The Standard - 2015 June 12 - Friday

‘THE STANDARD’ IS NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR VOL. XXIX NO. 114 3 Sections 32 Pages P18

FRIDAY : JUNE 12, 2015 www.manilastandardtoday.com editorial@thestandard.com.ph

The Standard’s chairman Philip Romualdez and president/CEO Arnold Liong accept the “Newspaper of the Year” award from Senator Grace Poe. Story on A4.

Noy: No Binay for me

By Sandy Araneta

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III said Thursday he will not endorse Vice President Jejomar Binay in next year’s presidential elections, but said he would talk to Senator Francis Escudero about his plans for 2016.

Rehearsal. Members of the Philippine Army rehearse raising a giant flag in preparation for the 117th Independence Day today at the monument to Jose Rizal in Manila’s Rizal Park Thursday. DANNY PATA

Presidency not to be desired, says Grace Poe

In Iloilo for the Independence Day celebration, Aquino reacted to Binay’s statement Wednesday that he was still hoping to receive the President’s endorsement for next year’s election.

In a press briefing, Aquino said he did not believe Binay was serious, and pointed out that they have been on different sides of the political fence since the 2010 elections.

He also confirmed that he had met independent Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday about the need for the next president to continue his administration’s straight path policy.

The Palace has kept the President’s meetings with possible presidential contenders under wraps. Next page

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo SENATOR Grace Poe said Thursday that the presidency was a privilege, but it “it’s abnormal for anyone to desire it.”

“It’s a big challenge. Six years of their life almost being in a convent.

You always have to be detached in a way, but also immersed at the same time. It’s not easy,” said Poe when questioned about her plans for the 2016 elections.

“I’m sorry if at this time, this is still my answer. I have no advertisement, I am not fishing for anything. I’m still doing my job,” said Poe, who has been placing strongly in recent opinion polls Open forum. Senator Grace Poe answers questions from members of the Rotary Club of Manila about the 2016 presidential and vice and its guests during yesterday’s Journalism Awards, as RCM president Frank Evaristo and US presidential elections.

Next page Ambassador Philip Goldberg listen. EY ACASIO

Fred Lim seeking rematch with Erap

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Lim seeks rematch with Erap

By Macon r. araneta

THE mayoralty race in Manila will likely be a rematch next year between incumbent Mayor Joseph Estrada and the city’s former chief executive, Alfredo Lim, who has reportedly announced that he intends to regain the seat from the former vice president and movie actor.

A highly reliable source in the Lim camp told The Standard that the former mayor, known as “Dirty Harry” for his tough stance on crime, has his eyes trained on running for mayor again.

Estrada successfully staged a political comeback by wresting the mayor’s seat from Lim, the ruling Liberal Party’s bet, in the 2013 elections. Beating Lim in five of Manila’s six districts, Estrada garnered 343,993 votes against Lim’s 308,544 votes.

Lim, 85, said he is confident he can give Estrada, 78, a harder fight because of his failure to live up to his promise to restore Manila to its former glory.

With more than two years in office, Estrada has no significant developments to show in Manila, the source said.

“Manila is trailing the other cities. Only our taxes have increased,” the source added.

The source also said the city’s residents are now being made to pay for basic services that were provided free during Lim’s term.

The source quoted Lim as saying he could not allow the “money making schemes of a convicted plunderer” to continue in Manila.

He also said Lim dismissed concerns about his age.

“I am not sick. I am still strong.

I don’t know about him. I don’t know if he is sick... if he is still strong,” said Lim. Estrada had previously said 2013 would be his last stint in politics, but he recently announced he would seek re-election.

Lim, too, had said 2013 was his last political campaign, saying he would retire from politics win or lose.

Earlier this week, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno enjoined the justices and court employees nationwide to prepare for the influx of election-related cases in the run-up to the 2016 national elections.

Sereno said courts nationwide will be preoccupied with election cases, and that they ust be ready to provide “the best possible quality of service in the form of justice.”

Interviewed during the Supreme Court’s 114th Anniversary Tuesday, Sereno admitted that next year’s elections willbe a major test to determine if the country’s democratic institutions remain strong.

“We are also very much aware of our role come election time.

It’s time we prepare,” she said. – With rey e. requejo

Two new avenues. President Benigno Aquino III unveils the street markers for the President Corazon C. Aquino and Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenues in Iloilo on Thursday. Malacañang PhoTo Bureau

Noy: No Binay From A1...

Although he has said Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II is on top of his list, Aquino has also been scouting for other candidates that he might endorse for president or vice president.

“Hahanapin ko rin ‘yung kumpare kong si Chiz Escudero next week, kailangan ko rin naman siyang makausap (I will find my good friend [Francis] Escudero next week. We need to talk to him),” said Aquino.

Aquino said after the process of talking to all possible contenders is done, he will make his position clear to all parties concerned after his last State of the Nation Address.

“I have a role in a personal capacity, I also have a role as a head of a coalition of so many different parties that one would want to preserve... So I cannot speak out of

Presidency From A1...

At a forum following the 2015 Rotary Club of Manila Journalism Awards ceremony at the New World Hotel in Makati, Poe also apologized to the people who were pushing her to run.

“I’ sorry to disappoint you at this juncture, but I still have a lot to consider. I know some people are saying I’m playing hard to get, but this is nota n easy decision to make,” Poe said.

She conceded she neither had the machinery nor the money to run for president or vice president.

Poe said she was interested in applying approaches that worked in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in the Philippines, but these did not comprise a full program of government.

“Am I ready? Not yet because by the time that I announce [that I’m running], I’d like to have a complete program of government that the people can use as a basis to determine if I’m worthy or not,” she said.

turn. I would like to give due respect to all the parties concerned whether as individuals or even as formal political parties that we conclude our discussions before making our own announcement,” Aquino said.

Earlier, Aquino said Roxas was on top of his list of possible presidential candidates for 2016. from the Liberal Party.

Roxas, who has fared poorly in most opinion polls, has yet to announce if he will run for president next year.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, also an LP member and Aquino’s senior political adviser, said the President has given LP members the go-signal to go all out in supporting Roxas in his expected run for the 2016 elections.

Liberal Party vice chairman, Senate President Franklin Drilon, said Aquino will not endorse a candidate from outside the party, even though he had met twice with independent Senator Grace Poe. “I think it’s just wishful thinking,

and it will not happen that the President will endorse a candidate who is not from Liberal Party,” said Drilon, Aquino had earlier said he will announce the party’s presidential ticket after he delivers his last State of the Nation Address on July 27.

“The President said he would announce his endorsement, and for now, let it stand that way,” said Drilon, who said he didn’t know what transpired during Aquino’s meeting with Poe at the Palace Wednesday.

Poe confirmed to reporters her second meeting with the President, but said no offer was made for her to run either for president or vice president.

But Poe said it was clear to her that Aquino is pursuing candidates whom he will support in the upcoming elections.

Poe, the No. 1 senator in the last elections, is also doing well in election surveys for the voters’ preference for the next president and vice president.

During Aquino’s first meeting with Poe, the President told the senator the LP is looking for an “alternative candidate” who can continue his straight path program and his campaign against corruption.

Asked to comment on Drilon’s statement Thursday, Poe said: “If they are not open to a non-LP member, that’s their policy.”

When pressed if her being an independent candidate was nonnegotiable, Poe said she felt her independence allowed her to take certain positions without being constrained by a particular party.

“I think that our countrymen will appreciate it more if you maintain your independence. At this point, I think it’s too politically expedient just for the upcoming elections to swear in to a particular party,” she added.

Former senator Panfilo Lacson, who also has expressed his presidential ambitions, said the LP should not look at its members exclusively.

– With Macon ramos-araneta

She said declaring that she would run at this point would be reverting to “personality politics.”

Poe also took a swipe at her detractors for questioning her eligibility to run for president in 2016, saying this brought the issue to the consciousness of the people, and gave her the opportunity to address them.

Poe asserted that she is a Filipino citizen and is qualified to run for President or Vice President, despite assertions by the acting president of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance that she would fail to make the 10-year residency requirement next year.

But some law experts on Thursday maintained that Poe’s travel records showing she used her American passport until 2009 reinforced her ineligibility to seek higher office in 2016.

Former law deans Pacifico Agabin and Amado Valdez said the claim of Poe that she has been a resident of the country since 2006 appears to be untruthful based on immigration records earlier reported in the media.

Agabin and Valdez argued that the computation on Poe’s residency

in the Philippines should commence in 2010, when she renounced her American citizenship, upon accepting her appointment as Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairwoman.

“Her residency presumably started in 2010 upon renunciation of her US citizenship,” Agabin said, in a text message when sought for comment on the issue.

Agabin emphasized that Poe’s use of her US passport during her trips to the Philippines could be indicative of her desire at the time to permanently reside in the US. Valdez shared with Agabin’s opinion, saying the travel records could destroy the credibility of Poe’s claims on her residency.

“These (Immigration) records would prove she is not qualified as per her residency status,” Valdez said.

Valdez said Poe actually renounced her Filipino citizenship when she moved to the US and acquired citizenship there.

“She lost her residency in the Philippines when she established permanent residence in the US,” he

added.

To become a US citizen, one must declare under oath that he or she “absolutely and entirely renounces and abjures all allegiance and fidelity” to one’s former country.

In the same oath, one even has to vow to bear arms on behalf of the United States.

Poe’s use of a US passport as late as 2010 was indicative that she did not consider the Philippines her domicile, Valdez said.

This is because when she traveled using a US passport, the assumption was that she intended to return to her do domicle in the United States, not in the Philippines.

Valdez said because of her reported travel records, Poe “may have lost her opportunity to shed light on her residency issue herself.”

University of the Philippines law professor Harry Roque pointed out that the travel records could be proof that she lied in her certificate of candidacy in the 2013 senatorial polls where she claimed to be a resident of the country for over six years at that time.

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Aquino says he can expand Bangsamoro law by executive order THE President has the power to expand the proposed Bangsamoro entity in Mindanao even without the opt-in close provided for in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law now pending in Congress, President Benigno Aquino III said in Iloilo City.

He said all it would take was an Executive Order to transfer and reorganize the country’s provinces and regions. He said he was able to unite the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental into a single islandregion by issuing an Executive Order. “‘Yung opt-in in particular, meron tayong mga mechanisms in

place that, at some point in time, may probinsiya na gustong sumama to a particular region. Currently, all it takes is an executive order, as what we did with Negros and what was done before my time in several instances,” Aquino said.

He made his statement even as Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., head of the Senate’s local government committee, said he was confident he could convince the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to see the need for changes he would be making on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. In separate statements, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal and Ma-

lacañang again pushed Congress to adopt the draft BBL instead of preparing a substitute bill to what Marcos described as a flawed draft bill.

Marcos said they should be patient and wait for the version they would be drafting.

“They can be sure that we are not taking advantage of them and that we still consider them our partners in peace.

We know that they are a necessary part of that peace process and we cannot do it without them,” Marcos said.

But various Muslim groups on Thursday slamnmed Marcos for proposing a substitute bill to replace

the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Sheik Bin Laden of the Bangsamoro para sa Bayan said he had been talking with many MILF members who had raised concern over the BBL’s non-passage.

“We are afraid of the emergence of suicide bombers in different areas of Mindanao if the BBL is not passed,” he told reporters.

Under the opt-in clause of the proposed BBL, the provinces to the proposed Bangsamoro territory may decide to be part of the political entity through a plebiscite.

But lawmakers are wary of that pro-

vision, warning of a potential “creeping” expansion by the Bangsamoro.

Aquino’s made his statement after the leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate chose to delete from the draft BBL the controversial provision allowing provinces to join the proposed Bangsamoro region after a plebiscite.

The BBL embodies the government’s peace agreement with the MILF. It seeks to create a new Bangsamoro political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Sandy araneta, macon ramos-araneta and rio n. araja

De Lima backs deportation of Sino crime lord By rey E. requejo

JUSTICE Secretary Leila de Lima has upheld the Bureau of Immigration’s summary deportation of suspected Chinese crime lord Wang Bo.

Waving the flag. A street vendor sells flags to motorists along Arellano Street in Davao City on Thursday, the eve of Independence Day celebrations. Omar mangOrsi

Palace halted House Cha-cha bid?

By Christine F. Herrera MALACAÑANG has pressured the House leadership into stopping the economic Charter change bill from being approved on third reading Wednesday night because President Benigno Aquino III had been upset that the House failed to deliver the swift approval of the Palacedrafted Bangsamoro Basic Law, House insiders said Thursday.

But House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. denied he had received a call from the Palace telling him “there can be no Chacha until the BBL is passed.”

Belmonte said the Chacha bill really had no numbers to get passed.

Some 267 lawmakers were present at the plenary that constituted a quorum. The Cha-cha bill needs 217 votes or three-fourths of the 292 members to approve it.

“We had no numbers, simply put,” Belmonte told The Standard.

“Had no connection to BBL at all. We will win the BBL,

especially with no expansion plan, but have to allow longwinded guys to question, otherwise sasabihin ni-railroad.”

Belmonte on Thursday also admitted that his proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions would likely not pas in the 16th Congress.

Both the House and the Senate adjourned sine die Wednesday night, with the House failing to pass Resolution of Bothy Houses No. 1 what was principally authored by Belmonte.

Meanwhile, the majority of Filipinos are unaware of the resolution seeking to amend the Constitution’s economic provisions, a survey by the IBON Foundation said.

The group asked the respondents if they were familiar with Cha-cha, and 61.6 percent answered no while 37.9 percent said they were aware of the proposal.

And the majority of those who were aware of the resolution to amend the Constitution were opposed to it.

During the early evening

of Wednesday, House insiders said the party whips of the ruling Liberal Party were doing the rounds telling the lawmakers, including allies, “Akala niyo panalo na kayo sa BBL ha? Tingnan natin ang Cha-cha niyo mamaya.”

The House insiders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Belmonte received a call from the Palace and that after the call, the Speaker’s face became “very red.”

“The Speaker got angry after the call from the Palace. Ang sama ng mukha ni Speaker. Galit,” the source said.

The source did not name who made that call to the Speaker but only said it was from the Palace.

After the call, the source said the Speaker pulled out the Cha-cha bill, which he principally authored, for approval.

“Only the Speaker can pull out a bill scheduled for approval by the plenary at the last minute,” the source said.

With maricel V. Cruz and sandy araneta

In a 12-page resolution, De Lima set aside the May 21, 2015 resolution of the Board of Commissioners ordering the release of Wang and instead reinstated the March 5, 2015 Summary Deportation Order against Wang.

“Premises considered, the instant appeal is granted,” De Lima said in her resolution.

“Accordingly, the 21 May 2015 Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration is set aside and the 05 March 2015 Summary Deportation Order against Wang, likewise, issued by the [Board of Commissioners) is hereby reinstated,” De Lima’s resolution stated.

De Lima said that while she affirmed the board of commissioners’ earlier resolution to send the 30-year-old Wang back to China, she decided to defer its implementation.

“This case has raised questions and issues on how it was handled by the officials of the Bureau of Immigration, thus adding fuel to the media reports of alleged

bribery in this case . . . The suspicious circumstances surrounding the delay in the implementation and eventual reversal of the Summary Deportation Order need to be investigated in order to determine if indeed the allegations of bribery that have been reported in the media are true,” De Lima said.

“On the other hand, if said allegations are baseless and unfounded, the investigation shall affirm that the innocent are free from any liability.”

De Lima said Wang’s presence in the country might still be required since he might be called to appear before the House of Representatives on the issue of Wang’s alleged bribery of some legislators to convince them to vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Wang has been detained at the Bureau of Immigration in Taguig City since Feb. 10 upon his arrival from Malaysia. The Chinese Embassy sought the bureau’s assistance in apprehending Wang, saying he was wanted for illegal gambling and that his passport had been canceled.

Wang, employed at the ELC Technology Consulting Co. Inc. based in the Cagayan Economic Zone, will remain in the bureau’s custody while his case is pending with the Justice Department.

His name was also automatically placed in the BI’s blacklist, which means he will be barred from returning to the country.

still hopeful. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said Thursday he was still hopeful that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law would be approved in the House and in the Senate. Danny Pata

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Marcos tells Malacañang: I won’t let Purisima go Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rebuffed the appeal of Malacañang for him to leave resigned Philippine national Police chief alan Purisima alone.

Anti-China protest. Memembers of Akbayan hold a protest action against China’s continued reclamation in the West Philippines Sea at the Quezon Memorial Circle Thursday. LINO SANTOS

MILF to yield 1st batch of guns

By John Paolo Bencito MoRo Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said the rebel group will start decommissioning its first batch of 55 high-powered and 20 crew-served weapons and 145 combatants on June 16.

President Benigno Aquino III will witness the symbolic turnover at the old Capitol Site in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The firearms will then be transferred to a facility in Barira town under the supervision of the Independent Decommissioning Body which is composed of three foreign experts from Turkey, Norway, and Brunei and four local experts jointly nominated by both the government and the MILF. “This is just the start of the de-

commissioning process, which the MILF has committed to undertake as a show of its sincerity to peace building,” government chief negotiator Miriam Ferrer said.

Ferrer said the symbolic decommissioning “shows the continued commitment of the parties to bring peace” even as the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law remains pending before Congress.

Iqbal said the 145 combatants who will be decommissioned mostly come from the Iranud and Maguindanao tribes.

The combatants will undergo registration, verification and validation, after which they will be provided immediate cash assistance of P25,000 and Philhealth cards.

Ferrer said medium to long-term socio-economic interventions are

also on the pipeline and will be handled by the Task Force on Decommissioned Combatants and Communities.

“We are serious and seeking to comply with our obligations,” Iqbal said.

The MILF leader also renewed his appeal to lawmakers to hasten the passage of the BBL. “We do hope that it will be sooner rather than later. If they can do it faster – the timeline for decommissioning and tracks of normalization will happen faster,” he added.

Iqbal described the decommissioning process as the “ultimate sacrifice” on the part of MILF combatants.

“The decommissioning is very difficult decision, but we want to do this to attain lasting peace in Mindanao,” he said.

Marcos earlier urged President Benigno Aquino III to fire Purisima and charge him in court for the botched oplan exodus that left 44 members of the PNPSpecial Action Force dead in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.

But presidential spokesman edwin Lacierda said Marcos’ call made no sense as Purisima no longer holds any position in Camp Crame.

“What leave Purisima alone? he is answerable to the families of the SAF 44 and all of his own policemen for all the blunders he committed in oplan exodus,” Marcos said.

Purisima filed a 30-day leave of absence that took effect on Wednesday, the same day that a six-month preventive suspension slapped against him by the office of the ombudsman ended.

Marcos said he has no intention of giving Purisima a break, adding that the death of the 44 police commandos remain his worst nightmare. “how can we say that we gave justice when the person who was most responsible in the death of their fathers, of their sibling, or son, has no accountability? Leave him alone?

No, we cannot leave him

alone,” he said. “his strong grip (kapittuko) on his 4-star general rank has been the hindrance to organizing the command structure ng PNP,” Marcos added. had he not filed the leave, Purisima would report on a daily basis to the PNP’s Personal holding and Administrative Unit for accounting purposes, a policy imposed on any police personnel with a floating status.

Marcos said Purisima should be charged for usurpation of authority or official functions, violating the chain of command, gross misconduct, and negligence.

Purisima resigned as PNP chief on February 9 following the public outcry over his involvement in the Mamasapano operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin hir, alias Marwan. he was earlier placed under preventive suspension by the ombudsman after he was charged with plunder for alleged irregularities in the PNP contract with license courier Werfast Documentary Agency.

Purisima still has about 1,000 days leave credits until his mandatory retirement on November 21 when he reaches the age of 56.

‘Standard’ is year’s best paper

By Sandy Araneta The Standard bagged the “Newspaper of the Year” Award during yesterday’s Rotary Club of Manila 2015 Journalism Awards.

The prestigious award was received by The Standard’s chairman Philip Romualdez, president Arnold Liong and editor-inchief Jojo Robles.

Antonio Lopez, president of BizNews Asia and columnist of The Standard, received the special award for journalism.

The Rotary Club of Manila said The Standard, which started as Manila Standard in February 1987, won the award for its hard-hitting and exclusive stories and columns, including the participation of resigned Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima in the Mamasapano debacle and the alleged payola for the passage of the proposed

Bangsamoro Basic Law. The Standard was also cited for its new innovative format as the country’s only tallboy-sized daily and interactive digital platform.

“Journalists do not only document events; it is their inquisitive minds and the courage to probe and ask the important questions and their fortitude in finding the answers that keep our public officials true to their occupation of serving the people,” said Senator Grace Poe who gave the keynote speech.

“A strong, untainted and objective media is important in our drive against corruption...They provide the magnifying glass in which we can examine issues from all sides. The catalyst in changing laws, and regulations so they may become more responsive to the needs of the people,” Poe added.

Foundation Day. A participant in the Sampiro de Makati Festival commemorating Makati City’s 345th foundation day joins the event’s grand parade in front of City Hall on Thursday.

DIANA B. NOCHE

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Gun control law deals telling blow to industry

By Francisco Tuyay

Children of coal. Residents of Happy Land and Brgy.105 in Tondo, Manila stage a protest rally on Thursday June 11 at a coal storage facility to demand the immediate pull-out of the coal dust stockpiles and shudown of the facility near residential communities. DANNY PATA

Garbage smuggling rampant—coalition

By Joel E. Zurbano Customs commissioner Alberto Lina has been asked by an ecology group to look into garbage smuggling in the country, saying the Philippines is fast becoming a global disposal site.

The Ecowaste Coalition came up with the appeal after another shipment of 48 container vans loaded with “plastic scraps” arrived in four batches in December 2013 and January 2014 at the Manila International Container Port in North Harbor from Canada.

The shipments are consigned to a company based in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Ecowaste national coordina-

tor Aileen Lucero said they asked Customs officials to inspect the container vans to determine the real contents.

“In the spirit of transparency, we request your office to disclose your findings so far. If the planned inspection has not yet taken place, we suggest that the inspection be conducted in the presence of the media and the civil society,” Lucero said.

“Would it be the same, or even

worst, than what the authorities uncovered in the still unsettled case of illegal Canadian garbage shipments consigned to Chronic Plastics ?,” asked Lucero, referring to the separate case of the 50 40-foot container vans of hazardous waste, which were abandoned at the MICP. The 50 container vans arrived in separate dates in July and August 2013. The shipper -- Chronic Inc. – based at 95 regency Crescent Whtby, ontario, Canada -- declared the shipment in its import document as plastic scraps.

But examiners inspected the container vans and discovered the vans containing more than 891,000 kilos of heterogenous scrap plastic materials that authorities claimed to be hazardous waste.

“We reiterate our request to the Bureau of Customs to pay keen attention to the entry of materials described as recyclable plastic scraps, which could be a smokescreen for the illegal entry of residual wastes collected from households,” said Lucero.

The group said it was aware of the Customs’ role together with the Environmental Management Bureau, in ensuring compliance to the Basel Convention and environmental laws such as republic Act 6969 and republic Act 9003. r.A. 6969, or the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, prohibits the “importation of hazardous and nuclear wastes in any part of the Philippines.”

THE local firearms industry has suffered a major loss owing to the stringent regulations under the new gun control law being enforced by the Philippine National Police particularly the provisions of the License to own and Possess Firearms.

The Association of Firearms and Ammunitions Dealers under its president Jocelyn GutierrezJose claimed that firearms sales plunges sharply last year after the Implementing rules and regulations (Irr) for republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition regulation Act takes effect last December 2013.

The new gun control law calls for stricter requirements before gun owners can obtain an LToPF. AFAD president Jocelyn Gutierrez Jose said the stricter rules and regulations forced firearms dealers to shut down their businesses causing the displacement of several dozens of employees and workers.

Many firearms dealers closed shop in 2014. Employees lost their jobs as sales plunged by 90 percent, Jose said. “That’s how bad the situation was last year,” Gutierrez-Jose told reporters at the sidelines of the opening of the five-day Defense and Sporting Arms Show at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Government revenues derived from licensing fees at the Firearms and Explosives office in Camp Crame also took a hit as only a few dealers managed to satisfy the required documentation, a prerequisite for the issuance of an LToPF. At present, the PNP has only approved and issued LToPF’s to 50,000 individuals and registered some 170,000 firearms, a figured comparatively low based on the 1.7 million estimated firearms license holders in the country.

This developed as the PNP moved to revise the Irr to ease the rules on acquisition of LToPF.

Justices’ SALNs made public

By Rey E. Requejo For the first time, the Supreme Court has released through the Internet the justices’ statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) for 2014, showing that Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza is the richest magistrate in the 15-member bench, dislodging his fellow Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo.

