The Standard - 2015 September 12 - Saturday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXIX  NO. 212  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  SATURDAY : SEPTEMBER 12, 2015  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Senators tell MILF: Stop issuing warnings

NOT FIXED, AFTER ALL

Palace admits inadequate roads, poor flood control are to blame By Sandy Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano THE severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila is caused by inadequate roads and poor flood control, the Palace said Friday. Malacanang’s admission ran counter to its declaration last Wednesday that the police takeover of traffic management on Edsa was “effective.” “The severe traffic congestion that was triggered by heavy rains and flash floods clearly showed the inadequacy of existing road and flood control infrastructure that will take time to be scaled up,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a text message to the press. “Traffic enforcers will also have to work doubly hard to improve their responsiveness such that, if last Tuesday’s situation recurs, normal traffic flow may be restored more expeditiously,” Coloma said. Coloma also said the Metro Manila Development Authority has carried out its responsibilities in terms of flood control and drainage in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways, which is the lead agency in implementing the 20-year flood control master plan. Coloma said the MMDA has also been working with local government units in clearing road obstructions. Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, on the other hand, said the Palace may call meetings with the MMDA and local government officials to account for their failing to take preventive steps to clear drainage systems and road obstructions. “Perhaps that can be a discussion for a later time. Right now efforts are concentrated on measures to alleviate the situaNext page tion,” Valte said.

Lumad killers identiﬁed By Francisco Tuyay, Alvin T. Guanzon

Morning gridlock. This picture taken around 6 a.m. on Friday shows the trafﬁc buildup along Commonwealth in Quezon City. LINO SANTOS

POLICE have identified at least three suspects in the killing of a Lumad teacher and members of the Manobo tribe in Surigao del Sur, and government forces are hunting them down, the military said Friday. Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the suspects were identified as Bobby Tejero, Loloy Tejero and Garito Layno in the town of Lianga, where some 2,000 members of the Manobo tribe live. Martinez said the suspects were identified after a thorough investigation by the Philippine National Police Next page

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Lumad From A1...

Conference. President Benigno Aquino III delivers a speech during the 23rd Pacific Economic Cooperation Council General Meeting at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on Friday. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Stop dire warnings, 3 senators tell MILF By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Sandy Araneta

THREE senators warned the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Friday against threatening Congress on what they will do if a watered-down version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed. Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said threatening Congress would be counter-productive, and they stand to lose friendly forces who also want peace in Mindanao. Angara was reacting to an earlier statement by the MILF that the decommissioning of its forces will not push through if the BBL they wanted is not passed. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said threats from the MILF will not help their case. He said the BBL must be constitutional and Congress must clearly define the powers and resources the national government is willing to give to the regional government. “I am in favor of giving more power and re-

Not

FromA1... Valte said among the issues to be discussed will be the removal by the DPWH of obstructions on main roads and alternative routes, which is being done right now to improve traffic flow on EDSA. In a speech before the delegates of the 23rd Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, President Benigno

sources to them,” he said. But he also said the regional government must respect the autonomy of local governments in the area. Senator Sergio Osmeña III said halting the decommissioning would mean that the war would continue. The substitute to the BBL, drafted by Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is being debated in the Senate. Marcos, chairman of the Senate local government committee, said he came out with a substitute bill to ensure it would pass legal scrutiny in case it will be questioned before the Supreme Court. He rejected the claim of MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal in comparing the substitute

Aquino III said a task force of different agencies was “hard at work to alleviate traffic along Metro Manila’s thoroughfares.” Aquino said critical transport infrastructure like seaports, airports, bus terminals, and light rail transport, continue to be upgraded. He also said big-ticket projects for transportation systems are in the pipeline. The chief of the Philippine Na-

bill to a person with no soul. The senator insisted that instead of just dealing with one group, the MILF, they involved all stakeholders. He pointed out that the statement of the MILF was dictated by their hardline stance to press for the approval of the Malacañang backed BBL without any changes. However, Marcos said he was confident he can explain to the MILF leadership the necessity of instituting changes in the substitute bill. In the Palace-supported BBL, he noted that it is largely the MILF that would run the government. “What we did was to allow other groups to participate in the process by giving them representation in the Bangsamoro parliament,” said. The Palace on Friday said it would continue to push for its own version of the BBL. “The relationship between the normalization process and the passage of the BBL is clear in the CAB,” said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, referring to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the government and the MILF.

tional Police Highway Patrol Group said Friday there was a slight improvement in traffic flow along Edsa, where travel time was cut by about 10 minutes. “So far, we achieved the objective of cutting the travel time of motorists by at least 10 to 15 minutes in some areas of Edsa. We will also work on the technical or the engineering aspect,” said PNP-HPG chief Arnold Gunnacao following a meeting at the

following week-long campaign of harassment against the Lumads allegedly carried out by the Magahat (not Mahagat as first reported) Bagani Forces, a paramilitary group said to have been created by the Army to fight communist rebels. The teacher, Emerito Samarca, was stabbed and his throat was slit, while Dionel Campos, 42, and Orelio Senso, 61, both residents of Diatagon town, were shot dead. About 2,000 Manobos have fled their homes for fear of their lives. Martinez said 20 John Does were included in the charge sheet for grave coercion, multiple murder, arson, robbery and grave threats filed against the suspects at the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Lianga, Surigao del Sur on Sept. 7. Investigators have yet to determined the affiliation of the suspects but reports said they were members of the Magahat Forces, a vigilante group operating in the hinterlands of Lianga town. But Martinez denied that the suspects were members of a paramilitary group under Armed Forces control, as leftist lawmakers and civil society groups have claimed. Col. Isidro Purisima, Commander of the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade, said he was elated that the suspects have been identified, and that they would fully support the PNP in law enforcement oeprations in the area. He added that “the AFP adheres to the law of the land” and also denied that the suspects were part of a paramilitary group working for the Army. He said such groups, known as CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) were organized to protect their communities against “any threat group.” “The CAA is the only legitimate force being supervised by the AFP. Other armed groups shall be the subject of law enforcement operations conducted by the PNP,” Purisima said. Samarca, the murdered tribal school director, was to be laid to rest at Uraya’s Cemetery in Butuan City Saturday afternoon. Samarca, 54, executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), is survived by his widow, Mrs. Yosie Tampos Samarca, and four grown up children. Mrs. Samarca said an ecumenical service would be held at Guingona Park. “On Sept. 11 evening, foreign funders and Belgian funders of ALCADEV will hold a vigil here in our house and will join the funeral march to the final resting place of my slain husband” Mrs. Samarca said. “We expect fellow activists from Belgium, Manila and local activists based from different parts in Caraga region and Mindanao will join the funeral march on Saturday. Students and teachers of different ALCADEV schools in Caraga Region will also join. It will be huge gatherings of activists here,” Mrs. Samarca added. Mrs. Samarca said eyewitnesses told her that the three killers were accompanied by about 20 others, including members of the Army’s 75th and 36th Infantry Battalions.

MMDA in Makati City. Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras led the five-hour meeting held at the MMDA Metrobase Traffic Operations Center in Makati City. The meeting started at 1:30 p.m. but MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino arrived late at 5 p.m. No reason was given, and Almendras refused to talk with the media after the meeting. Gunnacao said that while the traf-

fic situation improved in Balintawak going to Quezon Boulevard, congestion remained heavy in Cubao, Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard because vehicles were using single-artery roads after passing Edsa. “We have to adjust more. There are plans to close all U-turn slots, particularly in the areas of Trinoma [North Avenue Edsa] because when the buses stop, the private vehicles in the back are affected,” he said.

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VP’s plan intended to hit Mar VICE President Jejomar Binay’s suggestion to remove the Philippine National Police from the supervision of the Department of Interior and Local Government is an obvious attack on resigned Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Malacañang said Friday. “It is quite obvious that this suggestion from the vice president is made as a not-so-veiled attack on Secretary Roxas and not really to improve [the] governance and performance of the institution,” presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte told reporters. She said Binay’s statement contradicted the data presented by the government, which was backed by facts and not speculation. “The data of the implementation of Oplan Lambat Sibat in NCR [Nationa Capital Region] and in other pilot areas contradict the assumptions of the Vice President,” Valte said. “Equipment upgrades for the PNP and BFP [Bureau of Fire Protection] happened while under the supervision of the DILG.” Binay made the suggestion on Thursday in a radio interview. Binay said the PNP should be removed from the jurisdiction of the Interior Department and placed under the direct control of the Office of the President. “The responsibility of managing the PNP should be taken from Interior Secretary Mar Roxas so that he can be more productive in the government,” Binay said. Binay and Roxas are set to face off in a political rematch in the 2016 national elections, with Binay running for President under the opposition party United Nationalist Alliance. Roxas is the standard bearer of the ruling Liberal Party. Sandy Araneta

Initial hearing. Senator Grace Poe arrives at the Supreme Court on Friday for the preliminary hearing on her true citizenship.

‘Suit meant to stop Poe’s bid for palace’ THE disqualification case filed with the Senate Electoral Tribunal against Senator Grace Poe, who is leading in the latest presidential surveys, is a mere ploy to stop her from seeking higher office in 2016, her lead counsel Alexander Poblador said Friday. Poblador, who accompanied Poe in the preliminary conference hearing on the petition filed by Rizalito David, said the case was directed not so much on her election to the Senate but on the possibility she might run for President. He made his statement even as the tribunal on Friday decided to drop the residency issue in resolving the disqualification case against her during the 2013 elections because it was a “non-issue.” Poe herself said she voluntarily

went to the Supreme Court for the first hearing on her disqualification case to refute the allegations against her and to say she was a true Filipino. She described as very sentimental her attendance at the hearing as it was a “replay” of what happened to her father, the late Fernando Poe Jr., who lost to former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Since no corruption issues could be hurled against her father, Poe

said, they slapped him with a disqualification case. But she remains hopeful on the fairness of the tribunal’s members and prays their conscience will not be dictated upon because “this election is not only my fight but also the fight of other children who do not know their parents.’ Poblador said the tribunal’s next hearing was set on Sept. 21 and that he expected there would be oral arguments. He maintained Poe was a naturalborn Filipino who met the residency requirement when she ran for the Senate. Poblador insisted that a foundling like Poe, who was found in the Philippines, was presumed to be Filipino in the absence of contrary proof. He argued that the 1987 Constitu-

tion, international law and domestic laws all favored protecting foundlings. Women’s and children’s rights advocate lawyer Katrina Legarda has branded as “a form of discrimination against abandoned children” Poe’s disqualification case. “If a foundling is not presumed natural-born then no abandoned child can ever aspire for national office,” she said. She said this was a violation of the equal protection of the laws because it appeared there was now a distinction between an abandoned child whose parents were known and an abandoned child whose parents were not known. She also said Poe satisfies the citizenship and residency requirements mandated in the 1987 Constitution for the Senate and even for higher office. Macon Ramos-Arane-

ta and Rey E. Requejo

Binay: Yolanda exposed Roxas

For the FOI bill. Members of various youth organizations use magnifying glasses to call for the passage of the Freedom of Information bill during a press conference at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Friday. LInO SAntOS CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

FORMER Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II proved himself to be an irrelevant leader during and after Super Typhoon “Yolanda” because of his failure to deliver the basic needs of the people it affected, the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay said Friday. Yolanda killed around 7,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands when it hit Eastern Visayas on Nov. 8, 2013. It was the strongest storm to hit land in history. “The performance of Roxas during Super Typhoon Yolanda and the days immediately after has exposed his failure as a manager and a leader,” Bi-

nay spokesman Rico Quicho said in a statement. “Yolanda has shown to the people the extent, or rather the limits, of Secretary Roxas’ executive capability. “He was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. And his now classic reply to the local officials of Tacloban who were pleading for the national government’s help best illustrates his insensitivity to the suffering of our people: Bahala kayo sa buhay n’yo.” Still, President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday pointed to Roxas’ performance during Yolanda’s onslaught as proof of his leadership ability.

But Quicho said Roxas, the Aquino administration’s candidate, should not evade questions on the failure of Malacañang to improve the lives of the poor and deliver basic services in the Yolanda-hit areas. He said about 130,000 families were still homeless and still lived in tent cities and bunkhouses in Tacloban City and the other areas devastated by Yolanda based on a report of Social Watch Philippines Former national treasurer Leonor Briones said Aquino had not yet approved the release of P54 billion for housing resettlement.

Vito Barcelo

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Palace cool to renewed probe By Sandy Araneta

Changing of the guard. Outgoing Interior Sec. Mar Roxas (right) turns over the standard of the Department of Interior and Local Government to incoming Sec. Mel Senen Sarmiento in simple rites at the DILG office in Quezon City on Friday. LINO SANTOS

Mar turns over DILG to LP exec Sarmiento By John Paolo Bencito WESTERN Samar Representative and Liberal Party secretary general Mel Senen S. Sarmiento officially takes over as the new secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government on Friday after simple rites at the DILG main office in Quezon City. Responding to complaints of rising criminality, Sarmiento said said it’s up to the Congress to decide whether the Philippine National Police should be separated from the Department of the Interior and Local Government as proposed by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“It’s up to the Congress to decide, but our Constitution says that the PNP is really under the DILG. It’s up to our law makers to look on that,” Sarmiento said. Sarmiento talked about his plans for the DILG, saying that he will be following Aquino’s marching orders to continue with the existing programs of the department, especially that of the Oplan Lambat Sibat program of the Philippine National Police to further reduce criminality. Sarmiento, who is the former SecretaryGeneral of the League of Cities of the Philippines said he plans to work closely with the Local Government Authority to develop a Participatory Governance System to ensure that local government priorities are in line with the national government. Outgoing Secretary Mar Roxas handed over the post to Sarmiento even as she praised the

new secretary’s capacity to fulfill the mandate of his office. “His competence is well-established, his integrity [with] nearly 20 years of public service, not once was he ever tarnished by any anomaly,” said Roxas. Roxas, who is the standard bearer in the 2016 presidential polls, perceived a striking similarity between late DILG secretary Jessie Robredo and Sarmiento, highlighting that “he has received every award, every accolade” that Robredo received. He also recognized the DILG family and assured Sarmiento that he will be working with a dedicated, persevering, and self-sacrificing government staff. “They have always stepped up, always delivered, and have always given all that they can for the welfare of our people,” Roxas commended.

IT IS up to Senator Grace Poe whether she will have the Mamasapano investigation case reopened, Malacañang said on Friday a day after the senator said she wants to reopen the Senate probe in the incident that caused the death of 44 police commandos last January. “We defer to the senator as to how she intends to proceed with the Mamasapano investigation in the Senate,” said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a text message to the Malacañang Press Corps. As chairman of the Senate committee on public order, Poe led the Senate investigation into the botched Oplan Exodus, in which the police commandos were killed by Muslim rebels, including members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been holding peace talks with the government. Poe said she was interested to hear the “alternative version” claimed by President Benigno Aquino III after he was found to be “ultimately responsible” for the deaths of the 44 commandos who were sent on a covert mission to neutralize Malaysian terrorist Zukifli bin Hir alias Marwan and his henchman, bomb maker Basit Usman. The commandos were placed under the supervision of former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima who was suspended for corruption at the time of the operation. Poe submitted her report on the Mamasapano massacre to the Office of the Ombudsman. “While the President was fully aware that Purisima was preventively suspended by the Ombudsman on Dec. 4, 2014, and that Director Leonardo Espina was designed PNP OIC, still, he allowed Purisima to join the Jan. 9, 2016 meeting at Bahay Pangarap where a sensitive and classified PNP operation was being discussed and instructed him to coordinate with the AFP,” Poe said in her report.

Abus declared terrorists By Rey E. Requejo A BASILAN court has officially declared the Abu Sayyaf Group a terrorist group, adding teeth to the prosecution of members and supporters who will be arrested in the future, the Department of Justice announced on Friday. “The proscription against the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist organization which was granted by the regional trial court of Isabela City, Basilan only formalizes the long standing position of the government that the group is nothing more than a terrorist organization,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said, in a statement. De Lima pointed out that the RTC ruling would boost government’s effort to combat the ASG and capture all its members as it “adds to the government’s legal arsenal in its fight against terrorism in the Philippines.” “The proscription will facilitate prosecution not only of members of the

group but also of supporters and financiers of the organization under the Human Security Act and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act,” she said. De Lima disclosed that it was the DoJ that filed a petition before the RTC that led to the ruling. In a 19-page resolution released by the DoJ yesterday, Isabela City RTC Branch 9 Judge Danilo Bucoy cited the “essential elements” to declare someone or a group as a terrorist under RA 9370, or the Human Security Act of 2007. The court said the preamble of the ASG’s Charter showed that the group is “resolute and determined to use whatever means, including terrorism, if only to achieve its purpose, that is, to supplant the existing form of government with their own version of an Islamic State.” The RTC said though the word “terrorism” is not stated in the preamble, its concept and essence were “all over it and are, therefore, deemed written into it.”

38 years of protest. Members of the League of Filipino Students burn the logo of the Asia -Pacific Economic Cooperation and a flag of the United States during a demonstration outside US Embassy on Friday coinciding with the LFS’ 38th anniversary. DANNY PATA

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Solon: Where’s the P900M? By Maricel V. Cruz A LEFTIST lawmaker on Friday asked the Aquino administration to account for all the expenditures from Malampaya fund that is sourced from the royalties for the Malampaya gas reserve.

Long-time burden. Crane drivers prepare to call it a day after moving construction materials and supplies to the elevated roadway that will link the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 with Macapagal Avenue. The construction work has been blamed for the heavy traffic in the area that is expected to last until the project is completed in 2017. JANSEN ROMERO

Aquino: Reforms a ‘success’ By Sandy Araneta PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III said on Friday Filipinos now feel the effects of good governance brought about by the reforms of his administration and they will no longer accept anything less. We see today a people who have felt the effects of good governance—and who will refuse to accept anything less. My countrymen will continue to demand integrity, accountability, and sustainable, inclusive growth even after I have stepped down from office,” Aquino told delegates to the 23rd Pacific Economic Cooperation Council general meeting at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City. “Indeed: The task of building a stronger, more inclusive nation—or even, a stronger,

more inclusive world—no longer falls only on the shoulders of those in power, or of men and women like yourselves,” said Aquino. “Even more encouraging is the fact that transformation has not just taken place in our institutions and our economy; it has taken place in the mindset of Filipinos,” said Aquino. “Transparency and accountability are no longer just ideals; they are realities in the Philippines,”said Aquino. Aquino said the PECC is an excellent example of a belief he always have held that the challenges facing the Philippine or the world are not meant to be solved by a few people alone. “Each one of us must do his part. Standing here today, in front of an

audience composed of representatives from business, the academe, governance, and other sectors, I see that belief realized,” he said. The President said, since 1980, the PECC has contributed so much, not only in crafting policy, but also in shaping a more stable and more prosperous Asia Pacific. “Indeed, by working together, we will find it much easier to solve our collective challenges. Foremost among these is how to achieve balanced, sustained, and inclusive growth,” he said. Aquino also cited the Philippine experience in the pursuit of inclusive growth, which has been the driving force of the administration’s reform strategy.

“Last year, former Commission on Audit Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan testified before the Senate saying that out of the P170-billion Malampaya fund, P33 billion has been released to various national government agencies as of June 2013,” Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon said. “Of that amount, it has been alleged that P900 million has been channeled to bogus nongovernment organizations,” he added, adding that the questionable fund release is already under investigation by the Ombudsman. Ridon, member of the Makabayan Bloc, lamented the failure of the government to account for P32 billion in Malampaya fund releases under the Aquino administration. “We’re talking about an awful lot of public funds that have yet to be fully audited,” he said. Malacañang has earlier stated that Aquino had authorized the use of the Malampaya Fund for 10 projects. Ridon said the releases included P3.6 billion for the fuel requirements of the National Power Corp., P450 million for the Pantawid Pasada program, P5 billion for “upgrade of capability requirement for 2011 relative to the security and protection of the Malampaya natural gas project,” P1.9 billion for barangay electrification projects, and P1.3 billion for the acquisition of two Coast Guard vessels from the United States. “There are several projects in the list that are vaguely energy-related, such as the purchase of the US surplus warship by the military,” Ridon said. He said the Supreme Court has ruled that the Malampaya Fund should be used only for energy development projects. Citing the 2016 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing data, Ridon said the government has again used P5.16 billion from the Malampaya funds in 2014. “Each year, the government is tapping the Malampaya funds to the tune of billions, yet it is not clear to the public where these funds are going,” Ridon said. “We demand a detailed report on the use of Malampaya funds under the Aquino administration. The use of billions of pesos in gas reserve profits should be disclosed to the public. Otherwise, it will be prone to abuse,” Ridon said.

Live House hearings eyed By Maricel V. Cruz A MEMBER of the House Independent Bloc expressed hope on Friday that the measure allowing the live broadcasting of all House proceedings over the stateowned People’s Television Network Inc. will soon get enacted into law. Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, author of House Bill 4049, urged the House leadership to prioritize the passage of his measure that will allow a live broadcast of sessions and committee hearings of the Senate and House of Representatives to promote transparency in the proceedings. “[The live showing of sessions will] encourage our fellow members to attend and

actively participate in floor deliberations of important bills and resolutions,” Atienza said. “As opposed to what has been happening for the past three weeks where there were only a handful of us in attendance, so the sessions were either adjourned or measures were being taken up even without a quorum,” said Atienza, a member of the Bloc of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Atienza made the statement after the House committee on public information approved Atienza’s measure that seeks to amend Section 9 of the PTNI’s Charter, as incorporated in Republic Act No. 7306, by adding to its functions the showing of live proceedings of both Houses without editing

nor commentary. The lawmaker said he envisions PTNI to have the same kind of unprecedented access to lawmakers, similar to the C-Span network in the United States. Atienza said he believes the passage of the measure will help curb the spate of absenteeism among his colleagues. Atienza filed the bill in an effort to help the House leadership to address the issue of perennial problem on quorum. But Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. earlier said there is no need to pass a law for the purpose. Belmonte said the problem on quorum has been manageable and a matter of “proper handling” on the part of the House leadership.

Back to the roots. Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada gets ready to transplant a vegetable seedling during a nutrition and livelihood activity in the Baseco Compound at the Port Area, Manila on Friday. JANSEN ROMERO

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‘Plate shortage due to disallowance’ By Rio N. Araja

THE Land Transportation Office claims the shortage in license plates was caused by a June 2015 Notice of Disallowance from the Commission on Audit. LTO spokesman Jason Salvador said his agency is running out of plates because the CoA notice stopped them from spending for their license plate standardization program. “We were left with no funds to pay our plate supplier,” Salvador said. The commission had disallowed the P3.8-billion in procurement transaction between the LTO and the Dutch-Filipino consortium—PPI-JKG Philippines Inc.—for irregularities, specifically for violatingprocurement law. Salvador said the LTO pushed through with the standardization program despite the disallowance. “Since we believe [it is important], we talked to our supplier,” he said in a radio interview. “But there came a point that our supplier could no longer accommodate our request since its business operation is already being affected by the nonpayment.” He added that a shipment of 600,000 car plates have remained unclaimed because their importer could not pay the mandated duties. The LTO and the Department of Transportation and Communications have asked the CoA to cancel its notice of disallowance. Salvador also appealed to motorists for their patience. “We understand how our motorists feel about the delay; we seek [their] understanding.”

