The problem with most Filipinos is that while they harbor feelings of frustration and disenchantment with the political system, they do nothing. Thus, election after election, they elect people with the same family names for want of choices. Yet, there can be real options if they only dis-abuse their minds of the notion that constitutional reform, or the maligned cha-cha, is not good. It is, in fact, our only hope to open the doors for the real public servants to enter politics and give us better choices.

As retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Reynato S. Puno, said during the launch of the movement called “Bagong Sistema, Bagong Pagasa” (New System, new hope) last Saturday, the only way to eliminate political dynasties is by changing the Constitution and providing a self-executing prohibition against political dynasties. Nothing is truer; how on earth can we expect the members of both houses of Congress to craft a law (as required by the 1987 Constitution) that will essentially stop them from perpetuating themselves and their families in power through political dynasties?

OUT OF THE BOX

THE NOBLE... From A8 school aspirants, the fail rate was 68 percent.

Despite these hurdles, nobody heard of Herminigilda Cabrera Notario from the North Valley College Foundation who topped a field of 56,596 in the secondary education category.

Or of Vincent Isidro of UP Diliman who bested 41,443 others to top the elementary education division.

No fluff pieces on them on how many cups of coffee they downed a day when they were reviewing for the exams. No prime-

Apart from making the prohibition against political dynasties real, constitutional change will also avert a looming crisis that the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law will cause. The retired chief justice said that if the BBL is passed, the Bangsamoro people would be governed by an entirely different system of government which is parliamentary/federal while the rest of the Philippines would still be under the old unitary/ presidential system of government. There is nothing wrong about allowing the Moro people the right to be governed by a system that will work for them, Puno

The Constitution must be allowed to change to address the changing needs of the people for whom it exists.

said. However, he hastened to ask, “How can this be granted to the Moro people without violating the Constitution?”

Retired Chief Justice Puno said that if we do not amend the Constitution, we would be in a no-win situation, whatever the outcome of the BBL will be in Congress. If the BBL is not passed, war in Mindanao will continue. If the BBL is passed in its present form without first amending the Constitution, we can reasonably expect the Supreme Court to declare the BBL void for being unconstitutional. With this, war in Mindanao will persist. If the legislature substantially amends the BBL to make it conform to the Constitution, then the MILF panel will, most likely, reject it and, again, war in Mindanao will continue, Puno added. There is, therefore, no other way, if we desire peace, but to amend the 1987 Constitution and shift to a federal/parliamentary system which suits the Filipino culture and geographical disparities best.

Now, how will charter change open the doors to more public servants? In a federal/parliamentary form of government, popularity will not dictate the outcome

time confessions on where they want to work.

Even college volleybelles get presidential face-time with a groufie to boot. Not the top two finishers in a field of 100,000.

If we want to get the best and the brightest to teach our young, then the Top 500, or make that the Top 1,000 LET passers as DepEd is one agency that’s virtually holding yearround job fair, should be invited to teach in a public school of their choice.

One column is not enough to cram the to-do list on teacher’s welfare, training and improve-

#FAILOCRACY

ment.

On top of any list is hefty in vestment on their training – not the scheduled classroom-type echo seminars, but a regimen that can be monitored and sustained.

A one-laptop-for-one teacher program would not only arm them with an equipment which can help them teach but would provide them a portal to selfenrichment resources.

Those who teach carry the burden and duty to constantly learn and study. The first responsibility of knowledge providers is to constantly seek more knowledge.

of elections because voting for members of the Legislature and the head of government will not be nationwide or at large anymore. It will be by regions or states.

Thus, public servants who are known leaders in their respective communities stand a much better chance of being elected to the Parliament or Legislature. In the Parliament, the elected representatives from various regions or states will elect among themselves the Prime Minister who shall head the government.

One other significant proposal of retired Chief Justice Puno is that socio- economic rights should be included in the Bill of Rights. As it is now, only civil and political rights are guaranteed. If socio-economic rights are expressly included, the Filipino people can demand from their government a better quality of life, perhaps, by way of job opportunities, and better social and educational services. This, to me, is a revolutionary concept which I’d like to see in the Constitution.

The Philippines after all has the highest income tax in the Asean and one of the highest in the world. Yet, its people still leave for overseas jobs as there are not enough here. Too, the infrastructures that should make it easy for people, such as farmers and cottage industry developers to sell their products, are still gravely inadequate. Health and education services are way below what most other nationalities enjoy.

How should a constitutional convention be constituted? Puno said that it must truly represent the people and not be dominated by politicians. There must be an election of the candidates to the Con Con while allowing room for appointees by the Chief Executive. Since there will be an election in 2016, Puno suggests that the delegates to the Constitutional Convention be likewise elected in the same election.

The President should stop thinking that the Constitution, now 28 years old and crafted when his mother rose to power, is cast in stone. It must be allowed to change to address the changing needs of the people for whom it exists.

Email: ritalindaj@gmail.com Visit: www.jimenolaw. com.ph

In this regard, teachers must be graded, too, and rewards, including the monetary kind, should come with the commendation.

There’s also the issue of teacher pay. But this should be addressed across-the-board of the bureaucracy. There are other sector-specific pay points which can be improved like increasing the chalk allowance , and overtime and hazard pay, and the long-delayed mass promotion in salary grade and “step” increases.

Other morale-boosting initiatives do not carry peso

signs. They even come free, like timely gestures of approbation and citation from the highest officials of the land.

Boosting the nation’s dignity starts with a teaching workforce who has it.

CHASING HAPPY ADELLE CHUA Ms. Chua’s column will resume soon.

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Age no barrier for Serena PARIS—Serena Williams has won Wimbledon five times and will be a hot favourite to make it six when the grasscourt classic gets underway in three weeks time in London.

If she makes the punters happy by doing so she will, for the second time in her career, hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time - and will stand halfway to becoming just the fourth woman to win all four in the same year.

It is a clear sign of how dominant the 33-year-old American has become in the women’s game, 17 years after making her debut in Grand Slam tennis.

To date she has won 20 Grand Slam titles, just two shy of the Open era record of 22 held by Steffi Graf, and most worringly for her opponents, she seems to be accelerating.

Seven of those have come since she

hooked up with French coach (and boyfriend) Patrick Mouratoglou in June 2012 after a stunning first round upset at the hands of Virginie Razzano in the French Open - the first, and to date only time, she has gone out of a Grand Slam event at the first call.

At that time Williams had been beset with a succession of injuries and lack of motivation and she credits Mouratoglou with turning things around for her.

“Beforehand her career was full of ups and downs,” he said after her three sets win over Lucie Safarova in Saturday’s French Open final - her 20th Grand Slam title.

WILLIAMS

“I had the impression that she lacked motivation at times and also she was very often carrying an injury.”

Now, he says, she is perfectly capable of winning five Grand Slams in a row at Wimbledon and New York, although he cautions that it is still a big ask.

Helping Williams’s cause - and worringly for women’s tennis in general - the opposition is not exactly of the highest quality.

Part of the problem stems from the early retirements of Belgian pair Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, both of whom were capable, at their best, of going head to head with Williams Nowadays long-time foes and prematurely annointed successors, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic and Caroline Wozniacki both seem incapable of beating her, mid-twenties challengers Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka both have problems with the pressure that comes at the top and young guns such as Eugenie Bouchard and Sloane Stephens have both taken backward steps this year.

That left a Paris tournament that had no player under the age of 25 in the semi-finals. AFP

Santos wins HEAD net meet ALEXIE Santos pocketed two titles in the 15th leg of Globe 17th HEAD Graphene XT Junior Tennis Satellite Circuit recently at the Vigan Tennis Club in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Alexie Santos swept Kryshana Hitosis, 6-0, 6-0, to cop the girls’ 18-under crown and then crushed Gennifer Pagente, 6-3, 6-0, to grab the girls’ 16-under crown of the annual satellite age-group tournament organized by Dynamic Sports.

The competition was sponsored by Globe Telecommunications, Chris Sports, Head ATP Tennis Balls, Graphene XT, Toalson, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Tennis Association, along with Sports Radio 918AM, Home Radio 97.9FM Natural, Boracay Informer, Todo 88.5FM Aklan, Radyo Inquirer 990AM, Power Wheels Magazine, Motorcycle Magazine, Balikbayan The Asian Journal Magazine, Wazzup Pilipinas, Reach Magazine, Oishi and AMAX Inn Makati.

Gennifer Pagente, meanwhile, beat Althea Faye Ong, 6-0, 6-3, to claim the girls’ 14-under singles’ title, while Amelie Matta scored a 6-2, 6-3 win over Farah Caroline Emata to take home the girls’ singles’ 12-under trophy. AFP

Nietes ready for cocky foe

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Victor Espinoza celebrates atop American Pharoah after winning the 147th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. With the win, American Pharoah became the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years. AFP

Sonsona settles 37-year Triple Crown drought finally over YORK—American Phar- it. He’s a great horse.”

The 62-year-old trainer has for majority win NEW oah ended US racing’s 37-year Espinoza could hardly believe it known Triple Crown heartbreak, FORMER World Boxing Organization world super flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona failed to live up to his “Marvelous” moniker and settled for a majoritydecision win over Jonathan “Lil’ Thund’r” Arellano of California in what was billed as a “stay-busy fight” by his handlers at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California, Sunday (Manila time).

The fight was described as a close tactical affair, with Sonsona connecting with rapid counter-punches and then quickly darting out of trouble as Arellano was surprisingly the aggressor even though he was not known as a heavy hitter with only three knockouts in a record of 15 wins, 6 defeats and 2 draws.

However, Arellano came forward and pressured the lanky Filipino southpaw in the 10-round featherweight bout. Ronnie Nathanielsz

Triple Crown drought on Saturday, romping to victory in the Belmont Stakes.

The sweet-striding bay colt, ridden by Victor Espinoza and trained by Bob Baffert, added the 1 1/2-mile Belmont to his Kentucky Derby and Preakness wins to become the 12th horse to sweep all three -- and the first since Affirmed in 1978.

Since then 13 horses had claimed the first two jewels of the Triple Crown only to be undone by the Belmont.

That list of near-misses included three horses trained by Baffert and two ridden by Espinoza.

“Thirty-seven years,” Baffert said. “I’m part of this but you know what, that little horse, he deserved

as he cantered his mount toward having saddled Silver Charm the winner’s circle to delirious (1997), Real Quiet (1998) and War cheers from a crowd of 90,000.

Emblem (2002) for Kentucky Der“Wow! Wow!” Espinoza said. by and Preakness wins, only to see “It’s just an amazing thing. He’s just them fall short in the Belmont. an amazing horse!”

“I was really getting to dislike His mount broke slowly from this trophy. It’s caused me a lot the gate, but responded quickly of misery,” Baffert said as he acas Espinoza took him straight to cepted it. AFP the lead.

He stayed in front the rest of the way, the first favorite to win the Belmont since Afleet Alex in 2005.

“I’m thinking about my P16M parents,” an emotional Baffert said as he made his way DIGITS to the winner’s circle, surrounded by his family. “I wish they were alive to see EZ2 this.”

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-0 3 2

0-0-0 0-0

A TRIM and ready World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes is ready to wage war against the cocky mandatory challenger and former WBO/International Boxing Federation minimumweight champion Francisco Rodriguez when they clash in the stellar attraction of “Pinoy Pride XXXI” at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu on July 4.

The longest-reigning Filipino world champion looked terrific in sparring all week, going 10 rounds twice and winding up with a fourround session against former outstanding amateur flyweight Kevin Jake ‘KJ” Cataraja, who will make his pro debut on the undercard against Indonesia’s Ardi “Predator” Tefa over six rounds.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Aussies dominate triathlon

By Peter Atencio

SUBIC Bay—Sam Betten took the 10-km run stage and led four Australians in dominating the elite men’s professional category of the Regent 5150 Triathlon Championships here.

It was Betten’s first crown in a multi-sport event in the country after he came up with a memorable second-place finish in the 2014 Cobra Iron 70.3 competition last year.

He reached the Remy Field finish line in one hour, 59 minutes and 23.4 seconds, coming in ahead of fellow Aussies Mitchell Kibby, defending champion Casey Munro and Clayton, who were second, third and fourth respectively.

Banjo Norte also picked up the pace during the running phase to claim the top honors in the Filipino elite side in 2:07.56 Meanwhile, Belinda Granger topped the women’s pro elite in 2:21.46.8, and was ahead of fellow Aussia Dimity Lee-Duke. It was also her first title on local soil.

Monica Torres emerged as the fastest Filipina as she came in third at 2:25.07.2, while LC Langit

Cotto mauls Geale

By Ronnie Nathanielsz WORLD Boxing Council middleweight champion Miguel Cotto annihilated Australian challenger Daniel Geale in four rounds at the Barclays Center in New York Sunday (Manila time) and then said in a post-fight interview with HBO’s Max Kellerman, “let’s do it” in a call out to hugely popular Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Cotto nailed Geale with a huge left hook early in the fourth round and although the Aussie beat the count, it was clear the end was near.

After connecting with a flurry of punches, Cotto landed a stunning right straight sending Geale down once more forcing referee Harvey Dock to stop the fight at 1:28 of the fourth round.

Cotto dominated the bout from the opening bell, connecting with deadly body shots, while Geale hardly had time to get going.

The possibility of a showdown with Alvarez is mouth-watering, especially since Puerto Rico where Cotto hails from and Mexico, the home of “Canelo,” have had a long and bitter rivalry in the ring.

copped the women’s local elite plum in 2:34.54.

The heat bothered the 6’4” Betten, who was second in the 1.5-km swim at the waters of Hanjin Port.

He was also second in the 40-km point-to-point bike portion, which took participants to a fast clip along the flat roads of the Subic International Airport runway.

The four Aussies took turns in taking the lead as they headed into the climbs and descents of the IDESS road, the uphill climbs of Argonaut road, and into the Remy Field finish line.

But Betten went all out in the opening part of the 10-km run period, and never looked in trouble as he negotiated the Rizal Highway and headed down to Malawaan wharf, before going back to Remy Field.

“I went for my race plan and followed it. On the run, I went for it,” said Betten.

InvItatIon to BId no. 112 Rest./RehaB. of MaBoloBolo CIs

InvItatIon to BId no. 110 ConstRuCtIon of MaBalaCat CIs (KaRaw daM)

The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Eight Million Eight Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Five & 71/100 PESOS (PHP8,884,735.71) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab. Of Mabolobolo CIS with Contract No R1-PIMO-15-06-112. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

Sam Betten (left) and Belinda Granger celebrate their victories in the men’s and women’s pro category of the Regent 5150 Triathlon to complete the Aussies’ sweep of the swim-bike-run event at Subic Bay Sunday.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab. Of Mabolobolo CIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Manaoag, Pangasinan with the following description of works: I. Canal Structure (Main Canal) II. Canal Lining III. Turn Out Facilities IV. Supply and Delivery of 7HP Water Cooled, V-belt driven diesel engine w/at least 2200 RPM coupled w/3’ diam.x50TDH self-priming water pump w/at least 2200 RPM discharge capacity mounted on a common steel base w/complete accessories V. Supply and Delivery of Shallow tube well materials and accessories VI. Supply and Delivery of 5HP Gasoline Engine Pump w/ Complete Accessories

The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Thirty-Two Million Six Hundred Thirteen Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-One & 27/100 PESOS (PHP32,613,371.27) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Construction of Mabalacat CIS (Karaw Dam) with Contract No R1PIMO-15-06-110. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Construction of Mabalacat CIS (Karaw Dam) under FUND 101. The project is located in Mangatarem, Pangasinan with the following description of works: I. II. III.

IV. V.

Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Fifty (150) calendar days.

Access Road Diversion Work Proc./Fab. And Inst Works a. Proc./Inst. Of Steelgates b. Proc./Inst. Of Tower Grills c. Proc./Inst. Of Railings Canal Structures Canal Lining

Completion of the Works is required within Two Hundred Forty (240) calendar days.

2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.

2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. 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 non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of NINE THOUSAND PESOS (Php9,000.00).

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of THIRTY-THREE THOUSAND PESOS (Php33,000.00).

6.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

6.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 11, 2015, 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 11, 2015, 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, June 24, 2015 at the address below. Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, June 24, 2015 at the address below. Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

10.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

10.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11.

Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

11.

Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

12.

All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

12.

All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

13.

The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

13.

The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

14.

Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

14.

Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please refer to:

ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com

Noted:

ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com (SGD.) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman

(SGD.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A

Noted:

(SGD.) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman

(SGD.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A (TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

(TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

M O N DAY : J UN E 8 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

‘An act of patriotism’ SINGAPORE—Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr. expressed enthusiasm in hosting the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, stressing that doing so would be nothing less than an act of patriotism.

“It’s more of patriotism,” Cojuangco said on Sunday at the Philippine Secretariat at the Swissotel here. “If

we don’t do it, then we don’t have any trust and confidence on our capability as Filipinos.”

Cojuangco added:

From A16...Triathlon

It was the second medal for the 25-year-old athlete, a silver medalist in the same event in last year’s Incheon Asiad, after the silver he bagged late Saturday in men’s team double-weaponsm with Norlen Catolico and John Keithley Chan.

The Volcanoes, meanwhile, completed their mission of bringing home the gold medal. They routed Malaysia, 24-7, in Sunday’s finals at the Choa Chu King

“If we pass up on this one, then they will think there is something wrong with us, with our country. The offer is there, so let’s grab it.”

Brunei was scheduled to host the 2019 Games but told the SEA Games Federation meeting two days ago that it is withdrawing

Stadium to lay claim to the reputation as the best rugby 7 squad in the region.

The Filipinos swept the fivegame eliminations and were still in their sharpest form when they beat the Malaysians, whom they blanked, 14-0, earlier in the day.

The gold was an improvement from the silver the Philippine rugby team brought home in the sport’s debut in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2007.

The women’s rugby team

from the responsibility.

Brunei officials did not specify the reason for the withdrawal.

Brunei also begged off from hosting the 2017 Games, awarding the chores to Malaysia instead. The 2019 Games were offered to the Philippines and Thailand.

showed vast potential by clinching the bronze medal with a 22-0 rout also of a squad from Malaysia. Thailand shut out Singapore, 39-0, in the gold-medal match also on Sunday.

Mary Joy Tabal contributed a silver medal from women’s marathon, enough to save the Philippine campaign in athletics on Sunday when veteran Eduardo Buenavista could only finish fourth—blaming a bum stomach for his disappointing finish.

In what could be their last race this summer, about 12,000 runners pounded the pavement on Sunday at Run United 2, sponsored by Unilab Active Health.

Race categories included 5K, 10K, 21K, 32K and a special category for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disability. The next race of the Run United series, the Run United Philippine Marathon, is set for October 4.

Kipsang, Barcena win RU2 InvItatIon to BId no. 108

InvItatIon to BId no. 109 Rest./RehaB of agno RIs

Rest./RehaB of nancasalan cIs

The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Six Million One Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Eight & 56/100 PESOS (PHP6,182,848.56) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab. Of Agno RIS with Contract No R1-PIMO-15-06-109. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab. Of Agno RIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Malasiqui, Pangasinan with the following description of works: I. II. III.

The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Six Million Two Hundred Twenty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Nine & 10/100 PESOS (PHP6,221,869.10) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab. Of Nancasalan CIS with Contract No R1-PIMO-15-06-108. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

Canalization Canal Structures Canal Lining

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab. Of Nancasalan CIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Mangatarem, Pangasinan with the description of: I. Diversion Works Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Fifty (150) calendar days.

Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Twenty (120) calendar days.

2.

2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.

3.

3.

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”. 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.

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

4.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

5.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of SIX THOUSAND PESOS (Php6,000.00).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of SIX THOUSAND PESOS (Php6,000.00).

6.

