The Standard - 2015 September 25 - Friday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXIX NO. 225 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 frIday : SEPTEMBEr 25, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

500 killed in Muslim devotees’ stampede

not Authorized Palace: Aquino not involved in lumad controversy By Sandy Araneta, John Paolo Bencito, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Palace denied Thursday allegations that President Benigno Aquino III authorized the Armed Forces to close down and occupy lumad schools in Mindanao and that he had a direct hand in the campaign of violence and harassment against tribal communities.

The denial came after UN envoys called for a full and independent investigation into the killing of three lumad leaders in Surigao del Sur and denounced the military occupation of schools. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., however, turned down a request that UN special rapporteurs be allowed to visit the country to conduct their own investigation.

“The Philippines needs to undertake its own internal processes to look into the incident in Surigao. It is best to let these internal processes take place before any international bodies even come into the picture,” he said. Coloma also denied the accusations by ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio that the President had a direct hand in the anti-

lumad campaign. “There is no basis and truth to the allegations,” he said. “According to Education Secretary Armin Luistro, the DepEd [Department of Education] is doing everything it can to maintain peace and order in all schools and that all teachers are doing what they can to ensure the safety of the students,” Coloma added. Next page

Celebration. Muslim Filipinos

pose for a picture during the Eid’l Adha celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Thursday. JAnSen RoMeRo

Aguinaldo kin Abaya hits movie ‘untruths’

Energy department’s expensive swag By Christine F. Herrera THE Department of Energy has given away P9.19 million worth of “classy and branded” shoes, backpacks, tote bags, pens and umbrellas for personnel to gather “rock and oil samples,” which the Commission on Audit found “il-

legal, excessive, immoderate, lavish and extravagant.” In its 2013 annual audit report, CoA said DoE bought “classy” brands of shoes like Skechers and Merrel shoes for P4,000 to P5,000 a pair. It also bought “high-end” North Face backpacks costing

P4,300 each, CoA said. The DoE also gave away Parker pens and expensive jackets and tshirts as part of its “promotional materials” for its awareness campaign nationwide. The DoE said the field shoes are necessary in the conduct of Next Next page page

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No ransom demand for 3 aliens Not... From A1

Tinio on Wednesday said regional Education Department officials admitted there was a plan to close down some 24 community schools and replace them with schools run by soldiers. The plan, they said, was hatched during an April 23 meeting called by the Regional Intelligence Committee, which was convened by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, which reports to the President. Earlier, the Catholic Church urged Aquino to address the human rights violations against the lumad, who were being driven away from their homes by paramilitary groups linked to the Armed Forces. “The administration is continuing to address the issue. More than a week ago, a peace caravan was even sent to the place where representatives from different departments of the government took part… to show the government’s concrete commitment to continue the programs on livelihood, economic development, and indigenous peoples,” Coloma said. Coloma said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima also met with civil society groups and the representatives of lumad to ensure an honest and fair investigation of the killing of three lumad leaders. The UN special rapporteurs on the rights of indigenous peoples, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, and on the situation on human rights defenders, Michel Forst, called on the Aquino administration to launch a full and independent investigation into the killings of the three human rights defenders in Surigao del Sur. One of the human rights defenders killed was the director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Development, a school providing education to indigenous youth who live in the mountains and service communities in the Caraga region. He was found murdered in one of the ALCADEV classrooms in the town of Sitio Han-ayan on Sept. 1. This occurred immediately after members of the Army and alleged members of paramilitary forces had occupied the school’s function hall as well as its grounds, and after members of the paramilitary had detained the director. As a result of the forced occupation by the Army and paramilitary troops of the school’s premises, 2,000 residents have had to evacuate to nearby Tandag City. “Military occupation of civilian institutions and killing of civilians, particularly in places such as schools which should remain safe havens for children from this type of violence, are unacceptable, deplorable and contrary to international human rights and international humanitarian standards,” the Special Rapporteurs said. Two other representatives of the Manobo community, including a tribal chieftain and the chairperson of MAPASU, an indigenous organiza-

Energy... From A1

routine field investigations in rugged mountains, slippery terrain to gather rock, coal, oil, gas, petroleum and biodiesel samples necessitating tough but lightweight, durable and non-slip field shoes. “The field bags are used to carry paraphernalia for sample collection such as geological hammer, compass, etc. It is also used for the safekeeping of laptop computers and other energy instruments during the duration of travels from DoE to plant site,” the DoE told CoA in response to a letter dated Jan. 30, 2015. The cover letter was signed by CoA

tion protesting against human rights violations, mining operations and land conversions, were shot in front of their community members by alleged paramilitary forces. Following the murders, the military is hindering the access of indigenous communities from spending long periods of time needed for tilling in the mountains where their farms are located, the UN envoys. The communities are also denied access to the sacred burial sites also located in those mountains. The incident followed another set of brutal murders which took place on Aug. 18 in Mendis, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao where five members of an indigenous Manobo family, including a 72-yearold blind person and two children, were murdered, allegedly by members of the Army. “We take note of the announcement made today at the Human Rights Council in Geneva by the delegation of the Philippines that an investigation is under way,” they said. “We urge the Philippine authorities to ensure that such investigation into these tragic events be carried out independently to identify and bring perpetrators to justice, to ensure the safe return of the indigenous peoples displaced by the recent violent events, and guarantee redress to the victims’ families in compliance with their indigenous traditions and the demilitarization and restoration of peace in regions affected by armed conflicts including in Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon.” The special rapporteurs expressed serious concern about the increasingly pervasive insecurity and rising unlawful killings of human rights activists in the conflict-prone regions of the Philippines. Forst urged the government to finally accept his repeated requests to visit the country in order to assess, in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, the environment in which human rights defenders operate in the Philippines. The experts’ call has been endorsed by the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns. The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz (Philippines), is a human rights activist working on indigenous peoples’ rights. Her work for more than three decades has been focused on movement building among indigenous peoples and also among women, and she has worked as an educator-trainer on human rights, development and indigenous peoples in various contexts. She is a member of the Kankana-ey, Igorot indigenous peoples in the Cordillera Region in the Philippines. Mr. Michel Forst (France) was appointed by the Human Rights Council as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders in June 2014. Michel Forst has extensive experience on human rights issues and particularly on the situation of human rights defenders. In particular, he was

the director-general of Amnesty International (France) and secretary-general of the first World Summit on Human Rights Defenders in 1998. The Commission on Human Rights, which earlier urged the government to take action on the lumad killings, welcomed the plan of the UN High Commission on Human Rights to conduct an investigation. “We welcome it,” CHR spokesperson Banuar Falcon told The Standard. “Last May, we hosted the UN’s special rapporteur on torture, and the special rapporteur on the right to food in June. We also welcomed its rapporteur on the internationally displaced persons.” The Foreign Affairs Department, however, could not confirm that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had asked that two UN rapporteurs be invited to the Philippines to report on the killings of lumad in Mindanao. The human rights group Karapatan earlier brought the killings and displacement of lumad in Mindanao to the attention of the United Nations and urged it to investigate. An official of the UNCHR in Manila said that UN rapporteurs can come to the Philippines as tourists but cannot conduct any report or investigation without the permission of the Philippine government. Witnesses, including the child of indigenous leader and farmer Dionel Campos who was killed, said soldiers and militiamen working for them were behind the killings. In Congress, Education Secretary Armin Luistro came under heavy fire for failing to condemn the military takeover of schools. During budget hearings in the House, Luistro said he was ready to give his life to students caught in the crossfire of armed conflict. “Without any second thoughts, a teacher’s first move is to protect children,” he told the ways and means committee. But Vencer Crisostomo, Anakbayan national chairman, blasted the Education Department’s Memorandum No. 221, which he said would allow military and paramilitary groups to camp in schools. “DepEd’s continued silence on the killings implies support and encouragement to military and paramilitary groups attacking the lumad,” Crisostomo said. But Luistro said the same department order being questioned by leftist groups ensures “the universal rights of the child and condemns any form of threat against children in schools.” Aquino, however, drew support from his allies in the House, who denounced Tinio’s accusations. In separate interviews, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone and Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said Tinio’s accusation against the President was serious and that he should be able to produce solid proof.