Assessment. Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras attends a traffic assessment meeting at the office of the Metro Manila Development Authority. JOEL ZURBANO

Water system ‘adjustments’ to begin 16th—Maynilad Park at By Anna Leah E. Gonzales MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. said yesterday that it would implement the system adjustments toward full implementation of rotating service interruptions in the West Zone beginning Sept. 16. The adjustments will help manage the water level in Angat Dam during the El Niño season. Maynilad said the system adjustments would result in shortened supply schedules in about 900 barangays or 56 percent of the West concession area. Maynilad is plotting a specific supply interruption schedule per area to ensure that affected cus-

tomers will have some water supply daily, even within a limited supply window. The company, however, said that during the first week of implementation, these schedules will not yet be adopted as Maynilad strives to limit the service interruption during offpeak hours. “At this initial phase of system adjustments, we shall implement the supply interruptions daily from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. only. This off-peak schedule will be gradually extended until, at full implementation, we will adopt the different supply interruption schedules for each area,” said Maynilad Water Supply Operations engi-

neer Ronaldo Padua. Padua clarified that although recent rains at the Ipo watershed helped maintain water elevation at Ipo Dam and augmented the reduced allocation from Angat Dam, the supply at Ipo Dam is not enough to sustain the company’s water production for the long term. “The Ipo Dam is only a diversion control dam and has a small capacity—5.9 million cubic meters versus Angat Dam’s 850 MCM. So it is barely enough to meet Metro Manila’s water requirement for two days,” Padua said. In preparation for the full implementation of the rotating service interruptions, Mayni-

lad is acquiring additional water tankers and refurbishing its stationary water tanks to serve those areas that are expected to have less than 12 hours of water supply. Maynilad is an agent and contractor of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain areas), Quezon City (certain areas), Makati (certain areas), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon—all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario—all in Cavite Province.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Branch 192 MARIKINA CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR, KINNO VITTORIO MIGUEL GONZALES VIRATA JDRC CASE NO. 2015-2482 MK SPOUSES BRANDO ALLEN M. CRISTI AND KAREN ANGELA VIANNI V. CRISTI, Petitioners x-------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

Before this Court is a Petition for Adoption of Minor, Kinno Vittorio Miguel Gonzalez Virata, filed by Spouses Brando Allen M. Cristi and Karen Angela Vianni V. Cristi, on July 8, 2015. The petition substantially states that petitioners are married, and a resident of Marikina City. Petitioner-wife is the biological mother of Kinno Vittorio Miguel Gonzalez Virata; minor has always been under the care and custody of the petitioner wife; minor has not known any other father aside from petitioner husband, he never saw his biological father. Petitioners contend that they are in full possession of their civil capacity and legal rights, and possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualification to adopt Kinno Vittorio Miguel Gonzalez Virata. Petitioners further contend that the adoptee has given his consent to the adoption. WHEREFORE, the petition, being sufficient in form and substance, is hereby set for hearing on September 24, 2015 at 8:30 o`clock in the morning, at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 192, located at the 4th Floor, New Justice Hall, Sta. Elena, Marikina City. Let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the scheduled date of hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation to be chosen by raffle during the regular raffle of cases in this Station. Likewise, let a copy of this Order together with the petition and its annexes be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, at 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Office of the City Prosecutor, the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The Court Social Welfare Officer, Ms. Melissa Briguera-Allayban, is hereby ORDERED to conduct a Child Case Study as well as Home Study in this case, and to submit the corresponding Report, within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order. SO ORDERED City of Marikina, July 15, 2015 (TS AUG. 29, SEPT. 5 & 12, 2015)

(SGD) GERALDINE C. FIEL-MACARAIG Presiding Judge

Protest. Private individuals troop to the Supreme Court to protest the granting of bail to Senator Juan Ponce Enrile . DANNY PATA

your own risk, police chief tells motorists By Florante S. Solmerin

PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Ricardo Marquez has warned motorists against parking on sides of roads if they wanted to prevent their vehicles from being stolen. The PNP’s Highway Patrol Group has started clearing routes parallel to Edsa and has found that roads were being used as parking lots of private vehicles. Marquez emphasized, however, that his warning was based on the carjacking incidents recorded this year and not on the HPG’s efforts to ease daily traffic jams in the metro. “Records from the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management revealed that from Jan. 5 to Sept. 6, 2015, most of the carnapping incidents in Metro Manila occurred on streets, with 44 percent [214 out of 489] of reported cases, and in residential areas with 29 percent [140 out of 489] of incidents,” Marquez said. He said 54 percent or 265 cases of carnapping were reported to be stolen while parked and 29 percent were forcibly taken. “Of the 489, Quezon City Police District had the most number of carnapped vehicles with 213, followed by Easter Police District, Northern Police District, Manila Police District, and Southern Police District with 88, 72, 59, and 57 incidents respectively,” he said. DIDM also noted that 64 percent of these carnapping incidents happened from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m.

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NEWS

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Dominican Hill has new attractions By Dexter A. See BAGUIO CITY—Lovers can now renew their vows in the newly opened ‘Love Lock’ fence within the Dominican Hill area as one of the added attractions and place to visit in the city following the significant improvements that were undertaken by the city government over the past several years. The establishment of the fence is the contribution of the Baguio City National High School Alumni Association Class 1985, in coordination with the city environment and parks management office, to provide additional attractions on the Dominican Hill. The hill was turned over to the city government over ten years ago. The opening of the ‘Love Lock’ fence was done with the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Dominican Hill and Retreat House, built by the Dominican friars in 1913. Cordelia Lacsamana, city environment and parks management officer, said among the physical improvements introduced by the local government in the Dominican Hill and Retreat House included the establishment of two function rooms that could be used for religious and other gatherings among others to help enhance the attraction of the park. She added a steel-case ladder was installed to allow visitors to go to the top of the building for a 360-degrees view of the city. The city was also able to put into operation one of the fountains to improve the interior landscaping and installed the flag staff hill to give tribute to the men and women of ten countries who made significant contributions to the construction and operation of the Dominican Hill building. According to her, the city government will continue improving on the landscaping of the park to enhance the attractions for the benefit of making the area an added tourist attraction in the city. Among the target activities for implementation in the next six months to one year include the reinstallation of the butterfly sanctuary within the compound, construction of two gazebos as view decks on vacant spaces between the Dominican building and the Sandiganbayan property, improvement of the waterworks system of the building to include the partial revival of the rain harvesting system of the building for the domestic use, installation of an aviary in one of the fountains, open the building including the rooftop to tourists and visitors through guided tourist by tourism students.

Solon alleges landgrabbing in Bataan, calls for probe By Maricel V. Cruz

A LAWMAKER on Thursday denounced the reported landgrabbing case allegedly by the Philippine National Oil Co. involving almost 600 hectares, which stands to displace thousands of farmers, fisherfolk and residents in Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan. Anakpawis party-list Rep. Fernando Hicap filed a resolution asking the House Committees on Agrarian Reform, Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, and Government Enterprises and Privatization to investigate the case to protect

the interest of the people in the area, who belong to the Alyansa ng Samahan ng mga Magsasaka at Makakalikasan Inc. Hicap said the residents’ situation was caused by President Benigno Aquino III’s enactment on April

17, 2013 of Republic Act No. 10516 or the “An act expanding the utilization of the industrial estate in Lamao, Limay, Bataan for businesses engaged in energy and energy-related infrastructure products and other gainful economic activities in additional to petrochemical and related industries, amending for the purpose Presidential Decree No. 949. Hicap said the law virtually licensed the PNOC to grab agriculturally productive lands away from the people who have been residing in Lamao for de-

cades now. “ALSAMAMAI contends that its members have been living in the lands as early as 1962 by virtue of their entry in a resettlement program or in a so-called Miscellaneous Sales Application scheme as shown by the records of the Bureau of Lands in Balanga, Bataan,” Hicap, member of the Makabayan bloc, said. Furthermore, Hicap said these people have worked on the land as actual cultivators despite persistent land ownership dispute involving a number of government agencies, industrial entities,

and several executive decisions, such as Proclamation No. 322 of 1956, Proclamation No. 361 of 1968, and Proclamation No. 630 of 1969, Presidential Decree No. 949 of 1976, and Proclamation No. 2478 of 1986. “The continued aggressive efforts of the PNOC, in collusion with the national government, to take over the said area would undoubtedly mean the displacement of around 16,000 residents whose livelihood come from farming, fishing, and other integrated economic activities,” Hicap said.

Drenched. Passengers of this tricycle in Sultan Kudarat shield themselves from a downpour. AMIEL MARK CAGAYAN

‘Confiscated logs to be used for school tables’ By Sandy Araneta PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III this week warned illegal loggers that confiscated logs will be used to make chairs and tables for public schools, as soon as these are confiscated by the government. “If there are illegally cut logs, you will not be able to use these anymore,” said Aquino during a questionand-answer meeting with Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School students in Poblacion District, Davao City on Wednesday. Aquino said illegal loggers connive with govern-

ment people during the bidding to make sure these are brought back to them (loggers). The President cited a report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that it has has already confiscated a total of over 400 trucks of illegally-cut logs nationwide. “Now the logs cannot be bid out,” said Aquino. Aquino also said that illegal logging, has caused tremendous flooding in several areas of the country. He also urged Davao residents to immediately report illegal logging activities.

View from the top. Aerial inspection show the calamity area and relief distribution in Ilocos Norte after Typhoon ‘Ineng’. Photo by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO

ROAD RAGE

[ EDI TORI A L ]

NO-WIN SPINS OPTIMISM is a gift. It allows us to see hurdles as challenges and hurdles as temporary inconveniences. It makes us put on a brave face and proceed with the fight. It’s a decision—nay, a predisposition—to see the positive side of any adversity. But there are some cases when optimism is inappropriate and downright insane. This week we were aghast to learn about the Facebook post of administration presidential bet Manuel Roxas II, which read: “Hi, fellow veterans of the Zamboanga siege. Happy anniversary! Just wanted to take a moment and reflect and thank you for your leadership and commitment to welfare of our people and country. Maraming salamat. Being with you all those 21 days has touched me indelibly. Know that our country stands strong and our flag flies high because of you and the men and women like you. We battle on! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” said the original Facebook post. It was soon edited to sound less upbeat and more somber, but by then the post had been copied or shared. Roxas, after all, was not commemorating an occasion that must be celebrated. He was referring to the Zamboanga siege two years ago where the weeks-long clash between government soldiers and the Moro National Liberation Front resulted in the death of dozens and the displacement of thousands. The statement is just one example of this administration’s many attempts to spin a negative event into a positive one. We are not strangers to the grandiose claims of the President that the non-fatal traffic situation in Metro Manila is a sign of economic progress. More people have been able to increase their purchasing power, he said, such that they are now able to buy cars for themselves. A similar argument has been put forth in an attempt to explain the worsening experience of train commuters. Going by that logic, life is getting better for more Filipinos. Rejoice! Except, of course, the only ones who feel the difference are those who have been rich to begin with. Putting a positive spin into issues that require remorse or at the very least an acknowledgment of failure points to arrogance. Since June 2010, all we have heard from administration officials is how well they have been doing their jobs and how extraordinarily motivated their critics have been to bring them down. This arrogance is better, or worse, than the inability to see things for what they are. When you have leaders who are blissfully oblivious of the emotions and the responses that should come with certain events, then you may just be doomed. But look at the bright side: We only have a few more months of this nonsense before we get the chance to decide again, and we hope, decide better.

‘HAPPY ANNIVERSARY’ BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO IT WAS a gaffe anyone could have made. But when presidential candidate Mar Roxas sent a “happy anniversary” message to the people of Zamboanga to mark the September 2013 bloody siege by Moro National Liberation Front rebels, he can only draw flak for the blooper. More than 200 civilians died and hundreds of homes were

razed during three weeks of heavy fighting between government troops and Nur-Misuari’s MNLF forces who attempted to take over Zamboanga City. It was certainly not a happy occasion for the people of Zamboanga. The message posted on Roxas’ Facebook site was quickly corrected but as with anything posted on social media, it was too late and the damage was done. It’s like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted. Add this to Mar’s mindless “you have to remember the President is an Aquino and you’re

a Romualdez” remark to Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez during relief operation for typhoon Yolanda victims, and you will have to ask whether you want this man to lead the country. Recalling the Roxas remark to Romualdez also brings to mind President Aquino’s callous “O, eh buhay ka pa naman” admonition to a Yolanda survivor who complained about the slow pace of rescue and relief operation. The man eventually died a few months ago. It is not known whether he died from natural causes or due to

Roxas drew flak for this blooper.

the public rebuke he got from Aquino. This administration’s insensitivity to the people’s suffering was also shown by Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya’s reaction to Metro Manila’s traffic problem when he said “hindi naman nakakamatay ang traffic” [traffic is not fatal]. Someone wrote to ask “what if Abaya was being rushed to a hospital and the ambulance got caught in traffic?” Stressed by the flak he received on social media, Abaya later on apologized for the remark. Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, in a case of poetic justice, experienced being caught in traffic and was an

hour late for a TV interview. He should have gotten off his vehicle and directed traffic himself like he did in a cheap publicity stunt to advance his senatorial campaign. We do not relish seeing public officials spouting such stupid statements, but they themselves provide the wellspring of these quotable lines. It is said the rich are born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouth, but in the case of Aquino, Roxas and Abaya, it must have been a foot instead. Then there is also Davao Mayor Ro-

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-

drigo Duterte who, when asked if it’s true he executed 1,000 criminals, replied:“ Only 1,000? Ang cheap naman!” Since Duterte said he’s not running for president anymore, the next administration should appoint him director of the Bureau of Corrections to put in place a de facto death penalty. That should put the fear of God in the hearts of hardened criminals. Has the 2016 presidential race narrowed down to Roxas Jejomar Binay, and Grace Poe ? If so, then voters’ choice has also narrowed down and left

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them with little or no choice at all. The deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy is on Oct. 16. We might yet see a wild card with Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joining the race. The senator has been in the news lately with his handling of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Combining the Solid North bloc and vote-rich Mindanao where Bongbong Marcos gained supporters for including all the stakeholders in the proposed BBL , he could give Poe, Binay and Roxas a run for their money. Continued on A11

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ROAD rage is no longer just about hotheaded people pulling a trigger with little provocation. It is also about people cursing, cussing and swearing because of horrendous traffic jams. This administration should know by now that Metro Manila residents are angry because of traffic. This week, social media exploded with furious posts of people who were paralyzed for many hours because of monstrous traffic jams on main thoroughfares. A friend posted expletives because her young kids suffered six hours on the road to go home from school, and the following day was another school day. Tired and hungry, many also wet because of the rains, thousands, after hours of waiting for a ride, resorted to walking to reach their homes. Those with vehicles had no other option but to endure being caught in the gridlock. People got home past midnight and most had to be back at their work stations by eight or nine the following morning. To do this, they needed to be up very, very early because they again had to brave morning traffic. Edsa became the world’s biggest parking lot. Tough luck that there were no representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records to monitor the event. As it is, the Philippines now holds the “honor” of being the country with the fifth worst traffic in the world. This week’s experience was not a fluke. This kind of horrendous traffic has become our daily struggle. And Metro Manilans have the right to be angry. If no significant change happens (and I doubt that there would be) this anger can even escalate and traffic would be on top of people’s minds as they vote in 2016. Definitely, traffic has become an electoral issue. To be fair, this administration did not create the problem. We have had bad traffic during past administrations. We also complained. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad was recently quoted to have said that there are no quick fixes to traffic problems. I agree. However, the present batch of public officials, including Abad, have had more than five years to make sure that at least, the problem does not get worse. Five years is not a short time. Obviously, they failed. Traffic has never been this bad. As if to add insult to injury, we hear of band-aid solutions being proposed by this administration. The President himself said that an odd-even scheme may be considered wherein vehicles will only have designated days when they will be 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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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO

ROAD RAGE

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Roxas drew flak for this blooper.

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Ma. Isabel “Gina” P. Verzosa Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

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A10

OPINION

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TOLENTINO, COLOMA AND GAZMIN SHOULD RESIGN NOW HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA IF METRO Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino has any self-respect left, he should resign from his post immediately. Tolentino is unfit for the job, as seen in his inability to manage the traffic problem in Metropolitan Manila since he assumed office in June 2010. That inability is magnified by Tolentino’s refusal to enforce fundamental traffic rules like keeping slow vehicles off the fast lanes of major roadways in the metropolis, Edsa and Commonwealth Avenue in particular. His incompetence is aggravated by his refusal to retain MMDA traffic enforcers on the roads during the late hours, as if roadway traffic automatically eases up the moment suppertime begins. As everybody has observed, Tolentino is occupied with his unannounced campaign for a seat in the Senate in the coming May 2016 elections. One can readily see that his alleged “projects” for the MMDA are designed to promote his image to the voting public nationwide. Last Christmas, Tolentino required all cinema houses in Metropolitan Manila to exhibit, before each film screening and for the entire duration of the Metropolitan Manila Film Festival, a long and winding film clip about his role in the MMDA. Earlier this year, Tolentino created “motorcycle lanes” along Edsa and Commonwealth Avenue. When this “project” was launched, Tolentino was featured in the news media. When the publicity ended, Tolentino lost interest in the motorcycle lanes. Motorcyclists kept to the “motorcycle lanes” when the regulation was new. Today, the motorcyclists using those roads ignore the regulation, and Tolentino couldn’t care less. When scientists announced that Metropolitan Manila may be in for a big earthquake any time

in the near future, Tolentino took advantage of everybody’s anxiety and held earthquake drills all over the metropolis. As he had expected, the news media covered those drills. So far, Tolentino has not given any satisfactory explanation how and why P20 million worth of traffic lights meant for Metropolitan Manila ended up in Legazpi City in far away Bicol. That anomaly has all the indications of technical malversation penalized under the Revised Penal Code. Instead of attending to his duties as MMDA chairman, Tolentino has been visiting major cities like Cebu to promote his image. What a public official like Tolentino, who is assigned to Metropolitan Manila, is doing in the Visayas is unclear. What

Public interest demands that they quit.

is clear is that since the national election is just a few months away, those sorties to the provinces are part of Tolentino’s pre-mature campaigning. That explains why the traffic jams in the metropolis are horrid. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma defended Tolentino’s provincial sorties. Coloma said that traveling to the provinces, speaking before crowds, and distributing multi-million peso traffic lights all fall within the functions of Tolentino. He added that Tolentino’s sorties to the provinces are meant to share his knowledge and experiences in disaster preparedness as the head of the National Capital Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Does Coloma understand what he said? As its

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

ENSURING OUR FOOD SECURITY

THE US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast the occurrence of “one of the strongest El Niño in recorded history,” with one expert saying that it “has the potential of being the Godzilla El Niño”. The Philippine weather agency predicts the El Niño will set in in the country with moderate to strong intensity in the last quarter of 2015 up to the first quarter of 2016. Ordinarily, El Niño happens every two to seven years in varying intensity, and the waters of the eastern Pacific rises up to 4 degrees Celsius higher than usual. The scorching heat that we are now experiencing and the below normal rainfall in many parts of the country may now be due to the onset of the El Niño. Needless to say, El Niño will cause water and electricity stress that can trigger shortage in food supply due to its effects in the agriculture sector. In the last El Niño episode that hit the country in 1998, Philippine agriculture output contracted by 6.4 percent. With the onslaught of errant climatic phenomena such as El Niño and global warming, mitigating measures must be put in place early to cushion its adverse effects. A comprehensive mitigation system, including building of adequate infrastructure and rational policies, is criti-

cal for food security. National Food Authority is one of the important policy instrumentalities of the government that plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and achieving stability of food supply and prices of staple grain-rice and corn. In particular, the NFA is in charged with the regulation in the supply of rice, a strategic agricultural commodity, produced by a large chunk of the labor population and occupies a major portion of the Filipino food basket. To ensure the stability of rice supply, the NFA is also charged with its procurement, mainly through importation. To date, the Philippines is already one of the world’s biggest rice importers. With the onset of El Niño, importation mainly from Vietnam and Thailand will likely increase. This year alone the NFA has already purchased 750,000 tonnes from its two Southeast Asian neighbors. Despite the enormous efforts by the agency to make good on its mandate, the NFA has taken its share of controversies in the past. Previously, it has been accused of anomalous dealings and diversion of NFA rice importations. Under the administration of previous NFA Administrator Orlan Agbin Calayag, opponents accused the NFA of overpriced importation,

bribery and of “coddling” rice smugglers. On May 5, 2014, organizational restructuring ordered by President Aquino reassigned the National Food Authority and three (3) other agencies to the Office of the President, with former Senator Francis Pangilinan given oversight responsibilities for the four agencies in the newly created post of Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization. NFA Administrator Orlan Calayag and the heads of the other agencies tendered their courtesy resignation to allow Secretary Pangilinan to appoint his own preferred candidates to head the agencies. On Nov. 13, 2014 Renan Dalisay took the helm as head of NFA to assume the after an unfortunate controversy involving his predecessor Arthur Juan. Juan was accused of extortion in his first days in office, accusations clearly without basis but nonetheless damaging. Before his stint with the NFA, Administrator Dalisay occupied various responsible positions in the public and private sector as president of Freedom Development Ventures Inc, program officer of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, special assistant with the Office of Senator Francis Pangilinan and special assistant with the Office of the

pompous title indicates, the NCRDRRMC is based in the National Capital Region, otherwise known as Metropolitan Manila. Why should a public official who is assigned to the NCR travel on official time to the provinces and in the process neglect his duties in Metropolitan Manila where he is supposed to work in the first place? What does Coloma take the public for – fools? A presidential spokesman who tries to hoodwink the people does not deserve to remain in office. The nationwide job Coloma attributed to Tolentino belongs to Voltaire Gazmin, the Secretary of National Defense, and not to Tolentino. Under the law, the job of national defense is not limited to protecting the country from external threats. That job includes seeing to it that the people are prepared

for any national disaster. Speaking of Gazmin, he also has a lot of explaining to do. First, his department bought defective, overpriced helicopters. Just recently, his department purchased defective, overpriced rifles. Although Gazmin appears unfit for the defense portfolio, assigning his work to Tolentino is not the solution. At any rate, Coloma’s specious explanation only confirms that President Benigno Aquino III needs to deodorize Tolentino for the coming senatorial elections. Weeks ago, a Catholic bishop who was exasperated with the traffic mess in the metropolis got out of his vehicle, directed traffic, and found himself in the news. Soon after that, Tolentino tried to imitate the bishop and strategically stationed himself at a major intersection in the

metropolis, also to direct traffic. The news media covered his gimmick, but instead of reaping public praise, Tolentino ended up with public scorn and revulsion. Ever since Tolentino directed his attention to his forthcoming campaign, the traffic mess along Edsa became absolutely unbearable. The problem was so bad that President Aquino ordered policemen of the Highway Patrol Group to manage the traffic along this historic avenue. In effect, that directive kicked out the MMDA from Edsa. So far, any improvement in the traffic situation has been anywhere from dismal to minimal under the HPG. Anyway, whether or not the HPG can do a better job attending to the traffic mess at Edsa than the MMDA can

Presidential Assistant On Food Security and Agriculture Modernization. On the appointment of the new NFA chief, Kiko Pangilinan OPAFSAM chief, had this to say: “I trust Renan Dalisay to serve with integrity and skill as he did for 12 years in the Senate. What we need in NFA is somebody who can make things happen and implement the clear directions, policies and reform agenda that the NFA Council and OPAFSAM (Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization) have set,” Dalisay’s wealth of experience is always a plus factor which makes him not only qualified to head NFA but to face the multifarious challenges the agency encounters as it performs its everyday responsibilities. Personally and professionally, I know and have worked with Administrator Dalisay as well and can echo how Secretary Pangilinan has described his long-time colleague, to which I will add the adjectives “honest, credible and trustworthy” to the good things that has been said of this official. Continued on A11

BACK BENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN Mr. Kapunan’s column will resume next week. is immaterial at this time. Since the HPG has been on this new assignment for only a week, it may be too early to make an accurate performance rating of the group. What matters is that the replacement of the MMDA at Edsa by the HPG is an obvious indictment of Tolentino himself. It’s the handwriting on the wall for Tolentino to see, and it says that Tolentino should resign from the MMDA immediately—now, not in October 2015 when candidates for elective office must announce their political plans to the public. Coloma and Gazmin should follow suit and tender their resignations, too. The public interest demands it. (Next week: The alleged 10-day rule is not applicable to Grace Poe’s SET case.)