6.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/ Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 11, 2015, 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 11, 2015, 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 2:00 PM, June 23, 2015 at the address below.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 2:00 PM, June 23, 2015 at the address below.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

10.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11.

Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

12.

All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

13. The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

13.

The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

14. Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

14.

Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

10. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

12. All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please refer to:

ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com

(SGD)ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com

Noted:

(SGD.) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman

(SGD.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A

(SGD)JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A (TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Noted:

(SGD) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman

(TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

PROGRESSIVE athletes David Kipsang and Nhea Ann Barcena sustained their strong starts to rule their respective divisions for the 32-kilometer category of Unilab Active Health’s Run United 2 (RU2) last Sunday at the Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Kipsang crossed the finish line with an official time of 02:03:33 to claim the top spot in the men’s division of the 32k category. Trailing him by a couple of minutes were Argel Joseph Mendoza (02:11:17) and Andrico Mahilum (02:19:16). Barcena, on the other hand, conquered the women’s category, crossing the podium at 02:32:43 followed

by Melinda delos Reyes (02:56:36) and Victorina Calma (02:57:48).

Close to 12,000 progressive runners participated in this year’s RU2 staging—with the 21k and 32 categories having the biggest pool of runners with 5,000 and 4,149 racers, respectively—once again cementing the success of the Run United Series.

This year’s RU series is set to wrap up with two more events later this year.

Also ruling the other categories were: Cipriane John Topia, Dante Cagas, and Michael Concorde Ordonez for the 21k men’s category; Shirley Ordonez, Emilaine Balatibat, and Helen Joy Saguid for the 21k women’s category; Joey delos Reyes, JeanMichael Berille, and Gerald Miguel Mombay for the 10k men’s category; Michelle Anne Tibagacay, Olivia Llanillo, and Myzel Alcala for the 10k women’s category; Jonas Joson, Julian Patrick Joson, and Yechiel David Hipol for the 5k men’s category; and Nikka Reyes, Joy Anne Mariz Tajo, and Cherries Zhang for the women’s 5k category. RU2 also feted a few special participants—PWID (persons with intellectual disabilities) runners and senior citizen competitors—for their inspiring individual achievements.

M O N DAY : J UN E 8 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Paras makes Final 4

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

DEFENDING Under-18 FIBA Slam Dunk champion Kobe Paras slammed his way to the Final 4 of the eagerly awaited competition in Hungary, topping the two rounds with a total of 28 points.

Paras is in a tie with Jalek Felton of the United States and Agustin Da Costa of Uruguay, while the fourth spot went to Mark Boros of host nation Hungary.

While competitors from Romania and Egypt tried to elevate over advertising boards Nike and Wilson respectively, Paras effortlessly slammed one home in his first attempt in Round 1 and left the best for the deciding second round.

Paras first showed his class with a 360-degree slam off a lob to himself, before he soared high over two teammates – Mike Ni-

eto and Richard Escoto to rattle the rim with a spectacular dunk to draw cheers from the fans at the open court in Hungary.

He finished off with his customary dance in celebration of his performance.

Without a doubt, Paras is the most sought-after young player in Hungary, appearing in several interviews and features that showcase his basketball ability and his articulate answers to questions.

Kobe’s dad Benjie, a former Philippine Basketball Association superstar, who in his initial year in the pro league in 1989

Barako keeps hold on PBA lead

By Jeric Lopez Games Tuesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum): 4:15 p.m. - Meralco vs. Alaska 7 p.m. - San Miguel vs. Alaska

LIAM McMorrow just won’t be denied.

It was another day at the office for McMorrow as he powered his way to huge numbers with a gamehigh 41 points and 27 rebounds to lead pace-setting Barako Bull to another victory, a hard-fought 123-114 drubbing of GlobalPort to keep its spot at the top in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

An explosive offensive onslaught in the second half, a pivotal run and timely baskets in the payoff frame allowed the Energy Colas, who scored a total of 78 big points in the last two quarters, to shrug off the stiff challenge of the Batang Pier.

Not only did Barako Bull retain its hold on first place, it also inched closer to securing a berth in the quarterfinals as it improved to 6-1 and enhanced its chance of finishing in the Top 4 and getting a twice-to-beat incentive in the next phase. ‘’I think we did a good job in sticking to our formula which is keeping our positive attitude,’’ said Barako Bull coach Koy Banal. ‘’We were down several times in the game but we didn’t give up and kept fighting.’’

became the first player to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors, was obviously happy over his son’s showing. He is also hoping his son can repeat his spectacular victory in Jakarta two years ago.

Kobe’s feat in qualifying for the Final 4 helped make up for the ouster of the Philippines’ Under 18 3x3 team, which lost to Uruguay and bowed out of the competition with a 2-3 card, having beaten host nation Hungary and Kazakhstan, but lost close games to Poland and Uruguay. They were badly beaten by the big, strong Russians who pushed their weight around and even threw a punch at one of the PH’s players but wasn’t ejected or even penalized as they coasted to a 21-9 victory.

In their final game against the taller and tougher Uruguay squad, the young Filipinos failed despite a gallant effort and lost, 13-19.

Kobe Paras’ feat in qualifying for the Final 4 helped make up for the ouster of the Philippines’ Under 18 3x3 team.

FIBA.com

InvItatIon to BId no. 107

InvItatIon to BId no. 101 Rest./RehaB. of sImaBusa-nagBayRuangan cIs

Rest./RehaB of Peña fRancIa cIs The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Nine Million Forty-Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty & 79/100 PESOS (PHP9,047,720.79) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab. Of Peña Francia CIS with Contract No R1-LUIMO-15-06-107. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab. Of Peña Francia CIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Tubao, La Union with the description of:

The National Irrigation Administration, through the General Appropriation Act of 2015 intends to apply the sum of Nine Million Five Hundred Thousand Hundred & 00/100 PESOS (PHP9,500,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Rest./Rehab of Simabusa-Nagbayruangan CIS with Contract No R1ISIMO-15-05-101. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

I. Diversion Works Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Eighty (180) calendar days.

2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. 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 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”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids for the Rest./Rehab of SimabusaNagbayruangan CIS under FUND 101. The project is located in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur with the following description of work: I. Diversion Works II. Canal Structures Completion of the Works is required within One Hundred Fifty (150) calendar days.

2.

Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

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

4.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of NINE THOUSAND PESOS (Php9,000.00).

Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of the Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 PM:

5.

6.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the above address and upon payment at the NIA Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of TEN THOUSAND PESOS (Php10,000.00).

6.

7.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 11, 2015, 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Issuance & Availability of bidding documents is from the first day of advertisement/ Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and receipt of bids.

7.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 2:00 PM, June 23, 2015 at the address below.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The National Irrigation Administration will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 11, 2015, 10:00 AM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

8.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, June 23, 2015 at the address below.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

9.

The National Irrigation Administration shall not allow contractors to participate in the procurement of civil works with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going NIA Contracts at the time of advertisement or posting in the PhilGEPS/NIA Website of the Invitation to Bid in accordance with Rule X, Sec. 34.3 (b) (ii) of the Revised Implementing Rules & Regulation of Republic Act No. 9184. Hence, affidavit stating with at least 15% negative slippage is required as evidence.

10. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

12. All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

13. The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

14. Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

For further information, please refer to:

11. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) shall no longer be allowed in the procurement of projects within the Agency.

12. All bids must be accompanied by a Certificate of Site Inspection issued by the implementing office.

13. The National Irrigation Administration reserves the right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, and not to award the contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment for the project to be bid has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own.

14. Awarding of Contract shall be held in abeyance prior to receipt of the Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the full cost of the project.

For further information, please refer to:

ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com

Noted:

10. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

(SGD.) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman

ENGR. MYRNA C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com (SGD.) FRIDA L. NIDOY BAC Chairman

Noted:

(SGD.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A (TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

(SGD.) JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager A

(TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK m o n day : J un e 8 , 2 0 1 5

A16

RIeRa u. maLL aRI EDITOR

ReueL vIdaL A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

sports@thestandard.com.ph

sports Triathlon win sparks 4-gold haul SINGAPORE—Triathlete Nico Huelgas sparked a four-gold medal haul by Team Philippines on Sunday in the 28th edition of the Southeast Asian Games.

Also contributing a gold medal each to the Philippine coffers sports officials hope would breach the 40mint mark at Games’ end were Daniel Parantac in wushu; the Volcanoes in the men’s rugby 7 event and the billiards duo of Carlo Biado and Warren Kiamco, who beat a Vietnam pair, 9-6, in the men’s pool doubles.

Huelgas could only land fourth place after the 1.5-kilometer swim race, but made up for lost time in the bike and run legs to win in two hours, 34 minutes and 32 seconds.

He finished 1:03 ahead of Malaysia’s Rikogoro Shinozuka (2:05.35).

With Huelgas’ victory, the East Coast Park where the triathlon events were staged became a domain of the Filipinos. On Saturday, Claire Adorna bagged the country’s first gold medal in the women’s race, where Kim Mangrobang made it a 1-2 finish.

Huelgas completed a Philippine

sweep of triathlon by bagging the men’s gold with enough to spare, despite finishing poorly in the swim and crashing in the bike leg.

“It was spectacular, it was sweet and fulfilling,” the 23-year-old Huelgas said. “I was not really expecting anything because at the beginning I really had a bad swim. I went from T1 (swim) to T2 (bike) feeling dizzy. That put me mentally down, and then I fell in the first 100 meters of the bike.”

Parantac, like Huelgas and Adorna a veteran of the Incheon Asian Games, bagged the first gold in men’s tajijian of the wushu competitions being staged at the Expo Hall.

Parantac squeezed out of a tight three-man contest with a dynamic display of grace and precision for 9.71 points. He edged Malaysia’s Jack Chang Lang Loh (9.69) and Indonesia’s Julius Karnawan (9.68).

Gilbert Ramirez (white) of the Philippines throws Vietnam’s Ut Kien Danh (blue) to the floor during their judo men’s 66-73 kg bronze medal match at the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore. AFP

Turn to A14

Cebu’s ecotourism communities get an online boost from Talk ‘N Text and Facebook’s Internet.org app When a fishing community in Aloguinsan, located some 60 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, started the Bojo River Cruise in 2009, ecotourism was an almost unknown concept in Cebu.

Jomelyn Manigos, the current vice president of the Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association (BAETA), said that she also struggled to understand the idea of socially responsible tourism paired with ecological conservation.

Fast forward five years and Manigos and her group, which includes fishermen who used to practice fishing methods destructive to the environment, are now active proponents of ecotourism and continue to learn how best to protect the community’s fragile and pristine resource that is the Bojo River.

With the lead of BAETA – as well as the support of the local government and guidance of Grassroots Travel consultant Boboi Costas – Aloguinsan has emerged as a benchmark for ecotourism in the Philippines, and has been awarded the Inang Kalikasan Award for its achievement.

Empowering communities

BAETA’s achievements – along with other groups from Boljoon and Santander – took center stage during the recent launch of the Panalo Ang May Alam Communities in southern Cebu, which aims to recognize inspiring livelihood communities around the country and teach these chosen groups how to tap the real-life benefits of mobile Internet.

Spearheaded by Talk ‘N Text, the value brand of Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), the project builds on the successful launch of Facebook’s Internet.org app in the Philippines in collaboration with Smart.

“The Internet offers valuable resources that these livelihood groups may use to further enrich their products and services, as well as reach out to more people,” said Nikko Galvez, Talk ‘N Text senior manager for mobile data usage.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

EMPOWERING CEBU’S ECOTOURISM GROUPS. Jomelyn Manigos, vice president of the Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association, shares her group’s experiences at the launch of the Panalo Ang May Alam initiative in Boljoon, Cebu. Spearheaded by Talk ‘N Text in partnership with Facebook’s Internet. org, the program recognizes inspiring groups and aids them with interactive lessons on tapping mobile Internet to boost their livelihood.

“It is an empowering tool. For example, we learned how an ecotourism guide was able to use the Internet to find out about phytoplanktons, which one of her guests brought up. The guide later read more about the topic online and she now incorporates it in her sessions.”

Free access to 24 websites

As part of the program, Talk ‘N Text introduced to the groups the Internet.org app, which gives them free access to an initial list of 24 informative and useful sites like AccuWeather, Facebook and Messenger, Jobstreet, TESDA and OLX.ph. The ecotourism groups also went

through a series of interactive sessions where they learned more about Internet.org and the sites they can access for free.

Talk ‘N Text, Smart and Sun subscribers who are Android phone users may download the Internet.org app from the Google Play Store, while non-Android users may access the site by typing www.internet.org on their mobile browsers.

Talk ‘N Text subscribers may also text INTERNET to 9999 for step-by-step instructions.

Further online reach

The app’s free access to Facebook and Messenger are also valuable to the groups, which

rely heavily on social media and word of mouth to promote their services. “Many visitors would come after reading about it on Facebook and would later post their own experience on social media, spiking interest among those in their circle,” said Manigos. “With the Internet.org app, our group’s task would be a lot easier because we can do this on our phones for free.”

Heritage worker Ronald Villanueva echoes this sentiment as his group, Boljoon’s Asosasyon sa mga Boljoanong Magpalambo sa Kulturang Kabilin (ASBOMAKK), also relies on online marketing to promote guided tours to Boljoon’s heritage sites.

With the Internet.org app, the tour guides are now also equipped with ready access to fresh information which they can incorporate in their sessions to make them even more engaging and informative.

Unlocking opportunities

“The Internet has been a powerful tool in promoting our small town and luring tourists, and with the Internet.org app, this same tool is now in the hands of many of our people to help them uplift their livelihood and unlock broader opportunities,” said Boljoon Mayor Merlou Derama at the event held at the Boljoon’s public gym.

Other than teaching them how to harness the power of free online access through Internet.org, Talk ‘N Text, in collaboration with advocacy group Go Negosyo, is also helping participants learn entrepreneurship skills and values through workshops and trainings specially designed according to their needs.

The groups were also given connectivity and retailer packages, which include gadgets that will allow them to take their businesses to another level using online resources.

Galvez added that the Panalo Ang May Alam program will go on with more activities lined up for the different communities, and will engage inspiring fishing and farming groups in Luzon and Mindanao.

B1

MONDAY: JUNE 8, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

PSe comPoSite index Closing June 5, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,526.70 26.95

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing JUNE 5, 2015 46

P44.870

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.850 LOW P45.000 AVERAGE P44.911 VOLUME 670.700M

P500.00-P650.00 LPG/11-kg tank P41.85-P47.20 Unleaded Gasoline P29.35-P32.70 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, June 5, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.8080

Japan

Yen

0.008042

0.3603

UK

Pound

1.537000

68.8699

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129001

5.7803

Switzerland

Franc

1.071811

48.0257

Canada

Dollar

0.800512

35.8693

Singapore

Dollar

0.742335

33.2625

Australia

Dollar

0.767106

34.3725

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

118.8541

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

11.9488

Brunei

Dollar

0.739590

33.1395

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029647

1.3284

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.2006

Euro

Euro

1.124500

50.3866

Korea

Won

0.000898

0.0402

China

Yuan

0.161264

7.2259

India

Rupee

0.015634

0.7005

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.270636

12.1267

New Zealand

Dollar

0.710985

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032368

31.8578 1.4503 Source: PDS Bridge

B3

New PSE headquarters. Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. and the Philippine Stock Exchange signed a contract to sell to formalize PSE’s acquisition of office space for new headquarters and unified trading floor at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The PSE headquarters will be housed in a 22-story premium office tower at One Bonifacio High Street, which is slated for completion in 2016. Shown signing the contract are (from left) FBDC chief finance officer Lourdes Reyes, FBDC director Edgardo Cruz, Ayala Land president and chief executive Bernard Vincent Dy, PSE chairman Jose Pardo, president and chief executive Hans Sicat and PSE director Vivian Yuchengco.

Jollibee to pursue $1-b US acquisition

By Jenniffer B. Austria

JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. will pursue the acquisition of a US-based quick service restaurant operator with a market value of at least $1 billion to boost expansion in North America, its top executive said.

Jollibee chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said in a recent interview the company wanted to expand its chain in North America through a major acquisition.

“We are still looking at the quick service restaurant business generally. We are looking for a regional brand so we can expand it. We are looking at a growing chain,” Tan Caktiong said.

This was the same strategy adopted by Jollibee in China when it acquired Shanghai-based Yonghe King in 2004. From only 77 stores, Jollibee expanded Yonghe King stores to 314 as of end-March 2015.

Analysts identified several USbased restaurant chains as potential target for acquisition when Jollibee first announced its inten-

tion in January. Tan Caktiong said Jollibee was keeping its eyes open on possible acquisition.

“They [analysts] just mentioned some of the companies on their own. But some [of the companies mentioned] are not looking to sell and if they are selling, if the price is right. Some of them also prefer to go for an IPO [initial public offering],” Tan Caktiong said.

No timetable was set for the fast-food chain’s first US acquisition.

Analysts said a US acquisition would enable Jollibee gain a larger foothold in the world’s largest economy.

Jollibee was operating 2,335 restaurants in the country and 616 stores overseas, as of end-

March 2015.

Jollibee earmarked P9.1 billion in capital expenditures this year, or 61.3 percent higher than P5.642 billion spent in 2014, as it plans to open 330 stores in 2015, including 220 in the Philippines and 110 overseas.

Jollibee booked a 10.2-percent growth in net income to P1.18 billion in the first quarter from P1.07 billion a year ago as revenues jumped 10 percent to P23 billion from P20.9 billion.

Jollibee, which outsells McDonalds in the Philippines, and a partner struck a deal with Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. in December to open 1,400 new Dunkin’ Donuts cafes in China over the next 20 years.

South African chocolate maker eyeing PH as hub

By Othel V. Campos A SOUTH African premium chocolate maker plans to put up a factory in the Philippines, a step closer to making products available in the country and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Gavin Boy, owner of McKinley chocolate, recently met with the Trade Department for possible cooperation and assistance that the Philippines government may offer to the chocolate maker.

“We’re looking for the raw

Calaca coal plant starts operations

range. All processes that have to do with raw chocolate making, we do here, since I cannot leave my country. The final process of crafting the end product we will do in South Africa,” he said.

Boy likened his product to the renowned Godiva premium chocolate brand [but] “only ours are handmade and we plan to go organic since this is the path most consumers are taking nowadays.”

He added the company might also venture in selling semi-processed chocolate which could be

B4

another brand for the world market.

The chocolatier said shipping from the Philippines to South Africa, though costly, was not a problem to the company. It said it was more concerned on the quality of raw Philippine chocolate.

“We import a lot [of chocolates] from Belgium. So shipping and price are never problem to us.

We are after the quality of cacao and raw chocolate that we will be getting from here, if and when we decide to buy,” Boy said.

Auto firms more bullish now

B5

McKinley Chocolates can produce as much as 40,000 handmade chocolate pieces in a month. It employs marginalized women in South Africa, mostly single mothers.

Boy said his company exports to the United Arab Emirates and has a stable market South Africa.

“We want to be organic and premium. We are hoping that our entry into the Philippines will help launch a thriving business with the rest of the Southeast Asian region,” he said.

MNTC to bid for 2 toll roads

MONDAY: JUNE 8, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Weekly STockS RevieW STOCKS

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

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl Reinsurance Corp.

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

7.01 73.4 107.00 99.00 46 2.46 1.84 9.2 16 20.8 6.28 0.7 1.75 800.00 0.400 90.2 1.02 18.00 28.50 70.00 92.05 305 42.05 159.1 155 1425.00 64.70 3.17

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group C. Azuc De Tarlac Century Food Chemphil Conc. Aggr. `A’ Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab. Federal Res. Inv. Group First Gen Corp.

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

Lafarge Rep Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp.