“He is just trying to get attention,” Belmonte told The Standard, saying the accusation against the President went “against all logic.” Barzaga said the burden of proof was on the accuser, Tinio said. “An accusation is easy to make. Congressman Tinio must have some solid evidence considering that he is accusing the highest elected official of the country,” he said. He added that Tinio’s credibility was “impaired” because he was one of the President’s harshest critics. Evardone and Albano also dismissed Tinio’s charges against the President as “unbelievable” and “preposterous.” Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, however, rallied behind Tinio and denounced the Department of Social Welfare and Development for exposing a 14-yearold lumad girl who was raped to soldiers. “We have been informed that the lumad child and her mother were placed in a DSWD shelter next to a military detachment. Do they not know the trauma that militarization and sexual violence bring? Why put the victims in that facility near their possible perpetrators, when it could have used other shelters farther away from their tormentors?” Ilagan said. She said the DSWD, headed by Corazon Soliman, was remiss not only in implementing child protection laws but also adhering to the international human rights standards. Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano, commanding general of the Army, said he welcomed a Senate inquiry into the Surigao killings. The inquiry will focus on the killing of three lumad leaders, ALCADEV executive director Emerito Samarca, and two other lumad leaders, Dionel Campos and Bello Sinzo. The three were killed on Sept. 1. Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero came to the President’s defense Thursday, saying they did not believe he ordered the closure of lumad schools. “I know that President Aquino is pushing for the establishment of more schools around the country,” said Poe, who is running for President against the ruling Liberal Party candidate in 2016. Escudero, who is running for vice president alongside Poe, also said he doubted whether the President would issue such an order. It was the second day that Escudero defended the President. On Wednesday, he accused the United States of judging Aquino’s anti-corruption record unfairly. Senator Sergio Osmeña III said the President had no direct responsibility but must report to the nation why the killings were taking place. Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate committee on peace, unification and reconciliation, said they will also look into the issues surrounding the reported closure of schools. He said he hoped the Senate investigation would curb the violence in the region. With Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja

auditor and director Cecilia Camon, who provided then Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla the CoA report, a copy of which The Standard has obtained. But the CoA said the shoes and backpacks were also given to nontechnical personnel, not only to technical personnel who are the ones who do field work. “Five agency personnel received more than one pair of shoes and more than one backpack,” CoA said. CoA said the purchases were contrary to policies on irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant and unconscionable expenditures. The field supplies purchased by DoE included 104 backpacks at P3,500-

P4,300 each for a total of P412,500. Some 156 pairs of shoes at P4,000P5,000 per pair or a total of P676,500 were also distributed as were 49 jackets at P1,300-P1,400 apiece or a total of P65,100. DoE spent a total of P1.15 million for the field supplies, CoA said. On the other hand, the promotional materials purchased by DoE included 2,050 backpacks at P297-P1,480 per piece or a total of P668,000; 4,400 jackets worth P403-P897 apiece or a total of P2,616,800; 11,585 t-shirts at P110-P240 per piece or a total of P1,945,825; 9,270 tote or utility bags at P37.50-P136 per piece or a total of P989,750; 500 Parker pens at P450 per piece or a total of

P225,000; 1,000 umbrellas at P168 apiece or a total of P168,000, and other items like coin banks and ID at P7.60-P65 per piece or a total of P1.43 million. The promotional materials cost the department P8.04 million. CoA said the release of P1.15 million for backpacks, field shoes, and field jackets and categorizing these items as field supplies were contrary to existing rules. It cited The Handbook on the Audit of Government Expenditures, which states: “In all cases where the law authorizes the furnishing of uniforms only, this should be construed to include only regulation caps, pants, and coats. Unless expressly mentioned, the auditor shall not allow the purchase of shoes as part of uniform

By Francisco Tuyay

THE abductors of three foreigners and a Filipina from a Davao island resort have yet to demand a ransom three days after the kidnapping, authorities said Thursday. “There has been no ransom demand,” said Supt. Antonio Rivera, spokesman for the Police Regional Office-Davao. Not even the management of the Ocean View Hotel Island Resort where the kidnapping took place had received word, he added. Military officials said they had good leads about the whereabouts of the captives, but could not say who the abductors were. Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall and the Filipino woman were snatched by still unidentified gunmen from their yacht at a marina on Samal Island in Davao 11:30 p.m. Monday. An informed source said authorities had been warned that the Abu Sayyaf planned to stage a kidnapping in Davao City before Monday’s abduction. The report was forwarded to top military officials but it was unclear if they acted upon the alert. “We don’t know what happened after that. As far as we are concerned, we forwarded the report and all information that we collated,” the source added. Police released an artist’s sketch of one of the suspects, a man between 20 and 30, about 5’3, of medium build and dark complexion. The description came from Kazuko Tripps, a Japanese woman who avoided being abducted by jumping into the water along with her husband. Security forces backed by air and naval assets scoured the hinterlands of Eastern Mindanao in search of the kidnap victims. Military officials said they were hopeful that there would be a breakthrough in the case. “We have a good lead today and something will happen in the next hours,” said Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad. He said the kidnappers apparently came from Sulu, but said this did not mean they were from the Abu Sayyaf Group. “The primary suspect is ASG, but I would not conclude that it is ASG,” he added. Baladad said he believed the suspects were still in his area of operation. at government expense.” “Clearly from the above regulations, backpacks, field shoes and jackets are not part of the uniform to be given to employees,” the audit agency said. The lack of legal basis for the purchases make these “irregular expenditures,” CoA said. DoE defended the purchases by saying the shoes and jackets were supposed to keep the personnel safe while working in the field while the promotional materials were for the participants of the Information, Education, and Communication campaigns in different parts of the country “to raise awareness on the requirements of the program.”

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Lakas sets convention next week THE Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats has tentatively set for next week its party convention to discuss political matters in preparation for next year’s presidential elections.

Protest. Students at the University of the Philippines in Diliman march to condemn the P2.2-billion cut in the school’s budget and the looming increase in tuition and other fees. Ey AcAsio

LP officials withdraw invite for Poe, Chiz By Macon R. Araneta THE invitation to Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero, the front runners in the presidential and vice presidential race in next year’s elections, was withdrawn by Tawi-Tawi’s top officials who belong to the ruling Liberal Party because of their political differences. Tawi-Tawi Gov. Nubert Sahali and his sister, Rep. Ruby Sahali, had earlier invited the two to attend the province’s foundation day on Sunday. But Escudero’s media relations officer Ronnie Calumpita said they were later

notified by the Sahalis that the invitation was being withdrawn. “They’re from LP and the invited senators were not from LP,” Calumpita said. Poe and Escudero, who ran as independent senators in the 2013 elections, said they will remain independent in next year’s elections, although they’d welcome any help from political parties. “It is unfortunate that the invitation to attend the Foundation Day of TawiTawi on Sunday was withdrawn for political reasons,” Poe and Escudero said in a joint statement.

“We know that the people of Tawi-Tawi have been preparing for our visit on the invitation of Governor Nurbert Sahali and Congresswoman Ruby Sahali, who both belong to the Liberal Party.” Poe and Escudero said they understood that it must have been very difficult for them to withdraw the invitation, and that they appreciated the invitation. “We assure the people of Tawi-Tawi that we will continue to support their needs and they can look forward to our visit in the coming days,” Poe and Escudero said.

