The Standard - 2015 July 17 - Friday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXIX NO. 147 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 FRIday : JULy 17, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Duterte: I’ll run to get back at Leila

paLace DInner enDs wIth no consensus By Macon Ramos-Araneta, sandy Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

NO consensus was reached on a unified ticket for the 2016 presidential elections after President Benigno Aquino III met for six hours with potential candidates Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II Wednesday night.

But Aquino said he is closer to choosing his anointed candidate for president after Wednesday night’s meeting in the Palace. “I think, the best that I can say at this point is I am closer to that point,” said Aquino during ceremonies to usher in the new chief of the Philippine National Police. Aquino said that after the meeting,

he had a clearer idea who would continue the reforms he started when he was elected President in 2010. “I think the result of last night’s dialogue assures me there are a lot of those who will be able to continue what we have worked for, and we are happy about it,” said Aquino. Next page

LRTA parties like Gatsby while riders’ woes go on By Christine F. herrera LIGHT Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) officials came under fire Thursday for partying like it was the 1920s while their customers continue to suffer jam-packed trains with leaking roofs and defective air conditioning. “As administrators, they should give the highest priority to the operations of the train system and the welfare of the commuters. With his ‘20s inspired party, Next page

Party like Gatsby. An LRTA employee, top, shows her Roaring Twenties dance moves in this appropriately monochromatic photo during the agency’s 35th anniversary party while her colleagues, inset, flash their smiles dressed in their best F. Scott Fitzgerald period attire. BAYAN Photos

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Duterte says he’ll run to get back at De Lima By Macon Ramos-Araneta

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he might campaign against the presidential bid of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II or even run for president himself if the ruling Liberal Party includes Justice Secretary Leila de Lima in their senatorial lineup for the 2016 elections. “If she will be with Mar now, I’m sorry. I’ll tell Mar, I will not only be campaigning on the other side, I might also decide to run,” said Duterte, who has consistently denied any interest in running for president or vice president. Duterte has had a running word war with De Lima, who said the mayor’s statements that seemed to imply his involvement in Davao’s “death squads” were “sim-

Palace From A1... He said the meeting at the Palace finished past midnight. “For me, it is a good sign. It was a good meeting,” he said. “Success can be measured by your ability to train your successor, or to name your successor,” the President said. “And I am very glad that there is such a big pool of people who will continue the struggle to really get our people to where they should be.” Aquino declined to say if he was considering anyone else outside of the three, and said only that he still needed to meet with the Liberal Party hierarchy and other sectors. Wednesday night was Escudero’s second meeting and Poe’s fourth with the President regarding the 2016 elections. Roxas, the presumptive standard bearer of the ruling Liberal Party, which Aquino heads as national chairman, was also present at the meeting. Poe and Escudero, who have rated well in opinion polls for the presidency and vice presidency, have not officially announced their intentions to run, but said they will remain independent if they choose to seek higher office. Roxas, who has fared poorly in opinion polls, has also not declared his intention to run. Escudero said the meeting with the President and Roxas was cordial and relaxed. He said they ate Chinese food and talked about a lot of things “other than 2016.” He said no consensus was reached, which meant the President has not yet decided on who will be his anointed candidate for President next year. Aquino also said he is on track to naming his anointed presidential candidate after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) later this month. Poe said their meeting started around 7 p.m. and lasted six hours. “We were all amenable [to the idea] that the growth of our country lies in the right leadership. So we all agreed that the most important [thing] is to consider the voices our people to ensure that the reforms initiated will not go to waste and further boost the good leadership in the next six years,” Poe said in a text message.

ply unacceptable.” She said if Duterte, known for hardline stance on criminals, admitted to being the brains behind the death squads, then he should be held criminally liable. Duterte later said he meant the admission as a challenge to his critics to file charges against him. At a forum with business leaders in Makati, Duterte again denied he had plans to run. “I’m not running for president and I never wanted to be one. My family doesn’t want it. Even my mayor daughter [is] vocal about it,” Duterte said He said he was going around the country to advocate a federal system of government because he believed this would solve the Muslim insurgency in Mindanao. Duterte has called De Lima the “Lady Gaga” of the Justice Department and has referred to her as the administration’s attack dog. The mayor earlier challenged De Lima to file a case against him in court if she thinks he is indeed behind the shadowing vigilante group, the Davao Death Squad (DDS), which

was responsible for more than 1,000 summary executions in the city since the mid-1990s. Duterte on Thursday ridiculed De Lima for easily believing that he admitted to being behind the DDS. He said the “admission” was supposed to encourage his detractors to file a case against him in court, so he could show to the world how stupid his detractors are. He also said the DDS he belongs to is the Davao Development System, which is responsible for making Davao a progressive city and one of the safest in the world. Earlier, De Lima said she had already ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to do a case buildup against the DDS and Duterte’s alleged links to it. Duterte, however, ridiculed De Lima for failing to keep her own house in order, saying the New Bilibid Prison was a factory for illegal drugs. Duterte also said he might file charges against the Justice Department for arresting former President Gloria Arroyo in November 2011 in defiance of a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court.

A source said the President plans to endorse Roxas and press Poe into be his running mate and offer Escudero a Cabinet position. But Poe is contemplating a run for the presidency herself, in which case she will choose Escudero has her vice president, the same source said. Although both Poe and Escudero are independents, they ran as guest candidates of the administration’s Team PNoy. During their first meeting, Poe said she was informed by the President that they were looking for an alternative candidate. In the second meeting, the President told her to be ready, but made no specific offer. In the third meeting, Poe said the President talked to her and Escudero about keeping the coalition intact to continue his administration’s anti-corruption drive. Escudero also said the President told them they would have to talk to Roxas about the coming elections. Still, no offer was made,” said Escudero about his second meeting with the President. In a text message to reporters Thursday, Poe said even highly experienced leaders falter if they do not have the best interest of the people at heart—a reaction to Senator Sergio Osmeña III’s advice that she would be better off running as vice president in 2016. In an interview Wednesday night, Osmeña said Poe should first serve as vice president for six years to make a better president because “she is fairly new in this game.” “This is not all about national politics and winning the elections. After that, the big work comes, the headache comes, running the country. And we can see it, that’s very difficult,” Osmeña said. He also warned Poe that if she stumbled, the entire country stumbled with her. Poe said she understands the sentiments of Osmeña, to whom she has been going to for advice. She also said she was thankful for Osmeña’s continued trust in her character, even though he has brought up her lack of experience. In the House, lawmakers who support Roxas urged Poe to wait for her time. House deputy majority leader and Quezon City Rep. Jorge Banal urged Poe to “do a Mar Roxas,” in reference to Roxas’ move

in 2010 to give way to Aquino’s presidential bid. “I think it’s Senator Grace’s turn to do a Mar Roxas while gaining the necessary experience to continue the gains of the straight path in 2022,” Banal said in an interview. Banal, an LP member, said that he is hopeful that President Aquinowill heed the calls of his party-mates and supporters, and endorse Roxas, whom he described as “the most deserving and most qualified standard bearer for the 2016 elections.” “There was never any doubt, as far as I’m concerned. Selecting a President who will follow in the footsteps of Pnoy [Aquino] was not decided overnight, it was a long process, of reviewing track records, of analyzing issues and deciding on who I believe can carry on, for the sake of continuity,” Banal said. “What we are looking for now are those who will openly stand up and come out declaring their support for Secretary Mar and why, we need that kind of conviction this early in the ball game,” he added. Cavite Rep. Alex Advincula, an LP member, echoed Banal’s call to Poe. “I think Senator Grace, if she truly loves this country, can understand. She needs Secretary Roxas to learn from. He can give her experience if she will support him, experience that she will use when it is her turn to be President after 2022,” Advincula said in a statement. Advincula said he believes Roxas would be able to continue the “gains” of the Aquino government. “The focus of the party is continuity and whether we admit it or not, we all agree that it is also what the people want, that governance will not be disrupted by this election,” Advincula said. Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, Jr. a stalwart of the National Unity Party (NUP) which is a member of the administration coalition, also vouched for Roxas as “the perfect successor to continue the administration’s reform agenda.” Barzaga said a Roxas-Poe ticket would be unbeatable in the 2016 presidential elections. “A Roxas-Poe tandem will be a solid one since the pairing is the best fit, especially with Roxas’ experience as a congressman, senator, and a member of both the Estrada and Arroyo Cabinets,” Barzaga said.

LRTA

From A1...

it’s as if LRTA’s [administrator Honorato] Chaneco is rewarding himself for the inefficiency of his administration,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary-General Renato Reyes, said in a statement Thursday. Reyes questioned the propriety of requiring some 1,000 employees to attend the LRTA’S 35th “Roaring Twenties” anniversary party in a costume that would entail extra cost. Reyes said Chaneco issued a memo warning employees they would be denied entry at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel if they did not come in their 1920s-inspired costumes. The July 10 party had a turnout of only 600 employees as others protested the lavish party, Reyes said. He added that Chaneco could not deny the party took place, since photos of officials, including the administrator and other employees, were posted on the LRTA’s social media account. But Chaneco said the party was not lavish, as it was held in a small hotel. “It just looked lavish because of the costumes,” Chaneco said. Reyes said he received a letter from concerned LRTA employees who reported what the LRTA had been doing in the past weeks. The letter read: “Eto po ang mas pinagkakaabalahan ng pamunuan ng LRTA. Wala silang pakialam sa problema ng mga tren, pasahero, hitsura at condisyon ng mga istasyon ng LRT, at marami pang iba. Pakisiwalat naman ito sa ating mga mamamayan. Maraming salamat po.” (“Here is what keeps the leadership of the LRTA busy. They don’t care about problems with the trains, passengers, and the condition of the LRT stations and many other problems. Please let our countrymen know about this. Thank you.”) Reyes said the letter-sender attached a copy of the June 19 memo issued by Chaneco regarding the 35th anniversary celebration on July 10. Chaneco promised the LRTA officials and employees “optimum fun and maximum enjoyment” with “cool gimmicks.” Chaneco added that “all officers and employees are required to come to the venue in their 1920sera inspired attires (black and white only).” The LRTA administrator said the wearing of costumes would “be strictly enforced” and anyone not in the proper 1920s getup would not be allowed into the hotel. “It is indeed remarkable that the LRTA administration can pay so much attention to detail when it comes to organizing their parties, but can’t do the same meticulous preparation in relation to their trains. While commuters faced daily woes including leaking roofs, LRTA administrator Chaneco was apparently busy preparing for the Roaring Twenties party,” Reyes said. “Since Chaneco took over in 2013, we were informed that he has thrown the following themed parties: 2013 Cosplay, 2014 Mardi Gras for the anniversary and Retro for the Christmas party and the most recent Roaring ‘20s for the 35th anniversary,” Reyes said. “We are not questioning the right of the administration to throw a party. We leave it to the riding public to judge the propriety of such actions during these most difficult times. Some employees reportedly refused to attend the party because they did not want to spend thousands for their 1920s era costumes. Requiring employees to come in costumes and denying them entry if they don’t may run counter to the Code of Conduct of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials”. Rather than hold an exclusive costume party to mark the anniversary, Reyes said, the LRTA should have used the occasion to look back on its achievements and evaluate the state of the train system that has now been privatized yet continues to suffer serious maintenance and operations issues. Chaneco said he merely sustained the tradition being observed at the LRTA with regards the costume party. “When I entered LRTA, there’s always a costume party like during Christmas and the like,” he said. He also denied that employees not wearing costumes were denied entry. “In the end, there were some who were able to enter without a costume,” he said.

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Tribunal clears plate deal but cites defects By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking to nullify a contract signed by the Department of Transportation and Communications for its Motor Vehicle License Plate Standardization Program in 2013. But the high court’s decision dated April 22, 2015, said the procurement process had been tainted with irregularities that could have rendered the deal void had the department failed to correct them on time. The high court’s Second Division dumped the petition of Reynaldo Jacomille assailing the legality of the MVPSP, which involves the procurement, supply and delivery of motor vehicle license plates for both old and new vehicle registrants. The MVPSP, which will run from July 2013 to June 2018, has a budget of P3.85 billion for the procurement of license plates for 5,236,439 motor vehicles and 9,968,017 motorcycles nationwide. Despite lack of adequate budgetary appropriations in the

General Appropriations Act of 2013 when the project was bid out, the DOTC awarded the project to the joint venture of Netherlands-based J. Knieiriem B.V. Goes and local company Power Plates Development Concept, with the contract being signed on February 21, 2014. The DOTC and the LTO said the project involved adding safety features to the license plates such as tamper-resistant locks and bolts and reflectorized sheeting. On May 19, 2014, Jacomille filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with the high tribunal on the grounds of lack of adequate budgetary appropriations in the General Appropriations Act of 2013 when the project was bid out, and that the DOTC and LTO failed to first obtain the required multi-year obligation authority from the Department of Budget and Management. But the high court stressed that the case was rendered moot by the passage of the General Appropriations Act of 2014, when P4,843,753,000 had been appropriated by Congress for the MVPSP.

Lacson ready to prove pork still going strong By Macon Ramos-Araneta

FORMER Senator Panfilo Lacson said Thursday he was ready to prove that the Priority Development Assistance Fund that the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional was embedded in the P2.6-trillion national budget for 2015. “The DBM [Department of Budget and Management] should not say that I’m misleading the public because I will take their challenge anytime as to who is fooling the Filipino people,” Lacson said in a text message to The Standard. But House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Thursday stood by his earlier declaration that there was noth-

ing illegal in the 2015 national budget as claimed by Lacson. Belmonte said the lawmakers complied with the Supreme Court decision on the PDAF when Congress approved this year’s general appropriations. House deputy majority leader and Quezon City Rep. Bolet Banal appealed to the critics of the 2015 budget to “let the Department of Budget and Management to address these allegations.” Lacson said the DBM and the national agencies should not say they had no pork and lump sums because they might be caught lying. “I’m assuming that not all congressmen and senators were given the same privileges and amounts. There is Class A, Class B and Class C,” Lacson said. On Wednesday, Lacson said the annual P200 million and P70 million in pork barrel for senators and congressmen, respectively, had remained intact in the national capital outlay, although

lawmakers had insisted it was abolished in adherence to the Supreme Court’s decision. He also revealed the uneven distribution of pork barrel and the possibility that some lawmakers might not have received their share. So far, he said, they had discovered over P400 million worth of lump sum appropriations or discretionary funds “parked” in the budgets of 11 of the then 21 major line agencies of the national government, including the Department of SociL Welfare and Development. He said the amount could be higher because they had not yet completed their review of the budget for the current year. He said they were continuing to establish if pork barrel funds were embedded in other major line agencies and might file a supplemental petition on this before the Supreme Court. With Maricel V. Cruz

Ferrer files ethics raps against 2 lawmakers for ‘terrorism’ THE lawyer of government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer on Thursday filed an ethics complaint against two lawmakers and accused them of being “terrorists” against the proponents of the Bangsamoro peace process. Former Senator and human rights lawyer Rene Saguisag

lodged his complaint with the office of House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and the House committee on ethics and demanded that Reps. Jonathan Dela Cruz of Abakada and Lito Atienza of Buhay be investigated by their peers. Saguisag said Dela Cruz and Atienza committed “prosecu-

torial terrorism” against Ferrer and the other members of the peace panel. He filed the charges in retaliation for the two lawmakers’ filing of treason and sedition charges against Ferrer, peace adviser Teresita Deles and some Moro Islamic Liberation Front officials, among others, on May 28.

“Lawmakers are in the business of crafting laws and policies, not in jailing people,” Saguisag said. Dela Cruz and Atienza welcomed Saguisag’s complaint but maintained it was their job to legislate laws, such as the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law, in accordance with the Constitution.

“It’s good to know that former Senator Saguisag is aware that his clients have committed criminal offenses against the Filipino people, the country and the Constitution that he believes would surely land them in jail,” Atienza told The Standard. “I welcome it as it will give us the opportunity to further

ventilate the issues versus Deles, Ferrer and the peace panels for agreeing in signing and then promoting a decidedly un-Filipino, unconstitutional and unrealistic basic law which can lead to the dismemberment and destabilization of our country,” Dela Cruz said. Christine F. Herrera and Maricel V. Cruz

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‘Ship repairs not illegal’ By Francisco Tuyay and Florante S. Solmerin THE defense establishment lashed back at China on Thursday after Beijing depicted the Philippines as a “troublemaker” for repairing a Philippine Navy vessel that ran aground the disputed Ayungin Shoal which is in the West Philippine Sea.

Toxic dump. Security supervisor Daniel Tamala supervises the dumping of garbage at the Capas, Tarlac Landfill, under the management of Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation, where a shipment of toxic junk from Canada was dumped. LINO SANTOS

Sandigan justice hits Umali for suit By Rio N. Araja SANDIGANBAYAN Associate Justice Samuel Martires lashed at Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. for claiming that a magistrate of the anti-graft court tried to extort P15 million in exchange the governor’s acquittal on a corruption. “I appeal to all politicians not to besmirch our dignity. That is the only thing we can leave to our children and grandchildren,” Martires said after Umali accused Associate Justice Jose Hernandez, chairman of the antigraft court’s Fourth Division, of trying to extort P15 million. Umali filed the case after Hernandez convicted him, former Oriental Mindoro governor Rodolfo Valencia and

former provincial board member Romualdo Bawasanta acted in bad faith when they lent P2.5 million in provincial funds to ship operator Alfredo Atienza. The three officials were sentenced to 10 years in prison and were ordered to return P2.5 million to the provincial government. But instead of filing an appropriate pleading with the Sandiganbayan, Umali filed a corruption complaint with the Supreme Court. “Why did he not file a motion for inhibition with the anti-graft court while the charges against him were still being heard?’ Martires said. “Whoever said that (Hernandez) is corrupt, his accuser is the one that is corrupt,”

Martires said. “[Hernadez] is not a rich man. In fact, he has no house of his own. He stays in the house of his wife. Despite this, it does not mean that he is that poor.” Although Martires admitted that Sandiganbayan magistrates are all friends and close to one another, “that does also mean we can influence one’s decision or appreciation of the case we are hearing. We can dissent, disagree or agree.” He challenged lawmakers to abolish the Sandiganbayan if they have already lost their trust and confidence in its dispensation of justice. “We are helpless. What have been our sins?” he said. “We are always accused of being paid in exchange for a decision...

Where do we go? Would it be better to abolish the judiciary and have martial law so we could instill discipline on our people.” “Abolish it, and have a military tribunal so that any corrupt official would just have to face a firing squad,” he said. Martires, who claims to be a close friend of Hernandez, vouched for the integrity of his fellow magistrate. “I am not saying he has not committed any sins, but not anything about corruption. He has no taint of any corruption. The biggest falsity is that his wife is being linked to such accusations, and that she is a relative of Ruel Ricafort.”

Department of National Defense public affairs director Arsenio Andolong objected to the description as the United States Embassy announced that Filipino troopers are to begin a three-week air assault exercise with US Marines at three military bases in Luzon. “I think they are the trouble makers and not us,” Department of National Defense public affairs director Arsenio Andolong. “I don’t think it’s a violation of anything because the BRP Sierra Madre is a vessel, which can conduct repairs on its own. Considering that it’s a vessel commissioned by the Navy, it is well within its right to conduct simple repairs,” Andolong said. “It’s like a home, you need to maintain it,” he added. At the same time, US Lt. Col. Teodoro Apalisok said s¸soldiers from the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy will conduct an Aviation Assault Support Exercise with the US First Marine Air Wing of the Third Marine Division. “Traditionally we have only used the MV-22 in this exercise to conduct many of the engagements. However, this year we will be implementing the CH53 and the UH-1Y helicopters,” said Apalisok, US Air Force operations officer of the Joint US Military Assistance Group. The exercises will start on Monday and will be held at Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga and the Crow Valley Range in Zambales and Tarlac provinces.

Binay slams Ombudsman By Vito Barcelo VICE President Jejomar Binay slammed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales for saying that the evidence against him is strong when the allegation of overpricing of the construction of the Makati Science building was supposedly based solely on the alleged statements of a dead man. In a 20-page counter-affidavit, Binay said Carpio Morales’ public statements showed that the Ombudsman has prejudged the case when he has not yet presented his side and her office only has a testimony quoting a dead man. “Worse, exhibiting extreme bias against me, the Ombudsman herself has already convicted me in the bar of public opinion as she has been quoted by various media outlets as stating that the evidence of guilt

in the instant criminal action is strong (even without the benefit of the respondents such as myself submitting any countervailing evidence),” Binay said. Binay said he decided to file his answer to the allegations “to put on record the utter lack of merit, both in fact and in law, of the charges levelled against me.” He said he will not allow anyone – the Ombudsman or his political opponents – to twist his lack of participation in the “illegal, arbitrary, whimsical and capricious criminal action” as an admission of guilt. He stressed his filing of a counteraffidavit is not a waiver of his right to question jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman. This also should not serve as a precedent to similarly harass other impeachable officers not favored by the Aquino administration.

Desirable alien. Television journalist Grace Lee receives her new Alien Certificate

of Registration card from Immigration Commissioner Sigfred Mison who had earlier announced a new design with new features. The new cards will be used starting July 16. DANNY PATA

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Infra projects worth P3.8b under way By Sandy Araneta PRESIDENT Aquino has approved P3.85 billion worth of infrastructure projects including an airport expressway during the 18th Neda Board Meeting held in Malacanang on Wednesday. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the President has been focusing on public infrastructure projects to spur economic growth. Coloma said that the following projects were approved: First, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway Project, Phase II (DPWH). This project involves the transfer of alignment from the Domestic Road to the Paranaque River/ Electrical Road in one section of this ongoing project. It costs P2.04 billion and will be sourced from the national budget. Second, the Daang Hari SLEX Link Road Project (DPWH) involves improvement of access to this road network, presently nearing completion, with cost at P223M, to be sourced from the national budget. Third, the Civil Registry System Information Technology Project (Philippine Statistics Authority). The project involves the computerization of the civil registry operations of the PSA and is designed to collect, store, maintain, and manage civil registry documents and the specimen signatures of all city and municipal registrars using imaging technology. This will also include production of vital statistics and will make the civil registry services available nationwide through the CRS outlets and other authorized partners. Project cost is P1.587 billlion and will undergo competitive public bidding. Coloma also said the NEDA Board calendared for further discussions the Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas Road Link Project, which will decongest traffic in EDSA and C5.