Macay Holdings 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. Roxas Holdings 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.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

42.75 1.47 1.04 1.97 10.52 86.00 18.78 102 48.1 27.2 57.5 1.9 1.61 12.3 19.500 10.06 7.68 9.70 1.72 11.94 26.7 88.5 14.00 14.56 6.29 0.520 199.00 9.8 30.00 2.1 2.78 52.80 24.6 25.3 6.38 284.80 4.52 9.64 4 11.70 3.97 2.19 2.2 4.50 2.17 6.25 179 4.5 1.6 0.160 1.25 2.23 187 4.3 0.76 22.50 1.27

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

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ LT Group Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Mabuhay Holdings `B’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.465 55.60 22.55 1.32 6.86 0.260 0.280 770.5 7.8 13.20 3.15 4.41 0.206 1385 6.47 67.80 3.9 5.1 5.1 7.61 0.7 13.54 0.64 0.66 4.45 5 0.0340 1.420 1.030 2.59 62.15 2.96 974.50 1.24 0.70 82.800 0.3650 0.2080 0.295

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

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. `A’ Cebu Prop. `B’ Centennial City City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Empire East Land Ever Gotesco

7.450 8.70 0.75 1.340 0.230 38.80 3.7 5.29 5.88 6 0.83 1.25 1.10 0.143 0.430 0.850 0.179

JUNE 1-5, 2015 Volume Value FINANCIAL 1,090,104.00 8,524,334.00 1,358,095,034.00 667,724,053.00 6,158,160.00 33,740.00 932,280.00 41,460.00 2,967,678.00 56,484,795.00 43,769 188,322 38,750.00 1,021,650.00 1,048,950.00 1,181,646,747.00 10,200.00 203,970.00 658,200.00 85,588,593.00 230,235.00 11,652,118.00 25,808,315.00 403,095,650.00 125,120,589.00 901,700.00 33,772,106.00 938,370.00 INDUSTRIAL 8,095,700 317,692,525.00 452,000 663,410.00 2,392,000 2,479,440.00 19,279,000 39,446,160.00 32,600 343,938.00 610 52,613.00 1,178,500 22,202,914.00 70 7,140.00 30 1,443.00 706,700 19,143,645.00 546,820 30,765,254.00 99,762,000 201,149,340.00 508,000 831,300.00 55,100 669,276.00 14,503,400 281,061,388.00 37,433,500 374,789,781.00 90,624,200 691,703,250.00 12,604,800 119,098,431.00 129,000 224,020.00 382,900 4,582,400.00 15,621,300 412,202,400.00 937,350 82,761,272.00 126,700 1,774,326.00 50,400 728,906.00 7,563,500 46,662,119.00 66,000 34,610.00 3,510,020 698,155,635.00 1,816,800 18,373,204.00 17,900 537,000.00 35,000 75,150.00 8,000 21,220.00 100 5,280.00 6,423,300 157,940,180.00 725,300 18,526,315.00 1,047,900 6,694,722.00 2,578,490 730,690,820.00 6,639,000 28,843,000.00 1,823,300 39,316,399.00 14,000 54,600.00 40,400 465,158.00 883,000 3,437,670.00 2,301,000 5,049,270.00 1,535,000 3,344,680.00 60,505,000 264,233,230.00 656,000 1,368,340.00 25,400 154,945.00 240,470 43,760,276.00 155,000 704,160.00 701,000 1,137,150.00 24,000,000 3,702,650.00 65,000 75,610.00 3,784,000 8,459,810.00 252,848,701 2,504,536,118.00 256,000 1,105,850.00 26,367,000 21,083,400.00 20,500 726,510.00 740,000 951,250.00 HOLDING FIRMS 180,000 83,500.00 12,949,100 729,936,448.00 24,795,100 561,440,800.00 147,000 187,380.00 198,700 1,362,921.00 8,010,000 2,116,200.00 610,000 158,800.00 2,017,710 1,561,952,420.00 14,737,900 113,152,372.00 34,094,600 451,750,968.00 75,000 236,250.00 314,005 1,362,710.00 5,030,000 1,077,220.00 1,530,160 2,082,379,600.00 1,488,500 8,670,355.00 13,097,100 888,091,807.00 4,000 16,000.00 10,300 51,825.00 4,600 23,460.00 6,391,100 48,018,417.00 6,610,000 4,532,670.00 10,125,600 139,479,256.00 2,180,000 1,367,760.00 261,000 165,500.00 130,324,000 573,539,090.00 512,100 2,561,800.00 3,900,000 136,800.00 19,000 25,440.00 6,492,000 6,504,770.00 24,000 62,160.00 915,810 58,130,920.00 1,000 2,960.00 1,148,830 1,008,123,085.00 301,000 371,920.00 480,000 337,640.00 30,150 2,498,158.00 11,520,000 4,123,500.00 1,660,000 333,680.00 1,120,000 341,250.00 PROPERTY 2,408,600 18,586,438.00 10,100 84,319.00 1,540,000 1,123,010.00 1,095,000 1,382,240.00 280,000 65,800.00 50,479,200 1,985,777,595.00 25,074,000 88,271,630.00 2,717,000 14,205,503.00 1,000 5,880.00 11,000 66,000.00 23,568,000 19,201,490.00 20,000 24,920.00 97,000 105,230.00 6,040,000 861,240.00 4,630,000 2,013,650.00 629,000 534,650.00 5,190,000 930,030.00 72,000 116,850 12,609,070 6,702,140 133,500 14,000 536,000 4,500 186,000 2,653,000 32,000 474,228 23,000 1,280 2,560,000 13,112,620 10,000 11,300 23,200 1,229,900 2,500 37,850 613,610 2,556,300 808,760 645 523,020 287,000

Close

MAY 25-29, 2015 Volume Value

7 74.8 108.00 98.00 46.1 2.46 1.81 9.7 16.1 21.95 7.00 0.77 1.74 760.00 0.445 89.5 1 18.20

472,200 595,180 20,698,250 8,696,090 519,700 20,000 445,000 400 60,200 2,536,300 70,500 20,000 63,000 810 2,500,000 31,326,600 201,000 553,300

3,197,219.00 43,846,532.00 2,264,314,467.00 861,459,644.00 24,110,330.00 47,230.00 875,960.00 3,880.00 954,234.00 54,719,570.00 493,047 15,400 107,280.00 629,000.00 1,065,100.00 2,841,001,859.00 204,400.00 9,981,646.00

62.00 95.1 307 41 156

1,113,580 9,950 19,730 574,600 5,311,630

77,870,988.00 918,181.00 6,147,506.00 24,668,740.00 832,111,594.00

1405.00 64.90 3.13

565 293,380 613,000

804,175.00 18,903,072.00 1,926,790.00

43 1.55 1.05 2.1 10.72 86.50 19 101 68 27 55.8 1.6 1.68 12.6 19.400 9.99 7.91 9.41 1.72 12.02 26.95 89.7 14.50 14.52 5.84 0.570 201.00 10.08 32.50 2.2 3.49

15,923,600 89,000 2,575,000 17,801,000 45,800 60 3,639,200 230 620 1,043,800 1,048,040 37,053,000 1,815,000 803,100 22,487,500 63,007,000 135,387,600 5,695,400 183,000 718,000 27,191,500 1,599,960 15,500 48,400 2,202,200 2,662,000 6,700,540 4,646,800 16,500 501,000 4,000

680,351,115.00 127,950.00 2,697,900.00 37,785,040.00 494,154.00 5,190.00 69,105,126.00 26,490.00 41,939.00 26,840,595.00 59,029,311.00 60,635,540.00 3,089,210.00 9,895,172.00 434,664,114.00 627,151,057.00 1,045,551,860.00 57,219,387.00 327,060.00 9,359,706.00 715,186,935.00 142,143,251.00 230,380.00 698,570.00 12,886,705.00 1,500,210.00 1,371,980,036.00 47,058,660.00 495,750.00 1,173,510.00 13,520.00

23.5 25 6.8 281.20 4.27 9.96 4 11.60 3.85 2.22 2.1 4.06 1.9 6.6 183.2 4.5 1.62 0.158 1.14 2.25 190.8 4.4 0.73 22.50 1.26

6,439,800 3,141,300 24,789,100 3,956,780 19,344,000 7,681,800 22,000 165,300 1,293,000 3,300,000 1,583,000 26,750,000 1,932,000 17,000 28,420 5,000 1,283,000 9,470,000 391,000 2,772,000 17,062,670 331,000 4,219,000 9,700 1,457,000

160,465,175.00 49,310,545.00 173,250,054.00 1,086,583,026.00 82,286,700.00 73,017,723.00 93,530.00 1,912,480.00 4,979,280.00 7,406,070.00 3,393,600.00 118,699,950.00 3,621,540.00 104,762.00 5,249,788.00 22,500.00 2,055,650.00 1,472,220.00 467,550.00 6,263,750.00 3,276,418,461.00 1,460,000.00 3,087,760.00 202,955.00 1,868,150.00

0.465 56.00 22.95 1.26 6.99 0.270 0.285 790 7.77 13.20 3.56 4.52 0.235 1396 6.45 68.50 3.69 5 5.1 7.5 0.72 13.96 0.63

1,760,000 8,056,390 53,627,900 46,000 70,600 10,760,000 1,130,000 2,181,720 16,264,900 60,151,400 19,000 1,107,000 510,000 8,585,865 344,000 19,988,280 25,000 23,500 4,700 18,290,800 717,000 19,033,600 12,658,000

810,650.00 456,068,101.00 1,221,232,005.00 58,030.00 160,167.00 2,866,500.00 306,500.00 1,732,952,675.00 127,538,384.00 816,596,194.00 63,930.00 5,034,790.00 119,950.00 11,994,809,290.00 2,172,344.00 1,374,367,757.00 100,210.00 125,990.00 27,278.00 136,216,949.00 511,920.00 262,200,802.00 8,438,550.00

4.5 5.1 0.0360 1.290 1.020 2.6 65.00 2.96 880.00 1.24 0.73 88.450 0.3500 0.2110 0.290

124,168,000 864,700 7,000,000 30,000 10,177,000 32,000 952,530 254,000 1,785,850 306,000 156,000 6,040 12,110,000 1,126,000 3,010,000

568,289,900.00 4,357,621.00 253,700.00 38,700.00 9,970,720.00 81,130.00 61,867,091.00 700,400.00 1,581,131,865.00 380,320.00 116,620.00 501,231.00 4,377,500.00 299,140.00 902,850.00

7.890 8.90 0.74 1.300 0.255 40.05 3.5 5.16

2,763,600 42,900 7,234,000 133,000 10,000 53,721,000 15,869,000 1,164,500

21,922,200.00 344,848.00 5,485,970.00 169,530.00 2,550.00 2,113,459,170.00 60,562,100.00 6,044,641.00

0.85 1.25 1.05 0.140 0.430 0.860 0.180

17,480,000 35,000 604,000 52,890,000 1,430,000 119,001 3,800,000

14,967,870.00 43,980.00 662,150.00 7,555,930.00 627,600.00 171,960.00 766,940.00

STOCKS

JUNE 1-5, 2015 Volume Value

Close

Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Keppel Properties Megaworld Corp.

Megaworld Prop.

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 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

1.24 1.81 1.38 5.47 4.77 4.67 0.113 0.3200 0.4600 24.45 7.19 29.00 1.7 3.25 19.40 0.71 7.23 0.880 7.250

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

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

Discovery World DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons Retail SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

6.5 61.2 1.11 0.690 13.86 27 9.38 0.0960 4.06 84.95 9.99 1.7 6.30 980 2702 6.30 23.00 1.30 110.5 5.85 12.18 0.226 1.2700 2.2 9.50 2.98 1.3 2.04 48.00 0.670 2 7.4 0.350 0.560 18.8 4.42 3 124.90 19.00 2784.00 0.690 1.400 38.00 74.25 9.94 0.67 5.7 0.330 1.320

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

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0049 2.60 7.35 11.88 0.255 7.4000 7.2000 1.01 0.8 7.38 1.6 0.325 0.241 0.239 0.0140 0.0140 3.57 24.65 3.72 0.6700 2.1500 0.0120 0.0130 4.45 6.69 2.01 0.015 148.60 12.26 0.0100

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ BC Pref. A First Gen F First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure & Resort Pref.

MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C Swift Pref

61.2 524.5 527 20.3 110.4 121 525 6 1.12 111.5 1080 1091 1040 75.4 82.2 86.5 1.9

Close

5,441,000 6,744,260.00 90,177,000 168,830,940.00 538,000 729,890.00 23,800 120,802.00 123,138,000 583,478,020.00 37,862,000 175,548,210.00 5,270,000 637,510.00 380,000 116,600.00 10,000 4,600.00 4,000 101,750.00 175,400 1,262,770.00 11,807,100 343,951,815.00 8,713,000 6,732,522.00 115,000 374,410.00 80,054,200 1,542,822,250.00 1,507,000 1,079,330.00 11,100 79,949.00 345,000 305,630.00 57,106,600 407,318,003.00 SERVICES 381,600 2,448,645.00 58,240 3,544,388.00 537,000 634,720.00 9,129,000 6,149,720.00 4,700 63,606.00 100 2,700 36,107,100 339,621,241.00 35,610,000 3,452,950.00 4,216,000 17,597,740.00 2,444,880 209,271,785.00 6,300 62,841.00 9,000 15,120 472,200 2,555,151.00 210 205,850.00 484,250 1,281,721,960.00 835,800 5,176,487.00 4,300 99,850.00 70,000 89,520.00 3,178,470 347,665,506.00 600 2,835 8,900 104,294.00 13,820,000 3,107,330.00 1,096,000 1,368,240.00 131,000 289,140.00 8,804,800 83,434,267.00 10,823,000 32,757,340.00 7,000 9,080.00 259,000 519,200.00 20,100 1,012,833.00 712,000 473,230.00 172,000 338,890.00 38,236,300 283,200,794.00 3,530,000 1,211,500.00 5,886,000 3,254,660.00 148,400 2,678,418.00 71,000 317,710 9,000 27,000.00 900 112,495.00 34,530,009,419,760 50,996,206.00 394,770 1,099,458,550.00 121,067,000 86,578,600.00 101,282,000 147,826,580.00 9,422,700 260,299,855.00 8,747,550 652,651,688.00 19,497,700 189,683,454.00 4,357,000 2,899,600.00 3,957,000 22,947,083.00 466,100 121,700.00 137,000 180,540.00 MINING & OIL 286,000,000 1,362,000.00 242,000 624,950.00 6,035,200 41,885,135.00 49,500 576,002.00 222,000 81,820.00 90,500 670,198.00 2,700 19,940.00 12,772,000 12,882,230.00 1,864,000 1,486,150.00 101,100 740,523.00 114,911,000 175,462,280.00 3,717,350 925,550.00 31,170,000 7,343,540.00 5,720,000 1,377,100.00 920,700,000 12,864,900.00 31,300,000 242,200.00 2,660,000 9,290,340.00 14,251,200 349,188,165.00 2,051,000 7,661,180.00 6,299,000 610,610.00 1,511,000 3,202,020.00 114,600,000 1,275,100.00 2,900,000 37,700.00 197,000 869,910.00 1,898,100 12,255,785.00 58,917,000 124,582,700.00 39,500,000 588,900.00 1,725,460 258,459,863.00 6,923,700 84,044,046.00 50,200,000 509,100.00 PREFERRED 1,545,530 94,354,725.00 10,970 5,752,580.00 30,940 16,276,860 200 4,060.00 50 5,520.00 640 77,259.00 4,180 2,190,800.00 1,758,500 10,593,908.00 446,000 782,930 55,590 6,196,385.00 5,320 5,934,070.00 2,270 2,476,570.00 6,725 692,730 52,417,616.00 39,270 3,231,680.00 346,510 30,063,551.00 11,000 19,930.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 2,140,000 8,160,890.00 5,000 17,600.00 SME 2,577,800 24,469,858.00 17,500 107,605.00 4,420 269,469.00 3,734,500 36,726,438.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 35,790 4,404,397.00

MAY 25-29, 2015 Volume Value

1.22 1.86 1.34 5.05 4.75 4.58 0.121 0.3100 0.4600 25.50 7.19 29.50 1.7 3.23 19.42 0.71 7.14 0.870 7.030

27,795,000 115,069,000 1,370,000 32,700 326,690,500 117,209,000 14,690,500 1,660,000 440,000 9,900 1,537,000 23,377,100 1,410,000 865,000 99,049,700 1,856,000 7,500 5,332,000 72,336,639

34,451,120.00 217,571,260.00 1,857,400.00 177,782.00 1,572,812,631.00 542,338,110.00 1,735,650.00 528,500.00 202,400.00 246,615.00 11,103,480.00 668,982,695.00 2,318,180.00 2,799,290.00 1,908,089,662.00 1,328,490.00 32,000.00 4,603,700.00 228,564,846.00

6.5 62 1.15 0.670 13.8 27 9.70 0.0960 4.3 86 10 1.77 6.70 985 2550 6.22 24.05 1.37 107 5.00 12.3 0.224 1.2300 2.25 9.60 2.88 1.3 2.02 51.00 0.670 2 8.14 0.350 0.475 18.18 4.55 3 125.00 22.20 2780.00 0.650 1.540 38.00 75.00 9.98 0.67 5.99 0.320 1.260

871,800 81,080 257,000 20,997,000 30,700 300 113,505,700 77,760,000 12,926,000 2,865,620 9,300 37,000 898,800 110 466,580 348,600 200 923,000 6,552,320 25,900 94,100 19,710,000 2,132,000 94,000 3,578,600 3,189,000 1,000 5,000 15,450 1,255,000 497,000 14,328,000 2,070,000 130,000 508,100 119,000 34,000 156,210 7,529,300 607,785 6,355,000 176,205,000 11,965,400 14,102,900 28,758,400 6,400,000 18,865,400 780,000 83,000

5,658,152.00 4,940,089.00 288,420.00 14,239,790.00 417,738.00 8,100 1,061,834,475.00 7,299,630.00 55,657,110.00 252,355,134.00 92,140.00 62,320 5,216,301.00 108,530.00 1,210,678,300.00 2,180,343.00 4,810.00 1,185,900.00 715,305,009.00 138,964 1,125,362.00 4,446,460.00 2,636,870.00 218,090.00 34,302,441.00 8,760,800.00 1,300.00 10,100.00 852,664.00 838,300.00 983,340.00 116,996,677.00 726,800.00 59,550.00 9,257,234.00 545,220 102,000.00 19,454,415.00 159,221,114.00 8,187,426,100.00 4,112,150.00 248,518,490.00 456,087,160.00 1,067,862,220.00 257,516,366.00 4,266,370.00 114,000,446.00 252,550.00 106,050.00

0.0049 2.60 6.60 11.50 0.245 7.4300 8.2000 1 0.81 7.38 1.6 0.320 0.233 0.238 0.0140 0.0150 3.8 22.7 3.77 0.6900 2.040 0.0120 0.0130 4.38 6.2 1.98 0.014 154.00 10.74 0.0100

518,000,000 371,000 3,844,100 52,200 3,220,000 30,000 128,800 19,647,000 5,628,000 20,600 565,405,000 11,610,000 25,570,000 3,210,000 201,700,000 131,200,000 2,887,000 19,636,200 6,213,000 749,000 2,448,000 330,800,000 10,600,000 189,000 4,063,400 22,216,000 1,397,000,000 2,420,950 5,313,700 49,605,000

2,566,500.00 900,690.00 26,650,935.00 654,090.00 798,950.00 243,002.00 972,268.00 19,010,640.00 4,562,200.00 153,114.00 842,997,070.00 3,831,500.00 5,978,420.00 766,800.00 2,825,100.00 1,882,600.00 11,148,270.00 463,183,720.00 23,292,970.00 513,600.00 5,069,360.00 3,916,500.00 137,800.00 560,276.00 25,448,520.00 44,572,720.00 20,393,100.00 375,164,477.00 56,077,399.00 546,000.00

61.5 523 525

807,360 910 93,240

50,495,033.00 475,930.00 48,958,800

119 120 519 6.1 1.09 111.5

900 20,690 36,430 125,200 2,848,000 106,400

107,100.00 2,482,100.00 18,956,000.00 766,970.00 3,127,330 11,879,364.00

1090 1040 76 81.15 86.5

5,180 16,370 1,280,940 49,150 104,330

5,661,130.00 17,294,430.00 97,898,888.00 4,019,490.00 9,001,391.00

4.000

1,268,000

5,088,210.00

9.43 6.59

5,843,100 12,100

55,011,665.00 75,942.00

9.7

6,829,800

66,600,095.00

123.6

160,370

19,988,018.00

MST Leisure & Resort Warr.