The two are perceived to be the force to reckon with in the May 2016 elections despite their not having a political machinery. But the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the country’s second biggest political party, has expressed its desire to support their candidacies. Escudero was a member of the NPC before he left the party in 2010 due to his plan to run for President, but he later decided against it. Poe rejected the LP’s offer to be the running mate of resigned Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, the administration’s standard bearer.

House Independent Bloc Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, the Lakas-CMD president, said the party was yet to decide who to align with for the elections following the declaration of Senator Grace Poe, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and former Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II that they will run for President in the 2016 elections. “We will be meeting to set the convention probably next week to discuss political matters. We have to consolidate for next year,” Romualdez said. He made his statement even as Senator Ferdinand Marcos on Thursday slammed the reports he would announce his presidential bid in Pangasinan this weekend. “I have been hearing so many dates of my supposed declaration of my plans for 2016,” said Marcos, a member of the Nacionalista Party who had earlier said he was considering running for President next year. “Unless you hear it directly from me, do not believe,” Marcos said. “As I have said before, I believe these false advisories being spread by an unscrupulous group are intentional and meant to put my name in a bad light.” Marcos said he had also been reported to be announcing his candidacy for President at the Philippine Arena on Sept. 20. “What made matters worse is that I received reports that people were promised money for their attendance in the event,” he said. Romualdez said his friends from the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the party widely perceived to carry Poe and Escudero, and UNA were inviting him to join them. “Political party is about inclusion and we would want to have relationships with all our friends in other parties, including UNA,” he said. Earlier, Romualdez expressed gratitude to the NPC over his inclusion in its senatorial slate. He was reacting to the statement of House Deputy Speaker and Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, NPC president, that he would be among the party’s senatorial candidates. PnA, with Macon RamosAraneta

Binay to give priority to schools CHILDREN’S education and the construction of new school buildings and classrooms will be the priority of Vice President Jejomar Binay should he win the 2016 elections, his spokesman said Thursday. “Vice President Jejomar Binay believes that education is the greatest social equalizer and an effective vehicle for poverty reduction,” Joey Salgado said. “He finds it unfortunate that this administration has failed to prioritize the construction and repair of school buildings and classrooms for kindergarten students. Investing in our children’s education is his top priority.” Salgado cited Northern Mindanao, which has 15,000 kindergarten enrollees yearly but does not have enough classrooms.

“The vice president believes that with the youth educated and prepared for the outside world, they can join the workforce with the qualifications needed to excel in their chosen field,” Salgado said. “They will earn good income which, in turn, will translate to a better life for each and every Filipino.” Salgado said a strong workforce will boost the economy and the gains of such a vibrant economy will redound to the benefit of all Filipinos. “It is sad that this administration failed to prioritize the needs of kindergarten students, kindergarten being the first and important step in the education ladder,” he said. He noted that while the government has enacted Republic Act 10157 or “The Kindergarten Education Act,” the support needed to ensure

the implementation of the law has not been given priority. Salgado said despite the P14.1-billion fund allocated in the 2013 budget for the construction, replacement and completion of kindergarten, elementary and secondary buildings, there is still an acute classroom shortage. The Commission on Audit says only P3,311,610.00 was allotted by the Department of Education in 2011 for the construction of four kindergarten classrooms with furniture, so that the shortage of classrooms deprives more than 15,000 kindergarten enrollees every year. “There were some classrooms built but there is a shortage. We need those classrooms constructed immediately particularly for the kindergarten students,” Salgado said. Vito Barcelo

on the street. A man offers shirts that he sells at P150 for two in Carriedo in Santa Cruz, Manila. DAnny PAtA

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Abaya does not believe in ‘Luna’ storyline T R A N SP ORTAT ION Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, a greatgrandson of the country’s first President Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, does not believe that Gen. Antonio Luna, another hero of the Philippine-American War, was assassinated at the order of his ancestor. “I’ve read enough books. There are other versions. I don’t think he was assassinated,” Abaya was quoted in a report by ABS-CBN when he was asked about his views on the critically acclaimed biopic “Heneral Luna.” Abaya did not say what version he was referring to, but he has always defended Aguinaldo, who has been linked to the assassination of Luna and the controversial execution of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio and his brother Procopio. The Department of Transportation and Communications chief was asked about his opinion of the biopic “Heneral Luna,” which has been chosen as the country’s official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category of next year’s Oscars. The film, which has been reaping rave reviews, was directed by Jerrold Tarog and is set during the Philippine-American war, from the time Luna was assigned to head the revolutionary army to his assassination. Antonio Luna, a Europe-educated chemist, was the younger brother of the acclaimed painter Juan and physician Jose, another leader of the Masonic movement that started the Philippine Revolution of 1898.

Typhoon ‘Jenny’. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration forecaster Aldczar Aurelio briefs newsmen on Tropical Storm ‘Jenny’ which entered the Philippine area of responsibility before dawn Thursday. EY ACASIO

LP screening 15 names for Senate slate in 2016 By Macon Araneta and Rey Requejo THE Liberal Party is considering 15 potential candidates in the ruling party’s senatorial ticket for the 2016 elections, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Thursday. “It’s a little bit tight. We have 15 names on our list and all of them will be screened so that we will be able to offer to the people the best choices for the Senate,” Drilon said in an interview over radio station dzRH. Drilon did identify the 15, but LP political and electoral affairs chairman and Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice revealed in ANC’s Headstart last Aug. 12 the possible senatorial aspirants of the ruling party.

Drilon leads the list of the LP’s possible senatorial candidates that also include other reelectionist Senators Ralph Recto, Teofisto ‘TG’Guingona and former Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan. Other possible senatorial bets, according to Erice, include Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva, Senator Lito Lapid’ son Mark Lapid, Ener-

gy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and former Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas. Drilon, LP’s national vice chairman, said they have until of Sept. 30 to finalize the LP’s senatorial ticket as well as the running mate of the administration’s standardbearer Mar Roxas II. Drilon has said the possible running mate of Roxas are Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos and Robredo, widow of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo. De Lima bid farewell to the Department of Justice, apparently in anticipation of her inclusion in the senatorial line up of the adminis-

tration Liberal Party for next year’s elections, but did not announce her resignation. “I am proud to have served and fought for the Filipino people alongside all of you. I will soon leave all of you as your secretary. Wherever I will be in coming years, I will cherish all my years at the Department of Justice,” an emotional De Lima told DoJ officials and employees. “I think I am ready to move to another world,” De Lima said, obviously referring to her imminent transfer from an appointed post to possible elective position as senator. Nonetheless, De Lima admitted she has already started to experience separation anxiety. “I stayed here for over five years so it’s not easy to leave my co-workers here in the DoJ,” a teary-eyed De Lima said.

‘Jenny’ boosts monsoon TROPICAL storm “Jenny” (international name Dujuan) strengthened into a severe tropical storm on Thursday afternoon and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said it will likely strengthen the prevailing southwestern monsoon. The eye of Jenny was spotted 1,180 km east of Aparri, Cagayan at 4 p.m. Thursday with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph. Pagasa weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said no public storm warning signal has been raised because the storm was still too far from the country. But intensified monsoon winds will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms over Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, CARAGA

and the provinces of Cavite and Batangas, he said. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated thunderstorms. Coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough as moderate to strong winds blow from the northwest to west over Luzon, and from the southwest to west over Visayas and Mindanao. Despite Jenny, however, the water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan has continued to drop. The weather bureau said the dam’s water elevation plunged to189.60 meters from Wednesday’s 189.65 meters, citing the lack of rainfall over the Angat watershed due to the El Niño. The Bulacan local government has requested a series of cloud seeding operations to bring back Angat Dam’s level to normalcy.