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A11

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

REFUGEE QUOTA IS JUST A FIRST STEP Nonetheless, simply instructing reluctant THE European Com- countries to go along is mission has put for- unwise. ward a plan for dealing Immigration is a powith the Syrian refugee litically sensitive issue crisis, and ministers in any democracy. If will meet on Monday to countries such as Podiscuss it. The proposal land and Slovakia are is mostly good, but it forced to take in refuneeds to be tweaked. gees because they were More importantly, it outvoted, Juncker will should be seen as just a be storing up trouble first step. for an EU that’s already Commission Presi- testing its citizens’ comdent Jean-Claude mitment. Juncker has suggested Better if governments a compulsory distribu- are persuaded, not told, tion of 160,000 refugees to do their full part. among most of the Eu- Better, too, if they perropean Union’s member suade their voters in states. These quotas are turn—by pointing out necessary, but mak- that basic decency is ing them mandatory is also good, hardheada mistake. Thanks to ed policy. Immigrants the sympathy aroused make the countries that by reports of the refu- receive them better gees’ plight—including off. As the chart below the harrowing photo- shows, some of the Eastgraph of drowned Syr- ern European countries ian toddler Aylan Kurdi most opposed to tak—Juncker may now get ing in refugees face a the votes he needs for demographic crunch the plan to be adopted. owing to low birthrates

Bloomberg editorial

Road.. From A9 allowed on the road. There is also this proposal to ban private vehicles with less than four people during rush hours. The main objective of these proposals is to drastically decrease the number of vehicles on the road. I understand why government is coming out with these “solutions.” Given the shortness of time, a little over half a year, before the next elections, they need to implement measures that will be immediately felt by the people. Government knows that it does not have the time anymore for real solutions but if it does not do anything that will yield results, people will be more furious and Mar Roxas, as this administration’s bet, will surely suffer the consequences in the 2016 elections. Government does not or refuses to understand that nobody in his or her right mind

Ensuring.. From A10 At present, the NFA is at the forefront in the preparations for a possible worst-case scenario in rice production due to the looming El Niño, which could mean a prolonged drought ahead. “We need to prepare our supply early so we will not play catch up,” NFA chief Renan Dalisay said. As a countermeasure. the NFA Council, through the recommendation of the Interagency

and net emigration. As Germany seems to have understood, Syria’s often well-educated refugees will be good for the economy.

However, Juncker’s plan, useful as it may be, doesn’t address the core of the problem— the reasons why refugees come to Europe in the first place. Several further steps are needed. First, the EU needs a resettlement program. Instead of waiting for refugees to force their way onto EU soil to claim asylum, this

would allow them to apply from EU consulates in the Middle East, moving safely and legally to Europe as they are accepted. The Unit-

Third, EU leaders should devise a program of their own to promote longer-term development in those neighboring states—to expand their housing, school and health systems to create a future for refugees unlikely to go home anytime soon. Without those improvements, more Syrians will see no choice but to head for Europe. Fourth, EU leaders should do what they can to help end the war in Syria. That may be little ed Nations already has —the solution isn’t in such a system; it just their hands—but they needs to be used. can be more active in Second, the EU should set aid targets to support the work of the United Nations in assisting the vast majority of the four million Syrian refugees, who are in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. As the chart below shows, many Europeans are doing pitifully little to help.

would like to drive a car especially during rush hours if a better alternative is there. Where public transportation system is efficient and reliable, people take the buses or trains rather than bring their cars. This is what happens in countries where such mass transport system exists. Can this still be done before 2016? I do not think so. However, this does not mean that government, if it puts its resources where needed, is helpless. I am no expert but as a regular road user, I know that there are things that it can still do. With its remaining months in office, this administration can focus on fixing the Metro Rail Transit, something it promised to do for sometime now, fast-tracking road repairs in the evenings, and, strictly implementing traffic rules. I believe that having new coaches for the MRT (as men-

tioned by PNoy during his State of the Nation Address) will solve some of the traffic problems on Edsa. This can still be achieved if there is truth to what the President said that new coaches would be arriving soon. MRT can then accommodate more passengers that will reduce road traffic. The dismal condition of our roads contributes much to the traffic since vehicles are not able to travel faster. Road repairs must be fast-tracked in the evenings when vehicle volume is less so as not to complicate matters during busy hours. If this is done, we would have at least some better roads, in a matter of weeks. I have seen this done on the Magallanes flyover in the recent months. The same can be done in other areas. Better traffic discipline is another area that can be focused on. There has been some improvement because

of the recent deployment of the Highway Patrol Group to manage traffic. This should continue. If people know that the law would be strictly enforced, they would follow. There are long-term solutions to traffic that can be advanced. However, this administration no longer has the luxury of time for their implementation. Metro Manila voters, however, must keenly follow what candidates propose to do on this problem and factor this in deciding whether to vote for them or not. Government must exert all efforts to abate road rage due to traffic. That is, if it does not want such rage brought to the voting precincts in 2016 when Metro Manila commuters and motorists can take revenge by not voting for this administration’s candidates.

Food Security Committee (FSC), approved a total of 1.8million MT of rice imports this year. Aside from these critical preparation activities, Administrator Dalisay has been doing the rounds to inspect and monitor the rice supply and other food products around the country. The NFA together with the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies also actively conduct activities to prevent rice smuggling. The NFA as a government

instrumentality seldom occupies the limelight. When it does, it is usually because of controversies. Even the debate on whether we should aim for rice sufficiency is clouded by allegations of corruption, instead of the merits of the policy. Thankfully, this is not the case under Administrator Dalisay who is a no-nonsense leader. The NFA may not be a much ballyhooed agency as others and does its job with the least

fanfare. But one can just imagine if there is no NFA that ensures the continued supply of food products especially rice to the ever burgeoning consuming public. Food security is not only a political issue but even an existential one. And the NFA is a vital cog in the whole food security system. I sleep well at night knowing that this essential agency is in good hands.

bethangsioco@gmail.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on FaceBook

Facebook Page: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

trying to break the diplomatic deadlock that prolongs the conflict. Until now, Europe has been virtually absent on this issue. One last thing: Europe needs to maintain a sense of proportion. In a way, it does not have a refugee crisis. Even if every person who has fled Syria came to Europe tomorrow, they would account for less than 1 percent of the EU’s population. The problem is manageable. So far, Europe’s governments have simply failed to manage it.

Happy.. From A9 The next Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia survey should be interesting We have a Secretary of Agriculture and a Presidential Assistant on Food Security and yet the country is still importing 750,000 metric tons of rice this year and another 500,000 MT next year. The importation is purportedly to prepare for a prolonged El Niño dry spell, the state-run National Food Authority said. The Aquino administration had five years to increase rice productivity but importing the basic commodity must be more profitable for the NFA. With less than 300 days left in the Aquino administration, expect some Cabinet members like Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala , DOTC Secretary Abaya, Budget Secretary Butch Abad to seek refuge in an elective office. Abad might run in his province of Batanes to replace his wife Henedina who is the current representative. Alcala could try to regain his former congressional seat in Quezon, while Abaya, a former Cavite congressman, might go back to reclaim his House seat. The Senate Electoral Tribunal, meanwhile, held a closed-door hearing yesterday to assess evidence on the citizenship disqualification case against Senator Poe. On Sept. 21, the SET will hear the oral arguments of defeated senatorial candidate Rizalito David and Senator Poe whose presidential bid and even Senate seat hang in the balance if the issue is put to a vote.

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Ateneo tries to keep unbeaten run Cobras capture semis slot

Games today (Semifinals) 12:45 p.m. – Ateneo vs UST 3 p.m. – NU vs FEU

By Mikey Izumi CEBU City—Two-time defending champion Southwestern University Cobras clinched a Final Four berth as they beat the winless USPF Panthers, 81-73, in the 15th CESAFI basketball tournament at the University of San Carlos main campus gym on Thursday. The Cobras started slow, as they led By only four, 19-15, after the first quarter as the Panthers drew six points from seldom-used Lyndon Colina. But the more experienced Cobras asserted their might in the second quarter, with Jan Michael Auditor leading the attack for a 49-35 SWU lead at the end of the half. The Cobras never looked back from there and built their first sizeable lead at 64-44 midway in the third quarter. The Panthers, however, rallied to cut the lead to 14, 66-52, and even used a 9-1 blitz starting the fourth behind Colina, Jawein Ceniza and Karl Langahin to threaten to within six, 67-61. But Auditor, along with reigning MVP Mark Jayven Tallo and Anton Pardo stopped the Panthers’ uprising with timely baskets and defensive plays down the stretch. Auditor led the Cobras with a season-high 22 points and four rebounds, Tallo chipped in with a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists, while Pardo had 16 points. Rookie Fil-Samoan Juju Bautista also had another double-double performance of 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Cobras. Colina and Langahin led USPF with 16 and 14 points respectively, both career-highs, while Ceniza added 10 for the Panthers, who were officially eliminated from Final Four contention.

Takbo Para sa Marikina Watershed. Mayor Del De Guzman encourages everyone to help raise funds for tree-

planting activities at the watershed areas of Rodriguez, San Mateo, Antipolo, and Barras. For every registration worth P600, a runner gets a singlet, belt bag and headband. This year’s run will be held on Sept. 20 (Sunday), 6 a.m. at the Youth Camp of Marikina River Park. It has 3K, 5K and 10K categories. Interested individuals may sign up at registration sites located at the Marikina City Hall (Community Relations Office and Office of the Mayor). They can also register at Takbo para sa Marikina Watershed booths at SM Marikina, SM San Mateo, SM Masinag, CMP Mall, and Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall. Proceeds of this project will go the Marikina Watershed Green Foundation, Inc., which is tasked to manage the reforestation program of the 220 hectares of the 27,000-hectare Marikina Watershed. The advocacy run is organized by the city government of Marikina, in partnership with the Rotary Club of District 3800, which adopted this event as part of its Family Day. It is supported by Armscor, BPSP, PDRF, Coats Manila Bay, Uratex, Smart, Manila Water, San Miguel Beer, Rizal Metro Lions Club, Ortigas & Co., PhilExport, One Meralco Foundation, Marikina Valley Lions Club, Danny Chua of Rotary Club of Marikina West, Security Bank, Cresto, ALC, Radpid City Realty and Development Corporation, PLDT, Roger Py, and BDO.

Malaysia flares as Asia’s problem child KUALA LUMPUR—Hooliganism, match-fixing and humiliation on the field—Malaysia has emerged as Asian football’s problem child, with the country’s most popular sport rapidly becoming a national embarrassment. Unruly fans piled on the disgrace Tuesday, forcing the abandonment of a World Cup qualifying match with Saudi Arabia as smoke-spewing flares flew onto the pitch and around the stands. Sparked by seething anger over a record 10-0 drubbing by UAE the previous week, the outburst crystallised the Malaysian game’s longrunning slide into violence, corruption and chaos.

Malaysian football experts say the core of the problem is declining play blamed on years of wayward football administration and a failure to develop grassroots talent. But it wasn’t always so. Former colonial masters Britain bequeathed a passion for football, and Malaysia’s “Tigers” were once a source of pride. Stars of club and country were feted as heroes during a 1970s and 1980s “golden era” when Malaysia was able to compete with current Asian giants like Japan, South Korea and Australia, though it never won an Asian Cup or qualified for the World Cup. “We stood in the forefront of foot-

ball back then. But today we have become the laughing stock of the region,” said Peter Velappan, secretary-general of the Asian Football Confederation from 1978-2007. Malaysia’s national side has plummeted to 169 in FIFA’s world rankings, one spot higher than its alltime low hit in 2008, and behind tiny East Timor (163) and Bhutan (164). - ‘Slow death’ The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is now reaping decades of failure to build youth-development programmes and the loss of playing fields to the bulldozers of development, said former football officials, coaches, and leading sportswriters. AFP

Age no limit, says Gatlin with an eye on Rio

USA’s Justin Gatlin gives a press conference on the opening day of Brussel’s Diamond League meeting in Brussels. AFP

BRUSSELS—Justin Gatlin will be 34 when the Rio Olympics roll around next year, but the controversial American sprinter insists he has no intention to hang up his spikes. Gatlin, who has served two doping bans and whose unrepentant nature has divided track and field fans, came away from last month’s world championships in Beijing with two silver medals, beaten in both the 100 and 200m by Jamaican rival Usain Bolt. Bolt is sitting out the seasonending Diamond League meet in Brussels on Friday as the long preparation for the Rio Games starts.

In the towering Jamaican’s absence, Gatlin will compete in both the 100 and 200m, hoping to replicate his performances in the Belgian capital last year when he ran the fastest double ever run in one meet. “It’ll be a bigger challenge this year after coming off a double at the world championships, running so much more this year than last year in a smaller time frame, but I’m here and ready to run, so I hope the body will hold,” the 33-year-old said. He insisted that his two silvers had not knocked him psychologically.

“I was more fatigued rather than emotionally up or down,” the Florida-based sprinter said. “I went there, ran good races, great rounds... but I’m happy with the performances and staying healthy and coming away not injured. “I’ve put that (disappointment) behind me. Obviously I wanted to come away with being on top of the podium, but I had to make sure to focus on what’s next and Brussels was next.” Gatlin added: “As a runner and a competitor you can’t dwell on races behind you. When they’re done, they’re done. AFP

TOP seed Ateneo seeks to keep its unbeaten run with a solid crew as it clashes University of Santo Tomas but No. 2 National University faces a tough challenge against Far Eastern University with a depleted roster as the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference Final Four fires off today at The Arena in San Juan City. Dindin SantiagoManabat will not be around for the Lady Bulldogs in their 3 p.m. duel with the Lady Tams to anchor the national team’s campaign in an Asian club tournament in Vietnam, leaving the brunt of scoring to younger sister Jaja Santiago, Myla Pablo, Aiko Urdas, Joy Doromal, skipper Jorelle Singh and veteran setter Rubie de Leon. “Dindin won’t play since she’s with the national team competing in Vietnam. She’ll be away for the duration of the semis, so we need the other players to step up,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb. Manabat has provided NU the experience and spunk not to mention the hits, scoring 92 points, including 71 spikes, from the elims to the quarters, and her absence will create a big hole not only in the Lady Bulldogs’ offense but also in floor and net defense. For one, her counterpart, FEU guest player Jovelyn Gonzaga, will surely have a field day knocking down the hits from both sides with support to come from Honey Royce Tubino along with Bernadette Pons, Jerrili Malabanan, Toni Basas, Angela Negrito and Genevieve Casugod. That should make their side of the semis duel doubly interesting with FEU expected to pounce on Manabat’s absence and ride on the momentum of its fiveset win over UST in their playoff for the No. 3 spot in the semis of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

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Petron opens bid against N Korea PHU LY, Vietnam—After a good rest following a very long travel, Petron buckles down to business as it battles 4.25 Sports Club of North Korea in the opening salvo of the 2015 Asian Club Women’s Championship Saturday at the Ha Nam Competition Hall in this enchanting Vietnamese city. Action starts at 5 p.m. (Manila time) with the Blaze Spikers eager to create a major impact in this prestigious tournament, where nine of Asia’s best club teams compete for the right to represent the continent in the FIVB World Women’s Club Championship next year. The Blaze Spikers, who braved a three-hour flight from Manila to Bangkok, a two-hour flight from Bangkok to Hanoi and another two-hour bus ride from Hanoi to Phu Ly, reported for their 11 a.m. training on Friday, looking fit and ready to face their taller rivals from the northern side of the Korean peninsula. “We haven’t seen them yet, but we’re ready,” said coach George Pascua, arguably one of the country’s brightest young coaches, who steered the Blaze Spikers to the titles of the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix and All-Filipino Conference. Pascua said Brazilian reinforcements in middle spiker Rupia Inck and setter Erica Adachi are both in top shape, while homegrown sensations Aby Marano, Rachel Anne Daquis and Dindin Manabat are also very eager to test their skills against the best spikers in Asia.

Marjolein Buis of the Netherlands returns a shot to Yui Kamiji of Japan in their Women’s Wheelchair Singles Quarterfinals match on Day Eleven of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. AFP

Serena, Federer, Djokovic to star in Fantastic Friday NEW YORK—“Super Saturday” is history at the US Open but rain has created a “Fantastic Friday” at Arthur Ashe Stadium with Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in starring roles. Showers postponed Thursday’s scheduled women’s semi-finals to Friday, US Tennis Association officials moving them ahead of the men’s semi-finals to create a day of high drama on the biggest stage in tennis as Williams chases tennis history, Federer seeks his first Slam title since 2012 and Djokovic seeks his third

Slam of 2015. It comes in the first year since organizers scrapped the old “Super Saturday” schedule of men’s semifinals and women’s final in one day in favor of a regular Grand Slam format, giving players a day off before their semi-final and final, weather permitting. But this year, the last

year the US Open will be played without a retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium, fates have tossed together four matches in a rare Friday spectacle. Top-ranked defending champion Williams will play Italy’s 43-ranked Roberta Vinci in the second women’s semi-final after Romania’s secondranked Simona Halep faces Italian 26th seed Flavia Pennetta. Williams, already holding all four major titles, is chasing the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988 and trying

to match Graf’s Open Era career record of 22 Slam singles titles, two shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record. The 33-year-old American will try to match Chris Evert’s Open Era record by capturing her fourth consecutive US Open singles title and set an Open Era record with her seventh career US Open title. Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic, the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, follows against defending US Open champion Marin Cilic for a berth in

Sunday’s men’s final. Then comes the Broadway big finish for the other final berth when Swiss fifth seed Stan Wawrinka, the reigning French Open champion, meets 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, trying to become, at 34, the oldest US Open men’s champion since Ken Rosewall in 1970. Williams has won all four career meetings against Vinci without dropping a set. She also is 7-0 against Pennetta and 6-1 against Halep in their career rivalries. AFP

Garcia to officiate Taconing title defense By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Rafthon. The bosses of Nice Day Coffee, Paulo Legaspi and Robert Nazal, are shown with Johbitz Samson of Logcom, Apple David of the PBA, Aian Arcilla of Coco Sorbetero, Azkals’ star Misagh Bahadoran and Sean Moreno, Rafthon organizer and son of the City Mayor Oscar Moreno. The Nice Day Coffee team joined the first-ever Rafthon event that promotes the best assets of Cagayan de Oro – rafting and friendship, launched on Aug. 29 during the annual Higalay Festival. With them are GMA artists who graced the Adventure Fun Run (Raft and Run) and Rafthon Challenge (Raft, Bike and Run). The awarding ceremony was held at Centrio Ayala Mall. All participants received medals and certificates, even as players and CDO residents partied in the street of Limketkai after the event.

VETERAN referee Virgilio Garcia has been named referee for the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation light flyweight champion Jonathan Taconing’s title defense against brawler Jomar Fajardo at the “Flash” Elorde Grand Ballroom in Sucat, Paranaque on Sept. 12. The 28-year-old Taconing, who is ranked No. 1 by the World Boxing Council, has a record of 21-2-1 with 18 knockouts and is on the verge of earning a title shot against Mexico’s world champion Pedro Guevara. Taconing, who is managed by Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde, was deprived of winning the world title in a hugely controversial fith-round technical decision against Thailand’s Kompayak Porpramook on May 3, 2012, when South Korean referee Jae Bong Kim called a halt at the end of the round due to a small cut suffered by the Thai champion. Porpramook was saved when the referee halted the action when Taconing had him in trouble in a corner after a flurry of punches.

Karters gear up for intense war THE country’s finest young ace karters take the thrill of racing to the hilt as renewed rivalry and title pursuits become more intense on Sunday in the sixth leg of the 2015 Petron Blaze 100 ROK Karting Super Series at the Clark International Speedway. Eduardo Coseteng Jr. of Eagle Cement and Flynn Jackes of Team Kart Master Drakar-Singapore try to preserve their hold on the top spots in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Petron, Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4, Petron XCS, Petron Ultron, Petron Xtra, Petron Sprint, Magnolia Pure Water and Yokohama the official tyres. Coseteng Jr. needs a crucial win that will fortify his hold on the solo lead in the Mini-ROK XCS, while Jackes guns for the victory that will move him closer to the KF Restricted Blaze 100 crown. Despite holding a total of 287 points, Coseteng Jr. isn’t assured yet of anything as three others are just close behind -- Jarred Kim of Formula-E Racing (232 pts.), Rap Rap Gutierrez (214 pts.) and Jackes (180 pts.). With the vast improvement shown by both Kim and Gutierrez, Coseteng Jr. has to work double time. And with the points doubled for this leg, any crucial lapse from these four top contenders will surely cause a major shakeup in the Mini-ROK XCS standings.