Sea row. Former congressman Roilo Golez (left), leads convenors of the newly formed West Philippine Sea Coalition at the weekly forum “Serye on issues surrounding the maritime dispute on West Philippine Sea held at Serye restaurant in Quezon city. LINO SANTOS

Tall order for top cop By Sandy Araneta President Benigno Aquino iii on Thursday challenged newly installed Philippine national Police chief ricardo Marquez to end the patronage system in the PnP as factionalism is prevalent in the police force. Reacting to the challenge, Marquez vowed to reform and rebuild the police force while weeding out the “rotten eggs” or scalawags in uniform. The top police officer also won the support of the

National Police Commission which urged President Aquino to promote Marquez to the rank of director general, a four-star rank that remains with dismissed PNP chief Alan Purisima. Aquino, during his speech at the PNP change of command ceremonies at Camp Crame, said he personally experienced factionalism in the police force when he received allegations against candidates for the top PNP post. Aquino said it took some time before he could decide on who to appoint as new PNP chief because of the mudslinging involving some of the candidates. He also apologized for the delay in the

appointment of a new chief because of several reasons he did not disclose. “It is clear, the throwing of accusations against each other, is a sign of a big problem in our police force. There are factions within the police force,” Aquino said. He said that some policemen are favorites of certain officials. “But as police officers, you should be the favorite of the the whole Filipino nation. You should be within the group of the whole citizenry. This is my challenge to the new PNP chief,” stressed Aquino. Aquino directed Marquez to unite the PNP and to ensure peaceful elections next year. “We must mold a more

unified and stronger PNP, and ensure a clean and peaceful elections on 2016,” said Aquino. Marquez, the 20th chief of the PNP, admitted that there were mistakes that need to be corrected. “I am aware of the huge responsibility now on my shoulder. This highest honor comes with the great challenges, issues that require attention and mistakes that needed to be corrected,” said Marquez. Marquez ordered a “systematic dispersal” of policemen from the national, regional and provincial offices to police stations, streets and communities to effectively combat crimes through intensified patrolling.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

AFP upgrade hardly felt, says Chiz By Macon Ramos-Araneta DESPITE the P68 billion already spent for the AFP modernization program, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the programs effects can hardly be felt. “While the Department of Budget and Management reported that a total of P68 billion has already been spent for the costly AFP modernization since 1999, the much-needed and long-overdue upgrades to the country’s armed forces remain elusive,” he said. “Is it just me, or does anyone else notice that the AFP has shown hardly any improvement since the ambitious AFP modernization program began in the 1990s? I Annot feel that the vehicles, uniform and equipment of our soldiers are improving,” he stresed. He said that it is for this reason the Senate initiated a probe of the implementation of the program aimed at upgrading the AFP, including the alleged irregular acquisitions of military equipment and weapons system. The Department of National Defense,

which exercises supervision and control over the AFP, came under fire for the purchase of 21 refurbished “Huey” helicopters worth P1.2 billion. There were allegations the choppers, said to be older than the incumbent senior military officers, cannot be used and have obsolete parts, and their purchase violated certain provisions of the country’s procurement law. The big-ticket project was also supposedly tailor-made for a particular supplier in exchange for kickbacks. Escudero said the helicopter deal controversy exposed infirmities in the AFP procurement process, which he branded as “too supplier-driven.” He said the AFP lacked the technical expertise to determine the most sophisticated vehicles and equipment on the market. “The AFP has been relying more heavily on suppliers for everything they need and most of the time it is the one adjusting to the specifications of the suppliers,” he pointed out. He said the AFP procurement procedures

have to be adjusted to give the end users much bigger role during the entire process. The AFP Modernization Act, also known as Republic Act (RA) No. 7898, was first made into law in 1995 under the leadership of then President Fidel Ramos, who himself served as AFP chief and DND secretary during the time of President Corazon Aquino. The law intended to modernize all branches of the AFP such as the Air Force, the Navy and the Army. It was intended to last for 15 years with an initial budget of P50 billion for the first five years, but the funding was stopped due to the 1997 Asian financial crisis. After the financial crisis, the funding for the AFP modernization was halted and later neglected by successive administrations until the law expired in 2010. In 2012, RA 7898 was amended by RA 10349, or the Revised AFP Modernization Act, which extends the modernization program to another 15 years with an initial budget of P75 billion for the first five years in order to continue upgrading all military branches.

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT President Benigno S. Aquino III has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the ad interim appointments of the following officials: Constitutional Commissions and Offices Hon. Sheriff M. Abas – Commissioner, Commission on Elections Department of Foreign Affairs Hon. Eleanor L. Jaucian – Chief of Mission, Class I Armed Forces of the Philippines Noelito C. Albano, Ferdinand F. Quidilla, Aaron T. Fetalvero and Paul T. Atal – Brigadier General;Narciso A. Vingson and Elson K. Aguilar – Commodore; Noel D. Beleran (PN-M), Lloyd S. Cabacungan (PAF), Jose Bonifacio F. Calub, PAF, Marcelino R. Morit, DS (Reserve), Lina Raquel Z. Maguilimotan, NC (Reserve), Reynold R. Rueca, PAF, Henry T. Parce, Jr., PAF (Reserve), Mario P. Pajutan, DS (Reserve), Wilfredo V. Maraña, DS (Reserve), Renato S. Daracan, PN-M, Eric A. Macaambac, PN-M, Aristotle D. Gonzales, PAF, Pablo E. Rustria, Jr., PAF, Ronnie D. Petinglay, PAF, Esofeo B. Atienza, PAF (Reserve), Liberato O. Ramos, Jr., JAGS (Reserve), Juliano C. Llarenas, PAF, Gerold N. Gagan, PAF, Moises L. Micor, PAF, Joel B. Fernandez, PAF, Gerso N. Lopez, PAF, Alberto P. Masuda, PAF, Froilando G. Angat, PAF, Pedro S. Francisco III, PAF, Erick Q. Escarcha, PAF, Enrico B. Canaya, PAF, Antonio Z. Francisco, Jr., PAF, Fermin M. Carangan, PAFandJoselito C. Gacutan PN(M) (Reserve) – Colonel;Primitivo S. Decio, Jr., PN (Reserve), Hercopel C. Pelayo, PN (Reserve), Raul A. Regis, PN, Arturo G. Sahagon, PN (Reserve), Agapito L. Malaluan, PN (Reserve), Mardonio B. Navarro, PN (Reserve), Ferdinand C. Buscato, PN, Francisco G. Tagamolila, Jr., PN, Wilfredo A. Chavez, PN, Emmanuel Eugenio C. Bello, PN and Job J. Pablico, PN (Reserve) – Captain The public may submit any information, written report or sworn complaints or oppositions in forty (40) copies on the above appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, DiosdadoMacapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila. For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 551-7532, 831-0893, 831-1824, 8342706, 831-1566 and 834-2713. 16 July 2015.

(TS-JULY 17, 2015)

ARTURO L. TIU Secretary

F R I D AY : J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

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Morticians sign up for quake drill By Joel E. Zurbano FUNERAL home service owners and operators have agreed to join the July 30 metro-wide quake drill initiated by the Metro Manila Development Authority to test the people’s prepredness in case a powerful earthquake hits the National Capital Region. MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino on Thursday met officers and members of the Philippine Mortuary Association (PMA) and discussed preparations for the upcoming one-hour drill. The meeting was held at the MMDA central office in Makati City. Tolentino said when disaster strikes, the PMA group of morticians and funeral parlors will play a big role in the management of the dead as they can help prevent the spread of airborne diseases. “We need to establish definite roles for every sector involved in disaster preparedness and management as each and everyone should be ready to provide necessary services to the public in times of disaster,” he said. Under the contingency plan dubbed as Oplan Metro Yakal, the area of President Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard is designated as mass burial site. Metro Yakal is the MMDA’s plan which focuses on preparedness of government resources and that of private organizations during emergencies. The agency proposed to President Benigno Aquino III the conduct of an earthquake drill to be held when commercial establishments and government offices are closed. “They’re doing that in California. Once we experienced the 7.2 magnitude, we will be disrupted for about three weeks. If that happens, we already prepared,” he said. During an earthquake preparedness forum, Tolentino admitted that Metro Manila is not prepared for a big disaster such as a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

Assorted contraband. Port worker inspects an assortment of smuggled construction materials such as ceramic tiles,sanitary wares, circuit breakers, steel sheets and resin all valued at P14 million.The shipment which arrived from China was seized by the Customs for misdeclaration. EY ACASIO

‘Malls can enhance voting experience’ By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

COMMISSION on Elections chairman Andres Bautista is firm on his stand that moving the polling places to shopping malls is the “most practical” way of inducing the voters to exercise their right to vote. Bautista stressed that it is now time for the Philippines to adopt “changes” in the society, particularly on giving voters easy access to voting precincts. “Many changes have occurred in our society, technological and otherwise. I think we have to use these changes for the benefit of society,” Bautista pointed out. He assured critics that

the commissioners will be consulting first with all stakeholders before making their final decision on the matter. “What we are trying to do is enhance voting experience and make it easier for them to exercise their right of suffrage,” Bautista said. Based on the survey the Comelec has conducted, majority of Filipinos prefer to vote inside the mall.

War games with Japan illegal, groups tell SC By Maricel V. Cruz

A MEMBER of the Makabayan Bloc on Thursday echoed the call made by cause-oriented groups in seeking a restraining order against joint military exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japanese troops without an enabling treaty. “Defend our territory but do not violate our Constitution,” ACT Teachers party-list Antonio Tinio said, stressing that President Aquino I is putting at risk the safety and welfare of the Filipino people allowing the presence of Japanese military forces without benefit of a treaty.

Tinio and the rest of the petitioners had asked the high court to declare unconstitutional the drills held in May and June 2015 between the Japanese navies, as well as two agreements entered into with the Shinzo Abe government which AFP and Aquino spokespersons cite as the legal bases for such drills. “We must exhaust all avenues to defend our territory against the condemnable Chinese incursions, and this includes the forging of alliances with other countries. But government must not violate our Constitution and sacrifice our sovereignty and the people’s welfare,” Tinio said.

“We have exceeded our registration turnout from the previous figures,” Bautista said expressing confidence that the Comelec will be able to reduce the number of the registered voters without biometrics from 43 million to about half. “As you know, everybody would like to vote in an airconditioned place. There will be no issues in terms of electricity or generators that are on standby... I think the security will be better, it is well lighted,” Bautista pointed out. Robinsons Land Corporation president Frederick Go said that his company will offer their 42 malls nationwide to serve as polling places. SM Supermalls followed suit by pledging their 52 malls

as voting precincts for next year’s elections. The announcement was made by SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia after a meeting with Bautista last Wednesday. Bautista in a statement said that COMELEC and SM Supermalls share the aspirations of the Filipino people for credible, orderly and peaceful elections. “Responsible voting leads to credible elections.” Bautista said. Garcia for her part expressed assurance that SM Supermalls will always support the Comelec with any of its projects. “SM Supermalls has always been supportive of the COMELEC’s efforts at ensuring credible, peaceful

and orderly elections. In line with this and as part of our commitment to give all the convenience to the public, especially to the mall-goers, we would like to tell COMELEC that our 52 malls will be made available as voting centers in the 2016 national elections,” Garcia said. Garcia noted that in the last October 2013 barangay elections, four SM malls were used as voting precincts for senior citizens and PWDs. “We have done this before, being the first mall to have been made into a voting center in the last elections and this is another opportunity for us to give our customers all the convenience especially at a most crucial period in our country,” Garcia said.

DBP denies plunder, clarifies P310-m bonus By Rio N. Araja EXECUTIVES of the Development Bank of the Philippines charged with plunder before the Office of the Ombudsman have denied that the P310-million bonus went to them alone. In a statement, DBP’s board of directors and management dismissed the allegations that they “illegally conspired” with officials of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporations to release their performance based bonuses that were over 10 times higher than that allowed by Circular No. 2014-05.

“These bonuses—totaling P310 million awarded to 2,201 officers and staff of the bank eligible for the incentive—were approved by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GCG) based on DBP’s meeting the conditionfor the grant of performance- based incentives,” the statement read. “The bonuses should be taken in the wider context of DBP’s 2014 financial performance where it posted P4.6 billion in profits, P2.5 billion of which were remitted to the national treasury as dividends.” Mario Pagaragan Jr., the bank’s vice president for program evaluation, and Francis Romulo Badilla

Jr., president of the Association of the DBP Career Officials filed a plunder complaint against the bank’s president Gil Buenaventura, the eight bank directors and officials of the GCG-GOCC with the Ombudman, questioning the bonuses’ release to select officials. “The charges were filed by two disgruntled employees of the bank, one of whom did not get any bonus because his performance appraisal did not make him eligible for the bonus, while the other received significantly less than what he got the previous year, again because of his performance ranking,” the DBP management’s statementfurther read.

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Irrigation employees want boss removed By Ferdie G. Domingo CABANATUAN CITY—Employees of the National Irrigation Administration have asked Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agriculture Modernization Secretary Francis Pangilinan to remove Administrator Florencio Padernal amid the row over the suspension of their bonuses. In a manifesto, the leadership of the 6,000-strong NIA Employees Association of the Philippines called on Pangilinan to replace Padernal, citing his “poor performance, unprofessional and arrogant behavior and being apathetic towards the welfare of NIA employees nationwide.” The manifesto was signed by 23 officials of the NIAEASP led by its national president Victorino T. Aron. Aron said they were supposed to release the manifesto last month but deferred it to a latter date due to the observance of the agency’s 50th founding anniversary on June 22-24. “We hope that our agency would be led by a true leader, sensitive to the needs of employees that will lead us to a better NIA,” he said in a separate letter to Pangilinan. He said a true leader is one who fights for and protects the rights of his men, not just the NIA board and that of his own interests only, referring to Padernal. “This low morale has turned into widespread demoralization among the rank-and-file because of Administrator Padernal’s apathy to the economic plight of NIAns as shown by his arbitrary and unfounded refusal to grant the VIG (viability incentive grant) to deserving officials and employees.” The employees referred to the suspension of over P219 million worth of bonuses which they have been receiving in the past 30 years. Padernal suspended the payments based on the issuance by the Commission on Audit of its audit observation memoranda and notice of disallowances on the payment of the VIG to agency officials and employees.

Suspected Abus bomb ARMM officials’ convoy COTABATO CITY—Suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group tried to bomb the vehicles of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao officials as they visited development projects in Basilan on Wednesday. The convoy was led by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and public works and highways officials. Police said the bomb that went off had the “signatures” of the extremist group blamed for similar bomb attacks in the past.

The improvised explosive planted on a dirt road in Sitio Urot near the town of Tipo-Tipo exploded prematurely minutes after the 15-vehicle convoy of Hataman passed by. Army bomb experts, on or-

ders of 18th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Colonel Enerito Lebeco, defused the IED fashioned from 81 mm mortars with mobile phone as trigger mechanism. Two other bombs, believed to be secondary bombs when the primary failed to explode, were found not far from the minor blast site. The triggering device went off but not the main charge of the IED, police said. Despite the incident, Hataman

went ahead inspecting infrastructure projects that connect towns in Basilan. The governor said he was not sure if his convoy was the target but still directed the police to probe the incident and intensify road security. Hataman has been supporting all efforts of the government’s military against the extremist groups which has been creating troubles in the province while the government is pushing for development projects. PNA

Happy reunion. Twenty-five years after the killer 1990 earthquake which struck Luzon, Edgar Prangan, Peter Dy and Daniel David meet again to celebrate their friendship. Dy, trapped under the Hyatt Hotel rubble for 15 days, was rescued by Prangan and David. DAVID CHAN

Dozens given meds for contact with suspected meningo patient By Alvin T. Guanzon

Imported trash? A bulldozer levels the garbage at the Capas, Tarlac landfill under the management of Metro Clark Waste Management. The trash allegedly came from Canada. LINO SANTOS

BUTUAN CITY—More than 50 school children and adults at Barangay Gamut Nursery School in Tago, Surigao del Sur were given preventive medicine for having been in contact with a three-yearold boy suspected of having meningococcemia. Provincial health officer Richelle Felizcoso said the boy is now confined in isolation at Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City.

The hospital’s emergency room department head, Janice Alcordo, also confirmed that the boy had stayed at the emergency room for five hours even as she stressed that no other patients were at the ER at that time. Doctors are still monitoring the boy’s condition especially since he is nursing a fever between 38 and 39 degrees, has skin rashes and other symptoms of the disease. The boy was reported to be frequently with his brother who goes to the nursery school.

F R I D AY, J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

BS AQUINO’S DEFINING MOMENT

[ EDI TORI A L ]

SLOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH The International Monetary Fund and most foreign financial institutions are no longer convinced the Philippines can sustain a robust pace of economic growth this year. Anemic public spending in the first quarter of 2015, weak exports and a slowdown in China’s economic growth have doomed any chances of a respectable recovery. The IMF last week reduced its economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year to 6.2 percent from the 6.7-percent estimate it made in May due to weaker global growth and the country’s below-target fiscal deficit. The multilateral lender expects gross domestic product growth to pick up in 2016 to 6.5 percent from the previous assumption of 6.3 percent. Global debt watcher Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services last week cut its growth forecast for the Philippines this year and the next, saying the star performer in the region has hit a “soft patch” amid the subdued outlook for Asia-Pacific. S&P said in its latest report the Asia-Pacific region could be entering a steady state of slower growth. It now sees the Philippine economy growing 6 percent in 2015 and 2016, down from the 6.2-percent and 6.4-percent estimates it made in March, respectively. “China’s property market correction continues to be the region’s main risk,” said S&P Asia-Pacific chief economist Paul Gruenwald. The Asian Development Bank was less pessimistic and kept its 2015 growth forecast for the Philippines at 6.4 percent. The ADB said private investment and household consumption would support the growth of the Philippines this year, while election-related spending would boost demand in the early part of 2016. The Eurozone debt crisis and the weak global economy have stunted Philippine exports this year. Shipments sank 4.1 percent year-on-year in April and 17.4 percent in May amid the sluggish global demand. Still, the Philippine economy could have performed better amid falling oil prices in the world market. But the government underspent in the first three months in spite of the huge 2015 budget. President Benigno Aquino III and his government have nobody to blame but themselves, if the economy still underperforms in the coming months and during the election-spending period.

IT’S COMPLICATED LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES THE wooing of Grace Poe continued over Chinese food at Malacanang Palace last Wednesday, but resulted once again in nothing substantial. Perhaps President Noynoy Aquino should try French cuisine next time; the French, after all, do wonders with cheese.

The whole of Manila’s political class is talking about the very public courtship of Poe by an increasingly desperate Aquino, who must be really losing sleep trying to find a way to get the senator to join him (somehow, someway) on the daang matuwid. Like the previous meeting, this one also took an unconscionably long time – five hours, same as last time – to achieve the same result. Of course, right now, everything is still up in the air.

The October filing deadline for the submission of certificates of candidacy is still a ways off and politics, as they say, is the art of the possible. The new thing last Wednesday was the face-toface meeting between Aquino’s ever-loyal and constant BFF Mar Roxas and his offand-on BFF, Senator Chiz Escudero. Chiz, known in Roxas-supportive circles as Poe’s Svengali, is Mar’s favorite frenemy for having supported Mar’s bete noir

The October filing deadline is still a ways off and politics is the art of the possible.

and Private Enemy Number One, Vice President Jejomar Binay, when he stood for election and lost as Aquino’s running mate in 2010. As everyone knows, the relationships are really complicated. Mar wants to be President with Aquino’s backing and not without; Poe may be convinced to go for either of the two top spots, but will not do anything without Chiz; Chiz wants to be Number Two, with (or possibly without) Poe. And Aquino? He says he just wants his “reforms” to

continue, but what he really wants is to back someone who will win, the better to stay out of jail when he steps down next year. And so it comes as no surprise to hear the principals in the long and arduous courtship to say, after this week’s tete-a-tete, that they only agreed to meet again soon. There were only the most veiled of hints as to what was actually discussed; and if you like reading political tea

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

leaves, you could actually see anything you want to see based on the postprandial statements. The clock, meanwhile, keeps ticking. Somehow, this impasse must be resolved. Grab some more popcorn. Watching the Yellows bargain, haggle and horse-trade is, right now, still the only game in town; and if you want to put something in your snack, try seasoning it with the salty

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taste of being “the exact opposite of the Arroyo administration.” *** Speaking of Cabinet members, I know of no one on that shallow bench of student governors who has made such a mess of his job than Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya. And the hits, as they say, just keep on coming from Abaya’s Department of Transportation and ComContinued on A11 munications.

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IF a student of management or politics were to study how to manage government and how to grow big and profitable and make a difference in the Philippines, he would look at 2013. It was the year the Philippines scored 7.2-percent economic growth, the highest gain in four years and only the second time in 20 years for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow above 7 percent. The first was in 2010, when the economy grew 7.6 percent. It was also the year that exposed BS Aquino III for what he really is as president and as a person, halfway into his six-year presidency. The 7.2 percent GDP growth was remarkable given that in 2013, three major disasters – all three the worst in a century—took place—the Zamboanga siege in September (wherein a record 10,000 homes were burned and 100,000 people were displaced), the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol on Oct. 15, and Haiyan or Yolanda on Nov. 8. Consumer spending boosted the economy which was helped by campaign finance during the 2013 mid-term elections. Yolanda was the strongest typhoon to make landfall, per world history. It killed more than 10,000 people and affected 11 million Filipinos. Meanwhile, the Bohol earthquake, equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs, damaged 73,000 structures, 14,500 of them totally. On Nov. 20, 2013, the Supreme Court declared the pork barrel system institutionalized by President Aquino as the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), illegal and unconstitutional. Pork barrel, epitomized by the PDAF ruling, and Yolanda would be the defining moments of the Aquino presidency. PDAF, along with the Disbursement Acceleration Program, which is the mass commandeering of taxpayers’ money in the national budget for personal and political gain, a scheme the Supreme Court in July 2014, also declared illegal, showed Aquino to be a reckless violator of the law and the Constitution. Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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F R I D AY, J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

BS AQUINO’S DEFINING MOMENT

[ EDI TORI A L ]

The October filing deadline is still a ways off and politics is the art of the possible.