Friendly meeting. Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez chats with Senator Francis “Chiz”

Escudero and Manila Overseas Press Club president Jose “Babe” Romualdez at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City. VER NOVENO

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2 tycoons, banker indicted for graft By Rio N. Araja OVER a questionable P9-billion Meralco deal, the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday indicted Land Bank executive Gilda Pico and two of the country’s richest men for multiple graft raps. Also facing charges were former Social Security System chairman Thelmo Cunanan; former vice chairman Romulo Neri, and former board members Donald Dee, Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Fe Tibayan Palileo, Victorino Balais , two labor sector representatives Jose Matula and Marianita Mendoza. The Ombudsman’s field investigation office implicated former Land Bank executives Margarito Teves and Marianito Roque, and former board members Patricia Rualo-Bello, Eduardo Nolasco, Albert Balingit, Ombre Hamsirani, George Regalado, Cyril Del Callar, Roberto Vergara and Carel Halog. Also included in the complaint sheet were Global 5000 executives Iñigo Zobel de Ayala; Roberto Ongpin; Joselito Campos Jr.; Consuelo Eden Lagao, and Rhodel Gandingco. Pico, Vergara and Halog were also facing administrative charges for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best Interest of the service. The Ombudsman said the respondents have violated Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the block sale of Meralco shares of stock to Global 5000 (Global) in 2008 to 2009. Based on the investigation of the Ombudsman, sometime in January 2009, Cunanan and other SSS officials approved the block sale of the SSS shares to Global 5000 for P5.669 billion at P90 per share with a down payment of P1.133 billion in January 2009. In an audit observation memorandum, the Commission on Audit said the “block sale was not in accordance with sound business practice as it has the effect of giving a P4.535-billion loan Global 5000” that had an initial paid-up capital of only P62.5million. Documents showed the SSS executives waived voting rights to Global 5000 despite the lack of full payment and actual transfer of ownership. Meanwhile, an ongoing investigation is being conducted against the Land Bank officials for the approval of P4.193-billion (P90 per share) block sale of the Meralco shares of stock in favor of Global 5000. In a complaint, the field investigators said bank executives gave unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to Global 5000, “a firm with doubtful financial capacity and no track record to undertake the sale.” In addition, the Ombudsman said the bank officials entered into a stock purchase agreement without any negotiations and was undertaken in just 10 days. In another development, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales yesterday issued a “very important public advisory.” She cautioned the public against fake decisions or resolutions being circulated by unscrupulous individuals. “The Office recently discovered the existence of fake decisions received by respondents in Camarines Norte which turned out to be spurious and non-existent. Presently, the Office is conducting an in-depth investigation on the matter,” the Ombudsman’s statement read. “In case of doubt, the public may validate or verify with the Office the authenticity of the purported resolution or decision.”

Beachhead. Members of the Special Warfare Group, an elite unit of Philippine Navy which specializes in sea, air and land operations, land on the sea lane of Ternate, Cavite during the amphibious raid exercises dubbed as ‘Pagsisikap 2015’ on Thursday Sept. 24. DANNY PATA

Legal fund for graft suspects questioned By Maricel V. Cruz HOuSE lawmakers on Thursday expressed serious concern over the use of the P200-million legal aid for the defense of government officials facing criminal, civil or administrative charges under the proposed 2016 budget. Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the amount was twice the P100-million Legal Assistance Fund for Overseas Filipino Workers. “While we commiserate with employees that might be subjected to harassment suits, we are more concerned that the fund might be used to finance the defense of crooks and scoundrels at higher levels of government,” Ridon said. He was referring to the Special Provision of the Miscellaneous and Personnel Benefits Fund of the proposed P3-trillion budget for 2016 which reads that: the P200-million Legal Defense Fund will be used to the actual expenses, including payment of premiums for posting of bail bonds and cash advance for expenses incurred by officials and employees of departments, bureaus and offices, in rela-

tion to the defense of administrative, civil or criminal cases filed against them in courts for acts committed in the performance of their actual functions. Earlier, Senator Francis Escudero warned that the so-called legal defense fund should only protect and defend government officials doing official, legal and ethically correct functions. Escudero said the authorized legal expenses that may be charged against the Legal Defense Fund will be those incurred during the year and limited to the amounts provided in the Commission on Audit Resolution 2013-017 dated Aug. 23, 2013 or such other guidelines that may be issued by agencies concerned. “If a government official intentionally violates a law such as committing corruption, there should be no place for the Legal Defense Fund to be used in that case. It is so wrong to help in the defense of a crooked government official. We are sending the wrong signal to the people if we approve this wording as is,” Escudero said. “The public is paying high taxes. Those who are corrupt should be jailed. It is not morally acceptable to defend corruption.

How did they arrive at the figure P200million bail money? Clearly, there’s something wrong in this,” Escudero added. Given this, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said that there should be guidelines in the implementation of the fund. Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate and Gabriela party-list Rep Luz Ilagan said it would be impractical for the Aquino government to allocate funds to matters that are deemed unimportant. “President Aquino and [Budget Secretary Florencio Abad] should prioritize the Legal Assistance Fund for OFWs instead of providing for themselves. Are they that afraid of being charged in court after June 30 next year?,” Zarate said. Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz, member of the House Independent Bloc of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, said the proposed 2016 budget should be amended to specify that the said Legal Defense Fund cannot be used by those who have allegedly taken commissions, kickbacks or any benefit, directly or indirectly, by reason of the performance of their official functions.

Special court division formed to handle ‘Junjun’ plea THE Court of Appeals has created a special division to decide on the petition of suspended Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay against the second suspension order issued against him by the Office of the Ombudsman. The CA assigned two additional associate justices to the original three associate justices who handled Binay’s petition. This was after a “2-1 vote” of the CA Ninth Division on the petition of Binay against the second suspension order imposed on him by the Ombudsman. under the internal rules of the CA, there should be a “unanimous” voting in favor of a decision, however, if one is against, there’s a need to designate two other members of the division to attain a

“majority decision”. The new members of the CA Special Division are Associate Justices Franchito Diamante and Socorro Inting. However, Diamante manifested that he would inhibit himself from the case because he is a member of the CA Internal Committee which is investigating the bribery allegations of Senator Antonio “Sony” Trillanes IV against two CA Associate Justices who handled the first preventive suspension order of the Ombudsman against Binay. The three original members of the CA Special Ninth Division are Associate Justices Amy Lazaro-Javier, Rodil Zalameda and Melchor Sadang, who is the ponente of the decision. However, it was not clear whether the

earlier “2-1 ruling” was in favor of or against Binay. under Office Order No. 190-15-ABR signed by CA Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr., he ordered the conduct of the investigation over the allegations of Trillanes of P25-million bribery of the Binays each to Associate Justices Jose Reyes and Francisco Acosta. The Chairman of the Internal Committee was headed by Associate Justice Sesinando Villon. The members include Diamante and Manuel Barrios who belongs to the original set of Ethics Committee members. Barrios and Diamante chose to hold on with the task and conduct the investigation, along with Associate Justice Carmelita Salandanan-Manahan. PNA

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‘Aquino’s disaster response awful’ By Maricel V. Cruz