3.870 Megaworld Corp. Warrants2 3.52 Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

Ripple E-Business Intl Xurpas

9.66 6.2 65.95 10.12

First Metro ETF

122.7

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Philweb.Com Inc. Manila Mining `A’ Abra Mining Universal Robina Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Megaworld Corp.

PremiereHorizon Ferronickel Oriental Pet. `A’ Premium Leisure

VOLUME 34,530,009,419,760 920,700,000 286,000,000 252,848,701 130,324,000 123,138,000 121,067,000 114,911,000 114,600,000 101,282,000

STOCKS Universal Robina GT Capital Ayala Land `B’ Ayala Corp `A’ SM Prime Holdings Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Globe Telecom Metrobank PLDT Common SM Investments Inc.

VALUE 2,504,536,118.00 2,082,379,600.00 1,985,777,595.00 1,561,952,420.00 1,542,822,250.00 1,358,095,034.00 1,281,721,960.00 1,181,646,747.00 1,099,458,550.00 1,008,123,085.00

MONDAY: JUNE 8, 2015

B3

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

Uniqlo to carry bee and beer T-shirts JAPANESE clothing brand Uniqlo has collaborated with two of the country’s leading consumer brands--Jollibee and San Miguel Pale Pilsen--in a bid to bring Uniqlo closer to Filipino consumers.

Under the partnership, Uniqlo will be selling specially designed T-shirts carrying San Miguel Pale Pilsen and Jollibee brands priced at P390.

So why did Uniqlo choose to distribute Jollibee and San Miguel Pale Pilsen brands under the new collaborations?

Jasmin Cruz, assistant marketing manager of Fast Retailing Philippines Inc., the local operator of Uniqlo stores, said both brands were chosen because Jollibee and San Miguel Pale Pilsen were well-loved and a favorite among Filipino consumers.

Jollibee has been the dominant fast-food chain in the country, even beating foreign brands including McDonalds, while San Miguel Pale Pilsen is the leading beer in the Philippines with parent San Miguel Corp. accounting for nine out of 10 beer being sold in the local market.

Another factor is that both brands have regional presence, which augurs well with Uniqlo’s strategy of selling these in selected Uniqlo stores in Asean countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

Depending on the outcome of these collaborations, Cruz said Uniqlo may partner with other top consumer brands in the Philippines. Jenniffer B. Austria

Towering home irks Valle Verde residents

Residents of Valle Verde in Pasig City expressed displeasure over the failure of the homeowners association to prevent a neighbor from constructing a towering home in the posh residential enclave.

Concerned residents said the city had left it to the homeowners’ associations of the various Valle Verde phases or districts to implement rules and regulations of the National Building Code, but sadly, these homeowners’ associations were hesitant in enforcing the rules to the detriment of structural integrity and privacy issues.

They refer to the erection of an almost mid-rise house on the main road of Valle Verde Phase 4, Coconut Street, which they claim violates height restrictions and easement regulations.

Homeowners question why the sprawling and towering newly-constructed home was allowed to reach that height, despite the height restrictions imposed by the subdivision.

The towering mansion has allegedly caused resentment among immediate neighbors due to invasion of privacy concerns, as the height of the new mansion gives the homeowner a commanding view of the supposed-to-be private happenings within the four walls of their private abode. Roderick T. dela Cruz

EastWest bidding for UCPB

EastWest Banking Corp., the financial services arm of the Filinvest Group, will definitely join the bidding for the recapitalization and privatization of the United Coconut Planters Bank, according to a top executive.

Antonio Moncupa Jr., EastWest president and chief executive, told The Standard over the weekend the bank would submit the necessary requirements on or before June 17, the deadline set by the Privatization and Management Office of the Finance Department, to bid for the government’s stake in UCPB. “Of course, we will submit on or before the deadline,” Moncupa confirmed in a text message.

On May 31 this year, the PMO published a notice on newspapers, inviting interested parties to participate in the UCPB bidding set in September this year.

Prospective bidders must vie for the government’s more than 70-percent stake in the bank and infuse at least P15 billion in fresh capital. Opening of bids was set on Sept. 18.

Moncupa said earlier he was expecting a “tough fight” among the bidders, because other big banks were also “salivating” over UCPB. Aside from EastWest, other banks that previously expressed interest to bid for the government’s stake in UCPB were Security Bank, BDO Unibank Inc., Union Bank of the Philippines and Philippine National Bank. Julito G. Rada

Disease-free. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala (center) announced during the Kapihan sa Rem-

brandt in Quezon City on June 5 that the entire Philippines was certified and declared bird-flu free and foot and mouth disease free without vaccination by the Paris-based Office International des Epizooties or World Organization for Animal Health. Alcala said the country had been declared bird-flu free for five years now, enabling it to export chicken and Peking ducks grown in Tarlac and Bukidnon to Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea.

Ayala-Trans-Asia coal plant running

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SOUTH Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. inaugurated the first unit of its 270-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Calaca, Batangas over the weekend.

SLTEC, a 50-50 joint venture between Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. of the Phinma Group and AC Energy Holdings Inc. of the Ayala Group., said it had completed and started the commercial operations of the first unit 135-MW circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant.

“We are very active in community development in Calaca, particularly in addressing environment, healthcare and education concerns,

as we see this as a vital part of our responsibility as a power generator,” Trans-Asia president Francisco Viray said in a statement.

SLTEC invested P23 billion in the project. Completion of the second unit is expected by yearend, which will contribute another 135 MW by 2016.

SLTEC it would sell the capacity of the base load plant to TransAsia through a 15-year power purchase agreement.

SLTEC’s power plant augments the country’s power needs while ensuring environmental safety standards. It operates within the Environment Department parameters and was issued the necessary environmental compliance certificates.

SLTEC said limestone injection was done to prevent harmful sulfur oxide and the plant used low combustion temperature for minimal nitrogen oxide emissions.

It said tests were regularly done to ensure that no harmful substances were discharged to guarantee that water from the plant remained safe for marine life.

SLTEC said it also put a premium on projects that would develop the local communities of Calaca.

Stock mart volatility to persist this week

By Jenniffer B. Austria TRADING at the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to remain volatile this week, as the lack of corporate developments could push investors to look overseas for guidance, analysts said over the weekend.

“The market continued to be highly unpredictable as investors remained fickle due to the lack of enticing corporate news” RCBC Securities research head Raul Ruiz said.

“We expect this volatility to continue next week as market players will look to trade the range of their favorite picks during this gap between earnings seasons,’ Ruiz said.

BDO Unibank chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said if the index support

level would hold at 7,500 points, a pullback to the 7,800 level should occur.

Ravelas said once the 7,500 level gave way, the index could test the 7,000-point mark.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 0.71 percent over the five-day trading period last week to close at 7,526.70 on June 5, while the broader all-share index declined 0.46 percent to 4,340.87.

The local equities market edged slightly lower last week, as it tracked movements in global markets.

The performance of sub-indices was mixed with financial sector gaining 0.7 percent; service, 0.40 percent; and mining and oil, 1.7 percent. Industrial sector fell 0.80 percent; holdings firms, 1.2 percent; and property, 1.2 percent.

For the fourth consecutive week, foreign investors were net sellers by P4.88 billion, as total overseas selling hit P22.85 billion while overseas buying amounted to P17.97 billion.

The verage daily value traded also declined to P7.2 billion from last week’s average of P12.34 billion.

Top gainers last week were Crown Asia Chemicals Corp., which climbed 18.7 percent to P1.90; Now Corp., which went up by 17.9 percent to P0.56; and Imperial Resources Inc “A” shares which rose 17 percent to P5.85.

Heavy losers last week were Concretae Aggregates Corp. “A” shares, which declined 29.6 percent to P48.10; Mabuhay Vinyl Corp., which went down by 20.3 percent to P2.78; and Philweb Corp., which dropped 14.4 percent to P19.

B4

BUSINESS

Demonetization. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo (center, left photo) led a multi-sectoral briefing at the BSP Davao Regional Office to remind

the public that the old banknote series launched in 1985 can only be used for daily transactions up to December 31, 2015. Starting January 1, 2016, the old banknote series can only be exchanged in banks or at the Bangko Sentral. Effective 2017, the series will be demonetized. With Guinigundo are director Fe de La Cruz of the BSP Corporate Affairs Office and acting director Perry Dequita of the Davao Regional Office. The Bangko Sentral [right photo] discussed the security features of the new banknote series launched in December 2010.

Auto firms more bullish now

By Othel V. Campos PHILIPPINE car assemblers have turned more bullish on the prospects of the local industry with the passage of EO 182, or the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy Program.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. said its members would give its full cooperation to support and develop the local automotive manufacturing industry. CARS will extend as much as P4.5 billion worth of fiscal and nonfiscal incentives over a six-year period from 2016.

“This program is timely in view of the need of the Philippine motor vehicle industry to

achieve competitiveness in the region, giving opportunity to the country’s automotive industry to take part in the regional supply chain,” said Campi president Rommel Gutierrez.

The chamber also welcomed the efforts of the government in ensuring a resurgent automotive industry that would boost vehicle and parts manufacturing capability in the country.

“Campi is confident that

this program will be a catalyst for sustained growth of the industry particularly the manufacturing sector,” Gutierrez said.

The country’s two leading car assemblers Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. are both receptive to the program, each with its own draft of possible models they plan to manufacture during the life of the program.

The much-awaited CARS Program is expected to facilitate the expansion of local manufacturing capabilities and improve cost competitiveness, setting the stage for regional integration.

Toyota sees a clearer direction from the government.

“I am grateful to the Philippine Government for giving the local auto manufacturing industry a chance to flourish and further contribute to the economy through the CARS Program,” said Toyota president Michinobu Sugata.

Toyota’s presence in the Philippines has had a positive effect on industry linkages. Its business growth with CARS is expected to further trigger investment opportunities from its supplier network and other auto manufacturing-related activities.

Mitsubishi, meanwhile, said the new automobile manufacturing policy would make it it easier for manufacturers to expand their local operations.

CARS aims to help automobile makers increase local manufacturing operations and boost supporting businesses such as local parts makers.

“With CARS, MMPC is looking forward to further contributing to the Philippine automobile industry and economy. As the Philippines is one of our core markets in the Asean region, we’re happy that the government has decided to make a strong ‘win-win’ declaration for everyone,” said MMPC president and chief executive Yoshiaki Kato.

MMPC recently transferred its vehicle assembly operations from Cainta, Rizal to a bigger facility in Sta. Rosa Laguna to increase production capacity.

Transportation assures Power generation mix policy out soon no delays in PPP airports By Alena Mae S. Flores

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Transport Department expects no delays in the construction of regional airports that the government is bidding out under the public-private partnership program despite the national elections next year.

In a bid bulletin, the agency’s pre-qualification bids and awards committee said the 2016 presidential elections would not push back the schedule of the five provincial airports.

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

“Note that the PPP Center is currently obtaining confirmation from the Comelec regarding this issue,” PBAC said.

PBAC issued the statement after prospective bidders sought clarifications whether the project will be affected by the 2016 national elections.

Companies that purchased bid documents for the project were Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., the GMR-Megawide consortium, the JG Summit-Metro Pacific group, Philippine Skylanders Inc. and San Miguel Corp.

Aside from the operation and maintenance,the contract will require the winner to expand the terminal, apron, airside and landside facilities to address future demand.

THE Energy Department is set to come out with a circular on the power generation mix that will give renewable energy a 30 percent share in the country’s installed capacity.

Energy Undersecretary Zenaida Monsada said during the the roundtable discussion organized by the ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies on Friday the guidelines were being readied “Investments is private sector driven. We’re coming out with the guidelines that says the RE share must be not less than 30 percent of the installed capacity. We have basis for saying this because of the RE law,” Monsada said.

She said the generation mix called for 30 percent coal, 30 percent natural gas and 30 percent renewable energy.

Monsada said the circular would determine what would be used as guide for the generation

mix, whether installed capacity or gigawatt-hours produced by the power plants.

The power generation mix (gigawatt-hours produced) in 2013 showed coal accounting for about 43 percent, natural gas at 25 percent, geothermal at 13 percent and hydro at almost the same level. The share of diesel and renewable energy was very minimal.

She conceded the 30 percent share of natural gas was still being studied given the lifespan of the Malampaya gas field, which is until 2024.

Monsada said imported liquefied natural gas could play a role once the Malampaya gas in northwest Palawan became depleted.

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla last year said he wanted to issue a policy on the country’s power generation mix to guide investors on future demand and supply scenarios.

“We will be coming out with a mix where we have non-coal, we will replace it with LNG, renew-

ables. We cannot have all renewables in the Philippines. There is still coal and diesel,” he said.

Petilla said the policy mix would weigh the “cost of health” for using technologies such as coal, gas, diesel and other fuels.

“We will use it as a guide... in prioritizing plants. Maybe, we will put a little bias on some plants,” Petilla said.

Manila Electric Co., the country’s biggest power distributor, has asked the government for a clearer policy on the country’s power generation requirements to guide investors in the sector, as Luzon faces a “very tight” power supply situation in the next two to three years.

Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan earlier said investors wanted to be assured of security, adequacy and reliability of power supply, adding the government should come out with a clear policy identifying the power demand, supply deficit and type of fuel source needed for a certain period of time.

M O N D AY : J U N E 8 , 2 0 1 5

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

Investing for Peace TOP business leaders and heads of development organizations met in a business forum organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) chaired by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) with the hardworking and forward thinking Rafael Lopa as executive director.

In his welcome remarks, MVP acknowledged that everyone shares “a common vision that while political empowerment is key to sustainable peace, improvement of lives through jobs and livelihood are indispensable elements, that will complete the circle of welfare. Peace and development go hand in glove; one is neither sequential to, nor independent of, the other. As businessmen, we can also be bearers of peace. It is indeed time for deliverance for Mindanao, from its perils and poverty.”

For his part, head of the Economic Cluster of the National Summit Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala urged the Manila-based community to initiate a dialogue with the Bangsamoro leaders.

Businessmen are ready to invest today and don’t wait to wait any longer, disclosed Unifrutti Group Philippines chairman John Perrine. In fact, agricultural companies committed $366 million for agriculture, and this is expected to open up as many 22,000 jobs. “Amid some fears that no one will go, no one will invest, these are the people that are ready to invest in the region today, now. They say the problem is lack of jobs, but this is something that would provide livelihood to the people in Bangsamoro,” Perrine stated.

Peace in Mindanao has been elusive; the long-running war has exacted immense loss of lives and property. Like a thief, the absence of peace had snatched away the dreams of Mindanaoans for a better life. But let us not allow these harsh realities to weaken our resolve to attain long lasting peace.

The alternative is not acceptable. If there is anything that history taught us, it is that war – stripped of its romantic or heroic notions – creates widows and orphans.

The forum provided a great opportunity for those in business to unite and join hands in ensuring peace in the war torn areas of Mindanao.

Asian Development Bank country director Richard Bolt explaining ADB’s current initiatives and multilateral agency programs in the country.

MNTC bidding for 2 toll roads

By Darwin G. Amojelar

From left: Aboitiz Equity Ventures president Xavier J. Aboitiz, PBSP chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, head of the Economic Cluster of the National Summit.

This columnist served as moderator during a lively and informative open forum.

From left is PBSP consultant Lito Rivera, is Ayala Foundation president Victoria P. Garchitorena and PBSP executive director Rafael Lopa.

B5

MANILA North Tollways Corp. is interested in joining the bidding for two expressway projects in the north of Manila under the government’s public private partnership program.

MNTC president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco told reporters over the weekend the company is awaiting the auction of Central Luzon Link Expressway Phase 2 and the Plaridel Bypass Toll Road.

The P14.2-billion CLEX Phase 2 is a two-lane expressway that stretches 35.7 kilometers, which will bid out under PPP. The project is an extension of CLEX Phase I and will connect Cabanatuan City to San Jose City, also in Nueva Ecija. Phase 1 will be constructed by the government with funding from the government of Japan.

“The government is also studying the Plaridel Bypass, which will be auctioned off under PPP,” Franco said.

The Plaridel Bypass Road is an arterial road of 24.61 km that will link the North

Luzon Expressway in Balagtas, Bulacan with Maharlika Highway in San Rafael, Bulacan.

“Since both are in the north, MNTC will be keen to participate in these projects.

Both are naturally expansion of NLEX and SCTEX, that is why we are interested,” Franco said.

MPCALA Holdings Inc., a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., last month topped the bidding for the Cavite Laguna Expressway with a premium offer of P27.3 billion, besting the P22.2-billion bid of Optimal Infrastructure Development Inc., a unit of San Miguel Corp. MPIC also controls MNTC. Other DPWH projects under PPP that had been awarded include the P15.5billion NAIA Expressway and the P1.96billion Daang Hari-SLEX Link.

The government is also bidding out the P122.8-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project.

The project aims to provide a highstandard highway that will speed up traffic between the southern part of Metro Manila and Laguna, as well as a dike that would mitigate flooding in the western coastal communities along Laguna Lake.

(From left) Megumi Moto, Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) deputy director general for Southeast Asia and Pacific; Noriaki Niwa, Philippines’ chief representative JICA; and Motoo Konishi, country director of the World Bank.

Clark Water loan Clark Water Corp., a unit of Manila Water Philippine Ventures

Co. signed a P1.15-billion term loan with Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. to partially finance its capital expenditures in the Clark Freeport. Shown (from left) are RCBC executive vice president Michelangelo Aguilar, Manila Water Company Inc. director and chief finance officer Luis Juan Oreta, RCBC president Lorenzo Tan, Clark Water chief executive Gerardo Ablaza Jr., Clark Water president Virgilio Rivera Jr. and RCBC Trust first senior VP Lourdes Bernadette Ferrer.

Bangsamoro Development Agency chairman Dr. Saffrullah M. Dipatuan (second from left) presenting a development plan. With him are National Treasurer Roberto B. Tan; Atty. Ishak V. Mastura, chairman and managing head of the regional board of investments – ARMM; and Land Bank of the Philippines executive vice president Cecilia C. Borromeo.

Joining hands for peace: World Bank country director Motoo Konishi; Asian development Bank country director Richard Bolt; Bangsamoro Development Agency chairman Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan; Economic Cluster head Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal; PBSP chairman Manuel Pangilinan; Japan International Cooperative Agency chief representative Noriaki Niwa; Unifrutti Group Philippines chairman John Perrine; and Monark Equipment chairman Jose Antonio Banson.

Factory output growth slower THE growth of factory output in April this year likely slowed to 5.8 percent from 13.6 percent in March, as low oil prices impacted on the chemical and petroleum sectors.

“The Philippines’ industrial production likely grew 5.8 percent year-on-year in April, down from March’s 13.6-percent surge,” Moody’s Analytics, a division of Moody’s Corp., said in a report over the weekend.

“Buoyant domestic demand is boosting manufacturing and food production. But low oil prices continue to drag on chemical and petroleum production,” it said.