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A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A TIME FOR INCREASING THE USEFULNESS OF PHILOSOPHY PENSIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO UNLESS one includes collegiate seminaries in one’s count, there are not too many universities and colleges that offer philosophy as a major, and fewer still that teach philosophy well! The reason is simple: there will not be too many takers. In fact, when a youngster announces his intention to work for a degree in philosophy, this almost always seÅems to unnerve his parents Åwho ask, without too much patience, how much he hopes to make with a career in philosophy. In this respect, conservatory students fare a little better, because they can always look forward to employment by bands, music groups, entertainment corporations or, if they are truly talented -- and lucky -- join the ranks of one elite symphony orchestra or the other. But what does one do with a philosophy major? But why this piece on philosophy at a time that Grace Poe is keeping the nation in suspense about her intentions, and the President has assumed his characteristic stance about whom to support -- indecision? More immediately, there was the Obergefell judgment of the US Supreme Court that opened with a lengthy philosophical essay penned by Justice Kennedy on the human condition and the ambit of rights. Then there was the decision of the Philippine Supreme Court on the RH Law that waded far into the waters of ontology by courageously taking up the issue of human personhood and the commencement of human existence. Only two days ago, there was reportedly the Court’s resolve to entertain memoranda and submissions by interested non-parties in the DMCI Torre de Manila case. The tacit philosophical assumption of this not-sousual resolution is that the broader the participation in communicative action, the higher the degree of legitimacy, a now classic assump-

tion of discourse theory. In fact when the President announces that he is in search of the candidate best able to perpetuate his “legacy”, he triggers a question of logical analysis: What does he mean by “legacy”? How is he using the term? And when those who applaud -- as well as those who deride -- Laudato Si expound on the relation between our actions either as guardians or despoilers of the ecosystem and justice, they rightly force upon the nation and the world a much-needed examination of the demands of justice. Truly, in matters of supreme importance, there is nothing more practical than a good theory -and theory is what philosophy is all about. Not too long ago, I was dumbfounded on receiving the news that the

This is a plea for the flourishing of human thoughtfulness and depth of thought.

college-age son of an acquaintance had jumped to his death from a high-rise building over low grades. And I do not think it is too far off the mark to relate the disturbing increase in youthful suicides to a decline in the prominence of religion in society. Maybe, even more fundamentally, it should be helpful to ask whether a contemporary culture that has little patience for thoughtfulness because it is too preoccupied with usefulness and productivity in fact leaves more of our youngsters at the precipice’s edge! Ask about meaning, and you unavoidably raise a philosophical question. The “pragmatism” that curricular revisions of late embody is not helping. Under the K to 12 curriculum, Philosophy of the Human Person and Logic are taken in senior high school

COMMON sense tells us that a good time to increase pensions is during a period of high inflation when the pensioners’ purchasing power is continuously reduced. But a better time to raise them is when the economy is robust and growing, and workers are enjoying a comfortable life. This way, the actively employed workers are able to share their newlyacquired affluence with the impoverished unemployed pensioners. It is also the best time to increase contributions because contributors wouldn’t mind shelling out extra money to fund the benefits of present and future pensioners. Looking back, the year 1986 was one such year. In that year, almost 30 years ago, the Social Security System was able to adjust its pensions three times and triple its monthly contribution base from P1,000 to P3,000. That year was ushered by a 20-percent pension increase that SSS Administrator Gilberto Teodoro recommended and President Ferdinand Marcos approved. Undeniably, SSS had the financial resources to grant that increase. Besides, its pensions – even then -- were low and needed adjustments. Still, it was considered part of FM’s campaign strategy in the snap election that was suddenly scheduled that year on February 7. Many thought that SSS was being used to woo its pensioners and their dependents into voting for him and his vicepresidential teammate - the brilliant former Senate President Arturo Tolentino. It may have been an unfair allegation, but SSS had just increased pensions by -- and for the inclusion of these subjects, Bro. Armin Luistro and his DepEd team deserve high praise. But what this means is that, except for those who major in philosophy, no further philosophy will be taken up on the university or higher education levels. University and college level students will be occupied with those subjects that assure them of employment, courses that allow them to produce, reinforcing that dangerous cul-

FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO 15 percent on June 1, 1984. Then the People Power Revolution erupted in February 1986. FM’s downfall was quick, and the accession of PNoy’s mother Cory Aquino as President followed immediately. By March 11, she had replaced Administrator Teodoro with the future Ambassador to the United States Joey Cuisia, who would stay at SSS until February 19, 1990 before moving on to Central Bank as its governor. Barely six months as SSS head, Administrator Joey recommended to President Cory Executive Order No. 28 which increased to P200 the prevailing P120 minimum pension that was last set on January 1, 1980. The E.O. was signed by President Cory on July 16, a day which fell on his 42nd birthday. It could thus be considered a symbolic presidential birthday gift to him aside from being a real bonanza to SSS pensioners. The year 1986 turned out to be good economically and before it ended, Administrator Joey and President Cory had boldly tripled the maximum contribution base from P1,000 to P3,000 via Executive Order 102. We didn’t hear protests and complaints about it. Why? Perhaps they were silenced by the euphoria that the EDSA Revolution brought. Its impact may have been cushioned, too, by the 20 percent pension increase that came along with it the year’s third pension intural equation of worth with productivity! Philosophy is however a stubborn phenomenon. It is a necessary entailment of that high degree of rationality that evolution -- both physical and cultural -- has allowed us to attain, and when one rejects the usefulness of philosophy, one is in fact doing some kind of philosophy. This is a plea for the flourishing of human thoughtfulness and depth of thought, so that many of the

crease. The timing of its signing could also be the main reason. Administrator Joey had President Cory sign it on the eve of their first Christmas in office. Indeed, the pension increase was their joint Christmas present to SSS pensioners. PNoy and his SSS officials are now at about the same situation before 1986. Soon they will have their last SSS anniversary, Christmas and New Year Eve in office. And if they really want to, they still have time for increasing pensions and contributions. The minimum pension of P1,200 and maximum contribution base of P16,000 are now simply too low. Converted in international currencies – of which our overseas Filipino workers know very well – they are only worth US$ 26.54 and US$ 353.89. Without receiving any pension adjustment since that 10 percent increase in 2007 and the 5 percent in 2014, pensioners bear the rising costs of rice, medicine, electricity and transportation. Why can’t employers be made to pay contributions based on an employee’s entire salary that is not capped at P16,000? This is what government pays for its public servants. Employers claim they can’t afford this. Yet, PNoy constantly harps about the country’s robust economic growth and its being the fastest historically and among Asian countries. Thus, if SSS officials cannot conceive of anything better than their financially unviable AlkanSSSya Project for the informal sector, Continued on A11 tacit assumptions that underlie political, economic, social and juridical decisions may be brought to light and critically examined. Far better is it to recognize that we build on shaky ground, rather than heedlessly and recklessly build, and then fear the tottering of the edifice that rises on shifting sand! rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

F R I D AY, J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

BS Aquino’s..From A9 Yet as president, BS Aquino took an oath which says he is “to preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the nation.” Yolanda betrayed government’s ineptitude in coping with disasters and Aquino as a leader lacking in compassion and disturbingly, someone with a personality disorder. The President ordered a stop to the casualty count of Yolanda when the toll reached 6,000. As many as 10,000 died in the super typhoon. Said the pundit Yen Makabenta in his Manila Times column yesterday of Aquino’s Yolanda response: “When critics including yours truly, criticize the administration’s management of the rescue, relief, recovery and rehabilitation effort in East Visayas in the Yolanda/ Haiyan disaster, we submit that the Aquino government went the whole hog – they did not do the right thing there, and they did not A time.. From A10 they should actively support the merged version of Senator Bam Aquino’s bill that allocates portions of “sin taxes” for SSS contributions and Representative Neri Colmenares’ pension increase bill. The lessons of 1986 have taught us that any

do things right. Aquino appointed former Senator Panfilo Lacson as rehabilitation czar, and gave him no authority and nothing to do. Presidential leadership in this the greatest typhoon disaster in history was a total failure, despite massive international assistance.” Next year, as the nation chooses its successor to President Aquino, it behooves the people to choose him or her under more painfully exacting standards. People need a president who is law-abiding and one imbued with compassion and a vision of the common good. As for business, though 2013 was supposedly a boom year, it wasn’t an easy year to make a profit. Based on data compiled by BizNewsAsia of the largest 1,000 corporations in 2013, their combined sales rose a hefty 7.36 percent to a new high of P17.702 trillion, a P1.2-trillion jump from the previous high of P16.489 trillion in 2012. However, combined profits of the BizNewsAsia 1000 actu-

ally slumped in 2013, by 4.13 percent or P84 billion to P1.939 trillion, from P2.023 trillion in 2012. This implies that there was something remarkably wrong with the economy when it grows at its highest in four years and yet profits of the best companies of the land slump. 2013 was also the year when the number of poor Filipinos actually swelled, by at least one million people, in spite of the so-called best year for the economy under Aquino. Ironically, in 2014 when GDP growth was reduced by 1 percentage point to 6.1 percent, below target, thanks to government underspending, the country’s largest companies actually did better than in 2013. Combined 2014 revenues of the 50 largest companies listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange rose 28 percent to P5,774.9 billion (P5.77 trillion), while their profits surged 9 percent to P5,172.3 billion (P5.17 trillion). Compare that performance to the 8.34 percent hike in revenues of

the Top 50 corporations in sales in 2013 to and the sharp 20 percent nosedive in their combined profits. Apparently, the largest companies managed their business better in 2014 than in 2013, resulting in better revenues and higher profits. Nothing teaches companies better than a crisis. The lesson thus: Businessmen must work hard to make money, focusing on scale if they are big, efficiency if they are lean, and product acceptance and customer satisfaction if they are to last long. And it is always good to focus on recurring profits and look at the long pull and sustainability, not at shortterm gains, no matter how enormous these are, at the moment. And yes, the economy and Philippine corporations are remarkably resilient. As for BS Aquino III, he simply should be left alone to his own wits and devices. He has less than a year to go anyway. biznewsasia@gmail. com

increase in contributions is best implemented when in tandem with a pension increase. Also, if PhilHealth benefits, conditional cash transfers and social pensions are now being funded by general taxes, why can’t those of SSS be funded similarly? Finally, raising pen-

sions and contributions could be effortless if SSS officials would only copy the American model adjust automatically pensions and contribution bases using government’s annually published price and wage indices. SSS officials won’t coast along in the remaining months of their

term. Instead, they would be made to increase pensions on January 1 – or maybe, later on May 1 – just the way it happened 30 years ago before an election. And then they would leave to their successors on July 1, 2016 the problematic raising of contributions.

#FAILOCRACY

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

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It’s complicated..From A9 The latest DOTC agency to join in the seemingly unending parade of callousness and incompetence is the Maritime Industry Authority, also known as Marina. This agency joined the long line of DOTC agencies like the Metro Rail Transit, the Light Rail Transit, the Manila International Airport Authority, the Philippine National Railways, the Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the National Telecommunications Commission and others that I simply can’t remember right now, solely on the strength of the statements made recently by its administrator, Maximo Mejia Jr. To Mejia, in the aftermath of the sinking of the M/B Kim Nirvana off the port of Ormoc City, belongs the honor of saying that the latest sea tragedy was not caused by overloading, but by a newfangled maritime term he called “misloading.” According to the administrator, “M/B Kim Nirvana was not overloaded in spite of [carrying] more than 20 extra passengers. It could carry 100 tons. It had 50 tons that day. Even if 178 carabaos were on board, the boat would not sink.” Mejia seems blissfully unaware that the ill-fated double-decked outrigger, whose capsizing cost 63 human (not carabao) lives, racked up such a high death toll because passengers could not swim out to safety for lack of space to move around in – not just because of the weight of the human and other cargo. And Mejia appears not to have known, either, that a 2003 Marina memorandum already banned wooden-hulled vessels of a certain weight, an order specifically aimed at preventing tragedies like what happened to the Kim Nirvana. That year, 12 years ago, Marina also set the specifications for the seaworthiness of vessels allowed to ply the domestic trade, in Memorandum Circular No. 190. But Marina, under Mejia’s less-than-sterling leadership, can only blame the shipowner, while washing its hands of any culpability in the disaster. But Marina is a DOTC agency, after all. Abaya must be so proud of his incompetent, blame-tossing administrator that he’ll give Mejia a more important post soon, while there’s still time.

CHONG ARDIVILLA

constructing massive structures on disputed islands...

F RI DAY : J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

FIFA needs independent body to end corruption BERLIN—FIFA needs an independent commission to end the “culture of corruption” destroying football’s world governing body, which is engulfed in a graft scandal, Transparency International said Wednesday. The anti-corruption watchdog, which took part in an ineffective 2011 reform drive under embattled FIFA president Sepp Blatter, called for a farreaching overhaul of the body to end the systematic corruption that has plagued it for years. “FIFA has been shown the red card many times, yet it has failed to reform. It is a flawed democracy far removed from the fans that support the game,” Cobus de Swardt, managing director of the Berlin-based NGO, said in a statement. “There has to be an independent reform commission and FIFA has to change. No more false dawns, no more scandals, no more dawn raids. FIFA has a debt to the fans and players to change now.” The joint report with Avaaz, the International Trade Union Confederation and the NewFifaNow group entitled “Give Back the Game -- How to Fix FIFA” called for more transparency on pay, term limits for executives and the appointment of independent directors. It comes as US senators stepped up their scrutiny of FIFA over allegations of widespread corruption, and ahead of a meeting of football’s top body on Monday in Zurich that is expected to set the date to elect Blatter’s successor.

It also follows a resolution from the European Parliament last week that condemned the “systemic and despicable corruption” within FIFA and called for an independent reform commission. FIFA was thrown into crisis in May when seven officials were detained at a luxury Zurich hotel accused of involvement in more than $150 million of bribes given for marketing deals for football tournaments in North and South America. Blatter was reelected to a new term as president at a congress the following day but, faced with a storm of controversy over parallel US and Swiss graft investigations, he quickly announced that he would stand down. Amid rumors Blatter could once again be seeking a way back into office, the Transparency International report proposed limiting FIFA executive committee members and presidents to two four-year terms and for the election of the president by an open vote. It also called for all pay and benefits given to senior officials to be made public, along with the breakdown of costs for projects and income for sponsorship deals, all of which should be published on an open platform. AFP

Gold medalist Hungary’s Geza Imre celebrates with his teammates after the men’s epee final event at the 2015 World Fencing Championships in Moscow. AFP

Lingmerth off to blazing start at British Open with birdie binge ST. ANDREWS—David Lingmerth made an astounding start to the British Open at St Andrews on Thursday by birdieing the first four holes and then reaching the turn in a seven under 29. It was clear early on that the conditions were perfect for low-scoring out on the Old Course and the 27-year-old Flordia-based Swede, who won The Memorial this year, shot out of the blocks playing in the fourth group of the day. He birdied 1 through 4 and then 6, 7 and 9 with pars at 5 and 8 to power three shots clear off the field in the lead and possibly heading towards the first 62 in major golf history. There were birdies too for Dane Thomas Bjorn, who hit the tournament’s opening shot. He parred the first three holes before bagging birdies at 4, 5 and 6, but was pegged back by bogeys at 10 and 11. Irish amateur Paul Dunne joined in the birdie blast, also getting to three under after five holes. The low scoring early on was

good news for the likes of world number two Jordan Spieth and former number one Tiger Woods, both of whom had mid-morning tee-times. The 21-year-old Spieth is seeking a third straight major win after taking the Masters and US Open in the space of two months. The 39-year-old Woods is simply seeking a way back. Spieth, who would be just the second man, after Ben Hogan in 1953, to win the Open Championship in the same year as the Masters and US Open, is brimming with confidence after taking his fourth title of the year in Illinois on Sunday. He says he is fully aware of the historical implications of winning this week, and says it can be done even though he has not played a competitive round at the Old Course. Success breeds success he believes, although he has yet to experience the full blast of a North Sea squall, a force of nature that 13 years ago flattened Woods at Muir-

field, the last time a player had the chance to win three majors in a row. With rain and gusting winds forecast to sweep in from the North Sea from late Thursday through Friday and much of Saturday, getting a good, low score in on Thursday morning could be a vital stepping stone towards glory on Sunday evening. Playing in his last Open at the age of 65, five-time former winner Tom Watson stuttered at the start with an opening bogey followed by two pars. The top groupings in the afternoon, when conditions were forcast to worsen, see 2013 champion Phil Mickelson go out at 2:34 p.m. with top European Henrik Stenson of Sweden and fellow American Matt Kuchar. Shortly after that, three-time winner Nick Faldo at 58 will tee it up one last time with top British hope Justinn Rose and last week’s Scottish Open champion Rickie Fowler. AFP

Villanueva fight preview on Main Event By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Cancer forces cyclist out. Italian cyclist Ivan Basso (right) hugs his captain Alberto Contador after the former announced he has testicular cancer and therefore has to leave the Tour de France 2015 cycling race at a press conference in Pau, southern France. AFP

FIGHT fans will get a preview of the King Arthur Villanueva-McJoe Arroyo International Boxing Federation title fight on Viva Sports’ presentation of the top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday over Pinoy Box Office over Sky Cable nationwide with a replay at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. In addition there will be brief highlights of a torrid sparring session between Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and undefeated Prince Albert Pagara and a short interview with Donaire, who faces former European champion Anthony Settoul in a 10-round non title fight late Saturday at the Cotai Arena in Macau. Boxing fans will get a chance to size up southpaw McJoe Arroyo, the former

Olympian from Puerto Rico in highlights of his fights against Jair Delgado, Israel Rojas and David Quijano. They will also get a glimpse of the training regimen of King Arthur Villanueva under brothers Edmund and Edito “Ala” Villamor and American strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson. The show will also recall Villanueva’s fights against Marco “Singwancha” Demecillo, Mexico’s Edgar Martinez in a battle for the vacant World Boxing Organization International super flyweight title, King Arthur’s clash with Nicaragua’s Henry “El Crespo” Maldonado in Dubai for the UBF International junior bantamweight title, his clash with Fernando Aguilar and Prince Albert’s February 2015 showdown with former world flyweight champion Julio Cesar “Pingo” Miranda.

F RI DAY : J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Murray looking for Queen’s boost PARIS—Andy Murray will lead Great Britain against France at The Queen’s Club as Serbia travel to Argentina without Wimbledon champion Novak Djokavic in Davis Cup World Group quarter-final action starting on Friday. Murray, the world number three, will be looking for a lift after his Wimbledon semifinal exit to Roger Federer as Great Britain host France a few kilometres away in West London’s Queen’s Club from July 17-19. Britain will be bidding to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1981 where they will play either Australia or Kazakhstan, who clash in Darwin.

Murray, who lifted a fourth Queen’s Club title before Wimbledon, will be joined on his favoured grass surface by James Ward, who reached the third round at Wimbledon, Dom Inglot and brother Jamie, who lost in the men’s doubles final on Saturday. France have a talented lineup in world number 11 to 13-ranked players, Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet, alongside doubles specialist Nicolas Mahut. The French have won the Davis Cup nine times, most recently in 2001, and are joint-third in the all-time list with Britain, who have not triumphed since 1936. AFP

Ambassador’s Cup Tournament in Portugal. In cooperation with the Filipino Association of Portugal, the Philip-

pine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal under the leadership of Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Philippe J. Lhuillier held the 1st Philippine Ambassador’s Cup basketball tournament of the Filipino community in Lisbon, Portugal on June 28 at the Pavilhão Desportivo da Ajuda in Lisbon. The tournament was envisioned by its organizers as a means to enhance camaraderie and provide members and families of the Filipino community an afternoon of fun in the spirit of friendly competition. Here, Consul General Gines Gallaga with members of team “Mundo Filipino,” the champions of the 1st Philippine Ambassador’s Cup.

IOC preserving 100 years of Olympics LAUSSANNE—The archives captured some of the most iconic, and curious, moments in Olympic history, from pictures of the first modern-era games in Athens in 1896 to a sack race in St. Louis, Missouri eight years later. Sitting in a basement at the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, some 33,000 hours of video, 500,000 pictures and 2,000 documents among other archives risked decay and being lost forever. But after a seven-year and 30 million euro ($33 million USD) conservation project involving experts from across the globe, the IOC has rescued much of its precious audiovisual archive. “There was an urgency to save this legacy,” said Philippe Laurens, an official with the IOC’s Patrimonial Assets Manage-

ment (PAM) programme, which spearheaded the project. - History under threat When the preservation effort was launched in 2007 under former IOC president Jacques Rogge, the organization discovered that a large portion of its archives faced destruction. Faded photographs were deteriorating and some films were being destroyed by the so-called “vinegar effect”, where chemicals in the films combined with moisture to cause corrosion. While some of the video material remained in good condition, the hard-

ware needed to play it had become obsolete, meaning the video needed to be reformatted to make it compatible with modern devices. A team of archivists first tried to identify all the available material, a job estimated to have taken 100,000 hours of work. But, they uncovered images that had previously been unpublished. The group found a long tracking shot of the Eiffel Tower taken during the 1900 games in Paris, and spectacularly, footage of the victory lap Greek runner Spyridon Louis took after winning the marathon

in 1896 in Athens. The IOC worked with experts from Switzerland, France, Canada, the United States and Thailand to document and repair the archives. “Everyday, between 40 and 125 photos and between 15 and 20 hours of recordings were treated,” Laurens said. Some of the material required highly specific attention, like 400 hours of footage on 16 mm and 35 mm film that had to be recopied onto new film to be preserved for another century. In late 2012, the basement of the IOC headquarters that housed the archives flooded following heavy storms, raising fears that the project had suffered an unexpected setback. AFP

Viloria faces Soto instead By Ronnie Nathanielsz FORMER two-division world champion Brian Viloria, who was scheduled to face Mexico’s Danny Flores in a “stay-busy” fight at the Forentine Gardens in Hollywood, California on July 25, will now face the much tougher Omar “Lobito” Soto in a rematch instead. The clash with the 35-year-old Soto is certain to test Viloria on whether he is ready for a rematch with Juan Francisco Estrada, the talented Mexican, who captured his World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association flyweight titles via a 12-round split decision in Macau on April 6, 2013. Soto has a record of 23-11-2 with 15 knockouts, but his record can be somewhat misleading. He dropped a 10-round split decision to Viloria on July 10, 2010, but won the Fecarbox flyweight title with a unanimous 12-round decision over Eduardo Gonzalez on July 23, 2011. Soto was out of his depth when he faced undefeated Roman Gonzalez, the current No. 2 on the Ring Magazine pound-for-pound list and lost by a secondround knockout in a WBA title fight on Oct. 1, 2011, but came back to beat Glenn Donaire, the brother of Nonito Donaire, to win the World Boxing Council Latino title with a 12-round unanimous decision. According to boxrec.com, Soto last fought on Sept. 7, 2013 and lost by a ninth-round knockout in a scheduled 10-round bout to Toshiyuki Igarashi after losing by a second-round TKO to Ulises Lara in a battle for the vacant Mexican flyweight crown on March 1, 2013.

BEST Center twin tournament begins

SBP 2014 champions Xavier School will defend their title in the 30th SBPPasserelle Twin Tournament

SBP/Passerelle Twin Tournament, the country’s most prestigious interschool basketball competition for kids, kicks off its 30th season this Sunday, at the Xavier School Fr. Rafael Cortina Gym in Greenhills. The opening ceremony will be attended by Nieto twins, Michael and Matthew, who started their basketball career in Small Basketeers and are now members of Batang Gilas. Organized by the Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center, this year’s season promises to be another exciting tournament with 600 players from 40 teams participating in the games. The competition will run for three months with kids 9-11 years old vying for the Small Basketeers Philippines trophy and kids’ 12-14 years old playing for the Passerelle title. Defending their SBP title is Xavier School, which was the NCR and na-

tional champion last year. University of Visayas, meanwhile, will play their all for their Passerelle title. The SBP participating teams are composed of Xavier School Team A, Xavier School Team B, Ateneo de Manila Team A, Ateneo de Manila Team B, De la Salle Santiago Zobel, La Salle Greenhills Team A, La Salle Greenhills Team B, Notre Dame of Greater Manila, St. Mary;s College, Quezon City; Lourdes School, Quezon City; Marist School, San Beda College Rizal, and San Sebastian College-Recoletos. The Passerelle participating teams, meanwhile, include Ateneo de Manila Team A, Ateneo de Manila Team B, Lourdes School Mandaluyong, Xavier School, Adamson University, La Salle Greenhills Team A, La Salle Greenhills Team B, University of Santo Tomas, Nazareth School of NU, Notre Dame of Greater Manila, St May’s College, De la Salle Santiago

Zobel, San Beda College Rizal, and St. Augustin International School. Sponsored by Milo and Chris Sports, the SBP/Passerelle Twin Tournament is organized by the BEST Center since 1985 to provide aspiring young players a platform to showcase their basketball skills on a national level, as well as foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participating schools, the players and parents. For more information, please call the BEST Center hotlines 411-6260 or 372-3065, or visit BEST Center Sports Inc. on Facebook. Celebrating 35 years of producing basketball legends, the Best Center is the pioneer scientific sports clinic in the country and was cited with an Olympism Award by the Philippine Olympic Committee, and installed in the Hall of Fame by the Philippine Sportswriters Association.

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PALAWAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (PALECO) Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan INVITATION TO SUBMIT COMPARATIVE PROPOSALS PALAWAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (“PALECO”), is a non-stock, non-profit, service-oriented electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of Presidential Degree No. 269, as amended, and duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (“CDA”) by virtue of Republic Act No. 6938, as amended,received from Emerging Power, Inc. an Unsolicited Proposal for new hybrid power supply agreementsand for the construction and installation of sub-transmission line to connect the Municipalities of El Nido, Taytay, San Vicente and Roxas, Northern Palawan. The proponent proposed to install brand new hybrid (solar-bunker) generation system with a total net capacity of 25MW and its sub-transmission delivery service system for PALECO energy requirements. PALECO,through its Bids and Awards Committee (“BAC”), intends to subject the Unsolicited Proposal, as negotiated with the proponent, to a Swiss Challenge in accordance with its rules on competitive selection (“Competitive Selection Rules”) based on the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 6957, as amended by R.A. No. 7718, or the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, and in accordance with the Energy Regulatory Commission’s rulings in ERC Case No. 2009-025 RC and ERC Case No. 2012-018 RC. A complete set of the Competitive SelectionRules and related documents (“Competitive Selection Package”) is available from the BAC during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) starting 28 July 2015 to 30 July 2015at the Main Office of PALECO at Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Interested parties may obtain the Competitive Selection Package upon submission to the BAC of the following: 

Letter of Intent. It must state the party’s intent to purchase the Competitive SelectionPackage for purposes of submitting a comparative proposal in response to this invitation.It must be signed by the party’s duly authorized representative and be accompanied by proof (i.e., original Board Resolution or Secretary’s Certificate) that the signatory is authorized to represent and bind the party, sign the Letter of Intent and execute the Acceptance Agreement stated below.



Non-refundable fee of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00) in cash or manager’s check payable to Palawan Electric Cooperative



Execution of an Acceptance Agreement by the authorized signatory in the form provided by the BAC.