House Independent Bloc leader Rep. Martin Romualdez of Leyte on Thursday denounced the Aquino administration’s “awful standard” in disasters’ response after hundreds of millions of donated funds for the victims of super Typhoon “Yolanda” and for its anti-poverty program were allegedly kept idle in bank accounts of the government. Romualdez, whose district covers the Yolanda hardest-hit Tacloban City, urged House leadership led by Speaker Feli-

ciano Belmonte Jr. to allow a fullblown congressional probe into unaccounted Yolanda funds. Romualdez said concerned gov-

ernment officials, headed by Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, should explain to Congress the report of the Commission on Audit on unutilized funds when so many Yolanda victims are still having hard time coping with the disaster. “I don’t think it’s isolated to our area [Tacloban City]. I don’t like to think that [we are being deprived of government resources being a Romualdez]. At the end of the day, that seems to be the norm so it’s quite disturbing,” Romualdez pointed out, stressing that even allies of

the government in eastern Samar were not given enough assistance to recover from equally-strong typhoons Ruby and Hagupit. Romualdez stressed the need for Congress to conduct a congressional probe into the status and disbursements of both local and foreign donations, as well as national government assistance, to victims of super typhoon Yolanda. The CoA report said that P382.072 million in local and foreign donations for Yolanda victims remained in the Department of Social Welfare and Development

bank accounts by the end of 2014. It also had P141.084 million worth of undistributed and expired or near-expiry food packs, according to the report. The DSWD allegedly failed to hit its target of providing emergency shelter assistance to 468,732 homeless beneficiaries. This prompted Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago to demand an investigation on the Conditional Cash Transfer, the government’s anti-poverty program, after the funding for 2016 will reach P108.8 billion, or P2 billion more than its 2014 budget.

Voters’ list-up goes on despite holiday By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THe Commission on elections on Thursday encouraged Filipinos to take advantage of the regular holiday today, Friday, to register for the 2016 presidential elections. In his official Twitter account, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said that local Comelec offices will open today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. despite the celebration of eid’l Adha. earlier, President Benigno Aquino III signed Proclamation No. 1128 declaring Sept. 25 as a regular holiday in observance of eid’l Adha or Islam’s “Feast of the Sacrifice.” It will be the last national holiday in the country before the Oct. 31 deadline for voter registration. There will also be the continuing satellite registration taking place at certain malls in different parts of the country today. In Caloocan City, Mayor Oscar Malapitan sponsored the Feast of Sacrifice (eid-Al Adha) for the Muslim community in the city, a gesture of respect and cooperation between different faith or religion. A solemn prayer started early dawn Thursday in two venues: Caloocan North City Hall, which was attended by more than 1,200 Muslims; and Buena Park Sports Complex, with more than 700 with the same faith. Malapitan announced that a new office at the City Hall—the Caloocan City Muslim Affairs Coordinating Council was created through an executive order, for the welfare of the Muslim community, including the observance of the Islamic culture and traditions, and responding to the needs of the community. With Jun B. David

BBL ultimatum. Zamboanga Rep. Celso Lobregat, flanked by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting (left) and Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri

Colmenares take up the Dec. 16 deadline for the approval of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law during a forum in Quezon City. The chronic lack of quorum in Congress has raised doubts the draft can be approved on time. Ey ACASio

De Lima hits out at ‘profiling’, orders probe By Rey E. Requejo

Pep talk. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima delivers a pep talk before employees of the Department of Justice during their 118th founding anniversary in Manila on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. JAnSEn RoMERo

THe Department of Justice will investigate the use of a sketch labeled “Muslim type” to describe one of the suspects in the recent bombing in Zamboanga City by the National Bureau of InvestigationWestern Mindanao office. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ordered Justice Undersecretary Zabedin Azis to conduct the probe into the labeling in coordination with NBI Director Virgilio Mendez. De Lima stressed that the DoJ does not tolerate such kind of discrimination. “The DoJ does not allow or tolerate discrimination against any group or sector of society, including Muslim Filipinos. This would violate not only the equal protection clause of our Constitution but also our commitments under international law,” De Lima said. The Justice secretary added that the Philippines, as one of the parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, discrimination on such grounds as race, religion, political opinion or national origin is not allowed and that respect for human rights without distinction of any kind must be done. Azis said this non-discrimination also

requires mutual respect, adding that as a country with a history of rich diversity, “we are determined to avoid negative stereotypes and misinformation about beliefs, cultures and communities.” “The government will protect and respect every Filipino regardless of race, color and religion,” he assured. He underscored the role of mutual respect and equal protection of law in the pursuit of multicultural harmony. The controversial sketch was released by the NBI-Western Mindanao office to help authorities identify and arrest the suspects in the recent bombing in Zamboanga City that killed one and injured scores of others. NBI-Western Mindanao director Fernando Lavin has already apologized for the lapse after meeting with Muslim community leaders in the region. The sketch of the male suspect tagged as the “Muslim type” went viral on social media and caused outrage with many saying the NBI is biased against Muslims and was an affront to the Muslim communities in the country. Army and police intelligence units have blamed the extremist Abu Sayyaf group for the bus bombing in Zamboanga City.

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Pantawid beneficiary stabs self in Zamboanga By Florante S. Solmerin

Different crops. Farmers from Naguey, Benguet tend to their intercropped farms. DAVID CHAN

Mayors should spur devt, local govt secretary says By Mel Caspe

TACLOBAN CITY—Newly-confirmed Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said city and municipal mayors should become development and economic managers who shall steer their respective localities towards inclusive growth and development. “The job description of the mayors should now be changed,” said Sarmiento. Sarmiento added he would direct the Local Gov-

ernment Academy to come up with a training course for new local officials focused on enhancing the skills of the mayor to become facili-

tators of economic growth and development. LGA, an attached agency of the DILG, is the Department’s training arm for local government officials and functionaries. He said invited resource persons should be those who can inspire. “The best teacher to a mayor is a fellow mayor, and the best teacher to a governor is a fellow governor,” he stressed. A mayor, Sarmiento added, should be able to come up with a strategic plan involving all stakeholders;

this will be the blueprint for the development of the local government unit for the succeeding years. The strategic plan is not a mayor’s plan, he said, adding that it has to reflect the aspirations and needs of the people. “The basic question of a mayor should be: What do we want our city to be in x number of years?” It has to be a shared vision and a shared mission. Then work on that plan, come up with metrics so we can measure if we are meeting our devel-

opment targets every three years or so,” he stressed. He recounted the time when he visited Paramatta City, a suburb and major business district in Australia, in 2003 where the planning council is already anticipating traffic problems and solutions after 50 years. “We can also do that. This is the challenge to every local government unit. The strategic plan should also be aligned with the national thrust. In nation building, we should move together,” he said.

A 39-YEAR-OLD man in Zamboanga stabbed his chest with a hunting knife while waiting for the release of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development here. Marcelo Arat y Antubo, a farmer and resident of Sitio Laknapan, Barangay Guibo, Siayan, survived the attempted suicide and is now recuperating at the Siayan Diagnostic Center. According to Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, acting public information officer of the Police Regional Office 9, Arat stabbed himself with a 27-cm knife at around 2 a.m. Wednesday inside the house of Municipal Councilor Norma Labastida. It was Labastida who discovered Arat lying on the floor and bleeding. She immediately called the police. Investigators learned that Arat was “unable to sleep for five days because he was taking care of his sick nine-monthold son. They were temporarily staying at the house of [Councilor] Labastida while waiting their cash from 4Ps to be given on that day.” They said desperation from extreme poverty might have driven the victim to try to end his own life.