A summary of SALNs for 2014 released by the SC Public Information office yesterday, showed that Jardeleza had a total net worth of P244,413,320.16 with no liabilities.

Jardeleza filed his SALN jointly with his wife Concepcion Jardeleza.

The SALNs showed that Jardeleza’s real properties were worth P58,937,363 million, while his personal property had a total value

of P185,475,957.6 million.

Jardeleza, the most junior member of the high court, was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III on August 19, 2014.

Prior to Jardeleza’s entry into the tribunal, Justice del Castillo was the richest member of the Court with his SALN showing a net worth of P122,217,723.13 in 2013.

For 2014, del Castillo’s SALN showed a total net worth of P130,906,517.36 with liabilities totaling to P669,202.58.

Del Castillo’s SALN included the assets of his wife Dean Cynthia roxas-del Castillo.

Their net worth increased by P8.68 million from 2013 to 2014.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno declared a net worth of P19,584,104,13 with P574,409.01 liabilities. Her net worth grew by P571,456.13.

Police Director General Danilo Constantino(right) scrutinizes the “UTAS 12 Gauge shotgun while Jetro Dionisio, owner of the P.B.Dionisio Enterprises, looks on during the AFAD Defense and Sporting Arms show held at the Mega Trade Hall of SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City. MANNY PALMERO

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Kentex contractor told: Pay up

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Labor and Employment has ordered the sub-contractor of fire-hit Kentex Manufacturing Corporation to pay 99 workers P8.3 million in benefits.

Shabu in SUV. Quezon City policemen led by Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao inspect the 45 kilos of illegal drugs(shabu) valued at P225 million seized from a Hyundai SUV during a buy-bust operation at the corner of West Avenue and Bulacan Street in Barangay Philamlife. Arrested were suspects Gary Go, 54-year-old businessman, and Sierralyn Borromeo, 25 . MANNY PALMERO Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

InvItatIon to BId for tHE SUPPLY, dELIvErY and InStaLLatIon of data CaPtUrE PortaL and aUdIt SErvICES for tHE aSSEt InforMatIon ManaGEMEnt ProGraM (aIMP) 1. The DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE (DOF), through the Government of the Philippines under the General Appropriations Act for CY 2015, intends to apply the sum of Five Million Pesos (PhP 5,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Data Capture Portal and Audit Services for the Asset Information Management Program (AIMP) (the “Project”). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The DOF, through its Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC), now invites Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) registered contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Data Capture Portal and Audit Services for the Asset Information Management Program (AIMP). Bidders should have completed, within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project which is equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC for the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (R-IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

However, only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

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

5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the SBAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex, corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. St. Roxas Boulevard, Manila starting June 15, 2015 during office hours.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on June 15, 2015 at the General Services Division, 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex, corner Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Roxas Blvd., Manila upon payment of a non-refundable fee Five Thousand Pesos (PhP 5,000.00).

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

6. The schedule of bidding activities is as follows:

ACTIVITIES

SCHEDULE

Posting of Invitation to Bid

June 12, 2015

Issuance and Availability of Bid Documents

Starting June 15, 2015

Pre-Bid Conference

June 19, 2015, 10:00 am

Request for Clarification

June 21, 2015 (by email)

Issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletin

June 24, 2015

Deadline for Submission of Bids

July 1, 2015, 9:45 am

Opening of Bids

July 1, 2015, 10:00 am

numerous labor laws including underpayment of minimumwages, non-payment of COLA, non-payment of 13th month pay for the year 2014, non-payment of holiday pay and special holiday premium, illegal deduction of cash bond of P100.00 per week, and nonmembership of workers and non-remittance of premiums to the SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-Ibig Fund despite deductions on pay.

She said the company was not registered under Department Order No. 18-A in Region 3.

“It also found out that there was no written service agreement between Kentex Manufacturing Corporation and CJC Manpower Services.

There was also no employment contract between CJC Manpower Services and workers deployed at Kentex Manufacturing Corporation. The workers are also not enlisted as members of SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-Ibig,” Baldoz said.

NBI exec tagged in Bilibid deals

By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Leila de Lima on Thursday revealed that an official of the National Bureau of Investigation has been implicated in the smuggling of contrabands into the detention facility housing the 19 high-profile inmates being kept in isolation following a crackdown on contrabands in the national penitentiary early this year.

De Lima said a witness has confessed that

authorities were bribed by his fellow convicts to be able to get cellular phones.

However, De Lima did not identify the witness, but confirmed that he is one of the inmates.

She said the highprofile inmates, mostly convicted drug traffickers, paid P1.5 million to three to four agents tasked to regularly search and check the facility allegedly for every use of cellphones.

“There is an indication that these three

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the public that Wakuto Philippines Inc. located at 16H Burgundy Corporate Tower, 525 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, Metro Manila w/ TIN 008-685-761 & SEC#201400205, registered on 1/7/14 will be closing its business effective May 12, 2015.

(TS-MAY 29, JUNE 5/12, 2015)

th

7. Bids must be delivered at the 7 Floor, EDPC Building cor. P. Ocampo Sr. St., Manila on or before July 1, 2015, 9:45 am. The bidders shall drop their duly accomplished eligibility requirements, technical and financial proposals in two (2) separate envelopes in the bid box located at the 7th Floor, General Services Division, EDPC Building, cor. P. Ocampo Sr. St., Malate Manila. All the Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the Instructions to Bid (ITB) Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on the date indicated above at the DFG Conference Room, 4th Floor DOF Building. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.

“LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.” 8. The DOF reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9. For further information, please refer to: Lilia R. Tan, Head - SBAC Secretariat Department of Finance SBAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo, Sr. Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila Telephone No.: 526-8475 Telefax No.: 525-4227 Email Address: ltan@dof.gov.ph (SGD) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and DOF-SBAC Chairman (TS-JUNE.12, 2015)

Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz directed DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione to serve the order to CJC Manpower Services, the subcontractor of rubber footwear maker Kentex, which recently caught fire, resulting in the death of 72 workers .

“Finally, our regional office in San Fernando, Pampanga had served the compliance order to CJC after its joint assessment team had found out that the sub-contractor owes 99 workers of Kentex Manufacturing a total of P8.3 million in unpaid benefits, a million pesos higher than the region’s initial estimate. The team had also discovered other blatant labor law violations,” said Baldoz.

The department also discovered that the subcontractor was engaged in the prohibited activity of “laboronly contracting.”

The DoLE likewise warned other applicants, employers and companies from hiring the services of CJC. Baldoz said the CJC violated

(TS-JUNE.12, 2015)

agents are working for an (NBI) official.

They’re probably taking orders from the official,” the Justice Secretary added.

According to De Lima, witness has already been placed under witness protection program for security reasons.

De Lima said she wanted to know why contrabands were brought in when supposed stringent measures were already put in place.

She explained that custodians from the Bu-

reau of Corrections (BuCor) are manning the detention center of the inmates, but NBI agents were tasked to regularly inspect the facility.

De Lima met with the witness when she personally inspected the facility last Wednesday evening.

De Lima reiterated that she has directed the BuCor to expedite the renovation of Bldg. 14 at the NBP in Muntinlupa City where the 19 inmates would be brought.

Ferrari buyer faces P16.8 -m tax evasion THE Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday filed a tax evasion complaint with the Department of Justice against Rex Pepito Cortez, a resident of Sto. Domingo, Albay who owned a Ferrari FF Coupe.

Cortez allegedly bought a 2013 model Ferrari FF on December 4, 2013 valued at P15.41 million . He subsequently sold the same car on March 24, 2014 for P33 million, the BIR said cited records from the Land Transportatiion Office on East Avenue, Quezon City.

Cortez is not a registered business taxpayer and has no available records of any income

and value added taxes he filed for taxable years 2007 to 2014, according to the BIR . Despite the acquisition of the luxury car in 2013 and revenue received from the sale of that car, Cortez did not file any income tax return for 2013 and 2014.

As a result of his acts and omissions, Cortez was sued for an aggregate deficiency income tax liability amounting to P16.88 million, including surcharges and interests.

The case against Cortez is the 366th filed under the RATE program of the BIR under Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares.

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news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Lawmaker wants Muslims, indigenous peoples in boards of state college boards

By Maricel V. Cruz A lAwmAker has filed a bill giving muslims and indigenous groups membership in the governing bodies of state universities and colleges.

Party-list rep. Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman of Anak mindanao said House Bill 5786 seeks to amend republic Act 8292, also known as the “Higher education modernization Act of 1997.”

Turabin-Hataman said muslims and indigenous groups are not represented in the governing body of SUCs. “If they are, they represent not the muslims and indigenous groups but their constituents, such as alumni president, faculty president and president

of the Student Council,” the lawmaker, who is vicechairperson of the House committee on muslim Affairs, added.

Turabin-Hataman said representation in Boards of regents or Boards of Trustees remains low despite the fact that there is a huge number of muslim students enrolled in these SUCs. Under the bill, the head of the National Commission on muslim Filipinos shall automatically sit in all these governing boards of SUCs where muslim students’ population is significant.

The head of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples shall also sit in all governing boards of SUCs where there is significant number of indigenous students.

Pagadian City scraps pageant, uses money to help fire victims Big fish. Stevedores carry

fresh catch of tuna fish at the General Santos Fish Port.

REVOLI CORTEZ

Pangasinan enhances heritage, links with UP

By Dexter A. See

LINGAYEN—The provincial government of Pangasinan is teaming up with the University of the Philippines to enhance its linguistic and cultural heritage.

Governor Amado T. espino, Jr. has been authorized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to sign a memorandum of Understanding with UP President Alfredo e. Pascual for the planning and implementation of various projects which help preserve, promote and propagate the language and culture of the province.

In his sponsorship speech during the regular SP session held on June 8 here, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr, SP Committee Chairperson on Tourism, Arts and Culture, said that Pangasinan has embarked on significant developments in language and culture preservation for the past six years. “we have been establishing efforts in

establishing identity and even making a mark in history books for Pangasinan to be well known not only to fellow Pangasinenses, but also to the entire country,” Calimlim stressed.

The state university’s capability and expertise shall help the provincial government in planning and implementing projects such as the Pangasinan Studies Center, historical and cultural mapping and inventory of the province and the 44 towns and 4 cities, and other projects as stipulated in the mOU. Calimlim said that UP academics which include Dr. Prospero “Popo” De Vera have expressed willingness to help Pangasinan on worthy endeavors relevant to language and culture preservation.

efforts in renewing Pangasinan’s historic past started after a historically acceptable date for the founding of the province was approved. The very first celebration of Agew na Pangasinan was staged in April 5, 2010.

Other efforts to reinvigorate Pangasinan language and culture were accomplished: creation of Pangasinan and Historical Commission (PHCC); launching of I love Pangasinan movement; approval of “luyag mi Tan Yaman” as official Pangasinan Hymn; institutionalization of Pangasinan Orthography; staging of “Balitok A Tawir,” Pangasinan’s official Culture and Arts Festival and “Asin ed Asinan” cultural production; and the production of first Pangasinan History AVP. A history book of Pangasinan entitled “Pinablin Dalin” was also published and officially launched along with the presentation of the first anthology book of “kurit Panlunggaring,” Pangasinan’s official literary contest, during the Agew na Pangasinan celebration last April 5.

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—The City Tourism Council has cancelled this year’s Search for miss Pagadian beauty pageant, one of the activities of the 46th founding anniversary of this city, celebrated between June 16 and June 21. engineer leonila Sisona, beauty pageant steering committee chairperson, said Tuesday the committee canceled the search in deference to the plight of the 2,000 families from the two coastal barangays here who were victims of a fire.

The four-hour fire hit barangays San Pedro and Santiago and razed some 1,500 houses on June 1.

“It would be awkward to have fun while a lot of people are suffering,” Sisona said, saying the P1 million allocated for the pageant would go instead to the fire victims.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) placed the estimated worth of property damaged to P20 million. A septuagenarian man was killed while his wife was injured during the fire.

The fire victims are temporarily housed at this city’s gymnasium, Plaza luz covered court, Barangay kawit covered court, and San Pedro elementary School. PNA

Big moves. Department of Health official Eric Tayag leads the Hataw fitness dance inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City. OMAR MANGORSI

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ADELLE chuA edITOR F R I D AY, J u N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

opinion

Independence day

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Celebrating the country’s independence Day in this modern age is a reminder of who we are as a nation. Filipinos declared their independence from Spain 117 years ago today after 400 years of Spanish bondage. This nation gained freedom from its colonial rulers after a bloody revolution and fought for it again during World War ii.

Filipinos of today, hopefully, may not confront aggressive nations, but the past reminds us that we must be vigilant and protect the gains we have earned since our forefathers

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proclaimed independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.

Proclaiming independence, too, involves responsibility. Many Filipino leaders have fallen short of their responsibility to effectively govern and inspire the people.

The nation as a result has failed to live up to the promise of a better life and a progressive community. The country has lagged behind its asian neighbors, as past Filipino leaders tolerated corruption, ignored the basic needs of the poor and enriched themselves. today’s celebration be-

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comes timely as the nation starts preparing for the election of a new leader in 2016, when President benigno aquino iii steps down from office. the Filipinos of today should task the future leader and those after him or her to deliver on their promises to generate jobs, eliminate poverty and promote justice.

Filipino voters must be reminded that the next government has the responsibility to provide for the poor through health care and educational services, increase the income in the rural areas and narrow

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

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the gap between the rich and the poor.

President aquino at the outset of his term referred to the people as his bosses, whom his government must serve and provide for. Mr. aquino has failed in totally addressing the needs of the Filipinos, as many remain jobless and homeless.

The poverty incidence has not gone down and millions of Filipinos still prefer to seek jobs abroad in the absence of better opportunities here. independence, indeed, must eventually be equated with progress on all fronts.

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

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Globe Business, PEF set free Phil. eagle “Pamana” on Independence Day

F

Set to take flight: Philippine Eagle “Pamana” will fly to freedom on Independence Day to its natural habitat, thanks to the efforts of Globe Business and the PEF

IRING up the spirit of national pride and environmental consciousness on Independence Day, a national symbol will be released to its natural habitat on June 12, 2015 as Globe Business continues to manifest its commitment to the sustainability and conservation of our country’s biodiversity with its partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

Considered a story of success in giving a highly-endangered national treasure a second lease in life, the enterprise ICT arm of Globe Telecom and the PEF will reintroduce Pamana to its new habitat in Mt. Hamiguitan Range, Davao Oriental. The event will be a celebration of a successful tie-up between a business entity and a non-government organization working together for the protection and conservation of the country’s natural resources.

“As an ecologically-responsible company, we take pride in finding opportunities to show our genuine care for the Philippine environment as well as the creatures which thrive within them, such as our collaboration with the PEF. As Pamana takes flight on the most important day of our nationhood, we also hope to fire up the spirit of pride and environmental consciousness among Filipinos as individuals, as well as being the sentinels of Mother Nature within the industries they work for,” said Globe Senior Vice President for the Enterprise Group Nikko Acosta.

On the other hand, PEF Director Dennis Salvador acknowledged that, “We are very glad to have partnered with Globe Business in protecting the environment this side of the country. Taking care of Pamana as well as our environs in Mindanao together for three years is proof to everyone that it is possible to have a synergy between the private sector and groups such as the PEF for the higher good of our environment.”

According to the PEF, the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “critically endangered,” or facing severe habitat loss, an extreme fluctuating population, and the possibility of future generations not seeing them in the wild. With a conservative estimate of only about 1,000 individual eagles remaining, the Philippine Eagle faces continued threats of shooting, hunting, trapping, and deforestation that further threaten its dwindling population.

In 2012, Pamana was retrieved in Iligan City and turned over to the PEF after suffering two gunshot wounds: one on its left breast and another on its left wing. It was immediately brought to the Phil. Eagle Center in Davao City where it was treated until full recovery for three years. The eagle was deemed to have been a target for possible poaching, as its severed talons may fetch up to US$200 a pair. Its other parts, including the feathers, wings and head, are also valuable items sold in the black market, where a whole body of the raptor may sell for US$1,000, according to various websites.

“For an endangered species like the Philippine eagle, every individual

Working to save the Phil. eagle. From left: Globe Business Head of

Marketing Gerry Soler, Phil. Eagle Foundation Exec. Director Dennis Salvador and Globe Corporate Social Responsibility Director Bong Esguerra counts. Thus, the ultimate goal of our rescue and rehabilitation is to eventually release them back in the wild where they belong. These released raptors will help augment wild populations by replacing old and dying individuals. Pamana’s reintroduction to the area will hopefully contribute to increasing and improving its population once it finds its mate and breeds,” Salvador pointed out.

Meanwhile, Acosta confirmed that this year, Globe Business will continue its support PEF through an additional P500,000 grant in the aforementioned areas of work to ensure that more Philippine eagles like Pamana can be cared for and eventually set free in the wild. In their threeyear partnership, total funding by Globe Business to PEF has reached about P1.2 million. The head of Globe Business also noted that engaging Philippine corporations to similar causes for the environment can create a greater scale and impact for conservation programs.

To support the advocacy of PEF in caring for endangered eagles, donations may be coursed through Globe Rewards points of 40, 20, 10 and 5 by texting DONATE <space> PAMANA <amount> and send to 4438. One can also donate through GCash: dial *143#, select GCash in the menu (key-in “10” and press “Send”), select “More” in the menu (key in “10” and press “Send”), select “Donate” in the menu (key-in “3” and press “Send”), enter the amount to be donated, enter MPIN, select “More” in the menu (key-in “9” and press “Send”), then select “PEF” as the chosen charity (key-in “5” and press “Send”).

A10 INDEPENDENCE IF BY “independent state” one means “sovereign PENSEES state” then, by the reckoning of international law, FR. RANHILIO we were not independent CALLANGAN on June 12, 1898. We AQUINO claimed independence, to be sure -- and proclaimed it, but of the necessary elements of a government in effective control and capacity for foreign relations, there are, at best, very serious doubts. If sovereignty means more than a mere claim to be sovereign, then from Spain, sovereignty passed to the United States by virtue of the Treaty of Paris. This says nothing at all of the heroism and gallantry of those who asserted our independence and boldly proclaimed it -- although there was intrigue and backstabbing aplenty in their ranks. It has to do rather with the characterization of international law.

But there will hardly be any disputing the fact that one of the presuppositions of statehood had been born -- a sense of “nation.”

When Lapu-Lapu felled Magellan and humbled Spanish pride at Mactan, he did not do so out of a sense of “nationhood.” It is absurd to suggest even that he was defending the sovereignty of the nation, of which he had utterly no sense. He was some kind of neighborhood toughie which explains why the chieftain of a neighboring tribe had turned to the white man for succor. Much the same thing can be said of Soliman who heroically fought to repulse the strangers in defense of his fiefdom by the Pasig. Nick Joaquin is right: We owe it to the Spaniards who, from Luzon to Mindanao -- yes, Mindanao -- dealt with the us as “Las Islas Filipinas” and so gelled us, in all our ethnic and linguistic diversity, into one. We then started thinking of ourselves as “one nation,” indios perhaps but bravos nonetheless!

It is interesting to read the “Acta de la proclamacion de la independencia del pueblo Filipino” in the original Spanish. “Pueblo These strains Filipino” undeniably manishow themselves fests that consciousness of nationhood without which in our laws, in a people cannot even claim our traditions, to be a state. But of equal interest to me was what this in our fiestas, in particular proclamation inour language, in stalled: “Admitimos, aprobamos y confirmamos con las our dispositions dispociones emanades de elindividually and las, la Dictadura constituida collectively—and in por Don Emilio Aguinaldo a quien acatamos como Jefe the color of our skin. Supremo de esta Nacion que empieza ya hoy a tener vida propia, por creer haber sido el instrumento elegido por Dios...”. These could very well have been the very terms by which the Roman Senate surrendered its powers to Caesarian dictatorship! So the proclamation purported to remove us from Spanish dominion, rejected American importuning, and proclaimed the dictatorship of one who was lauded as the Divine instrument!

One of the interesting paradoxes of our time is that a state’s independence is supported in considerable measure not by national conceit but by interdepenence. The proud states of Europe that fought many a war to draw and re-draw state boundaries and borders gave up a hefty portion of their sovereignty to achieve the European Union. Besides subordinating their domestic legal systems to community law, they have adopted a single currency. And we, in Asean, may not go that particular way of unity, but, in agreeing on an Integrated Asean, we have opted for porous and permeable borders so as to make them, in several respects, largely impertinent. And that is mainly what the problem with such problematic entities as Palestine, and even Taiwan consists in: Their claims to independence are not supported by the necessary network of interdependencies and, in that measure, are isolated.

I must conclude these Independence Day reflections with one more point. Just as a person will never go very far who cannot fruitfully appropriate his past to project his future, so it is with a nation that cannot be reconciled with its colonial past. I find kinship once more with Nick Joaquin. It is fallacious to search the highlands and the isolated settlements and hamlets of the archipelago for the “true Filipino”. In the narrative of today’s Filipino, the centuries of Spanish presence and the decades of American rule are writ large!

F R I D AY, J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

LEGISLATING PENSION INCREASES THE Social Security Act that was pines must have been caught offapproved on June 18, 1954 and its guard; otherwise it would have FILIPINO amended versions provided SSS PENSIONER strongly opposed this measure. not only the legal means but also Consistently arguing that the HORACE the obligation to increase penemployers and investors would TEMPLO sions. That it is failing to do so has eventually shoulder the cost of now become obvious. enhancing pensions, it would not admit that most Congress has delegated this power to SSS, pension contributions come not from capital but which has gotten the full credit for pension in- from revenues that laborers generate through creases during the entire 61 years of its existence. their sweat and blood.

The President and Congress have gotten, if ever, If ever this proposal becomes a law – which is partial credits only. now improbable during PNoy’s presidency - the For instance, while President Gloria Macapa- minimum monthly pension will become P3,200 gal-Arroyo approved that ten-percent pension in- from the present P1,200. This is still inferior, crease on September 1, 2007, everybody thanked however, to the P5,000 minimum pension of the SSS for having recommended this in observance Government Service Insurance System for state of its 50th anniversary of start of operations. employees.

But since then, how many times have pensions Submitted only last May 4, Bam’s proposal apbeen increased? Only once last year when PNoy pears original and innovative. In essence, howevapproved an SSS recommendation for a 5-percent er, it is but an improved hybrid of government’s increase. financing scheme for PhilHealth, the indigent seSSS thus can’t complain against true pro-peo- nior citizen’s social pension of P500, and the conple legislators - Congressman Neri Colmenares ditional cash transfer program. and Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre AquiGovernment pays under PhilHealth the entire no IV - for proposing measures that would put contributions of indigent sponsored members the SSS pension program back into relevancy. while under the other programs, it pays for both SSS should be thankful, in fact, that unlike pub- administration and benefit costs through the Delicity-seeking legislators, Neri and Bam are not cas- partment of Social Welfare and Development. tigating its officials for their apathy or incompetence Bam has noted that “only 6.5 percent of the 12 via public hearings. Instead, they are legislating new million self-employed Filipinos are paying their measures into the 1954 Social Security Act. SSS contributions” and most remain outside the At the House of Representatives, Neri has sim- SSS coverage. ply proposed to increase the SSS monthly penHis bill thus aims to benefit these outsidsions by P5,000. ers - farmers, fishermen, market and street venNeri - a Bayan Muna Partylist Representative - dors, tricycle drivers and, of course, his “millions was one of the youngest political prisoners during of micro business owners” - who earn less than the Marcos martial law years. An economics grad- P100,000 annually. uate from San Beda and a lawyer trained at the As if fearful of touching our tax payments, University of the Philippines, he has also earned these government contributions would come a doctorate degree in law from the University of from “sinful” revenues of the Philippine Charity Melbourne while lecturing at its law school.

Sweepstakes Office, the Philippine Amusement At the Senate, Bam has proposed “An Act Pro- and Gaming Corporation and the incremental viding for Enhanced Social Protection for the revenues from the sales of cigarettes and liquors.

Working Poor and Providing Funds Therefor” Sad to say, Bam’s bill - at its best - is only anwhich he has given the shorter title “Working other financing scheme that is still in its gestation Poor Protection Act of 2015.” He omitted the key stage. words “social security” in the title, but his proHe has only outlined the essential schedule of posal would obligate government to match the government share, and by leaving out the craft“contribution of the working poor to SSS, the ing of the implementing rules and regulations to same way an employer matches the contribution government agencies and officials, he has uninof their employees.” tentionally given us an open-ended program.