PALECOhereby invites interested parties to submit comparative proposals to the said Unsolicited Proposal. Only interested parties that were issued the Competitive SelectionPackage shall be allowed to submit comparative proposals. The comparative proposal must be submitted stricitly in accordance with the said Competitive Selection Rules with the following Terms of Reference: NetCapacity of the Power Station/s:

25 MW Hybrid (Solar-Bunker), brand new equipment consisting of 15MW bunker-fired and 10MW Solar PV plus 5MW reserve capacity bunker-fired Build 69kV three phase sub-transmission line with associated components (e.g. substations) according to the following specifications:

Delivery line:

DESCRIPTION

LENGTH

TARGET COMPLETION DATE

69 kV sub-transmission line from the Municipality of El Nido to the Municipality of Taytay

63 km

12 months from Effective Date

69 kV sub-transmission line from the Municipality of Taytay to the Municipality of Roxas

76 km

15 months from Effective Date

69 kV sub-transmission line from Barangay Itabiak, San Vicente to the town proper of the Municipality of San Vicente

19 km

15 months from Effective Date

DESCRIPTION

LENGTH

F R I D AY : J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

TARGET COMPLETION DATE

El Nido substation

5 MVA

6 months from Effective Date

Taytay substation

5 MVA

9 months from Effective Date

San Vicente substation

5 MVA

12 months from Effective Date

For the sub-transmissionline,fee of P14,985,220/month for 20 years. Connection Point:

13.2kV three phase

Type of Supply:

Hybrid Solar-Bunker, full service (base load, regulating and N-1 reserve power)

Target Commercial Operation Date:

12 months after approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission of the relevant Power Supply Agreement.

Term:

20 years from commencement of commercial operations

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Pirates, Knights in contrasting wins By Peter Atencio

THE Lyceum Pirates got a big lift from Shaq Alanes to post their first victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association with a scrambling 72-69 decision over College of St. Benilde at The Arena in San Juan yesterday. Alanes led the team with 18 markers and provided the marginal points which carried the Pirates to victory. Getting a pass from Mer Ayaay, Alanes drained the last of his five treys in the last 6.7 seconds to push the Pirates ahead, 70-69. He got a pass from an inbounding Jeremiah Taladua following a Blazers’ turnover, and then sank two charities off Jeffrey Ongteco’s foul with 2/10ths of a second left. This sent the Pirates to their first win in

three outings. “It’s a test of character for the team. They never gave up. Hindi kami surprised that Benilde caught up with us,” said Pirates coach Topex Robinson after the Blazers charged back from six points down at the end of the third. Meanwhile, the Letran Knights drew big points from Kevin Racal as they stunned the San Beda Red Lions, 93-80, to post their third consecutive triumph and move into a tie at the top of

the standings with the straight triumph. The Lyceum Junior Arellano University Chiefs on identical 3-0 Pirates turned to Generoso Cecilio and Erlan marks. Umpad at Racal Games Today endgame showed Arena in San Juan) to hand the way 8 a.m.(The San Sebastian vs University them an with 20 of Perpetual Help (jrs) 10 a.m. EAC-ICA vs JRU (jrs) 83-80 uppoints Sebastian vs UPHSD (srs) set win and seven 12 nn San 2 p.m. EAC vs JRU (srs) over the rebounds. 4 p.m. Mapua vs Arellano (srs) 6 p.m. Mapua vs Arellano (jrs) La Salle Rey NamGreenb at a c erupted with 10 of 13 hills Greenies. Eduardo Velasquez points in the second quarter to lead a big Letran at- hit 18 points, making tack which saw them take 12 of it in third as the Red Cubs took a 77-48 a 52-33 halftime spread. “We stuck to our spread, and joined the game plan. We pres- Arellano Braves in the sured. We didn’t run lead. Cecilio’s layup with 33 and gun, we ran and executed,” said Knights ticks left allowed the Junior Pirates to shatter an coach Aldin Ayo. In the junior divi- 80-all tie. Umpad’s charity sion, the San Beda Red split, which came with 7.9 Cubs relied on their ticks left, allowed them to second unit in the third keep their distance in the period to put away the remaining time. Mclaude Guadana Letran Squires, 99-59, and claim their third topscored with 23 points

Bunker Rate Structure

R a t e S t r u c t u r e:

Ye ar s of C o nt r ac t

B unke r CCR P/ k W M o nt h

B unke r FO M F P/ k W - M o nt h

B unke r VO M F P/ k W

B unke r Fu e l Fe e P/ k W h

1- 4

1,9 07.74

286

0 .717 9

8 .16 0 7

5 -10

9 6 4 . 61

286

0 .717 9

8 .16 0 7

11-15

650.23

286

0 .717 9

8 .16 0 7

16 -20

335.85

286

0 .717 9

8 .16 0 7

P a r a m e t e r s f o r t h e B u n ke r P o w e r S t a t i o n: 1. Bunker 15 MW Guaranteed Dependable Capacit y plus 5 MW reser ve; 2. 8 0 % Ava i l a b i l i t y ; 3. 5% A u x i l i a r y ; 4. 0 . 2424 L / k W h Fu e l C o n s u m p t i o n R a t e a t 74 . 5% L o a d Fa c t o r ; 5. 0 . 0 0 24 L / k W h L u b e s C o n s u m p t i o n R a t e 6. H FO P r i c e i s P 3 2 . 5 2 07/ l i t e r a s o f J u l y 2 014 d e l i ve r e d p r i c e a t N P C Po w e r P l a n t i n Tay t ay, Pa l a w a n 7. L FO P r i c e i s P 3 6 . 5 2 07/ l i t e r a s o f J u l y 2 014 d e l i ve r e d p r i c e a t N P C Po w e r P l a n t i n Tay t ay, Pa l a w a n 8. L u b e O i l P r i c e i s P 9 5 . 517 7/ l i t e r a s o f J u l y 2 014 d e l i ve r e d p r i c e a t N P C Po w e r P l a n t i n Tay t ay, Pa l a w a n 5MW Bunker Reserved Rate Structure:

Year s of C ontrac t

Bunker CC R P/ kW- M onth

Bunker FO M F P/ kW- M onth

Bunker VO M F P/ kW

Bunker Fuel Fee P/ kW h

1- 4

1,9 07.74

286

0 .717 9

8 .16 0 7

5 -10

9 6 4 . 61

286

0 .717 9

8 .16 0 7

11-15

650.23

286

0 .717 9

8 .16 0 7

16 -20

335.85

286

0 .717 9

8 .16 0 7

Solar Rate Structure:

S o l a r Cr r P/ k W h

S o l a r Fo M F P/ k W h

1- 4

12 .7 7

0.86

Year s of C ontrac t

5 -10

6.85

0.86

11-15

4.87

0.86

16 -20

2.90

0.86

1. 2. O t h e r c o n d i t i o n s:

Romeo, team expect tough FIBA time

Proposal shall be able to service the four Municipalities: El Nido, Taytay, San Vicente and Roxas. Proposal shall include the comprehensive plan forconstruction of Subtransmission lineto connect four Municipalities of El Nido, Taytay, San Vicente and Roxas The interested Private Sector Participants must have, at the time of the submission of its challenge, a minimum authorized capital stock of PhP6,853,486,323.00 to match or exceed the collective authorized capital stock of the entities comprasing the project original proponent consortium. Proposal for an option to supply 25 MW bunker plus 5 MW reserve capacity, subject to the above-stated rate structure.

A p r e l i m i n a r y c o n f e r e n c e s h a l l b e c o n d u c t e d o n 1 S e p t e m b e r 2 015 a t 8 : 3 0 a . m o n w a r d s a t t h e PA L E C O M a i n O f f i c e . A l l c o m p a r a t i v e p r o p o n e n t s ’ p r o p o s a l s m u s t b e r e c e i v e d i n s e a l e d e n v e l o p e s b y t h e B A C n o t l a t e r t h a n 5 : 0 0 p . m . o f 2 8 S e p t e m b e r 2 015 a t t h e PA L E C O M a i n O f f ic e. A ll c omparative proponents’ proposals must be acc ompanied by a bid securit y in the a m o u n t o f F i f t e e n M i l l i o n P e s o s ( P h P 15 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0) i n t h e f o r m o f c a s h o r m a n a g e r ’s c h e c k p a y a b l e t o PA L E C O. PA L E C O a n d t h e B A C r e s e r v e t h e r i g h t t o a c c e p t o r r e j e c t a n y r e q u e s t t o o b t a i n t h e C o m p e t i t i v e SelectionPackage, to ac c ept or reject any proposal, to annul the selection proc ess, and to r e j e c t a l l p r o p o s a l s a t a n y t i m e p r i o r t o c o n t r a c t a w a r d ,w i t h o u t i n c u r r i n g a n y l i a b i l i t y t o a n y p a r t y. PA L E C O a n d t h e B A C a s s u m e n o r e s p o n s i b i l i t y w h a t s o e v e r t o c o m p e n s a t e o r i n d e m n i f y any par t y for any expense or liabilit y incur red in its par ticipation in the proc ess, and in the p r e p a r a t i o n a n d s u b m i s s i o n o f a n o f f e r. F o r f u r t h e r d e t a i l s , p l e a s e c o n t a c t N a p o l e o n M . C o r t e s J r. , B A C S e c r e t a r i a t , o r t h e d e s i g n a t e d o f f i c e r- i n - c h a r g e d u r i n g o f f i c e h o u r s a t t h e f o l l o w i n g c o n t a c t n u m b e r s : t e l e p h o n e n o . ( 0 4 8) 4 3 3 9 14 4 l o c 8 6 3 o r f a x n o .: ( 0 4 8) 4 3 4 4 4 01. A p p r o v e d:

RIC B. Z AMBALES General Manager and CEO

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios (third from left), FIBA 3X3 events manager Ignacio Soriano of Spain (center) and Globalport star Terrence Romeo (left), a member of last year’s champion Manila West team, launched yesterday the 2015 FIBA World Tour Manila Masters set Aug. 1 and 2 at the Orosa Atrium of Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila. With them (from left) are SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza, SBP senior consultant and former Asian Basketball Confederation Secretary General Moying Martelino, Wilson’s Rodolfo Claudio, president/CEO of Sports Resources Inc., and Smart sports marketing manager Epok Quimpo.

( T S - J U L . 17, 2 0 , 2 7, 2 015 )

TERRENCE Romeo and his crew expect to have a tough time this time around. Eight well-prepared foreign squads are expected to put up a big fight in the Manila leg of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, which will be held on Aug. 1 and 2 at the Robinsons Place Manila. “As I see it, it’s our quickness, chemistry and the accuracy of our shots which will win it for us,” said Romeo as he and Manila West team, get ready to take the Manila leg by storm again. Romeo talked about the Manila West’ return during yesterday’s press conference with FIBA event manager Ignacio Soriano and SBP executive director Sonny Barrios at Robinsons Place Manila in Padre Faura. Last year, the Manila West team upset a FIBA 3x3 world

champion team from Qatar to rule the Manila Masters’ leg and earn passage to the world championship in Sendai, Japan. But this year, a stronger and seasoned field is expected to make things difficult, with the presence of reigning world champion Novi Sad, which will have veteran Dusan Domovic Bulut coming back. Pura of Cebu, powered by Carlo Cesar Ortega, Jaur Edrel Igna, Lucky Ecarma and Errol Pastor, subdued Olongapo, 2112, to rule the SBP-Talk ‘N Text U18 Tatluhan National Finals. The squad will also represent the Philippines, along with another team from the PBA. Also coming are teams from Auckland (New Zealand), Doha (Qatar), Medan (Indonesia), Ljubliana (Slovenia), Beirut (Lebanon) and Foshan (China).

Doha, which was second in the world finals last year, will again be there with veteran Yaseen Musa. The top two teams will advance to the world championship in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 15 and 16. FIBA 3x3 stops are also scheduled in Prague (August 8 and 9), Beijing (August 15 and 16), Lausanne (August 28 and 29), Mexico City (September 9 and 10) and Rio de Janeiro (September 26 and 27) leading up to the Abu Dhabi finals. Soriano said the Philippines has great potential for the sport of 3x3. This is the reason why they made Manila part of the World Tour again. “Of course, FIBA is supporting this because we want this to become a national sport here. Not just now, but also in the future,” said Soriano. Peter Atencio

F R I D AY : J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Cone headed to Gin Kings? By Jeric Lopez IS Tim Cone in the process of moving to Barangay Ginebra? The answer might be yes as reports indicate that the winningest coach in the Philippine Basketball Association is likely leaving Star and heading to the Gin Kings’ camp in hopes of turning around the fortunes of the strong, yet underachieving crowd darlings for next season. This comes out just a few days after Star management denied that Cone will transfer to Ginebra in a coaching carousel that officials of the San Miguel Corporation are orchestrating. But reliable sources intimate that SMC management is finalizing Cone’s move over to Ginebra and assistant coach Jason Webb is the most likely candidate to be promoted and succeed him as the Hotshots’ next coach. Rumors have been swirling around that Cone, the all-time coaching leader with 18 championships, might be headed to Ginebra to turn things around after the Gin Kings continued to disappoint in this 40th PBA season, only going as far as the quarterfinals twice. Despite boasting one of the league’s most loaded rosters, Barangay Ginebra’s lackluster play continued. In the last two years, Ginebra had five coaching changes. The head mentoring chores went from Alfrancis Chua, to Ato Agustin, to Jeffrey Cariaso, back to Agustin and then just before the Governors’ Cup, to Frankie Lim.

Caitlyn Jenner steps out to collect sports award LOS ANGELES—Olympic champion Caitlyn Jenner issued an impassioned plea for transgender acceptance Wednesday in her first public appearance since coming out as a transgender woman, defying a blizzard of derision on social media.

Honoree Caitlyn Jenner accepts the Arthur Ashe Award For Courage onstage during The 2015 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. AFP

PH Golf Course Management Conference backed Fajardo... USA-based The Toro Company was one of the gold sponsors of the 2015 Philippine Golf Course Management Conference held recently at Orchard Golf and Country Club, attended by representatives, superintendents and grounds personnel from different golf clubs nationwide. The leading worldwide provider of innovative products for outdoor environments including turf, snow and groundengaging equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solution for over 100 years, The Toro Company is represented in the Philippines by The Turf Company which has been their distributor for over 25 years. Andrew Price, the Toro Company’s sales manager for Asia Pacific conducted a field demonstration of the new lightweight TORO Reelmaster 3550D fairway mower with attendees from different golf clubs nationwide. Some participants were given the chance to operate the demo fairway mower to feel the comfort and ease of us-

From A16

Andrew Price, the Toro Company’s sales manager for Asia Pacific Price, shows the participants the use of Toro’s Reelmaster 3550-D Fairway Mower.

ing the said machine. Another highlight of the sponsorship was the display of other TORO equipment models like the heavy duty Reelmaster 6500 Fairway Mower with a higher horse power (another equipment purchased by Orchard Golf and Country Club), Dingo Trencher, Proforce Debris Blower and SandPro Bunker rake machine.

Aside from Toro, other allied products carried by The Turf Company also co-sponsored the event including Foley United, USA and Syngenta. Foley United is the one selling grinders that sharpen reel blades and bedknives of mowers while Syngenta ‘s products are fungicides , herbicides and insecticides used also for turf maintenance.

in statistical points over other contenders including Terrence Romeo of GlobalPort, Jayson Castro of Talk ‘N Text, Paul Lee of Rain or Shine, Greg Slaughter of Barangay Ginebra and Ranidel De Ocampo of Talk ‘N Text. The same can be said for the Rookie of the Year award. Top pick Stanley Pringle of GlobalPort, who is slowly establishing himself as one of the league’s top players even in his first year, is likewise comfortably ahead of fellow newcomers Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Chris Banchero, Jake Pascual, Anthony Semerad and Jericho Cruz. The Defensive Player of the Year and the Most Improved Player awards are the ones that seem to be up for grabs. Should Fajardo’s lead hold up and he becomes the MVP, he will only be the second player in league history to win the most coveted individual award backto-back after his mentor Danny Ildefonso did the feat back in 2000 and 2001.

Formerly Bruce Jenner, the US decathlon champion of the 1976 Montreal Olympics seized the moment for transgender advocacy as she collected the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the nationally televised ESPY sports awards gala in Los Angeles. “If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead— because the reality is, I can take it,” said Jenner, 65, dominating the stage in an elegant form-fitting white gown and wavy shoulder-length hair. “But for the thousands of kids out there coming to terms with being true to who they are—they shouldn’t have to take it,” she said to robust applause from a theater full of top US college and pro athletes, including the World Cup-winning US women’s soccer squad. It was Jenner’s first major public appearance since coming out as a transgender woman in an televised interview in April where she discussed how she had been grappling her gender identity since childhood. Named for the US tennis star who died of AIDS in 1993, the Arthur Ashe award has in past years gone to athletes like Billy Jean King and Muhammad Ali and non-athletes including Nelson Mandela. But throughout the three-hour primetime ESPY broadcast, hundreds of posts appeared on Twitter demanding to know why the Olympian turned reality TV star on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” was being honored for courage, four decades after a gold-medal triumph. Many thought Lauren Hill, who fulfilled her dream of playing college basketball in Ohio despite a brain tumor that took her life in April at the age of 19, was more deserving. She instead was recognized with a “best moment” award, presented to her parents, for a game in which she scored the first and last baskets. Jenner, whose mother, sister and children attended the awards, said her life going forward would be dedicated to doing whatever she could “to reshape the landscape of how trans people are viewed and treated ... (and) to promote a very simple idea—accepting people for who they are.” AFP

LOTTO RESULTS

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

F R I D AY : J U LY 17, 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

MVP candidate June Mar Fajardo (left) and Marcio Lassiter (13) of San Miguel Beer try to stop Alaska’s Sonny Thoss from scoring inside the lane.

SMB eyes title sweep By Jeric Lopez

WILL the confetti and balloons fall rom the rafters? San Miguel Beer hopes for that as it shoots for the championship and finish off struggling Alaska in their continuing best-of-seven playoff in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup Finals. Ahead by a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Beermen can grab their second championship this season and 21st overall with another victory. The Aces are fighting for dear life as the teams play Game 4 today at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria reminded everyone that it takes four wins to get the championship and he wants his team to continue focusing so that they can finish the job. ‘’Para mag-champion, kailangan mo ng apat na panalo. Hang-

gang hindi pa natatapos, wala pang nade-declare na champion,’’ said a cautious Austria. ‘’Kailangan pa namin ng isang panalo and sana makuha na namin. Dapat tuloy lang namin ang ginagawa namin and keep the focus.’’ Prior to the game, the league will hold its annual Leo Awards where the brightest stars for the season will be recognized. San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo, who won two Best Player of the Conference awards, is expected to be named the Most Valuable Player for the second straight season.

San Miguel seized a tighter grip on the series after getting the job done in the clutch in Game 3 to post a 96-89 victory against Alaska last Wednesday night. They won in almost the same fashion in Game 2 where the Beermen dished out a strong finishing kick in crunch time. The Beermen banked on the play of prolific import Arizona Reid, who poured in 41 points, as he willed his squad to victory and put them on the brink of bringing home the bacon. Alaska is facing the most daunting task of trying to be the first team to climb out of a 0-3 hole in a best-of-seven series in league history. In the 13 times that this scenario occurred in the past, no team has come back from this near-insurmountable series deficit, but don’t tell Aces coach Alex Compton that.

Romeo sees tough FIBA bid

Caitlyn accepts sports award

TURN TO A14

TURN TO A15

The competitive mentor is still optimistic insisting that it ain’t over until the fat lady sings. ‘’One of the building blocks of our team is honor. We’re still going out there and play our best. We’re going to go at it and swing for the fences and hope that we can be the first team to come out of this deficit,’’ said a still hopeful Compton. Even Austria isn’t counting the Aces out just yet. ‘’Marami pa silang (Alaska) pwedeng gawin. Siguro hinahanap pa nila ‘yung right chemistry in this series and kami ‘yung binabantayan,’’ said Austria. ‘’Nabansagan silang comeback kings kaya dapat maging maingat pa rin kami.’’ For the Aces to do that, they would have to step it up in all aspects of the game particularly in rebounding as they got pounded by the Beermen on the boards by 22 rebounds in Game 3.

Fajardo expected to win MVP title THE annual Philippine Basketball Association Leo Awards will take place today with San Miguel Beer superstar June Mar Fajardo expected to bag his second straight Most Valuable Player citation. The awarding ceremony for this 40th season will be held just before the start of Game 4 of the Governors’ Cup finals between the Beermen and the Alaska Aces. Those stars who shone the brightest this season are set to be recognized with awards such as the MVP, Mythical First Team, Mythical Second Team, All Defensive Team, All Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player will be handed out. For the two biggest awards, the MVP and the Rookie of the Year, it seems that there won’t be any thrill or surprise. The leading candidates are expected to win given their tremendous lead over the others vying for those citations. Fajardo, who won the Best Player of the Conference award last Sunday for the Governors’ Cup after winning the same plum in the Philippine Cup, is almost certain to receive his second straight MVP trophy. He holds a huge lead

Continued on A14

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: JULY 17, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Ayala Land award. Ayala Land Inc.’s commitment to building sustainable communities earned a special recognition for corporate social responsibility at the recently held

Philippines Property Awards, part of the Asia Property Awards, which for 10 years noww recognizes leading companies and professionals in the real estate industry across the region. Shown are (from left) Ayala Land sustainability manager Anna Maria Gonzales, planning group head Arturo Corpuz, chief ﬁnance ofﬁcer Jaime Ysmael, human resources and public affairs group head Emilio Tumbocon and community relations manager Joy Sanciangco.

Ayala buys into drugstore chain PSe comPoSite index Closing July 16, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,617.13 58.09

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing JULY 16, 2015 42

P45.250

44 45 46

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. has ventured into retail healthcare industry with the acquisition of a 50-percent stake in pharmaceutical chain Generika group for an undisclosed amount.

Generika,which started operations in 2003, has 500 stores and is one of the pioneers in the retail distribution of quality generic medicines in the country. Ayala Corp. said in a statement whollyowned subsidiary Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. purchased the 50-percent stake from the family of Julien Bello. “We are excited to be part of Generika

and help address the gaps in affordable retail healthcare. We believe this is an excellent platform for Ayala to reinvent the space and serve as foundation for our emerging healthcare portfolio,” Ayala president and chief operating officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala said. “With the combined strengths and management capabilities of Ayala and Generika, we believe we can raise the level of efficiency and accessibility of this platform to better serve Filipino families by providing a wide range of quality medicines at affordable prices,” Zobel de Ayala said. Generika co-founder Teodoro Ferrer and his group will keep the remaining 50 percent ownership in Generika. Ferrer will continue to serve as the president and chief executive of the group. Ferrer said he welcomed the entry of Ayala Corp into Generika. “On behalf of Generika, we wholeheartedly welcome the entry of Ayala

Healthcare. We are especially excited by the enhanced capability to have a meaningful impact on the health and lives of many more communities all over the country,” Ferrer said. Based on Generika’s website, Ferrer worked with the Ayala group for more than 30 years before partnering with Bello to venture into retail healthcare space. The value of the acquisition is less than 10 percent of Ayala Corp.’s book value. Mabuhay Capital served as financial advisor to the group of Bello in the transaction with Ayala Healthcare. The Ayala group started its footprint in the healthcare sector in 2014 through QualiMed, Ayala Land Inc.’s chain of hospitals and satellite clinics, in partnership with the Mercado medical group. The group plans to put up 10 new hospitals with a combined 1,000 beds and 10 clinics over the next five years.