The manufacturing sector recovered in March, posting a double-digit growth for the first time this year at 13.6 percent from -0.02 percent a year ago, driven by strong production in different sub-sectors such as tobacco, basic metals and petroleum.

The National Economic and Development Authority said the Value of Production Index (VaPI) also recovered from a 0.03-percent growth a year ago to 7.4 percent in March.

The March expansion was fueled by the strong production performance by the majority of the sub-sectors led by the double-digit growth of tobacco, basic metals and petroleum.

The March VOPI growth was significantly higher than the 4.4 percent in February and the 3.3 percent in January this year.

For consumer goods, production value of tobacco and beverages remained vigorous all through the first quarter, which was attributed to the implementation of uniform excise tax on local and foreign cigarettes.

For intermediate goods, production values in all except for wood products expanded year-on-year, driven by petroleum, chemicals, and textile. Petroleum posted a 60-percent growth in production value and a 95.9-percent growth in production volume.

For capital goods, growth in basic metals and transport production, especially in non-ferrous metals, iron and steel was able offset the performance of fabricated metal products and machinery including electrical. Julito G. Rada

B6

BENEL D. LAGUA

MONDAY: JUNE 8, 2015

BUSINESS

Green LiGht

business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

cessful performance becomes their primary motivational aim. That is, telling children that they are smart when they perform well may cause them to want to continue to prove parents will catechize can earn a student the desired di- anti-social behavior. that they are intelligent by receiving FRED S. CABUANG ubiquitously, “will he ploma or even graduation honors However, others find college as high scores.” succeed in life?” in three years to five years, depend- a venue for academic competition.

In other words, students can Measuring academic ing on the chosen major.

It’s a place and time to put their get motivated to perform assigned success What about success in life? Is intelligence into a litmus test to de- tasks if they receive high grades for NOW that a new academic year has Academic suc- there really such a thing as success- termine their ability to survive the accomplishing them. Motivating commenced, parents tend to en- cess is measured by a student’s in- ful life? Many believe that the level collegiate challenges. They become students to get high grades, accordgage themselves in colloquy about telligence or ability to pass tests, of academic intelligence is a good interested to discover how to un- ing to the study, can be detrimental their children’s future in the field of quizzes, exams, class participation, indicator of students’ success in life. leash their potentials. Their desire if students become more focused education. If there is any question group work including the satisfac- However, can success be measured to improve and to become better on their grades rather than on the that will linger in their mind with tory fulfillment of course require- or predicted in terms of grades or becomes stronger as they mature. effort they exert in performing the regard to their children’s journey ment such as timely submission of years in school? Life is not in a con- In the process, some students tend assigned tasks. in school, it will be like “will my homework, assignment, term pa- stant state and changes happen all to focus more on their achievement To determine the students’ beloved child someday succeed in per, thesis, project and other deliv- the time. Students undergo psy- in terms of grades while others be- knowledge of the course, batteries earning a degree?” And when their erables within the required period. chological changes which can influ- come more concerned in constantly of quizzes, tests and examinations children graduate from college, Successful completion of a degree ence behavior and attitude towards increasing their effort to learn more are conducted inside the classroom. self-achievement. skills such as logical creative think- Many believe that higher grades Going through a rite ing, effective communication, ethi- translate into higher intelligence, Republicofofthe thePhilippines Philippines Republic of passage cal decision-making and applying while lower grades mean lower inCITYOF OFSAN SANPEDRO PEDRO CITY ProvinceofofLaguna Laguna Entering college for the first models, concepts and frameworks. telligence.

Province time seems like a rite of pasLinking praise and performance Doing things right BIDSAND ANDAWARDS AWARDSCOMMITTEE COMMITTEE sage for most students who find BIDS According to the study of worldAccording to the study, intellithemselves in “big schools.” renowned Stanford University psy- gence of children is not fixed from New environment, new class- chologist Carol Dweck, “praise for birth. Intelligence can be developed mates, new professors and new ability or intelligence may lead chil- and can be improved through conINVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID subject matter sometimes create dren to adopt a performance goal tinuous efforts. Likewise, intelliPR No. 2015 - 1027 PR No. 2015 - 1027 intimidating circumstances that orientation toward their achieve- gence can deteriorate and can even The City Government San Pedro Laguna through 2015 Budget Approved Sangguniang 1. 1.The City Government of of San Pedro Laguna through thethe 2015 Budget Approved byby Sangguniang may result in lower self-esteem, ment in which the documentation disappear overtime. Intelligence is Panglunsod intends to apply sum of Php 3,000,000.00 being Approved Budget Contract Panglunsod intends to apply thethe sum of Php 3,000,000.00 being thethe Approved Budget forfor thethe Contract (ABC) to payments under contract Supply & Delivery 6 Wheeler Drop Side with Telescopic (ABC) to payments under thethe contract forfor Supply & Delivery of of 6 Wheeler Drop Side with Telescopic lower self-motivation and even of high ability levels through suc- synonymous to the ability to perCrane truck Disaster Operations City San Pedro Bids received in excess ABC shall Crane truck forfor Disaster Operations of of City of of San Pedro Bids received in excess of of thethe ABC shall form assigned tasks. automatically rejected opening bebe automatically rejected at at bidbid opening The ability to perform The City Government San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids following 2. 2.The City Government of of San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids forfor thethe following : : better can be increased QTY UNIT UNIT DESCRIPTION QTY DESCRIPTION through one’s efforts and Unit 6 Wheeler drop Side with Telescopic Crane Truck 1 1 Unit 6 Wheeler drop Side with Telescopic Crane Truck mastery. Therefore I can Specifications Specifications : :  1616 Footer  Footer theorize that it is better to  Engine Engine : Direct Injection Diesel EURO 2 Compliant  : Direct Injection Diesel EURO 2 Compliant teach children the differ Displacement Displacement : 4600cc  : 4600cc  Power Power KW (PS) /rpm: (121) / 3000  KW (PS) /rpm: 8989 (121) / 3000 ent strategies or options  Torque Torque N-m (Kg-m) / rpm: 333 (34.0) / 1800  N-m (Kg-m) / rpm: 333 (34.0) / 1800  Transmission Transmission 5 speed Manual Transmission  : 5: speed Manual Transmission on doing things right than  Steering Steering : Recirculating Ball & Nut Power Assist  : Recirculating Ball & Nut w/ w/ Power Assist just doing the right things.  Wheelbase Wheelbase : 3,365mm  : 3,365mm  Gross Gross Vehicle Weight : 6,500kgs / 6.5 tons  Vehicle Weight : 6,500kgs / 6.5 tons To read is the right thing  Gross Gross Payload Capacity: 4,280 I nvItatIonto toBB .

115  Payload Capacity: 4,280 kgskgs I nvItatIon IdIdnn oo .

115  Clutch Clutch Type & Size: single plate diaphragm springs, hydraulic  Type & Size: DryDry single plate diaphragm springs, hydraulic to do but to read in a dark control (240mm) R est ./R ehaB . ofaa gnoRIs RIs control (240mm) est ./R ehaB . of gno R area is not doing it right.  Brakes Brakes : Drum Type, Hydraulic Circuit Vacuum assist front  : Drum Type, Hydraulic Circuit w/ w/ Vacuum assist front twotwo leading, rear dual leading leading, rear dual leading The National Irrigation Administration, through General Appropriation 2015 intends apply In other words, it is better The National Irrigation Administration, through thethe General Appropriation ActAct of of 2015 intends to to apply  Fuel Fuel Capacity: 100ltrs  Capacity: 100ltrs the sum of Thirteen Million Two Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-One & the sum of Thirteen Million Two Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-One &  Tires: Tires: 7.50 x 16 x 12  7.50 x 16 x 12 PRPR 99/100 PESOS (PHP13,298,581.99) being Approved Budget Contract (ABC) payments for parents to praise the ef99/100 PESOS (PHP13,298,581.99) being thethe Approved Budget forfor thethe Contract (ABC) to to payments under contract Rest./Rehab.

Agno RIS with Contract R1-PIMO-15-06-115.

Bids fort devoted by their chilBody Specifications under thethe contract forfor thethe Rest./Rehab.

OfOf Agno RIS with Contract NoNo R1-PIMO-15-06-115.

Bids Body Specifications  Maximum Maximum lifting capacity : 3,030 1.6m received excess ABC shall automatically rejected opening.  lifting capacity : 3,030 kgskgs at at 1.6m received in in excess of of thethe ABC shall bebe automatically rejected at at bidbid opening. dren on the job rather than  Maximum Maximum Hook Length : 24.93  Hook Length : 24.93 ft ft  Boom Boom Length: 21.65  Length: 21.65 ft ft The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids Rest./Rehab.

Agno RIS to praise them for the job 1. 1. The National Irrigation Administration now invites bids forfor thethe Rest./Rehab.

OfOf Agno RIS  Boom Boom Section  Section : 3: 3 under FUND 101.

The project located Mapandan, Pangasinan with following well done. under FUND 101.

The project is is located in in Mapandan, Pangasinan with thethe following  Slewing Slewing Angle: 360 continious  Angle: 360 continious description works: description of of works: Ensuring success in school Delivery goods is required within fifteen (15) days upon receipt Notice Proceed.

Bidders 3. 3.Delivery of of thethe goods is required within fifteen (15) days upon receipt of of Notice to to Proceed.

Bidders Canal Structures I. I. Canal Structures and in life should have completed, within one (1) year from the date of submissions and receipt of bids, a contract should have completed, within one (1) year from the date of submissions and receipt of bids, a contract Canal Lining II. II. Canal Lining Let us teach our chilsimilar Project.

The description eligible bidder contained Bidding Documents, similar to to thethe Project.

The description of of anan eligible bidder is is contained in in thethe Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section Instructions Bidders. particularly, in Section II. II. Instructions to to Bidders.

Completion Works required within One Hundred Fifty (150) calendar days. dren the value of perseCompletion of of thethe Works is is required within One Hundred Fifty (150) calendar days. verance rather than the Bidding conducted through open competitive procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” 4. 4.Bidding willwill bebe conducted through open competitive procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” 2. Bidder Bidder must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the 2. must have an experience of having completed, a single contract that is similar to the criterion specified Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) Republic (RA) 9184, criterion asas specified in in thethe Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of of Republic ActAct (RA) 9184, contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is importance of getting high contract to be bid, must be at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is otherwise known “Government Procurement Reform Act”. otherwise known asas thethe “Government Procurement Reform Act”. contained Bidding Documents, particularly, Section Instructions Bidders. contained in in thethe Bidding Documents, particularly, in in Section II, II, Instructions toto Bidders. grades. When students addition, bidding is restricted Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, organizations In In addition, bidding is restricted to to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or or organizations persevere, they learn com3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nonwith least sixty percent (60%) interest outstanding capital stock belonging citizens with at at least sixty percent (60%) interest or or outstanding capital stock belonging to to citizens of of thethe discretionary pass/fail criterion specified Implementing Rules and Regulations petency and mastery of discretionary pass/fail criterion asas specified in in thethe Implementing Rules and Regulations Philippines, and citizens organizations a country laws regulations which grant rights Philippines, and to to citizens or or organizations of of a country thethe laws or or regulations of of which grant rights or or (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement privileges Filipino citizens, pursuant 5183 and subject Commonwealth 138. privileges to to Filipino citizens, pursuant to to RARA 5183 and subject to to Commonwealth ActAct 138.

Reform Act”.Bidding Bidding restricted Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, work. They become unReform Act”. is is restricted to to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, organizations with least seventy five percent (75%) interest outstanding capital afraid to venture and even or or organizations with at at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or or outstanding capital Interested bidders may obtain further information from City Government San Pedro, Laguna and 5. 5.Interested bidders may obtain further information from thethe City Government of of San Pedro, Laguna and stock belonging citizens Philippines. stock belonging to to citizens of of thethe Philippines. inspect Bidding Documents address given below from 8:30AM 9:30AM only. inspect thethe Bidding Documents at at thethe address given below from 8:30AM to to 9:30AM only. to fail, for failure allows Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, them to look for other op4. 4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration, Office BAC Secretariat Office of of thethe BAC Secretariat Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect Bidding tions to succeed.

Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (office of of thethe Head, BAC Secretariat) and inspect thethe Bidding Conference Room 4/f4/f Conference Room Documents from 8:00 A.M 5:00 PM: Documents from 8:00 A.M to to 5:00 PM: City Administrator’s Office City Administrator’s Office Perseverance provides City Hall San Pedro City Hall of of San Pedro A complete Bidding Documents may purchased interested Bidders from 5. 5. A complete setset of of Bidding Documents may bebe purchased byby interested Bidders from thethe better understanding of above address and upon payment NIA Cashier a non-refundable above address and upon payment at at thethe NIA Cashier of of a non-refundable feefee forfor thethe A complete Bidding Documents may purchased interested Bidders from date, time and A complete setset of of Bidding Documents may bebe purchased byby interested Bidders from thethe date, time and Bidding Documents amount THIRTEEN THOUSAND PESOS (Php13,000.00). success through prolonged below and upon payment ofnon-refundable a non-refundable Bidding Documents in the amount of PESOS: Bidding Documents in in thethe amount of of THIRTEEN THOUSAND PESOS (Php13,000.00). below and upon payment of a feefee forfor thethe Bidding Documents in the amount of PESOS: effort. Intelligence based (Php 5,000.00) (Php 5,000.00) Issuance& & Availabilityof ofbidding biddingdocuments documentsis isfrom fromthethefirst firstday dayof ofadvertisement/ advertisement/ on high grades cannot 6. 6. Issuance Availability Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and Posting of Invitation to Bid/ Request for Expression of interest until submission and ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND June 8 – 15, 2015 ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND June 8 – 15, 2015 measure what children are receipt bids. receipt of of bids.

BIDDING DOCUMENTS 8:30AM – 9:30AM BIDDING DOCUMENTS 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat BAC Secretariat capable of doing in the fuConference Room 4/f4/f Conference Room The National Irrigation Administration hold a Pre-Bid Conference June 2015, 7. 7. The National Irrigation Administration willwill hold a Pre-Bid Conference onon June 11,11, 2015, City Administrator’s Office City Administrator’s Office 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan ture but intelligence based 3:00 PM at the NIA-Regional Office Conference Room, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan City Hall San Pedro City Hall of of San Pedro which shall open interested parties who have purchased Bidding Documents. on skills and competency which shall bebe open to to allall interested parties who have purchased thethe Bidding Documents.

The City Government San Pedro Laguna, hold a Pre-Bid Conference date, time and 6. 6.The City Government of of San Pedro Laguna, willwill hold a Pre-Bid Conference onon thethe date, time and Bids must delivered before 2:00 PM, June 2015 address below. can. Therefore, let us in8. 8. Bids must bebe delivered onon or or before 2:00 PM, June 24,24, 2015 at at thethe address below. address specified below, which shall open only interested parties who have purchased address specified below, which shall bebe open only to to all all interested parties who have purchased thethe Opening Bids immediately follow presence bidders’ representatives crease our children’s inOpening of of Bids willwill immediately follow in in thethe presence of of thethe bidders’ representatives Bidding Documents.

Bidding Documents. who choose attend NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, telligence and their rate who choose to to attend at at thethe NIA-Region I Conference Room, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.Late Late bids shall accepted.

Pangasinan. bids shall notnot bebe accepted.

PRE-BID CONFENRENCE June 2015 PRE-BID CONFENRENCE June 11,11, 2015 of success in life, not by 10:00 10:00 AMAM The National Irrigation Administration shall allow contractors participate 9. 9. The National Irrigation Administration shall notnot allow contractors to to participate in in thethe the grades they receive BAC Secretariat BAC Secretariat procurement civil works with least 15% negative slippage their on-going NIA procurement of of civil works with at at least 15% negative slippage onon their on-going NIA Conference Room 4/f4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office Contracts time advertisement posting PhilGEPS/NIA Website City Administrator’s Office Contracts at at thethe time of of advertisement or or posting in in thethe PhilGEPS/NIA Website of of thethe in school but by teaching City Hallof San Pedro City Hallof San Pedro Invitation Bid accordance with Rule Sec. 34.3 Revised Implementing them the value of strategy, Invitation to to Bid in in accordance with Rule X,X, Sec. 34.3 (b)(b) (ii)(ii) of of thethe Revised Implementing Rules Regulation Republic Act No. 9184.

Hence, affidavit stating with least 15% Rules && Regulation of of Republic Act No. 9184.

Hence, affidavit stating with at at least 15% Bids must delivered address given below before specified date and time. bids hard work and the impor7. 7.Bids must bebe delivered to to thethe address given below onon or or before thethe specified date and time.

AllAll bids negative slippage required evidence. negative slippage is is required asas evidence. must accompanied a bid security any acceptable form and amount sated must bebe accompanied byby a bid security in in any of of thethe acceptable form and in in thethe amount sated in in ITBITB tance of the effort they Clause Clause 18.18. bids must accompanied a bid security any acceptable forms and 10.10. AllAll bids must bebe accompanied byby a bid security in in any of of thethe acceptable forms and in in thethe place on everything they DEADLINE June 2015 DEADLINE OFOF June 23,23, 2015 amount stated in ITB Clause 18. amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

I ON N 10:00AM S SU UB BM MS SS SI O 10:00AM do. Then perhaps, their ELIGIBILITY BAC Secretariat OFOF ELIGIBILITY BAC Secretariat Special Power Attorney (SPA) shall longer allowed procurement projects extended efforts will lead 11.11. Special Power of of Attorney (SPA) shall nono longer bebe allowed in in thethe procurement of of projects REQUIREMENTSAND AND Conference Room REQUIREMENTS 4/f4/f Conference Room within the Agency. within the Agency.

OPENING OF BIDS City Administrator’s Office OPENING OF BIDS City Administrator’s Office them to their real success City Hall San Pedro City Hall of of San Pedro bidsmust mustbebeaccompanied accompaniedbybya aCertificate Certificateof ofSite SiteInspection Inspectionissued issuedbybythethe in life.

12.12. AllAllbids

The malleable intelligence

Green LiGht

implementing office. implementing office.

opening shall date and time specified above deadline submission eligibility BidBid opening shall bebe onon thethe date and time specified above forfor deadline of of submission of of eligibility requirements and submission bids and shall conducted Office BAC Secretariat.

Bids requirements and submission of of bids and shall bebe conducted at at thethe Office of of thethe BAC Secretariat.

Bids opened presence Bidders’ representatives who choose attend address willwill bebe opened in in thethe presence of of thethe Bidders’ representatives who choose to to attend at at thethe address given above.

Late bids shall accepted. given above.

Late bids shall notnot bebe accepted.

The National Irrigation Administration reserves right reject bids, declare a failure 13.13. The National Irrigation Administration reserves thethe right to to reject bids, declare a failure of of bidding, and award contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment bidding, and notnot to to award thethe contract without incurring any liability if the funds/allotment project has been withheld reduced through fault own. forfor thethe project to to bebe bidbid has been withheld or or reduced through nono fault of of itsits own.

The City Government San Pedro, Laguna assumes responsibility whatsoever compensate 8. 8.The City Government of of San Pedro, Laguna assumes nono responsibility whatsoever to to compensate or or indemnify bidders any expenses incurred in the preparation their bid. indemnify bidders forfor any expenses incurred in the preparation of of their bid.

Awarding Contract shall held abeyance prior receipt Agency Budget 14.14. Awarding of of Contract shall bebe held in in abeyance prior to to receipt of of thethe Agency Budget Matrix (ABM) Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) cost project.

Matrix (ABM) or or Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) forfor thethe fullfull cost of of thethe project.