Research agency bares climate change-resilient rice varieties By Anna Leah E. Gonzales THE Philippine Rice Research Institute recently identified two climate change-resilient varieties suitable for irrigated lowlands in the Visayas and Mindanao. Titled Location-specific irrigated rice varieties resilient to climate change, the study identified NSIC Rc308 (Tubigan 26) and NSIC Rc358 (Tubigan 30) as climate changeresilient varieties with superior performance in irrigated lowland ecosystems. Thelma Padolina, lead researcher, said that varieties with superior location-specific performance and improved resistance to lodging and biotic stresses must be bred and recommended to help the farmers adapt to climate change. “The two recommended varieties have relatively high yield advantage over their check varieties,” Padolina said. “The NSIC Rc308 has a yield advantage

of 5.5 percent in the Visayas and 4 percent in Mindanao in contrast with PSB Rc82. NSIC Rc358 outyielded PSB Rc18 by 12 percent,” Padolina added. NSIC Rc308 and the NSIC Rc358 are 2013 PhilRice-bred varieties. Under favorable irrigated lowland ecosystems, NSIC Rc308 has a maximum average yield of 10.9 t/ha and matures in 11 days if transplanted. When direct-seeded, it matures in 105 days and has a maximum yield of 8 tons per hectare. Under the same farming condition, NSIC Rc358 can also attain a maximum average yield of 5.4 t/ha to 9.1 t/ha if transplanted. Philrice said both varieties are earlymaturing. Hence, they can possibly escape stress conditions. NSIC Rc308 showed superior performance in Zamboanga del Sur, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Eastern Samar and Aklan.

Ritual. A man slaughters a goat after Muslims’ morning prayer for the celebration of the Feast of Sacrifice. DANNY PATA

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

WHEN A BIG CAR COMPANY LIES

[ EDI TORI A L ]

TRAFFIC CZAR SEVERAL business groups in the Philippines have offered their own solutions to the monstrous traffic problem in Metro Manila. They, too, are stakeholders in the road congestion that has hampered the productivity of their workers. The Makati Business Club, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines and the Joint Foreign Chambers backed up the recommendations earlier tabled by the Management Association of the Philippines in solving traffic and transportation problems in the metropolis. The MAP has proposed the designation of a traffic czar to handle all matters related to traffic and road management and the appointment of a specially-trained Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police to enforce rules. The traffic czar presumably will be given greater authority to solve the traffic mess, including the forcible removal of physical structures that have occupied major roads in Metro Manila. The business groups want the traffic czar to introduce engineering refinements in the roads such as bus lane delineators along Edsa and other major national roads to increase efficiency and optimize the limited road space. MAP, meanwhile, called on the government to speed up the upgrade and capacity expansion of the MRT-3 transport system, as well as the conversion of existing major national roads into expressways. Foremost among these roads are Edsa, C-5, Roxas Blvd., Diosdado Macapagal Ave., Katipunan, Commonwealth, Buendia, Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Ave. and Quezon Ave. The business groups also want authorities to improve the resiliency of all national major and radial roads against floods and urged contractors to expedite repairs to eliminate the bottlenecks in intersections. The proposals of the private sector seem plausible, although some of the recommendations may take time to implement. In the meantime, the appointment of a traffic czar with complete authority should be seriously considered. Vehicle drivers in the Philippines, especially those in charge of public transportation, are an undisciplined lot. The traffic czar should send them back to the driving school to educate them about road courtesy and observing traffic rules.

THE JUSTICE ACTED JUSTLY! PENSÉES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO I CANNOT, for the life of me, understand the paroxysm that has taken hold of partisans of Senator Grace Poe and her admirers over the remarks made by Justice Antonio Carpio at the hearing of the Senate Electoral Tribunal. I have witnessed several oral arguments before the Supreme Court. The earliest was the habeas corpus petition of then-Senator Benigno Aquino. It was my first exposure

to the incisiveness of Estellito Mendoza who was then solicitor general. I appeared in one as a petitioner—Francisco v. House of Representatives, the petition against the impeachment complaint filed against retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. I filed a distinct petition and maintained the theory —I have not changed my mind since—that whether an offense is a ground for impeachment or not is a justiciable question, there being constitutional and textually provided grounds for removal by impeachment. At a hearing, it is not uncommon for justices to propose theories and

to ask the parties, most of the time through counsel, for comment. Definitely, Justice Carpio was not laying down a ruling. He is one of the Court’s most distinguished members. He has been on the Court long enough to know that one does not render a ruling at a hearing, much less by one’s lonesome self. Like the Supreme Court, the Senate Electoral Tribunal is a collegial body. He had every right to propose the theory, admittedly convoluted: Conventions to which the Philippines is a party apparently give foundlings in the Philippines the national-

We should have learned our lessons; it seems we did not.

ity of the country, and this, in effect, is a process of naturalization. He was interpellating Manuelito Luna, counsel for Grace Poe. He was asking for comment; he was demanding reaction. He was challenging Luna’s thesis by confronting it with an anti-thesis. What then is the legal ground for demanding that he recuse himself? Were that the new rule, then an oral argument would be a sterile, puerile exercise in nothing more than oratory. Any judge or justice proposing a theory would then be liable to the accusation of prejudice. It is at the very heart of legal logic that an interpretation of the law is tested by looking into its coherence with

other accepted principles of law and with the canons of construction and interpretation. I fear the auguries. We should have learned our lessons; it seems, we did not. When we cast our votes in a period of mourning, or while our vision is beclouded by stardust, we do not make very good decisions! I fear that something like that is happening now. We have been urged not to denigrate Poe by calling her a foundling. But that is exactly what “status” does in civil law. One of the subjects I teach in the Gradu-

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-

ate School of Law of San Beda College fact have been raised. “Is she a naturalis “The Philosophy of the Civil Code” born Filipino?” “Does she comply with and one item on the syllabus is the role the requirements of residence, as legally that “status” plays in the Civil Code. Continued on A10 People have to be categorized, characterized and classed so assign them some notch and to be able to identify their LOWDOWN rights and their obligations in a legally structured universe. When someone is JOJO A. “found”, she is a “foundling”. As for all ROBLES our OFWs in positions very similar to Grace Poe’s while she was abroad, that Mr. Robles’ column will resume is, quite truthfully, beside the point. next week. The questions have to be raised—and in

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YOU cannot trust big corporations. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, Martin Winterkorn, the CEO of Volkswagen of Germany, was ousted because of a major scandal that has harmed considerably the once-solid reputation of Germany’s 11th largest company. On Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, the US Federal government discovered that Volkswagen manipulated its software to get its so-called “clean diesel” cars pass emissions standards. When being tested by the government, the Volks diesel cars seem to comply with America’s rigid pollution standards. After testing, the cars go back to their merry ways —that is, guzzle gas or produce pollution up to 35 times allowable limits, but with better torque and acceleration. The software manipulation happened during Winterkorn’s watch. Some 482,000 diesel cars in the US, starting with the model year 2009, are affected. On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Volkswagen finally admitted up to 11 million cars are involved—worldwide, most of them in Europe. Accordingly, VW has set aside $7.3 billion to pay for the fines and the recalibration of the Volks diesel cars. The US Justice Department is understood to be readying criminal charges— to teach Volkswagen a lesson. VW claims the Type EA 189 engines have the cheating software. Emissions from these engines, Volks admits, showed “noticeable deviation between bench test results and actual road use.” Amazingly, the US government found out, lab tests were markedly different from results from actual road driving. Suspect cars include the: VW Beetle, Golf and Jetta, and the Audi A3, which were produced between 2009 and 2015, according to a Washington Post report. The popular mid-level VW Passat is also involved, in model years 2014 and 2015. These cars are supposed to have turbocharged diesel engines which are apparently very powerful even while emitting less pollution. It was a lie. Here is how Vox.com explains the trick: “Since 2009, Volkswagen had been inserting intricate code in its vehicle software that tracked steering and pedal movements. When those movements suggested that the car was being tested for nitrogen-oxide emissions in a lab, the car automatically turned its pollution controls on. The rest of the time, the pollution controls switched off.” “Regulators didn’t notice this ruse for years. The problem was only uncovered by an independent group, the International Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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F R I D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

WHEN A BIG CAR COMPANY LIES

[ EDI TORI A L ]

We should have learned our lessons; it seems we did not.