HIGH P45.240 LOW P45.280 AVERAGE P45.262 VOLUME 549.600M

P475.00-P675.00 LPG/11-kg tank P40.55-P46.70 Unleaded Gasoline P27.90-P31.15 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, July 16, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

45.2000

Japan

Yen

0.008080

0.3652

Pound

1.564100

70.6973

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129032

5.8322

Switzerland

Franc

1.050531

47.4840

Canada

Dollar

0.774593

35.0116

Singapore

Dollar

0.732386

33.1038

Australia

Dollar

0.737790

33.3481

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656960

120.0946 12.0524

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266645

Brunei

Dollar

0.729714

32.9831

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029342

1.3263

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

12.3070

Euro

1.094800

49.4850

Korea

Won

0.000872

0.0394

China

Yuan

0.161051

7.2795

India

Rupee

0.015751

0.7119

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.262840

11.8804

New Zealand

Dollar

0.660415

29.8508

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032191

1.4550 Source: PDS Bridge

PH seen growing 6.4%, fastest in Southeast Asia By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE Asian Development Bank on Wednesday retained its 2015 growth forecast for the Philippines at 6.4 percent, making it the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia. Private investment and household consumption will support the growth of the Philippines this year, while election-related spending will boost demand in the early part of 2016, ADB said in the seven-page Asian Development Outlook Supplement report. The ADB said while gross domestic product growth eased to 5.2 percent in the first quarter

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

of 2015, the slowest pace in over three years, on sluggish exports and weak government spending, domestic demand remained positive. “Private investment and household consumption remain strong, supporting the maintenance of GDP growth forecasts of 6.4 percent for 2015 and 6.3 percent for 2016. Election-related spending is expected to boost domestic demand through May 2016, when elections will be held,” the Manila-based multilateral lender said. It said risks to the growth outlook included weaker-thanexpected recovery in major industrial economies and con-

9 banks to handle SMC shares

tinued slow public spending despite government measures taken to improve budget execution. The ADB report showed the 6.4-percent growth forecast for the Philippines would the fastest among the six major Southeast Asian economies and the third fastest in Developing Asia, behind India’s 7.8 percent and China’s 7 percent. ADB reduced the 2015 growth outlook for Developing Asia to 6.1 percent from 6.3 percent previously and revised downward the forecast for Southeast Asia to 4.6 percent from 4.9 percent. Indonesia is projected to grow 5 percent this year; Malaysia, 4.7

percent; Singapore, 2.8 percent; Thailand, 3.2 percent; and Vietnam, 6.1 percent. The region is expected to rebound in 2016 with a growth of 5.1 percent. ADB said growth in China was slower than expected in the first half of the year. Projections for the region’s largest economy were cut to 7 percent in 2015 and 6.8 percent in 2016. The weaker external environment means East Asia as a whole is now expected to grow by a slower 6.2 percent in both 2015 and 2016. India’s growth forecasts remain at 7.8 percent this year and 8.2 percent for next, supported by new investments.

Peso declines to 17-month low

FRIDAY: JULY 17, 2015

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, July 16, 2015

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 4.2 17 30.45 0.92 2.6 890 100 30.5 91.5 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.68 12.02 19.6 0.74 1.02 625 78 17.8 62 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

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

4.69 73.35 105.00 94.55 45.65 1.44 16.08 20.35 0.68 1.80 815.00 91.2 17.90 63.80 310 37.5 152.4 1470.00 60.50 3.2

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 89 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 241 12.5 3.95 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 7.34 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 26 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3 15.32 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 8.61 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 173 8.65 2.3 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 1.65 5.9 161 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 10.02 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons. Asiabest Group Bogo Medelin Century Food Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Federal Res. Inv. Group First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Jollibee Foods Corp. Lafarge Rep LMG Chemicals Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vivant Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

44.15 1.37 1.04 1.95 10.32 53.95 18.3 26.75 56.8 2.4 1.41 12.06 20.800 9.00 7.50 9.78 13.8 25.25 80.5 14.00 13.94 5.78 193.00 10.9 2.17 55.45 24.05 25.9 5.71 295.00 3.95 4.94 8.20 3.30 2.24 2.66 4.01 1.85 6.25 162 1.81 0.152 1.25 2.15 187 4.5 0.72 24.60 1.21

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 390 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 4.5 0.550 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 170 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

Abacus Cons. À’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor À’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp À’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp. Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. LT Group Mabuhay Holdings À’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Minerales Industrias Corp. Prime Orion San Miguel Corp À’ Seafront À’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Transgrid Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.480 57.3000 22.45 1.27 6.88 0.240 0.240 768 7.6 13.42 4.35 0.220 1370 6.65 71.70 7.2 0.68 12.8 0.6 4.9 7.29 2.000 59.50 2.90 905.00 1.21 0.72 170.00 77.300 0.3250 0.1990 0.275

10.5 26.95 1.99

6.74 12 0.65

8990 HLDG 7.250 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 8.40 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.75

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

SHARES 11,534,783 72,101,307 50,139,907 122,305,393 205,259,235 1,251,465,973 1,713,328,758

High

Low

FINANCIAL 4.73 4.6 73.35 72.5 105.20 104.00 95.00 94.60 45.7 45.6 1.58 1.53 16.08 16 20.55 20.35 0.72 0.72 1.83 1.79 815.00 814.50 91.5 90.6 18.00 17.90 64.20 63.70 307 307 37.95 37.5 154.4 152.7 1470.00 1470.00 60.40 59.95 3.24 3.2 INDUSTRIAL 44.85 44.1 1.36 1.36 1.04 1.04 1.95 1.93 10.36 10.18 54.3 50 18.36 18.2 26.75 26.55 57 56.9 2.47 2.4 1.48 1.41 12.3 12.02 21.250 20.75 9.09 8.98 7.57 7.28 9.91 9.77 13.8 13.2 25.6 25.35 81 79.5 13.50 13.50 14.00 13.08 5.99 5.78 193.00 191.90 10.9 10.76 2.16 2.16 57.90 57.90 24.3 24 25.95 25.5 5.9 5.71 295.40 292.80 3.90 3.90 5 4.87 8.25 8.13 3.35 3.30 2.36 2.23 2.78 2.61 4.06 4.01 1.85 1.85 6.24 6.24 168 162 1.81 1.78 0.154 0.146 1.37 1.37 2.15 2.14 188.6 184.8 4.57 4.5 0.74 0.71 24.70 24.70 1.24 1.21 HOLDING FIRMS 0.480 0.465 58.5000 57.6500 23.05 22.30 1.22 1.22 6.88 6.88 0.241 0.240 0.240 0.240 769 762 7.7 7.6 13.62 13.28 4.30 4.30 0.220 0.206 1384 1365 6.66 6.45 72.00 71.05 7.3 7 0.68 0.65 13.38 12.8 0.62 0.59 4.9 4.77 7.6 7.3 2.020 1.980 60.00 59.50 2.82 2.56 915.00 906.00 1.22 1.19 0.70 0.70 190.00 175.00 77.300 76.050 0.3200 0.3000 0.2000 0.1960 0.285 0.275 PROPERTY 7.400 7.230 8.35 8.35 0.78 0.73

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

4.6 73 105.00 95.00 45.6 1.53 16 20.5 0.72 1.83 815.00 91.5 17.90 63.70 307 37.55 152.7 1470.00 60.00 3.24

-1.92 -0.48 0.00 0.48 -0.11 6.25 -0.50 0.74 5.88 1.67 0.00 0.33 0.00 -0.16 -0.97 0.13 0.20 0.00 -0.83 1.25

68,000 41,070 2,911,510 1,040,770 128,200 21,000 107,100 460,200 1,000 33,000 230 3,210,350 377,500 102,820 1,000 784,600 1,938,220 65 16,540 15,000

44.65 1.36 1.04 1.95 10.18 54.3 18.36 26.75 57 2.45 1.47 12.28 21.250 9.00 7.45 9.77 13.78 25.45 79.6 13.50 14.00 5.9 192.60 10.8 2.16 57.90 24.2 25.5 5.8 295.00 3.90 4.93 8.25 3.32 2.35 2.76 4.05 1.85 6.24 167 1.8 0.150 1.37 2.14 186.1 4.57 0.71 24.70 1.24

1.13 -0.73 0.00 0.00 -1.36 0.65 0.33 0.00 0.35 2.08 4.26 1.82 2.16 0.00 -0.67 -0.10 -0.14 0.79 -1.12 -3.57 0.43 2.08 -0.21 -0.92 -0.46 4.42 0.62 -1.54 1.58 0.00 -1.27 -0.20 0.61 0.61 4.91 3.76 1.00 0.00 -0.16 3.09 -0.55 -1.32 9.60 -0.47 -0.48 1.56 -1.39 0.41 2.48

3,454,500 75,000 71,000 259,000 1,400 90 298,300 35,500 4,770 2,128,000 72,000 131,100 10,874,800 5,916,300 14,622,000 308,600 2,500 4,580,700 150,130 200 2,600 718,100 670,310 317,800 1,000 10 98,100 28,200 66,800 451,240 18,000 950,000 4,394,600 88,000 1,116,000 894,000 10,414,000 14,000 300 540 315,000 5,600,000 1,000 231,000 1,335,200 44,000 271,000 500 61,000

0.480 58.5000 22.90 1.22 6.88 0.240 0.240 763 7.61 13.50 4.30 0.220 1380 6.66 72.00 7.3 0.68 13.34 0.6 4.78 7.6 2.020 60.00 2.80 915.00 1.20 0.70 190.00 76.500 0.3200 0.1980 0.285

0.00 2.09 2.00 -3.94 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.65 0.13 0.60 -1.15 0.00 0.73 0.15 0.42 1.39 0.00 4.22 0.00 -2.45 4.25 1.00 0.84 -3.45 1.10 -0.83 -2.78 11.76 -1.03 -1.54 -0.50 3.64

45,000 675,440 3,466,800 45,000 40,200 1,360,000 20,000 231,310 2,554,000 18,051,900 1,000 380,000 134,230 7,600 1,915,360 1,198,200 5,000 1,765,400 588,000 7,186,000 1,111,500 6,160,000 55,180 546,000 162,460 87,000 27,000 350 33,480 1,350,000 440,000 70,000

7.300 8.35 0.73

0.69 -0.60 -2.67

1,431,900 1,000 439,000

1,981,434.00 -194,884,477.00 65,667,529.50 1,805,760.00 1,513,600.00 6,015,575.00 187,445.00 -143,782,875.00 -6,448,580.00 2,517,337.00 307,000.00 -12,448,435.00 -125,908,336.00 -18,000.50 -35,200.00 31,979,975.00 2,720.00 -9,360.00

1,856,052.00

1,204,000.00 58,497,640.00 1,751,900.00 -33,723,751.00 -700,878.00 -1,909,350.00 -5,601,263.00 2.00 98,947,977.00 908,754.00 -1,931,815.00 -271,540.00 -27,572,104.00 -1,221,790.00 14,540,665.00 -205,810.00 -65,940.00 20.00 -15,109,190.00

-61,200.00 -10,640.00 -99,246,164.00 -5,040.00

29,194,063.50 -2,658,060.00 -68,800.00 9,623,905.00 9,623,905.00 -195,529,010.00 44,651,120.00 40,065,629.50 -2,479,217.00 15,829,812.00 -13,712,230.00 113,932.00 -1,050,050.00 -504,875.00 42,847,305.00

-1,761,742.00 30,000.00

-2,982,225.00 -34,310.00

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 4.88 0.180 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 2.75 0.090 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

Araneta Prop À’ Arthaland Corp. Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. À’ Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. À’ Crown Equities Inc. Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport À’ Megaworld Corp. MRC Allied Ind. Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

10.5 66 1.09 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 3.32 3.2 95.5 1 15.2 0.62 22.8 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1 11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

1.97 35.2 0.63 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 6.5 1.91 1.95 3.1 0.650 6 0.335 14.54 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN 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. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Melco Crown MG Holdings Pacific Online Sys. Corp. Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils. Yehey

0.0098 17.24 25 0.330 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

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

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

70 553 8.21 12.28 1060 1047 76.9 84.8

33 490 5.88 6.5 997 1011 74.2 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort PCOR-Preferred A PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred C

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

88 12.88

13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

VALUE 1,084,182,161.953 1,335,727,418.18 1,130,002,932.54 1,552,044,694.49 1,702,592,709.84 90,711,123.198 6,902,661,250.203

FINANCIAL 1,688.94 (up) 3.13 INDUSTRIAL 11,384.22 (up) 7.08 HOLDING FIRMS 6,851.35 (up) 52.11 PROPERTY 3,124.19 (up) 25.51 SERVICES 2,128.96 (up) 37.74 MINING & OIL 13,373.15 (up) 101.62 PSEI 7,617.13 (up) 58.09 All Shares Index 4,345.56 (up) 31.56 Gainers: 101 Losers: 66; Unchanged: 38; Total: 205

1.200 0.220 38.30 3.36 5.15 0.86 1.09 1.01 0.128 10.38 0.910 0.187 1.22 1.92 1.28 4.81 0.107 28.70 1.67 3.25 20.50 0.74 7.15 0.850 6.990

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

1.260 1.230 1.260 0.235 0.235 0.235 38.35 38.00 38.30 3.41 3.35 3.38 5.29 5.15 5.15 0.86 0.85 0.85 1.13 1.08 1.13 1.04 1.01 1.04 0.133 0.126 0.130 10.58 10.38 10.5 0.910 0.880 0.910 0.178 0.177 0.177 1.23 1.21 1.21 1.99 1.92 1.96 1.32 1.29 1.32 4.93 4.81 4.88 0.110 0.106 0.106 29.15 28.20 28.50 1.7 1.67 1.7 3.34 3.25 3.34 21.10 20.35 21.00 0.75 0.73 0.74 7.15 6.77 7.15 0.830 0.830 0.830 7.040 6.910 6.980 SERVICES 6.52 6.58 6.35 6.46 61.6 62.75 61.7 62.75 0.610 0.650 0.630 0.650 9.29 9.56 9.28 9.50 0.0840 0.0840 0.0800 0.0800 3.43 3.58 3.48 3.49 87.9 88.5 87.9 88.25 9.7 10.4 10.4 10.4 6.08 6.20 5.96 6.00 989.5 990 989 990 2500 2534 2504 2526 6.30 6.39 6.33 6.38 1.27 1.30 1.27 1.27 111.1 112 110.9 112 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.215 0.230 0.219 0.228 1.4000 1.4300 1.3600 1.3900 9.60 9.65 9.60 9.60 2.90 3.08 2.85 2.88 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 47.50 46.85 37.10 41.00 0.690 0.670 0.670 0.670 5.7 5.9 5.69 5.9 0.310 0.325 0.310 0.325 18.84 19.1 18.82 18.88 109.00 114.00 110.00 114.00 18.90 18.90 18.50 18.90 2862.00 2940.00 2852.00 2936.00 0.630 0.650 0.620 0.650 1.440 1.530 1.440 1.500 35.50 36.00 35.75 35.80 72.00 72.75 72.00 72.75 8.57 8.80 8.55 8.55 0.64 0.64 0.63 0.63 5.18 5.24 5.18 5.2 0.320 0.325 0.320 0.325 2.300 2.440 2.240 2.350 MINING & OIL 0.0062 0.0064 0.0062 0.0062 5.90 5.89 5.72 5.72 11.86 11.58 11.00 11.56 0.225 0.225 0.224 0.225 7.5000 7.5 7.5 7.5000 0.85 0.87 0.85 0.85 0.76 0.79 0.77 0.79 6.72 6.75 6.59 6.59 1.48 1.54 1.49 1.51 0.305 0.320 0.305 0.310 0.216 0.219 0.216 0.218 0.230 0.232 0.226 0.232 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.014 3.2 3.25 3.15 3.23 11.18 11.6 11.2 11.5 3.65 3.7 3.65 3.69 0.5900 0.6600 0.5900 0.6600 2.0500 2.0400 1.9900 1.9900 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 0.0130 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 4.20 4.28 4.23 4.24 5.97 5.970 5.870 5.90 1.77 1.770 1.700 1.72 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.013 141.90 143.00 141.90 143.00 9.3 10 9.2 10 PREFERRED 62.65 62.8 62.45 62.5 529 529 528 529 6.3 6.35 6.3 6.35 1.1 1.09 1.09 1.09 1120 1080 1080 1080 1050 1050 1050 1050 75.95 75.45 75.4 75.4 88 88 87.8 88 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.880 3.950 3.800 3.920 SME 68 65.95 60 65.4 11.8 12 11.76 11.88 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 122.9 123.9 122.9 123.8

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

5.00 6.82 0.00 0.60 0.00 -1.16 3.67 2.97 1.56 1.16 0.00 -5.35 -0.82 2.08 3.13 1.46 -0.93 -0.70 1.80 2.77 2.44 0.00 0.00 -2.35 -0.14

133,000 80,000 9,208,200 1,757,000 31,200 1,547,000 5,000 4,000 4,400,000 6,681,000 656,000 700,000 384,000 22,580,000 90,000 25,990,000 120,000 5,344,500 107,000 28,000 36,627,600 166,000 1,800 131,000 3,654,400

-0.92 1.87 6.56 2.26 -4.76 1.75 0.40 7.22 -1.32 0.05 1.04 1.27 0.00 0.81 0.00 6.05 -0.71 0.00 -0.69 0.00 -13.68 -2.90 3.51 4.84 0.21 4.59 0.00 2.59 3.17 4.17 0.85 1.04 -0.23 -1.56 0.39 1.56 2.17

157,400 12,850 271,000 15,783,400 9,760,000 197,000 561,310 400 170,200 120 97,100 21,000 75,000 2,108,690 4,400,000 49,830,000 1,819,000 380,100 992,000 1,000 3,700 35,000 14,475,500 760,000 96,900 167,690 44,100 193,370 1,091,000 81,385,000 2,682,500 33,200 5,053,600 355,000 8,833,300 280,000 2,690,000

0.00 -3.05 -2.53 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.95 -1.93 2.03 1.64 0.93 0.87 0.00 0.00 0.94 2.86 1.10 11.86 -2.93 0.00 -15.38 0.95 -1.17 -2.82 0.00 0.78 7.53

1,050,000,000 85,000 -276,457.00 1,600 990,000 200 2,564,000 121,000 3,300 5,021,000 1,534,940.00 160,000 790,000 30,000 -2,260.00 101,500,000 5,500,000 618,000 -302,210.00 2,874,800 4,172,158.00 904,000 -36,600.00 9,000 102,000 6,000.00 20,700,000 1,900,000 15,000 415,900 -92,225.00 475,000 -8,750.00 55,900,000 176,700 -15,249,080.00 393,100 219,800.00

-0.24 0.00 0.79 -0.91 -3.57 0.00 -0.72 0.00

191,080 6,900 51,600 81,000 50 7,000 1,900 10,010

1.03

109,000

-3.82 0.68

1,200 510,900

0.73

10,060

-235,171,385.00 -1,238,200.00

37,150,940.00 -82,490.00 7,608,430.00 6,607,690.00 56,375,560.00 -16,800.00 34,142,615.00

-19,846,986.00

7,721,084.00 -8,274,092.00

65,366,790.00 -191,271,395.00 -128,680.00 1,817,388.00

-824,152.00 16,150.00 -16,992.00 1,697,280.00 -246,630.00 -9,288,290.00 15,315,050.00 -11,540,530.00 -559,305.00 19,666,307.00 -169,600.00 -26,568,983.00

-7,541,347.50 -210,125.00

-880.00

118,800.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Omico

0.6600

11.86

Oriental Pet. `B'

0.0110

Transgrid

190.00

11.76

Manila Broadcasting

41.00

-15.38 -13.68

TKC Steel Corp.

1.37

9.60

Ever Gotesco

0.177

-5.35

TA Petroleum

7.53

Boulevard Holdings

0.0800

-4.76

Centro Esc. Univ.

10.4

7.22

Anglo Holdings A

1.22

-3.94

Arthaland Corp.

0.235

6.82

IRipple E-Business Intl

65.4

-3.82

APC Group, Inc.

0.650

6.56

PCOR-Preferred A

1080

-3.57

Bright Kindle Resources

1.53

6.25

Ginebra San Miguel Inc.

13.50

-3.57

Island Info

0.228

6.05

Seafront `A'

2.80

-3.45

First Abacus

0.72

5.88

Atlas Cons. `A'

5.72

-3.05

FRIDAY: JULY 17, 2015

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

9 banks to handle SMC shares By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. has hired nine banks to handle its offering of P33.5 billion worth of preferred shares slated in September. The nine are BDO Capital, BPI Capital, China Bank, HSBC, ING, PNB Capital, RCBC Capital, SB Capital and Standard Chartered Bank. San Miguel said in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would use net proceeds from the bond offer-

ing to partially redeem outstanding P54.07 billion worth of Series 2-A preferred shares callable in September 2015. “The difference between the balance of the redemption rice for the Series 2-A preferred shares and the net proceeds from the preferred shares offering will be paid

using the available cash of SMC,” the conglomerate said. San Miguel on Tuesday reported it board of directors approved the issuance and sale of 446.447 million of Series 2 preferred shares at an issue price of P75 apiece. The preferred shares, which will be issued in three sub-series, will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange. The listing date has been set on Sept. 21, 2015. San Miguel in the past seven years has invested about P450

billion in new ventures and expansion of existing core businesses. In preparation for the fund raising activity, San Miguel in June obtained shareholders’ approval to reclassify 810 million of Series “1” preferred shares to Series “2” and its subsequent re-issuance in whole or in part. San Miguel in April raised P21 billion from the re-issuance of 279.41 million of the Series “1” preferred shares at P75 apiece to three cpmpanies, namely Gingoog Holdings Corp., Lucena Holdings Corp. and Metroplex Holdings Corp.

San Miguel is a food, beverage, and packaging company established in 1890 initially as a singleproduct brewery. The conglomerate since then has transformed itself into a diversified group with market-leading businesses and investments in the fuel and oil, energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, mining and banking. The conglomerate is on an expansion mode and has been bidding in various infrastructure projects. It recently expressed interest in bidding for the government’s stake in United Coconut Planters Bank

Market rallies; PLDT climbs

BSP award. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is the winner of the 2015 Global Forum on Remittances and Development Public Sector Award from the International Fund for Agricultural Development of the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Commission. The award was received by BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. (second from right) along with Deputy Governors (from left) Vicente Aquino, Nestor Espenilla Jr. and Diwa Guinigundo. BSP was nominated by Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Imelda Nicolas and was recognized for its Economic and Financial Learning Program that educates overseas Filipino workers and their beneficiaries on the importance of using remittances to build savings and invest productively.

RFM’s first-half net profit rose 11% to P472.3m By Jenniffer B. Austria RFM Corp., the food and beverage company owned by the Concepcion family, said first-half net income grew 11 percent to P472.3 million from P422 million yearon-year on higher pasta and ice cream sales. RFM president and chief executive Jose Concepcion III said in an interview at the sidelines of the annual stockholders’ meeting that given the company’s strong firsthalf performance, it will likely meet the P1-billion net income target for 2015. “We hope to breach the P1-bil-

lion net income for first time this year,” Concepcion said. Operating income went up 17 percent to P665.5 million from P566 million on year, while firsthalf revenues climbed 10 percent to P5.5 billion from P4.99 billion in 2014. Concepcion said he expects growth to accelerate with the second half of the year on the improvement of the domestic economy. He noted that election-related spending should start to trickle in during the last quarter of the year to provide an additional boost to the strong fourth quarter holiday-

related spending. Concepcion noted strong sales, especially for Fiesta and the new Royal pasta, as well as for Selecta ice cream, as new product innovations and value propositions broadened the market reach of these products. Concepcion expects the pasta business to increase its market share to 70 percent over the next two years from the current 39 percent, while its ice cream operation will remain the dominant player in the industry with an 80 percent control. Concepcion said the company would continue to focus its pasta

sauce business to complement the pasta line, while it remained invested in the milk and juice businesses. Concepcion said the “income grew a little faster as we sold more of the higher margin products and managed better the warehousing costs.” Concepcion expects the company’s net income in 2016 to breach the P1-billion mark due to election-related spending. Sales of RFM usually increase 10 percent to 20 percent during an election period, according to RFM vice president and head of corporate planning Ramon Lopez.