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Gilas 5 battles Kiwis again

Heavy Bombers stay on track for Final 4 slot

By Jeric Lopez

By Peter Atencio

THE Smart Gilas Pilipinas and the Wellington Saints of New Zealand meet again today, with the nationals playing right before their adoring fans in the 2015 Master Game Face MVP Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. A week after after outlasting the Kiwis in a comefrom-behind 92-88 victory in the 37th William Jones Cup in Taipei, the Filipinos take a crack at the Saints at 5 p.m., their second game in a row in the four-team, pocket tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Earlier, Talk ‘N Text clashes with Chinese Taipei in the curtain-raiser at 3 p.m. As of press time, the nationals and the Tropang Texters are going at it in an all-Filipino fight to determine which team gets a head-start in the short tournament serving as Smart Gilas final tune-up tournament before it sees action in the FIBA Asia Championship set Sept. 23. The team with the best record in the three-day tilt will win the championship and a cash prize of $25,000 in this Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas-organized event. The last time they met, the Filipinos leaned on Jayson Castro and Dondon Hontiveros’ late game heroics from the three-point area to turn back the Kiwis. Castro led the nationals with 22, while Hontiveros, who drilled in three treys down the stretch, added 21. They will be again two of the main weapons of national team coach Tab Baldwin, along with the energetic pair of Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva and a frontline led by Asi Taulava, Sonny Thoss and Ranidel De Ocampo.

THE Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers swamped the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 87-64, to remain on track for a spot in the Final Four yesterday in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena. The Heavy Bombers got down to business early and didn’t let up until the final buzzer en route to their seventh win against six losses. John Pontejos had 21

points, Tey Teodoro added 13, while Mark Neil Cruz added 11, all in the first period, where the Bombers stormed to a 25-7 spread, right in the first quarter.

JRU coach Vergel Meneses said his wards wanted this win, especially after the University of Perpetual Help Altas scraped past the San Beda Red Lions, 88-86, late Thursday behind Bright Akhuetie late heroics. The win pushed the Altas to a share of third spot with the Arellano University Chiefs at 9-4, while dropping the Red Lions to second place at 10-3 behind the Letran Knights. “‘Yung result ng ibang game, hindi kami natutulungan. Sabi ko sa kanila, may chance pa tayo. Hu-

wag lang tayong umasa sa result ng ibang game,” said Meneses. Pontejos struck hard in the third, making 11 of his game-high 21 points to lead JRU to a 68-48 spread. The Mapua Cardinals, meanwhile, survived the Lyceum Pirates’ repeated rallies down the stretch to fashion out a 70-66 win and hike their record to 8-5. Coach Atoy Co, who was thrown out in the last five minutes for protesting a referee’s call on Allwell Oraeme after

Games Tuesday (San Juan Arena) 10 a.m. • LSGH vs JRU(jrs) 12 nn • Letran vs Mapua (jrs) 2 p.m. • CSB vs JRU (srs) 4 p.m. • Letran vs Mapua (srs)

he fouled Jean Ngugjol, watched the action in the last five minutes inside the press room. Justine Serrano had 15 points to lead the Cardinals. In the juniors’ division, Sherwin Concepcion had 33 points as the the Mapua Red Robins crushed the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 85-63, to improve to second place at 12-1.

Ateneo, NU try to rebound Games today (Mall of Asia Arena) 2 p.m. • AdU vs ADMU (Men) 4 p.m. • UE vs NU (Men)

Strong start drives Lascuña past Gialon. Tony Lascuña, shown here reading the line of his putt on No. 8, used a solid start to unnerve Zanieboy Gialon and overcome a four-stroke deficit, then steadied at the back to wrest back a two-stroke lead with a three-under 69 in the third round of the ICTSI Open Championship at Wack Wack’s East. Lascuña, who led in the opener of the P3.5 million event with a 71 but bogeyed the final hole on No. 9 for a 72 at the completion of the weather-suspended second round play early yesterday, birdied Nos. 2 and 3 to erase what had appeared to be a big four-shot lead set by Gialon behind a 67 Thursday, then birdied No. 15 to finish with a 69 and a 54-hole aggregate of four-under 212.

Fajardo, Abueva to be honored by pro league scribes SAN Miguel Beer big man June Mar Fajardo and Alaska’s flamboyant forward Calvin Abueva, two of the brightest stars to come out of the 2012 draft class, share center stage when the Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps pays tribute to the league’s top athletes in its annual Awards Night next week at the Century Park Hotel. Only in his third season as a pro, the 6’10” Fajardo has emerged as a formidable frontcourt force, making him the hands-down choice for the Gerry’s Grill-Defensive Player of the Year award during the Sept. 16 celebration.

The former University of Cebu star went on to finish the season with a career-high 17.4 points, to go along with league-best numbers of 12.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. More importantly, the pride of Pinamungahan, Cebu served as the force behind San Miguel’s championship conquests after ruling last season’s Philippine Cup and Governors Cup, respectively. His overpowering performance all season long culminated with a second straight MVP trophy. On the other hand, Abueva, the 2013 Rookie of the Year, was named Mr. Quality Minutes

for providing the much-needed spark for Alaska, which finished the 40th season with a pair of runner-up finishes in the allFilipino conference and Governors Cup. In 57 games last season, the ‘Beast’ averaged a new careermark of 12.8 points, along with 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in just under 23 minutes of action, mostly off the bench. Highlighting the annual event is the presentation of the Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan Coach of the Year award, named after the legendary Crispa Redmanizers mentor dubbed as ‘The Maestro.’ Other major awards to be

handed out are the Danny Floro Executive of the Year award, a tribute to the late team manager of the legendary Crispa franchise, along with the William ‘Bogs’ Adornado Comeback Player of the Year award held in honor of the former three-time league MVP. PBA Press Corps president Barry Pascua of Bandera expects the league’s top honchos led by new president and Chief Executive Officer Chito Salud and commissioner Chito Narvasa, along with incoming chairman Robert Non and members of the board to join the two-hour long celebration.

DEFENDING champion National University and Ateneo will both try to pick up the pieces after losing their opening matches when they take on separate opponents at the resumption of 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The NU Bulldogs, who dropped a close 63-67 decision to the La Salle Green Archers, take on the University of the East Warriors at 4 p.m., while the Blue Eagles, who lost miserably, 64-88, to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, clash with the Adamson Falcons earlier at 2 p.m. In the loss against the Green Archers, the Bulldogs’ lategame rally fizzled out when big man Alfred Aroga fouled out, which is something that coach Eric Altamirano said they need to address. Aroga fouled out with 1:03 left in the game, leaving the Bulldogs without a big man to battle the La Salle biggies. “Everytime he’s on the bench, that’s when the lead ballooned. So that’s one thing we have to address,” Altamiano said. NU will also need steady performances from the returnig Jeoff Javillonar and rookie Reggie Morido, who had taken over the spots left by recent graduates Troy Rosario and Glenn Khobuntin. The Warriors, meanwhile, will meet the Bulldogs for the first time since their painful 49-51 loss in a playoff for the final semifinal berth last year. UE is coming off a loss to surprise solo leader University of the Philippines, 55-62, on opening day. Peter Atencio

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WBC to discuss Mayweather controversy By Ronnie Nathanielsz WORLD Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman, who will be in Las Vegas over the weekend for undefeated Floyd Mayweather’s title defense against Andre Berto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, said they will discuss the American fighter’s recent doping controversy. In an overseas telephone con-

versation with The Standard/ boxingmirror.com, Sulaiman said he believes “it would not be appropriate to give an opinion without having the full facts. I would like to have complete understanding of the situation. I think to come out at this time just before the (Berto) fight it might be more negative than positive to find out something .” He added: “Nobody has con-

tacted the WBC about this. We conduct after the fight protocol of anti doing testing but the test they are taking (random drug tests) are out of competition.” Mayweather in a statement issued yesterday said: “As already confirmed by the USADA Statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines. I follow and have always followed the

rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing. Let’s not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before. I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause.”

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Doping claims overshadow Floyd’s ‘finale’ LAS VEGAS—Floyd Mayweather steps into the ring Saturday for what he says will be the last time, but the final defense of his welterweight world titles has been overshadowed by accusations he violated antidoping rules.

EuroBasket. France’s Tony Parker (left) vies with Israel’s Yogev Ohayon during the Group A qualiﬁcation basketball match between Israel and France at the EuroBasket 2015 in Montpellier. AFP

Real Madrid to hold rolling football clinics THE Foundation of the top football club Real Madrid will conduct ”rolling” football clinics in all 16 regions of the Philippines under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Real Madrid Foundation and the PinoySports Foundation to be signed in a ceremony in Madrid, Spain on Sept. 17. At the signing ceremony, the Real Madrid Foundation will be repre-

INSIDE SPORTS RONNIE NATHANIELSZ

A MAJOR controversy surrounding undefeated pound-forpound No.1 Floyd Mayweather Jr. has emerged just as he prepares to face Andre Berto in a title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday (Manila time), hoping to win and equal the 49-0 record of heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano. The expose of Thomas Hauser, the multi-titled author, who was bestowed the prestigious Nat Fleischer Award by the Boxing Writers Association of America for excellence in boxing journalism in 2005, on what transpired on the eve of Mayweather’s record-breaking megafight with eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao on May 2, has raised serious questions of whether Floyd broke the rules of the World Anti Doping Agency, when he was administered what was claimed to be an intravenous injection of saline and vitamins in a procedure that was banned under World AntiDoping Agency guidelines. What is worse was that three weeks after the fight, Mayweather

sented by Foundation VP Enrique Sánchez, and Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations and former football star Emilio Butragueño. Former Senate & UP President Edgardo J. Angara is signing for the PinoySports Foundation as its Chair and Kevin L. Tan, Executive Director of Alliance Global Inc. as Trustee. The ceremony will be attended by Philippine Ambassador to Spain

Carlos Salinas and Mariano Araneta, President of the Philippine Football Federation. “Clinics by Real Madrid Foundation coaches will introduce the world’s most popular sport to more Filipino youth and widen their football participation in the beautiful sport,” said Angara, who initiated the talks with the famous football club and its Foundation.

The unbeaten pound-for-pound king was forced onto the backfoot Thursday after it emerged that he had received an injection of vitamins and minerals on the eve of his superfight with Manny Pacquiao in May, breaking World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) leapt to Mayweather’s defense and the man himself said he was “very proud to be a clean athlete.” It is hardly the buildup the American would have wanted for his showdown in Las Vegas against the unheralded Andre Berto, with Mayweather going for the magic 49-0 -- equaling the record of heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano. Mayweather, 38, the self-styled “TBE” (“The Best Ever”) is the heavy favorite for the bout at the MGM Grand -- Berto has lost three of his last six fights. Mayweather says that he wants to write his name in the history books before he hangs up his gloves -- not that many believe he will really retire and there have been growing rumors of a rematch against Pacquiao. Mayweather’s critics -- and there are plenty of them -- accuse the American of bigging up the quit

talk to drum up interest in a fight against Berto that has threatened to become a box-office flop: there were still hundreds of tickets available on Thursday. The claims of doping will only give Mayweather’s critics more ammunition. Mayweather, the highest-earning sportsman in the world, insists this is it and told reporters in the build-up to the weekend showdown that he would be going for a knockout win -- something he has not done since 2011. “You have fighters that may be faster than me, there are fighters that may hit harder than me, you have fighters who are very athletic, but you don’t have a fighter who can make adjustments like me,” he told the final pre-fight press conference. “It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. Everyone fights for what they fight for. My thing is this: I keep my eyes on the prize. I don’t focus on things outside the ring. I focus on the guy in front of me.” He added: “I want my legacy to be of a remarkable fighter inside the ring and a great businessman outside of it.” Virgil Hunter, Berto’s respected coach, talked of “personal stuff” between the two fighters. AFP

Pacman-Floyd should have been a no contest received an exemption from the United States Anti-Doping Agency, which was questioned by Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett, who made it explicitly clear that USADA does not have authorization to grant an exemption and that only the NSAC, which was not notified of the exemption until after it was given, can give an athlete an exemption. While the substances used in the IV are not banned by WADA, the fact that they were administered intravenously is not allowed. Besides, as multiawarded Australian promoter Peter Maniatis pointed out, such procedures are mandated to be carried out in a medical facility and not in a fighter’s home as in the case of Mayweather. Immediately, several questions come to mind. Who is to know what the actual substances given Mayweather were? Was the substance tested to find out? While we are not claiming it was something else, the fact remains that it could have been a masking agent that covers up any illegal drugs taken by Mayweather or administered to him. Turns out USADA medical personnel, who went to May-

weather’s house to conduct random drug tests and since the visit was unannounced, apparently stumbled on the fact that Floyd was administered UV injections. According to Hauser, whose credentials and integrity are impeccable, Mayweather’s medical team told the collection agents that the IV—which reportedly included a 250-milliliter mixture of saline and multivitamins and a 500-milliliter mixture of saline and Vitamin C—was being given to Mayweather for rehydration purposes following the weigh-in. Significantly, under WADA protocol, intravenous infusions or injections of more than 50 milliliters per six hours “except surgical procedures, or clinical investigations” are not allowed unless for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions. For the record, WADA bans such injections and infusions because they can be used to “dilute or mask the presence of another substance.” We wonder why USADA, which is headed by Tyrone Tygart, a close friend of Mayweather, did not notify the Nevada commission about the IV

until May 21, when it wrote to NSAC officials and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum stating that Mayweather had been given a retroactive therapeutic-use exemption, which was allowed in the contract the fighters signed to cover the drug-testing protocol for the bout. However, we found out that when Top Rank asked for more information about it, they learned Mayweather had not applied for the exemption until May 19 and in an inordinate hurry, the NSAC granted the exemption the very next day which again raises serious questions about the integrity of the Commission, which, in our mind, has always been suspect. The felony was compounded by the fact that while Floyd was mysteriously given an exemption three weeks after the fight, Pacquiao was denied a request to be injected with the legal painkiller “ Toradol” some hours before the fight to ease the pain in his injured rotator cuff, which he had surgery on after the bout. The commission declined Pacquiao’s request because it was not made in a timely manner, and he had not previously disclosed the injury.

Yet, this same commission granted Mayweather’s request for a retroactive therapeutic-use exemption it was granted within 24 hours in another display of utter bias in favor of Mayweather, who, from the outset, controlled all that went on in the “Fight of the Century.” NSAC executive director Bennett said that everything that surrounded the IV procedure was totally unacceptable and that he had made it clear to USADA CEO Travis Tygart that this should not happen again and that he was less than pleased. Hardly the action you would expect from a fair and impartial body that supervises boxing in Las Vegas. The most prudent course of action would have been to declare the bout a “no contest,” because of the serious infractions committed by Mayweather. But obviously, the NSAC hasn’t the guts to take such decisive action against “Money” Mayweather, with the accent on “Money!” It is also worth noting that when the normal maximum fee paid to USADA for random drug tests in a title fight was in the vicinity of a maximum of $30,000, Mayweather paid USADA

$150,000. What the hell for? The conclusion may well be that it was some form of bribe so the agency would play along with Floyd’s illegal actions. Mayweather’s statement that he did not violate USADA and NSAC rules is a barefaced lie because he did. It’s a classic case of obfuscation, which is defined as “the obscuring of intended meaning in communication, making the message confusing, willfully ambiguous or harder to understand,” such as Floyd’s statement that he was responsible for advocating random drug testing which, as expert Victor Conte points out, is meaningless if done some weeks before a fight. Bob Arum was incensed over what happened but pointed out that legally, there was nothing he could do to seek redress. He can’t, but the media worldwide and fight fans who now appear to have been cheated twice over have a duty to exert unrelenting pressure and netizens can use the social media to demand not just an explanation, but concrete and acceptable action from the NSAC and USADA and even the World Boxing Council. Anything less should be totally unacceptable.

A16 Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao delivers a speech during the inauguration of a low-cost housing village owned and named after him in Glan town, Sarangani province. Pacquiao declared he was vindicated over previous drugs allegations from Floyd Mayweather after his American rival was accused of violating anti-doping rules before their mega-ﬁght. AFP

S AT U R D AY : S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

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

Pacquiao wants Floyd punished, eyes rematch GENERAL SANTOS—Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao called for punishment and a rematch on Friday after his fierce rival Floyd Mayweather was accused of violating anti-doping rules in the build-up to their mega-fight in May. The eight-division world champion, who lost a unanimous decision to Mayweather in Las Vegas, urged Nevada sports officials to “impose the appropriate sanction” on the unbeaten American. Mayweather and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) have both insisted the boxer’s actions were legal after it emerged he was injected with vitamins and

minerals before the fight. But Pacquiao questioned why USADA only informed the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) about the infusion three weeks after the bout, by which time Mayweather had already received a USADA exemption. “Are they hiding something? For the sake of fairness and for the good of the sport, NSAC must be consistent,” he told re-

porters at his home in the southern Philippines. “If needed, the NSAC should impose the appropriate sanction to sustain its credibility and to show the world they did not give preferential treatment to the Mayweather camp,” he added. A report on the SB Nation sports news website said Mayweather had broken World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations by having an IV infusion at his home in Las Vegas on May 1, the day before the fight. WADA guidelines say IV infusions are prohibited because they can be used to mask performance-enhancing drugs, increase plasma volume levels and distort the val-

ues of an athlete’s biological passport. But a USADA source told AFP that because Mayweather obtained a therapeutic use exemption, no offence had been committed under WADA rules. ‘I want a rematch’ Pacquiao also said he was treated unfairly because the Nevada body refused to let him use a USADAapproved painkiller for the fight, when he was carrying a shoulder injury. “That is why I want a rematch. One without any injury and with fair play. No favouritism. Not one where the Mayweather camp gets to dictate all the terms and conditions,” he said. AFP

SATURDAY: SEPTEMBER 12, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Aboitiz eyes rail, Naia auctions By Darwin G. Amojelar and Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Aboitiz Group is keen to participate in the auction of the P170.7-billion south line of the North-South Railway Project and the redevelopment and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. “PNR looks like it’s being railroaded, but it looks like it could be of interest,” Aboitiz Equity Venture first vice president for business development Roman V. Azanza III, told reporters on the sidelines of the company’s media

party Thursday night. AEV president and chief executive Erramon Aboitiz, meanwhile, said the company’s interest to join the bidding for the NAIA privatization was in line with the company’s recent move to diversify into infrastructure.

“We are very interested in the NAIA when that is privatized,” Aboitiz said. Conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. said it is interested in bidding for the for the redevelopment, operation and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He cited the growth potential of the airport sector amid the rapid economic expansion. “As the economy grows, the tourism also grows because people would want to travel. So we would need airports,” Aboitiz said. Conglomerates San Miguel Cor., Ayala Corp. and Metro Pa-

cific Investments Corp. earlier expressed interest to join the bidding for the Philippine National Railways project. The project will revive the oldest rail system in Southeast Asia, beginning with the Manila-Legazpi section plus additional branch lines spanning 653 kilometers. A two-stage bidding process will be adopted, with the prequalification date targeted in the fourth quarter of 2015. The opening of bids will be held in January 2016 while awarding is expected in March 2016. The winning bidder will operate, maintain and upgrade the south

line for 34 years, including the construction period of four years. Under the project’s terms, the winning bidder will take charge of designing, constructing, financing, operating and maintaining the 56-kilometer commuter rail service for daily riders on the Tutuban, Manila to Calamba, Laguna route, and the 478-kilometer long-haul rail service,= for travelers on the Tutuban, Manila to Legazpi, Albay route. The long-haul service may also have extensions from Calamba, Laguna to Batangas City and from Legazpi, Albay to Matnog, Sorsogon.

PSe comPoSite index Closing September 11, 2015

8000 7700 7400 7100 6800 6500

6,911.38 17.84

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 43.50 44.60 45.40

P46.890

46.20

47.00

HIGH P46.770 LOW P46.900 AVERAGE P46.821 VOLUME 519.600M

P435.00-P640.00 LPG/11-kg tank P36.00-P43.95 Unleaded Gasoline P25.05-P28.40 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

Incentives for rural banks. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. and Land Bank of the Philippines

recently sign an agreement on the Consolidation Program for Rural Banks. The agreement aims to provide incentives to encourage mergers and consolidations among the 512 rural banks operating in the country, enabling them to improve ﬁnance strength, enhance viability, strengthen management and governance and expand market reach. At the signing ceremony are (from left) Bangko Sentral managing director Chuchi Fonacier, Land Bank president and chief executive Gilda Pico, Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., PDIC president Cristina Orbeta and Bangko Sentral Assistant Governor Johnny Noe Ravalo.