Further, City Government San Pedro, Laguna, reserves right accept reject any bid, 9. 9.Further, City Government of of San Pedro, Laguna, reserves thethe right to to accept or or reject any bid, to to annual bidding process, and reject bids any time prior contract award, without thereby annual thethe bidding process, and to to reject all all bids at at any time prior to to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability affected bidder bidders. incurring any liability to to thethe affected bidder or or bidders.

Further information, please refer ForFor Further information, please refer to:to: Merlin Paala Mr.Mr. Merlin B. B. Paala Office BAC Secretariat Office of of thethe BAC Secretariat City Hall of San Pedro City Hall of San Pedro San Pedro, Laguna / Telefax 847-1722 San Pedro, Laguna / Telefax No.No. 847-1722

(TS-JUNE 8, 2015) (TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

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

For further information, please refer For further information, please refer to:to: ENGR. MYRNA MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat ENGR. MYRNA C.C. MARTINEZ - Head BAC Secretariat NIA-Regional Office No. 1 NIA-Regional Office No. 1 Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Barangay Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Telefax No: 632-1435 Telefax No: 632-1435 E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com E-mail address: niaengineeing@yahoo.com (SGD.) FRIDA NIDOY (SGD.) FRIDA L. L. NIDOY BAC Chairman BAC Chairman Noted: Noted:

(SGD.) JOHN CELESTE, DPA (SGD.) JOHN N.N. CELESTE, DPA Regional Manager Regional Manager AA

(TS-JUNE 8, 2015) (TS-JUNE 8, 2015)

Fred S. Cabuang, BSC. MBA. teaches “Human Behavior in Organizations” and “Strategic Management” at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University, Manila. His email is fscabuang@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

M O N D AY : J U N E 8 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Experts envision another Waterloo BRUSSELS—It is the evening of June 18, 1815, and an exultant Napoleon Bonaparte surveys the field after winning the Battle of Waterloo, planning his next conquest.

Within years his empire will stretch as far as China, French will be spoken across the continent, and in the 20th century a global war between the great powers will be avoided because of the stability his rule created.

These are some of the alternate histories that writers and experts have envisaged had Napoleon really been victorious in the battle 200 years ago, which actually ended in his humiliating defeat and exile at the hands of British and Prussian forces.

Historian Helmut Stubbe da Luz said that had Napoleon beaten generals Wellington and Bluecher on the plain of Waterloo, he would have carried on his march as far as northern Germany.

“Bremen, Hamburg and Luebeck would have become French again,” da Luz told AFP. That scenario, however, should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt, da Luz added, as the European monarchies of the time would not have let a defeat at Waterloo go unavenged.

As Belgian historian Philippe Raxhon, a specialist in the Battle of Waterloo, puts it: “Waterloo was a total victory for the allies but it would not have been a total victory for Napoleon.”

But if one imagines that Bonaparte had eventually defeated his European enemies in the long-term, his ambitions afterwards would have been demonstrably larger, historians said.

“If Napoleon followed his original plans for 1810, he would have invaded Russia again and potentially extended his empire as far as China,” Helmut Stubbe da Luz said.

An even more radical scenario was put forward in the 19th century by the French writer Louis Geoffroy.

In his novel “Napoleon and the Conquest of the World, 1812-1832,” he described how Napoleon was able to overrun China, turning it into a mere “Asian province”. AFP

B7

Ship casualties pass 400 as relatives mourn dead JIANLI, China—Rescuers bowed their heads and ships’ hooters blared in tribute Sunday to the victims of Communist China’s worst shipping disaster— even as the relatives of the 431 dead and 11 still missing spoke of their grief.

In memoriam. South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye pays tribute during a ceremony marking Korean Memorial Day at the National Cemetery in Seoul on June 6. South Korea marked the 60th anniversary of Memorial Day, remembering those killed in the 1950-53 Korean War. AFP

The solemn ceremony was held to remember the dead after the “Eastern Star” cruise ship carrying 456 people capsized late Monday on the Yangtze River in a storm.

Searchers in white hooded surgical suits could be seen on board the Eastern Star. Others in work gear, orange safety vests and military-style fatigues formed columns on the deck of a massive floating crane, one of three that had raised the ship on Friday.

The event, attended by Transport Minister Yang Chuantang, went ahead under gray and cloudy skies.

Officials on Sunday announced that the death toll had risen to 431, with another 11 people still missing.

Only 14 survivors have been confirmed out of all those aboard, who

were mostly tourists aged over 60, after the ship capsized at night in Jianli country in the central province of Hubei.

In accordance with traditional custom, relatives of the dead should mourn loved ones on the seventh day

by Chinese reckoning following their death.

Information about the sinking, and media access to the site and to relatives of passengers, has been tightly controlled. Online criticism of the search has been quickly deleted.

China’s stability-obsessed Communist rulers often try to contain anger over the official handling of disasters, fearing that it could spiral into dissent.

A petition posted by family members on the social media service WeChat has called for the death penalty for the ship’s captain -- one of the few survivors of the disaster -- who is in police custody.

But rather than anger or recriminations, relatives made available for interviews on Sunday spoke of their grief, regret and impossible hopes.

“I wish my father and mother would come back,” said Wang Hua, who lost her father Wang Xingkui and mother Li Yulin. AFP

PETITION NOTICE FOR PERMIT RENEWAL PROPOSAL FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE PERMIT FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING OF Bt11 x MIR162 x MIR604 x GA21 Corn 1. Name of Applicant: SYNGENTA Philippines, Inc. 2. Address/Telephone & Facsimile Nos./ E-Mail Address 12/F Two World Square, Upper McKinley Road McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1630 Philippines Tel. +63 2 3702100; Fax +63 2 8569260; E-mail: http://www.syngenta.com.ph 3. Name of Responsible Officer/Authorized Representative

Provincial Government of Quezon PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE Invitation to Submit Comparative Proposals Public notice is hereby given that the Public-Private Partnership-Selection Committee of the Provincial Government of Quezon (PPP-SC) and Energy World Kanan River, Inc., the original proponent (OP) for the Bulk Water, Hydroelectric Power Station and Wind Farm Project (Project), have completed successful negotiations on April 13, 2015 under Stage 2 of the Competitive Challenge process pursuant to Provincial PPP Ordinance 2336, s. of 2014 (Ordinance).

As part of the process, a public consultation was organized jointly by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the PPP-SC on May 8, 2015.

Natural resources from the Kanan River located at the Municipality of General Nakar will be utilized and developed under a Joint Venture arrangement for an estimated total Project Cost of Philippine Pesos: Forty-Six Billion and Five Hundred Million (PhP 46.5 Billion). The OP has been awarded a service hydropower contract by the Department of Energy last March 2015 and the water rights from the National Water Resources Board for the Kanan River since November 2006.

Final notice is hereby given to eligible private sector proponents (PSPs) to submit their comparative proposals. Interested PSPs must submit their notarized Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to submit comparative proposals on or before 5:00 in the afternoon of Thursday, June 18, 2015. EOIs must and can only be submitted by the PSP that will apply for eligibility and submit comparative proposals. The EOI must also contain an undertaking that it has completed a similar project, that it can secure the necessary governmental approvals to implement all the components of the project, and that it can pursue the project.

Further, the EOI must contain a commitment by the PSP that it, and its associates, partners, subsidiaries, affiliates and assignees will adhere to the Ordinance, policies, pronouncements of and qualification criteria set by the PPP-SC, and that it will not seek and obtain a writ of injunction or prohibition or restraining order against the PPP-SC, the Province and its officials to prevent or restrain the Competitive Challenge process, the award of the Project and carrying out the Project, and that it will not institute any criminal, civil and/or administrative cases against the officials of the PPP-SC and the Province.

If no notarized EOI from a proper entity is received within the above-prescribed period, the Project will be awarded to the OP and Stage 3 of the Competitive Challenge process is deemed terminated.

PSPs which have filed their EOIs may obtain the forms for pre-qualification and eligibility, and tender documents from the Office of the PPP-SC c/o the Office of the Provincial Administrator at Provincial Administrator Office, 2nd Floor Governor’s Annex Building Belen Drive Brgy. 10 Lucena City, Quezon Province 4301 upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Philippine Pesos: Fifty Thousand (PhP 50,000). The PSPs must submit their comparative proposals from Friday, June 19, 2015 to Monday, July 20, 2015, during office hours. If no PSP procures the tender documents and/or submits compliant comparative proposals, the Project will be awarded to the OP and Stage 3 of the Competitive Challenge process is deemed terminated.

The PPP-SC reserves the right to reject any and all application for qualification and eligibility found not in conformity with the aforesaid Ordinance, relevant issuances, and this Notice.

SGD ROMULO M. EDAÑO JR Chairman PPP-Selection Committee

Duong Ba Cau, President and Commercial Unit Head, Philippines Felipe S. dela Cruz, Jr., Regulatory Affairs Manager, Seeds Philippines 4. Description of the Regulated Article for Direct Use (mention the crop, transformation event, new trait conferred, name of the gene transferred, method of transformation, and advantages of the trait conferred) Bt11 x MIR162 x MIR604 x GA21 is a stacked corn hybrid developed by crossing Event Bt11, Event MIR162, Event MIR604, and Event GA21 using conventional breeding techniques.

Bt11 contains cry1Ab gene which provides protection against European corn borer and is also effective against Asiatic corn borer. It also contains pat gene which codes for the production of the enzyme phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase (PAT) which confers tolerance to glufosinate.

MIR162 contains vip3Aa20 gene which provides protection against other Lepidopteran insects and pmi gene which encodes the phosphomannose isomerase protein which enables plant cells to convert mannose to a readily metabolized compound, fructose-6-phosphate, thereby improving the energy status of the cells and avoiding the accumulation of derivatized mannose. pmi also allows the positive selection for the recovery of the transformed plants.

MIR604 contains mCry3A gene which encodes the mCry3A protein that provides protection against root worm and pmi gene which enables plant cells to convert mannose to a readily metabolized compound, fructose-6-phosphate, thereby improving the energy status of the cells and avoiding the accumulation of derivatized mannose. pmi also allows the positive selection for the recovery of the transformed plants.

GA21 contains the mepsps (modified 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) gene which confers tolerance to glyphosate.

5. Countries Where Regulated Article Has Been Approved, Its Approved Uses and Year/s of Approval.

Country

Use(s) Feed, Food and Cultivation

2012

Brazil

Feed, Food and Cultivation

2014

Canada

Feed and Cultivation

2010

Colombia

Feed and Food

2012

Japan

Food and Cultivation

2010

Korea

Feed and Environment/Food

2011/2010

Mexico

Feed, Food and Processing

2010

Philippines

Feed, Food and Processing

2010

South Africa

Feed, Food and Processing

2011

Taiwan

Food

2011

United States

Feed, Food and Processing; Cultivation

2009

6. Narrative Explanation Why the Regulated Article Is As Safe As Its Conventional Counterpart, Including Presence or Absence of Any Adverse Effects Compositional/nutritional analyses, allergenicity and toxicity studies which were specifically conducted to assess the safety and from the currently available data in the scientific literature altogether show that Bt11 x MIR162 x MIR604 x GA21 corn is substantially equivalent to and as safe as the conventional corn. It is essentially the same as its conventional counterpart, except for the additional traits which confer resistance to European corn borer, Asiatic corn borer, other Lepidopteran insects and root worm; and tolerance to glyphosate and glufosinate. It passed the thorough evaluation of the regulatory agencies in many countries which were granted with the biosafety approvals for Bt11 x MIR162 x MIR604 x GA21 corn. To date, no adverse effects have been reported.

7. Summary of Experiences in the Philippines on the Regulated Article, Including Presence or Absence of Any Adverse Effects There have been no reported adverse effects attributed to Bt11 x MIR162 x MIR604 x GA21 corn since it was approved for use as Food, Feed, and Processing on 28 July 2010.

8. Reasons Why a Renewal of the Existing Permit Should Be Granted The Philippines has adopted biotechnology in order to improve corn productivity and further contribute to the country’s national food supply and food security while meeting strict scientific standards. In this case, it is the Event Bt11 x MIR162 x MIR604 x GA21 corn which has passed the thorough evaluation of the regulatory agencies. It has been approved for direct use as food, feed and processing on 28 July 2010 and is valid until 27 July 2015. Thus, in order not to disrupt market access, we would like to renew the biosafety permit for the direct use as food, feed and processing of Bt11 x MIR162 x MIR604 x GA21 corn.

For additional information on the proposed propagation, please contact: Duong Ba Cau/Felipe S. dela Cruz, Jr. Syngenta Philippines, Inc. 12/F Two World Square, #22 Upper McKinley Road McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1630 Philippines Tel. No. +63 2 3702100; Fax No. +63 2 8569260 E-mail address: ba_cau.duong@syngenta.com felipe.dela_cruz@syngenta.com The public is hereby invited to submit their comments on the proposed renewal of permit for direct use, within fifteen (15) days from the date of publication, to: Director Bureau of Plant Industry San Andres, Malate, Manila Telephone Number 525-7857 Fax Number 521-7650 E-Mail bpibiotechsecretariat@yahoo.com Approved for Publication:

( T S - J U N E 8 , 2 015 )

Year Approved

Argentina

( T S - J U N E 8 , 2 015 )

(SGD) PAZ J. BENAVIDEZ II Asst. Secretary for Regulations and OIC-Director Bureau of Plant Industry

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CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Arrival speech. US President Barack Obama delivers a speech next to Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel on arrival at a breakfast meeting with her and local citizens in Kruen near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, southern Germany, on June 7 before the start of a G7 summit. Germany hosts the summit at the Elmau Castle on June 7 and June 8. AFP

Indonesia pressed on forests A year after IS assault, Iraq is still on the brink BAGHDAD—A year after the Islamic State group launched a brutally effective offensive, Iraq is struggling to survive as a unified nation, gripped by seemingly endless violence, sectarianism and humanitarian tragedy.

IS began the offensive on June 9, 2014, and overran a third of the country, declaring it and areas in neighboring Syria a “caliphate” and carrying out atrocities: from beheadings and mass executions to enslavement and rape.

The jihadists have been driven out of some areas, but still hold much of western Iraq and remain able to defeat Baghdad’s forces and gain new territory despite a year of heavy fighting and some 4,000 strikes carried out in a 10-month US-led air campaign.

The Syrian civil war served as an

incubator and training ground for IS, while widespread anger among Iraqi Sunni Arabs, who accused the Shiite-led government of marginalizing and targeting their minority community, helped the jihadists succeed.

“The underlying causes of (the) IS rise are still there,” said Patrick Skinner, an analyst with the Soufan Group intelligence consultancy.

“And that means IS will remain, perhaps kicked out periodically from place to place but still in the national bloodstream like a septic infection,” he said.

IS overran Iraq’s second city Mosul in less than 24 hours last year, despite being heavily outnumbered, then pushed south with allied militant groups, raising fears that Baghdad itself could fall. AFP

J A K A R T A — Conservationists are urging the Indonesian government to listen to business and start taking deforestation seriously after a major paper giant joined the growing ranks of companies pledging to stop clearing forests.

Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd or APRIL, the second largest pulp and paper company in Indonesia, announced this week it had stopped harvesting natural forest in a move hailed by its former critic Greenpeace as a “major breakthrough”.

Indonesia has some of the world’s most extensive and bio-diverse rain forests, but huge swathes have been chopped down by palm oil, mining and timber companies.

As a result, Southeast Asia’s top economy has become the world’s third-biggest carbon emitter.

APRIL and its major rival Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), which together produce 80 percent of Indonesia’s pulp products, have been accused of destroying vast tranches of the forests that are home to endangered species such as Sumatran orangutans and tigers.

APRIL had only last year committed to phasing out deforestation in its supply chain by 2020, following APP’s promise in 2013 to stop using any logs from Indonesia’s natural forests in its mills.

But in what APRIL’s group president Praveen Singhavi called a major step in their “sustainability journey”, the company ceased forest clearing in May and promised no new developments on Indonesian forest or peat land.

Conservation groups, which stood side by side with APRIL executives in Jakarta as they made the announcement this week, said they would be keeping a close eye

on the company’s operations to ensure their promises were kept.

“I think that’s where the challenge is,” WWF’s Aditya Bayunanda told AFP on Friday.

“I wouldn’t say I am completely pessimistic, because I think APRIL has taken some serious steps that were not done before.”

But far from going it alone, APRIL and APP are part of a growing trend of companies distancing themselves from deforestation.

Wilmar International, the world’s largest palm oil company, announced in December it would adopt a “zero deforestation” policy, with rival Golden Agri Resources following a few months later.

Resources firm Barito Pacific committed to no deforestation and no development on peat land in March.

“I think that there is this positive trend,” Bayunanda said.

“These companies, in the end, they do listen to what their buyers are asking for, what the markets are asking for.” AFP

Kids among 16 killed on Malaysia peak

Going home. Pope Francis speaks with journalists on his return flight to Rome after a one-day visit in Sarajevo on June 6. Pope Francis on Saturday bemoaned the “atmosphere of war” haunting the world. AFP

KUNDASANG, Malaysia—Five Singapore primary school students and one teacher were among the 16 people so far confirmed killed by an earthquake that rocked Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu, government authorities said on Sunday.

Malaysian officials said the death toll from the earthquake that struck on Friday morning had risen to 16, with three more bodies recovered.

Three more people remain missing.

The Singaporean students were part of a school excursion to the popular climbing destination, which was jolted by a 6.0-magnitude quake just

as the 13,435-foot peak was crowded with hikers.

The tremor triggered thunderous landslides that obliterated sections of trail on the mountain, located in the state of Sabah on Borneo island.

Malaysian officials have so far released few details on the identities of the victims, but Singapore’s Education Ministry confirmed the deaths of the 12- and 13-year-old students and one teacher.

“We are deeply saddened to inform that the bodies recovered by the Malaysian authorities have been identified by their next-of-kin as five students and one teacher from Tanjong Katong Primary School,” it

said in a statement.

It said a Singaporean adventure guide who accompanied the school group also died and that one other student and a teacher remained missing.

Masidi Manjun, tourism minister for Sabah state, said on Twitter that search teams were focusing on a section of the mountain where he said a “river of stones” had left a major trail impassable.

Mohammad Farhan Lee Abdullah, police chief of the town of Ranau near the mountain, said that body parts had been found on sections of the mountain, suggesting the awesome power of the landslides. AFP

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BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

LIFE

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AVIATION’S CUP OF TEA Founder bares plans for PhilJets

BY BING PAREL

He may have been “Paris made and Paris born,” but French-Cambodian Thierry Tea does more than the average Filipino when it comes to promoting the image of the Philippines as a strong aviation country and a great tourist destination.

The founder and managing director of PhilJets Group – an aviation solutions and services firm – Thierry started out with Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) when he was just in his twenties, handling helicopter sales in Hong Kong, Palau, Micronesia and the Asia Pacific region including the Philippines. In just a few years, he got appointed as president and CEO of Airbus Philippines then became head of the Airbus Group that also handled the sale of aircraft to the Philippines.

“I sold about 40 helicopters in a span of eight years, and the last deal I did was the sale of 270 Airbus aircraft to Philippine Airlines two years ago. Then I decided to leave the Group to put up my own business,” the 34-year-old Thierry shares.

Now on its third year, PhilJets is fast developing a reputation as a one-stop company for aerospace needs, providing higher-than-average service that is at par with international standards. “We try to provide the answer to the needs of the clients and we find ways to accommodate them,” the young entrepreneur laughs, joking that the clients are spared the headaches because he’s the one who gets them.

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LIFE glweekend @ gmail.com

AVIATION’S CUP OF TEA

UPGRADING TO WINDOWS 10

From C1

“We have different activities. One is to provide support to airlines like PAL, Cebu Pacific and others through sales of spare parts. We also do aircraft sales consulting as well as provide aircraft management and chartering services,” the multilingual Tea (he speaks French, English, Chinese and Khmer) says, adding that part of what PhilJets does is to import the aircraft for the customer, find the pilot and technicians to take care of maintenance and schedules. “You just need to call us when you want to fly, and when you are not using your aircraft, we can charter it out for you,” he explains.