STOCKS rose Thursday for the sixth straight day as Greek MPs voted in favor of an austerity-laden bailout package. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 58.09 points, or 0.8 percent, to 7,617.13 on a value turnover of P6.9 billion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 101 to 66, with 38 issues unchanged. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the biggest telecommunications firm, advanced 2.6 percent to P2,936, while SM Prime Holdings Inc., the largest property company, gained 2.4 percent to P21. Aboitiz Power Corp., a major electricity generator, added 1.1 percent to P44.65, while Bloomberry Resorts Corp., which operates a casino on a reclaimed part of Manila Bay, increased 2.3 percent to P9.50. The rest of Asian markets rose, while the dollar extended gains after Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen reaffirmed a US interest rate hike by year end. Volatility returned to Shanghai and Hong Kong as better-thanexpected growth data reduced the chances of fresh economy-boosting measures from Beijing, while there were fears a recent rout in mainland markets could resume. Tokyo gained 0.67 percent, or 136.79 points, to 20,600.12 with the weaker yen also providing support. Seoul added 0.72 percent, or 14.98 points, to 2,087.89 and Sydney gained 0.59 percent, or 33.4 points, to close at 5,669.6. Shanghai ended 0.46 percent higher, adding 17.47 points to 3,823.18 while Hong Kong closed up 0.43 percent, or 107.02 points, to 25,162.78. The two markets swung throughout the day, having both opened sharply lower in the first few minutes. Against a backdrop of violence outside parliament, lawmakers in Athens early Thursday voted in favor of the unpopular proposals— including reforming taxes, pensions and labor rules—putting it on the path to a eurozone rescue. With AFP

FRIDAY: JULY 17, 2015

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

Peso declines to 17-month low By Julito G. Rada

Unscrupulous recruiters behind ‘Oust Cacdac’ move IT SEEMS the plan of some disgruntled agencies to put Philippine Overseas Employment Agency chief Hans Leo Cacdac on the hot seat has backfired because a lot of overseas Filipino workers groups, non-government organizations, reputable recruitment agencies and many private individuals are coming together to express their support for the embattled POEA administrator. According to our stoolies, a lot of unscrupulous recruitment agencies have been raring to hit Cacdac who has been implementing reforms in the recruitment sector. We all know that a lot of poor Filipinos continue to be victimized by illegal recruiters, many of whom end up buried in debt or wind up working in countries virtually as slaves with minimal compensation and heaps of physical abuse. Cacdac, whose father was an OFW, has been instrumental in the blacklisting of several agencies for allegedly violating recruitment laws. Some 200 agencies also found their licenses suspended for their failure to comply with government regulations—so no wonder they have targeted the POEA head and have started a demolition job, even spreading unfounded allegations about an unfounded deployment ban for household workers. According to sources, some agencies are claiming that their licenses were suspended without due process, and the suspensions were solely on the basis of complaints aired over social media networks. Cacdac has denied such claims, affirming that requisite steps were undertaken before filing the cases. “All orders of preventive suspension are issued on the basis prima facie gross violations of POEA rules and regulations, and to prevent further victimization of OFWs,” Cacdac said in a statement. Among the violations found include human trafficking, charging of excessive placement fees or illegal exactions, deceitful deployment of domestic workers, fake certificates from the Overseas Workers Welfare Association and spurious accreditations from TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and failure to monitor the condition or circumstances of distressed, physically abused and deceased workers. In fact, Cacdac issued the “10 Commandments” to recruiters to make sure that those deployed have the necessary skills or preparedness before the workers are deployed and thereby also prevent, if not stop, the abuse of OFWs. These include reminders about the recent amendment to the OFW law that says only those 23 or above should be deployed as domestic workers; the applicant should have the necessary skills (technical or otherwise) and other qualifications; the applicant should be physically and mentally prepared prior to deployment; the worker must be furnished a copy of both the employment contract and POEA overseas employment certificate, so that, among others, a comparison could be made with regard to the job/position stated in the contract and OEC, and the top commandment of all: There should be on-site monitoring to ensure the wellbeing of the workers physically, emotionally and mentally. Many have expressed their support for the official, such as former party list representative Walden Bello (who bolted the administration collation and Akbayan because of “principle disagreements”) who wrote: “Illegal recruiters are trying to oust POEA administrator Hans Cacdac, who’s been trying to put them out of business. They’ve now gone to Malacañang to pressure the president to fire Cacdac. They must not be allowed to have the head of a good, honest civil servant. When I headed the House committee on overseas affairs, I had the opportunity to stand in support of Hans’ efforts to clean up a corruption-filled agency infiltrated by syndicates making money by trafficking our hapless OFWs.” Even OFW “patron saint” and tireless anti-human trafficking advocate Maria Elizabeth Embry has thrown her support behind Cacdac, as well as Atty. Susan “Toots” Ople of the Blas Ople Policy Center, who talked about the innovations initiated by Cacdac to hasten the processing time for the Overseas Employment Certificate issued by the government to every departing OFW. Ople also cited the reforms implemented by the POEA chief such as the “ongoing bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for labor agreements to improve the work conditions of Filipino domestic workers.” As one OFW said in the vernacular, “Why are these recruitment agencies blaming Hans Cacdac for the suspension of their licenses? They only have themselves to blame. If they follow the law and have not been remiss in looking after the welfare of workers, then they would not be in trouble.” ••• 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!

THE peso fell to a 17-month low against the dollar Thursday, losing P0.04 to close at 45.25, after a comment from the US Federal Reserve on the possible rate hike this year bolstered the greenback against major currencies.

It was the local currency’s weakest level since settling at 45.25 against the dollar on Jan. 21, 2014. Total volume traded reached $549 million, lower than $629 million on Wednesday. “[The peso’s decline] could be due to US dollar strength on account of yesterday’s hawkish statement of US Fed chair Janet Yellen. She affirmed the continued recovery of the US economy, more favorable labor market and improving financial markets,” Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in a text message. Yellen said in a testimony to US Congress a long-awaited interest rate rise would come “at some point this year” if “the economy evolves as

we expect.” Most observers predict a rate hike either in September or December. Guinigundo earlier said the exchange rate target of P43 to P46 to a dollar this year was stille doable despite the volatilities in the financial markets associated with the debt crisis in Greece and the looming rate hike in the US. Data showed that doreign fund managers withdrew their investments from the Philippine stock and money markets for the third straight month in June, on concerns over the looming interest hike in the United States and the debt crisis in Greece. Data from Bangko Sentral showed that foreign portfolio investments or “hot money” registered a net outflow of $521 million in June, a reversal of the $43-million net inflow a year ago. The June net outflow was lower compared to the $569-million net outflow in May this year. Total inflows in June reached $1.69 billion, higher than the $1.66 billion a year ago, while total outflows climbed to $2.2 billion from $1.6 billion. Bangko Sentral said among the factors behind the net withdrawal of foreign funds were the weaker-than-expected first-quarter growth of 5.2 percent, disappointing corporate earnings for the period and profit taking.

Customs taps Google. The Bureau of Customs recently launched its implementation of Google Apps for Work via local cloud computing and data center services ﬁrm IP Converge Data Services Inc., with the goal of improving the bureau’s internal collaboration and information dissemination. Shown are (from left) BOC-management information system and technology group director Angelica Sarmiento; IPC director for product management and marketing Niño Valmonte; Philar Lorenzana, Basilisa Absalon and Rowena Matienzo of BOC-MISTG; and IPC director of sales for Google for Work Che Lazaro.

IN BRIEF Naia expressway modiﬁed

THE National Economic and Development Authority board, headed by President Benigno Aquino III, approved on Wednesday the changes in the design of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway Phase II and the Daang Hari-SLEX Link Road project. It also approved the Civil Registry System Information Project of the Philippine statistics Ofﬁce that will enhance the agency’s civil registry document services. “The adoption of changes in the NAIA Expressway Project, Phase II and the Daanghari-SLEX Link Road project are responsive in essentially reconciling the increasing need of motorists and the service capacity of these roads over the course of time,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.= The NAIA Expressway Project Phase II was realigned from domestic road to Electrical Road or Paranaque River. The realignment, recommended by the Public Works Department, will have an additional cost of P2.07 billion. The Daang Hari SLEX Link road project will have additional civil works to to improve overall access to and from both roads of the project. This includes a possible ﬁfth lane for both directions of SLEX. Gabrielle H. Binaday

Watsons eyes 60 new stores

HEALTH and beauty store chain Watsons Personal Care Stores Philippines Inc. is rolling out 50 to 60 stores nationwide as it increases its presence outside mall-based structures in highly-populated areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. Watsons director for health Danilo Chiong said in a news brieﬁng Thursday the company was expanding the number of stand alone or “street stores” to extend service beyond mall walls. “It doesn’t have to be within SM malls. We can and will expand our coverage in malls other than SM in as much as we also want to make our presence felt in the streets

wherein people do not need to go inside the malls to buy from a Watsons store,” he said. Watsons is a joint venture between SM Holdings Corp. and A.S. Watsons Group of Hong Kong. Watsons has stores in all SM malls across the country as well as SM Hypermarkets. It launched its generic line of pharmaceutical products from over-the-counter-drugs to prescription and maintenance medicines and health supplements in August 2015. Othel V. Campos

Japan asked to lift sugar tariff

MANILA wants Tokyo to remove the tariff imposed on Philippine sugar exports, as part of the reduction of tariffs on farm products required under the PhilippinesJapan Economic Partnership Agreement. PJEPA is a comprehensive bilateral trade and investment agreement between Japan and the Philippines which aims to increase trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. “They have previously committed to allow our locally produced sugar to enter at lower tariff. We should not waste this opportunity,” said Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano. The Sugar Regulatory Administration earlier asked Japan to allow a regular sugar quota of 150,000 to 200,000 metric tons at zero tariff. SRA manager for planning and policy Rosemarise Gumera said the agency was asking for a higher premium for sugar exports to Japan. “That is our proposal under the PJEPA, reduce tariff of exports which are beneﬁcial to exports. Once approved, then we will be able to ship more sugar to other markets so that we will not rely on the traditional sugar quota allocation from the US,” Gumera said. Serrano said the government now preferred an unlimited export volume at zero tariff instead of securing an annual sugar quota. “Japan has more than 300 hectares of sugar production areas so that makes it more desirable for our sugar exporters. Why would we limit the volume when we can do better at lower tariff,” Serrano said. Anna Leah E. Gonzales

F R I D AY : J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

cesAR bARRIoqUInto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Depp’s wife faces suit in Australia over dogs SYDNEY—Australia’s “war on terrier” with Johnny Depp has taken another turn, with authorities saying Thursday the Hollywood star’s wife faces charges over bringing their two dogs into the country. The Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for biosecurity, said actress-model Amber Heard was served with a summons on Tuesday to answer charges for allegedly breaching quarantine laws. “(This) action follows an incident where a biosecurity officer attended a Gold Coast property... and found two dogs alleged to be illegally imported,” a department spokeswoman said. Reports said the case was due to be heard in September in a Queensland state court, though it is not known whether Heard will appear in person. The penalties for contravening the Quarantine Act range from fines to a maximum of 10 years in prison for the worst cases. Terriers Pistol and Boo created a media storm earlier this year when they were discovered in Queensland, where Depp is filming “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” seemingly having bypassed the usual conditions for animals brought into Australia. The dogs’ presence in Australia only came to light when they were taken to a grooming salon. Dogs are subject to strict controls for biosecurity reasons, with a permit mandatory and a minimum 10-day stay in a quarantine facility on arrival required. Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce threatened to have the animals put down unless they were removed, warning in May that “It’s time that Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States.” After the summons against Heard was issued, Joyce said he was unable to comment on matters before a court hearing but the law was the same for everybody. “You come into our nation, you have to abide (by) biosecurity protocols,” he told reporters on Thursday. Joyce said a rabies outbreak, a major fear from dog importation, would have widespread ramifications. AFP

world ‘Hong kong threatens survival of elephants’ NAIROBI—Rampant illegal trading in ivory in Hong Kong is pushing elephants towards extinction, conservationists said Thursday, reporting more ivory items on sale there than in any other city.

Present. From left, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner attend The 2015 ESPYS at the Microsoft Theater on July 15 in Los Angeles, California. AFP

The sale of ivory items from government-registered stockpiles predating the 1990 ban is allowed for domestic use in Hong Kong, but the report finds tusks from recently slaughtered elephants are being passed off as old ivory on a huge scale. “Hong Kong’s ivory trade is creating a significant loophole in international efforts to end the killing of elephants in Africa,” conservation organization Save the Elephants said in a report released in Kenya and Hong Kong. “No other city surveyed has so many pieces of ivory on sale as Hong Kong,” co-author Esmond Martin said. The report found more than 30,800 items—mainly jewelery and figurines—for sale in 72 stores and estimated that over 90 percent of the sales were to buyers from mainland China where demand for ivory is high. Combined with “lax” border controls with China, where some 40 million people cross each year, the Hong Kong trade is having a major impact on the efforts to end elephant poaching in Africa. “A mass slaughtering of African elephants is under way, yet the Hong Kong government is turning a blind eye,” said Alex Hofford of campaign group WildAid. “For 25 years since the international ban, Hong Kong’s ivory traders appear to have been laundering poached ivory from illegally-killed elephants into their stocks,” said Hofford. The report described Hong Kong as the world’s third-largest ivory smuggling hub after Kenya and Tanzania. Beijing has made efforts to curb the trade, stepping up the prosecution of smugglers and the seizure of ivory at border posts, but campaigners say the measures have not gone far enough. Surging demand for ivory in Asia is behind an increasing death toll of African elephants, conservationists say, as authorities fail to bust international smuggling networks. “Unless the ivory trade in Hong Kong is closed down the territory will continue to represent a major threat to survival of the species,” said Iain DouglasHamilton, founder of Save the Elephants. AFP

Volcano shuts airport in Indonesia SURABAYA—Ash spewing from an erupting volcano closed the airport serving Indonesia’s second-biggest city Thursday as millions of people were traveling across the archipelago ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid. The shutdown of the international airport serving Surabaya, on the main island of Java, came days after the airport on the nearby resort island of Bali was closed by ash from the same volcano, stranding thousands of holidaymakers. Authorities ordered the closure of Juanda Airport near Surabaya

between 1:30 pm (0630 GMT) and 8:30 pm due to increased activity from Mount Raung, which has been erupting violently in recent weeks, airport spokeswoman Liza Anindya told AFP. “The concern is that the ash might affect flights,” she said. Indonesian flag carrier Garuda announced all its flights to and from Surabaya would be canceled while the airport was closed, while budget airline AirAsia axed all its flights to and from the city on Thursday. The domestic airport serving the city of Malang on Java was

also closed by ash from Mount Raung, while another erupting volcano forced the closure of the airport on the remote, eastern island of Ternate, the transport ministry said. The closures came during peak holiday season in Indonesia, when people in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country flood out of cities and head to their home towns and villages to spend Eid with their families. The celebration, which comes at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Friday in Indonesia. AFP

Robust growth. People walk through a market in Beijing on July

16. China’s GDP expanded seven percent year-on-year in the second quarter, official data showed on July 15, beating expectations as months of central bank policy stimulus helped support the world’s second-largest economy. AFP

F r i D aY : J u LY 17, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Wary Greeks on spending spree ATHENS—Use it or lose it: that’s the plan for many Greeks, who have been going on a credit card-fueled spending spree as the economy has tanked out of fears their cash could be confiscated or devalued. Wary of the experience in fellow eurozone member Cyprus two years ago, when deposits were seized to recapitalize banks, Greeks are opting to drain their accounts by electronically paying taxes and bills—or buying luxury goods. “Up to last weekend, people bought a lot of things to protect their money,” confirmed Andreas Triantaphylidis, vice president of the Association of Athens Merchants. Between June 27, when Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced a referendum that made his eurozone creditors boil, and July 10, when speculation peaked that Greece could crash out of the euro in a so-

called “Grexit,” luxury products have been flying off the shelves. Sales of expensive goods such as watches and jewelery and electronic items like smartphones and computers leaped 30 percent compared to the same period last year, Triantaphylidis said. The unexpected wave of spending was spurred by the rationing of cash from ATMs—withdrawals have been limited to 60 euros ($67) per day for over two weeks—spurring the much wider use of credit cards and electronic cash transfers than ever before in Greece. Some 500,000 credit cards were delivered in the past few days, helping push card transactions up 130 percent, according to the Association of Greek Banks. “Last week, we had a lot of clients. They wanted to buy all they could for fear of losing half of their savings,” said Stephanie, a saleswoman in a family-owned jewelery store in the capital’s upmarket Kolonaki neighborhood. Jewelery made of gold, a traditional safehaven metal, and luxury watches, some of

NOTICE OF LOSS

INVITATION TO BID FOR: ABC 63,250,000.00

1. The Local Government Unit of Sevilla, Bohol has availed a grant fund from the Department of Interior and Local Government under the Bohol Earthquake Assistance (BEA) to the seventeen badly hit municipalities of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the Province of Bohol last October 15, 2013. The Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders under Design and Build Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Sevilla Public Market. The Approved Budget of the Contract is Sixty Three Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos Only ( Php 63,250,000.00 ) 2. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedure as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of Republic Act No. 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 financial evaluation. Eligible bidders will be required to present their design to the Municipal Design and Build Committee as the basis of the latter for their recommendation to the Bids and Awards Committee. For this purpose, they shall coordinate with the BAC Secretariat for their respective schedule of presentation. 3. Award of the contract shall be done once funds are already released by the DILG to the LGU and/or Certificate of Fund Availability is already issued by the DILG. Implementation of the Project shall commence once the Detailed Engineering Design submitted by the winning bidder is reviewed and approved by the DILG. 4. Interested Bidders may obtain further information from the 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 July 20, 2015 to August 12, 2015. 5. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Fifty Thousand Pesos Only Php 50,000.00. The Bid documents are available and shall be received personally by the bidder or his duly authorized representative on or before August 12, 2015. 6. The Municipal Government of Sevilla, Bohol will hold a Pre-Bid Conference open to all interested bidders on July 24, 2015 at 8:30 A.M, at the SB Session Hall, 2nd floor Municipal Building , Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol. 7. Qualification requirements include successful experience as prime contractor in the design and build contract ( as solo, joint venture/consortia) at least one (1) work of nature and complexity equivalent to the works in the last five (5) years with single works cited to at least fifty percent (50%) of value estimated contract cost of works under bid. 8. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II – Instruction to Bidders. 9. Interested Bidders must submit their bids on or before August 13, 2015 @ 12:00 noon. Opening of bids shall be at 1:00 P.M. on the same day at the SB Session Hall, Municipal Building, Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the form indicated in the Bid Documents. Late bids shall not be accepted. 10. The Bids and Awards Committee of LGU- Sevilla, Bohol reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. Bids and Awards Committee. (SGD) ARTEMIO D. PERIN BAC Chairman Municipal Hall Poblacion, Sevilla, Bohol 09173282453

averted any need for a bail-in. It added that parliament had until next week to transpose an EU directive into law, adopted after Cyprus’s 2013 crisis, that guaranteed deposits up to 100,000 euros. The calming words came after another unexpected side-effect of Greek’s fears their savings could be seized: people are paying their taxes. Some one billion euros flowed into state coffers between June 27 and July 10 as citizens looked to settle what they owed before any deposit “haircut”— nearly as much as the tax system usually receives in a month. The payments, made despite the decision by tax authorities to push back the deadline for income tax payments to the end of July, ironically come after Athens pledged to crack down on Greece’s rampant tax evasion under its new reform plan. “For the first time in my life, I’m on time with my taxes,” said Giorgos, a 35-year-old running a small familyowned publishing firm. “I owe nothing to the government.” AFP

Controversial bills passed in Japan

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bohol MUNICIPALITY OF SEVILLA

Location/Project Description: Region VII Contract Duration Design and Build for the Rehabilitation of Sevilla Public Market 365 c.d. Bid Documents Fee: Php 50,000.00

which cost up to 6,000 euros, were snatched up by “not especially rich” customers aged 30 to 50, said the 28-year-old employee. “Greeks: I don’t understand them. Me, I’d never spend my money in these times,” Stephanie added. Since Athens struck a deal with its eurozone partners on Monday that assuaged the immediate prospect of a “Grexit” or a “bail-in,” where bank deposits are seized, the Greek customers have been replaced by the usual tourist clientele. And the rush of “protective spending”, covering high-margin expense items, hasn’t turned around Greece’s economic fortunes. According to the National Confederation of Greek Business, retail sales fell 70 percent between June 27 and July 10, compared to the same period a year earlier. Only purchases of fuel and food increased, seen as proof the country is well and truly in crisis. The government on Tuesday went out of its way to quash speculation and rumors that fueled public panic, saying the bailout agreement “guaranteed deposits” and

TRAVELLERS INSURANCE & SURETY CORPORATION with principal office address at 10th Floor G.E. Antonino Bldg. cor. J. Bocobo St., T.M Kalaw, Ermita, Manila Telephone no. 521-3822 would like to notify the public that the Bonds, Policies and Receipts specified hereunder are hereby declared lost and missing, to wit: Official Receipt No. 27551-27600, 27204, 27208, 27211, 27214-27215, 27217-27227, 27229, 27232-27233, 2723527236, 27242-27243, 27247-27250, 25932 Bidder’s Bond (G-2) 122701-122714, 125817-125820 Surety Bond (Bidder’s Bond) 005044-005050, 004851-004862, 005032-005043 Performance Bond G(13) 076878-076897 Surety Bond G(16) 094262-094272, 094274-094275, 091936, 091938-091939, 091908 Fire Insurance Policy 16926-16928, 16590-16594 Marine Insurance Policy 2473-2476 Contractor’s All Risk Policy 07303-07307, 07155, 06784 Commercial Vehicle Policy 121131 Private Car Policy 138004-138008 Motorcycle Policy 116785116789 Personal Accident 04363 Endorsement Policy 108709-108718 Any Transaction entered into using the Bonds, Policies and Receipts will not be honored by the company and will not have any legal or binding effect. The Management (TS-JULY 17, 2015)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT CITY OF MAKATI BRANCH 132 BANK OF COMMERCE Plaintiff, CIVIL CASE NO. 12-1139

-versusMELODY B. ROBLES, Represented by her attorney-in-fact, RICHARD B. ROBLES, Defendant. x--------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF SALE ON EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY WHEREAS, by virtue of an Order of Execution issued by the Hon. Rommel O. Baybay, Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 132 of the Makati City, on June 11, 2014 in the above-entitled case for the recovery in the amount of Php1,949,076.40 plus interest thereon at the rate of 10% per annum, from 15 September 2012 until the obligation is fully paid and P400,000.00 by way of attorney’s fees and litigation expenses, levy was made by the undersigned sheriff on January 27, 2014, thru the Registry of Deeds, Province of Cavite, on the rights, interests, and participation of said defendant Melody B. Robles represented by her attorney-in-fact, RICHARD B. ROBLES in the real properties more particularly described as follows: DESCRIPTION TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No. 1330811 A parcel of land (Lot 6, Block 6 of the cons./subd. plan Pcs-04-021779, being a portion of the cons. of Lots 1,2, & 24, Blk. 1 Lot 1-23, Blk.6; Lot 1-27, 39 Blk. 9, Blk. 13, Lots 6 & 8, Blk. 25, Lot 22, Blk. 27, Lot 40, Blk. 37, Blk. 40, Blk. 41, Road lots 2,3,32 & 37, all of Pcs-04-011869, L.R.A. Rec. No. ), situated in the Brgy. of De Fuego, Mun. of Gen. Trias. Prov. of Cavite, Island of Luzon xxx containing an area of One hundred Square Meters (100sqm). NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of said Order of Execution and in accordance with Rule 39, Section 19, of the Rules of Court, the undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine Currency, on August 7, 2015, at 10:00 o`clock in the morning at the Ground Floor Lobby of the Makati City Hall Building, City of Makati, the rights, interests and participation of the defendants, in the above-described real properties in order to satisfy said Order of Execution, together with interests, costs, sheriff`s fees and the expenses of Sale. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on August 14, 2015, at 10:00 in the morning or soon thereafter, at the lobby of the Makati City Hall Bldg., without further notice. Prospective bidders/buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the property and encumbrances thereon, if any. City of Makati July 16, 2015. (SGD.) BAYANI T. ACLE Sheriff IV

( TS- J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5 )

(TS-JUL. 17 & 24, 2015)

TOKYO—The controversial security bills that opponents say will undermine 70 years of pacifism and could see Japanese troops fighting abroad for the first time since World War II passed through the powerful lower house of parliament Thursday. The vote marks a victory for nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other rightwingers, who have ignored popular anger in a bid to break what they see as the shackles of the US-imposed constitution. They say the restrictive clauses preventing Japan from having a fully-fledged military serve as a straightjacket that stops Tokyo from doing what it must to protect its citizens, allies and friends. Abe’s ruling coalition was left alone to vote after all main opposition parties walked out of the chamber in protest, a move intended to reflect widespread public fury over the legislation. “The security situation surrounding Japan is increasingly severe,” Abe told reporters after the vote, in an apparent reference to the rise of China. “These bills are necessary to protect Japanese people’s lives and prevent a war before it breaks out.” The vote came a day after as many as 60,000 people took part in a rally outside parliament, after the bills― which will give Japan’s tightly-restricted military greater scope to act—were pushed through a key lower

house panel. There were scuffles as police pushed protesters back, and two men in their 60s were arrested on suspicion of assaulting officers, local media said. Demonstrations in Japan are usually small and very orderly, but the issue has galvanized opposition across a wide swathe of the population. The bills—a hotchpotch of updates to the existing provisions that will allow, among other things, Japan’s military to take part in non-United Nations peacekeeping missions—now go to the upper chamber. Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner have a majority in that house, but commentators say it is possible the chamber could reject or amend the bills. However, the lower house could overturn those changes with a twothirds majority -- well within the scope of what Abe controls. The legislation is expected to be enacted by the autumn. The prime minister, a robust nationalist, wants what he calls a normalization of Japan’s military posture, which has been constrained by a constitution written by US occupiers after World War II. Unable to muster support to amend clauses enshrining pacifism, Abe opted instead to re-interpret the document for the purpose of his bills, ignoring warnings from scholars and lawyers that his bills are unconstitutional. AFP

F R I D AY : J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FAST FASTLANE Outdoor fun with Rhino Racks

Isuzu C and E Series trucks are at the forefront of ﬂeet operations in the country.