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P20.75-P21.75 Auto LPG

GrabCar PH reviews booking and pricing model

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, September 11, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.9260

Japan

Yen

0.008286

0.3888

Pound

1.545000

72.5007

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129032

6.0550

Switzerland

Franc

1.027432

48.2133

Canada

Dollar

0.756029

35.4774

Singapore

Dollar

0.707614

33.2055

Australia

Dollar

0.708316

33.2384

Bahrain

Dinar

2.657666

124.7136

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266716

12.5159

Brunei

Dollar

0.705119

33.0884

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.027670

1.2984

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

12.7770

Euro

1.127400

52.9044

Korea

Won

0.000845

0.0397

China

Yuan

0.156809

7.3584

India

Rupee

0.015044

0.7060

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.230532

10.8179

New Zealand

Dollar

0.630398

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030884

29.5821 1.4493 Source: PDS Bridge

GRABCAR Philippines said Friday it will review its booking and pricing model after several commuters failed to use the transport service amid the heavy downpour Tuesday night. “We would like to apologize to commuters as not everyone was able to get a ride home via our service during the downpour last Tuesday. GrabTaxi has always been committed to providing a better option for public transportation,” GrabCar Philippines head Natasha Dawn Bautista said. Bautista said many GrabTaxi drivers were not able to accept bookings as they were caught in the gridlock because of the heavy rains, like the

rest of Metro Manila residents. “The flooded road conditions also meant that they would have risked passenger safety and their cars breaking down,” she said. Bautista said she would meet with officials of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to discuss in detail the consumer needs and feedback on GrabTaxi and GrabCar. “We will continuously improve our service to provide a safe and reliable service for passengers in Manila,” she said. Bautista said GrabCar planned to release a few app updates to improve the algorithm of matching demand and supply, particularly

during peak hours. “Currently, availability of drivers can be more accurate and we are further developing the app to address that,” she said. She said the company would also enforce stricter process of reprimanding drivers for the improper use of the app and remind them on the high service level expected from them. “We will not hesitate to investigate and deregister errant drivers. We urge passengers to rate our drivers and give proper feedback in our app so that we may be able to take corrective actions, if any,” Bautista said. Bautista said GrabCar would review pricing model and effec-

tiveness of the optional tip feature, while maintaining simplified fixed pricing for GrabCar passengers. “The fixed pricing model was designed so that passengers don’t have to worry about unreasonable fares because of unforeseen circumstances like different route, traffic, or surge in demand,” she said. “In the event that these happen, the tip function allows us to balance out high demand during low supply situations without forcing passengers to pay a surge. There have been varying viewpoints on the value of this feature, and we commit to reviewing it to better suit the market,” Bautista said. Darwin G. Amojelar

SATURDAY: SEPTEMBER 12, 2015

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Friday, September 11, 2015

52 Weeks

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 17 30.45 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 17 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 0.59 59.2 30.05 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 6.5 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510 10.5 1.99 1.75 41.4 5.6 5.59

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.1 2.88 68.6 67.8 96.95 95.60 85.50 83.40 42.7 42 2.45 2.44 15.7 15.7 20.5 20 0.460 0.420 81.1 80.55 0.96 0.93 16.50 14.70 57.15 56.80 93.95 93.5 300.2 298 32.25 32.05 138 134 1450.00 1445.00 53.80 52.00 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp. 43.15 43.55 42.9 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.5 1.41 1.31 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.93 0.94 0.94 1.86 Alsons Cons. 1.63 1.69 1.58 7.92 Asiabest Group 9.3 9.3 9.25 15.32 Century Food 16.98 17.04 16.98 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 26.5 26.5 25.9 29.15 Concepcion 42 41.95 41.6 1.5 Crown Asia 2.58 2.62 2.55 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.28 1.22 1.21 10.72 Del Monte 10.08 10.14 10.04 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 10.860 11.000 10.74 9.04 Emperador 8.04 8.08 8.04 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.25 5.50 5.14 8.86 EEI 7.79 7.96 7.63 8.61 Federal Res. Inv. Group 14.2 14 13.98 20.2 First Gen Corp. 22.45 22.95 21.9 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 65.95 68.5 66 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.80 13.78 13.78 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.64 5.67 5.52 0.395 Ionics Inc 0.740 0.760 0.690 173 Jollibee Foods Corp. 187.10 189.90 183.10 8.65 Lafarge Rep 8.79 9.28 8.79 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 1.61 1.75 1.75 33 Macay Holdings 50.15 47.10 46.90 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 20 20.75 20.15 17.3 Maxs Group 20.8 21 20.3 5.88 Megawide 5.5 5.55 5.5 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co À’ 283.00 287.80 284.40 3.37 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 3.90 3.94 3.90 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.05 4.05 4.03 8.45 Petron Corporation 7.28 7.30 7.15 10.04 Phinma Corporation 11.30 11.40 11.30 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.20 3.20 3.19 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.00 2.03 1.99 1 Pryce Corp. À’ 2.32 2.35 2.29 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.00 4.03 4.00 1.65 Roxas and Co. 2 2.3 2.3 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 145 145 145 1.55 Splash Corporation 1.93 2 1.84 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.133 0.137 0.134 1.02 TKC Steel Corp. 0.90 0.90 0.90 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 1.72 1.72 1.69 192.5 189.5 Universal Robina 190 152 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.6 4.6 4.6 0.640 Vitarich Corp. 0.65 0.65 0.63 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. À’ 0.425 0.430 0.420 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 58.0000 58.1000 56.0500 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 19.88 19.98 19.88 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.235 0.225 0.225 634.5 Ayala Corp À’ 730 743 728 7.390 Cosco Capital 6.74 6.84 6.61 12.8 DMCI Holdings 11.68 12.30 11.60 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp. 4.15 4.13 4.10 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.180 0.193 0.193 837 GT Capital 1255 1265 1242 5.3 House of Inv. 5.95 5.95 5.95 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 67.40 69.00 67.00 3.43 Jolliville Holdings 2.88 3.5 3.49 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp. 6.47 6.54 6.29 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.55 0.56 0.54 12 LT Group 12.5 12.56 12.4 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings À’ 0.54 0.54 0.54 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 4.95 5.04 4.93 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 7.49 7.55 7.4 0.030 Pacifica À’ 0.0350 0.0360 0.0340 0.550 Prime Orion 1.690 1.720 1.690 50.00 48.05 59.3 San Miguel Corp À’ 49.05 1.5 Seafront À’ 2.50 2.15 2.15 751 SM Investments Inc. 845.00 857.00 842.00 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.16 1.16 1.15 0.93 South China Res. Inc. 0.75 0.75 0.75 80 Top Frontier 67.650 67.600 67.550 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.2750 0.2850 0.2750 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.1850 0.1920 0.1850 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.216 0.215 0.210 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.900 6.800 6.740 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.57 0.60 0.55 1.2 Araneta Prop À’ 1.140 1.140 1.130 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 33.65 34.50 33.80 3.36 Belle Corp. À’ 3.04 3.07 3.03 4.96 Cebu Holdings 4.81 4.85 4.85 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 12.02 19.6 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. COL Financial Eastwest Bank MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank

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

SHARES 10,385,885 61,952,805 83,511,818 126,911,387 65,936,522 3,213,281,051 3,563,147,174

2.94 68.3 96.95 84.20 42.5 2.40 15.6 20.15 0.420 80.95 0.93 14.70 57.15 93.5 300 32.2 135 1450.00 52.00

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.89 68.6 96.10 83.50 42.5 2.44 15.7 20.45 0.420 81 0.96 16.50 56.85 93.95 298.2 32.15 136.2 1445.00 53.80

-1.70 0.44 -0.88 -0.83 0.00 1.67 0.64 1.49 0.00 0.06 3.23 12.24 -0.52 0.48 -0.60 -0.16 0.89 -0.34 3.46

80,000 14,950 1,382,250 1,016,860 125,500 11,000 1,800 15,600 2,370,000 1,719,220 103,000 1,268,300 12,360 660 830 128,300 268,590 55 252,500

42.9 1.41 0.94 1.64 9.3 17.04 25.9 41.6 2.61 1.21 10.1 10.760 8.05 5.20 7.63 13.98 21.9 67.2 13.78 5.67 0.740 183.10 9.2 1.75 47.00 20.7 21 5.55 285.40 3.94 4.05 7.15 11.40 3.20 2.03 2.3 4.01 2.3 145 1.99 0.134 0.90 1.71 190 4.6 0.63

-0.58 -6.00 1.08 0.61 0.00 0.35 -2.26 -0.95 1.16 -5.47 0.20 -0.92 0.12 -0.95 -2.05 -1.55 -2.45 1.90 -0.14 0.53 0.00 -2.14 4.66 8.70 -6.28 3.50 0.96 0.91 0.85 1.03 0.00 -1.79 0.88 0.00 1.50 -0.86 0.25 15.00 0.00 3.11 0.75 0.00 -0.58 0.00 0.00 -3.08

752,600 12,000 2,000 74,000 200 9,600 462,100 32,100 909,000 105,000 38,600 3,040,100 239,300 21,444,900 351,100 7,900 1,612,200 205,910 1,000 35,900 16,288,000 158,100 26,300 3,000 12,580 690,300 51,800 10,300 490,820 66,000 105,000 1,781,200 5,000 406,000 217,000 134,000 3,776,000 3,000 40,340 2,990,000 1,140,000 27,000 1,683,000 762,430 46,000 898,000

0.425 57.9500 19.90 0.225 728 6.7 12.16 4.13 0.193 1257 5.95 69.00 3.5 6.4 0.55 12.5 0.54 5.04 7.55 0.0340 1.720 48.05 2.15 842.00 1.15 0.75 67.550 0.2800 0.1850 0.210

0.00 -0.09 0.10 -4.26 -0.27 -0.59 4.11 -0.48 7.22 0.16 0.00 2.37 21.53 -1.08 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.82 0.80 -2.86 1.78 -2.04 -14.00 -0.36 -0.86 0.00 -0.15 1.82 0.00 -2.78

60,000 1,023,450 3,177,300 90,000 114,400 992,800 7,096,200 354,000 10,000 187,370 41,500 1,071,660 7,000 6,627,500 104,000 2,486,100 50,000 22,774,000 1,129,100 22,000,000 1,035,000 183,800 2,000 225,560 222,000 6,000 9,720 1,930,000 980,000 300,000

6.800 0.55 1.140 34.30 3.04 4.85

-1.45 -3.51 0.00 1.93 0.00 0.83

624,300 1,082,000 114,000 4,952,600 4,100,000 1,000

872,190.00 -28,621,382 -25,181,290.50 4,781,250.00 68,795.00 -44,500.00 8,512,366.00 -2,880.00 -19,172,388.00 -310,761.00 192,000.00 410,045 -4,057,049.00 -12,439,475.00 -19,021,650.00

-1,207,030 -65,416.00 -3,519,564.00 45,562.00 -58,056,075.00 -1,563,947.00 -26,249,725.00 -130,880.50 176,820.00 -6,819,623.00 -2,637.00 3,542,815.00 20,350.00 -25,159,078.00 356,400.00 480,513.00 -489,600.00 63,960.00 -49,300.00

1,617,560.00 -14,964,335.00

-8,650,565.00 28,246,330.00 -19,888,155.00 1,808,810.00 18,141,376.00 -125,532,400.00 238,000.00 1,706,802.00 -2,478,482.00 -55,000.00 -4,597,556.00 27,213,990.00 18,065.00 -6,619,590.00 -97,367,565.00 -637,161.00

-2,995,704.00 114,000.00 14,557,370.00 -3,634,580.00

52 Weeks

High Low 1.44 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.470 27 8.54 31.8 2.29 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.79 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 4.13 0.090 0.290 23 2.69 22.15 1.6 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 1 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 6.41 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 4.8 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 0.650 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 3 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

High

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp. Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. 7.59 SSI Group 0.63 STI Holdings 5 Travellers 0.315 Waterfront Phils. 1.14 Yehey

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

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

Abra Mining Atlas Cons. 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’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum

70 8.21 111

33 5.88 101

1047 78.95 84.8 1.34

1011 74.5 75 1

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. GMA Holdings Inc. MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C Swift Pref

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp. IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.65 0.62 0.63 0.103 0.100 0.100 0.420 0.410 0.410 16.6 15.8 16.6 0.760 0.760 0.760 0.170 0.170 0.170 1.04 1.02 1.03 1.73 1.68 1.69 1.44 1.40 1.40 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.36 4.22 4.23 0.082 0.082 0.082 0.2550 0.2500 0.2500 21.00 21.00 21.00 7.65 7.37 7.5 28.90 27.95 28.80 1.58 1.54 1.55 19.70 19.40 19.60 0.71 0.7 0.7 7.7 7.59 7.6 0.660 0.650 0.650 5.200 5.400 5.110 SERVICES 8.48 8.64 8.36 8.5 60.6 61 60.1 60.1 1.06 1.12 1.11 1.12 0.520 0.520 0.510 0.520 11.58 11.7 11.7 11.7 6.59 6.65 6.56 6.60 0.0650 0.0650 0.0610 0.0610 3.75 3.89 3.69 3.72 86.2 87 86.2 87 4.81 5.10 4.81 5.10 950 920 920 920 2520 2532 2502 2520 6.29 6.30 6.10 6.15 1.19 1.15 1.15 1.15 89 89 87.1 87.4 11.42 11.42 11.42 11.42 0.010 0.011 0.010 0.010 0.160 0.159 0.154 0.156 1.4300 1.4500 1.4100 1.4300 8.20 8.27 8.20 8.23 2.56 2.56 2.47 2.56 1.24 1.23 1.23 1.23 2.01 2.13 2.13 2.13 0.550 0.610 0.600 0.600 2 2 1.98 2 5.16 5.2 5 5 0.285 0.300 0.300 0.300 0.420 0.460 0.420 0.440 4.50 4.80 4.48 4.50 18.36 18.48 18.30 18.48 2306.00 2378.00 2310.00 2346.00 0.600 0.600 0.590 0.600 1.100 1.120 1.080 1.110 31.10 32.00 31.20 31.30 66.65 68.70 66.00 67.35 5.16 5.62 5.18 5.61 6.24 6.30 6.20 6.24 0.51 0.51 0.50 0.51 3.78 3.83 3.74 3.75 0.330 0.330 0.330 0.330 2.320 2.400 2.200 2.360 MINING & OIL 0.0056 0.0059 0.0052 0.0058 4.51 4.69 4.54 4.55 0.185 0.190 0.190 0.190 5.5000 5.79 5.78 5.7800 0.74 0.73 0.7 0.73 0.65 0.65 0.62 0.62 5.95 6.00 5.90 5.90 1.11 1.17 1.12 1.14 0.295 0.295 0.280 0.295 0.183 0.184 0.183 0.184 0.202 0.203 0.190 0.203 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 2.05 2.06 2 2.04 7.53 7.75 7.29 7.48 3.07 3.11 2.98 3.03 0.5000 0.6000 0.5100 0.5100 1.2700 1.3300 1.3000 1.3100 0.0084 0.0088 0.0088 0.0088 5.16 5.170 5.080 5.09 1.48 1.480 1.450 1.46 0.0099 0.0110 0.0100 0.0100 133.30 131.60 135.00 132.00 2.56 2.55 2.45 2.5 PREFERRED 59.7 60.2 59.8 60 6 6 6 6 108 108 108 108 1100 1100 1100 1100 1015 1016 1015 1016 80 80 80 80 81 81.25 80.5 80.5 1.82 2 2 2 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.100 3.240 3.100 3.110 SME 4.5 4.17 3.13 3.6 58.75 58 58 58 11.4 11.2 10.88 11.06 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 113 113.6 113.2 113.4

0.00 0.00 -1.20 5.73 -1.30 -1.73 0.98 -0.59 -2.10 0.00 -1.63 2.50 -1.96 0.00 1.76 0.52 -2.52 0.72 0.00 0.13 -1.52 -3.17

1,841,000 100,000 140,000 7,215,400 57,000 20,000 938,000 21,222,000 401,000 1,000 25,840,000 60,000 110,000 200 16,500 1,990,800 146,000 21,935,000 2,000 77,900 152,000 13,944,400

-389,860.00

0.24 -0.83 5.66 0.00 1.04 0.15 -6.15 -0.80 0.93 6.03 -3.16 0.00 -2.23 -3.36 -1.80 0.00 0.00 -2.50 0.00 0.37 0.00 -0.81 5.97 9.09 0.00 -3.10 5.26 4.76 0.00 0.65 1.73 0.00 0.91 0.64 1.05 8.72 0.00 0.00 -0.79 0.00 1.72

142,800 19,770 60,000 170,000 1,100 688,700 14,990,000 292,000 214,620 66,000 1,210 31,325 101,300 50,000 445,050 3,500 4,900,000 1,250,000 184,000 510,500 145,000 5,000 2,000 43,000 30,000 607,200 20,000 780,000 12,000 10,700 85,890 665,000 3,268,000 3,053,100 124,360 21,169,700 360,900 7,404,000 881,000 200,000 1,223,000

3.57 0.89 2.70 5.09 -1.35 -4.62 -0.84 2.70 0.00 0.55 0.50 0.00 -0.49 -0.66 -1.30 2.00 3.15 4.76 -1.36 -1.35 1.01 1.29 -2.34

3,004,000,000 5,000.00 683,000 -91,930.00 10,000 2,000 -11,562.00 230,000 234,000 191,600 127,887,000 134,259,290.00 380,000 -14,250.00 3,890,000 30,000 1,900,000 474,000 -2,000.00 7,252,500 -3,481,287.00 830,000 2,960.00 135,000 583,000 10,000,000 919,000 -300,931.00 234,000 -53,770.00 51,000,000 638,090 -1,495,661.00 258,000 -9,600.00

0.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.00 -0.62 9.89

131,590 1,548,200 47,400 190 2,475 31,630 63,010 1,000

0.32

20,000

-20.00 -1.28 -2.98

468,000 80 695,400

36,340.00

0.35

4,220

3,412.00

1,712,480.00 -143,170.00 -9,945,610.00 36,502,930.00 -25,500.00 66,712.00 17,364,675.00 23,294,200.00 240,076.00 -63,612,037.00 859.00

1,170,884.00 -4,955,695.00 -10,416,100.00 -13,137,456.00 15,600.00 954,320.00

-493,126.00 -44,000.00 13,500.00 -45,866.00 -19,606,960.00 -1,931,175.00 481,112.00 -122,760.00 -3,227,500.00 135,090.00

-2,548,373.50 0.00 -5,119,200.00 81,200.00 -539,685.00

T op L oSerS

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,525.85 (down) 3.57 INDUSTRIAL 10,528.76 (down) 35.33 HOLDING FIRMS 6,419.73 (up) 26.44 PROPERTY 2,826.12 (up) 21.98 SERVICES 1,777.48 (up) 8.82 MINING & OIL 11,124.67 (up) 47.37 PSEI 6,911.38 (up) 17.84 All Shares Index 3,963.65 (up) 9.30 Gainers: 86 Losers: 72; Unchanged: 42; Total: 200

Century Property 0.63 Crown Equities Inc. 0.100 Cyber Bay Corp. 0.415 Double Dragon 15.7 Empire East Land 0.770 Ever Gotesco 0.173 Global-Estate 1.02 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.70 Interport `A’ 1.43 Keppel Properties 4.80 Megaworld 4.3 MRC Allied Ind. 0.080 Phil. Estates Corp. 0.2550 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 21.00 Primex Corp. 7.37 Robinson’s Land `B’ 28.65 Rockwell 1.59 SM Prime Holdings 19.46 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.7 Starmalls 7.59 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 0.660 Vista Land & Lifescapes 5.370

T op g ainerS VALUE 577,248,347.084 788,224,419.02 1,059,872,166.45 1,119,429,433.70 644,367,195.74 315,429,257.1376 4,514,240,144.794

Low

Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Jolliville Holdings

3.5

21.53

Makati Fin. Corp.

3.6

-20.00

Roxas and Co.

2.3

15.00

Seafront `A'

2.15

-14.00

PB Bank

16.50

12.24

Macay Holdings

47.00

-6.28

Swift Pref

9.89

Boulevard Holdings

0.0610

-6.15

Manila Bulletin

0.600

9.09

Agrinurture Inc.

1.41

-6.00

SBS Phil. Corp.

5.61

8.72

Da Vinci Capital

1.21

-5.47

Mabuhay Vinyl

1.75

8.70

Coal Asia

0.62

-4.62

Forum Pacific

0.193

7.22

ATN Holdings A

0.225

-4.26

DFNN Inc.

5.10

6.03

A. Brown Co., Inc.

0.55

-3.51

Macroasia Corp.

2.13

5.97

Harbor Star

1.15

-3.36

SATURDAY: SEPTEMBER 12, 2015

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

DoJ dismisses estafa charge against Gozon By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Justice Department has dropped the estafa case against GMA Network Inc. chairman Felipe Gozon, after he agreed to return the P1-billion downpayment made by businessman Ramon Ang for the purchase of a minority stake in the network. Gozon said in a statement Ang received the P1 billion, while in return he received a substantial amount from Ang. “The parties agreed to keep the details of their settlement confidential,” he said. Gozon said there was no basis for the charge of syndicated estafa as there was no deception or fraud employed by the Gozon group in the proposed sale of

their GMA shares to Ang. Ang earlier filed an estafa case against the Gozon group for allegedly terminating the negotiations and failing to return the P1-billion downpayment for a 34-percent stake in GMA Network. Gozon claimed his group had the right to retain the P1billion downpayment made by Ang, who allegedly breached

the contract to purchase a minority stake in the broadcast company. Ang had accepted Gozon’s explanation about the non-involvement of the other members of the Gozon group in the retention of the downpayment. The Gozon, Jimenez and Duavit families own a combined 79-percent stake in GMA Network, which operates GMA-7. The Jimenez and Duavit Groups, which were not included in the estafa case filed by Ang, waived their rights and interests over their shares in the downpayment and expressed willingness to return such shares. Gozon earlier said he was in talks with Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Globe

Telecom Inc. for the distribution of media content. GMA Network’s move to team up with telcos came after rival ABS-CBN Corp. partnered with Globe to distribute content using the Ayala-led telco’s mobile network. GMA Network reported a net income of P1.099 billion in the first half of 2015, up 89 percent over the same period last year. Revenues in the six-month period increased 15 percent to P6.653 billion, boosted by the network’s record-breaking performance in the second quarter. The company’s second-quarter top-line climbed 25 percent to P3.647 billion, while net income soared 170 percent to P690.7 million, mainly on higher advertising revenues.

Ecozone investor.

Changhong Technology Phl. Corp. president Shoufu Hua (second from left) receives the certificate of registration from Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima as an ecozone export enterprise to engage in the manufacture of tooling, molding plastic parts and assembly of electronic parts at First Philippines Industrial Park – Special Economic Zone in Batangas. With them are (from left) Zhigang Xu of Changhong HQ, Neil Yang of Changhong Tech Phl. Corp., Yishitsugu Sato of Changhong HQ and Naty Alayon of Fair Consulting Group Phils. Inc.

Stocks climb; DMCI rallies STOCKS rose Friday, tracking the movement of Asian markets after China unveiled a series of steps to shore up its economy. The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, picked up 17 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 6,911.38. Despite the gain, the index was still down 4.4 percent since the start of the year. The heavier index, representing all shares, also rose 9 points, or 0.2 percent, to settle at 3,963.65, on a value turnover of P4.5 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 86 to 72, while 42 issues were unchanged. SBS Philippines Corp., the newly listed chemical producer, emerged as the top gainer among the 20 most active stocks, as it climbed 8.7 percent to P5.61. DoubleDragon Properties Inc. advanced 5.7 percent to P16.60, while DMCI Holdings Inc. added 4.1 percent to close at P12.16. Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. rose 2.7 percent to P1.14. Property developer Ayala Land Inc. was up 1.9 percent to P34.30. Meanwhile, Asian markets were relatively calm Friday at the end of a volatile week, with Shanghai and Hong Kong ticking higher after China unveiled a series of steps to shore up its economy, but fears of a US interest rate hike kept dealers on edge. Higher-yielding, or riskier, currencies such as the Malaysian ringgit and South Korean won benefited from a more upbeat outlook, which followed a positive lead from Wall Street, while the Australian dollar edged higher. The safe-haven yen, considered a go-to asset in times of turmoil, retreated. Analysts said world markets seemed to be settling after a rollercoaster ride since China last month devalued its yuan currency, sparking concerns about the world’s number two economy -- the main driver of global growth -- and its leaders’ ability to control the crisis. The broadly upbeat sentiment comes after Beijing sought to reassure investors it was able to maintain high growth, and announced a plan to speed up major construction projects and cut taxes for small and medium-sized enterprises. A set of capital controls to prevent a flight of cash were implemented this week, while analysts said a rise in the offshore yuan Thursday suggested the central bank had intervened to prop it up. With AFP

BSP expects to launch single e-money platform by 2016 By Gabrielle H. Binaday MACTAN Island, Cebu--Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects to finalize the framework for the single electronic money platform by 2016 to promote cashless transactions, a top official said Thursday. Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr said the framework for the single e-payment platform or the National Retail Payment System would be made available as early as next year.