Bam is our youngest senator presently. A fullBut who knows, his proposed government fiblooded Atenean, he graduated as class valedicto- nancing measure may yet become the eventual rian from its high school and summa cum laude mechanism by which SSS pensions could be infrom its Management Engineering program. He creased without burdening further its self-emhas also taken up the Leadership and Public Pol- ployed, employee and employer members. icy course of Harvard’s Kennedy School of GovCongress and PNoy have yet to approve Neri’s ernment. and Bam’s bills in less than a year before next Surely, their sincerity to improve the public year’s presidential election but their enactments good and full understanding of the impact and are still possible if PNoy were only to dictate on consequences of their measures are unquestion- Congress. After all, they would be more well-reable. They are not the type of legislators who file ceived compared to that certified-urgent bill on useless bills just to earn “pogi” points. the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Predictably, SSS opposed Neri’s proposed Yet, even if they were not approved - if indeed P5,000 across-the-board pension increase on the PNoy has already become a lame duck president ground of financial viability. However, it reluc- - they could still be re-submitted and deliberated tantly relented to an increase of P2,000, which the more thoroughly in the next Congress. This way, House immediately approved on second reading they could gain nationwide acceptance as an allast June 4. ternative and viable strategy to address our social The Employers’ Confederation of the Philip- security financing needs.

These strains show themselves in our laws, in our traditions, in our fiestas, in our language, in our dispositions individually and collectively—and in the color of our skin. There is no such thing as the “typical Filipino color,” for, of mestizos we expectedly have many, whether these be Spanish, American or Chinese. All are typical of the Filipino, for such is the story that is told of our nation. When

we can accept these as chapters of our collective narrative not in resentment nor in regret but as the facticities to which we return as we make the future come to pass, then are we in fact independent! rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

F R I D AY, J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

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WAR ZONE dominant in number of missiles, both in number and capability of those missiles. A US missile can carry eight to 14 nuclear warheads. The Chinese, just one, although they are trying to obtain a multiple warhead capability.

So China has done the next GRADUALLY but inevitably, the South China Sea is emerging best thing – move its territory as the new war zone that could farther south of its southerndraw the world’s largest armed most island Hainan, towards the forces and richest powers into South China Sea. It has thus an endless dispute over reefs and claimed and occupied reefs in features that half of the time used this sea and built garrisons on to be underwater before China them, the equivalent of unsinkentered Asia’s most important able aircraft carriers.

Seven Manila-claimed reefs maritime waters.

The world’s two biggest armed or features have been taken over forces and economic powers will by China – Subi (Zamora), Fiery do battle in the area – the United Cross (Kagitingan), and CuarStates, richest country in nomi- teron (Calderon) at the outernal GDP and the only military most west of the Philippines’ superpower so far, and China, 200-mile Exclusive Economic richest nation in GDP purchas- Zone. China then goes further ing power parity. The US has inward to the east near the Philbecome impatient with China’s ippine mainland by taking over four more – Gaven, Johnson, territory-grabbing spree.

China and the US need not Chigua, and Mischief or Panshoot at each other directly. ganiban Reef.

In 2009, China published its They can do so through proxies; the US through Japan and nine-dash line map. The dashes the Philippines, which will make create a U-shape from then Paraus, Filipinos, cannon fodder. At cel Islands off the coasts of Laos, stake – dominance and leader- Cambodia, and 36 to 50 nautical ship in Asia, a crown China used miles off Vietnam, moving down to James Shoal near Malaysia, to wear five centuries ago.

The US has ten aircraft car- going up to 46 miles from the riers, two in reserve and three Spratlys near the Sulu Sea, further under construction. China has north, up to 46 nautical miles near just one aircraft carrier but plans Scarborough Shoal, still northto build three more so that it will ward up to 19 miles off main Luhave more aircraft carriers than zon island, and finally north near England (three). At 2.3 mil- Pratas Island, just below Taiwan.

The U-shape dashes contain lion, China’s army is twice that of the US. But the US is clearly at least 2 million square kilo-

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

meters of maritime space – an area equivalent to 22 percent of mainland China’s land area, more than 60 percent of the South China Sea area. The area includes three groups of land features or reefs – Paracel, Spratlys, and Scarborough Reef.

In May this year, after months of playing it safe like an innocent bystander, the US finally expressed impatience with China’s behavior in the South China Sea (Nan Hai to the Chinese during the Qing Dynasty, 1644-1912).

On May 23, addressing graduates of the naval academy in Maryland, US Vice President Joe Biden talked of “new fault lines” between the great powers, meaning China and America, because of China’s massive reclamation on disputed reefs in the South China Sea. “They’re building airstrips, the placing of oil rigs, the imposition of unilateral bans on fishing in disputed territories, the declaration of air-defense zones, the reclamation of land, which other countries are doing, but not nearly on the massive scale the Chinese are doing,” Biden thundered. “That’s why 60 percent of the United States naval forces will be stationed in the Asia Pacific by 2020,” he added.

On May 21, a US surveillance aircraft approached one of the reefs and was promptly told to leave by the Chinese. On board the US plane was a CNN crew which happily broadcast the Chinese navy’s seeming belligerence, which said, “Leave im-

mediately, in order to avoid misjudgment.”

On May 25, a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman told the US to end such “provocative behavior.” A day earlier, the Chinese Communist organ, the People’s Daily, cautioned the US that those who “hurt others” may “end up hurting themselves.”

China has never explained its basis for making the claim of “indisputable sovereignty,” except vague allegations of “historic waters” or “historical titles.”

The US disputes that claim because it is illegal and has no basis in international law.

China considers its claim a “core interest,” meaning, it will go to war to assert it.

China has ignored the US protests as well as those of five other countries who claim a few or some of the islets and reefs inside the nine-dash line – the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Fiery Cross Reef is claimed by both the Philippines (as Kagitingan Reef) and Vietnam.

The Chinese are building a 3-km airport on the rock suitable. The strip can take in an Airbus 380 to land and take off.

Another 3-km runway is being built by the Chinese on Subic Reef (Zamora Reef), near Palawan.

China means business. On May 26, it published a defense white paper in which it identified four battle fronts during this century – naval, outer space, cyberspace, and nuclear. Apparently, China wants to win on all

four fronts. There is no mention of land war.

The paper calls for building a “modern maritime military force” to protect China’s “maritime rights and interests,” including in the South China Sea. That drew a reaction from US Defense Secretary Ash Carter who said China was out of step with “international norms that underscore the Asia-Pacific’s security architecture.”

In November 2013, China established an ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone) over the East China Sea, on islands claimed – and bought—by Japan. China asserted its right to take “defensive emergency measures” against Unidentified Foreign Aircrafts (UFA). The US quickly tested the Chinese will by sending two unarmed B-52 bombers through the zone without informing China.

The Chinese plan to extend the ADIZ over the South China Sea, depending on “whether and to what extent the security of airspace is threatened.”

The Americans are thus forewarned. biznewsasia@gmail.com

LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES Mr. Robles’ column will resume next week.

CLARIFICATIONS ON THE 4PS PROGRAM THIS is with reference to the editorial of The Standard dated June 4, 2015 entitled “A Convenient Tool” which discussed the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program commonly known as the Philippine version of the Conditional Cash Transfer.

True to the program’s name, beneficiaries receive cash grants subject to their compliance to the conditionalities on health and education as set forth in the program. These conditionalities are: school-aged children must be enrolled in schools and have at least 85 percent school attendance; children and pregrant women receive health services as mandated by the Department of Health, and parents attend the monthly Family Development Session (FDS).

Pantawid Pamilya has its own Com-

#FAILOCRACY

pliance Verification System that monitors the compliance of our partner-beneficiaries to the conditionalities and is used as basis for computing the amount each household is entitled to receive during pay outs.

Non-compliance to each conditionality results in nonpayment of the corresponding cash benefit: non-compliance to the educational conditionalities wil mean beneficiaries will not receive grants amounting to P300 for elementary students and P500 for high school students, while health grants (which include attendance to the FDS) amount to P500.

The program also has a Grievance Redress System (GRS). It is a mechanism

where the public may file their complaints, queries and concerns on the program. Complaints may be filed through social networking sites (facebook: tanggapan ng reklamo; twitter:@4psreklamo) or our email address 4psreklamo@ gmail.com.

Through the GRS, the program has already removed 15,452 households who were not eligible. Moreover, a total of 15,096 have already waived inclusion in the program.

The P62-billion peso program budget is huge at a glance, but its value spreads to serving 4.4 million households. To better illustrate this, a child enrolled in elementary may receive P13 per day or

P22 for a child enrolled in high school.

This translates to more than 10 million children who will have better chances of growing up healthy and in school.

Note also that of the total budget, around 90 percent goes to cash grants and the remaining 10 percent is only for operational costs. Moreover, only 38.68 percent of the beneficiaries are from Mindanao. The majority are from Luzon at 40 percent.

We trust that our clarification will have a space in your paper in the spirit of fair and balanced journalism.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY JAVIER R. JIMENEZ Spokesperson Department of Social Welfare and Development

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Floyd tops Pacquiao in Forbes’ richest list LOS ANGELES—Floyd “Money” Mayweather has beaten Manny Pacquiao again: the undefeated US boxer leads his Filipino rival atop Forbes’ latest list of the world’s highest-paid sports figures.

Slam-dunk king here. Basketball star Kobe Paras (center) is shown upon his arrival from Debrecen, Hungary,

where he was crowned FIBA U-18 slam-dunk champion. He is joined here by father, former pro Benjie (right) and brother Andre.

LINO SANTOS

Slumping teams in need of a win

By Jeric Lopez SEVERAL slumping teams are in dire need of a victory as they plunge into crucial games in the homestretch of the elimination round of the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. Still looking to find that consistency, GlobalPort (4-4) aims to keep its spot at fifth place when it takes on NLEX (2-6) at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

In the prior contest, Talk ‘N Text (35) and Blackwater (1-6) are both looking to arrest their respective skids as they go at it in an important game that can very well determine if they will have a shot at making it in the playoffs.

Though it is currently on a tail-end of a two-game slide, the Batang Pier are still in a fairly good position to make the quarterfinals or even land in the Top 4.

However, it needs to get its act together in its push for the best position it can get.

GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio is well aware of the capabilities of his

Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum): 4:15 p.m. - Blackwater vs. Talk ‘N Text 7 p.m. - GlobalPort vs. NLEX

wards as they were actually the early league leaders, but he still pleads for the consistency needed if they want to have a deep campaign. ‘’Nagde-deliver naman ‘yung mga players namin. Iyong consistency lang talaga ‘yung hinahanap pa rin, lalo ngayon na kailangan manalo na ulit,’’ said Jarencio.

The Batang Pier are looking to arrest a two-game skid with their last defeat coming at the hands of second placer Barako Bull, 123-114, last Sunday in a game it could’ve won.

On the other end, the Road Warriors still haven’t found any sort of rhythm in the entire conference. They are currently near the bottom at 11th place, needing to sweep their remaining three assignments to give themselves a slim chance of advancing to the next round.

Just last Wednesday night, NLEX

was able to put up some sort of a rally, but still eventually fell to Rain or Shine, 106-102, to suffer its fourth loss in its last five outings.

Another loss will certainly push the Road Warriors to the brink of elimination.

Following its championship reign in the Commissioners’ Cup and its 3-0 start, the tables have turned for Talk ‘N Text, which is surprisingly at 10th place now.

Suddenly, the Tropang Texters are the league’s coldest team, having lost five straight games uncharacteristically. Now, they are scrambling just to have a chance at qualifying for the playoffs, something they are not accustomed to since they are normally a shoo-in in the post-season.

Like the first two conferences, the Elite are likewise needing to sweep their remaining assignments in order for them to at least have a crack at making it in the Top 8.

Their current positions make this tussle against each other very important for Talk ‘N Text and Blackwater.

Mayweather tops the list for the second year in a row with the majority of his $300 million in earnings over the past 12 months coming from his May mega-fight with Pacquiao.

Thanks to his take from the fight, Pacquiao is second on the list released on Wednesday with $160 million in earnings, joining Mayweather and Tiger Woods as the only sportsmen to earn nine figures in a 12-month period.

The highest-grossing fight in history, which generated $400 million in US revenue, accounts for much of the $460 million earnings increase on the 2015 list, Forbes said.

According to the financial magazine’s calculations—which take into account salaries, bonuses, prize money, appearance fees and estimated licensing and endorsement income—the top 100 earned a total of $3.2 billion over the last 12 months.

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo edged

Barcelona rival Lionel Messi for third on the list,with Ronaldo coming in at $79 million and Messi $73.8 million.

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer rounded out the top five with total earnings of $67 million.

Woods remains in the top 10 at number nine ($50.6 million), despite the decline in his game that has seen his world ranking slide to 181.

The 14-time major champion’s old rival Phil Mickelson is the highestpaid golfer at eighth ($50.8 million)—with reigning world number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland coming in at 12th.

The top 10 also features three NBA players: LeBron James at sixth, Kevin Durant at seventh and Kobe Bryant at 10th.

Once again, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova is the highest woman on the list at 26—with total earnings of $29.7 million.

World number one Serena Williams is the only other woman in the top 100 at number 47 ($26.4 million). AFP

Groth stuns Lopez, makes Stuttgart last 8 BERLIN—Australia’s Sam Groth pulled off a second-round shock at the Stuttgart grass-court tournament Wednesday by recovering from losing the first set to beat third-seed Feliciano Lopez in reaching the quarter-finals.

The 27-year-old from Melbourne, who is ranked 66 in the world, dug deep to claim a 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (8/6) win over the Spaniard, who is 14th in the ATP rankings, having held his nerve in a desperately tight third-set.

Groth has the chance to claim another scalp when he faces Serbia’s Viktor Troicki in the quarterfinals.

Eighth seed Troicki needed three sets and exactly two hours to also reach the last eight as he saw off 18-year-old German Alexander Zverev, the youngest player in the top 100, 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3.

Fourth seed Gael Monfils needed two tie-breakers to force his way into the quarter-finals with a over Austria’s Andreas Haider-Maurer. AFP

Armstrong optimistic about return to France LONDON—Lance Armstrong expects a welcoming reception when he returns to France for a charity bike ride next month, despite the hostility he has faced in the country in previous years.

Armstrong has signed up for former England footballer and fellow cancer survivor Geoff Thomas’s ‘One Day Ahead’ event, in which fundraisers will cover each stage of the 2015

Tour de France a day before the real race.

Armstrong, stripped of his seven Tour titles for a litany of doping offences, has been criticised by UCI president Brian Cookson and Team Sky general manager Dave Brailsford, among others, for getting involved.

But the controversial American expects no backlash from cycling fans in France and cites the doping cases at Kazakh team

Astana as proof that the sport has bigger problems on its plate.

“I could be wrong—I’ve been wrong plenty in my life—but I’ve been to France since all this happened and if you walk into a cafe or a restaurant or walk down the street, that’s not the reaction I get,” Armstrong, who plans to take part in only “two or three” stages of the charity event, told a small group of reporters including AFP. AFP

Optimistic. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors beams with optimism during media availability day as part of the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Curry and the Warriors will try to bounce back against Cleveland in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Kids enjoy summer at DMCI’s Arista Place CHILDREN as young as six years old had a fun time recently after Philippine Basketball Association players, led by veteran playmaker Wynne Arboleda, former National Collegiate Athletic Association rookie of the year Jong Baloria and rising forward Harold Arboleda of the NLEX Road Warriors visited them during their recognition and graduation ceremony at the 2015 Arista Place Basketball Camp.

Arista Place is the newest 11-building residential development of DMCI Homes located along J.P. Rizal Street in Barangay Sto. Niño,

Camp participants are shown being taught ball-handling skills at Arista Place’s basketball court.

Parañaque.

In keeping with the active lifestyle approach that Arista Place offers, DMCI Homes has conducted the first-ever basketball camp for its young residents to test their basketball IQ, while also helping improve their ball-handling and shooting skills.

Organized by Henry Subido, Instructional Sports Coordinator for Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, the camp also formed part of DMCI Homes’ Community Development program which aims to give its residents an opportunity to interact with each other.

3 Filipino chessers stay unbeaten

By Arman Armero

SINGAPORE—Woman International Master Bernadette Galas of De La Salle University outplayed fellow WIM and top seed Janelle Mae Frayna of Far Eastern University in a battle between the country’s top female players in the fourth round of the 16th ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships at the Nanyang Technological University here.

With two passed pawns and a queen against Frayna’s rook and bishop, Galas had the FEU board 1 player on the defensive en route to winning her fourth straight game and retaining the top spot in the girls’ Under-20 category, half a point ahead of Sagar Tejaswini of India.

Frayna dropped into a tie with a big group of 2.5 pointers, behind another Pinay bet, Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia, who posted her third straight win after an opening-day draw for 3.5 points, good for solo third.

Galas’ winning streak is matched by Alekhine Nouri, the country’s youngestever Fide Master, in the boys’ U-10 and Alaney Jia Doroy in the girls’ U-14.

Nouri beat India’s Lohia Siddanth yesterday, a day after downing another Indian in Mahindru Ruhaan in the third round late Tuesday, while Doroy downed Tran Thi Hong Phan of Vietnam, her fourth Vietnamese victim in as many rounds In the boys’ U-20, IM Paulo Bersamino bounced back with a win after two draws and a loss for two

points, but remained 1.5 points behind the leaders Fellow IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, despite losing his fourth round game against Bui Trong Hao of Vietnam remained the highest placed Filipino with 2.5 points.

Other fourth-round gainers in the 9-round tournament were

Republic of the Philippines

Republic of the Philippines

PROVINCE OF QUIRINO

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Cabarroguis

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

REqUEST foR ExpRESSioN of iNTEREST foR CoNSUlTaNCy SERviCES foR ThE pREpaRaTioN of DETailED aRChiTECTURal aND ENgiNEERiNg (a & E) DESigN plaNS foR ThE pRopoSED CoNSTRUCTioN of ThE NEw DEpaRTmENT of fiNaNCE 20 SToREy offiCE BUilDiNg pRoJECT 1.

The Department of Finance (DOF), through the General Appropriations Act for CY 2015, intends to apply the sum of One Hundred Five Million Three Hundred Fifty Six Thousand Pesos (P105,356,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), to payments under the contract for the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Preparation of Detailed Architectural and Engineering (A and E) Design Plans for the Proposed Construction of the New Department of Finance 20 Storey Office Building Project. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposals.

2.

The DOF now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the Preparation of Detailed Architectural and Engineering (A and E) Design Plans for the Proposed Construction of the New Department of Finance 20 Storey Office Building Project. Interested consultants must submit their eligibility documents on or before June 22, 2015, 9:30 a.m. at BAC Secretariat, General Services Division, 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex, P. Ocampo, Sr. Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

3.

The BAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted eligibility documents and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 (R.A. No. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The short list shall consist of at least two (2) prospective bidders who will be entitled to submit bids.

The criteria and rating system for short listing are: I. Applicable Experience -35% II. Quality of Personnel to be Assigned -35% III. Capacity to Execute Similar Consultancy Project -30% Total - 100% The passing score is at least seventy percent (70%).

4.

5.

6.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of R.A. No. 9184.

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO BID The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino invites all terested contractors to apply for eligibility and to tender bids for the following project/s: Project Name of Project Location of Project Source of Project Cost Calendar Number Fund Days 2015-075 Construction/ Capitol OTL 5,740,000.00 220 Improvement of Compound, Concrete Drainage Cabarroguis, Canal Quirino 2015-076 Renovation of PEO San Marcos, OTL 5,200,000.00 180 Building (Phase II) Cabarroguis, Quirino 2015-077 Improvement/ Cabarrouis & DA-CSM 6,000,000.00 74 Concreting of San Diffun, Quirino Marcos-Ricarte Sur Road 2015-078 Purchase of Quirino Province 20% DF 10,000,000.00 90 13,736.26374 cu.m Aggregates with Binder for the Improvement/ Rehabilitation of various Provincial & Barangay Roads The BAC will conduct the procurement process in accordance with the Revised IRR of R.A 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of bid.

To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a letter of Intent (LOI), purchase bid documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration/accreditation with Provincial Government, (b) Filipino citizen of 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (d) completion of similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment for at least 10% of the ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

1.

The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality Based Evaluation/Selection (QBE/QBS) procedure. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Modification of bids is not allowed after the submission of bid document.

The contract shall be completed within a period of one hundred twenty (120 )calendar days from issuance of Notice to Proceed or upon receipt of the Consultant of the approved work schedules from the Procuring Entity’s representative/s whichever comes later.

7.

The DOF reserves the right to reject any and all bids, annul the bidding process, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

8.

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

(TS-JUNE.12, 2015)

WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, who scored her third point yesterday to improve into a tie for second place in the girls’ U-18; Rhezie Kyle Sevillano who bounced back with a victory in the boys’ U-16; and Istraelito Rilloraza, who climbed into a seven-way tie for third with 3 points, half a point behind the leaders.

2.

4.

5.

The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below: Receipt of LOIs from June 10, 2015- June 23, 2015 prospective bidders Issuance of Bid June 10, 2015- June 23, 2015 Documents Pre-Bid Conference June 11, 2015, 3:00PM, PPDO, Capitol Bldg., Capitol Hills, Cab., Quirino Receipt of Bids June 24, 2015, 8:00PM, Special Projects Unit, Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Bldg., Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino Opening of Bids June 24, 2015, 8:30PM, Special Projects Unit, Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Bldg., Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents at the BAC Secretariat, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino, upon payment of the applicable non-refundable fee. The Pre-Bid Conference shall open only to interested parties who have purchased the BD’s. Bids must be accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and the post-qualification.

The Provincial Government of Quirino reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process at anytime prior Contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder/s.

( TS- J U N E 12 , 2 0 1 5 )

(SGD) DENCIO A. PAGBILAO Prov’l. Planning & Development Coordinator/ BAC Chairman

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Age catching up with Bata SINGAPORE—Few sportspeople have perfected their craft like Efren Reyes, but the one-time king of pool admits age is catching up with him as he finally yields to younger talent.

The 60-year-old Filipino says neck pain, his eyes and even the strength of his arms can betray him in long matches, and he is weary after losing to wave after wave of hotshots.

“That’s a long time ago,” he said at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, when reminded of his heyday when he hoarded world titles and was widely regarded as the globe’s finest player.

“At this time there’s a lot of good players from the Philippines. Everybody can beat me.”

Reyes shuffled out of Singapore’s SEA Games in the semi-finals of onecushion carom, an obscure, delicate game in which the Philippines has few players.

Two competitors must use their cue-ball to hit the

only two other balls on a pocketless table, scoring one point for each successful shot. The winner is the first to 100.

Reyes’ vision and shotmaking came to the fore as he clawed back from 80-56 down to level at 84-all, before a lapse in concentration allowed his opponent back to the table.

And Vietnam’s Ma Minh Cam, wearing a distinctive blue glove on his bridge hand to ease friction, seized victory with a 16 break on his next visit.

Money games Afterwards Reyes, wearing a crumpled, dark blue waistcoat and a resigned expression, rued the mistake which consigned him to his third SEA Games bronze in the little-known sport.

“I missed an easy shot, if

DENNIS PRINCIPE

SPORTS CHAT

I hadn’t missed that maybe I would have won that game,” he said.

His chief role in the multi-sport SEA Games was as practice partner for Filipino pool players, he says, much like his usual routine in his home country.

Reyes, who has shifted out of the capital Manila back to his home province of Pampanga, is regularly invited to “money games” where players and gamblers will bet cash.

It’s very much back to his roots in the sport, where he played in his uncle’s “Lucky 13” pool hall from the age of eight, rising from money games to tournaments to hustling in the United States.

Finally he reached pool’s nascent world stage, where his battles with Earl “The Pearl” Strickland and others were broadcast around the globe, becoming minor classics.

“We always are playing pool every day. We play money games of pool, that’s our practice,” he said. AFP

INVITATION TO PRE-QUALIFY AND BID FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ONE (1) STOREY COMMERCIAL ANNEX BUILDING @ NISTC, CABUGAO, ILOCOS SUR THROUGH BUILD –OPERATE-TRANSFER SCHEME The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur invites interested parties to submit applications to pre-qualify and bid for the design, financing, construction and maintenance of a commercial building @ NISTC, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. The proposed commercial building will have a dimension of 43.46m x 19.43m With eleven (11) commercial stall spaces and two (2) units primarily for commercial banks and food kiosks at the center alley.