Isuzu beefs up its truck lineup Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

The driver’s cockpit has easy to reach controls and each truck comes with climate control.

outdoors. If you’re gearing up for that camping weekend, bird photography, outdoors photography session or bike trailing, check out the Sunseeker Awning of Rhino Racks at the Outdoors Club in at the Ground Floor of the Banco de Oro Bldg. 2, Ortigas Avenue, West Greenhills, San Juan, beside the Segafredo Zanetti Café, with Tel. numbers 744-6367.

Another game changer

EVEN a tropical depression failed to stop Isuzu Philippines Corporation from launching its latest line of heavyduty trucks under the C and E Series. Held last week at Isuzu’s sprawling facility in Sta Rosa, Laguna, the weeklong event gave an up-close and personal glimpse of the trucks for fleet accounts and entrepreneurs who are planning to upgrade their transportation requirements. “To be the number one market leader in the truck segment, you need to have a variety of products that will build and maintain customers. Today marks another special day for IPC as we displayed our latest heavy-duty trucks here in our office in Laguna,” said IPC president Hajime Koso. Five game-changing heavy trucks were presented to the media: the EXR51F Tractor Head Golden Yellow (available in 20-tons, 42-tons and 45-tons); the EXZ51K Tractor Head Marine Blue (available in 33tons and 60-tons); the CYZ51M Cab and Short Chassis (available in 33-tons); the CYH51T Cab and Long Chassis (available in 41-tons); and theNPS75 4x4 Cab and Chassis. The trucks are equipped with a 14.2-liter 6WF1TCC direct-injection OHC diesel engine which provides a maximum output of 390 horsepower at 1,800 rpm and a torque of 1,863 Nm. The environmentfriendly power plant also comes with electronic controlled common rail system which reduces emission and greater fuel economy. The Isuzu C and E series also come with a wider gear range with the addition of a 7-speed and 16-speed transmissions that gives better handling. Inhibitor shift warning alerts, which warns the driver when shifting on the wrong gear, is also available on

EXPLORE and enjoy your world in a relaxing shade to protect you from the damaging UV rays of the sun or rain. The Sunseeker Awning of Rhino Racks is easy to operate, roll-out awning that will shade the side of your vehicle in a matter of moments. The Sunseeker Awning can be set up and packed away in minutes making it the perfect solution to protect you from the elements. Stored in its own heavy duty PVC bag, the Sunseeker Awning comes complete with all the gear you need to set it up including telescopic poles, guy ropes and pegs. The solid frame consists of anodised aluminium and corrosion resistant hardware, so it won’t rust. The Sunseeker Awning is a quick and easy solution to protect you and your family from the elements, so whether your an avid camper, Traveler or Tradesman the Sunseeker Awning is a must have accessory when braving the

IPC president Hajime Koso takes the wheel of the massive CYZ Series heavy truck.

the 16-speed transmission. “We are aiming to provide every business with world-class quality trucks that can endure through time,” said Koso, who gamely drove one of the heavy trucks around the plant’s proving grounds. The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate two to three passengers. Drivers have easy access to quickread meters and a tilt and telescopic powered steering wheel. Other amenities such as cup holders, air conditioner and AM/FM radio with CD player. Air suspension seats are reclinable with center seat back tray and optional bed to relax after a long day of driving. Other key features to look forward in the new Isuzu C and E series are: simplified rear body mounting which adds trailer versatility; heavy-duty front and rear leaf-spring suspension that absorbs vibration and smooth ride; and a high-clearance smoke-stack with vertical silencer for better exhaust. Buyers can choose different tire sizes which range from the standard 295/80R, an optional 315/80R tubeless up to the larger 11.00R 20 tubular tires depending on their need. Isuzu has also improved the safety features of their heavy-duty trucks combining its highly rigid cab construction and steel door beams with features such as ABS, worry-free trailer coupling, locking fuel tank with step to prevent theft and spillage, replaceable sediment filters to remove deposits and water from oil and a protective insect screen over the radiator grille to avoid damage caused by stone chips and insect. The Japanese carmaker will start stocking minimal volume of these heavy-duty trucks, which will be available for indent orders.

GOPRO, the innovative manufacturer of compact high definition camcorders has another game changer in its product line that would send competitors back to square one. Introduced in the local market is the GoPro HERO4 Session, which is a 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the previous HERO4 camcorder. Dubbed as the smallest GoPro action camcorder yet, the HERO4 Session 4 has a durable waterproof design that eliminates the need for a separate housing and features a simple one-button control which enables the user to capture immersive photos and videos quicker and more convenient than before. “With HERO4 Session, we challenged ourselves to produce the smallest, lightest and

most convenient GoPro possible,” states Nicholas Woodman, GoPro founder and CEO. “HERO4 Session combines the best of our engineering and user-experience know-how to deliver our most convenient life-capturing solution yet,” adds Woodman. The HERO4 Session fits snugly at the palm of your hand. Despite its compact dimensions, this camcorder captures GoPro quality 1080p60, 720p100 and 1440p30 videos along with eight megapixel photos in single, burst and time lapse modes. Another good thing with this latest innova-

tion from GoPro is that you can use your HERO3 and 4 accessories with the HERO4 Session. It also comes equipped with Superview, Protune and Auto Low Light recording modes, which can suit your active lifestyle, be it surfing, base jumping or hitting the dirt trails on your mountain bike or quad bike. Andy Leuterio, spokesman for Dan’s Bike Shop and GoPro, says that the HERO4 Session is built around GoPro’s rugged standards and is waterproof up to 33 feet. “It has a dual microphone system which dynamically switches sound recording between microphones to reduce wind noise during activities and even underwater, thereby removing the muffled sounds,” explains Leuterio. Founded by Nick Woodman in 2002, the company traces its roots to a 2002 surfing trip to Australia, where he was hoping to capture quality action photos of his surfing. The problem was amateur photographers could not get close enough, or obtain the services of quality equipment at reasonable prices. His desire for a camera system that could capture the professional angles inspired the ‘GoPro’ name. Woodman initially raised a portion of the money for his company by selling bead and shell belts for under US $20 out of his VW van and later, fashionable camera straps. He also received over $230,000 in investment from his parents. In 2004, the company sold its first camera system, which used 35 mm film. Digital still and video camera were later introduced. As of 2014 a fixedlens HD video camera with a wide 170-degree angle was available; two or more can be paired to create 3D video. Text and photo by Dino Ray V. Directo III

F R I D AY : J U LY 17, 2 0 1 5

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING YET ANOTHER TOYOTA FEAT Text and photo by Dino Ray V. Directo III

ACHIEVER. Kyoichi Tanada, Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation and CEO for Asia, Middle East and North Africa regions, hands an award to Toyota Motor Philippines’ chairman, Dr. George S.K. Ty, and Michinobu Sugata, president of TMP.

HE country’s largest and dominant automotive company Toyota Motors Philippines Corporation recently celebrated its One million vehicle sales milestone, a feat which ushers TMPC into the exclusive league of 100K sales club of Toyota distributors worldwide. With Toyota bigwigs in attendance led by its chairman Dr. S.K Ty, dealer principals, government representatives and members of the media witnessed the historic event as Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation and CEO of Asia, Middle East and North Africa Regions, Kyoichi Tanada awarded a plaque recognizing the amazing sales feat of Toyota’s domestic distributor.”I would like to thank all our 1 Million Toyota customers for your trust and support through the years. Toyota constantly strives to exceed our customers’ expectations by making high quality, reliability and safe vehicles that are also fun and exciting to drive. This constant pursuit of innovation and excellence drives us to make “ever-better” cars to delight you. I would like to reaffirm the commitment of Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific to the development of the automotive industry in the Philippines. We appreciate the announcement of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program by the government and are confident it will provide the desired stimulus to the automotive industry. We are keen to participate and help government to further improve the local automotive industry & contribute to the Philippine economy,” says Tanada. Toyota was able to achieve this

milestone last April by breaking into the 1,000,468 unit sales mark, since it started operations in 1989. According to Michinobu Sagata, President of TMPC, half of the one million vehicles sold were built in their previous Bicutan Assembly Plant and in their Sta Rosa, Laguna facility. The bulk of the sales was spearheaded by the best selling subcompact sedan Vios, a sedan known for its durability and affordability. “it is also a vehicle designed for fun as seen in the very successful Vios Cup One Make Race series. It is not only an everyday practical car that is preferred by more than 50% of the consumers in its segment but more so, a vehicle that has proven to perform well under extreme driving conditions on or off a full circuit race track. Aside from mobility, each Toyota sold represents the Filipinos who believed that a car is capable of enriching their everyday lives. Truly, this is no small feat even for the number one automotive company. So as we mark this history-making achievement, it is essential that we look back and thank the people and the organizations who have been with us throughout this journey,” states Sugata. Achieving the milestone of selling 1 million units is a mere testimony to that. While this delights us, it further fuels us to serve our customers beyond their expectations, adds Sugata. Toyota also recorded a healthy 58,000 units sold for the first six months of the year, which gave Toyota a 19 percent increase from the same period last year. “Team Toyota has shifted to a higher gear, moving forward towards the next 1 million units in less than 10 years’ time,” says the confident Sugata.

MAHINDRA FIRMS UP TOEHOLD IN RP ONE of India’s leading manufacturers of SUVs, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited has inaugurated three new showrooms in Metro Manila in rapid succession. “We are looking forward to seeing more and more Mahindra vehicles in the country. With a growing dealership network, our customers can rest assured that their Mahindra vehicles will always be in tip top condition,” said Felix Mabilog, Jr., president of Asianbrands Motors Corporation, distributor of the Indian conglomerate and a member of the Columbian Group of Companies. The establishment of showrooms will bolster Mahindra’s presence in the domestic market and will introduce a range of SUVs namely the Mahindra Bolero Pickup, Enforcer and Mahindra Xylo. Mabilog stressed that the dealerships are well-equipped to handle inquiries for sales and service requirements for the Mahindra line-up. This move brings to five the number

of new Mahindra dealers in the country, namely Quirino Ave., Las Piñas, and Pasay in Metro Manila, plus a dealer in Cebu catering the Visayas regions, with one dealer in Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. On hand to express I his commitment to the country is Pravin Shah, pesident and CEO, Automotive of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, ““We are very pleased with how Mahindra has rapidly expanded its dealer network here in Philippines. In the months and years to come, it is our vision to further expand and strengthen the presence of Mahindra in the Philippine automotive market. Hence the inauguration of these new showrooms is line with our expansion strategy for the ASEAN market. With similar operating conditions and customer needs in Philippines and India, I am confident that our range of vehicles will prove to be a smart choice for our customers in this country. Going ahead, our endeavor is to further introduce relevant passenger and

commercial vehicles and expand our distribution and service network in Philippines to be in close proximity with our customers,” Shah said. Mahindra started its local operations with a controversial bid which bagged the deal to supply 1,470 Mahindra Boleros to the Philippine National Police. Mahindra won the deal after a stringent selection process which saw the Bolero undergo a battery of reliability, durability and fuel efficiency tests. “For the past 7 decades Mahindra has cemented its presence to occupy premier position in almost all key sectors of the Indian economy and today it is a multinational group with global aspirations. Being the leading utility vehicle player in India, we also intend to establish brand Mahindra as the preferred choice for the discerning customers of Philippines. So let us mark the beginning of a new journey for a long road ahead,” Shah added. Dino Ray V. Directo III

MAHINDRA ENFORCER

F R I D AY : J U LY 17 : 2 0 1 5

TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE

(From top) Pollen Special Flip-flop lovers can upgrade to these stylish sandals that can take you to any errands or activities or a day out with friends or family. The shape makes it edgy and the embellishment makes it sophisticated. Ultragirl x Gareth Pugh English fashion designer Gareth Pugh – who has designed for Kylie Minogue, Beyonce, and Rihanna – is known for his eclectic and futuristic designs. This pair can liven up the simplest outfit and make one stand out. Ultragirl Cat x Karl Lagerfeld Design genius Karl Lagerfeld is set to release four mini collections for Melissa. This shoe is from the collection inspired by his beloved blue-eyed cat, Choupette, perfect for cat lovers everywhere. Ultragirl x Jason Wu VI Young designer Jason Wu is known for his romantic, classic designs. The print is his signature ribbon lace pattern. If Wu’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the designer behind Michelle Obama’s inaugural gowns. Aranha 1979 The classic jelly shoe returns! This comfy and preppy design has been around for 35 years, but this time around it is available in eye-popping colors: blue, pearly lilac, red, and beige. Jean x Jason Wu Here’s a shoe that can take you from work to weekend. Its unique interwoven pattern is dressy enough for the workplace, and the ventilation it provides is perfect for long wear on weekends. Space Love This shoe looks like a classic flat, and its bow that comes with a heart-shaped twist gives a modern and romantic flair to any outfit. The matte finish gives off an understatedly elegant touch, making it a daily fashion staple.

IT’S A SHOE-IN! Dressing for the rainy season just got exciting with footwear that can handle the elements and keep you looking polished. STYLING AND TEXT BY KAI MAGSANOC STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONNY ESPIRITU

dmit it: almost all of us – guy or girl – have worn a pair of jelly shoes at some point in our lives. For wet weather, jelly shoes are a go-to because they help us do without squishy, wet shoes that leave puddles everywhere we go. They also help us avoid that uncomfortably annoying feeling of wet feet all day (especially in socks!), and the sight of wrinkled feet at night. Jelly shoes for adults first rose to fame in the ‘80s, and made a comeback in the mid-‘90s. Today, they are back with a vengeance, in more designs than you could imagine, to suit every personality. Unlike past designs that could hurt the feet because of sharp edges, today’s jelly shoes are made from soft PVC which guarantees comfort, no matter how long you wear them. Melissa shoes are available online at www.melissaphilippines.com.

F R I D AY : J U LY 17 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

SWAROVSKI DAZZLES WITH FALL/WINTER COLLECTION Ditty long necklace

Dusky cuff

Dixie ring

Dorado pierced earrings

“N

ature is an endless source of inspiration, and after celebrating flowers in our latest Spring Summer collection, we now take flora and fauna to an autumnal interpretation. I was inspired by textiles portraying an idealized nature such as the vintage tapestry of English manors, the dévoré velvets, as well as the ornamental lace which presents feminine, romantic accents. Through the design process, we turned them into modern jewels with historic hints”, described Creative Director Nathalie Colin on the latest collection recently launched by Swarovski at the Discovery Primea in Makati City. Swarovski’s Fall/Winter 2015/2016 Winter Gardens collection features pieces ranging from subtle to bold that evoke timeless beauty. The collection is aptly named, with references to nature apparent in the design aesthetic. Foliage morphs into lace-like filigrees, insects and night butterflies transform into stylized pendants, in a palette of autumnal flowers and berry tones – sheer poetry in glittering manifestation.

For instance, the serenity of a Zen style garden infuses a soft yet sensual touch to the collection as seen by the Dusky pieces with drop-shaped crystals that take center stage on a rose-gold polished metal base. The other main inspiration focuses on the autumnal beauty of an English manor house garden. Design here favors a richer and more sophisticated approach, evoking vintage jewelry, antique tapestry and lace-like filigree – perfect for the contemporary woman who is unafraid to stand out. The Diana necklace and ring are pure seduction – the metal base of the necklace features crystal stone stacking in faded pinks that reference the fall flowers theme, and the large, bold ring strikes one as dramatic. The sheer breadth of the Fall/ Winter 2015/16 Winter Gardens collection – from classic to contemporary to statement pieces – are all breathtaking, to say the least, with a wide range of styles that will appeal to even the most discriminating. From a casual event to a festive or glamorous occasion, the pieces

Continuing to find inspiration from the natural surroundings, renowned jeweler John Hardy redefines the experience of luxury through a beautiful and exotic collection that adopts the artisanal traditions of the island of Bali. And for the handsome style savant, Montblanc offers the Meisterstück Blue Hour and the Montblanc Nightflight, pieces of exquisite craftsmanship and lasting luxury. This month, revel at the exquisite designs by these labels as Rustan’s offers these jewels at unprecedented value to its discerning clientele. For a minimum of P100,000 single receipt purchase at Silver Vault until July 31, customers get a P5,000-worth gift certificate redeemable at the Silver Vault.

In the Philippines, Swarovski boutiques are owned and operated by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., and are located at Bonifacio High Street Central, Estancia at Capitol Commons, Newport Mall and Robinson’s Magnolia. Swarovski is also available through Rustan Commercial Corporation in Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center and Rustan’s Ayala Center Cebu. Visit www.ssilife. com.ph for more information.

Dark necklace

Dilemma bangle

Diana ring

Marco Bicego Siviglia Collection yellow gold earrings with diamonds

Iconic Fine Jewelry rends come and go, but true elegance – like a classic piece of jewelry – is a beauty that never fades. We all have been through one too many accessories that were in vogue for months and became so ubiquitous they were obsolete the next day. But timeless jewelry, crafted with excellence, stands the test of time. Simple statement pieces to more intricate, striking creations to match your mood, style and occasion are aplenty at Rustan’s, whose selection of jewels come from a well-rounded curation of iconic and contemporary jewelry brands. Tiffany & Co’s Blue Book collection evokes the power and mystery of the sea with pieces highlighting sapphires and diamonds. The Siviglia collection of Marco Bicego playfully yet masterfully sculpts with beautiful clarity, adding diamonds to unique shapes and the 18-karat gold framework; the pieces create a look of pure ease and sensuality when layered together. Meanwhile, Spanish brand Carrera Y Carrera’s Garzas collection showcases elegant statement pieces that attract happiness and prosperity. Jewelry with clean and simple lines are what Mikimoto’s Dancing Lines offer. Tamara Comolli’s range of accessories, on the other hand, playfully mix colorful gemstones filled with personality that helps bring out the personal style of its wearer. Yvel takes inspiration from nature with its renowned baroque pearl, and the new freshwater pearl called “Soufflé.” Damiani shares the same dramatic flair with its Ibisco collection that speaks through a language of flowers and a glittering display of diamonds, while Roberto Coin offers pieces suitable for everyday wear for all types of women.

from the Swarovski Fall/Winter collection will make any woman shine and dazzle, giving her an unmistakable personal statement of glamour with just the right amount of sparkle. Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski designs, manufactures, and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones and created stones, and finished products such as jewelry, accessories, and lighting. In addition, Swarovski Crystal Worlds was established as a unique venue dedicated to showcasing artistic interpretations of crystal. For more information, visit swarovski.com.

Mikimoto Dancing Line Collection Earrings

Carrera y Carrera Garzas maxi ring in yellow gold, prasiolite and diamonds

John Hardy Bamboo Silver Earrings

Rustan’s Silver Vault is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la, Rustan’s Cebu and Newport Mall Resorts World Manila.

Tamara Comolli Mikado Flamenco Candy bracelet in yellow gold and mixed stones

Yvel Satin Sea Collection in yellow gold with baroque pearls

Roberto Coin Pois Moi Collection bangles and rings rose gold with diamonds

Adami & Martucci Sterling Silver Yellow Gold Plated Necklace with Gold Mesh and Golden Eye

F R I D AY : J U LY 17 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

THE CHANTACO’S NEW LOOK

Lacoste launches the latest collection of its iconic leather goods line

F Jack Kilmer

Dylan Brosnan

Charlie Oldman

NEW KINGS OF THE RUNWAY

he yuccie – young Val Kilmer made their urban creative – is catwalk debut as virtually today’s version of unknown male models who the hipster, which happen to have famous last apparently has been names. unceremoniously killed “Dylan Brosnan and Jack off sometime within Kilmer are no strangers to the last year or so. And the Hedi Slimane-infused THE GIST perhaps the yuccie’s most world of Saint Laurent, BY ED BIADO prominent enabler is Saint having both signed on Laurent creative director as faces of the luxury Hedi Slimane. French brand in 2014. Charlie Oldman Slimane, who just turned 47, is the is the newest addition, following in his ultimate Southern California dude – father Gary’s footsteps, who himself except he isn’t. He’s actually a Frenchman walked the Prada runway in 2012,” notes who simply fell in love with Los Angeles NewNowNext. and everything it has to offer, which is why At age 20, Jack has been cast in a handful when he moved to the city, he took with of feature films currently in development. him the Saint Laurent design studio. He He previously appeared in the critically designs in LA and shows in Paris. acclaimed movie Palo Alto. Eighteen-yearHis recent runway presentation for old Dylan, who towers at 6’5”, reportedly Saint Laurent Spring 2016 Menswear is plays for a band as a vocalist and guitarist a testament of this partiality. Entitled while studying film. The youngest of the “Surf Sound: A Tribute to Contemporary bunch is Charlie. The 16-year-old was Surf Music Culture,” the collection has said to have been discovered at a concert “young urban creative” written all over it, wearing – what else – a Saint Laurent jacket. peppered with references to grunge, Kurt While the trio are not kings of the Cobain, skate parks and music festivals. runway just yet, their celebrity affiliations Woodstock seems to be a top inspiration. are sure to help raise their profile as And he’s getting a little help getting his fashion models. They join a growing list message across from recognizable names of celebrity offspring making a name for such as Oldman, Brosnan and Kilmer. themselves within the modeling world and Donning a mishmash of flannel, leather beyond, including Brooklyn Beckham, jackets and skinnies, the sons of Hollywood Kendall Jenner, Patrick Schwarzenegger greats Gary Oldman, Pierce Brosnan and and Zoe Kravitz.

e atu r i ng the signature Petit Piqué-embossed leather, golden crocodile and sophisticated tones, the Chantaco line remains a must-have for the Lacoste leather goods range. For fall/winter 2015’16, the tennis-inspired label introduces new models of its iconic line in styles and wintertime monochromes. The latest collection of the Chantaco line maintains its modernity and timelessness with totes, crossovers and zipped clutch bags, wallets, and belts in five sober and contemporary colors that include bronze, plum, red, navy and black. Just like what it does best, the latest Chantaco collection stands out Renée through discreet refinement and relaxed elegance. Come end of this year, Lacoste’s iconic leather goods line will light up and celebrate the festive spirit of the holidays by launching products in gold and silver, thereby bringing the Chantaco year to a brilliant close. Along with the introduction of Chantaco’s new designs, Lacoste also introduced the

Renée

new René line. Born out of a desire to continue highlighting the brand’s sporting legacy, as started by its founder René Lacoste, the bag from this range honors authenticity and joie de vivre, two of the crocodile brand’s core values. It is made from grained leather and topped with a silver crocodile, and can either be worn on the shoulder or hand-held, enhancing the wearer’s femininity. In the Philippines, Lacoste is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., and is located at Alabang Town Center, BHS Central Square, Eastwood Mall, Estancia at Capitol Commons, Fa i r v i e w Te r ra c e s , Gateway Mall, Greenbelt 3, Newport Mall, Podium, Power Plant Mall, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Robinson’s Place Manila, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la, Shangri-la Plaza East Wing, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Davao, SM Davao and Veranza KCC Mall.