“So there is a specific work program that’s been hammered out to bring them to that point as early as next year,” Espenilla said at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation finance ministers’ meeting. The single e-payment platform aims to minimize and eventually eliminate the use of physical cash in daily transactions. Espenilla said the NRPS was now being discussed by different stakeholders such as telecommu-

nication companies and banks. He said the rules and regulations for the single e-payment platform was now being drafted. “Governance is very important in the payment system because it basically determines the rights and privileges of all the players so that they can interact with one another, defining clearly the areas where they should cooperate but it is also defining the areas where they can compete because they are cooperators as well as com-

petitors. So that’s the tricky part of it,” he said. Data from Bangko Sentral showed registered e-money accounts surged 34 percent to 26.7 million in 2013 from the 2010 level of 19.9 million. The e-payment system is a joint project of Bangko Sentral, Bankers Association of the Philippines and the US Agency for International Development. USAID said in a 2013 report that switching to cashless modes

of payment could bring down transaction costs by as much as 90 percent in the Philippines. E-money is defined by Bangko Sentral as monetary value electronically stored in convenient payment instruments that consumers can use to buy or pay for goods and services, to transfer or remit funds or to withdraw funds. E-money is not considered a deposit and hence, not insured with the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.

SATURDAY: SEPTEMBER 12, 2015

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

IN BRIEF

‘Happiest Pinoy.’

Cebuana Lhuilier’s search for the ‘Happiest Pinoy 2015’ culminates in the awarding of a P10-million cash prize to grand winner Richardson Navor (center), a ﬁnancial analyst and head of an advocacy group for youth empowerment and PWD support. Navor bested nine other ﬁnalist in the nationwide competition that celebrates the values of optimism, resilience and hope among Filipinos. Cebuana Lhuilier president and chief executive Jean Henri Lhuilier (right) and Cebuana Lhuilier chairman and Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Philippe Jones Lhuilier (left) present the prize during the awarding ceremonies held at the Solaire Resorts and Casino in Pasay City. MANNY PALMERO.

Mining conference set PHILIPPINE mining industry players take on pressing issues ranging from global competitiveness to ﬁscal regime as the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines holds the Mining Philippines 2015 from Sept. 15 to 17 at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila. COMP’s Mining Philippines, the biggest annual international mining conference in the country, has always been a platform where local, regional and national leaders meet with international mining players and investors to dialogue on key regulatory, policy and social issues facing the Philippine mining industry. The three-day event will start off with the opening of the conference exhibits by COMP president Philip Romualdez of Benguet Corp. and Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas. Matugas represents a province whose continuing domestic economic growth is mining industry-driven. Day one discussions will focus on the issues: “Mining Matters: Unaccounted Beneﬁts of Mining Operations” and “Mining Taxation: Analyzing Asean Competitiveness.” Vice President Jejomar Binay will deliver the keynote address during the formal opening of the conference on Sept. 16.

Davao coal plant up THERMA South Inc., a unit of Aboitiz Power Corp., is set to start commercial operations of unit 1 of its 300-megawatt coal-ﬁred power plant in southern Davao City next week. “We will start commercial operations sometime next week. We have been testing,” Aboitiz Power president and chief operating ofﬁcer Antonio Moraza said, adding testing and commissioning were ongoing. Unit 1 of the power plant with a capacity of 150 megawatts was earlier planned for commercial operation by the end of June this year. Moraza said unit 2 was expected to start commercial operations early next year. The operation of the 300-MW power plant is expected to stabilize power supply in Mindanao. Construction of the second unit suffered delays due to the technical problems arising from the seven-hour systemwide blackout in Mindanao on April 5. Alena Mae S. Flores

PH, Apec sign deal MACTAN Island, Cebu--The Philippines and five other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member-economies signed the Asia Region Funds Passport for faster movement of investments in the region. The Philippines along with Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, Thailand and Japan signed the ARFP agreement, a multilateral arrangement that will facilitate the cross-border offering of eligible collective investment schemes in participating economies at the sidelines of the Apec Finance Ministers’ Meeting at the Mactan Shangri-La Hotel here. The AFRP aims to open domestic funds across the region. “Closer financial integration is a key pillar of our agenda here in Cebu. We are optimistic that regional cooperation in building better financial linkages can smoothen our path to shared prosperity. With 40 percent of the region’s micro, small and medium enterprises underserved, we expect easier cross-border flows of funds to accelerate trade and investment in the region,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said. The agreement is voluntary and nonbinding. Gabrielle H. Binaday

Energy efficiency THE Federation of Philippine Industries on Thursday urged policymakers, lawmakers and stakeholders to support greenhouse gas reductions through energy efficiency and the optimized use of natural resources, instead of curtailing industrial activities and large investments such as the construction of power plants. FPI chairman Jesus Arranza said in a statement while the group “recognizes the seriousness of the climate change issue, the Philippines only has a very small contribution to global GHG emissions based on recognized global inventories and official reports of the Philippine Climate Change Commission.” FPI is the largest organization of manufacturing firms in the country. Arranza said energy efficiency was one of the Energy Department’s cornerstone projects and one of the initiatives promoted by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. He said energy efficiency was also consistent with the globally-accepted paradigm of co-benefits. Alena Mae S. Flores

San Miguel unit owes govt P6.46b—PSALM By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. said Friday its decision to terminate the contract of South Premiere Power Corp. to manage the output of the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan combined cycle power plant will protect the interest of the government and electricity consumers. PSALM said it was compelled on Sept. 4 to end the contract under an agreement with South Premiere, a unit of San Miguel Corp., after the company failed to pay the outstanding generation payments covering Dec. 26, 2012 to April 25, 2015. “In the interest of government, PSALM issued the notice of termination to SPPC to stop government from incurring unnecessary losses as a result of the.... nonpayment of its obligations amounting to P6.46 bil-

lion,” PSALM president Lourdes Alzona said. She said the amount formed part of the privatization proceeds that would be used to liquidate the financial obligations of National Power Corp. as called for in the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. “For power consumers, the collection of outstanding amount will translate in[to] reduction of NPC stranded debts that will be recovered through the universal charge,” Alzona said.

She said PSALM has demanded immediate payment by South Premiere of its outstanding generation payments. “SPPC refused and consistently refuses to settle all its contractual obligations to PSALM for the relevant period,” she said. San Miguel said PSALM’s decision to terminate the Ilijan independent power producer administrator contract was “illegal.” “The claimed amounts due are PSALM’s erroneous calculations and... totally against the letter and the spirit of Epira. We believe that electricity prices will escalate with the termination as PSALM plans to trade Ilijan output on the WESM [[Wholesale Electricity Spot Market],” it said. PSALM said it drew on the $60-million performance bond of South Premiere following the termination and informed Philippine Electricity Market Corp. that South Premiere would cease

to be the trading participant for the Ilijan power plant output. PSALM also informed PEMC that all sums payable to South Premiere as trading participant for the Ilijan natural gas power plant should be paid to the account of PSALM. San Miguel, however, obtained a 72-hour temporary restraining order on September 8 stopping PSALM from terminating the agreement to manage the output of the Ilijan plant. The Mandaluyong City regional trial court of Mandaluyong stopped PSALM “from disposing in any manner of the payment received from ANZ under the performance bond except as directed by the court.” The court also prohibited PSALM from treating South Premiere “as being in administrator default and from performing any act to pursue the collection of supposed unpaid generation payments.”

Toyota auto parts maker expanding, invests P500m By Othel V. Campos AUTOMOTIVE parts maker Philippine HKR Inc., one of the accredited suppliers of Toyota Motor Philippines, is spending P500 million to expand into the production of precision machine parts. Government documents showed the company recently applied for incentives with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. Peza approved the project, which will raise Philippine HKR’s export revenues by $15 million annually.

The company committed to hire 44 employees to support the expansion project. Documents showed that Toyota Group suppliers were expanding their production capacity and their lines of production in phases. Eleven Philippine-based companies under the Toyota Group export auto parts to Japan and other destinations. The group early this year said exports in 2014 dropped 10 percent to $890 million, or lower than the full-year target of $897 million. Toyota officials attributed the

decline to the congestion problem at the Manila Ports. Despite the drop in exports, the group is investing as much as P7.5 billion until 2016 on new projects, including local parts production of the Vios model. Philippine HKR is a spare parts and accessories manufacturer inside Toyota Special Economic Zone in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The Toyota Group includes parts suppliers Toyota Autoparts Philippines Inc. (transmissions and constant velocity joints); Aichi Forging Company (metal forged parts); EDS

Manufacturing Inc. (wiring harness); Fujitsu Ten Corp. of the Phils. (security system); and International Wiring Harness (wiring harness); The group also controls JECO Autoparts Inc. (clocks); Koyo Manufacturing Inc. (bearings); Nippon Antenna (Philippines) Inc. (antenna); Philippine Auto Components Inc. (meter assembly combination); Philippine HKR Inc. (machining parts); Technol Eight Philippines Corp. (stamped parts); Tokai Rica Philippines. Inc. (switches); and Yazaki Torres Manufacturing Inc. (wiring harness).

S AT U R D AY : S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

12 years for man who knifed envoy SEOUL—The South Korean man behind a shocking knife attack, which left the US ambassador in Seoul needing 80 stitches to a deep gash on his face, was convicted of attempted murder on Friday and jailed for 12 years. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence for Kim Ki-Jong, 56, who lunged at Mark Lippert with a paring knife during a breakfast function in Seoul last March. In accepting the attempted murder charge, the Seoul Central District Court cited medical reports showing Kim had come close to severing the carotid artery in Lippert’s neck. It also noted that the defendant had “shown no repentance, attempting to justify his actions throughout the trial”. The public attack on the envoy of South Korea’s most important military and diplomatic ally and the dramatic TV footage of Lippert being rushed to hospital clutching his bloodied face was shocking for a country where passionate political protest is common but acts of such extreme violence are rare. There was also a degree of shame and disquiet that a man with a record of violence against foreign envoys had been able to carry out such an assault. A maverick activist who was known to police, Kim had been handed a two-year suspended sentence in 2010 for hurling a rock at the then Japanese ambassador to Seoul. The defendant, wearing a blue prison outfit, closed his eyes but showed little emotion as the court verdict was read out.

Germany, E. Europe fight over migrants PRAGUE—Germany faced off against the fiercest critics of its open-door refugee stance within the EU on Friday, as disturbing footage emerged of the way people were being treated inside one of Hungary’s main migrant camps. German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was meeting his counterparts from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia in Prague, with Europe bitterly split on how to deal with the massive flow of people crossing its borders. With Hungary sending

more troops to its frontier Friday where it is rushing up a four-meter high fence, Germany insisted an emergency EU plan to distribute migrants was just “a drop in the ocean” as eastern member states fiercely resist Berlin’s push for permanent binding quotas.

“The distribution of 160,000 refugees across Europe is a first step, if one wants to be polite,” said Germany’s Deputy Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel. “It’s a drop in the ocean.” As a record number of refugees fleeing wars in Syria and Iraq crossed Hungary’s border Thursday, disturbing images from inside its controversial Roszke holding camp showed showed families being fed “like animals in a pen”, with women and children caught in a scrum of hungry people frantically try-

ing to catch sandwiches being thrown to them by police. “It was inhumane and it really speaks for these people that they didn’t fight over the food despite being clearly very hungry,” said Austrian volunteer Michaela Spritzendorfer, who fi lmed the scenes. They raise further questions about how refugees are being treated in Hungary, where harsh new laws to jail migrants for crossing its borders which were strongly criticized by the UN’s refugee agency are due to come into force on Tuesday. AFP

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

We would like to inform the public that the person whose name and photo appears below is no longer connected with SharkSURF Philippines, Inc (Emerge) and RapidCloud Philippines, Inc. Any transactions made by the said person after August 20, 2015, will no longer be honored by the aforesaid companies.

(TS-SEPT. 12, 2015)

JESUS “JESS” CHAVEZ

Republic of the Phillippines Department of Health

CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT-METRO MANILA

VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER

Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Tel. No. 294-6711 to 14, 292-0604 Telefax No. 294-6718,294-5090,292-0431 Email addressvmc_hrd@yahoo.com

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that CEBU AIR, INC., with office address at Cebu Pacific Building, Domestic Road, Barangay 191, Zone 20, Pasay City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as new New Operator of Air Transport Services (A320 # 38) with a capacity of 180 passenger seats on a nonpioneer status, with project site located at Manila Domestic Airport, Pasay City. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) RAFAELITO H. TARUC Director (TS-SEPT. 12, 2015)

NOTICE The state of Hawaii to Lawrence Antonio Lago, you are hereby notified that a petition for adoption of the child born to Marie Venensi Widmann has been filed in the Family Court, First Circuit, state of Hawaii. The petition alleges that your consent of the abovenamed child by the petitioner above-named is not required and may be dispensed with pursuant to Hawaii revised statutes section 578-2(c) as amended. A hearing on the petition will be held on Sep 22 2015 at 1:30 PM at the Family Court located at Kapolei Court Complex, 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei HI 96707-3272. If you fail to appear at the hearing on the date and time at the place noted above or if you fail to file a written response to the allegations reflected in the Petition for Adoption, further action may be taken including granting of the adoption without further notice to you. Your written response should be addressed to the Presiding Judge, Family Court, first circuit, 777 Punchbowl street, second floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96812. Failure to obey this notice may result in an entry of a default and default judgement against you. You are further notified that the child, the adoptive parents and the natural parents have rights under H.R.S. 578-15 regarding confidentiality of adoption records after the child reaches age 18. (TS-SEPT. 5,12,19,26, 2015)

INVITATION TO BID PUBLIC BIDDING NO.: VMC-2015-028 The VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER invites all eligible bidders to bid on: DESCRIPTION Procurement of Various Medical Supplies CY 2015 (2nd Semester)

PROJECT ALLOCATION P6,569,331.90

NON-REFUNDABLE FEE 1M - 5M P5,000.00 5M up-10M- 10,000.00

The bidding documents shall be available to interested bidders at the BAC Secretariat, BAC Office, 2/F, VMC, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City from 9:00AM to 3:00PM, starting September 11, 2015 upon payment of nonrefundable fee as indicated above. Only those who have purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre bid conference and raise or submit written queries (see revised IRR of RA 9184). The pre-bidding conference will be on September 22, 2015, 10:00 am at the Conference Room, 4/F, VMC Annex Bldg., Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. Bid opening will be on October 6, 2015, 10:00AM at the 4/F, VMC Conference Room, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. All particulars relative to bid evaluation and award of contract shall be governed by the provisions of R.A. 9184 otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ALTERNATIVE BIDS SHALL BE REJECTED. Bid bond shall be in form of cash, cashier’s check or manager’s check equivalent to two percent (2%) of the approved budget of the contract. This invitation is also advertised with the Government Electronic Procurement System (G-EPS) at www.procurementservice.org and posted at the VMC BAC bulletin board. For inquiry, please call the BAC Secretariat Office at Telephone No. 294-4625 VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO 1) REVIEW ALL THE REQUIREMENTS; 2) REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS; 3) CONFISCATE THE BID BOND AND/OR PURSUE APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTION SHOULD A BIDDER BE FOUND TO HAVE VIOLATED R.A. 9184; 4) WAIVE ANY DEFECTS CONTAINED THEREIN; and/or 5) ACCEPT THE OFFER MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE GOVERNMENT. ANY DECISION MADE BY THE VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER IS FINAL AND EXECUTORY. FURTHER, VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION WHATSOEVER TO COMPENSATE OR INDEMNIFY THE BIDDER OR WINNING BIDDER. AS THE CASE MAY BE, FOR ANY EXPENSE OR LOSS THAT SAID PARTY (IES) MAY INCUR IN ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE PRE-BIDDING AND BIDDING PROCESS NOR DOES IT GUARANTEE THAT AN AWARD WILL BE MADE. (SGD)DONA D. SALMOS, RN, MAN Chairman, BAC (TS-SEPT 12,,2015)

Harvest time. Harvesters pick Baby Kiwi Nergi fruits

in Labatut, southwestern France, on Sept. 2, 2015. In early September, the harvesting of “Actinidia arguta” or “baby kiwi” gets into full swing in south-west France. Now in its ﬁfth year of production, the crop is proving more and more lucrative. AFP

Japan tightens up embassy security TOKYO—Japan has ordered beefed-up security at its embassies worldwide, a top official said Friday, after the Islamic State group highlighted its missions in Indonesia, Malaysia and BosniaHercegovina as part of a broader threat. The move comes about eight months after IS claimed to have beheaded two Japanese hostages in Syria and amid anxiety at home over impending legislation that critics fear could drag the officially pacifist country into wars overseas. In its Dabiq online magazine’s latest issue, the Jihadist group issued a broadly worded threat against 70 “crusader nations” and “apostate armies”. “What, for example, prevents (a jihadi) from targeting... communities in Dearborn, Michigan, Los Angeles, and New York City? Or targeting Panamanian diplomatic missions in Jakarta, Doha, and Dubai? Or targeting Japanese diplomatic missions in Bosnia, Malaysia, and Indonesia? Or targeting Saudi diplomats in Tirana, Albania, Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Pristina, Kosovo?” it said. Top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters in Tokyo on Friday that security would be ramped up at Japan’s nearly 200 diplomatic missions around the world. “We are aware of the (threat) and, in cooperation with host countries, are tightening security,” he said. He did not elaborate on what steps were being taken. Erika Nakano, a spokeswoman for the Japanese embassy in Jakarta, said the heavily fortified building already had “very tight security” and business was going on as usual.

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PROPERTY

JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR

jdlacsamana@gmail.com

infra woes To buG manila, cebu properTy boom?

he Philippine real estate industry continues to grow in strength, and remains an attractive option for investors, but poor infrastructure and connectivity could pose problems in future. At a recent forum in Makati City, KMC MAG managing director Michael McCullough acknowledged that “major transactions confirm that strong economic policies and a stable political environment will sustain the real estate industry.” He added that while investment banks are scaling down their growth forecasts, “we believe the long-term economic outlook remains positive, which will provide a favorable foundation for the property market.” But McCullough warned that the government should pay extra attention to the issues of infrastructure and connectivity, as these will dictate the country’s future economic growth, as well as its attractiveness to foreign investors. “Low rental costs can bring investors into the Philippines, but the quality of the infrastructure and the limitations in connectivity can keep the Philippines from sustaining and even improving on its growth,” he told the Manila Standard. “The government cannot afford to have these issues further impact the ease of doing business and the quality of life.” “For the Philippines to be able to compete with the rest of Southeast Asia and the rest of the re-

by Joel lacsamana

gion, it will have to make transportation and communication easier across the islands, and ensure that this experience is consistent throughout the country,” McCullough said. “Otherwise, other markets will find a way to take up the slack, and the rest of its advantages will become irrelevant.” GrowTh a Given The Philippine real estate industry recently recorded a record-high quarter for transaction volumes, driven by large-scale land deals, with the volume estimated to be at US$505 million. Some of the major transactions include SM Prime’s EDSA Guadalupe property (worth Php1.6 billion), the Hyundai Balintawak property (worth Php1.2 billion), and 8990 Holdings’ EDSA Cubao property (worth Php366 million). Foreign investors looking to set up shop in Southeast Asia have good reason to look at Manila. The city offers low prime office rental costs, averaging at Php1,510.00 (US$32.30) per square meter, inclusive of taxes and management fees,” said McCullough. He noted that Manila’s prime office rental costs continue to be lower than some of Asia’s major cities, such as Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, and Hanoi, and is second only to Kuala Lumpur. “Manila’s prime office rental costs, sound macroeconomic conditions, and relatively cheap labor

“cuisine unpluGGed” in TaGayTay. Anya Resort & Residences, an up-and-coming residential resort in Tagaytay City, recently tapped Relais & Chateaurecognized chef Emmanuel Stroobant to develop cuisine concepts that will highlight the freshest local produce and healthy dining experience in this mountain retreat. Belgium-born Stroobant owns four critically-acclaimed restaurants in Singapore, highlighting Belgian tradition, continental flavors and dining that is altogether hearty and uncomplicated. Stroobant also hosted the Asian Food Channel TV series “Chef in Black” and authored the cook books “Cuisine Unplugged” and “Vine Dining - White”, which won a Gourmand World Media Award. “I believe that eating healthy can also be exciting and festive, whether it is in a formal or casual setting. Our menu concepts will feature the fresh ingredients that are found in and around Tagaytay, as well as some of the flavors that have come to be identified with this part of the country,” said Stroobant. Anya Resort is developed by Roxaco Land Corporation. It is scheduled to open its resort phase in the first quarter of 2016. Shown in photo are (from left): Roxaco Land Corporation President Santiago Elizalde, Stroobant, and Anya program director Andrew Sparrow.

costs make a strong argument for the city,” he said. “Multinational companies looking to expand to Southeast Asia or set up another office in Asia should seriously consider Manila as a destination.” Another argument for moving to Manila is the ongoing ease in rentals; which is due to the influx in new supply in Bonifacio Global City and higher vacancy rates in Alabang. “We expect over 430,000 square meters of new office stock by the end of 2015 and a sharp rise in vacancy rates by the second half of 2016. says McCullough. “We would advise businesses to look into pre-leasing addresses in the central business districts, while they can still leverage on their increased bargaining power.” GrowinG middle class, privaTe consumpTion a boon International retailers looking to capture a share of Asia’s growing middle class can also look at setting up in Manila, which offers the lowest rental costs for prime retail malls. Manila’s rental rates are lower than some of Asia’s more popular shopping destinations, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, and even lower than some Asia-Pacific cities, such as Tokyo, Taipei, Sydney, and Melbourne. To respond to the demands of the country’s rising middle class, local developers are launching projects within Metro Manila and

caveat. Jose Carmelo Porciuncula, KMC MAG head of capital markets and investments and Michael McCullough, managing director, argued for the need to step up efforts to make transportation and communication easier across the islands.

in the provinces. In Metro Manila, local developers have put 600,000 sq m in the pipeline, with 75.2% to be delivered by Ayala Land, SM Prime, and Robinsons Land. The largest single project in Metro Manila is SM’s 200,000-sq m Mall of Asia expansion, increasing the property’s total size to 550,000 sq m. Other pipeline retail projects include Ayala Land’s Paradigm Pasig, SouthPark Alabang, and Circuit Lane, Megaworld’s Uptown Mall, and Wilcon’s Wilcon City Center. Outside of Metro Manila, SM is currently working on SM City Seaside, located in Cebu. cebu, a maGneT for invesTmenT Cebu is becoming one of the country’s bright spots. During the local government’s recent auction of two properties on reclaimed land in South Road Properties, the Ayala Land and SM Prime consortium won the bid for a 26.3-hectare parcel, which was sold for Php10 billion, making it the largest single ticket

transaction in the country since late 2013. In the same auction, Filinvest also won the bid for a 19.2 hectare property, sold for Php6.7 billion. “With South Road Properties slated to be transformed into a mixeduse central business district, these deals will certainly influence the dynamics of Cebu’s real estate market,” said McCullough. “This upcoming central business district will account for significant real estate activity in the future. With townships becoming the norm, these deals may also encourage local developers to become more aggressive. The office market in Cebu continues to be robust. McCullough observed that rolled out the first tower of its Php5 billion Cyberzone complex, and Norkis is expected to complete the first office tower in Norkis Cyberpark later this year. Ayala Land is also rolling out Php8 billion for Central Bloc, which is located within the Cebu IT Park. Lastly, Megaworld is expected to add 150,000 sq m to its Mactan Newtown property by 2021.

araneTa cenTer milesTone. Araneta Group recently announced the upcoming completion of the first of its five BPO-primed tech towers for Cyberpark Araneta Center. At the topping off rites for Cyberpark Tower One were top executives of the Araneta Group: management consultant Rowell Recinto; SVP for controllership Kenneth Mondero; SVP for operations Antonio Mardo; SVP for business development John Castelo; VP for operations Morriel Abogado; VP for controllership Josephine Martinez; VP for architecture and engineering Julie Castro; and VP for purchasing Noel Leonor. The Cyberpark project is valued at P15 billion, and is part of the transformation of the Araneta Center which has seen dramatic changes in the 35-hectare mixed-use community in recent years.

enerGy efficiency Tips for hoTel indusTry. Concepcion Building and Industrial Solutions (BIS) recently laid out possible solutions to the challenges facing the hotel industry, at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Chapter Regional Conference held in Manila. Concepcion BIS recommended energy-efficient technologies to reduce operating expenses and increase savings of hotel and building owners, as well as BPO offices, manufacturing plants, retail buildings, and other verticals in the Philippines. Manila now ranks first among the cities in Asia with the highest energy costs, with Cebu coming in third after Singapore, which ranks second in the region. Shown in photo are : Concepcion BIS group director Rajan Komarasu; Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Company (CCAC) director for strategic marketing Michael Dauden; Ted Jagusztyn, project director of CCAC; and Rothman Loh, general manager of sales Singapore.