Aside from customized aircraft management services to aircraft owners and operators, PhilJets (through its PhilJets Aero Charter Corp.) also provides charter services for corporate and VIP clients, medical emergency services, aerial surveys especially for companies that want to check on the progress of construction, say, of their resort development project. They also cater to the needs of high-end tourists and provide services for special events or occasions that need the services of a chopper for transport.

“We try to advocate two things: tourism and aviation,” Thierry avers. Apparently, some people are still under the impression that the Philippines is an unsafe destination owing to the previous Category 2 rating (which has since been lifted) from the US Federal Aviation Administration and the ban imposed by the European Union against local airlines.

“We want to show them the Philippines is actually a great country in terms of tourism and is very safe because we have high standard capabilities. It’s all about putting the proper image across and reaching out to people outside the country,” he says, disclosing that PhilJets works with government agencies such as the Department of Tourism.

A member of the Philippines-France Business Council at the Makati Business Club and a foreign trade advisor for France, Thierry also helped in the efforts to lift the safety ban on Philippine carriers flying into the European Union. He was also involved

BY ED BIADO

in organizing the recent “visit” of the Airbus A350XWB in the country with demo flights arranged for Philippine Airlines. “A lot of people don’t know that some A350 parts (like the galley, flight controls) are made in the Philippines. So in 2018 when the aircraft will be in full production, almost $330 million of activity related to the plane will be done in the Philippines and we want people to know that so they can also be proud of this airplane,” he says.

The young hotshot makes his work sound easy but the challenges can be daunting. What gives him the edge though is his vast network of contacts developed during his years working with the Airbus Group (Eurocopter). “We need more volume so we are looking at other areas in the Philippines like Davao and Palawan. Logistics wise it is not that easy but we want our presence to be nationwide, not just in Manila.”

Aside from his network, what makes PhilJets a notch above the rest is the fact that the company puts a premium on its people. “We invest in our people because if they grow, the company also grows and so we continuously train pilots, technicians and our sales team so they can provide highest standards of service and understand clients. We have to be very rigorous because if we fail one time, clients will never fly with us again.”

In the pipeline are plans to put up a maintenance training center for engineers because, as Thierry says, safety is paramount. “Integrity is also non-negotiable, so is passion because we have to like our work in order to do it well. We have invested in the Philippines and we are looking at the long term. We are in for the long haul,” the young businessman concludes.

STREAMING IN THE PHILIPPINES: IFLIX

BY CARL CUEVAS

Ever wanted to start watching a TV series, but don’t have the time or effort of going through the show’s numerous seasons?

Starting this month, Southeast Asia’s premier Internet TV service provider, iFlix, is offering Filipino subscribers unlimited access to its library of over 10,000 hours of top quality Western, Asian, and local TV shows and movies. “iFlix will radically change the local entertainment landscape,” says iFlix Country Manager for the Philippines Sherwin dela Cruz. “We’re incredibly excited to share thousands of hours of premium content at an extremely affordable price for all Filipinos to enjoy.”

Accessible via a web browser or though the iFlix mobile app, subscribers can enjoy shows ranging from iconic critically-acclaimed TV series such as Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Sherlock, and Modern Family, to fan-favorite shows including Big Bang Theory, Arrow, Supernatural, and Doctor Who. iFlix will also feature exclusive content starting with the Emmy-nominated TV series Black Sails.

Fans of Asian TV shows will be pleased to know that top Korean dramas are available in its library, and soon Filipino TV shows and movies will be added in its line-up.

Moreover, the iFlix movie selection will surely excite all film lovers as it offers selections ranging from the classics like The Godfather trilogy, iconic horror movies Child’s Play and The Omen, to recent titles like The Lord of the Rings, the Harry Potter series, and Star Trek: Into the Darkness.

Signing up with the media streaming service comes with no strings attached, no hidden costs nor contracts, but it does include a lot of freebies.

On top of having unlimited access to its TV and movie collection, users can connect up to five gadgets to their account, and share access to iFlix and simultaneously watch different content on two different devices at the same time for each subscription. Through this service, you can take your TV shows and movies wherever you go as long as you have a steady internet connection. iFlix is a product of the partnership between Catcha Group and Evolution Media Capital led by its CEO Mark Britt. In the Philippines, iFlix is made possible through a partnership with the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company.

Ready to press play for iFlix? Visit www.iFlix.com and sign up for their free 14-day full trial. After which, users can extend their access for a monthly fee of P129 or P1,300 for an annual subscription.

The new Windows 10 operating system for desktop and mobile will start rolling out on July 29 to all devices running Windows 7 SP1 and 8.1 Update, and Windows Phone 8.1. But it’s not going to happen to everyone all at the same time. It might take weeks, if not months, for the deployment to be complete. Upgrading is free for one full year. If you still don’t have it by then, you’re going to have to purchase the OS. However, there is a way to get the upgrade as soon as possible, and that is to reserve your copy. If your current system installs updates automatically, you should be able to see a small Windows icon at the right end of the taskbar. That’s the “Get Windows 10” app, which – upon activation – will notify you when your upgrade is available. You can then schedule the installation at your most convenient time. Microsoft says that the process, including downloading 3GB of data, takes about an hour for most but should take a shorter time for newer devices.

If you can’t find the “Get Windows 10” app, it’s probably because your computer is not up to date. While Microsoft doesn’t specify the update that needs to be installed, online chatter says that it’s the one that’s labeled “KB3035583” published in May under Recommended. It’s a tiny 500KB update that takes mere moments to complete.

Aside from currently running the compatible OS versions, systems will qualify for the upgrade if they meet the following minimum requirements: • 1 GHz processor • 1 GB (for 32-bit) or 2 GB (for 64-bit) RAM • 16GB (for 32-bit) or 20 GB (for 64-bit) hard disk space • DirectX 9 graphics card or later with WDDM 1.0 driver • 1024x600 display “The upgradeability of a device has factors beyond the system specification. This includes driver and firmware support, application compatibility, and feature support, regardless of whether or not the device meets the minimum system specification for Windows 10,” Microsoft adds.

Once you do upgrade, certain features will be removed, such as Windows Media Center, DVD playback (which you can substitute with third-party programs like VLC), desktop gadgets, games (Solitaire, Minesweeper and Hearts) that will be replaced with new versions, and the OneDrive app (to be replaced with the inbox version).

For the full list of new features and specs, go to www. microsoft.com/ windows.

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LIFE glweekend @ gmail.com

WINNING DESIGN

Filipinos compete in regionals

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fter a grueling selection process that involved screening almost a hundred entries from across the country, two students from the University of the Philippines and one student from the University of Santo Tomas emerged as finalists to the first American Standard Design Award. The ASDA is a competition organized by American Standard, a leading brand of bathroom fixtures and fittings, to challenge the creativity and ingenuity of university students from the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia to come up with the best design for bathroom space, a toilet, and a faucet.

The Bathroom Space Design Award went to Hildebrand D. Demetrio, a 4th year Architecture student from UST. His design was inspired by the bathing experience at rivers and falls, and the yearning to bring a slice of it back into the city. It recreates bathing in a pristine waterfall or in a river by a bank of lush vegetation. The concept is a fusion of two ideas, organic romanticism and sleek modernism, and it is designed to be an experience as much as it is a bathroom.

Leading the distinguished panel of judges for entries coming from the Philippines is Jansuwan Khumtong, the Chief Designer of American Standard Asia Pacific. He is joined

by Tobias Guggenheimer, dean at the SoFa Design Institute in Manila; Judith Torres, Editor-In-Chief of BluPrint and Condo Living; highly acclaimed sculptor and designer Benji Reyes; and Alpha Ang, Regional General Manager – Singapore, Philippines and Taiwan of LIXIL Water Technology.

The faucet designed by Lorraine Keeshia R. Leyran, a 2nd year Industrial Design student from UP, was best in class in the

The Bathroom Space Design Award by Hildebrand D. Demetrio of UST

Product Concept Design Award–Faucet category. Her design, called Hide, solves the problem of leaving soap lather on the faucet knob, as it conveniently appears and disappears with a slight push. It is sleek, clean, and minimalist, making it ideal for compact spaces and well-suited to urban lifestyles.

For the Product Concept Design Award– Toilet category, Chris Johnniel F. Rana’s Ride was judged the best among the many entries received. Chris is also a 2nd year Industrial Design student from UP and he drew inspiration for his entry from riding a motorcycle. The result is a sleek masculine design intended to appeal to a niche, high-end market. The toilet rim is flat and wide like a step-board from an American cruiser. The

stainless steel guide-bars mimic motorcycle handlebars with a flush lever positioned like a brake lever. The toilet is made from ceramic, and a translucent tank lid covers its tank and flush mechanism. The lid could be developed into an LCD screen for presetting bidet and dryer functions, and water and air temperatures, and perhaps even accommodate Bluetooth connectivity.

Finalists from each participating country are invited to represent their respective nations at the Award Ceremony to be held on June 19 at Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore, where one Grand prize winner per category will be revealed. Each grand prize winner will walk away with a total of USD $7,000 (Finalist prize of USD $2000

and Grand Prize of USD $5000) and have their winning designs considered for upcoming American Standard collections.

“We are quite impressed with the level of creativity of our young designers.” said Liz Rachel B. Cancino, Marketing Manager, LIXIL Philippines. “We wish Keeshia, Chris and Hilder the best in the regional competition.”

The American Standard Design competition is a platform for aspiring designers to interact and gain feedback from regional experts of the design industry. It is a launchpad for these emerging Asian talents to gain regional exposure in a competitive environment and propel themselves into their prospective design careers. For more information, visit: http://www.asdesignaward.com/.

CLASSROOMS GO DIGITAL WITH ONENOTE

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lassrooms have evolved a lot over the past years.

Schools stopped using chalkboards and floppy disks, and started using digital screens, flash drives and cloud storages like One Drive. PCs were replaced by laptops, tablets became phablets like the Lumia 640 XL or smaller smartphones like the Lumia 532. Other great innovations such as OneNote (http://www.onenote.com), now allow people to also bring classrooms into the digital age (http://lumiaconversations.microsoft.com/2015/03/09/ bringing-classrooms-into-the-digital-age).

With the world’s fast-paced technological advancements, some members of the Philippine academe are now seeing the potential, and looking forward to having digitized classrooms with OneNote Class Notebook (http://lumiaconversations. microsoft.com/2014/10/23/digitizing-classrooms-onenoteclass-notebooks/), an app for Office 365 that lets teachers create a digital notebook for each student and distribute their personalized lesson materials and homework, which their students can access anywhere, anytime, and even offline.

Prior to class, students may download the notes they need. As their teacher discusses the lesson that’s projected on the screen, they can edit and write their own notes right on their own copies. They can also manage their notes and tasks as OneNote carries with it a built-in to-do list feature, a camera and a recorder, productive tools a student can use for academic purposes.

“With OneNote, students will be extra-organized.

Everything we need – notes, announcements, syllabus, handouts – can already be accessed through one device in just a few taps. Plus, there’s easy and sure connection with us and our professor,” says Daniella Montiel, a Mass Communication student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Benedict Gracilla, an Accountancy student from Imus Institute adds, “There is no chance that Microsoft OneNote cannot help in one way or another both the stu-

dents and instructors. It will benefit not just schools but also other firms who intend to adapt such great technology.”

In classrooms, devices such as Lumia 640 XL, can be used to replace their paper notebooks; while at home, they can use the same device or more affordable Lumia models, like Lumia 535 or 432, to complete requirements for the next day. They can edit their work, and even ask for their teacher’s input.

For educators, there is the OneNote Staff Notebook <http:// blogs.office.com/2015/02/24/classroom-school-introducingonenote-staff-notebook-education/>, another app for Office 365 that lets educational staff leaders set up a personal workspace for every teacher and manage educator collaboration in an entire school or district rather than just individual classes.

“I believe this technology is very efficient for us, teachers. The tools catered in OneNote would be of great help for us because it will manage our work in the easiest way possible.” says Aljohn Emmanuel Cruz, Science Teacher from Sapang Palay National High School. Beulah Joy Lejano, Assistant Professorial Lecturer at the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Communication and Journalism Department, sees some of the practical applications of One Note: “outline lectures, record audio notes from conversations, and easily sketch away any presentation which is best for visual learners in school. OneNote makes it so much easier to manage your life,” she added.

Parents who worry about additional expenses for school see how promising digitization of classroom might become. OneNote also provides an avenue for parents to engage their kids in conversations with their teachers while they are at home. Teachers can hear their students from home, and they can respond by typing their comments or recording their voices. They can even monitor and give special attention to students who need it more. “My kids may have their gadgets with them but if there’s OneNote, I know they will not be

missing anything about their class. I guess OneNote will make me a worry-free mom,” says Jody Derafera, a mother of two.

With summer vacation now over and school having started, it is good to know that there is now an option that may allow students and teachers to say goodbye to the struggle of decoding their notes or decluttering rooms of unwanted paper. One Note can bring your classroom into the digital age without paying the hefty price tag.

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LIFE g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

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FOR PARTY ANIMALS ONLY

BOB ZOZOBRADO

THE HEART OF ASIA As soon as I arrived from my month-long US trip, still extremely jetlagged and disoriented, I was told I had to leave in a couple of days for a business conference in Taiwan. So, lugging another suitcase and feeling like a zombie from having crisscrossed the earth’s time zones a month earlier, I headed off to Taiwan.

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arketing itself as The Heart of Asia, the country, formerly known as Formosa, is a sovereign state, although China claims it to be one of its many provinces. It is only an hour and 50 minutes away from Manila by plane.

I was pretty excited to have another chance to see the country again, after my first visit 30 years ago. I was curious to find out what it has to offer now.

I had to go on this trip as I was a member of our school’s delegation to the contract signing with Cheng Shiu University in Kaohsiung, for collaborative Faculty and Student Exchange Program. Kaohsiung, a port city, is in the southern tip of the country. We stayed at a hotel right behind the Railroad Station, which made it easy for my colleagues and me to explore the city because every interesting destination was just a convenient train-hop away.

The Lotus Pond and Park has a huge man-made lake and is famous for the attractive lotus plants and the numerous temples around the lake, including the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and the Confucian Temple. These structures make for a perfect backdrop for any photo op because of their unique designs and attractive colors.

Our Tour Guide also took us to the Love River.

When we asked her why it is called such and what we would see if we take the recommended cruise along it, she told us there was really nothing new to see, but that we will just “feel the love’ when we sail along its entire length. I jokingly told her that I “feel the love” every day, without having to take any cruise.

After a couple of days in Kaohsiung, we took the train to Taipei and experienced the convenience of the country’s High-Speed trains running at 300 kilometers per hour, with interiors that are very comfortable and luxurious. The 357-kilometer distance between the two cities was covered in only 90 minutes, with 2 stops in between, to drop off/pick up passengers.

Taipei, the country’s capital, is located in the northern part of the country. Metropolitan Taipei

is almost as densely populated as Metropolitan Manila, but there’s one big difference. Its pollution index is way below that of Manila. Here’s one reason why---when our Tour Guide arrived at our hotel early and I was already at the lobby waiting for my colleagues to be ready, I asked her if I could wait inside the bus which, I presumed had its aircon running, a better alternative to the hotel lobby, the aircon of which was not really up to standards. She told me that they had to turn off the bus engine as waiting vehicles are not allowed to have their engines running for more than 5 minutes, otherwise, they would be apprehended and given a ticket. Now, if only we could be as disciplined in the Philippines!

Since my group only had a day in the capital, I had limited time to do the sights. Of course, a trip to Taipei wouldn’t be complete without visiting what used to be the tallest building in the world--Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center. Designed by C.Y.Lee and partners, the tower has a multi-level shopping mall and houses hundreds of stores, restaurants and clubs.

It is designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes, and is named so because it has 101 floors above the ground and 5 floors below.

Another interesting place to visit in the city is the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, named after the much-revered former President of Taiwan. What is peculiar about this structure is that it has two sets of white stairs, each with 89 steps (representing Chiang’s age at the time of his death), leading to the main entrance. At the ground level are the library and museum, documenting Chiang’s life, and exhibits related to Taiwan’s history and development.

If we had more time, I could have visited more of the country but, then again, everything happens for a reason. The limited time could be a motivation for me to plan another visit soon, and not wait 30 more years, as I did the last time. I want to be able to feel why the country calls itself The Heart of Asia.

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1 The majestic Confucian Temple (commonswikimedia.org) 2 The Love River at night (eng.taiwan.net.tw) 3 Taiwan’s bullet train (traverlust.com) 4 Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (48hourvisit.com) 5 Taipei 101 lording over the entire city (taiwanmag.net) 6 Me and the LPU delegation inside the bullet train

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE

:-D

Grandma: “Why is that piece of cotton candy talking?”

Boy: “Grandma, that’s Nicki Minaj.”

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For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

M ONDAY : J UNE 8 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

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A design sketch of Anthony Nocom, one of the fashion designers who will present their holiday collections at the upcoming Philippine Fashion Week to be held at SM Aura Premier, Taguig City on June 12-14. In his collection titled “A New Attitude,” Anthony interprets the rise of the modern, style-conscious man.

Complementing the looks of his collection pieces on the runways are stylish accessories from Moshi, a brand founded in 2005 with the vision to bring beauty to the world of electronics.

THE MAKINGS OF A MODERN, FASHIONABLE MAN

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one are the days when the language of fashion remained ambiguous at best for the male population. Forget distasteful, lackluster, uninspired—men have come on their own, sartorially speaking. The rise of the modern, style-conscious man is inspired by key influencers whose serious fashion sense is changing the game for a predominantly female industry.

Transitioning from perennially boring to impeccably suave reveals just how men’s style is moving fashion-forward, even here in the Philippines. Says fashion designer Anthony Nocom, “Men’s attitude towards fashion is changing. They are trying to find out who they are and create their own style.

There’s a greater sense of individualism.”

This newfound male fashion consciousness catches up on the wardrobe department and makes it easier for style visionaries such as Anthony to create and market their menswear garments. After all, as the age-old saying goes, clothes make the man.

In the case of Daniel Matsunaga—model, endorser, and athlete—clothes make the slick, cosmopolitan man. At 6’1, Daniel is one towering and striking figure that with little effort pulls off a regular Henley and sweatpants just as much as a designer tuxedo and trousers. The Brazilian-Japanese hunk certainly embodies modern day excellence in men’s fashion.

“My outfits serve as a fashion statement, and they speak of being comfortable and cool,” says Daniel, who considers suits as his wardrobe staple to achieve a well-polished look.

Classic, relaxed and contemporary are attributes essential to 26-year-old Daniel when deciding his fashion agendas in clothing as in accessories. His work entails a jet-setting lifestyle that he depends on his gadgets to stay organized and digitally connected. “Being always on the go, I make sure my devices are protected and safe all the time,” he explains.

The key is to find a brand that can carry and safeguard his gadgets, according to Daniel. The tech and fashion-savvy man in him discovered that Moshi perfectly fits the profile and more.

Founded in 2005 with the vision to bring beauty to the world of electronics, Moshi leverages on product design in creating beautiful, practical and environmentally friendly accessories that meet customers’ needs in remarkable and practical new ways.

Moshi is set to premiere in the Philippine fashion scene through its collaboration with Power Mac Center. As the Official Technology Retail Partner of the Philippine Fashion Week, Power Mac Center will showcase fashion-forward mobile and digital lifestyle accessories in the country during the biggest fashion event slated for June 12-14 at the SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.