The project will be awarded through competitive public bidding, as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project, in accordance with applicable laws, including Republic Act No. 6957, as amended by Republic Act No. 7718, otherwise known as the Build-Operate and Transfer Law (BOT) Law, and its 2012 Revised Implementing Rules & Regulations. The project will be implemented using Build-Operate-Transfer contractual agreement, whereby a private entity undertakes the financing and construction of the infrastructure facility and after the expiration of the contract, the building will be turned-over to the LGU in good condition as evaluated/assessed by the Municipal Engineer.

The Invitation Documents consisting of (i) this Invitation to Pre-Qualify and Bid, (ii) the Instruction to Prospective Bidders, including the required Qualification Documents (iii) the Project Detailed Engineering Design, (iv) the Terms of Reference and (v) the Draft Build-Operate-Transfer Agreement , will be available from the LGU-PBAC, Municipal Hall, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur beginning on June 15, 2015, upon payment of non-refundable Participation Fee of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00).

The Local Government Unit of Cabugao may release updates, clarifications, amendments, or additions to any or all of the Bidding Documents at any time. Bidding is open to all interested parties, whether local or foreign, subject to conditions for eligibility under BOT Law, other relevant laws, and the Invitation Documents.

The bidding will follow the Two-Stage/Two Envelope System for soliciting bids under the BOT Law; (a) Prospective Bidders shall first be pre-qualified by the LGU- PBAC based on legal, technical and financial capability requirements; and (b) the Prospective Bidders which have pre-qualified shall be invited to submit their Technical and Financial Proposals to the PBAC for evaluation.

Prospective Bidders must submit their applications for pre-qualification, together with duly accomplished Qualification Documents to the LGUPBAC Secretariat not later than 2:00 p.m. on 30 June 2015, at Conference Hall, Municipal Hall, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and declare failure of bidding, not award the contract, or annul the bidding process without incurring any liability to the affected parties.

Sgd. CRESCENCIO MARCOS C. FORMOSO Municipal Engr./ Chairman, PBAC (TS-JUNE 12, 2015)

Heartbreak kids no more?

FOR the longest time, our boxers have suffered countless losses in major bouts that they should have won if not for the dreaded hometown decisions.

The most memorable of course was the gold medal fight of lightflyweight Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco against Bulgarian Daniel Petrov Bojilov during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Velasco’s situation, however, was a combination of the Games using computerized scoring for the first time, while the second and probably the most controversial one was that a Bulgarian was assigned by the sport’s international federation AIBA as the main man to select officials for the matches.

While Velasco may have lost the last two rounds of that match, it was evident that the Negros-born Olympian got disheartened when he learned that he got zero points despite peppering his opponents with clean blows in the opening round.

“Nagulat na lang si Onyok nu’ng sinabihan siya na wala siyang score sa first round,” said 1992 Olympic bronze winner Roel Velasco.

Almost two decades later, the Philippines continues to get victimized by bum scoring when a bunch of well-trained and welltraveled pugilists fell one by one during the 2014 Asian Games in

Incheon, Korea.

The most painful among them involved 2012 London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga and young flyweight prospect Ian Clark Bautista who, despite pummeling their Korean foes, still lost their respective matches.

“Boxing is a sport wherein you practically put your life on the line every time you step in the ring. And this is what comes out. It’s really disappointing,” was what ABAP president Ricky Vargas told media covering the Asiad.

Apart from Barriga and Bautista, 2013 SEA Games gold winner Mario Fernandez was also ousted via controversial scoring.

In this year’s Southeast Asian Games currently being held in Singapore, the 10-man Philippine boxing contingent brought home five gold medals, two of them came from Bautista and Fernandez.

Barriga was not part of the SEA Games as he was deemed “disqualified” based on AIBA’s ruling that boxers who are part of their Pro Boxing League cannot compete in non-AIBA-sanctioned events.

While AIBA rules and officials are being used in SEA Games tournaments, they are not officially in charge of the biennial meet.

In a lot of ways, Bautista and Fernandez were able to use their gold-winning efforts as the ul-

timate step to put behind them their Asiad misfortunes.

However, our fighters being victims of unfair judging, still seemed evident during the Finals where eight of our 10 boxers went on to battle for the gold.

Of the five gold winners, two were undeniable conquests after Fernandez and Eumir Felix Marcial scored stoppage wins.

Bautista, meanwhile, thrashed his opponent from pillar to post, but still had to settle for a split decision win against hometown bets Mohamed Hanurdeen Hamid.

Only lightweight Junel Cantancio and lightflyweight Josie Gabuco got some fair shake in scoring in their gold-medal bouts.

Nesthy Petecio, Irish Magno and Rogen Ladon may be victims of bum scorecards when they dropped close verdicts to their respective foes.

We could never know what would ensue in scoring had Marcial, who fought a hometown boy, and Fernandez, who faced a Thai whose officials are said to be influential, were not able to knock their opponents out.

Five golds in boxing are definitely something to cheer about in this biennial meet.

But for our officials, the scoring pattern in Singapore is something to think about as we prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bohol Municipality of Sevilla Invitation to Bid REHABILITATION OF SEVILLA MUNICIPAL HALL, ANNEX BUILDING AND MUNICIPAL MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT CENTER 1. The Local Government Unit of Sevilla, Bohol is a recipient of an aid from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Earthquake Assistance Fund for the Rehabilitation of Sevilla Municipal Hall, Annex Building and Municipal Manpower Development Center. The Approved Budget for the Contract is TWO MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY FOUR THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED THIRTEEN PESOS ONLY (Php 2,734,613.00) The Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol now invites sealed bids from eligible Bidders for the supply and delivery of various construction materials on site within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed.

2. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedure as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as Government Procurement Reform Act. Subject to exceptions stated in the Bidding Document, only bids from Bidders who pass the eligibility check will be accepted. The Bidder who passed the technical requirements and complied with the required performance specifications and parameters will be considered for the financial evaluation.

The bid with the lowest price shall be identified as Lowest Calculated Bid. The bidder with the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall advance to the postqualification stage in order to finally determine its responsiveness to the technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who is determined as such during post-qualification.

3. Interested Bidders may obtain further information from Municipal Government of Sevilla, Bohol and inspect the Bid Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. from June 15, 2015 to July 1, 2015.

4. A complete set of Bid Documents in English may be purchased by Interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Pesos Only Php5,000.00. The Bid Documents are available and shall be received personally by the bidder or his authorized representative during the period specified in item 3 above.

5. The Municipal Government of Sevilla, Bohol will hold a Pre-bid Conference open to all interested Bidders on June 18, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at the Municipal Budget Office, Municipal Hall, Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol.

6. Only legitimate supplier of construction materials and the like with complete needed permits and licenses as required by law can participate in the aforesaid bidding.

7. Interested Bidders must submit their Bids at the address below on or before July 2, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the form indicated in the Bid Documents. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be at 9:00 A.M. on July 2, 2015. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

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

The BAC Chairman Municipal Hall 09173282453 ( TS- J U N E 12 , 2 0 1 5 )

(SGD) ARTEMIO D. PERIN BAC Chairman

SEAG...

From A16 Wakeboarding, a nonOlympic sport but a medal discipline in the Games, showed gold-medal potentials in Mark Howard Griffin and Maquel John Selga, who advanced to the men’s and women’s finals at the Bedok Reservoir on Thursday.

Griffin earned 68.33 points in the semifinals topped by Thailand’s Jaemjan Padwat with 75 points.

Selga was second with 34.44 points in the semifinals dominated by Singapore’s Sasha Christian, who had the best overall tally among the qualifiers with 61.45 points. The finals are set on Friday.

Golf could also make its way through the tally board, although a gold looked improbable.

T h i r teen-yea r-old Harmie Nicole Constantino surged into contention for an individual bronze medal and the men’s team got itself in the hunt for a podium finish at the Sentosa Golf Club.

Constantino submitted a one-under 71 in the second round of the 54-hole play to occupy third place in the race for individual honors with 145, five shots off leader Suthavee Chanachai of Thailand and two strokes behind secondrunning Koh Hok Swee of the host team. Thai Pajaree Anannarukarn, however, was only one stroke behind to hound the Filipina kid.

F R I D AY : J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Struggling PH thanks Salamat on slow day SINGAPORE—The Philippines has a new golden girl in cycling.

Marella Vania Salamat transformed from a promising bowler to a champion cyclist when she pulled off one of the most surprising victories in the 28th Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday by grabbing the women’s individual time trial gold medal in cycling, winning the event by almost a kilometer.

Salamat, only 21 and a Dentristry proper sophomore at University of the East, clocked 44 minutes and 46.38 seconds to rule the 30-km

event raced over a relatively flat course at the Marina Bay area here.

Thailand’s Chanpeng Nontasin, the 30-year-old time trial gold medal winner and massed start silver medalist in the 2011 Indonesia games, could only finish second, some 45.96 seconds behind, which, in the time trials could be equivalent to close to a one-kilometer distance at top speed.

Singapore Chan Siew Kheng, winner of the gold medal in 2013 in My-

amar, also fell victim to Salamat’s impeccable space and finished a far third. She crossed 2:58.53 after the Salamat was already cooling down at the team’s tent.

“Nagbunga ang lahat ng pinaghirapan ko,” said Salamat, who was lured to cycling by national coach Cesar Lobramonte one morning in 2013, when she was biking as part of her cross training at the Mall of Asia grounds with her bowling coaches Edward Coo and Orlyn Batistin.

“Kasama na rin ang pagtitiwala sa sarili at sa extensive train-

ing namin sa Pilipinas,” added Salamat, the eldest of a brood of three of engineer and competitive bowler Rodolfo and dentist Marivic Salamat.

“She’s a very strong rider and if given the proper attention, she could go a long, long way,” national team head coach Chris Allison said of Salamat, who along with national teammate Avegail Rombaon, had to race against the men back home to hone for these games.

Salamat’s gold was only the second in women’s road race of SEA Games cycling for the Phil-

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00 ippines after Baby Marites Bitbit topped the massed start race in the 2007 games in Nakhon Ratchasima.

It was a different story for Mark John Lexer Galedo.

Galedo failed to retain the men’s time trial gold medal and finished in sixth place, clocking 56:21.59 over the 40-km course. His teammate, Ronald Oranza, missed the podium with 56:00.34, some 21 seconds behind bronze medalist Trinh Duc Tam (55:39.20) of Vietnam.

Volleybelles bounce back vs Malaysians SINGAPORE—The national women’s volleyball team squad finally displayed a glimpse of its true potential by outclassing Malaysia in straight sets, 25-15, 25-18, 25-16, on Thursday in the 28th Singapore Southeast Asian Games at the OCBC Arena here.

Playing more relaxed and showing better cohesion on attack and defense, the Filipina volleybelles were in command from start to finish, making short work of the Malaysians after an hour and 12 minutes to bounce back from its initial setback against Indonesia in Group B last Wednesday.

While Alyssa Valdez paced the Nationals with 13 points, she got allaround help from Dindin SantiagoManabat, who had 8 points, while skipper Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis chipped in 7 points each.

“Mas relaxed na lang ngayon ang mga bata. Wala naman kaming binago sa strategy,” head coach Roger Gorayeb said. “Super-excited lang talaga sila noong first game.”

Gorayeb also pointed out that his wards were less distracted compared to the first match when they had to contend with Indonesian ace Aprilia Manganang, whose gender the Philippine delegation had questioned in a formal protest with the Singaporean organizers.

Citing a certification of the International Volleyball Federation that upheld Manganang’s gender, the hosts rejected the Philippine protest.

The Nationals set the tone early, building a 13-7 lead in the opening set behind the relentless assault of Valdez, Santiago and Daquis, wrapping it all up in just 22 minutes.

In the last set, they grabbed a 14-3 spread and maintained a 2011 lead, until they loosened up a bit to enable the Malaysians to whittle it down to 14-20.

But Gorayeb’s charges closed the door on any comeback in a 5-2 run, capped by Santiago’s hammering spike down-the-line to register the team’s first win in the SEA Games volleyball competitions after a 10-year layoff.

They must now beat a tough Vietnamese squad, the silver medalist in the2013 Myanmar SEA Games, on Saturday to advance to the semifinal round.

Philippines players react after scoring a point against Malaysia’s team during their volleyball women’s preliminary round at the 28th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Singapore on June 11, 2015. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN

Boxing’s gold-medal quest ends in spectacular fashion

By Ronnie Nathanielsz THE Philippines may not have captured the eight gold medals that ABAP president Ricky Vargas was hoping for, but the quest for glory ended in spectacular fashion when Eumir Felix Marcial knocked out host nation Singapore’s Jia Wei Tay in the second round to complete a five-gold medal haul, which included four of five triumphs for the men and one of three gold medal bids among the women.

The 19-year-old Marcial, who won a gold medal at the 2011 World Junior Championships, capped a glorious run by the Filipinos in the final bout of the boxing competition before a flag-waving, cheering squad of Filipinos, who included ABAP executive director Ed Picson, Philippine Basketball Association chairman Pato Gregorio and businessman Andrew Teh, who is deeply involved with basketball and boxing.

AFP reported that eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who lost a disappointing show-

Members of the 28th SEA Games boxing champion Philippine team, led by ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio, ABAP executive director Ed Picson, AIBA technical official Karina Picson and gold medalists Josie Gabuco, Ian Clark Bautista, Junel Cantancio, Mario Fernandez and Eumir Felix Marcial, flash the No. 1 sign at the close of competition in Singapore.

down with undefeated pound-forpound No.1 Floyd Mayweather last May 2 in Las Vegas, “would have been proud had he been there to see Marcial win the men’s welterweight division.”

This commentator, who cov-

ered the SEA Games boxing finals on Aksyon TV, predicted before Marcial stepped into the ring that he would win by a knockout after the hard-hitting Filipino overcame tough Thai opponent Apichet Saensit, 2-1, in the semifinals.

Displaying the modesty associated with the disciplined and wellmannered ABAP boxers, Marcial credited a so-called “lucky punch” for his victory, which silenced the large Singaporean hometown crowd.

The quest for gold began in the women’s light flyweight division when three-time SEA Games gold medal winner, 28-year-old Josie Gabuco beat tough Thai girl Chutha Raksat. Gabuco also won the gold medal in the 2012 World Women’s Championship in Jeju, South Korea.

After winning the gold, Gabuco said she was “very happy and very grateful for winning. Thanks to God for giving me another opportunity to get another gold medal in the SEA Games.”

Flyweight Ian Clark Bautista, a victim of a barefaced robbery in the Asian Games when he lost to the South Korean hosts Choe, had called for fair judging in his final showdown with Singapore’s Mohamed Hanurdeen Hamid following his South Korean heartbreak.

F R I D AY : J U N E 1 2 , 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

Marestella Torres of the Philippines competes in the women’s long Jump final athletics event during the 28th SEA Games in Singapore. AFP

Thanks, Salamat SINGAPORE—After a mini-avalanche of gold medals on Wednesday, the Philippines could only clinch one mint in women’s individual time trial of cycling on Thursday in the 28th Southeast Asian Games.

Marella Vania Salamat struck gold in her first international campaign by surprising the time trial field on a 30-km, out-andback course at the Marina Bay with a time of 44 minutes and 46.38 seconds.

Salamat’s gold was the 22nd for Team Philippines, which on Wednesday night, momentarily stood at No. 5 overall and shoved Indonesia to No. 6—until the Indonesians earned a sepak takraw title. (See related story on A15) That gold medal by the 21-year-old Dentistry student at

Floyd tops Pacquiao in Forbes’ richest list TURN TO A12

University of the East was also the first in women’s road race mint in SEA Games cycling since Baby Marites Bitbit topped the massed start race in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2007.

“Nagbunga ang lahat ng pinaghirapan ko,” said Salamat, who was lured to cycling by national coach Cesar Lobramonte one morning in 2013, when she was biking as part of her cross training at the Mall of Asia grounds with her bowling coaches Edward Coo and Orlyn Batistin.

“Kasama na rin ang pagtitiwala sa sarili at sa extensive training naming sa Pilipinas,” added Salamat, the eldest of a brood of theee of Engineer and competitive bowler Rodolfo and dentist Marivic Salamat.

Mervin Guarte missed clinching the men’s 1,500 meters title of athletics when he settled for his second silver medal in the games with a time of 3:48.06. Vietnam’s Duong Van Thai, who shoved Guarte to second place in the 800m the other day, again clinched gold with 3:47.04. Thailand’s Yothin Yaprajan was third with a 3:49.35 clocking.

Pole vaulter Riezel Buenaventura managed 3.60 meters and claimed a podium finish in the women’s division topped by

Age catching up with Bata TURN TO A14

Thailand’s Chayaneesa Chomchuendee (4.10m) and Singapore’s Rachel Isabel Yang (3.90m).

Bowling finally made it to the medal tally board when Marie Alexis Sy, Lara Posadas and Maria Arles finished third in the women’s trios at the Orchid Bowl of the Orchid Country Club also on Thursday. Sy rolled 1195 pinfalls, Posadas made 1226 and Arles had 1187 for the team’s 3608 total.

Singapore finished 1-2, with Cherie Tan (1284), Bernice Lim (1313) and Shayna Ng (1366) winning the event with a high 3963 aggregate and Hui Fen New (1223), Jazreel Tan (1219) and Daphne Tan (1265) clinching the silver medal with 3707.

Continued on A14

Filipino ‘Splash Bros’ score zero diving points SINGAPORE—A pair of Filipinos have created a splash in more ways than one after footage of their botched dives at the SEA Games caused such a stir that authorities demanded answers.

Footage of John Elmerson Fabriga and John David Pahoyo has gone viral after both athletes, on their fourth dive in the men’s 3m springboard, landed nearly horizontal, scoring zero points.

Reaction has been mixed to the duo dubbed the “Splash Brothers”, with some Internet users poking fun and others calling for restraint.

But their performance has made waves with Philippine Sport Commission chairman Richie Garcia, who is reportedly seeking an explanation from aquatics chief Mark Joseph.

“I will give the opportunity for the Philippine Swimming Inc. president to explain because he fought for these divers to come here and compete,” Garcia said, according to Inquirer.net.

“I saw these boys train at Rizal Memorial and they are good.”

Garcia also wondered whether the dives were intentionally bad, according to the report.

Fabriga and Pahoyo, who finished about 100 points adrift of their competitors, are not the only divers to underwhelm at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Singapore.

Some competitors in the women’s 10m platform chose to dive from 7.5m or even 5m, and many also landed awkwardly, drawing murmurs from the Aquatics Centre crowd.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B1

FRIDAY: JUNE 12, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

World Bank: Economy stable THE Philippines has achieved economic stability despite the disappointing 5.2-percent gross domestic product growth in the first quarter of 2015, the World Bank said Thursday.

World Bank lead economist in the Philippines Rogier van den Brink said the country had shown macroeconomic stability, high growth rates and inclusive growth.

“We are starting to see that the sustained high economic growth in recent years is translating into stronger job creation,” van den Brink said during a news briefing at the sidelines of the senior finance officials’ meeting of AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation in Bagac, Bataan.

The World Bank, in its Global Economic Prospects June 2015 report , forecast a GDP growth of 6.5 percent for the Philippines in 2015 and 2016 and 6.3 percent in 2017. The government set a growth target of 7 percent to 8 percent during the same period.

Van den Brink said the economy had improved from the situation 20 to 30 years ago, when real growth was low, inflation rates were high, the current account balance was negative, budget deficit was wide and government debt

was soaring.

“In the last several, these issues are no longer a major concern.

Real growth has been ranging from 5 to 7 percent, prices are stable, current account has been registering surpluses, and the country’s finances are stronger than ever. Budget deficits are low and government debt measured against GDP is down,” the World Bank economist said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed inflation rate in May shrank to 1.6 percent, the lowest in 20 years while unemployment rate dipped to 6.4 percent in April.

Van den Brink also cited the results of the 2013 annual poverty indicators survey showing that real income of the bottom 20 percent grew faster than the rest of the population due to the con-

ditional cash transfer program.

This means that real wage income of the bottom 20 percent grew 9.9 percent compared to only 2.4 percent for the upper 80 percent, he said. “The country has established a clear trajectory towards growth that is more inclusive,” said van den Brink.

He said the World Bank would continue to monitor the GDP numbers and see if there was a need to tweak the forecasts given the current global and regional developments.

“Continuing reforms will ensure that the country will maintain this momentum,” he said.

Meanwhile, a survey by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific showed the Philippine economy still lacked inclusiveness.

PSe comPoSite index Closing June 11, 2015

7800 7500 7200 6900 6600 6300

7,503.72 119.45

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing JUNE 11, 2015 47

P45.150

46

CLOSE

45 44 43

HIGH P44.970 LOW P45.150 AVERAGE P45.039 VOLUME 683.900M

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 Thursday, June 11, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate

Smart partnership. PhilCare, a health maintenance organization, has teamed with Smart e-Money Inc., the mobile financial services sub-

sidiary of Smart Communications to provide easy and immediate access to prepaid health cards to Filipinos using Smart Money accounts. Through the tie-up, users can now conveniently purchase hospital and clinic health packages from PhilCare, pay through their mobile phones using Smart Money, and have their prepaid health cards delivered straight to their doorsteps. Shown during the signing are (from left) James Indino, PhilCare vice president for information technology group; Patty Henson, PhilCare senior vice president and chief marketing officer; Noemi Azura, PhilCare president and chief executive; Orlando Vea, SMI president and chief executive; Lawrence Ferrer, vice president and department head, product marketing and management, SMI; and Mario Lazaro, head, payments and acquiring team, product marketing and management, SMI.

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.9660

Japan

Yen

0.008154

0.3667

UK

Pound

1.553300

69.8457

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128979

5.7997

Switzerland

Franc

1.073537

48.2727

Canada

Dollar

0.815528

36.6710

Singapore

Dollar

0.745490

33.5217

Australia

Dollar

0.775615

34.8763

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652309

119.2637

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266681

11.9916

Brunei

Dollar

0.742721

33.3972

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029718

1.3363

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.2423

Euro

Euro

1.132900

50.9420

Korea

Won

0.000902

0.0406

China

Yuan

0.161132

7.2455

India

Rupee

0.015674

0.7048

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.267917

12.0472

New Zealand

Dollar

0.718804

32.3217

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032411

1.4574 Source: PDS Bridge

Meralco set to implement 10% reduction in distribution charges

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co. has filed for a 10.4-percent reduction in distribution charges, which would translate into lower monthly power bills of its more than five million customers.

Meralco said it asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to implement an interim distribution rate of P1.39 per kilowatthour, representing a 10.4-percent reduction from the current distribution, supply and metering charges.

It said the adjustment was the result of the removal of the second regulatory period under-recovery-component which formed part of the average distribution prices approved by the ERC. It said the 10.4-percent reduction would uniformly apply across all customer classes. This would translate into the following reductions in the total bill of residential customers at varying consumption levels: P52 for 200 kWh; P89 for 300 kWh; P134 for 400 kWh; and P201 for 500 kWh.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Meralco said it sought a provisional approval from the ERC so that it may immediately apply the lower charges to its customers. The distribution-related components of the electric bill have not changed since July 2014.

Distribution charges account for around 17 percent of the average customer bill. The rest are pass-through charges such as power generation and transmission costs.

Meralco said it would undergo a reset process for the fourth reg-

ulatory period under the performance-based regulation rate setting methodology.

It said pending the issuance of applicable rules that would govern the fourth RP reset filing, it would implement an interim rate, subject to approval by the regulator.

Meralco plans to spend up to P14.5 billion this year to strengthen its network, meet customer demand and introduce prepaid electricity retail service.

“I think for this year, we are probably looking at P13.5 [bil-

lion] and potentially up to P14.5 billion. It’s all directed at five things,” Meralco president Oscar Reyes said earlier.

Meralco already spent P3 billion in the first quarter to maintain and upgrade its distribution network.

Reyes said the higher capex this year would ensure that Meralco would meet the 4 percent to 5 percent annual growth in customer accounts.

He said the higher capital expenditures would enable Meralco to “respond to load growth.”