Team-buildinG, brainsTorminG in paradise. The Henann Group of Resorts recently launched the biggest convention center in Bohol, at the Henann Resort Alona Beach in Panglao Island. The 2,160 square meter facility can house up to 1,500 guests, has 13 break-out rooms that can accommodate 30 to 390 pax per room, and meeting rooms that can host 30 to 70 pax. “We are riding on the growing popularity of Bohol as the best location for seminars, business functions and conferences,” said Karl Chusuey, Henann’s vice president for marketing. At the convention center’s opening were (left to right): Bohol Cong. Rene Lopez Relampagos; Iloilo Cong. Arcadio Gorriceta; Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores; Henann Group chairman Dr. Henry Chusuey; Anna Lissa Chusuey; Senator Antonio Trillanes; Iloilo Cong. Jerry Trenas; and Bohol Cong. Arthur Yap.

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JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PROPERTY CREBA loBBiEs foR AffoRdABlE homEs

he country’s largest organization of real estate industry players recently urged its members to seek the support of their respective legislators for a bill that will provide affordable homes to employees closer to their places of work. The bill, proposed by the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations (CREBA), seeks to lessen the daily commute of employees living in the suburbs and ease traffic congestion, while mazimizing land use, manpower productivity and business efficiency. This bill is part of a 5-point agenda that CREBA approved in Iloilo last year to help address the country’s 5.5-million housing backlog. The final form will be presented at CREBA’s grand national convention in Bacolod City on Oct. 7-10.

The bill, according to CREBA national chairman Charlie A.V. Gorayeb, was crafted to make the current housing laws work by ridding the Urban Development and Housing Act (Republic Act 7279) of the stumbling blocks to socialized housing production. “Section 18 of RA 7279, which sets forth the balanced housing program, mandates developers of subdivisions to build socialized housing equivalent to 20% of their total project area or cost,” Gorayeb said. “But this law does not include owners and developers of condominium projects, thus measures have been filed in both houses of Congress to include them. Also, the 20% quota is not realistic to elicit compliance from subdivision and condominium developers. Reducing this quota to 15%

Wasting hours in traffic. The other four points of the CREBA agenda include long term funds for socialized housing; lands for residential, commercial and industrial development; efficient local government regulations; and a full-fledged housing and urban development department.

for subdivisions, and 5% for condominiums, will make it feasible.” CREBA national president Noel Toti M. Carino said any other mode of compliance with this quota must add to the socialized and economic housing stock to help reduce the 5.5-million backlog. “Modes of compliance with the quota include development of new settlements, joint-venture initiatives between a real estate developer and either the local government units, any of the key shelter

agencies, or another developer; and development of socialized medium-rise condominium buildings,” Carino said. “Any alternative compliance not yielding any new housing unit should not be encouraged.” CREBA likewise proposed a new socialized housing package for urban medium-rise buildings or condominiums with a minimum floor area of 40 sqm per unit to qualify them for tax incentives under the current law, but with price ceilings to be determined solely by

the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. These price ceilings will be updated every five years in consultation with the National Economic Development Authority. “Constructing vertical communities will stir up the economy while creating opportunities from the scarce and rising cost of urban lands – which remain to be the center of business activities, employment, and livelihood,” Gorayeb said.

AvidA LAnd bets on MuntinLupA with south pArk Avida, Ayala Land Commercial Business Group and Ayala Land Offices are jointly building South Park District, a 6.6-hectare mixeduse estate in Alabang, Muntinlupa. A huge 8,000 sqm central park will highlight the project. The two-tower residences will be the maiden residential offering in the district, which also includes Ayala Malls South Park and the South Park Corporate Center. “The park is the heart of the development,” said Jojo Fabricante, Avida land’s head of innovation & design group. “It is envisioned to give the city a dynamic place of convergence for people of all ages amidst wide spaces and greenery.” Focal points of the park include a design plaza which features a large water fountain inside a palm court. The lawn area adjacent to it will be accentuated by iconic sculptures. A separate residential park for Altura residents will also be built “for quieter and passive activities.” Renowned local sculptor Reginald Yuson will use the open spaces as points of interest and landmarks. Yuson, whose works include art installations and fountains in Greenbelt 3, Bonifacio High Street and Marquee Mall, specifically designed two

urban gem. From a high density commercial and residential area jostling for breathing space, Avida plans to build a dynamic, mixed-use development where people of all ages could converge.

go south. Wide, landscaped parks which residents and visitors alike can “feel”, are the main attractions of South Park District.

sculptures. For the lawn area, a large steel composition of interconnected conical forms will be installed. The second piece is a sprawling composition of free-flowing 3-dimensional tubes reminiscent of doodles. Yuson said he intends the sculptures to inspire vibrancy, movement and playfulness while keeping a sense

of peacefulness and tranquility. The central park and plaza are set to open within the year while the turnover of Altura Tower 1 and the opening of Ayala Mall South Park will happen the following year. With 21 residential floors, Tower 1 has been substantially sold and has now been constructed up to its 12th floor. Tow-

er 2 was launched 2nd quarter of this year and is now on its 2nd podium level in construction. Altura unit types are studio, 1BR and 2 BR units with area sizes ranging from 22 to 61 sqm. Prices start at P1.9 million to P5.9 million. “On top of its amenities and the retail units below Tower 1, Avida Towers Altura is close to the residential park and grand lawn of South Park District,” said Raquel S. Cruz, Avida Land’s corporate planning group head. “It is also just walking distance from the mall where they can shop and dine.” South Park will also have a number of sustainable features. The district will have an underground detention tank to hold rain water and avoid flooding the vicinity. Each development within South Park District will have its own sewage treatment plant. Mango trees on the district grounds, which have been there since the 1960s, have been left to flourish and blend with the mall’s design. To decongest traffic, a transport terminal for shuttle services will be built. The terminal will have areas for taxis and lay-bys for tricycles and PUVs to avoid traffic congestion in front of South Park District.

sTEp RighT up. The Hotel Suppliers Show, the country’s biggest hotel supplier showcase, will open on September 24 – 26, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. A joint project of the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), and Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist, the show will be segmented into three areas: Design & Décor Philippines, Food & Beverage Suppliers Show, and Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment Philippines. “This show is our response to the volume of requirements needed by the domestic market – a one-stop shop sourcing platform to link up suppliers, developers, stakeholder, and buyers,” said Liza Hernandez, event chairman.

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

P OP CU LT U RE

LIFE

Delusions of Experience: What little experience Senator Grace Poe has earned was done so in a term where the most effectual policy was the removal of the wang-wang from city traffic (newsflash: its back!). If she does indeed run, “Tra-Poe lang pala talaga” (care of the ever-witty BJ David).

A joke masquerading as a poorlyveiled attempt at diverting attention from Mar Roxas’ survey results that showed his (supposedly) sure win: “According to the latest Pulse Asia survey, six out of 10 Filipinos do not want a second term of President Aquino. The six were identified as Jojo, Elenita, Junjun, Nancy, Abby, and Ann.”

Rude-rigo Duterte: He may be giving the finger to crime, but if Duterte listens to FVR’s advice about “being like Jose Rizal,” then he needs to start cozying up to the administration – if we remember our history accurately.

#BeNice: Election Reflections THE ARMCHAIR PILOSOPA BY IZZY WARREN GONZALEZ

f the Brazilians have Carníval, the Spanish the bullfights, and the Americans the Kardashians to keep them entertained, we have the national elections. Every time this blasted rigmarole rolls around, we find our natural predilection for sabong coming out with a vengeance. We place our bets, sit on our hands, and wait for our winnings to be handed to us, as the cocks frantically try to exterminate each other in the ring to the amusement of the crowd. There are far too many metaphors here not to crack a joke or two, but let’s be polite. In fact, let’s #BeNice. It is no secret that Vice President Jejomar Binay is gathering supporters to his banner for a pre-election push in the polls. It all smacks terribly of a sales quota, almost as if a shadowy political financier said, “You will only have access to this war chest if and only if you can get your numbers up to X%

with enough time before election day.” It seems our esteemed Vice President is hitting the media and the private sector with all the right buzz-words, perhaps in the hopes of turning the intelligentsia hatetide against him, no matter how ineffectual it all really is. Maybe he doesn’t actually realize that bloc voting, especially by the INC, isn’t a real thing – except on the levels of local government units. If he is doing it for the cash prize, well, I wouldn’t know for sure. What I do see, as a casual observer of the sabungan, is the strengthening and concentration of the opposition into one great, solid amalgamation of antiadministration dissent – from every single person who isn’t convinced that Aquino’s presidency is anything more than a goofy intermission between acts. If I were Mar Roxas, Frank Drilon, or anybody wearing yellow and blue, I’d be quaking in my boots. I’m already quaking as it is, and I’m wearing the grey of Undecided. You might think that this column is a political hack job in favor of the Binays. I will say this once, and once only: Binay is not my manok. Far too much of a dark horse for my liking. AND NO, THAT WAS NOT A JAB AT HIS SKIN COLOUR. It irritates me greatly that we haven’t learned anything from the Erap

jokes. That thing, in my opinion, was the single greatest political PR campaign, galvanized by our own penchant for pang-asar as a people, that straight up installed someone into office. We told so many stupid jokes, awesome jokes, amazing, hilarious ass jokes that we laughed the guy all the way to Malacañang. Don’t you think the

It irritates me greatly that we haven't learned anything from the Erap jokes. black jokes (and the maid jokes) will do the same to Binay (and his daughter, too)? I think the jokes, some funny but most downright meanspirited, will propel Binay right into the place we want him the least, i.e. power (with some people

thinking this could push his daughter down into some form of clinical depression because she’s probably smarting from all the maid references that people make about her). There are so many valid reasons why people should not want to vote for the Binays – and their physical demeanor and appearance are not included on that long list. Who cares that he’s on FIIIIIRRREEEE – eh, lutong-luto siya. Or worse, dismiss him from being a tangible threat to the presidency “dahil namahagi lang ng uling.” These are all frightfully intelligent double entendres, and yet are incredibly dangerous examples of how easy it is to forget glaring inconsistencies and not see the agenda emerging, because thinking up jokes is way more fun. In fact, by being our usual wonderful selves and coming up with even snarkier comments and cutting remarks (my personal favorite is one by Twitter celebrity Senyora Santibañez, when she said, “Oh! Puti ang usok na lumabas! Mukhang nagluluto ang Nanayde-Pamilya sa Comelec! NANCY! Ihain ang adobo!”), we are creating a vernacular consciousness, a growing tidal wave of awareness that will surely work the same way it has in the past: against us. So why be contented with just being mean, when we can be incisive? Why

settle for bitchiness when critical analysis is so much more fulfilling? And why make jokes at the expense of someone’s looks when there’s a way more funny business going on? I implore everyone to #BeNice. Not to overlook the flaws, faults, inconsistencies, and downright dislikable character traits of all the candidates because we’re too busy being funny about irrelevant matters. I know it rhymes with “Binays” – that’s a happy coincidence. It falls to us to be nice, not to the candidates but to ourselves, and our children’s children, by making good decisions this coming, and every, national election. Suffice it to say, if someone who calls herself "gorgeous" instead of waiting for other people to tell her so is perceived to be the voice of reason on any subject matter, then we’re in deep trouble (“Let’s limit our criticisms [sic] to her credentials. Nancy Binay’s appearance is irrelevant” – @imannegorgeous, 13 May 2013). Despite the mistaken plural on criticism, Ms. Gorgeous is absolutely right. Shame on us. I’m pretty sure you have something to say, so say it to my social media profile! Twitter: @ArmchrPilosopa IG: thearmchairpilosopa Tumblr: thearmchairpilosopa.tumblr.com Gmail: thearmchairpilosopa@gmail.com.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

LET’S GO WITH LEGO! Virtual tour of Asia at SM City BF Parañaque exhibit

Take a trip around Asia – one brick at a time - in LEGO’s Let’s Go Asia Exhibit at SM City BF Parañaque

t will be fun all the way for mall goers of the SM City in BF Parañaque with the LEGO: Let’s Go Asia Exhibit where breathtakingly elaborate LEGO replicas of eight architectural wonders in Asia will be showcased. Lego enthusiasts of all ages will marvel at the iconic creations that make use of 269,000 LEGO bricks, with the exhibit serving as a venue where they can build their own masterpieces in the play area for children. Among the featured landmarks are the Wonders of the World such as the Great Wall of China, a series of walls built during the reign of different dynasties and encompassing a 13,000-mile border that played a role in intercultural trade and also served as a defensive barrier from invaders. The Taj Mahal of India, on the other hand, highlights great love and great architecture. Known as the “jewel of Muslim art in India,” this white marble mausoleum complex with geometric patterns and intricate architectural and landscape details was built by an emperor as a form of lasting tribute for his beloved wife. Also showcased is the Himeji Castle of Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a prime example of Japanese castle architecture that has remained intact through the years, surviving wars and natural disasters. Mall goers will be

The Himeji Castle of Japan

The Taj Mahal of India

The Taipei 101 of Taiwan

The Merlion of Singapore

The Rizal Monument of the Philippines

The Great Wall of China

impressed by the Wat Mahathat of Thailand, known as the most important temple in Sukhothai Historical Park, which was built to preserve relics of the Buddha. The exhibit also features modern architectural marvels in Asia like the Taipei 101 skyscraper of Taiwan, which held the record of being the world’s tallest skyscraper at 508 meters with 101 stories above

The Petronas Towers of Malaysia

ground – fusing s both modern and traditional design elements that serves as an architectural symbol of Asia’s transition into the new century. The Petronas Towers of Malaysia, on the other hand, gives exhibit viewers a miniature view of the 88-storey twin buildings, showcasing a polygonal plan that is common in Islamic architecture. The outline of the Petronas Towers

The Wat Mahathat at the Sukhothai Historical Park in Thailand

also celebrates Malaysia’s traditional craft of basket weaving. Not to be left out are structures that symbolize national identity and patriotism: the Merlion of Singapore, the famed national icon that signifies the humble beginnings of this highly urbanized island city-state. Of course, the exhibit will not be complete without a Philippine

landmark – our very own Rizal Monument complete with a LEGO sculpture of Jose Rizal, an obelisk and a stone base adorned with a green wreath. The LEGO: Let’s Go Asia Exhibit is one of the many exciting events at SM City BF Parañaque. The Lego creations will be on display at the main atrium until September 20.

YODA MEETS OLAF

Star Wars joins forces with Disney, Disney Pixar and Marvel in Disney Infinity 3.0

Disney Interactive launches new character figures from Disney, Disney Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.

or the first time ever, Star Wars, Disney, Disney Pixar and Marvel characters will gather and interact in one universe with the latest edition of Disney Interactive’s hybrid toy/video game that includes the stories and characters in George Lucas’ space epic. “We worked closely with Lucasfilm to deliver an authentic Star Wars game experience, featuring some of the most iconic stories and characters from the past, present and future,” says Disney Interactive president James Pitaro. Along with the launch of Disney Infinity 3.0 comes three Star Wars Play Sets (divided into Episodes I-III, Episodes IV-VI and Star Wars The Force Awakens); additional Disney Pixar Play Set featuring the latest film Inside Out, Marvel Play Set featuring Hulkbuster Iron Man, Ultron and other characters; two new Toy Box Expansion Games (Toy Box Speedway and Toy

Takeover); and more fan-favorite figures such as Mickey and Minnie, Sam Flynn, Quorra, Mulan and Olaf among many others. Each of the Star Wars Play Sets offers distinct experiences, with varied gameplay, environments and characters. The Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic Play Set takes place at the height of the Jedi’s powers, where players will use the Force and Lightsabers in epic battles and master their combat skills alongside Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, ObiWan Kenobi, Yoda and Darth Maul. The Rise Against the Empire Play Set will take players on galaxy-spanning missions with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Darth Vader, piloting X-wing fighters or the Millennium Falcon to fight stormtroopers, or exploring and partaking in land-based missions on planets like Tatooine, Hoth, and Endor. Additionally, fans will also have the

unique opportunity to play with all of the Star Wars characters in all of the Star Wars Play Sets. The Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack is now available for P2,999 and includes the Disney Infinity 3.0 Base and video game software, which was developed by Avalanche Software; Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic Play Set; Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker character figures; and a web code card that unlocks content for PC and mobile devices. The latest software will be available for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, and iOS and Android devices. All figures and Power Discs from the 1.0 and 2.0 editions of Disney Infinity will be compatible with Disney Infinity 3.0 in the enhanced Toy Box Visit www.disney.com/Infinity for more information.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

The drag queens of the recently concluded RuPaul's Drag Race season 7

SH*T DRAG QUEENS SAY RuPaul is sick'ning

R u P a u l ’s Drag Race is one of my guilty pleasures. But when I was first watching it, THE GIST I couldn’t BY ED BIADO understand anything anyone was saying. Drag queens have their own language and it’s slowly making its way into the lexicon due to the fact that the show is insanely popular. On social media, a lot of people are talking drag – they call each other “hunty” and ask for the “tea” because they’re “gagging.” What the hell does any of it mean? Well, calm yourself down. Let me break it down for you:

BEAT

To apply the perfect amount and kind of makeup that makes one appear flawless. “Your face is so beat, girl.” “He was beating my face for the gods!”

DUSTED (ANTONYM: BUSTED)

KAI-KAI

Polished, flawless and perfect. “You’re looking dusted, queen!” “That is such a dusty look.”

To have sex, usually with a fellow drag queen in or out of drag. “Among these people here, who would you kai-kai with?”

FEELING ONE’S OATS

Feeling good about oneself for being dusty. “I was feeling my oats because I knew I was fierce!”

KIKI

FISH

LIBRARY

An extremely feminine person; for a drag queen, it is used to describe someone who resembles a biological woman. “This makeup is making me look so fishy.”

FLAZEDA

A string of syllables that make absolutely no sense; may be used to punctuate any sentence. “At that moment, I was just thinking, ‘Well, Flazeda!’ I mean, wouldn’t you?”

BOOGER (ANTONYM: HEATHER)

To get together, usually for gossip. “Let’s have a kiki Saturday afternoon.”

Ginger Minj

FLOOD ONE’S BASEMENT

To become extremely pleased; a reference to being “wet,” which indicates sexual arousal. “You’re gonna flood your basement when you see my new dress.”

READ

FOR THE GODS

SERVE

GAG

SHADE

Amazing and flawless. “I was nervous but I performed for the gods.”

To react intensely; may either be positive or negative depending on the situation one is reacting to. “I gagged when I heard that Michelle and Tom are getting married.” “The new Justin Bieber is gonna make you gag!”

An unattractive drag queen; may also be applied to a person who’s not a drag queen as long as he is considered unattractive. “Oh, that’s definitely a booger.”

BUSTED (ANTONYM: DUSTED) Unkempt, messy, unrefined and all over the place. “Did you see Mary? Her makeup was so busted last night!”

A humorous bashing session. “Oh, Miss Thing just opened the library!”

To criticize or expose someone’s imperfections in a humorous and witty manner. “Are you reading me right now, girl?”

To project a certain appearance. “She is serving us fishy eleganza!”

An insult, usually a blunt and unfiltered one that may or may not be directed at a specific target. “He was throwing major shade at everyone. So rude.” “I’m not trying to be shady, but that dress is ugly.”

HEATHER (ANTONYM: BOOGER) SICK’NING

CLOCK

To call out someone’s flaws or to uncover someone’s secret. “Girl, I knew I was gonna get clocked for wearing green. It’s not my color.”

A beautiful person; a reference to the movie Heathers. “She’s a Heather.”

Perfection; beyond amazing. “I’m sick’ning and you just have to deal with it.”

HUNTY

TEA (OR T)

A term of endearment; a portmanteau of “honey” and “cunt.” “Thanks for the ride home, hunty!” Gia Gunn

Gossip, truth; derived from the first letter of “truth.” “So tell me girl, what’s the tea?” Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

IG SPY

INK YOUR INSTAGRAM Tattoo is not for the faint of heart. Perhaps that’s why they say, “You don’t get tattoo, you earn it.” It’s a serious decision that stays with you and on you forever (well, there are several tattoo removal techniques now, but still). Over all, it’s a fascinating art form that exhibits the distinct style of the artist and provides an outlet for expression using a human canvas. Today, thanks to Instagram, artists can easily showcase their work to the world while collectors and fans can conveniently check out the latest designs and get inspiration. Apart from tattoos, tattoo artists and tattoo-inspired IG accounts also let us in to the lives of the people pursuing the art and the tattoo’s entire lifespan, from sketch to skin. So whether you have embraced the immortal potential of body art, or planning to one day – or soon – get inked, or are just a fan of tattooing, here are five of the many tattoo-dedicated accounts that will put some ink on your Instagram.

@blaynebius For something different and rather colorful, this Atlanta, Georgia-based tattoo artist runs an Instagram account that showcases her love for fantasy subjects. Here you’ll find Princess Bubblegum of Adventure Time, Sith emblems, space trees and nautilus shells, among other designs that are products of her imagination and the “inner kid” in her. Its nearly 23,000 followers also get a glimpse into Bius’ inspirations and explorations, images of tattoo in progress and the finished products, and her sketches and paintings.