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO BY COINING in 2010 the campaign slogan “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” PNoy and his strategists made us believe that he and his administration officials would instantly eradicate poverty by first eliminating corruption during his six-year term as president. He even reinforced this mantra with the “Daang Matuwid” slogan on treading the straight path. Together, they eventually made up his administration’s central policy, which he embraced with his entire body and soul judging from his words and deeds. He formed the core of his Cabinet from the incorruptible members of the Hyatt 10 Group who resigned en masse from President Gloria MacapagalArroyo’s Cabinet after she said “I am sorry” to the nation and admitted that she had made that “Hello, Garci” call. He then filled up the rest of his Cabinet with his circle of elite friends and his mother’s loyal political supporters. These he did to actualize his government’s central policy. He didn’t waste his time pro-

A HEARTLESS INSINUATION jecting PGMA and other public officials as corrupt who should be blamed for our country’s ills and sufferings. Now on his last year in office, he had charged, arrested, or impeached our former top leaders. First, he had by Nov. 18, 2011 a frail and sickly PGMA arrested and detained at a public hospital. Soon after, on Dec. 12, 2011, he had Chief Justice Renato Corona impeached by the House of Representatives and eventually convicted by the Senate after making him endure a much-publicized trial. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was almost arrested, too, but avoided this humiliation by voluntarily surrendering on July 4, 2014. Still, he was detained at Camp Crame and later transferred under hospital arrest before being released on bail a year later for health and humanitarian considerations. All three are still facing criminal charges but have remained unconvicted. PNoy never admitted that the trio had inflicted injuries and harm on him and his family in the past. He never complained, for instance, about PGMA ever embarrassing him while he was her student at Ateneo. Still, he may have subcon-

sciously used the “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” and “Daang Matuwid” policy to exact from them a personally motivated kind of justice. Besides, they still could have threatened his fragile administration and weakening them was appropriate from a Machiavellian perspective. But was he not promising to eradicate poverty whenever he chanted this policy? Poverty incidence still ran high at 25.8 percent of the population in the first half of 2014 compared to our Millennium Development Goal by 2015 of 16.6 percent. We cannot lie about these figures because they, too, are being measured by international agencies. The poor among us have become poorer, and all the international accolades that have been heaped on our country and the financial successes that our economy has achieved are nothing but useless statistics that have not benefitted them. Sensibly, PNoy’s administration has given up on its poverty reduction target and simply avoids discussing it. We cannot just assume that PNoy and his officials lived the straight path, but granting that

they did and still do, their manner of pursuing it has resulted in our sorry state. We are simply unhappy and angry with the regular flooding, heavy traffic and poor peace and order that have become regular fixtures in our lives since he assumed the presidency. Only months now before the next presidential election, PNoy and his media men are making us believe that pursuing the same straight-path policy that they are implementing is the best thing that our next leaders could do. And for PNoy and his bright boys, the best person to pursue it is Mar Roxas—his losing vice-presidential running mate in 2010 whom he first appointed as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications before moving him later to the Department of Interior and Local Governments. During that entire period, he also acted as president of PNoy’s Liberal Party. It is so obvious to us that Mar—while treading PNoy’s straight path as secretary of these departments—has not delivered the kind of transportation, communications, traffic management, and peace and or-

der that we want. Yet in PNoy’s assessment, he should be our next president. Overall, in fact, the straightpath policy that PNoy and his officials have implemented has not been good enough for us. We cannot endure another six years of its implementation. Interestingly, Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero also committed themselves to pursue the straight path when they offered themselves in separate occasions to serve as the country’s next president and vice president. They emphasized that its pursuit couldn’t be monopolized by any group. We all should help one another pursue it. Senator Chiz announced then that a President Grace Poe would establish a “GP” or “Gobyernong may Puso” kind of government. Heart would be the central part of it, he said. But didn’t he insinuate that PNoy’s straight path policy didn’t have a heart for the disadvantaged—the poor, the elderly, the unemployed, the women, and etcetera? “Heartless is PNoy’s implementation of the straight path,” was how his insinuation sounded to us.

CHINA’S NEW PATH TO SUSTAINED GROWTH By Li Wei CHINA’S economic slowdown has raised some concerns in the past three years—especially given the recent volatility in global equity markets. Yet if one looks into the underlying fundamentals of China’s economic growth, a different picture emerges: After a brief and inevitable period of transition, China is poised to open a new era of sustained economic growth, one that will continue to fuel global prosperity. It is true that China’s economy is no longer growing at the almost 10-percent rate it sustained from 1979 to 2012. Yet even China’s current growth rate of 7 percent is more than twice the global average. Moreover, after three decades of breakneck growth and its emergence as the world’s second biggest economy, with a gross domestic product of $10 trillion, China is not the “catch-up” economy it used to be. In many respects, it has caught up. As a result, it must change gears from high-speed growth featuring quantitative expansion to medium-tohigh-speed growth that features qualitative improvement. The good news is that this process is under way. Even while maintaining relatively fast growth, the Chinese economy is making strides in a process of structural adjustment. For example, consumption now contributes as much as 60 percent to economic growth, almost 10 percentage points higher than in 2014. Led by sectors such as information services and e-commerce, China’s service industries now account for a larger share in the economy: In 2014, their contri-

bution outpaced that of China’s manufacturing industries by 5.4 percentage points. China is also pushing forward pilot projects that seek to blend publicprivate ownership, opening sectors such as energy and railways to more private investment. Moreover, it is important to remember that this new path for the Chinese economy opens up growth potential in other areas. For starters, given that China’s economy is much bigger than during its first catch-up phase, a lower growth rate actually generates much greater economic output. In that regard, Chinese consumers represent a huge growth opportunity. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, from 2010 to 2013, the average disposable income of the top 40 percent of earners rose more than 50 percent, from $4,753 to $7,170. The rise of China’s middle class will spur not only overall demand, but also demand for new, high-end products. As China moves ahead with industrialization and urbanization, it will introduce a number of major projects in urban and rural infrastructure, intercity rail and highways, river transportation, energy conservation, environmental protection, and ecological building. These projects will not only stimulate greater investment demand, but also provide more and better public goods and expand the consumer market. Of course, businesses are the main players in China’s market economy and investment. As total consumer demand grows and consumers move upmarket in their needs and tastes, businesses will

have to increase investment in response. At the same time, as market reform deepens in China, competition between businesses will intensify, further increasing pressure to invest in new technologies. There is much room for improvement on that front. In 2013, China’s per capita industrial value-added was just one-third that of the US. A majority of Chinese industries are still in the middle-to-low end of the global value chain. Yet this gap also points to the growth potential of Chinese industries. Generally speaking, China has the world’s most comprehensive industrial system and industrial supporting capacity. New government strategies will accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries, and expand the space for emerging industries including information technology, high-end equipment, new materials and biomedicine. China recognizes that its market reforms must be comprehensive, which is why the government is moving to streamline administration, delegate power, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. Already the second largest spender on R&D, China is home to enterprises and individuals who were granted 825,000 patents in 2013, accounting for one-third of the global total. Some of China’s most innovative companies—names such as Huawei, Lenovo, Alibaba and Tencent—need no introduction. These structural reforms and the transition to a new path of sustainable economic growth will not only benefit China’s 1.35 billion citizens, but also contribute to a global economic recov-

ery. After all, in 2014, China was the largest trading nation and generated more than a quarter of global economic growth. The success of these reforms will also strengthen economic ties with the US, for whom China is already the second largest trading partner and third largest export market. The US is also now the third largest destination for China’s outbound direct investment. Our two nations have their own comparative advantages. There will be increasing demand from China for high-quality services and high-tech products, and China’s outbound investment will be more active. Indeed, especially in trade in services and two-way investment, the possibilities for strengthening cooperation between China and the US are almost limitless. Bloomberg