FRIDAY: JUNE 12, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Thursday, June 11, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 104 63 2.49 18.48 31.6 9.5 2.95 890 1.01 99.4 1.46 30.5 94.95 137 361.2 59 174.8 1700 127.9 3.26 47 5 1.66 2.36 15.3 20.6 32 65.8 4.57 23.35 21.6 12.98 9.13 12.34 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 4 45.45 33.9 90 13.98 292.4 5 5.25 13.04 14.5 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.68 7.86 8.1 253 3.28 0.315 2.5 2.68 226.6 5.5 1.3 2.17 0.7 59.2 31.85 7.39 3.4 3.35 800 11.06 84 5.14 0.66 1380 6.68 72.6 9.25 0.9 18.9 0.73 5.53 6.55 0.84 87 934 2.2 1.39 156 0.710 0.510 10.5 1.99 2.07 0.375

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 7.01 7.01 73.5 73 109.10 108.00 97.90 96.50 45.85 45.75 2.48 2.48 16 15.5 20.5 19.94 6.75 6.70 1.69 1.31 846.00 845.00 0.415 0.405 89.2 88 0.99 0.99 18.00 18.00 69.95 67.40 94 90 306 306 42.7 42 156.9 153 1490.00 1481.00 64.70 64.50 3.15 3.15 INDUSTRIAL 35.6 Aboitiz Power Corp.

43.25 44.5 43.2 1.6 Agrinurture Inc. 1.38 1.48 1.39 1.04 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 1.03 1.05 1.03 1.41 Alsons Cons.

1.96 1.97 1.95 7.92 Asiabest Group 10.5 10.52 10.48 14.6 Century Food 18.5 18.6 18.4 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 27 27.05 27 29.15 Concepcion 57.5 58.3 56.5 Crown Asia 1.94 2.03 1.92 1.04 Da Vinci Capital 1.59 1.62 1.58 10.72 Del Monte 12.1 12.48 12.3 8.44 DNL Industries Inc. 19.000 19.120 19 9.79 Emperador 9.36 9.50 9.35 5.43 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 7.27 7.31 7.20 9.54 EEI 9.92 9.99 9.87 1.06 Euro-Med Lab 1.7 1.71 1.66 8.61 Federal Res. Inv. Group 11.48 12.2 11.62 18.06 First Gen Corp.

25.35 25.85 25 67.9 First Holdings ‘A’ 85.35 87 85.5 14 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 13.90 13.90 13.90 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.82 13.82 13.50 3.12 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.09 6.2 6.05 0.395 Ionics Inc 0.520 0.540 0.540 168 Jollibee Foods Corp.

195.80 199.00 195.00 8.65 Lafarge Rep 9.8 9.8 9.7 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 2.52 2.59 2.52 16 Macay Holdings 52.85 53.50 52.80 24.4 Manila Water Co. Inc. 24.5 25.45 24.75 16.2 Maxs Group 24.8 25.1 24.8 7.62 Megawide 6.29 6.3 6.28 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 279.20 285.20 278.40 3.37 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 4.22 4.19 3.98 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.42 4.51 4.43 9 Petron Corporation 9.12 9.32 9.00 9.94 Phinma Corporation 11.50 11.70 11.22 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.87 3.97 3.76 2.22 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.17 2.23 2.17 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.18 2.3 2.12 4.72 RFM Corporation 4.44 4.44 4.40 1.65 Roxas and Co. 2.2 2.1 1.9 6 Roxas Holdings 6 6.5 6 201.6 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 178 179 177.5 1.67 Splash Corporation 1.64 1.6 1.59 0.122 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.149 0.153 0.151 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

1.20 1.20 1.20 2.01 Trans-Asia Oil 2.22 2.27 2.22 143.4 Universal Robina 186.5 188.6 184.8 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.3 4.4 4.3 0.670 Vitarich Corp.

0.75 0.78 0.75 1.39 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.30 1.29 1.28 HOLDING FIRMS 0.45 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.460 0.460 0.455 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 55.4000 56.8000 55.2500 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 21.90 22.50 21.90 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.87 6.81 6.70 1.4 ATN Holdings A 0.255 0.255 0.240 1.6 ATN Holdings B 0.270 0.260 0.260 600 Ayala Corp `A’ 747 769.5 751.5 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.74 7.89 7.79 14.18 DMCI Holdings 12.90 13.38 13.00 4.25 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

4.44 4.50 4.49 0.144 Forum Pacific 0.215 0.225 0.209 818 GT Capital 1301 1353 1320 5.3 House of Inv. 6.48 6.78 6.50 46.6 JG Summit Holdings 65.00 68.00 65.10 4.43 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.47 7.51 7.31 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.71 0.71 0.7 12 LT Group 13.3 13.52 13.2 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.62 0.64 0.62 4.22 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 4.42 4.55 4.45 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 5 5 5 0.450 Prime Orion 1.180 1.320 1.190 66.7 San Miguel Corp `A’ 60.00 61.50 59.90 709.5 SM Investments Inc. 878.00 890.00 872.50 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.21 1.22 1.21 0.93 South China Res. Inc. 0.70 0.74 0.74 85.2 Top Frontier 81.000 81.000 80.550 0.200 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3550 0.3550 0.3500 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.300 0.295 0.295 PROPERTY 6.01 8990 HLDG 7.150 7.290 7.160 0.91 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.73 0.73 0.73 1.29 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.250 1.260 1.250 0.192 Arthaland Corp.

0.230 0.220 0.220

2.5 66 84.6 84.5 45.8 1.97 12.02 23.55 6.3 1.75 625 0.225 78 0.9 18.02 76.5 95 276 45 107.6 1200 66 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

7.01 73 108.00 96.45 45.95 2.36 15.9 19.94 6.33 1.15 815.00 0.415 88 0.99 18.00 67.00 92.05 305 41.85 153.9 1460.00 64.60 3.13

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

7.01 73.5 108.50 96.75 45.8 2.48 15.9 20.45 6.75 1.69 846.00 0.405 88.8 0.99 18.00 69.40 94 306 42.5 153 1490.00 64.70 3.15

0.00 0.68 0.46 0.31 -0.33 5.08 0.00 2.56 6.64 46.96 3.80 -2.41 0.91 0.00 0.00 3.58 2.12 0.33 1.55 -0.58 2.05 0.15 0.64

3,200 17,570 1,548,820 1,639,710 42,700 1,000 700 141,000 3,100 82,000 150 510,000 17,930,840 10,000 21,500 34,190 30 370 48,300 541,370 260 29,410 173,000

44.4 1.45 1.05 1.96 10.52 18.5 27 57.5 2.03 1.59 12.3 19.000 9.35 7.28 9.99 1.66 12.1 25 85.5 13.90 13.82 6.08 0.540 195.50 9.77 2.59 53.50 25.35 24.8 6.28 284.00 4.15 4.51 9.00 11.22 3.76 2.19 2.2 4.41 2.03 6.5 178 1.6 0.153 1.20 2.23 185 4.3 0.76 1.29

2.66 5.07 1.94 0.00 0.19 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.64 0.00 1.65 0.00 -0.11 0.14 0.71 -2.35 5.40 -1.38 0.18 0.00 0.00 -0.16 3.85 -0.15 -0.31 2.78 1.23 3.47 0.00 -0.16 1.72 -1.66 2.04 -1.32 -2.43 -2.84 0.92 0.92 -0.68 -7.73 8.33 0.00 -2.44 2.68 0.00 0.45 -0.80 0.00 1.33 -0.77

3,421,500 4,000 401,000 728,000 300 85,500 482,200 920 5,046,000 225,000 700 2,446,700 1,817,100 24,001,900 370,300 90,000 333,000 1,947,200 125,230 31,000 8,700 2,074,200 21,000 707,480 302,400 20,000 16,770 752,300 4,000 19,100 489,340 7,000 111,000 8,279,500 16,500 443,000 235,000 2,495,000 506,000 99,000 1,000 6,490 3,000 500,000 4,000 579,000 3,360,970 41,000 895,000 139,000

0.455 56.8000 22.45 6.79 0.255 0.260 767 7.82 13.38 4.50 0.225 1351 6.56 68.00 7.49 0.71 13.3 0.62 4.55 5 1.300 59.95 890.00 1.21 0.74 80.500 0.3550 0.295

-1.09 2.53 2.51 -1.16 0.00 -3.70 2.68 1.03 3.72 1.35 4.65 3.84 1.23 4.62 0.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.94 0.00 10.17 -0.08 1.37 0.00 5.71 -0.62 0.00 -1.67

130,000 1,063,770 9,598,900 33,000 1,420,000 20,000 236,110 1,065,000 10,824,200 84,000 160,000 319,785 832,100 2,453,170 2,001,100 3,000 912,700 696,000 13,600,000 10,000 50,560,000 166,000 210,750 66,000 2,000 790 310,000 70,000

7.250 0.73 1.250 0.220

1.40 0.00 0.00 -4.35

129,400 366,000 590,000 70,000

968,050.00 -69,083,354.00 -14,231,097.50 9,160.00 -594,765.00

4,100.00 -51,586,297.50

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

40 6.15 5.4 1.54 1.48 0.201 0.98 1.09 2.25 1.87 1.8 4.88 0.180 0.470 8.54 31.8 2.29 3.6 20.6 1.02 8.59

29.1 4.1 4.96 0.89 0.97 0.083 0.445 0.85 1.4 1.42 1.19 2.75 0.090 0.325 2.57 21.35 1.64 3.08 15.08 0.69 5.69

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Century Property Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Empire East Land Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld Corp.

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1460 4.61 99.1 12.3 9 1700 2090 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 2.85 3.2 5.9 1.97 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 110.2 14 3486 0.710 2.28 48.5 90.1 11.6 0.87 10.2 0.490 1.6

1.97 32.5 1 0.6 9.61 0.0770 2.95 46.55 10.14 5.88 830 1600 5.95 1.36 105 0.036 1.200 6.5 1.69 2 1.05 0.490 1.8 8.7 0.34 0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2726 0.380 0.32 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 6.45 0.305 1.04

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

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

DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Macroasia Corp.

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

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

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

Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 12.7 12.8 1.2 1.73 10.98 4.2 0.48 0.455 0.475 0.023 0.026 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 8.65 6.5 6.98 0.61 0.78 5.99 1.08 0.330 0.2130 0.2160 0.014 0.014 3.660 20.2 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 12.28 111 1060 1047 76.9 78.95 84.8

33 490 6.5 101 997 1011 74.2 74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

10.96 15 88 12.88

2.4 3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

Low

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

37.50 3.46 5.32 0.82 1.06 0.140 0.415 0.850 1.24 1.80 1.39 4.62 0.116 0.3200 7.28 28.00 1.68 3.33 19.10 0.73 7.090

39.00 37.60 39.00 3.54 3.47 3.48 5.35 5.3 5.33 0.83 0.81 0.82 1.06 1.06 1.06 0.140 0.140 0.140 0.450 0.425 0.440 0.840 0.840 0.840 1.25 1.22 1.23 1.84 1.81 1.84 1.38 1.31 1.38 4.77 4.64 4.71 0.115 0.110 0.114 0.3200 0.3200 0.3200 7.24 7.24 7.24 28.50 27.95 28.50 1.71 1.7 1.71 3.35 3.34 3.34 19.46 19.02 19.46 0.73 0.71 0.73 7.140 7.080 7.080 SERVICES 6.39 6.4 6.26 6.4 60 60.1 60 60.06 1.11 1.2 1.11 1.12 0.670 0.670 0.660 0.660 8.97 9.12 8.82 8.83 0.0940 0.0950 0.0930 0.0950 4 4.1 4.01 4.06 83.5 85.5 84 85.35 9.99 10 9.99 10 6.39 6.66 6.30 6.66 978 960 960 960 2630 2720 2630 2698 6.19 6.19 6.04 6.12 1.32 1.35 1.25 1.34 111.5 111.6 110 111 0.224 0.236 0.221 0.232 1.2500 1.2800 1.2500 1.2800 9.20 9.40 9.20 9.35 2.98 3.12 2.98 2.99 2.00 2.00 1.95 1.95 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 0.690 0.690 0.690 0.690 1.99 1.99 1.95 1.99 6.9 6.98 6.88 6.97 0.335 0.345 0.340 0.340 0.480 0.500 0.485 0.500 18.96 18.96 18.96 18.96 4.54 4.55 4.54 4.55 124.00 124.00 124.00 124.00 19.20 19.98 19.22 19.60 2774.00 2848.00 2762.00 2800.00 0.660 0.690 0.660 0.680 1.330 1.360 1.310 1.310 36.25 37.50 36.30 37.00 72.05 76.00 72.75 76.00 9.50 9.76 9.50 9.76 0.68 0.67 0.67 0.67 5.18 5.27 5.08 5.14 0.330 0.330 0.330 0.330 1.370 1.490 1.370 1.490 MINING & OIL 0.0051 0.0053 0.0050 0.0053 2.60 2.57 2.50 2.50 6.99 7.05 6.85 6.99 7.2000 6.8600 6.8600 6.8600 7.4000 7.0800 7.0800 7.0800 0.99 0.98 0.95 0.98 0.78 0.79 0.78 0.79 7.01 7.26 6.91 7.24 1.61 1.69 1.61 1.68 0.325 0.330 0.315 0.320 0.232 0.235 0.232 0.232 0.236 0.237 0.235 0.237 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 3.38 3.41 3.38 3.41 23.8 24.75 24 24.3 3.71 3.77 3.69 3.72 0.6800 0.6700 0.6700 0.6700 2.0800 2.0700 2.0700 2.0700 0.0120 0.0120 0.0110 0.0120 4.39 4.39 4.38 4.38 6.46 6.59 6.44 6.45 1.95 1.990 1.970 1.97 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.015 138.10 142.90 139.00 140.50 11 11.04 10.8 10.88 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 PREFERRED 60 61 60 61 524.5 524.5 524.5 524.5 1.12 1.12 1.1 1.12 111 111 111 111 1124 1120 1120 1120 1050 1043 1043 1043 75.5 75.45 75.35 75.4 84 81.95 81.95 81.95 87 87.5 87 87 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.820 3.880 3.790 3.800 SME 9.44 9.7 9.5 9.64 5.5 5.26 5.2 5.25 64.95 63.95 56.05 63.95 11 10.98 10.76 10.82 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 120.1 122.4 120.8 122.4

4.00 0.58 0.19 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.02 -1.18 -0.81 2.22 -0.72 1.95 -1.72 0.00 -0.55 1.79 1.79 0.30 1.88 0.00 -0.14

8,349,200 1,846,000 257,500 4,004,000 2,000 660,000 4,680,000 80,000 873,000 10,412,000 32,000 31,067,000 240,000 190,000 100 1,516,100 33,000 31,000 5,877,000 83,000 4,710,700

42,707,900.00 1,197,890.00 -218,490.00 1,400,560.00

0.16 0.10 0.90 -1.49 -1.56 1.06 1.50 2.22 0.10 4.23 -1.84 2.59 -1.13 1.52 -0.45 3.57 2.40 1.63 0.34 -2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.01 1.49 4.17 0.00 0.22 0.00 2.08 0.94 3.03 -1.50 2.07 5.48 2.74 -1.47 -0.77 0.00 8.76

34,400 11,300 120,000 300,000 12,099,800 3,410,000 440,000 209,990 4,600 16,000 10 186,455 4,700 114,000 1,505,970 11,850,000 55,000 167,300 481,000 139,000 50 17,000 160,000 1,376,900 260,000 210,000 1,500 2,000 2,330 493,100 132,210 5,043,000 9,594,000 2,920,200 1,088,680 444,100 449,000 7,313,900 280,000 171,000

3.92 -3.85 0.00 -4.72 -4.32 -1.01 1.28 3.28 4.35 -1.54 0.00 0.42 0.00 0.00 0.89 2.10 0.27 -1.47 -0.48 0.00 -0.23 -0.15 1.03 0.00 1.74 -1.09 0.00

879,000,000 285,000 352,600 -2,091,055.00 2,500 3,900 -7,080.00 9,000 42,000 1,500 20,034,000 5,052,770.00 320,000 1,580,000 30,000 700,000 100,000 30,000 -27,190.00 2,144,000 -39,372,950.00 212,000 500,000 10,000 10,600,000 81,000 301,800 -128,971.00 685,000 12,000,000 -13,500.00 574,990 -4,591,305.00 199,000 1,000,000

1.67 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.36 -0.67 -0.13 -2.44 0.00

103,060 1,390 20,000 40,410 250 115 65,400 110 62,750

-0.52

180,000

2.12 -4.55 -1.54 -1.64

530,400 1,800 320 1,154,900

1.92

12,170

-163,250.00 16,800.00 37,500.00 2,977,380.00 -13,635,640.00

MST

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

SHARES 23,221,403 70,034,615 97,093,701 90,645,125 61,745,302 930,927,960 1,275,367,696

360,000.00 652,031.00 900.00 24,480.00 322,790.00 196,151.00 268,200.00 670,155.00

96,846,245.00

187,094.00

3,975.00 -240,220.00

2,492.00 -6,318,238.00 6,922,425.00 -94,492,318.00 3,161,755.00 -1,710.00

-23,944,380.00 47,481.00

93,816.00 10,006,166.00

-23,112,931.00

7,133,180.00 -17,570.00 31,500.00 50,802,456.00 -31,220.00 -15,567,546.00

-392,180.00 -65,400.00 57,170.00 -92,600.00 409,400.00

337,500.00 -15,155,520.00 167,700.00 27,720.00

2,174,632.50 49,036,990.00 -81,720.00

-18,278,715.00 3,240,611.00 24,420,954.00 238,470.00 -12,359,205.00

68,703,498.50 -2,443,703.00 534,236.00

3,240,200.00

-1,602,900.00 -6,852,322.00 51,356,545.00

-524,097.00 8,800.00

Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

T op g ainerS VALUE 2,051,223,703.94 2,160,900,328.588 1,650,722,384.403 998,124,383.8116 1,486,285,179.663 182,050,384.9337 8,548,463,790.3356

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,713.60 (UP) 8.21 INDUSTRIAL 11,375.49 (UP) 23.07 HOLDING FIRMS 6,693.01 (UP) 163.34 PROPERTY 3,073.29 (UP) 80.51 SERVICES 2,094.76 (UP) 21.22 MINING & OIL 13,853.03 (UP) 162.42 PSEI 7,503.72 (UP) 119.45 All Shares Index 4,314.24 (UP) 60.03 Gainers: 103 Losers: 58; Unchanged: 47; Total: 208

8,932,415.00 -9,874,070.00

-15,867,465.00

-13,134,788.00 940.00 -556,385.00

-34,684,760.00

-17,374,119.00 -48,630.00 763,860.00 8,000.00

38,652.00

248,000.00 4,094,730.00

-3,904,650.00 -31,138,505.00 10,760,837.50 1,399,689.00 -5,391,119.00

-27,600.00

-4,334,660.00

-497,140.00 -87,000.00

-807,240.00 -764,670.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

I-Remit Inc.

1.69

46.96

Roxas and Co.

2.03

-7.73

Prime Orion

1.300

10.17

Benguet Corp `A'

6.8600

-4.72

Yehey

1.490

8.76

Makati Fin. Corp.

5.25

-4.55

Roxas Holdings

6.5

8.33

Arthaland Corp.

0.220

-4.35

Filipino Fund Inc.

6.75

6.64

Benguet Corp `B'

7.0800

-4.32

Cyber Bay Corp.

0.440

6.02

Apex `A'

2.50

-3.85

South China Res. Inc.

0.74

5.71

ATN Holdings B

0.260

-3.70

Robinsons RTL

76.00

5.48

Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

3.76

-2.84

Federal Res. Inv. Group

12.1

5.40

Macroasia Corp.

1.95

-2.50

BDO Leasing & Fin. INc.

2.48

5.08

SMC Preferred B

81.95

-2.44

FRIDAY: JUNE 12, 2015

B3

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

Robinsons Bank recapitalized Light and dark THIS week, we commemorate the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain. The Philippine Statistical Authority reported that net foreign direct investments (FDI) in March 2015 fell to its lowest level in over a year, showing a 54% decrease from the same period last year. First quarter 2015 FDI was less than 50% of Q1 2014 FDI. The Philippine House of Representatives ended its second regular session without having passed the Bangsamoro Basic Law, a bill certified as urgent by Malacañang.

Also this week, the Asian Institute of Management RIzalino S. Navarro Policy Center in cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung hosted a conference entitled “Institutionalizing Anti-Corruption and Good Governance: International Experience and Evidence”. Ironically, the other bill languishing in the House is the Freedom of Information bill.

Balance In schools of government and in policy courses, students are taught about the cycle of reform. Essentially, what this means is that policymakers are constantly tweaking public policy in order to take account of changes. The cycle of reform begins with a problem definition, essentially the evidence that leads policy makers to believe that a reform might be appropriate.

The reform then goes on to the four other stages: diagnosis and policy development, policy decision, implementation, and evaluation. The evaluation process is really a monitoring of the post-reform state. This monitoring is what could then lead to problem detection that would lead to the next cycle of reform. On the surface, this is all very logical and reasonable and, in fact, much of this process is very rational.

In the area of health, which is the policy sector I am most involved in, the arrival at a decision is fraught with difficulty. Of course, all policy decisions are difficult simply because they must take into account multiple points of views, multiple stakeholders and multiple goals.

Health, though, can be particularly difficult because the outcome objectives are extremely difficult to quantify in a manner that lends itself easily to quantitative analysis. More to the point, when decisions about budgets are made, it is extremely difficult to put peso values on health indicators.

When we teach policy, one of the things we encourage students to do is to understand and engage stakeholders. The reality is that the real test of public policy lies in implementation, and successful implementation is reliant on the support and cooperation of key stakeholders. In fact, in many cases, policy cannot even be adopted if it does not have the support of key stakeholders. For example, in health, the policy makers and regulators are only one category of stakeholders. The other stakeholders include patients, doctors, hospital owners and administrators, other health care workers, local government officials who run hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, health insurance organizations and even employers who end up shouldering a significant portion of the cost of health care.

However, the challenge of managing multiple stakeholders is not the most difficult aspect of successful reform. In the book “Getting Health Reform Right”, Roberts et al explain that the true challenge of successful reform lies in the parallel management of ethics and politics.

Government In fact, to understand public policy, the place to begin is the beginning. What is the purpose of government? Historically, the purpose of every government is founded on two things: the security of citizens and the provision of order.

In the old days, security essentially meant protecting citizens and their property from invading forces. Over time, the concept of security has expanded to such things as the protection of the right to education and health. As nations grew and commerce expanded, the concept of security and, indeed, the concept of order has become complicated. Governments have always needed to protect citizens from each other as a part of maintain order. In the modern era, this government job includes such things as protecting minority shareholders from majority shareholders, or owners from managers.

In order to accomplish its job, governments levy taxes. In the days of royalty, when rulers overstepped their bounds by collecting oppressive taxes to fuel lavish lifestyles, citizens looked to other royals for protection. Eventually, most royal houses were overthrown and the idea of a single, virtually omnipotent ruler whose very word was law became anathema.

Today, part of the job of every government is to protect citizens from those in public office who would seek to create personal gain from the use of public power.

This, in fact, is the World Bank’s official definition of corruption: the “abuse of public office for private gain.” In the AIM anti-corruption conference, Dr. Norman Abjorensen, author of the recently published book: “Combating Corruption: Implications of the G20 Action Plan for the Asia-Pacific Region” begged to disagree. In his presentation, Abjorensen noted that the World Bank’s estimates that public corruption costs developing countries USD 20 to 40 billion a year. However, he points out that this represents only 3% of the total cost of corruption. He quotes a Global Financial Integrity report that estimates that multinationals cost developing countries a whopping USD 900 billion a year in the form of tax evasion and illicit practices.

When we think about how much might potentially be leaking from public coffers from domestic businesses and even private citizens who do not pay their taxes properly, then we can begin to see how large the problem of corruption really is.

The reality, of course, is that corruption is multi-faceted and combating it will require a similarly multi-faceted approach. However, we must begin with a few basics. For the moment, let us concentrate on two things. First, corruption thrives when it is seen as inevitable.

Everyone pays a bribe to get their permits out, therefor it is ok to pay a bribe. When certain practices are widely tolerated, then they are socially legitimized. That is a first step towards combating corruption. We must admit that corruption exists and that we are all responsible for combating it in all its forms. Second, once it becomes clear that corruption is unacceptable, we need to understand that corruption thrives in the dark.

Transparency In the AIM conference, Andre Schmidt explained that detection of corruption is a critical component in fighting corruption. He explained that freedom of the press is a critical component in fighting corruption. Peter Perfecto of the Makati Business Club had actually gone a step further and dwelt almost exclusively on the matter of transparency.

Perfecto pointed out that some version of the Freedom of Information Bill has been pending in the Philippine House of Representatives for three decades. Perfecto explained that the nearest the bill came to passing was the 14th congress from 2007-2010 when a lack of quorum prevented lawmakers from ratifying the bicameral report on the very last session of Congress. Since then, the FOI bill has remained stuck in plenary debates in the House.