@dotstolines Chaim Machlev, a tattoo artist based in Berlin, Germany, handles this account that features minimalist tattoo creations made with elegant lines and geometric figures which are undoubtedly modern – no wonder because he draws upon his innate “computer kid” when creating designs. Machlev also takes inspiration from the symmetry in nature and uses it to create irreversible body art on an asymmetrical canvas – the human body. The images of tattoos, as well as the photos and videos of the artist’s tattooing process are nothing short of amazing and a bit cringe-worthy, again, for the faint-hearted. Small wonder, Machlev’s body art has 359,000 fans as of this writing.

@inkspiringtattoos From monochrome to colorful, big to small, simple outlines to elaborate designs, this Instagram account features IG-heart worthy tattoo creations of different artists with varying styles and techniques. Here you’ll find men and women whose arms and legs are covered in awe-inspiring body art that would make squeamish people’s knees shake and send connoisseurs rushing for the needle. Aside from elaborate and artistic tattoos, there are also minimalist yet striking designs. Other elements like furry pals add another layer to the appeal of the images on the account, which has 836,000 followers to date.

@justsmalltattoos Perhaps it’s our love for everything minimalist, cute and sort of non-committal that explains why this Instagram account currently has 1.05 million followers. This IG features tiny tattoos that range from simple patterns like little heart, anchor, crescent moon and inspirational words and phrases (e.g. “hope,” “faith,” “think positive,” etc.) to small elaborate body inks showcasing geometric figures and 3D effects that would possibly inspire you to get one, either permanent or temporary. It has also inspired many tattoo merchandise such as temporary ink and stickers for your temporary body art needs, as well as mobile phone and laptop cases and stickers.

@sarahgaugler Marking her name in the New York and Manila tattoo industry is Filipino-American visual artist/designer/illustrator/model/actress/musician Sarah Gaugler. Her distinct line art style and designs have attracted tattoo collectors, most of whom are Filipino celebrities since she begun tattooing in 2008. With over 20,000 followers to date, Gaugler’s IG account features her custom designed tattoos and photos that allow fans to take a look into her life as an artist and musician.

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

‘Karelasyon’ focuses on cheating husbands as a love team five years after the telecast of their top-rating teleserye Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas. Dahil May Isang Ikaw is the 2009 romance and legal drama of ISAH V. RED ABS-CBN that revolves around two families whose fates interToday’s episode in Karelasyon twine with one another, creating centers on a cheating husband a complicated love story among who cavorts with the wife’s sister. two brothers and two sisters. The family drama stars Ryza The top-rating teleserye also Cenon, Pancho Magno, and LJ features a powerhouse cast inReyes. cluding Lorna Tolentino, GabThe story focuses on Melissa by Concepcion, John Estrada, (LJ), a mother and a wife who Chin Chin Gutierrez, Sid Lucechooses to leave her husband Ra- ro, and Karylle. mil (Pancho) and their children It also earned nominations in behind for a better-paying job in the 2010 International Emmy order to provide for them. Awards in the telenovela category Good as her intention may be, and in the Emmy Awards in the Melissa’s decision also led to her best foreign drama series category. family’s greatest test. Her youngDahil May Isang Ikaw will air on er sister Linda (Ryza) will be in- weekdays at 1p.m. on Jeepney TV. volved with the problem that her Along with the Echo-Tin series, leaving the family behind created. the iconic Pinoy comedy show Before Melissa leaves, she asks “Home Along Da Riles,” Goin’ BaLinda to look after her family for nanas, and JTV By Request: Meteor her. Linda readily agrees as she has Garden will also have TV comecome to love Melissa’s children like backs on Jeepney TV this month. her own. Only, moving in with her Meanwhile, Jeepney TV will sister’s family leads Linda to have also showcase classic films of Piolo an illicit affair with Ramil. Pascual on all Sundays of SeptemSo, how will Melissa deal with ber at 8 p.m. as the Kapamilya acthe pain this betrayal will give her tor is named as the channel’s icon when she finds out? Is she ever of the month. A special documengoing to forgive Ramil and Linda? tary on Piolo titled, BTS: Piolo PasFind out in Karelasyon’s epi- cual will air 9 p.m. on Sept. 27. sode written and directed by Zig HHHHH Dulay, as narrated by Carla Abel- rocco nacino in Japan for lana, 2:30 p.m. after Eat Bulaga JuJitsu competition today on GMA 7. The leading man of Beautiful HHHHH Strangers left for Japan with her Jericho, Kristine relive real-life sweetheart and co-sat chemistry on Jeepney tv for a jujitsu competition over the The phenomenal love team of Jer- weekend. Lovie Poe is with him icho Rosales and Kristine Her- for moral support. mosa is set to have a comeback Meanwhile, Christine (Heart on cable TV as their hit and inter- Evangelista) discovered the on-gonationally acclaimed drama series ing affair between Noel (Nacino) Dahil May Isang Ikaw premieres and Joyce (Poe) and immediately on Jeepney TV on Sept. 21. gave him the ultimatum. Noel felt The show marks their reunion remorseful at what he had done he

became depressed and didn’t want to go out of his bedroom. His brother (Gabby de Leon) called Christine who thinking something bad might happen with Noel rushed to his house but whom did she see there trying to console Noel? Will there be no more chance for Noel and Christine to get together again? Will the friendship between Christine and Joyce finally go to an end? These are the questions loyal viewers want to be answered when the show returns Monday for another full week episode after Marimar on GMA 7. HHHHH giselle sanchez’s beat-boxing sKills Comedienne Giselle Sanchez triumphed over other stars last week to become the first weekly winner of “Clash of Celebrities,” the newest segment of It’s Showtime that pits celebrities against each other. Last Saturday, a confident Giselle stood out against her rivals as she beatboxed and danced her way to become the first contestant qualified for the segment’s grand finals. In “Clash of Celebrities,” celebrities battle against each other by showing a skill or give a kind of performance they don’t usually do. Some of those who bravely stood up to the challenge were Jovit Baldivino, who performed a hiphop routine, Mitoy Yonting, who sang both the male and female parts of a song à la “doble kara,” and Kris Lawrence who impressed in his folk dance number. Based on data from Kantar Media, the said episode garnered a national TV rating of 14.4 percent. Who else will shock viewers with their unexpected talent? Don’t miss the fun in It’s Showtime 12:15 p.m. Monday to Fridays and 12 noon on Saturdays on ABS-CBN.

LJ Reyes plays a woman who leaves her husband and children for a high-paying job in Karelasyon

Ryza Cenon and LJ Reyes in Karelasyon

Pancho Magno plays LJ Reyes husband who has an affair with her sister, played by Ryza Cenon

The love team of Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa is back on Jeepney TV

Rocco Nacino and Heart Evangelista in Beautiful Strangers

Real life sweethearts Lovi Poe and Rocco Nacino now in Japan

It's Showtime's Clash of Celebrities first weekly winner Giselle Sanchez

iphoto

Disney live Kia Theatre, the new entertainment venue in Araneta Center, was the venue for Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. Featuring Disney characters from Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Toy Story, the performance offers a total rock and roll experience for the whole family. The tour finds the perfect home in Kia Theatre with world-class audio-visual and lighting technologies. Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse flank Araneta Group exec and Uniprom Inc. OIC-COO Irene Jose, Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival performance director Nick Manna, and Feld Entertainment regional marketing director for Southeast Asia Blake Tatroe.

SAT URDAY : S EPT EMBER 1 2 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

POWER MaC CEntER CELEbRatES 21St annivERSaRy

ower Mac Center, the country’s premier Apple partner, celebrated 21 years of its continued presence and service in the Philippines with a thanksgiving event for its partners, collaborators and loyal customers through the years. Held recently at Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk, Power Mac Center presented a walkthrough to all of its important milestones in business and meaningful collaboration, along with the introduction of the Power Mac Center Spotlight, Power Mac Center’s newest arts venue, made possible with its partnership with Ayala Land Inc. and Circuit Makati. The event started off with Manila Symphony Orchestra’s remarkable performance. The second season of Sync Sessions also kicked off with performances by Franco and Urbandub. Well-known celebrities, including Power Mac Center’s brand ambassadors, were also present during the event. a PREMiUM LifEStyLE bRanD Since the opening of its first reseller store at SM Megamall in 1994, Power Mac Center has proven itself as a premium lifestyle brand, helping establish a strong Apple presence in the country through the retail of Apple products like Mac desktops and laptops, iPods, iPhones and iPads and premium accessories.

Through the years, Power Mac Center has built an extensive network of authorized Apple facilities in the country that includes 25 retail stores, 8 service centers and 2 training centers. POWER MaC CEntER SPOtLight LaUnCh The event also highlights Power Mac Center’s meaningful partnership with Ayala Land Inc., the Power Mac Center Spotlight. Located at the heart of Circuit Makati, the black box theater has a capacity of 300 seats and flexible seating set - up and lights and sounds equipment designed to provide a venue for interactive, dynamic, fresh, and innovative performances. Power Mac Center Spotlight can accommodate theater, music, dance performances, acting workshops, as well as seminars, corporate launches and private functions. It will bring new and diverse opportunities to promote not only the arts but talented Filipino artists as well. Opening this September, Power Mac Center Spotlight will debut its first show, Chuva Choo Choo: The Mr. Kupido Musical, celebrating the work of respected composer Vehnee Saturno. “Power Mac Center Spotlight will be an incredible addition to the company’s growing portfolio of offerings,” said Power Mac Center

Franco

43 45 46 47 50 51 52 54 57 58 61 62 63 64 65 66 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Luminous 6 Shadowy 9 More prudent 14 Egyptian capital 15 Lennon’s wife 16 Bakery enticement 17 Small world, isn’t it? 19 Pie chart lines 20 Taiga denizen 21 Diploma word 22 Kiosk

Marketing Director, Joey Alvarez. “It will be an exciting milestone for Power Mac Center as well as for arts enthusiasts in the country.” aRtfUL COLLabORatiOnS Aside from its numerous in-store activities, Power Mac Center has also proven itself a valuable partner of the local arts, music and gaming scene and has started and cultivated meaningful partnerships with various establishments and individuals for creative ventures, most significantly with Ayala Museum. Power Mac Center started Arcadium, the country’s first gaming tournament of its kind, which gets a fresh reboot early this year with Arcadium for 2 that allows gamers to form tag teams and pit themselves against other pairs. Power Mac Center also orchestrated Sync Sessions in 2014, a series of live performances featuring celebrated musical acts in different genres, made noteworthy by its use of only Mac and iOS devices. And recently, a campaign dubbed as Pixelworx, which merges ideas, technology and art was launched at the Ayala Museum, a long-time partner in art endeavors. It also introduced Power Mac Center’s newest art ambassadors, who are eminent contemporary visual and multimedia artists. The winners of the very first Pixelworx Mixed-media Competition were also announced.

Urbandub

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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Clutter The ones here Arroyo War movie river Victorian Widespread M, to Einstein Michael Jackson album Debt memos Spaghetti sauce herb (2 wds.)

Wyoming range Future MD’s course Din Renowned recluse Shower, maybe Bit part Fermi split it CD players Brown pigment Risky venture Nurse’s concern — Moines Cookout locale Fiery horse Iowa hrs. Booster rocket

DOWN 1 Pinnacle 2 Devers of track 3 Salt block 4 Bruins’ ice great 5 Pay court to 6 “Light My Fire” band 7 Technical sch. 8 May honorees 9 Armada component 10 Really ticked 11 Malt shop orders 12 Writer Zola 13 Train track 18 — Stengel

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015

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Richard Juan and Tommy Esguerra

Young girl Coast Guard off. Wool cap 45 or 78 Haik wearer Travel document Strong brown paper Roll of bills Gee follower Alcove Ready the guitar Cote murmur Mach 1 exceeder Worked hard U2 producer Hike Chow down Full range Mosey along Della or Pee Wee Vaunt Tea holders “Back in Black” group Half of seis Be too fond Put together Portico Hot tub Beldam

SM Youth aMbaSSadorS in Pbb

M Youth’s very own ambassadors blow the house down as Pinoy Big Brother 737’s newest housemates. A melting pot of youth culture and self-expression-for better or worse, the Pinoy Big Brother house has always been known to welcome temporary residents who are not afraid to show the world who they really are. From opinionated teenagers, young souls who have experienced a lifetime in their short life and role models to many who watch their lives on TV, these housemates reflect the decisions, dilemmas and dreams that shape the youth to discover who they really are. SM Youth, as a fashion and lifestyle label for the young Filipino, imbibes this same brand of self-expression and a desire to stand out--that’s why they are more than proud to see SM Youth’s very own ambassadors Richard Juan and Tommy Esguerra enter the Pinoy Big Brother House as the newest regular housemates.

Richard Juan, who entered the house early in August was named Charming Chinito ng Parañaque, for his arresting Asian good looks and endearing personality. Joining Richard inside the house after a month was fellow SM Youth ambassador Tommy Esguerra, who entered the house last weekend. Tagged the Pretty Boy ng Las Piñas, Tommy is sure to make girls swoon with his signature sprawling locks and cool guy style. “We’re proud and excited about Richard and Tommy’s entrance into the PBB House,” says Marielle Ardiente, SM Youth’s assistant vice president for Marketing. “SM Youth, through our clothes and brands, has always been about making statements with one’s individuality--we’re glad that Richard and Tommy will be able to show the rest of the country how the youth should never be afraid to express themselves.” SM Youth is available in all SM Department Stores. For more information

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

IloCana BEauty Is 2015 MIss GloBal phIlIppInEs

andice Ramos said she would readily give up her career in exchange for winning Miss Global Philippines because she believed it would be her bread and butter and open for her doors of opportunities. Indeed, she edged out four of her nearest competitors and 16 other single girls and single mothers to win a Miss Global Philippines 2015 at the coronation night held at Resorts World Manila Newport Theater of Performing Arts. Ramos, a 28-year-old, native of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is a BS Tourism graduate of the University of the Philippines and was a fifth placer at the Miss Earth Philippines pageant in 2012. Outgoing title-holder Catherine Almirante who was third placer in Miss Global International 2014 crowned her successor. Henna Santos, another Ilocana, was first runner-up; Mary Eileen Gonzales of Quezon City, second runner-up; Angela Anninang of Negros Occidental, who lost her

balance and fell on stage during a preliminary competition was third runner-up while Meryl Angeline King of Albay fourth runner-up. Santos also walked away with the best in talent, swimsuit and evening gown special awards while Gonzales, a Star Magic talent won the Miss Friendship, New Placenta, Netizen, and Resort Wear special titles. Ramos was earlier named Miss Hanna Beach Resort. Others who made it to the Top 10 were Stephanie Archival, Jir Jane Danag, Abbyjun Dizor, Ckeszha Kren del Rosario and Queenie Uy. Ramos will reign as tourism ambassador to help promote Philippine tourism and will compete against some 50 delegates coming to Manila in October for the Miss Global International title currently held bt Miss Canada Ela Mino. Rizza Lao Laping and Pauline Laping head the Miss Global Philippines franchise. – Eton B. ConCEpCIon

Meryl Angeline King (Camarines Nore, 4th runner up), Sam Gonzales, (3rd runner up). Candice Ramos (Vigan, Miss Global Philippines 2015), Henna Santos (Ilocos Norte, 1st runner up) and Angela Aninang (Negros Occidental, 2nd runner up)

Miss international bet at the aFP-PnP olyMPiCs 2015 oPening The beauty queen elicits glances from the soldiers

Bb. Pilipinas International Janicel Lubina with the AFP -PNP Olympics participants

photos: spo2 Jonathan DE lEon

he AFP-PNP Olympics 2015, an annual sporting event for soldier and police athletes, was declared open during a simple ceremony held at the GHQ Grandstand in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Sept. 8 with reigning Bb. Pilipinas International Janicel Lubina acting as muse of the highly regarded national police contingent. Lubina, a veteran in pageantry took the Bb. Pilipinas-International 2015 title in the last edition of the most prestigious national pageant in the land, Binibining Pilipinas. She was also adjudged best in swimsuit

and best in evening gown. The 20-year-old, former Miss Bikini Philippines and runner up to Megan Young in Miss World Philippines 2013, is a living Cinderella having once worked as a kasambahay in her province of Palawan as alternate for her ailing mother. Lubina, took time out from her training and preparation for her competition at the 2015 Miss International pageant in Japan in November, to add glamor and excitement to the participating athletes. Police personnel turned into instant fans of the stunning, statuesque beauty who mingled and readily obliged for

selfies after the traditional parade of participants. Director General Ricardo C. Marquez, chief of PNP, representing Police Director Francisco A. Uyami, acting chief, Directorial Staff of PNP gave total support to the highly anticipated sports event and wished the participants a successful 2015 AFP PNP Olympics. Major General Edgardo R. Fallorina, deputy director of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines represented General Hernando DCA Iriberri, chief of staff of AFP and declared the opening of the competition. The AFP-PNP Olympics is held yearly to promote

don’s work alongside Batman is well documented in television and cinematic history, the real score about what it took Gordon to navigate the multiple layers of corruption that secretly ruled Gotham City, the spawning ground of the world’s most iconic villains, remains untold. Furthermore, what circumstances created them, the larger-than-life personas who would become Catwoman, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face and of course The Joker? The interesting developments in the first season are stories of Oswald Cobblepot a.k.a. The Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor). And it’s just just the beginning.

– Eton B. ConCEpCIon

The Gotham series poster

gothaM’s villains steal the show on warner tv

n a world where heroes are celebrated, it is easy to overlook that villains have stories to tell too. Not their stories of crime or revenge, but the circumstances that led them to become what they are. On Sept.22, just a few hours after the US, Warner TV brings the Philippines the hotly awaited second season of Gotham. This is the origin story of the great DC Comics super villains and vigilantes, revealing an entirely new chapter that has never been told before. As the plot develops, viewers will experience more about the background of some of the most infamous villains in comic book lore. While Commissioner Gor-

sports, physical fitness and wellness activities among military, police and civilian personnel. It also promotes discipline, sportsmanship, camaraderie and unity among the men and women in uniform. The competition expects a high-level, world class performance in various sports discipline like badminton, swimming, tennis, taekwondo, basketball, football, volleyball, marathon, Chess, arnis, shooting and boxing. The PNP participants will try to dislodge the AFP Philippine Air Force who emerged as over-all champion in last year’s edition.

“You’ll see some major Penguin moves by the finale. Certain things will come to a head,” revealed Gotham executive producer John Stephens. “Dynamics that were set in motion in the first couple of episodes will finally have their climax. It will be dark and bloody. We will see all his plans and machinations finally erupt and start to rip Gotham apart. We will also see Gordon butting heads with the establishment inside the Gotham

City Police Department as well.” It’s not just The Penguin, though. More villains-in-themaking will come to the fore in the second season. “We don’t want to burn through too many villains at once so we’ll bring them in slowly and develop them. We’d love to do Killer Croc’s and Hugo Strange’s stories or revisit Jonathan Crane (Charlie Tahan). I would say we have about a half-dozen we’d like to

bring out in the next year and a half,” Stephens added. The series stars Ben McKenzie as James Gordon, Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock, Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth, David Mazouz as a 12-year-old Bruce Wayne, Zabryna Guevara as Sarah Essen and John Doman as Carmine “The Roman” Falcone. Gotham Season Two premieres on Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. only on Warner TV.

SAT URDAY : S EPT EMBER 1 2 : 2015

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Hey Ladies! Here’s THe parade of sHirTLess men 2

he Cosmo carnival-themed Bachelor Bash was punctuated by a segment they called the final look –all shirtless celebrities and models who walked the ramp went back onstage, lined up and did their final tease. The confetti was blasted into the air and music went louder. That’s how the steamy Bachelor Bash ended. The gates opened as early as 3 p.m., attendees, who went there in groups, patiently queued at different booths within the gated venue. Women and even members of the third sex were treated to free hugs, kisses and even lap dances in jail, kissing and marriage booths. Half-naked men manned the booths, of course. However, happy hour suddenly got disrupted when heavy rain poured at around 6 p.m. Some ran for cover and some people remained hopping from one themed booth to another wearing raincoats. But it is as if the universe conspired that the rain suddenly stopped at 8 p.m., just in time for the main show, allowing the attendees to huddle before the stage to have a closer look at the models who would walk the ramp. The main show featured a series of carnival-themed production numbers, too. Zeus Collins set the mood with his opening number. The tattooed model showcased his dancing skills and stripped to the delight of screaming rain-soaked crowd. This was the prelude to the many other stripping acts that happened during the entire show. Most notable of course, was Daniel Matsunaga who made everyone swoon when he removed his hood and revealed his chiseled physique and walked the runway with a mischievous smile. The Pinoy Big Brother winner was obviously the most awaited bachelor to grace the Cosmo

By nickie Wang

stage. Loud screams were heard each time a teaser of him is shown on the gigantic video walls. Same warm reception was also given to JC De Vera and young model LA Aguinaldo. Other main attractions were modeling world’s three kings – Sam Adjani, Vince Ferraren and John Spainhour – actors Benjamin Alves, Elmo Magalona. Enzo Pineda, and Derrick Monasteryo, Alex Castro and Alex Medina, PBA player Jens Knuttel and models Kirst Viray, Clint Bondad and Amadeo Leandro. Each one of them had their own gimmick but nothing was memorable except for Derrick Monasteryo’s “candy in the crotch” act and Enzo Pineda’s failed attempt to remove his underwear without removing his jogger pants. Derrick was apparently hiding a large rainbow-swirl flat lollipop in his underwear. At the end of his turn to walk the ramp, he knelt down and pulled the lollipop out and took a

A few more men paraded on stage in their half-naked glory, most of them were halfies and models who flew in from some other parts of the world just to grace this year’s bash to the delight ogling women, and well, men

bite, one of the fans standing before the stage grabbed the lollipop and sink his teeth into it as if it was the last lollipop in the world. Meanwhile, Enzo couldn’t pull his stunt the way he planned it. At the end of the stage, he teased the audience by cutting off the seams of his underwear but for some reason he couldn’t pull his underwear out of his pants. He looked awkward walking still trying to remove the piece of clothing stuck somewhere between his legs. A few more men paraded on stage in their half-naked glory, most of them were halfies and models who flew in from some other parts of the world just to grace this year’s bash to the delight ogling women, and well, men. With this buffet of muscled and good-looking men, the audience went home satisfied albeit this year’s show being a bit tamed and less playful. None of the models ramped in skimpy underwear, no sleazy act, too. But all of them went shirtless, pulled their board shorts and joggers (the official fashion statement of the night) dangerously low. We guess that was enough, it’s not an underwear show after all.

1 The Cosmo Bachelors took their shirt s off to signal the start of the main show 2 Crowd-pleaser and Cosmo main man Daniel Matsunaga 3 Enzo Pineda trying to pull stunt 4 Derrick Monasteryo’s lollipop stunt 5 JC De Vera posing for everyone 6 Sam Adjani, John Spainhour and Vince Ferraren 7 Kapamilya star JC De Vera is a crowd favorite 8 Ramp and commercial model Kirst Viray is part of this year’s Centerfold 9 Young model LA Aguinaldo flaunted his lean physique 10 Cosmo men in their white board shorts