The US brand certainly has brought refinement in consumer electronics with the Moshi Urbana, a stylish and slim-fitting briefcase crafted with lightweight and durable materials that can carry a laptop and other gadgets. Weather and water-resistant, Urbana also comes with the fully adjustable and removable ViscoStrap™ that

allows users to comfortably carry the bag over their shoulder.

Its form and function makes Moshi Urbana the perfect accessory statement bag for Daniel, a tech and fashion-savvy man who totes the laptop bag on the road to ensure that his devices are stylishly shielded from all elements.

“Moshi brings together versatility and design to come up with the perfect carry-all solution for my tech gadgets,” remarks the Power Mac Center brand ambassador for Moshi.

Moshi’s array of stylish laptop bags will be integrated seamlessly on the runways of Philippine Fashion Week, complementing Anthony’s Holiday 2015 Collection titled “A New Attitude.”

Starting off his career designing ready-to-wear clothing for the country’s biggest fashion retailer, Anthony then founded his eponymous label that focuses on creating wardrobe staples for men.

“I aim to evoke ease, comfort and self-confidence wherever the wearer finds himself,” states Anthony.

Inspired by the appealing quality of the Filipino male physique and guided by the principle of flexibility, Anthony’s latest collection is aptly named to epitomize the style transformation and unique sense of individuality of the modern, cosmopolitan man.

Anthony notes that Moshi completes the visual appeal of his collection pieces that are versatile enough to be worn on the runways or out in the streets. “Moshi is a correct match to my collection – simple, basic and does not call for attention,” he enthuses.

With its strong sense of aesthetics and utility, Moshi is indeed aligned with the modern man’s take on fashion. Moshi is available at all Power Mac Center locations nationwide. For more information, log on to www.powermaccenter.com or visit a Power Mac Center store near you.

Inspired by the appealing quality of the Filipino male physique and guided by the principle of flexibility, Anthony’s latest collection is aptly named to epitomize the style transformation and unique sense of individuality of the modern, cosmopolitan man

Model, endorser, and athlete Daniel Matsunaga enthuses about Moshi, his go-to brand for that stylish bag that complements his well-polished look. As a modern, style-conscious and cosmopolitan man, the Brazilian-Japanese is the ideal Power Mac Center brand ambassador for Moshi, whose array of accessories effortlessly fit the profile.

Founded in 2005 with the vision to bring beauty to the world of electronics, Moshi will premiere on the runways of Philippine Fashion Week through its collaboration with Power Mac Center.

As the Official Technology Retail Partner of the Philippine Fashion Week, Power Mac Center will showcase Moshi’s array of stylish mobile accessories such as the Urbana slim laptop briefcase in Cerulean Blue (left) and the Venturo slim laptop backpack in Navy Blue (right) at the country’s biggest fashion event slated for June 12-14 at the SM Aura Premier.

M ONDAY : J UNE 8 : 2015

SHOWBITZ C6 PROUD TO BE ‘HAPPY TRUCK NG BAYAN’ DRIVER isahred @ gmail.com

JOSEPH PETER GONZALES Ogie Alcasid is proud and excited of his latest project for TV 5: the game and musical variety show Happy Truck ng Bayan.

“Oh yes! This is another ground-breaking show, another first, if I may say on Philippine television. It features an impressive roving truck which transforms into a real stage. It’s simply awesome. The show is dubbed as the Kapatid’s biggest project this 2015 so I’m really hoping the viewing public will support it,” he says.

The show’s concept is fresh since it will always be

staged outdoors.

“That’s right! The people don’t have to go to the studio to be part of the live audience. The truck goes to them. This means we will always hit the road so we’ll be able to reach out to a wider number of people.”

Considering the mobility of the truck, some quarters ask what happens if it rains in their chosen area.

“Yes, we’ve already foreseen that scenario. We’ll make sure that during the rainy season, we’ll go to areas with covered courts whether it’s in the town area, plaza or barangay. What’s important is we’ll engage the community to take part in our thrilling array of games.

“Our segments are comprised of: Barangay Most Wanted, Bida ng Dance Floor,

Ooohhh…Construction Worker, Barangay Bayani, Ready, Set, Goma!, TaWattpad, Sing-Ko and Kwarta o Kwar-truck. These are all interactive that promise to be a whole lot of fun,” avers Ogie.

The program is simply star-studded.

“It really is! Happy Truck ng Bayan features TV 5’s brightest talents. Apart from me, there’s Derek Ramsay, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Gelli de Belen, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Tuesday Vargas, Empoy, Kim Idol, Artista Academy protégés’ Mark Neumann, Shaira Mae, Akihiro Blanco, Sophie Albert, Vin Abrenica and our new Kapatid, Janno Gibbs!”

Speaking of Janno, many are excited to know that they’ll be in a show together

once again.

“Of course, it’s always a pleasure working with him in a project. It feels good to collaborate with a good friend like him. Apart from the game part, the program has its music segments as well so Janno and I can have song numbers together. Actually, I miss doing duets with him like what we used to do in SOP. We complement each other. I’m glad that he has joined TV 5,” ends Ogie.

HHHHH Reports are rife that GMA will do a second remake of its hit telenovela Marimar that propelled Marian Rivera to stardom years back.

To play the title role is Miss World 2013 Megan Young.

This will serve as the beauty queen-actress’ grand comeback project as a Kapuso. Be-

Megan Young stars in another version of Marimar

Tom Rodriguez plays Marimar's love interest

Dennis Trillo is set to star in another controversial soap opera Jennylyn Mercado reunites with estranged boyfriend in My Faithful Husband

ing eyed as her leading man is handsome hunk Tom Rodriguez who will breathe life to Sergio Santibanez, originally played by Dingdong Dantes in the 2007 reboot.

Meanwhile, Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado are also reported to top-bill an explosive drama titled My Faithful Husband. The story will revolve around a couple in which the wife will

be involved with another guy while the husband is the one picking up the broken pieces of their marriage.

This early, many are looking forward to the two new shows to be launched by GMA soon.

While the Tom-Megan team stirs new excitement, the team-up of Dennis and Jen is already tried and tested, enough to arouse the interest of the public.

CAROL COLBORN LAUNCHES BOOK

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n 2004, Carol Carreon surprised many when she retired from a prominent career in the Philippines. She was President and CEO of BayanTrade, Managing Director of SAP Philippines, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, General Manager of MegaLink, and Vice-President of the Development Academy of the Philippines. She was also a Senior Project Manager of Accenture and Marketing Manager, Institute of Advanced Computer Technology.

She immigrated to America, took care of grandkids, taught at colleges and universities, and volunteered as a small business counselor.

And then she met Bill Colborn, a businessman. After their cruise ship wedding in Aug. 8, 1908, they drove to 49 American states, nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states, cruising in an RV. Since 2010 she has blogged about their travels. Three

Carol Colborn transforms her travel blog into a book

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 43 44 48 49 50 52 55 56

58 59 60 61 62 63 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Human herbivore 6 Confer upon 10 Oil-lamp cord 14 Suspect’s need 15 Singer Burl 16 Long for 17 Frayed 19 Pate de — gras 20 RSVP word 21 Ms. Davis of films 22 McEnroe foe

23 24 26 29 30 31 35 36 37 39 41 42

Trash holders Soup and salad Covers the walls Royal decree St. Teresa’s town Regarded as (2 wds.)

— -majeste BMW alternative Son of Aphrodite Garden “heads” Coffee source Old-time oath

Dry red wine With least slack Piece of linoleum Cove Shipboard romance Mil. noncom Ration out Weather prognosticator?

(2 wds.)

Yield, as interest Actress — Heche Common practice Rontgen’s discovery (hyph.)

Romanov title Bright flower

DOWN 1 Large tanks 2 Pre-college 3 Bikini sporter 4 “Honest” fellow 5 Border river 6 Taunts 7 John, in Siberia 8 Truthful 9 Flight dir.

10 Thin cookie 11 Click-on items 12 Reproach mildly 13 Dirigible bottoms 18 Caves, often

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2015

22 23 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 38 40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 51 52 53 54 56 57

Minstrel’s instrument Glitterati member Acorns, once Buddy With, to monsieur Leaning tower town Outwitted Foreign missions Tractor pioneer By mouth Taboo (hyph.)

Drops behind Mach 2 flier Sugar source Bankrupt (hyph.)

Pepper grinder Casio rival Close, to Keats Too-too Bopper lead-in Mary — Moore Portuguese lady Young Lennon One-liners Deuce taker Thai temple Youth org.

years ago she started working with iUniverse, a US publishing company.

Now, the book Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream is a dream come true. The back cover says Carol Colborn “offers fascinating facts about irresistible places, surprising insights about unique encounters, and useful guides borne out of their experience… discovering America from within the cozy confines of an RV with lessons that came as fast as scenes changed.

She not only learned how to be a wife without losing her identity and to be an American without losing her roots.”

One of the reviews of the book on the online retail websites reads: “…a fitting ode to the RV lifestyle–a lifestyle that few people dare to lead and a pipe dream for many Americans. It is also a telling of the author’s inner journey. While vicariously navigating from one fascinating place to another, picking up interesting facts about America’s

noble past and exciting prospects, readers get a glimpse of how the Colborns transitioned from the driven life to the more laid-back RVing mode. The subplot involving the ups and downs of a (biracial) marriage seamlessly weaves itself into the chapters and makes this a travel book like no other.”

Whether you want to learn how to RV, plan how to roam America, or be inspired by the transformative power of travel, you will get something from the book while being entertained.

The book launch will be at Fully Booked in Bonifacio Global City at 3 pm, June 27.

For more, go to Carol’s website, http://carolcolborn.wix.com/carolinacruising or her blog, http://rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspot.com. The book is will be available at Fully Booked branches. It is now available at the iUniverse Bookstore and Amazon and Barnes & Noble online websites.

M ONDAY : J UNE 8 : 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

SPREADING LUCK AGAIN

Tuesday Vargas directs Live A.I.D.S. XXX

From C8

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ans of Kapuso nationwide are in luck with Kapuso Milyonaryo, GMA-7’s longest running network promo, now on its 7th season.

Lunched in 2012, the promo has produced 62 Kapuso millionaires whose lives were changed by one lucky white envelope.

“Sobrang saya! Sobrang iba talaga yung pakiramdam,” exclaims Cristy Pascual of Bacolod, who became one of the Season 6 winners million-peso winner in December last year. She was able to buy a piece of land on which she intends to build a house. She also acquired a fish ball kiosk. Apart from those, she put up a sari-sari store in front of her sibling’s house.

Like Cristy, another Season 6 millionaire, Ester Taylan of Cavite, invested her winnings in a brand new home. “Unting-unti na naming pinagawa dahil sa Kapuso Milyonaryo. Nakabili na rin kami ng aming jeep pang hanap-buhay,” she says.

Ester adds “Yung driver namin ng jeep, pinapapasada ko siya ng maaga para makauwi siya agad at makapanood pa ng Telebabad sa GMA!” Meanwhile, Klarck Tacalan, just 17 years old, could not believe his luck when he won the grand prize of P300,000 in the Kapuso Milyonaryo 6

Mobile App Promo.

“Dahil papasok na ako sa kolehiyo, nilagay ko ang kalahati ng P300,000 sa bangko para makatulong sa mga magulang ko magbayad ng tuition ko. Yung kalahati naman ay gagamitin ko sa pambili ng gamot para sa tatay ko dahil may sakit siya,” he shares.

Like Cristy, Ester and Klarck, Kapuso viewers across the country can also get lucky by sending entries to Kapuso Milyonaryo anywhere in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Contestants may also win prizes through the Kapuso Milyonaryo Mobile App. Search “KAPUSO MILYONARYO” and download the game from the Apple or Google Play. The game will also be available for the first time on Facebook giving participants more chances to win.

Promo period for the Proof of Purchase Promo will run f till July 27, while promo period for the Kapuso Milyonaryo Mobile App Promo will be from June 12 to Aug. 9.

For more information visit the GMA Network Portal at gmanetwork. com/KapusoMilyonaryo or like the official Kapuso Milyonaryo Facebook page at facebook.com/GMAKapuso Milyonaryo.

HHHHH

ANC, CIC, USAID PROMOTE CREDIT INFORMATION SYSTEM ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) partnered with Credit Information Corporation (CIC) and The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote awareness of the country’s centralized credit information system.

“We are one with CIC in promoting financial literacy among Filipinos and in making sure we help in providing them with the right information and tools for them to achieve financial success, whatever their lot in life,” said Ging Reyes, head of ABS-CBN Integrated News.

ANC will provide features that highlight the importance of having a comprehensive and centralized credit information system in its personal finance program On the Money in the “Salve Says” segment with financial adviser Salve Duplito.

In its pilot eoisode last week, Duplito talked about good credit record and managing debt.

The launch of the partnership was led

by Reyes, Jaime Garchitorena, president and CEO of CIC, and Kevin Sharp, deputy chief of the Office of Economic Development and Governance-USAID. On the Money with Edric Mendoza, Duplito and Lexi Schulze airs daily, 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.on ANC (SKyCable Channel 27).

Kapuso milyonaryo Ester Taylan

Cristy Pascual joins the country's roster of millionaires, thanks to Kapuso Milyonaryo

Gregory Alling, ABS-CBN News head Ging Reyes, CIC president and CEO Jaime Garchitorena, Office of Economic Development and Governance-USAID deputy chief Kevin Sharp

‘BITUING WALANG NINGNING’ COMES ALIVE

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Willy Cruz revives hits for Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical

usic truly makes Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical something to look forward to, thanks to the haunting songs written for the screen and now adapted for the stage

by Willy Cruz.

Cruz has scored over 100 films, songs from which have become radio hits througt the years.

His songs are expected to make the production more appealing to audiences.

Manila Philharmonic Orchestra’s Rodel Colmenar conducts the orchestra.

With Freddie Santos directing Mark Bautista, Cris Villonco, and newcomer Monica Cuenco (who bested other hopeful at the auditions for role of Dorina Pineda),

the musical is anticipated to be another success for Resort World Manila.

Featuring 11 original songs

by Cruz including the hit titular theme song, Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical not champions the Filipino. It also revisits the numerous masterpieces of a true Filipino treasure by this master composer..

Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical opens on June 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, and gala performances thereafter every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with matinee on Sundays until July 18.

Tickets are now on sale at the RWM Box Office at the ground floor of Newport Mall, all TicketWorld and TicketNet outlets.

LIVE A.I.D.S. XXX

BY SEYMOUR B. SANCHEZ

F

or the 30th time, the University of the Philippines Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Komunikasyon (UP SAMASKOM) will be staging its popular musical comedy variety show with this year’s “Live A.I.D.S. XXX: Tatlumpung Taong Tawanan” on June 11, 7 p.m., and June 12 and 13, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music, UP Diliman.

The organization, based at the UP College of Mass Communication, is bringing back the production that launched the careers of theatre actor RS Francisco and comedians Tuesday Vargas, Giselle Sanchez, and Ate Glow, among others. Other prominent UP SAMASKOM alumni include ABS-CBN executive/TV director Laurenti Dyogi, broadcast journalists Tina Panganiban-Perez, Lei Alviz, and Kim Atienza, musicians Wency Cornejo, Miro Valera of Stonefree, Kris Gorra-Dancel of Cambio, and Lec Cruz and Jeje Santos of Giniling Festival.

Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng Samaskom) started out originally as a batch project of a group of UP SAMASKOM applicants in the early ‘80s that evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the UP. Through the years, the show has become a platform for resident and alumni members to bond and interact with each other and express themselves freely, and also as a creative outlet where “they can be silly and critical at the same time.”

Since 1985, Live A.I.D.S. has gained popularity for bringing laughter to students, faculty, and other members of the audience. Many of the shows were SRO (standing room only) because the production attracted an audience not only from the UP community but also people from all walks of life, not to mention media celebrities eager to see “a parody of life.” The shows were made up of spoofs of current events, newsmakers, TV commercials, and production numbers with original musical scoring and choreography that were well thought of and prepared by UP SAMASKOM members.

This year, Vargas will direct the show with able support from assistant director Porsche Mendijar.

With all scripts, performances, stage design, costumes, music, choreography, and other aspects of production of Live A.I.D.S. done by UP SAMASKOM members, it has also served as a training ground for those who would like to pursue careers in the advertising, marketing, and media industries after graduation.

Aside from the return of seasoned sketch and monologue performers, who have become crowd favorites, the show will also feature upcoming and promising talents that will continue UP SAMASKOM’s tradition of keeping the Live A.I.D.S. fever burning in the years to come.

For tickets to “Live A.I.D.S. XXX” and other inquiries, contact Pauli Roa at 0915-6851230.

M ONDAY : J UNE 8 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Richard Gutierrez is back on TV as host of Kispinoy

Kispinoy hosts Jinri Park and Richard Gutierrez

BACK AS HOST OF ‘KISPINOY’ DON’T WRITE OFF RICHARD GUTIERREZ YET ISAH V. RED He has not been very visible on television in the last months or so, yet the name Richard Gutierrez still rings a bell, loud if I may say, reason he’s still much of a tabloid fodder as his feisty mother Annabelle Rama, his live-in partner Sarah Lahbati and their offspring Zion, now two years old.

Gutierrez is very low-key but it’s not easy to forget he is one of the most popular actors in show business whose screen presence became one of the selling points of a network at one point in time.

He is also one of the most awarded young TV hosts around.

In many of those he did in the past---particularly Extra Challenge (Extreme), Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown, Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown, and Oras Na, Gutierrez proved himself to be a master in bringing to the table the right combination of style and substance. He’s got trophies to prove that.

Smart, dashing and an engaging conversationalist, Richard can escalate excitement effortlessly.

Put him onstage or on the spotlight, give him a microphone and

energy emanates easily from the man be it for a travel show or documentary or talent search.

This is the reason everyone is excited that he has been chosen to host Kispinoy. This is the latest addition to his already hefty resumé.

Kispinoy, short for K-Pop Icon Search Pinoy Edition is a platform to discover Asian talents and train them to become a world-class and globally accepted brand.

First-of-its-kind, the show consolidates Asian pop culture in an integrated stage performance that includes singing, dancing, stage manner, style and fashion. The talent search and reality show will be so big that this early it is expected to evolve into an annual tour in Asian nations.

“The program is something different. It is a talent search but there is also the Korean component,” Richard said at the press conference at J7 Bistro in Quezon City. He said that seeing Filipinos across the country that tried out in the weeks leading to the show set to premiere on July 11 on TV5 made him wonder if, indeed, the producers made the right decision to start the Asiawide KIS in the Philippines. “You should see the groups who all want to have a slice of stardom,” he said.

The show will have a special twopart primer on June 27 and July 4.

Indeed, who can do the job better than Richard? None, I guess as even the Korean principal who is producing the show seems flabbergasted by the fact that Gutierrez is the host of the show.

Young enough in the industry to understand the hunger for validation that upstarts feel, while already established, too, after having achieved a measure of success that many Filipinos can only dream of, Gutierrez is the perfect choice.

Kispinoy is organized and produced in the Philippines by YU&IQ International, together with credible and established Korean and Philippine entities/companies, namely Yun-Sung Choi, CeoYu&Iq International, Inc.; Yu&Iq Entertainment (Formerly Ryu’s Entertainment); and Nh Media. If all that sounds Korean to you, that’s because you’re right and because they know what they’re doing.

Add to the team a group of experts in the realm of entertainment (including Rich Ilustre, director of Eat Bulaga and Talentadong Pinoy), and Kispinoy is certain to become the catalyst for some of tomorrow’s most exciting names in Tinsel town.

Richard will host the show with Jinri Park as segment host.

Kispinoy will air 9 to 10 p.m.

Saturdays on primetime.

Gutierez and TV5's Joan Bañaga

➜ Continued on C7 Richard Gutierrez and Yun-Sung Choi