By contrast, Perfecto points out, Senate has consistently managed to approve their version of the FOI bill on the third reading. Perfecto further pointed out that, in the Asia Pacific, the Philippines is one of only five (of 21) APEC member economies without an FOI act.

Ironically, the Philippines was one of the eight founding members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a multilateral initiative aimed at securing government commitment to transparency, citizen empowerment, fighting corruption, and harnessing technologies for good governance. Today, four years after the founding of the OGP, the Philippines is the only founder without an FOI bill.

There is a single reality that we must all acknowledge. Corruption thrives in dark corridors and shadowed corners. Secrets are the currency of the corrupt.

In the last three decades that the FOI bill has languished in the House, we have had two Aquino presidents. More than any other president, this current one is the one that should understand how secrecy can hide a multitude of sins. More than any other president, this, the son of a fallen journalist, should understand the power of transparency and the evils of secrecy. This is the president who ran on a platform of the straight path, the “matuwid na daan.” This is also the president who, for the first five years of his incumbency, has failed to prioritize the FOI bill. Will this last year be different? We hope so. We hope that his legacy will not be “Matuiwd na Daan, Madilim na Paraan.”

Readers can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com. Or visit her site at http://integrations.tumblr.com.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

JG SUMMIT Holdings Inc. of tycoon John Gokongwei is injecting P9 billion in additional capital into unit Robinsons Bank over the next three years.

JG Summit president Lance Gokongwei said in an interview following the annual stockholders’ meeting the conglomerate would initially double Robinsons Bank’s capital to P12 billion from P6 billion and infuse the balance of P3 billion over the next three years.

He said the move aimed to enable Robinsons Bank to meet the requirement of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on commercial banks put a minimum capital of P15 billion by 2018.

“We are building the infrastructure and the management team of the bank.

We have a 2020 plan which aims to grow the bank, which currently

has P50 [billion] in assets, fourfold,” Gokongwei said.

“JG Summit is supporting that.

We are injecting additional capital to Robinsons Bank so we can achieve the P15-billon minimum requirement by the BSP for commercial banks by 2018.”

Robinsons Bank is among the lenders that purchased bid documents for the auction of sequestered United Coconut Planters Bank.

The government plans to sell its majority stake in UCPB, a deal that is expected to be worth at least P16.1 billion.

“I paid P100,000 to purchase bid documents [for UPCB]. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to bid. I’m just taking a look,”

Gokongwei said.

Robinsons Bank plans to build 10 to 15 additional branches this year to add to the existing 105-branch network. Robinsons Bank plans to open 20 branches annually over the next five years.

Robinsons Bank reported a net income of P146.9 million in 2014, down 68 percent from P452.3 million in 2013, mainly due to lower revenues.

Revenues dropped 1.2 percent in 2014 to P2.75 billion from P2.72 billion in 2013, on lower trading gains and commission income.

Robinsons Bank in 2012 purchased a controlling stake in a Legazpi City-based thrift , which had 11 branches in the Bicol region.

Robinsons Bank is majorityowned by JG Summit, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, with business interests in air transportation, banking, food manufacturing, petrochemicals, real estate, hotel and property development and retail.

PNB-SSS partnership. Philippine National Bank and the Social Security System launched the PNB SSS Pensioner Loan Program, which is open to all active SSS pensioners up to 70 years old with PNB accounts.

The program provides fast, convenient and easy money. The loan proceeds can be either credited directly to the clients’ accounts or withdrawn via ATM or over-the-counter. Sealing the partnership agreement with a handshake are PNB president Reynaldo Maclang (left) and SSS President Emilio de Quiros Jr. The program will be available in all PNB branches on July 1, 2015.

Market rallies; GT Capital, ALI surge THE stock market surged Thursday following a strong close on Wall Street and hopes for a Greek debt deal.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 119.45 points, or 1.6 percent, to P7,503.72 on a value turnover of P8.5 billion.

Gainers overwhelmed losers, 103 to 58, with 47 issues unchanged.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty rallied 3.8 percent to P1,351, while JG Summit Holdings Inc. of tycoon John Gokongwei climbed 4.6 percent to P68.

Globe Telecom Inc., the second-biggest telecommunications firm, gained 2.6 percent to P2,698, while sister unit Ayala Land Inc. surged 4 percent to P39.

DMCI Holdings Inc., which has interests in mining, power generation, water distribution and construction, rose 3.7 percent to P13.38.

Asian markets, meanwhile, rallied while the dollar recovered after the previous day’s sharp losses.

Tokyo climbed 1.68 percent, or 336.61 points, to 20,382.97 thanks to a weaker yen and Sydney added 1.43 percent, or 78.10 points, to 5,556.70.

Seoul ended 0.26 percent higher, adding 5.29 points to 2,056.61, after the central bank cut its key interest rate in a bid to boost the economy, which has been hit by an outbreak of the deadly MERS virus.

Shanghai reversed morning

losses to close up 0.30 percent, or 15.56 points, at 5,121.59 while in late trade Hong Kong tacked on 0.70 percent.

The three main indexes in New York enjoyed one of their best days for weeks, snapping a fourday sell-off, thanks to a surge in banks and technology stocks as well as optimism over the Greek debt crisis.

Dealers welcomed news German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande would meet with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at an EU-Latin America summit, encouraging hopes for a deal to extend Greece’s bailout funding. With AFP

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FRIDAY: JUNE 12, 2015

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

OFW stranded in Jeddah FOR failing to pay his hospital bills, an ailing Filipino overseas worker is now stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This was disclosed by a non-government organization that assists distressed OFWs. According to the Blas Ople Policy Center, 54-year-old Restituto Galigao whose family lives in a resettlement site in Arayat, Pampanga, suffered a major heart attack in November last year while having lunch at a friend’s house in Saudi Arabia. A Filipino nurse, Merralyn Amatorio, brought the OFW to the Dr. Erfan & Bagedo Hospital, where she works, for immediate medical attention. Galigao, known to family and friends as “Resty,”was intermittently comatose until his condition finally stabilized.

Galigao works as a part-time driver and has been staying in Jeddah without a permanent job and proper work and residency documents. As such, he was not covered by the required company health insurance during the time of the cardiac arrest.

His eldest daughter, Cynthia, recently lost her job as a contractual worker. The family has absolutely no means to pay for Resty’s medical bills. The amount has snowballed to 200,000 Saudi Riyals or around 2.5 million pesos,” the Blas F. Ople Center said.

Reynalyn Galigao, the youngest in the family, said that they have been buying lotto tickets in the hope of winning the jackpot so that they could shoulder the medical bills of their father.

“Before he suffered a heart attack, he would send us from P7,000 to P15,000 every two months depending on how much he was able to earn and save. He also called us up once a week,” Reynalyn said.

Last March, the same hospital called the attention of the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah due to the unpaid account of OFW Edgar Pepito who was admitted by the same hospital in July 2014 due to cardiac arrest. Pepito’s hospital bill amounted to 60,125.21 SR but the OFW was discharged on the basis of a guarantee letter signed by the vice-consul at that time.

According to the hospital, the Philippine Consulate, despite a written guarantee, has failed to complete its payment, leaving behind a balance of 47,475.21 SR. “We would like to appeal to the appropriate agencies of government to come to the aid of seriously ill OFWs such as Resty Galigao. The family has no other means to pay for his hospital bills. We also wish to remind the Philippine Consulate of its obligation to settle the bill of OFW Edgar Pepito since no less than the credibility of our government is at stake,” the Ople Center said.

The case of Mr. Galigao was brought to the attention of the Ople Center by another NGO, the Filipino Lifeline, headed by a former OFW named Edward Era. Just recently, the anniversary of the signing of the Migrant Workers’ Act of 1995 was celebrated but nobody hardly noticed. This government, which has long been noticeable for its seemingly cavalier attitude when it comes to the welfare of our overseas workers, did not even bother to make the anniversary prominent.

“We ask that our government extend humanitarian assistance to this ailing OFW,” the Ople Center reiterated.

We keep calling the OFWs as our modern-day heroes and we enjoy receiving their remittances that have helped keep this country’s economy much healthier than others, but when they are in trouble, they are made to feel unwanted.

Reader’s feedback We got this from one of our readers Ben Hur Ong who commented about our previous column (Meralco cuts rates)— “thank you for coming out with your useful tips. I am sure many will benefit from them. However, I think it would have been better if in your suggestion #6 you had recommended LED lights instead of CFL. They are more economical, emit less heat and are more environmentally friendly.”

Very well noted, buddy!

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

Digital economy. The Asian Institute of Management recently co-hosted an intimate Fireside Chat on the Digital Evolution Index , a ranking of 50 countries and their migration towards a digital economy.

Joining the panel are (from left) AIM professor Matthew Escobido; Ravi Shankar Chaturvedi, research fellow for innovation and change at the Institute for Business in the Global Context at the Fletcher School, Tufts University; Monchito Ibrahim, deputy executive director of the Department of Science and Technology’s Information and Communications Technology; Earl Valencia, president and co-founder of IdeaSpace Foundation; and Jerry Rapes, managing director of AGSX.

PH airlines secure flights to Istanbul

By Darwin G. Amojelar

data showed. Philippine visitors to Turkey reached 3,581 in the same year.

The Philippines has signed several air service agreements to accommodate the increasing number of tourists from different continents.

THE Philippines and Turkey have signed a new air service agreement that would pave the way for local airlines to fly to Istanbul N RIEF and possibly Frankfurt, Germany and Tel Peso closes at 45.15 THE peso lost 24 centavos against Aviv, Israel. the dollar on Thursday, closing at a

I B

Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the Philippines and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding on air services expanding the allowable number of flights per week between Manila and Istanbul, from the current three flights a week to seven.

The parties also agreed to allow 14 flights a week between Turkey and all other international airports in the Philippines, except Manila.

The agreement also gave Philippine carriers fifth freedom rights to Frankfurt or Tel Aviv.

Fifth freedom rights allow an airline to fly passengers to third countries provided they have outstanding air service agreement with the airline’s home country.

“This will allow a Philippine carrier to fly from Manila to Istanbul and onward to Frankfurt or via Tel Aviv,” Arcilla aid.

Turkish Airlines currently operates three flights per week between Istanbul and Manila.

“They plan to increase their operations from 3 to 7 flights per week in October 2015. Turkey is a major gateway to Europe, and Turkish Airlines has about 106 destinations in Europe,” Arcilla said.

The Philippines received 3,731 visitors from Turkey in 2013, a 19-percent year-on-year increase, Tourism Department

16-month low of 45.15 on expectations the United States may increase interest rates earlier than expected.

It was the local currency’s weakest level since Feb. 6, 2014 when it settled at 45.18 against the greenback.

Bank of the Philippine Islands lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said in a phone interview the decline of the local currency was in line with the greenback’s continuous strength against most currencies on positive US jobs data and investors’ expectation of a hike in interest rates.

“The strong jobs data was still part of that [dollar strength]. Many also see interest rates to go up in Europe and the United States. There is a strong possibility that the hike in the US may happen in September than in October this year.

Data showed foreign portfolio investments or “hot money” posted a net outflow of $569 million in May, a sharp reversal from the $545 million net inflow a year ago.

Bangko Sentral said the outflow was a result of “outward remittance of sales proceeds of investments in Philippine Stock Exchange-listed stocks and peso government securities previously kept in interim peso deposits.”

Julito G. Rada

Lower flour prices eyed

THE Trade Department said Thursday it will investigate the country’s big flour mills and bakeries for refusing to reduce flour and bread prices, despite the lower cost of wheat in the world market.

The agency’s consumer protection group said it had written twice to 16 flour milling companies and to three bakery associations to give a valid reason for not following the supply and demand in the world market.

“Wheat price in the world market has gone down by 28.83 percent from January to April 2015 but for some

Manila and Doha in May signed an ASA, increasing the maximum number of flights for each country from the current eight flights a week to 14.

The Philippine air panel also completed air talks with Singapore, Australia and Qatar. reason, the prices of bread and noodles have remained the same, including flour,” Trade Undersecretary for consumer protection Victorio Dimagiba said in a news briefing.

He said the price of wheat had dropped 63.19 percent since June 2011, but prevailing prices of flour remained at P850 to P940 per 25 kilogram sack; P6.30 to P7.10 for noodles; and P36.50 to P59.50 for branded tasty.

CPG said based on computation of the Trade Department, the retail price of flour should be anywhere from P715 to P839 per 25-kg bag of class I flour; P732 to 825 per bag of class 2 flour; and P800 and P845 per bag of premium flour. Othel V. Campos

Rice output declines

RICE and corn harvests are expected to drop in the second quarter from a year ago because of the adverse effects of the El Niño dry spell, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

PSA in its latest report palay (unmilled rice) production in the second quarter was expected to reach 3.898 million metric tons, lower by 4.3 percent than the 4.073 million MT produced in the same period last year.

Harvest area is seen contracting from 0.92 million hectares to 0.91 million hectares, but overall yield may improve from 4.25 MT per hectare to 4.27 MT per hectare.

The possible drop in palay production was due to the foreseen contraction in harvest areas in Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Sorsogon, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Mindoro Oriental, Samar and Negros Oriental, the PSA said.

“In Albay, Bulacan, Davao Sur, Palawan, and Apayao, the insufficient water supply and intense heat that affected the vegetative and reproductive stages of the crop may reduce yield,” PSA said.

It said the incidence of :tungro” in Laguna and infestation of stemborer and rice black bug in South Cotabato, and Surigao Norte would also bring down production.

Anna Leah E. Gonzales

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cEsAR bARRIoqUINto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

Reality starlet to wed prince STOCKHOLM—A former reality starlet, glamor model and yoga teacher will become a real-life princess in Sweden on Saturday when she marries Prince Carl Philip in a lavish Stockholm wedding.

Sofia Hellqvist, a slender and elegant brunette, is a 30-yearold commoner known for her infectious gaptoothed smile and easygoing ways.

Her fiance, 36-yearold Carl Philip, is the second child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia and holds the title of Duke of Varmland.

He is third in line to the throne, behind his elder sister Crown Princess Victoria and her three-year-old daughter Princess Estelle.

A glamorous and openly affectionate couple equally known for their sporty lifestyle, Carl Philip and Sofia

are keen to project an image of themselves as modern and open royals, and are often seen running errands in town or picking up pizza to go in Stockholm’s chic neighborhoods.

Royal weddings in the past were “a way of building power alliances. Today they’re a way of uniting the monarchy with the people and strengthening the sense of community,” historian Louise Berglund told news agency TT. The Swedish media revealed the prince’s budding relationship with the former glamor model in 2010, titillated by her racy past.

Hellqvist took part in 2005 in the Swedish reality show “Paradise Hotel,” where young scantily-clad men and women stay at a luxury resort and compete to be the last contestant voted off the show amid intrigue, scheming and drama. AFP

Restive volcano. An Indonesian farmer works as mount Sinabung spews volcanic ash in Karo district in North Sumatra on June 11. Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated from their homes after Indonesia upgraded the threat posed by the volcano on Sumatra island to the highest possible level, an official said on June 4. AFP

In Portugal, cash for babies ALCOUTIM, Portugal— Rather than turn into a ghost town, one Portuguese village facing an exodus of young adults and dwindling birth rates came up with an answer: pay parents 5,000 euros for every new baby.

Sun-soaked Alcoutim in the southeast near the border with Spain has lost a third of its population over the last 20 years.

Its fertility rate, meanwhile, dropped to one of Portugal’s lowest, at 0.9 children per woman, in a country whose national rate, at

1.21 children per woman, is already the lowest in the European Union—and now cause for national concern.

Portugal was hard hit by the global financial crisis and, as elsewhere, unemployment took a toll among Alcoutim’s young people, forcing many to leave in search of jobs.

Cash-strapped couples who stayed, meanwhile, put off plans to start a family.

So to kickstart a baby boom, local officials came up with a cashfor-babies scheme, offering 5,000 euros ($5,600) per newborn to help couples cover the costs of parenthood.

“These things are expensive,” said Daniela Silva as she and her husband Nuno shop for their six-

month-old son Santiago in the town’s pharmacy.

With Daniela, 29, unemployed and Nuno, 37, on sick leave from his job at a retirement home, starting a family has been a struggle.

Eye ointment, a musical mobile and a playpen alone add up to 228 euros but the village allowance will cover the cost.

“We live with my in-laws, with 800 euros a month,” said Nuno.

“The town’s help is very important for us.”

Alcoutim’s baby bonus is not the first of its kind in Portugal, but it is the most generous.

Set up in August, the scheme is modest in scale: six families are currently receiving payouts, which can be claimed up until the child’s third birthday.

While still young, the project appears to be bearing fruit: nine births are expected so far this year, compared to six last year. Though far less than the 23 babies born in Alcoutim in 1995, it is nonetheless progress.

Mayor Osvaldo Goncalves’ goal is to “attract young people” to the hilly, riverside town “because without young people, there are no children.”

This age group particularly suffered in the financial crisis that forced Portugal to accept a 78-billion-euro (89-billion-dollar) international bailout in 2011.

While its deficit is now under control and tourists are coming in record numbers, unemployment still stands at 13.7 percent—and among young people, that rate is a third.

Antonio, 34, and his partner Jessica, 22, were Alcoutim’s first couple to benefit from the program, which has covered most of their daily expenses for ninemonth-old Martim.

“Formula, nappies and even the cost of day care, I paid nearly nothing out of pocket,” said Antonio, who works at a youth hostel in town while Jessica works at the day care center.

But even the 5,000 euros “would not be enough for someone who really has nothing,” he said.

“Certain regions in the country, particularly in the central part, are not ideal for young people who want to work and start families,” conceded Vanessa Cunha, researcher at the Portuguese Observatory for Families. AFP

Giant tortoise walks Tokyo streets

Art work. Volunteers help during the construction of the art work Plastic Bags

by Marthine Pascale Tayou at The Flour factory (Meelfabriek) in Leiden on June 11. The installation is part of the art exhibition Global Imaginations. AFP

TOKYO—A huge reptile is on the prowl through Tokyo’s streets—but unlike Godzilla, who stomped across Japan’s capital in a blaze of destructive energy, Bonchan the giant tortoise isn’t doing anything very quickly.

The 3-feet-long African spurred tortoise, which tips the scales at 150 pounds, is a regular sight on the streets of Tokyo’s Tsukishima district as he and owner Hisao Mitani take their snail-paced daily walk.

“My wife just fell in love with him when she saw him at a pet shop, so

she brought him home,” Mitani, who runs a funeral home, told AFP. That was 20 years ago, when Bon-chan was small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.

“I sort of knew he would become a good size tortoise but did not think he would be this big.”

And like Godzilla, Bon-chan can also stop traffic—though generally it is so motorists can take a look at him, rather than because he has crushed their vehicles.

While his fictional forerunner fed—in some incarnations—on nuclear power plants, Bon-

chan prefers cabbage and carrots, gently taking them out of the hands of children who rush to greet him.

The tortoise lives in a pen at Mitani’s funeral home, where he greets callers.

“Some people may say it’s absurd to keep such a big tortoise at the entrance of a funeral service. But even in their time of sadness, people smile when they see him, so I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have him,” said the undertaker.

Bon-chan’s size—and the fact that Mitani dresses him in a frilly

coat during the chillier months—have made him quite a celebrity in the neighborhood.

Tortoises are symbols of longevity in Japan, where local myth says they can live for 10,000 years.

That has rubbed off on his owner, who is known in the area as “kame sennin” (“immortal tortoise man”), although Mitani cheerfully admits he’s not likely to be here for eternity.

“I hear this kind of reptile lives for about 80 years, so it’s certain that I will go before him,” said the 62-year-old. AFP

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F R I D AY : J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

IS use of social media tackled SYDNEY—The Islamic State group has “global ambitions” and more must be done to tackle its use of social media for recruitment, representatives of governments and technology giants heard in Australia Thursday.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott told the regional extremism conference it was vital to find ways to

with an entity like this, you can only fight it,” he said of Islamic State, to an audience including high-level officials from

stymie the ideology of extremists who are drawing thousands of foreign fighters to Iraq and Syria.

“You can’t negotiate

INVITATION TO BID NO.

1.

NAME OF PROJECT AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

IMPLEMENTING OFFICE

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT (ABC)

1

e-Learning Management System for Grades 5 and 9 students of various schools of Dep-Ed Makati

DEP-ED

P24,306,352.00

2

Acquisition of Hardware and Software for Data and Information Management Protocol - Phase II for the use of Urban Development Department

UDD

P3,043,332.00

30 nations, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Google.

“This is not terrorism for a local grievance, this is terrorism with global ambitions,” Abbott said.

“The only really effective defense against terrorism is persuading people that it’s pointless.

“We need idealistic young people to appreciate that joining this death cult [IS] is an utterly misguided and wrongheaded way to express their desire to sacrifice.

How this is best done is, of course, the work of this conference.”

The two-day meeting

Republic of the Philippines CITY OF SAN PEDRO Province of Laguna

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid Opening.

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

3.

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

4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents will be available one (1) day after posting / publication of the above projects up to Closing Date (before the deadline of the submission of bids),weekdays only from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount stated on the issued order of payment to the City Government of Makati Cashier.

5.

The BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 16, 2015 (02:00 P.M.) at PiodelPilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City to discuss Eligibility Requirements and the Technical and Financial Components of these projects. However, only those interested Bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents are allowed to raise and submit queries or clarifications regarding the Bidding Documents.

6.

Deadline of Submission of Bids shall be on or before June 30, 2015 (02:00 P.M.), at PiodelPilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City.

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID PR No. 2015 - 1253 1.

The City Government of San Pedro Laguna through the 2015 Budget Approved by Sangguniang Panglunsod intends to apply the sum of Php 7,000,000.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery Amphibious 4 x 4 SUV for official use of City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of City of San Pedro Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

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

Opening of Bids shall be on June 30, 2015 (02:00 P.M.), at Pio del Pilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City.

7.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the said address.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The MAKATI CITY GOVERNMENT reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, or to reduce the corresponding ABC and Terms of Reference (TOR), without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please visit or contact:

(SGD.) MS. VISSIA MARIE P. ALDON Chairperson

1.

UNIT

1

Unit

(TS-JUNE 12, 2015)

NAME OF PROJECT AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

IMPLEMENTING OFFICE

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT (ABC)

1

Rescue Tools and Equipment for the use of Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

MDRRMO

P24,236,738.00

2

Desktop Computers and other equipment for the use of Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

MDRRMO

P3,451,251.00

Delivery of the goods is required within fifteen (15) days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within one (1) year from the date of submissions and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

4.

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

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

5.

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

3.

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

4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents will be available one (1) day after posting / publication of the above projects up to Closing Date (before the deadline of the submission of bids),weekdays only from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount stated on the issued order of payment to the City Government of Makati Cashier.

5.

The BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 18, 2015 (02:00 P.M.) at PiodelPilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City to discuss Eligibility Requirements and the Technical and Financial Components of these projects. However, only those interested Bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents are allowed to raise and submit queries or clarifications regarding the Bidding Documents.

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

Office of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hall of San Pedro A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the date, time and below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of PESOS: (Php 10,000.00)

The MAKATI CITY GOVERNMENT, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites interested bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for the above projects, with Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) indicated, inclusive of all taxes, such as, but not limited to, value added tax (VAT), income tax, local taxes and other fiscal levies.

2.

DESCRIPTION AMPHIBIOUS 4 X 4 SUV Displacement (ml) : 2771 Power (kw/rpm) : 68/4600 Torque (N+m/rpm) : 202N+m / 1800-2000 rpm Fuel Diesel Maximum Speed on Land (km/h) : 95 Maximum Speed in Water (km/h) : 12 Drive System : 4 x 4 Wheelbase (mm) : 2750 Total Mass (kg) : 2420 Front/Rear Tread (mm) : 1478 / 1478 Front/Rear Suspension (mm) : 1090 / 1170 Approach / Depart Angle (*) : 35 / 18 Length (mm) : 5260 Width (mm) :1880 Height (mm) : 2000 Seats : 9 With Air-conditioning unit Accessories : Blinker with PA System Automated External Defibrillator Flood Lights 2pcs Paddle

3.

ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid Opening.

6.

QTY

BAC SECRETARIAT OFFICE Makati City Government 9th Floor, New Makati City Hall Building F. Zobel Street, Brgy.Poblacion, Makati City Tel. No. 870-1000 loc. 1331; Fax No. 899-8988 website: www.makati.gov.ph

INVITATION TO BID NO.

6.

PRE-BID CONFENRENCE

7.

June 16, 2015 10:00 AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hallof San Pedro Bids must be delivered to the address given below on or before the specified date and time. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable form and in the amount sated in ITB Clause 18.