Chantaco

STYLE LIVES IN YHANSY

Yhansy accessories put style within reach.

tyle is all about embracing who you are and making a statement without having to utter any word. This is evident with Yhansy accessories that

are not only fashionable, but also adapt to discerning tastes and trends, with modern aesthetic incorporated into classic, staple pieces that one will keep forever. Yhansy accessories are unusually simple, which make them hip and versatile. Yhansy puts style within an arm’s reach with highquality pieces at attainable price points. After all, every woman deserves to express her own style, be fabulous and feel good! Definitely, it’s never a dull day with the arresting pieces from Yhansy. Yhansy is available at SM, Landmark and Crossings Department Stores. For more information, email yhansy@yhansy.com or follow: Facebook facebook.com/yhansy; Instagram @yhansy; Twitter @yhansymanila.

F R I D AY : J U LY 17 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

“WEATHERPROOF” MAKEUP POP-UP BEAUTY BY JIGS MAYUGA

The rainy season is upon us! The combination of moisture and heat can take its toll on your beauty regimen, particularly on your skin and makeup. Skin gets oilier. Foundation can easily wear off. Eyeshadows crease and liners smudge. Blushers fade to nothing by midday. Good thing cosmetics companies nowadays have formulated products that are not only highly pigmented, easy to apply but are also long-wearing and sometimes even waterproof. So the next time it’s storming outside and you’re headed for work or prepping for a hot date, your face should be the least of your worries with these tried and tested products:

1. MEHRON

Skin Prep Pro, www.dtcmakeup.com This clear, fragrance-free formula is a makeup base that helps act as a moisture barrier between your skin and the makeup to keep your face looking fresh even in the most extreme conditions. Perfect for oily skin! Apply on a clean, dry face with a cotton pad or sponge and allow to dry for five minutes before putting on the rest of your makeup.

2. BOBBI BROWN

Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation, SM Megamall World-renowned makeup artist, Bobbi Brown herself claims, “This foundation gives you flawless, natural-looking coverage that lasts all day.” A long-wear foundation with a “soft focus” effect that evens the skin tone and provides an immediate reduction in the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores. Tailor made for anyone who has oily skin or lives in a warm, humid climate. Apply with your fingers or a blending sponge.

3. CHANEL

Perfection Lumiere Extreme Powder Foundation, Rustan’s Makati For those who prefer to use powder over liquid makeup, Chanel offers a mattifying foundation also adapted for the hot and humid Asian market. It’s the perfect balance of matte and sheer. “Blurring-effect” powders conceal the appearance of pores and soften imperfections and surface irregularities for a smooth and even complexion that lasts from morning till evening. Apply on its own with the supplied sponge or use with a brush to set your liquid foundation for longer wear.

4. K-PALETTE

Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof in Super Black, Beauty Bar Hands-down one of the best liquid eyeliners I’ve tried. This product not only gives you a precise cat’s eye every time with its super fine and soft brush tip, but also stays put throughout the day even if you have oily lids. And it washes off easily with soap and water.

5. LANCOME

Grandiose Smudgeproof Mascara, Greenbelt 5 Lancome is legendary for its mascara technology and this product is no exception to that legacy. With a “Swan-Neck” wand, it has the ideal shape to effortlessly adapt to all of the eye’s curves with a flick of the wrist. Enriched with a mix of soft waxes and jojoba butter, this “smudge proof ” formula offers enough products to provide volume and adhesion for a buildable 24-hour wear.

6. SHU UEMURA

Brow Ink in Ash Brown, Powerplant Mall Filipina women are obsessed with their brows and some would not be caught dead without the brows drawn on. This unique liquid eyebrow liner comes with a supplied flat brush that can be used to fill in sparse brows. A little goes a long way, so apply with a light touch. Brush brows upwards and outwards with a brow brush once the product sets to soften application. Incredibly long wearing for up to 24 hours.

7. BENEFIT

Cha Cha Tint, Greenbelt 5 This mango-tinted stain beautifully blushes cheeks with a tropical coral hue that is perfect for all skin tones. For the most even flush, apply under or over foundation with a fluffy foundation brush and blend on one cheek at a time. Smooch-proof and smudge-proof.

8. MAKE UP FOR EVER

Aqua Rouge in 23, Greenbelt 3 Aqua Rouge locks color on the lips for a waterproof result that will not transfer or fade. A two-step product, apply the apricot pink color on the lips with the applicator and allow to dry completely before applying the clear, lacquer top coat to lock in the color. Remember to reseal the bottle after each use to preserve the texture and the waterproof properties of the product.

F RIDAY : J ULY 17 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

argn Farmaceutici Philippines Company’s “Beauty and Wellness Event” offers numerous, practical and effective beauty and health solutions for the mall-going public. Mall-goers recently had a well-deserved dose of beauty and wellness at Bargn Farmaceutici Philippines, Company’s (BFPC) “Beauty and Wellness Event” held on July 12 at the Event Center of SM Megamall. The event brought together a wide array of BFPC products including Cosmo Skin ,Cosmo Cee, Euphoria Maxx (the country’s first local sports and fitness enhancer), and Cosmo Body. The products were showcased in individual booths that were manned by well-informed staff who were likewise ready to provide health and beauty tips to the public. The reason for holding the event was truly altruistic, says BFPC Director Nino Bautista. “BFPC’s products have always been known for their effectiveness and if I may say so, exclusivity. However, we still feel that our products can do more and we want the public to be able to know that BFPC’s products can provide solutions to their beauty and health concerns.”

In doing so, BFPC even held a one-day “Buy 2, Take 1” promotion that was eagerly embraced by the public. “It wasn’t just a ‘Buy something and Take Something’ promotion,” says BFPC’s co-director Red Gatus.. “We want the public to feel valued such that when someone buys something during the event, the freebie would be something of even more value than the product that was purchased.” A step-up in freebies were not the only opportunity guests and mall-goers got during the event. Lucky purchasers also had the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite celebrity endorsers during the after-noon program. Present during the fun-filled and well-received show were model John Spainhour for Euphoria Maxx; BFPC’s newest celebrity endorser Gerald Anderson,, for Cosmo Cee Vitamin C supplement; and actress Jodi Sta. Maria for Cosmo Body. Ruffa Gutierrez for Cosmo Skin Glutathione was also slated to attend but was held back by commitments in Thailand. She however, sent a video message to the loyal users of Cosmo Skin instead.

EDITOR

Gerald Anderson pitches Cosmo Cee

Ruffa Gutierrez is the face of Cosmo Skin

A gift of BeAuty And wellness

ISAH V. RED

John Spainhour models Euphoria Maxx

Gerald Anderson with BFPC's Niño Bautista and Red Gatus Jodi Sta. Maria endorses Cosmo Body

Korean food speCial on Cnn ‘TalK asia’ Bimbimbap, Kimchi, Dukbokki - Korean food has sparked a global craze and chefs around the world are bringing the best of the cuisine to the West. In this special Talk Asia, CNN International correspondent Sumnima Udas goes on a culinary adventure to South Korea to explore the tastes at the heart of Korean fare. While the world of contemporary Korean dishes is growing in popularity, CNN turns its attention to one organization trying to preserve the tradition of the cuisine. At Arumjigi, they

CNN's Sumnina Udas talks to a Korean chef about Korean cuisine

call themselves “the culture keepers”, constantly working to uphold the essence of Korean culture while finding ways to embrace modernity. CNN travels with them to the islands of Sinan County on a search for the Nibe Croaker, also known as the ‘people’s fish’. Historically this fish was a popular ingredient to fight the heat of the summer months.

Through this expedition, CNN discovers how the chefs of Arumjigi work to bring back traditional ingredients with a contemporary flare, ensuring the tradition of Korean cuisine doesn’t get lost in the past. Talk Asia airs on CNN International in Manila on Sunday, Juy 26, 6:30 and 11 a.m. with replays on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Udas in a modern Korean kitchen

F RIDAY : J ULY 17 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PeOPle

...ARE tALking ABOUt

...ARE nOt tALking ABOUt

AngEL LOCSin

UNO magazine has just named the Kapamilya star the sexiest woman in its own sexiest list. The result, which compared blatantly Angel to FHM’s sexiest woman, was easily picked up by fans with mixed reaction upon seeing the magazine cover. The magazine was successful in its intention to take the spotlight away from FHM, no doubt.

Jennyyn Mercado

JODi StA. MARiA

Angel Locsin's controversial magazine cover

She may have topped FHM’s sexiest poll this year but a lot of people seem not so crazy about it. At the annual victory party of the popular men’s magazine, it was evident that audiences were not so excited to see Jennylyn walk down the ramp. Ironically, starlets who were not even part of the top 10 got the loudest cheers. Now basing on audience impact, Jennylyn was not the star of the night.

BAROn gEiSLER

Was it really her or just the character she plays? Regardless, Jodi is definitely a hot topic. Her return as Amor Powers in Pangako Sa ‘Yo last Thursday was momentous for the series. The primetime drama registered its highest ratings since its pilot telecast. Her much-awaited return also trended worldwide on Twitter.

Baron Geisler

RhAP SALAZAR

For the record, it was the young singer who started blasting non-singers who make a living out of lip-syncing. We just hope he didn’t apologize for telling the truth because his bold statement triggered other professional singers and other big names in the industry to finally air their sentiments on music being dominated by a bunch of talentless singers. So, since everyone is talking, what are we supposed to do now?

JEnnyLyn MERCADO

Mark Neumann

The still troubled actor went ballistic in a bar in Pampanga last week. His sudden meltdown was caused, according to his camp, by his being discriminated. Baron was denied entry to a bar where he just wanted to have some fun. Apparently, the bar staff sensed that he will only cause trouble. No question, they did the right thing.

MARk nEUMAnn

Expectation was high when it was announced that the young actor was going to top bill the local adaptation of the hit Korean series, The Baker King. He got a lot of media attention, too. But the excitement eventually died down when the series started airing. What has gone wrong? Everything! Not to mention that Mark is just a flash in the pan.

Rhap Salazar

Over a milliOn experienCe ‘entertainment everywhere’ via Spinnr

rust the total music experience service of Smart Communications (Smart) SPINNR – now enjoyed by more than a million registered users, to come up with largerthan-life opportunities to be within arm’s length of your favorite music superstars. This August, music fans everywhere have a chance to win VIP tickets to the Manila concerts of Ariana Grande and Imagine Dragons just by living the ‘Smart Life’ with SPINNR, the Best Mo-

bile Music App of the 20th Global Mobile Awards presented by the prestigious Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA). “SPINNR allows users to enjoy the music that they love anytime they want to – or have access to ‘entertainment everywhere’ through music – and this is one of the ways that Smart subscribers get to truly live the Smart Life. But more than that, SPINNR offers the complete and most awesome experiences any music lover could ever enjoy – that is, the chance to see, perform,

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 43 45 46 47 50 51 52 53 54 57 62 63 64 65 66 67 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Jackpot game 6 Fine violin, briefly 11 Monastic title 14 Cool in manner 15 Hot pepper 16 Prune the hedge 17 Warehouse 18 Zeus’ shield 19 Not their 20 Counting-rhyme start

22 24 28 30 31 32 33 37 38 39 40

Socrates’ pupil Tacks on Add honey Room darkeners Goes kaput Comic-strip viking Wits Shelley offering Ball-gown fabric Folk-song mule Rank below ser geants

Terra- — Common abrasive Abdul-Jabbar Pointed monolith Cuts an album Washington sound Stole fur Take a crack at Major no-no Brand name Scamp Precise Inspecting Abyssinian, maybe Cubicle fillers No rocket scientist

DOWN 1 Youth 2 Fiesta shout 3 Outshine 4 As well as 5 More frequently 6 Flips through 7 People in general 8 Equip 9 2001 boxing biopic 10 Drives away 11 Hydroplane part 12 Turnpike 13 Protective garment 21 Journal VIPs

meet and greet their entertainment idols and be right where the action is,” explained Lucille Tang, product manager for SPINNR. More than a million subscribers enjoy SPINNR’s vast music library, streaming millions more of full-length international and local songs, apart from thousands of daily downloads and digital purchases. ‘hOnEyMOOn’ AnD ‘SMOkE + MiRRORS’ tOURS Ariana’s The Honeymoon Tour on Aug 23 and Imagine Dragons’

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 33 34 35 36 38 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 52 55 56 58 59 60 61

Perchance Kind of committee (2 wds.) Goyas hang here “On call” device Ecol. bureau Wind catchers Use a chamois Totally Proton habitant Organic compound Appraised Shuts noisily — bien, monsieur! Volcano goddess Skipped over Laughed like a crone El Dorado loot Barbie’s beau Eye nerve Rangoon’s country Sphinx locale Mob scenes Fake Lumberjack’s tool College degs. Yes, to Angus Coal bunker Annapolis grad Not sm. or med.

Smoke + Mirrors on Aug. 27 are only four days apart but SPINNR made sure it will be giving fans more than what they want with VIP tickets and other treats from both music events. Just by texting LIVE to 4067 and subscribing to SPINNR packages, users earn raffle entries that may lead to VIP tickets for “The Honeymoon Tour” and “Smoke + Mirrors,” both concerts to be staged at the Mall of Asia Arena. The SPINNR Live Package comes with 30 days All-Day Streaming

with five (5) raffle entries to the concert promo joined. “The #SpinnrExperience extends the Smart Life to making it possible for you to be in the moment, and live and breathe the same air as your idols in the hottest and most anticipated concerts here and abroad. And all that you need is to be a SPINNR subscriber,” continued Tang. For more about this sweet deal, download the app, login to www. spinnr.ph or access SPINNR’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@SpinnrPH) accounts.

F RIDAY : J ULY 17 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Foodie high wiTh mArkki sTroem in ‘TAsTe buddies’

n awesome Saturday awaits viewers of Taste Buddies as Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania discover a new food destination: Tuscany in McKinley Hill. The girls are not doing it on their own because hunky actor-model Markki Stroem is joining them. Together, they check out three restaurants: Bag O’ Shrimp for a seafood feast, Lucky’s Burger and Bar for a burger and pasta overload, and Sophie’s Mom cake shop for Iya’s sweet challenge this week. While Iya’s being served with a platter of red velvet cupcakes, Solenn, meanwhile, dares Markki to take the ‘Quickie Quiz.’ It’s a fun Saturday night with Taste Buddies at 8:45 p.m. on GMA News TV. HHHHH Typhoons wiTh celebriTy nAmesAkes Did you notice how PAG-ASA people seemed to have played with the names of the recent typhoons that visited the Philippines? Typhoons Egay and Falcon, which came a few days apart last week, had people asking whether ABS-CBN had a hand in choosing these cyclones’ local monikers – naming them after Kapuso actor Ejay Falcon, one of the stars of the network’s Pasion de Amor. Maybe we will have more celebrity namesakes among the typhoons that will enter PAR in the coming weeks.

From c8

Markki Stroem joins Taste Buddies Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania for a gastronomic journey

The onset of the typhoon season, meantime, underscores the need to ensure our safety and that of our loved ones while at home, outside on the streets, and on the road. One TV infomercial that gives useful tips that will surely help keep your family safe during typhoons is the Meralco Advisory, aired during primetime TV newscast on major networks (ABS CBN 2, GMA 7 and TV5). Meralco Advisory’s typhoon safety tips include turning off your

electricity supply if rain water is nearing the level of your electrical outlets, and keeping outdoor electrical outlets and extension cords protected from getting wet to avoid the danger of electrocution. I also learned that one could also dial the Meralco hotline 16211 and have tree branches that touch power lines cut by the utility’s professional tree-trimmers. Celebrating its second anniversary last month, the Meralco Advisory is anchored by a tan-

dem from the stable of Meralco’s good-looking executives, namely, Meralco’s Public Information Office (PIO) Head Joe Zaldarriaga, and Maita David, Meralco customer retail services officer. Its attention-grabbing news on developments from Meralco and the power industry in general – complemented by infographics, safety and energy-efficiency tips and, sometimes, guest experts – makes the Meralco Advisory one to look forward to every month.

‘Wild AustrAliA’ on AnimAl PlAnet

‘sixth sense’ stAr bACk in ‘sex ed’

he boy who saw dead people is back, and this time he’s talking about the birds and the bees. It’s been more than 15 years since Haley Joel Osment uttered that famous line as the haunted boy in Sixth Sense and after taking a break from the big screen, Osment is making a comeback-- and this time he is seeing a virgin in the mirror. From being Forrest Gump Jr. to his break out role as Cole Sear, which made him the second youngest to be nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards, Osment seemed on his way to a long and successful acting career. In addition to his follow-up movies Pay It Forward and A.I. (Artificial Intelligence), Osment made regular TV appearances and even did voice work for the hit Disney video game series Kingdom Hearts, but when he turned 18, Osment took a break from Hollywood and headed to New York. “It was always college. My mum’s a sixth-grade teacher, so it was never really negotiable. And luckily, I wanted to go to college, too,” he said in an interview.

Haley studied experimental theater and graduated from the NYU’s Tisch School Of The Arts. “You can only go to college at that time in your life once, when you are 18, in order to sort of figure out what you want in your life,” he adds. Haley said having that college experience and a social life that didn’t revolve around Hollywood was absolutely crucial for him. While Haley has been working steadily since graduating in 2011, his biggest role upon his return was in Entourage where he played the main antagonist Travis McCredle, which for a lot of people shattered their childhood image of Haley. Something he redeems in the upcoming romantic indie comedy movie Sex Ed from Solar Pictures. In Sex Ed, Haley plays Eddie Cole, a down on his luck teacher who lands his first teaching gig at an inner-city middle school. He soon finds that his highly pubescent pupils are receiving no form of sexual education. And though he isn’t really equipped to teach them, he’s takes on the challenge of explaining “the birds and the bees”, much to the chagrin of their parents.

Wild Australia features the animals that abound in the land down under

Haley Joel Osment plays sex education teacher in Sex Ed

Teacher Ed (Osment) teaches sex using unconventional methods

But his biggest problem isn’t the students or their parents—it’s himself. How can a “virgin” teach Sex Ed? It’s a fascinating role for Haley, as the former child star now finds himself the “teacher” to a new generation of kids who are also aspiring to be actors. The movie is backed by a talented and comedic cast led by Matt Walsh

(Veep) and Retta (Parks and Recreation), Lorenza Izzo (The Green Inferno, Hemlock Grove), Glen Powell (Expendables 3, The Dark Knight Rises), Laura Harring (Gossip Girl), Abby Elliott (Saturday Night Live), George Eads (CSI), and Lamorne Morris (The New Girl). Sex Ed, uncut and in all its glory, will be hitting theaters on July 22, released through Solar Pictures.

The most unusual animals are gracing your TV screens this July on Animal Planet. From the bizarre animals of the land down under, to the aggressive cats of Los Angeles and New York – Animal Planet gives you a look at the world’s unique and misunderstood creatures from each side of the world. The new series Wild Australia features one of the largest and most extreme wildernesses on Earth. Australia’s animals are the product of millions of years of evolution in isolation, producing some of the planet’s strangest, and most unique creatures-from mammals that lay eggs, to trees made from gold, to lizards that drink through their feet and the spiky yet cute echidna. This two-hour special explores the bizarre, deadly, and quirky characters that live in the world down-under. Wild Australia premieres tonight and airs 10 p.m. every Friday thereafter.

F RIDAY : J ULY 17 : 2015

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

Lyca Gairanod moves up from selling recyclables to singing sensation. Now, the girl that nobody thought would be a singing champion has a debut album all to herself and hopes many more would follow after

SHOWBITZ

An Album for ‘The Voice Kids 1’ chAmp, finAlly ISAH V. RED Lyca Gairanod is the little girl with small frame and big voice that surprised Filipinos all over the world after her trending The Voice Kids blind audition. Many thought she’s just another young biritera but her story and her charm has made everyone fall in love with her more. The little girl’s parents knew she was special but not the star she’s meant to become. Even at a young age, she already showed talent in singing and dancing. When her family saved up for an audio component, the little Caviteña religiously practiced singing her favorite songs (of Miley Cyrus and Aegis). From there, she became the darling of the neighborhood, performing for friends, family, and even strangers and they, in turn, gave her small amounts of money as token of appreciation. On the side, she

also sold recyclables and saved up all her earnings to help the family. This was the 9-year old’s motivation to join The Voice under Coach Sarah Geronimo’s guidance. The big stage and the growing number of fans didn’t scare her at all. All she did was sing her heart out. “Di ko po akalain na ako po ang mag-cha-champion,” she exclaimed. Lyca finally made her dream for her family come true with a new house and a career to help sustain their livelihood. She’s determined to fulfill all of that by touring the country promoting her new album under MCA Music, endorsements, and acting too. Even if this work may seem too hectic for a child, Lyca still enjoys being a kid bonding with her co-finalists on tour, especially riding airplanes to and from locations. It gets challenging but with the family in mind, she’s determined. “[Nagsisikap ako para] Makapag-aral po yung mga kapatid ko. Yung pamilya ko po di na po maghihirap. Tutulungan ko pa rin po sila.” And speaking of new album, she

finally released her much anticipated debut record entitled “Puede Nang Mangarap.” The album features the single of the same title that Jungee Marcelo wrote. It perfectly describes her journey from where she came from up to now that she has her new album. Same with other tracks that will touch everyone who will listen like “Malalampasan” (Noel Mahinay), “Sa Isang Awit” (Andrei Panaligan), “Ngumiti Ka Lang” (Muriel Ann “Sisa” Jamito, Emman D’Great & Jaydee Chua Gungon) and “Kung Kaya Mong Isipin” (Jude Gitamondoc). Inspirational diva Jamie Rivera also contributed a song to Lycathe playful and fun track “Tayo Ay Maglaro” about bringing back the traditional games Filipino children play like tumbang preso, patintero, and piko. Her version of the track “Iingatan Ka” (popularized by Carol Banawa) is the song she dedicates to her mother for always being there for her. The album also includes the remix version of “Puede Nang Man-

garap” while the digital version includes some recorded covers of her performance from The Voice Kids. Little kid, big aspirations – Lyca wants everyone who has the talent and dream to join her in this exciting musical adventure. “Sana po kung meron po kayong talent ilabas nyo lang po,” It’s a simple

Little kid, big aspirations – Lyca wants everyone who has the talent and dream to join her in this exciting musical adventure

advice from a girl her age but has so much truth. That’s exactly what she did, without any inhibitions, and continues to surprise everyone with what she can do. Even with the attention she’s been getting, she promised one thing – “Hindi ko po makakalimutan kung saan po ako nanggaling.” What’s next for Lyca? More projects, more songs, more acting gigs – Lyca is just excited to reveal more of her skills and talents to everyone! Get ready! “Puede Nang Mangarap” is now out on CD at Astroplus, Astrovision and Odyssey outlets. It can also be downloaded on Spinnr and iTunes and streamed on Spinnr, Apple Music, VEVO, Spotify, Deezer and Guvera. For bookings and inquiries, contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 and +639209682991 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com or mcabookings@umusic.com. ➜ continued on c7