DEADLINE OF SUBMSSION OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND OPENING OF BIDS

8.

The MAKATI CITY GOVERNMENT reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, or to reduce the corresponding ABC and Terms of Reference (TOR), without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please visit or contact:

BAC SECRETARIAT OFFICE Makati City Government 9th Floor, New Makati City Hall Building F. Zobel Street, Brgy.Poblacion, Makati City Tel. No. 870-1000 loc. 1331; Fax No. 899-8988 website: www.makati.gov.ph

8.

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

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

9.

For Further information, please refer to: Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat City Hall of San Pedro San Pedro, Laguna / Telefax No. 847-1722 (SGD) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

(SGD.) MS. VISSIA MARIE P. ALDON Chairperson (TS-JUNE 12, 2015)

June 29, 2015 10:00AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hall of San Pedro

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

Opening of Bids shall be on July 02, 2015 (02:00 P.M.), at PiodelPilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the said address.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Late bids shall not be accepted.

June 11 – 29, 2015 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hall of San Pedro

The City Government of San Pedro Laguna, will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on the date, time and address specified below, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Deadline of Submission of Bids shall be on or before July 02, 2015 (02:00 P.M.), at PiodelPilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City.

7.

said nations had to tackle the root causes driving recruitment to such groups.

But the three days of talks did not lead to any concrete plans of measures to be taken.

The topics being discussed in Australia include working with social media, industry and civil society groups, combating terrorist propaganda and the involvement of women and families in any measures.

“Terrorists have exploited social media to develop a brand and to flood their target audience with propaganda that casts local conflicts

to global audiences, drawing in foreign fighters from every corner of the globe,” Australian Attor ne y - G e ne r a l George Brandis said in his opening remarks.

“So over the next two days we will seek to deepen our shared understanding of the drivers that are pushing and pulling our citizens towards extremist ideologies.”

He earlier told Channel Nine television that Google, Facebook and Twitter’s attendance showed their commitment to addressing online recruitment. AFP

Trash scoop study to start off Japan

The MAKATI CITY GOVERNMENT, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites interested bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for the above projects, with Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) indicated, inclusive of all taxes, such as, but not limited to, value added tax (VAT), income tax, local taxes and other fiscal levies.

2.

comes as US President Barack Obama approved the deployment of 450 more military trainers to Iraq, joining an already 3,100-strong mission in the nation, in a cautious bid to reverse the gains

by IS. The new contingent will focus on efforts to wrest back control of provincial capital Ramadi after IS, which already controls large swathes of Iraq and Syria, seized the predominantly Sunni city near Baghdad in May. The Sydney gathering follows a similar meeting in Washington in February where Obama

(TS-JUNE 12, 2015)

TOKYO—Researchers are launching tests aimed at setting up a huge floating barrier off the Japanese coast, a project that could eventually help remove some of the 5.25 trillion pieces of rubbish polluting the world’s oceans, officials said Thursday.

If the study is a success, the southern island of Tsushima could be the venue for a pilot scheme that would pluck tons of plastic waste from the sea—all without harming marine life.

The Ocean Cleanup Foundation wants to install a moored platform and floating boom off the island next year if the tests, which begin this month, prove promising.

The system would span 6,600 feet, making it the longest floating structure ever deployed in the ocean, according to the Dutch foundation’s website.

Most ocean clean-up efforts involve the use of boats sailing around trying to catch the plastic, thousands of tons of which have been dumped around the world.

That method is both energy-intensive and time-consuming, whereas the Ocean Cleanup Foundation system relies on taking advantage of currents that carry rubbish along—effectively waiting for the garbage to come to it.

Since the system uses booms, not nets, marine life—which is neutrally buoyant—passes harmlessly underneath the barriers, while plastic— which floats—is gathered at the surface.

Workers can then scoop up the collected detritus, with island authorities looking at using the plastic as an alternative energy source. AFP

F R I D AY : J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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E-vehicles get a big boost The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines hailed the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy as the “spark” that will usher in new technologies.

EVAP president Rommel Juan said that with the fiscal and nonfiscal incentives that will be provided by the government under CARS, the electric vehicle industry will also benefit. “Because auto parts will now be manufactured in bigger volumes, new technology will be introduced and new equipment will be utilized, the production costs will also go down considerably coupled by increased productivity and better product quality. The result is lower acquisition costs of our auto parts”.

“Overall, the quality, cost and delivery (QCD) capability of local auto parts makers will vastly improve.

And these are the same companies supplying us with our EV parts and components. We now have a reason to be optimistic that foreign investors will finally decide to set up their manufacturing base here in the Philippines and probably make us the EV manufacturing hub in the Asean region”, Juan reveals.

President Aquino recently approved Executive Order 182 that will grant P4.5 billion in annual tax incentives for six years to new investments in auto parts manufacturing and production. This is a total of P27 billion ($600 million) in tax incentives that the government hopes will be offset by an equivalent P27 billion in new investments in auto parts manufacturing and production of a targeted 600,000 units of vehicles annually. The amount should be allocated as follows: 40 percent for Fixed Investment Support for auto parts making and 60 percent for Production Volume In-

Cars program serves as a shot in the arm for the sunrise electric vehicle industry.

centive for car assemblers.

Overall, the economic impact is estimated to be P300 billion that aims to transform the Philippines as the manufacturing hub in the Asean region over the medium term. This is also expected to result in a GDP contribution of about 1.7%. It is also expected to generate 200,000 new, direct jobs.

If incorporated in the 2016 national budget, the CARS Program will last until 2021. Once the P27 billion is fully utilized, the Depart-

FAST FASTLANE Sales zooming at Suzuki SUZUKI, a world leader in subcompact cars, is finding more fans in the Philippine market by selling 162% more cars in the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period last year.

The company’s impressive year-to-year growth is reflective of the robust automotive market which collectively grew by 122% for the first quarter of 2015 according to The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. Suzuki Philippines’ sales numbers show the Filipinos growing love affair with the company’s cute, durable, and fuel-efficient cars.

Proud Suzuki owner Edwin Reyes confirms, “I really like my Alto 800 because it is very fuel efficient. So far, this is my second Suzuki car and I’ve never been disappointed. I even recommend them to my co-workers. At present, I and fifteen other colleagues who now drive Suzuki cars have already formed a small car group.”

The three marquee models that are driving the impressive growth are the Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki Swift 1.2, and Suzuki Alto 800.

The Suzuki Ertiga, a seven-seater compact MPV, leads the charts which is an i mpressive performance for a recently launched m o d e l .

With three variants available in the Philip-

ment of Budget and Management will propose an annual estimated expenditure in the national budget.

However, only certain vehicle models will be covered by the CARS program. Among the factors to be considered in the “enrollment” of a car model are its track record and competitiveness, new investments to be generated, proposed volume or number of units to be locally produced, economic impact, fuel efficiency and emission level standards, and overall competitive environment.

pines, the Ertiga is the perfect car for the family and is also the car of choice for those who need vehicles that serve multiple purposes, from ferrying a larger group of people in comfort to transporting large loads. The Ertiga’s folding

Juan said that since CARS will support locally-assembled motor vehicle models with could include EVs, this will be a big boost considering that at the moment more than 60% of our country’s auto sales is from completely built up imported vehicles. “This will mean more local manufacturing and assembly that will result in more local value added inputs in terms of labor, materials and auto parts”.

The CARS Program has identified new, pioneering investment

rear seats can easily accommodate large objects that are impossible to fit into a sedan. The Ertiga is one of Suzuki Philippines’ costefficient vehicles, and the go-to model for those who want more value and performance for their money.

Kia Rio enhanced SEOUL—The enhanced Kia Rio is now available, featuring a number of visual improvements to maintain its competitiveness.

The Kia Rio is the brand’s b e s t- s e l l ing vehicle range w o r l d wide, with more than 500,000 unit sales in 2014.

Columbian Autocar Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in the Philippines will bring to the local market the five-door hatchback and four-door sedan variants of the Kia Rio.

Thomas Oh, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Corporation, commented: “The immense and sustained popularity

of the Kia Rio shows that our designers and global engineering and development teams got most things ‘right’ when we launched the fourth-generation of our B-segment best-seller in

areas in auto parts manufacturing such as large body panels, bumpers, instrument panels, headlamps, shock absorbers, plastic fuel tanks, automotive fabric and others. This in effect will support the casting, forging, machining and tool & die sub-sectors of the auto parts making industry. “And these are the parts and components that we currently import in our assembly of EVs. This EO 182 is the shot in the arm that the sunrise EV Industry has long been waiting for”, Juan concludes.

2011. The new Rio retains the core attributes that have consistently proved so popular with owners

around the world, and the visual makeover is sure to sustain its appeal further still.”

Brembo expands lineup BREMBO now offers the quality and performance of the world’s leading braking system manufacturer to all models of cars.

The cutting-edge technology and vast experience of a company that manufactures braking systems for the world’s major automotive constructors, combined with absolute control in every stage of the production process, allow Brembo to offer the aftermarket professional a more comprehensive and reliable range of spare brake parts that covers over 96% of all vehicles on the road today.

Brembo brake pads are the new benchmark for performance, durability and reliability, and also offer unparalleled braking comfort. Brembo’s range of brake discs is unrivalled

in terms of both size and innovation.

Brembo also recently expands its lineup with the launch of a dedicated range of Aftermarket integral and composite brake discs (including floating discs). Brembo is now bringing its exclusive expertise as a supplier of top-of-the-range braking systems for the world’s most prestigious cars to the design and manufacture of Aftermarket components for high-end cars.

F R I D AY : J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING NEW GENERATION

PEOPLE MOVER

FROM

NISSAN TO BANAWE AND BACK ABOARD THE STRADA

By Olson Camacho

Nissan Urvan NV350: Bigger, more luxurious seats

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

A

FTER a string of new car launches during the past few months, Nissan Philippines Inc has just enveiled the replacement for its ageing workhorse, the Nissan Urvan. A popular people mover, this fifth generation Urvan is a facelifted model of the popular E24 variant which came out in 2001. The new Urvan is bigger and boasts more comfort features and amenities that will give its top selling rivals like the Hyundai Starex and the Toyota Grandia a run for their money.

Dubbed as the NV350, the new generation Urvan was unveiled for the first time at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. It will be imported as a CBU from Japan according to Takao Katagiri, Nissan Motor Company Japan Vice President, who was in Manila recently for a regional visit. Introduced in Japan in 2012, the NV350 is powered

by Nissan’s powerful, yet economical and environment-friendly YD25DDTi diesel

Urvan’s ergonomic dashboard is driver friendly

engine with an automatic transmission.

NPI president Antonio “Toti” Zara also revealed that the new Urvan will be available in either 2.0 or 2.5 liter versions.

It is also equipped with LED taillights and an HID headlamp system for better nighttime illumination. “Our aim is to provide more quality vehicles to suit the demands of the target market. This new generation Urvan will set the pace in the domestic van market,” adds Zara.

Known in Japan as the Nissan Caravan, its original purpose was to be utilized as a fleet vehicle or cargo van since 1973. Between 1976 and 1997, a rebadged version of the Caravan sold as the Nissan Homy, which was introduced as an independent model in 1965. In the global market, the Caravan was sold as either as the Nissan Urvan, Nissan King Van, or Nissan Homy.

The NV350 will hit Nissan showrooms starting June 15.

TRAVELING to the mountainous north is a great escape from the humid, noisy and busy Manila. There’s some kind of an adrenaline rush each time I get the chance to travel, so you can just imagine how I felt when Mitsubishi Motors alerted me to take a trip to Banaue and along with other motor heads put the new Mitsubishi Strada through its paces.

Apart from being a ride and drive event, the northern foray is Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’ way of reaching out to the people of Batad, Banaue in Ifugao.

This isn’t the first time MMPC will be visiting Banaue though. Inspired by the advocacy initiated by professional photographer John Chua three years ago, MMPC included the rice terraces of Batad to its CSR campaign and pledged to restore the endangered Batad rice terraces to its glorious state.

Beaming with confidence that the new generation Strada can gamely take us to the hinterlands, the mighty Mitsubishi truck did not disappoint the convoy with its much-vaunted engine. The new front end is definitely an eye catcher, with a one-piece grille and headlight design complimenting the contours of the body line that goes down to the rear end.

The Strada could speed up or cruise through gears with relative ease. Adding to the feeling of peace and driving in the new Strada are the high-end features that are standard in this mid-level variant.Features abound such ABS, SRS airbags, GPS navigation, a fancy tire pressure sensor and cruise control function.

The shortened wheelbase became palpable on the twisty roads as the Strada gave a more accurate driving response. The Strada made mince meat of the steep roads due to its reliable 2.5L Turbocharged Common Rail Injected engine enhanced by the patented Variable Geometry Turbocharged technology.

The Strada’s cargo bed was spacious enough to haul the brand new television monitors, iPad tablets and other school supplies brought by MMPC for the modernization of the Batad elementary school. Greeting the team with a warm welcome, Mayor Jerry Dipolog expressed his gratitude to MMPC and the motoring media showing the fruit of everyone’s labor.

Witnessing how the rice terraces of Batad have been restored, it’s simply amazing to find out how small efforts of one could reach this level of achievement.

They call its the spirit of “bachang” popularly know as bayanihan.

Mitsubishi Strada

F R I D AY : J U N E 1 2 : 2 0 1 5

BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER life @ thestandard.com .ph

LIFE

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IT’S A FREE COUNTRY – OR IS IT?

BY ED BIADO

F

ilipinos enjoy a multitude of freedoms. Living in a secular democracy, we are free to choose our own religion, question the government when we don’t agree with its policies, and express our opinions without fear of prosecution, among other liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. But we still have a long way to go.

According to the 2014 update of the Democracy Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the Philippines is tied with Suriname as the 53rd most democratic among the 167 countries surveyed. Our form of democracy is categorized as “flawed,” indicating that there is a lot of work to be done for us to achieve “full democracy.”

In Freedom House’s political rights and civil liberties measurement, Freedom in the World, we are one of 55 countries described as “Partly Free.” Eighty-nine countries are labeled “Free” while 51 are tagged “Not Free.”

The same organization’s latest Freedom of the Press report places the Philippine media under the “Partly Free” category. Meanwhile, based on historical data from Reporters Without Borders’ 2015 World Press Freedom Index, the situation of journalists in the Philippines has been worsen-

ing. From a rank of 89 in 2002, we’re now down to 141. The worst year so far was 2010, when we ranked 156.

(Each edition of the Press Freedom Index analyzes the previous year. So for the 2010 edition, the so-called Ampatuan massacre, which included some 34 slain journalists, was taken into account.)

While we can talk about statistics and rankings all day, the fact of the matter is that freedom means different things to different folks.

For example, heterosexual men and women tend to experience more freedom – and along with that, legal privileges – than LGBTQ people. While lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and queers seem to be accepted (or at least, tolerated) by most Filipinos, marriage equality still does not exist in the country.

But even the straights don’t actually have full control of the status of their marriage as the Philippines is the only remaining country in the world, aside from the ecclesiastical state of Vatican City, that does not afford its citizens the freedom to divorce their spouses.

However, though our freedoms are somewhat limited, it can’t be denied that we do enjoy a lot of the things that

matter. We are free to be ourselves. We are free to do the things that we want, as long as they don’t violate the rights of others. We are free on the Internet and are not restricted by filters and censorship. We are free to choose our leaders, even if we almost always make the wrong choices.

This Independence Day, it helps to be reminded that it’s not all bad and we shouldn’t be taking our existing freedoms for granted. When things get frustrating, like when Congress seems to want to take away your Uber and GrabCar privileges, remember that you always have the freedom to rant about it, initiate a petition, make your case and convince them that you need ride apps in your life.

Right now is a pivotal moment in Philippine history.

We Filipinos are engaged; conversations about things that matter – and things that don’t – are happening all over the country, both online and offline. Voices are being heard.

That’s democracy working right there. We already have a great starting point in the form of life, liberty and property. And if we play our cards right, the rest will follow.

Because the Philippines really is a free country. We just have to believe it.

FRIDAY : J UNE 12 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Each pair of Via Venetto shoes is the result of a painstaking 39-step process of shoemaking by hand, or in Italian, fatto a mano.

Via Venetto’s chic and elegant designs suit women of style.

A WORLD-CLASS FILIPINO SHOE BRAND

From the titas of Manila to the classy aunties of the United States, one Filipino shoe brand has remained a favorite for decades.

Its name may sound Italian, but Via Venetto is a company that draws upon a cherished shoemaking tradition in the Philippines -one carried on by families in the neighborhoods of Marikina and Liliw.

Since its foray into the shoe business in 1973, Via Venetto has enjoyed a strong following among women of style, with its collection of shoes that are touted to be at par with the world’s finest.

“Our clients have grown old with us, and it’s a matter of pride for us. We enjoy the trust of many lolas, moms and titas, and we are thankful for that,” shares Ging Pajaro, president of Via Venetto.

Over 40 years in the business, the brand has since launched designs that cater to the younger crowd: teens, young executives, upward mobile young professionals, and daughters, nieces, and granddaughters of their patrons.

Gracing their racks at Greenbelt, Glorietta, Ayala Town Center, SM Megamall and Trinoma are ballerina flats and loafers in a variety of shades, as well as platforms, classic pumps, sandals, slingbacks, wedges, and mules with trendy woven, glittery leathers, snakeskin and patent finishes. While they sport a contemporary look today, somehow the shoes still embody Via Venetto’s distinct

aesthetic: made of fine Italian and European leathers, classy and durable.

The proudly Pinoy shoe label takes pride in a 39-step process of shoemaking by hand (or in Italian, fatto a mano), a practice inspired by some of the world’s most renowned brands and perfected by the company for over four decades.

Crafting shoes at the Via Venetto factory in Marikina begins with the conceptualization of a shoe design. This is followed by the cutting, preparation and closing of the upper part, during which the leather is cut by hand or machine, folded and sewn together. The shoemaker will then prepare the counter, outsole, insole, heel, and toplift, which are skived (cut into thin layers), buffed, pressed, cemented, and nailed, before they are placed inside shoe lasts or wooden molds. After the lasting comes the attachment of the sole and heel. Finally, the shoes undergo buffing, painting, polishing and cleaning.

“We have always stayed true to our cherished tradition of superior craftsmanship and our use of only the world’s finest leathers to make high-quality shoes. Hindi pwede ang pwede na (We do not suffice with make-do).

It is this tradition which earned us a loyal patronage through the years, and which will enable us to keep our leadership and special place in the hearts of our clients and in the Philippine shoe market,” Pajaro enthuses.

FREE YOURSELF FROM CLUTTER Do you want to feel truly liberated in your own space? Clean up, declutter and sell the items you no longer use or never used.

Independence Day is the perfect occasion to free up premium space in your home and, while you’re at it, make extra cash.

Besides, today’s a holiday so spend it wisely.

Open up your closet and table drawers, look under your bed and move all furniture aside to get rid of things that just gather dust bunnies and find a new home for some of your unused stuff. Here are five items that you can consider selling.

1. CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES

Prone to hoarding a closetful of extra clothes that you never use again after the first wear or don’t fit your age or body anymore? Sell them as preloved to fashionistas online. From old tees and jeans to dresses and accessories, as long as they’re in good shape, you can sell them.

The rule is, if you haven’t seen or worn them in three months, let it go.

2. CAMERA

If you have an old camera that has long been forgotten, it can be sold for a good price online. Tip: Sell your old gadgets as soon as you have bought a new one.

Cameras are one of the most soughtafter second-hand gadgets. While smartphones may be ideal for selfies, hi-res, dedicated cameras are still preferred for shooting landscapes and group shots.

BEAUTY BRIEFS THE 3-STEP ANTI-AGING REGIMEN A mother’s daily routine can be demanding. Besides her responsibilities at work or at home or, in most cases, at both places, she has to take care of everyone and find time to take care of herself, too. Pond’s, the number one face care brand in the Philippines, has always understood the needs of women so they developed an easy-to-follow three-step skin care regimen that gives moms younger skin by about 10 years.

First step is cleansing. Wash away signs of aging and en-

hance skin’s overall radiance with Pond’s Age Miracle Cell ReGEN Facial Foam. Follow it up with moisturizer and apply a layer of Pond’s Age Miracle Day Cream over the face and neck. This anti-aging moisturizer helps renew skin cells and fights signs of aging. Finish with a layer of concealer and protection in the form of Pond’s Age Miracle BB+ Cream.

This provides natural coverage, addresses aging concerns and features SPF 30 PA++ sun protection.

LIPSTICKS FOR DAYTIME AND DATE-TIME You don’t need 20 products and an hour or two to transform from your office look to date night face. The classic and easiest way to go from daytime to date-time is to change your lip color. And Colour Collection’s Chubby Stick Glide-On Lip Crayon got your bases covered.

For a day at the school or office, opt for light pink, peach/coral

or nude lip color. Colour Collection’s Chubby Sticks in Strawberry Daiquiri or Peach Bellini are the perfect pinks for creating a classic daytime look. When you and your date are ready to go from an afternoon coffee to a night out in a cozy place in town, swipe a classic red with Apple Martini; or for a sultry brown or plum, choose Chocolate Margarita or Rum Raisin.

MORINGA-O2 HAIR CARE LINE: A PERFECT FUSION OF NATURE’S MOST POWERFUL INGREDIENTS Experiencing bad hair days and scalp issues? Try the Moringa-O2 hair care products that are infused with a rare blend of malunggay, olive oil, and omega from sunflower oil. These powerful ingredients contain anti-oxidants, multivitamins and minerals that deeply nourish and moisturize the hair and scalp. The many benefits are further enhanced by Argan oil from Morocco, touted as one of Hollywood’s best beauty secrets.

Stress and pressure from work, unpredictable weather and exposure to harsh environment can cause dandruff, hair loss and even itchy scalp. Moringa-O2 offers a complete line of hair care products for a healthy hair care regimen.

The Moringa-O2 Therapy Oil can help solve common hair and scalp problems by simply applying it on the hair and scalp. Showbiz celeb Cheska Kramer swears by it, saying, “I

use Moringa-O2 Therapy Oil like a hot oil treatment for my hair and scalp. It can help treat minor hair and scalp problems like dry, itchy scalp, dandruff and most of all, falling hair.”

Moringa-O2 Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner on the other hand are perfect for cleansing the hair. They have natural ingredients to ensure gentle cleansing while keeping the hair strong, smooth and more manageable. More importantly, they help minimize hair fall and protect hair from breakage.

Moringa-O2’s Relaxing Serum complements the Moringa-O2 Shampoo and Conditioner and tames flyaways, keeping your hair tangle-free all day long. It’s easy to apply and is non-greasy. So whether you’re off to work or to a party, you can easily fix and style your hair.

3. BOOKS

Used books, regardless if they are classic or contemporary, are sure to find a new loving home. If you’ve got a bookshelffull of old books you’ve grown tired reading all over again, sell them and use the money to buy new ones.

4. APPLIANCES

Want to upgrade to the latest LED TV without breaking the bank? Sell your old appliances and use the extra cash to supplement the money you need to buy brand new gizmos. Many online buyers are on lookout for good quality but discounted TVs and other electronic appliances, so there’s your market.

5. FITNESS AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Many fitness enthusiasts pursue a new sport or routine once in a while, and most of them will be looking for quality and affordable sports equipment and gear. Take advantage of this trend and sell that unused yoga mat or exercise bike that’s been left to gather dust in the corner of your room.

After you’re done identifying all items you want to sell, take photos and post your ads online. Use leading buy and sell sites, like OLX, to reach millions of Pinoy buyers and sell your preloved items fast.

FRIDAY : J UNE 12 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

FASHION

IT’S A MATCH!

BY ED BIADO

MONOCHROME (STYLE PEGS: ZOE KRAVITZ AND KIM KARDASHIAN)

This is the easiest to pull off because all it requires is that you stay within the same family of a specific color. Monochromatic ensembles are nothing new, but in recent seasons, there would always be a pop of color to break the monotony. This time, however, stylists are dressing celebrities in strictly coordinated hues, including bags and shoes, to come up with truly polished looks.

Zoe Kravitz

Kim Kardashian

ONE TONE (STYLE PEGS: JENNIFER LOPEZ AND TAYLOR SWIFT)

If you really want something high-impact, make sure that you’re wearing a single color head to toe in the exact same tone. The separates can be of different materials so that there’s some dimension. But if you’re going all in, it’s probably best to switch it up by going a couple of tones lighter or darker when it comes to accessories.

Jennifer Lopez

Taylor Swift

Just 11 months ago, InStyle ran a story questioning if “matchy-matchy” looks are a fashion faux pas. Citing a then-new study, the magazine reported that garment combinations that are too coordinated or, at the other end of the spectrum, too different are the least fashionable. “Maximum fashionableness,” the researchers say, is achieved when coordination is in moderation.

But fashion is a fickle little thing because today, it’s all about maximum coordination. And our favorite stylish celebrities are crazy about it. Sorry, color-blocking, you’re over. The matchy-matchy style is super on-trend and there are four basic ways to do it.

UNIFIED PATTERN (STYLE PEGS: RIHANNA AND BRITTANY SNOW)

Going for the same pattern for both tops and bottoms may appear uniform-y or even a bit costume-y. Your 2012 self would never in her wildest dreams even begin to fathom wearing this trend. But apparently, 2015 has other plans. The trick is going for either (a) a dainty print that looks solid from a distance, or (b) an insanely wild one to let everyone know that it’s intentional and you’re not afraid of a little experimentation.

Rihanna

Brittany Snow

DOUBLE DENIM (STYLE PEGS: BEYONCE AND KYLIE JENNER)

Finally, we have the umpteenth resurrection of the denim-on-denim trend.

This is really a free for all as you can play around with it – one kind of denim all throughout, two different kinds of denim, and even matching denim shoes. The way to stay on point is to never overdo it and to keep the wash to a minimum – no acid, for crying out loud. And you may also want to accessorize with something that clashes to balance it all out.

Kylie Jenner

Beyoncé

MARIE FRANCE AT 30:

Reshaped Bodies, Transformed Lives

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here are many ways to free yourself of unwanted weight. Some are quick fixes that are actually unhealthy and even dangerous; others demand too much of your energy and willpower, and still there are others that make you pile all the weight back on if you slip even once.

But for weight-loss that works, the only way to go is Marie France. Because Marie France offers proven, guaranteed and lasting results.

The trusted name in proven effective non-invasive slimming turns a leaf on its 30th anniversary this year, celebrating the countless women it has liberated by helping them achieve slimmer, sexier and healthier bodies without pain, strain, hunger, or surgery.

Opening its doors in the Philippines in 1985, Marie France quickly became a leading name in slimming as the first center to introduce the scientific approach to weightloss. Today, it continues to be recognized for popularizing the “No hunger, No exercise, No injections, No surgery” methodology that has since revolutionized women’s perspective on slimming and wellness.

NJ Torres and Rima Ostwani

Supervised by medical doctors, nutritionists, and slimming consultants, Marie France’s weight-loss programs are personalized for each client to guarantee that she attains the body and shape she’s always wanted.

Marie France first became known for its primary weightloss treatment, the Fat Mobilization System (FMS), which induces the body to generate heat energy and stimulates the conversion of regular fat to brown fat, making it easier for the body to burn. Now, with the superior technology of FMS Elite, you lose weight without the cold wet wraps and without the shivering. And the treatment session still lasts only 30 minutes with no downtime.

But whether the goal is overall weight-loss, fat reduction in specific problem areas, or re-sculpting the figure to its ideal shape, Marie France has a solution.

With all its years of expertise and advanced technology, it continues to be one of the best slimming partners for every woman who knows the importance of looking her best, feeling great about herself inside and out, and living a healthier life.

Just recently, Marie France opened a new branch at The Fort. Located at the 16th floor of the RCBC Savings

Jacqueline Share, Rima Ostwani, George Siy, Dawn Zulueta, Robin Horsman, Ana Roces, Tessa Villalon and Angeline Fiechter

Bank Corporate Centre, 25th and 26th Streets in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, this new branch comes with the same advanced slimming technology and that signature Marie France brand of pampering that clients have come to expect. Right next door is the new branch of Facial Care Centre, for premium, advanced, and effective non-invasive skin solutions. FCC prides itself in always being the first to introduce the latest innovations in skincare. With its extensive range of anti-aging and skin-rejuvenating treatments and facials, FCC remains the top choice of discerning women, including world-class artist Lea Salonga.

Fad diets come and go, but for 30 years, Marie France’s scientific and holistic approach to slimming still stands.

With its team of doctors, nutritionists, and slimming consultants, it doesn’t just reshape bodies; it transforms lives.

Visit Marie France and Facial Care Centre at The Fort today and get started on your best you. Marie France also has branches in Makati, Alabang, Tomas Morato, Ortigas, E. Rodriguez Jr. (C-5), Congressional, Binondo, and outside Manila, in Cebu and Pampanga. To know more about Marie France’s treatments or to get started on your slimming journey, call 894-2639.

Tessa Nieto-Villalon and Jacqueline Share

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

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FASHION FOR A CAUSE Diplomats showcase Filipiniana fashion

Members of the diplomatic community – ambassadors, their wives, and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the International Bazaar Foundation – walked the fashion runway for a cause during the recent Global Fashion Flair II at the New World Hotel.

This was the second collaboration of the IBF and the Spouses for the Heads of Mission with the SM Store and Kultura.

Led by IBF overall chair Gretchen del Rosario – wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario – the lady ambassadors, consuls, SHOM and IBF members sashayed on the runway in pretty cocktail dresses and floor-skimming gowns from the Fashion Forum of the SM Store.

Kultura showcased uniquely Filipino fashion – the Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana with intricate embroidery and hand painted designs

by Raffaella, Nuevo Ystilo and Barong Filipino. The event proved that Kultura is not just a handicraft store but also a local fashion hub with collections of beautiful, elegant, and detailed pieces. (You may check these out at selected Kultura stores, and at www.kulturafilipino.com.)

The ladies were dazzling in gowns by Fashion Forum, a multi-brand boutique showcasing contemporary labels from the US that include Adrianna Papell, David Meister, Julia Jordan, Donna Morgan, Maggy London, Muse, Ivy+Blu, Ali Ro, Miss Couture and many others in SM Makati and select SM Stores.

The male dignitaries walked the catwalk in exquisite barongs from Kultura and casual wear from The SM Store, some styled with their own favorite casual pieces. Austria Consul General Washington Sycip got a standing ovation as he made a special appearance during thr show. Other guest models included DFA Undersecretary Evan P. Garcia, Assistant Secretary Jesus S. Domingo, and New World Makati Hotel general manager Farid Schoucair.

Global Fashion Flair II is the brainchild of IBF and SHOM, spearheaded by Gretchen del Rosario and Agnes Roscigno, spouse of Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno with Monaco Consul General and event chair Fortune A. Ledesma. The fashion event served as a successful follow up to the well-received and much acclaimed Global Fashion Flair held two years ago. Proceeds of the show will go to the rehabilitation of houses devastated by super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte, and typhoon Ruby in Eastern Samar, with so many families still struggling to recover and rebuild their lives and spirit.

1 Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario with his wife, International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. Overall chair Gretchen del Rosario with SM Investments Corporation vice chairman Tessie Sy-Coson and New World Hotel general manager Farid Schoucair. Joining them are Global Fashion Flair event chairperson and Monaco Consul General Mme. Fortune Ledesma, and Spouses of the Heads of Mission President Mme. Agnes Roscigno. 2 Consul General Washington Sycip 3 International Bazaar Foundation overall chairperson Gretchen del Rosario 4 Spouses of the Heads of Mission president Agnes Roscigno of Italy 5 Consul General of Monaco Fortune A. Ledesma 6 Mme. Sille Forner of Norway 7 HE Ambassador Rolando Guevarra Alvarado of Panama, HE Ambassador Erik Førner of Norway, HE Ambassador Jaroslav Olša Jr. of the Czech Republic, and HE Ambassador Designate Igor Khovaev of Russia 8 Mme. Toni Patchett of Chile 9 HE Ambassador of Mexico to the Philippines Julio Camarena Villasenor, HE Ambassador Juvêncio Martins of Timor-Leste, and HE Ambassador Ivo Sieber of Switzerland 10 Ambassadors walk down the fashion runway in hand painted and embroidered jusi barongs

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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SLEEP REDEFINED FOR CELEBRITIES D o we have a good night’s sleep?

Or do we just think we do.

But sleep disorder doctors will say otherwise. And the first recommendation they’ll tell you is to get a good mattress.

Uratex, the country’s leading foam and mattress maker and Our Home, the country’s leading furniture store chain where one can find great-looking modern home furnishings at great value, recently launched Sleep Redefined: Experience Superior Sleep with Uratex Premium Mattress.

Hosted by Pia Guanio - Mago, the occasion was formally opened by Cons Ruña, assistant vice president for Merchandising of Our Home. The afternoon event started with a discussion on how to decorate your room to get the best ambiance for a good night’s sleep through the expertise of the interior designer. Jie Pambid.

Then the discussion segued to the different sleeping patterns and solutions on achieving complete eight hours of sleep through the testimonials of celebrity guests Vanessa Matsunaga, Ariella Arida , Sam YG, Tony Toni, Slick Rick of The Boys Night Out, Chef Lau, and Solenn Heussaff.

Together with Sleep Doctors, Dr. Deborah Bernardo, head of the Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Center and chief of the Section of Neurology at St. Luke’s Medical Center and Dr. Virginia de los Reyes the president of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine and with the sales director for Uratex, Dindo Medina, they gave a thorough explanation of our guests concerns with their sleeping habits. Medina gave recommendations to what is the best premium mattress that suits their needs to achieve a superior sleep solution.

Bernardo said, “Insomnia is the most common sleep problem. Shift work disorders are getting more common because of the BPO, entertainment and media industry. Obstructive sleep apnea, which manifests as loud snoring and stopping of breathing during sleep, is also very frequently unrecognized.”

Uratex, the leader in providing the best sleep solutions, has been supporting the advocacy on the importance of a good night’s sleep. Through tie ups with the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine and with the studies of Dr. Bernardo.

“Sleep is as important as diet and exercise for good health. It is necessary for clear thinking and memory formation, protection of the body against diseases and repair of cells and tissues of the body.”

Dr. Bernardo elaborated.

This is the reason why finding the right mattress is important.

Uratex Premium Mattress Collection features the best materials for soothing sleep. A variety of state-of-the-art foam are used in creating each mattress, including Senso Memory foam, latex foam, and Hydragel foam. Used in combination with premium pocket springs, Tencel fabric and 3D spacer fabric, you are assured of quiet sleep at the end of the day.

Pia Guanio Mago

Solenn Heussaff

Top row: Slick Rick, Chef Lao, Anton del Rosario Seated: Sam YG, Tony Toni, Ellen Adarna

Uratex has a variety of mattresses you can choose from to ensure you and your family have a good night's sleep

Dindo Medina (Corporate Sales Director, URATEX), Dr. Deborah Bernardo (Head, Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Center), Solenn Heussaff, Dr. Virginia Delos Reyes (President, PSSM)

Vanessa Matsunaga, Ariella Arida

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PEOPLE

...ARE TALKING ABOUT

JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE

Asking her whether or not successful celebrities should still go to school is rather a dumb question because she knows the importance of having a fall back once her star no longer shines.

Amid being a multi platinum recording star, the 21-year-old singer goes back to school determined to finish a college degree no matter how hard it takes. A true role model to the youth, we must say.

Megan Young

PASION DE AMOR

Julie Ann San Jose

The cast of Pasion de Amor

A BOOK ON STARTING AGAIN¼ TODAY Marc V. Lopez, an educator and Catholic lay preacher, launched his book about a chance to begin again in life entitled Hit Your Life’s Reset

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Instruct Kiwi’s extinct kin Shoals Misleading Hula accompaniment Skirt vent More sleek Ponytail sites Autobahn auto Tackles a bone Verne skipper Drizzle Throw a party for Hunter’s wear Cask stopper Makes an effort Joie de vivre

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE 22 24 27 28 32 36 37 39 40 42 44 45

Loafed on the job (2 wds.)

Track event Ground grain Defeats badly Sri — Poet’s contraction Give an address Admirer Place to hibernate Brilliance Arrange in order Stock or bond

MARK ROQUE

DOWN 1 Comes down with 2 Ra’s symbol 3 Writer — Grey 4 Tribal council 5 Old CIA rival 6 Want-ad letters 7 Warty critter 8 Music medium (hyph.)

9 Equivocate 10 Wildlife protection (2 wds.)

11 Pink-slipped

Zsa Zsa Padilla

Dominic Roque’s older brother is joining showbiz, too. He complains that his brother is not being supportive of his new endeavor. That’s how he is getting started in the biz. Is he not aware that Dom reached his status today through diligence and sheer determination? He didn’t even use someone else’s name to get this far. That’s a lesson his brother is yet to learn.

Mark Roque

Button, You Can Start Again Today.

Lopez coaches his readers on discovering their true identity, moving forward, and experiencing breakthrough. He shares stories about his family life, including how he lost a younger brother to murder, his wife’s battle with ovarian cancer, and eye-opening experiences that will make the reader see things in a lighter perspective — despite heavy trials and life’s busyness.

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The Kapuso network is tapping Megan Young to star in the second local adaptation of the hit Mexican telenovela. We get it, the network is running out of better materials for its viewers. A remake of Marimar is tantamount to giving the audience another round of desert platter when they have already eaten too much sweet. On hindsight, Marimar is actually better than having an original material.

They can’t produce any palatable drama for television anyway.

The video of her rendition of Taylor Swift’s mega hit “Blank Space” performed in ASAP is nowhere to be found online.

Apparently, the video was taken off after composer and YouTube sensation Scott Bradlee complained that the Divine Diva deliberately copied his arrangement and used it as her own. It wasn’t really Zsa Zsa’s fault because she’s just singing what the production staff tells her to sing, it so happens that artists are blamed not the show for this kind of blunder.

He did it again. Christian has just proven that he is still a reliable balladeer after his album Soundtrack hit platinum record status. People thought his career would be over when he decided to cut his ties with ABS-CBN and transferred to GMA Network. People believe his new mother studio can hardly produce recording stars nor manage their singers’ career well. Well, Christian just shattered that belief.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

MARIMAR

ZSA ZSA PADILLA

MTRCB has not called the attention of ABS-CBN yet. Some say, the unapologetic sexy series is too hot for afternoon viewing. Well, we wouldn’t mind if Pasion de Amor would continue to make our afternoon even hotter because obviously we are not the only ones getting hooked on the avenging Samonte brothers and the sultry Elizondo sisters. Surprisingly, both Kantar Media and AGB Nielsen’s data say the series is a ratings winner.

CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA

Christian Bautista

ACROSS 1 Watch the stars 5 Yawl cousin 10 Shocked reaction 14 Term paper abbr.

(2 wds.)

15 Crystal-filled rock 16 Angle between leaf and stem 17 Look after 18 Surfer’s need 19 Office note 20 Vile smile

...ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT

The stories encourage the readers to start a new chapter in life, refreshed and whole. Fulfilling dreams and starting anew are possible on the pages of this book.

Shepherd’s Voice Publications Inc., through its self-publishing arm, Life Dream Books published Hit Your Life’s Reset Button.

Shepherd’s Voice Publications is a print media company founded by lay preacher Bo Sanchez.

Bro. Armin A. Luistro, FSC,

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015

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— Valley, California Draw, as a graft Charlie Brown epithet Hoedown honeys Mushroom Build Not equatorial Rent Originate “Cheers” in Chihuahua Wynonna’s ma Bolshoi rival Square columns Moss and Capshaw Turning down Freeway’s lack Impatient chucks Archaeology find Point of view Black billiard ball Hombre’s title Costume Feast with poi Norse Zeus Hindu royalty Sound of thunder Madame Bovary Before long Trouble Almost grads

says of Lopez’s book, “All the great religions provide the believer with an intimate connection between the individual and the Absolute Other. That meeting point in time and space provides intimate knowledge of oneself in relation to one’s God, between creature and Creator, between beloved and Original Lover. Marc welcomes us to that sacred space reserved for intimate friends. What a privilege

to be invited! By all means, enter Marc’s sacred space but do remove your sandals to the place you are entering is holy ground.”

The book is available at National Book Store, Powerbooks, Fully Booked and other leading bookstores nationwide.

Orders may be coursed through www.kerygmabooks.com.

For details, call 725-9999 or email sales@shepherdsvoice. com.ph.

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

TRIPLE TREAT CONCERT T From C8

hree of the most popular and bankable leading men today will be at the Music Museum on July 11 for a show called Dreamboys: A Back to Back to Back Triple Treat Concert.

From the time he joined showbiz in 2003, JC De Vera went on from supporting roles to lead roles with several awards tucked under his belt.

Ten years later, he joined the Kapamilya network where he’s been given big breaks with top-rating drama series and movies, including The Legal Wife and Halik sa Hangin. Apart from being an actor, he is also the proud owner of The Burgery.

Daniel Matsunaga was catapulted to fame after winning ABS-CBN’s hit reality show, Pinoy Big Brother: All In. Armed with his Brazilian-Japanese good looks, Daniel was a model before joining the showbiz fray. He was introduced to the audience in The Last Prince on GMA Network.

After several mores shows on the Kapuso network, he jumped over to the Kapatid network and then, entered the PBB house on the Kapamilya network after which the course of his career changed dramatically.

Meanwhile, an actor on TV, the big screen, and on stage, Matteo Guidicelli is one act to watch out for. And the whole nation did after starring in his first big role in ABS-CBN’s Agua Bendita.

He was in Paraiso and recently in Inday Bote.

From there, there was definitely no turning back for this Italian-Filipino.

Together, JC De Vera, Daniel Matsunaga, and Matteo Guidicelli will make hearts skip a beat, cheeks flush, and fans swoon in a one night only concert.

It will be one spectacular entertaining evening as fans will get to see these leading men sing and groove to local and international hits arranged by no less than the “Musical Director to the Stars,” Marvin Querido. The concert will be directed by up and coming events and TV specials director, Frank Lloyd Mamaril.

Special guests joining them include KZ Tandingan and Erich Gonzalez.

Tickets are available at the Music Museum, (02) 721-6726, and at all TicketWorld outlets, (02) 891-9999.

The Dreamboys are, from top, JC De Vera, Daniel Matsunaga and Matteo Guidicelli

MY NAME IS NOBODY AT SM AURA

I French band My Name is Nobody will be featured at Fete de la Musique’s Kick –Off Party at the Skypark of SM Aura Premier on June 19, Friday, 6 PM.

Singer Vincent Dupas has been performing as My Name is Nobody since 2002 and is also known for his work with the band Dark, dark, dark.

n celebration of Fête de la Musique’s 21st year in the Philippines, a kick-off party featuring the French band My Name is Nobody will delight music lovers of all ages at the Skypark of SM Aura Premie 6 p.m.on June 19.

A rising star in Europe, My Name is Nobody is a composer and beat maker praised by audiences in many festivals in France.

The concert is open to the public.

A native of Bretagne, Vincent Dupas, the singer, has been performing as My Name is Nobody since 2002 and is also known for his project with the band Dark, dark, dark. With or without a band, he gave more than 350 gigs in Europe and in the U.S. and released one EP and five albums. Here in the Philippines, he will play with Francois Gautreau at the drums.

Dupas also works on educational projects such as Peace & Lobe (a cause dedicated to the prevention

of auditory problems) or the Volleyers (which is an introduction to music for kids at school).

The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is an annual music celebration that takes place on June 21, the first day of summer in cities around the world. American musician Joel Cohen originated this concept of an all-day musical celebration on the days of the solstice, in 1981.

The idea later was adapted as a national celebration each June 21 in France and made official by the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, and is celebrated today in 120 countries around the world. This year’s theme is Live the Music Together.

My Name is Nobody Live is a FrancoPhil event organized by Alliance Française de Manille and The Embassy of France with SM Aura Premier, in partnership with B-side Productions.

The Alliance Française de Manille (AfM) was founded in 1920 and is one of the most prominent foreign cultural institutions in the Philippines. A non-profit organization committed to promoting the French language and culture, AfM encourages friendly relations between the Filipinos and the French through art and educational programs.

For more information on the group, please visit www. muraillesmusic.com/artistes/ my-name-isnobody/.

For more information on the event, contact Tof Zapanta, AFM Communication and Marketing Coordinator, at 895-7585, 8957441, text 09989946535, email: tzapanta@alliance.ph, or visitwww.alliance.ph, 209 Nicanor Garcia St, Bel-Air II, Makati City The My Name is Nobody concert is one of the many exciting musical events at SM Aura Premier.

LIFETIME’S NEW SHOW

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ifetime welcomes June with compelling shows perfect for weeknight leisure. UnREAL, the highly anticipated comedy-drama series, is a provocative and entertaining behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of unscripted television, which at 9 p.m. every Thursday.

Starring Shiri Appleby (Roswell, Girls) and Constance Zimmer (House of Cards, Entourage), UnREAL is set against a backdrop of a hit dating show

where young producer Rachel Goldberg (Appleby) manipulates her relationships with, and among the contestants to get the dramatic footage her executive producer Quinn King (Zimmer) demands. An eye-opening mustsee, UnREAL takes viewers into the mad world of “reality” TV. LIFETIME™ is available on Cablelink Ch 223, Destiny Cable Ch 44 (Analogue), Ch 65 (Digital), Dream Satellite TV Ch 10, SKYCable SD Ch 65, and other select provincial channels.

UnREAL, the highly anticipated comedy-drama series is a provocative and entertaining behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of unscripted television, which premieres on June 4 at 9PM.

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ SECRETS OF RESTAURANTS REVEALED IN

‘IDOL SA KUSINA’ ISAH V. RED Most of us have favorite restaurants where we usually find ourselves having lunch or dinner, as if it’s by force of habit, or because we like a dish or two and we can only find it in those restaurants.

Truth is, we can also cook those dishes if we knew the recipes. But we don’t so we go to the restaurant and pay to have it.

So, do we want to know the secret of those recipes we go back for in our favorite restaurants?

I like, so do you, I am sure.

This Sunday’s episode of Idol sa Kusina (ISK), Chef Boy Logro and Bettinna Carlos will tell us how to whip up our favorite restaurant dishes right in our kitchen at home.

Guess what? Even young actor, Miguel Tanfelix is joining in discovering the procedures in preparing those dishes, like the yummy Pepper Tofu, a light meal popular among milk tea lovers.

Now, you can say goodbye to lining up for Korean Style Fried Chicken. Logro and Carlos will teach Tanfelix and us, of course, the secrets of the dish and how it tastes yummy especially with the added twist—Spicy Coleslaw.

Those who enjoy pizza with Spicy Chicken Pasta can now strike it out of their order list, because the show

tells us the cook-it-yourself recipe.

Who said those famous Banoffee Pies can’t be prepared at home?

Bettina’s own version of this cafe favorite is even better.

So now that we know the recipes, do we still nee to rush to our favorite restaurants when we are craving for our favorite dish? Or do we dial the delivery lines of the fastfood for a quick fix of the food we like to have at whatever time of the day?

Watch Idol sa Kusina on Sunday, 7:15PM on GMA News TV and learn the secrets of good cooking.

HHHHH ROSAMUND PIKE IN NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLLER Gone Girl star, Academy Award-nominee Rosamund Pike, is back in another nail-biting performance. She is in the upcoming psychological thriller Return To Sender in which she plays Miranda, a surgical nurse out for revenge after a brutal sexual assault at home.

Directed by Fouad Mikati, it also stars Rumer Willis, Nick Nolte, and Shiloh Fernandez.

Pike’s character, Miranda, is an epitome of coolness who lives life in an effortlessly organized way day in and day out. After some time, she finally gives in to her colleagues who set her up on a blind date. On the day of their meeting, a man knocks on her door, thinking it’s the guy whom her colleagues set her up to go out with, she welcomes him to her pristine home only to realize that he is not the man she’s wait-

ing for. Miranda soon finds herself defeated after struggling to escape from her assailant, leaving her almost dead after brutally raping her.

The devastating attack brought out Miranda’s psychopathic tendencies as she tries to befriend William (Fernandez), her attacker in prison only to plot a harrowing revenge when he gets out.

While in prison, Miranda starts sending letters to William to get closer to him and has even helped him secure an early release from prison. Despite stern warning from her father (played by Nolte) to stop her vengeful plot, Miranda and William agree to see each other constantly upon the latter’s release from prison.

Return To Sender opens in cinemas this June 17 from Pioneer Films. ➜ Continued on C7

Learning to cook the food we always go back to in restaurants can save us both time and money.

We just have to have a little patience Miguel Tanfelix appears in Idol sa Kusina as guest

Nick Nolte plays Pike;s father in Return To Sender

Rosamund Pike plays a nurse out to avenge herself after being sexually abused right in her own house

Shilo Fernandez plays Pike's attacker

Chef Boy Logro hosts Idol sa Kusina on GMA News TV with Bettina Carlos