The justice... From A9 defined?” These are real legal issues and it will not serve us well to wash them away in a flood of tears or in a barrage of ad hominem against an eminent member of the Supreme Court. No, Justice Antonio Carpio did what every truly thoughtful and incisive member of a court should do—ask the necessary questions, and test theories advanced with unremitting rigor. That is what it is to be just! rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

REPUBLICANS WILL TUNE OUT HALF OF WHAT POPE SAYS By Margaret Carlson ON WEDNESDAY, Pope Francis suffused Washington with what Catholics would call grace and what everyone else -- for the crowds aren’t just believers —would call pure, almost childlike happiness. This is what goodness looks like. But for some, the happy vibes carry more than a tinge of unease. That’s especially true for Republicans with a shot at becoming president, such as Marco Rubio. The Florida senator has a pope problem. While it seems almost everyone is in thrall to the visiting pontiff, many in the Republican base dislike much of what he has to say: climate change and poverty deniers reject his encyclical on degrading the planet or his call to help the poor; hawks can’t abide papal advice to make love, not war; immigration hardliners find him too soft, the list goes on. What’s a Catholic politician such as Rubio to do when the pope, with sky-high approval ratings (91 percent) meddles in his business? My God, he’s questioned unfettered capitalism and the worship of wealth.

When... From A9 Council on Clean Transportation, which wanted to investigate why there was such a discrepancy between laboratory tests and real-road performance for several of VW’s diesel cars in Europe. So they worked with researchers at West Virginia University, who stuck a probe up the exhaust pipe of VW’s clean diesel cars and drove them from San Diego to Seattle.” “What the researchers found was shocking. On the road, VW’s Jetta was emitting 15 to 35 times as much nitrogen oxide as the allowable limit. The VW Passat was emitting 5 to 20 times as much. These cars were emitting much more pollution than they had in the labs.” The Environmental Protection Agency says these cars

And on this crystal clear fall day in Washington, the “son of an immigrant family” said we should welcome those who want to come to the US. Such effrontery. With Republicans watching from lawn chairs, he said that those at the top of the economic heap have a duty to fight climate change on behalf of the millions left behind by the global economic system. “Climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation,” he said. Before he leaves town Thursday, he could very well call for raising taxes. These are uncharted waters for Republicans. The Catholic Church, unlike evangelical Protestants or Jews, largely avoids litmus tests for politicians, except in a few famous cases. John F. Kennedy had to promise he would not be answering to the Vatican. When he ran for president in 2004, John Kerry was warned by bishops that he might be denied communion because of his position on abortion. Like other prominent Democrats, including House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Vice-President Joe Biden, Kerry earned the epithet “cafeteria Catholic.”

So what should we call Rubio as he squirms his way around the authority of Pope Francis, picking and choosing what to follow and what to reject: an a la carte Catholic? On Sunday, the senator was the guest of ABC’s “This Week.” The anchor, George Stephanopoulos, brought up that Rush Limbaugh has suggested the pope is a Marxist. Rubio dodged and proceeded to explain how he can be a practicing Catholic and take positions diametrically opposed to the pope’s. Demonstrating a powerful command of Jesuitical casuistry, Rubio explained that he honored Francis’ religious authority, but only when the pontiff was on the same wavelength as Republican primary voters. “He’s the spiritual head of the church, who has authority to speak on matters, doctrinal matters and theological matters. And I follow him 100 percent on those issues,” he said. But, he added, “the pope, as an individual, an important figure in the world, also has political opinions. And those, of course, we are free to disagree with.” So when it comes to the “social teachings, essential is-

sues, like the sanctity of life and things of this nature,” Rubio believes the pope’s words are “binding and I believe strongly in them.” Check. On the other hand, he said he feels free to disregard Francis when he “obviously opines” about what “we should be doing with the climate or things of this nature, on the economics.” The pope has made clear that’s not the way he sees it. To ensure no one could ignore that this was indeed a “theological matter,” he took the trouble to record his views in an encyclical that described climate change as “one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day” brought about by the heedless pursuit of profit. He may explore some of these themes in his address to a joint session of Congress on Thursday. There’s no mistaking how he feels about our duty to help the poor, either. This is a matter of basic doctrine brought to the fore by Francis in his plain shoes, small apartment, and low cost, low carbon footprint Fiat. You can feel Rubio’s pain. Of all the gin joints in all the world, why did the pope have to walk into his, just as Rubio is finally getting some traction

in the primary race. The nonestablishment candidates are fading, his star is rising, Trump is off his back and now the pope is breathing down his neck. Where is Francis’ pragmatism, his understanding, his sympathy for those operating in the real world of the Iowa caucuses, where worry about the poor takes a backseat to the defense of corporate farms that are being persecuted for leaking a little waste runoff into the state’s lakes. Knowing that a beloved pope’s visit would expose the gap between his doctrine and that of Republicans, the caucus brought in Catholic journalists and thinkers to tell lawmakers how to bridge the chasm. Some didn’t get the message. Representative Paul Gosar, an Arizona Republican, is refusing to show up in the House chamber for the papal speech. “When the pope chooses to act and talk like a leftist politician, then he can expect to be treated like one.” Rubio will be there and maybe the pope will persuade him to follow Christ’s teachings and not his most conservative followers and donors. Miracles do happen. Bloomberg

were emitting nitrogen oxides, or NOx, at 10 to 40 times the level allowed by federal law. According to the Washington Post, nitrogen oxides contribute to ground-level ozone pollution and can aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma. Not all Volkswagen cars are involved. Only one in every five—which is a diesel. Still, if you own a Volkswagen, chances are the value of your car has just diminished. You cannot probably sell it in the second-hand market. That is a tragedy. From my experience, a diesel car is one of the best cars you can own. Diesel fuel is cheaper than gasoline, regular or premium. Diesel engines are efficient, powerful and easy to maintain. Not surprisingly, diesel cars command higher prices than gasoline-fed rivals.

I am familiar with Volkswagen’s quality and reputation. My first car was a Volkswagen 1500 that ran on regular gasoline in the 1970s. It served me well for more than 15 years until I gifted it to a friend who was fascinated with the Beetle. At that time, a Volks sold better than a Toyota, at a premium. Then I bought a Passat. It too was great but it didn’t sell well in the local market and was outdistanced by the now more popular Toyota and Mitsubishi then. I also tried a Brazilia, made in Brazil. It was good but it did not have enough good reputation to catapult the local dealer, People’s Car/DMG into the top of the sales charts in the 1980s. In the US, Volkswagen’s $7.3-billion estimate for damage control and fines may not

be enough. Fines could reach as high as $18 billion, at the rate of $37,000 fine per car for the 482,000 cars involved in the US. If that rate of fine is applied on the remaining 10.5 million other cars involved worldwide, then Volks could potentially be liable for up to $400 billion—enough to bankrupt the company and remove itself from the face of the earth forever. Australia has also started questioning VW on its claimed emissions. California’s pollution regular and the EPA actually gave VW a chance to fix the problem —last May 2014. VW claimed it did. Still, real world performance was different from lab tests. Aghast, the US government went hammer and thong on VW. Cornered, VW admit-

ted to the presence of the cheating devices. From now on, who will trust Volkswagen? If it lies on a something as incredibly nondescript as emissions, what other crimes could have it committed with higher bottomline stakes? Already, Volkswagen has stopped the sale of its 2015 and 2016 model diesel cars. VW has lost a third of its stock market value. Its dealers are mad— they are stuck with inventory they cannot sell. Their brand is ruined. The moral of this story: Don’t be greedy and too profit-oriented. Volkswagen is represented in the Philippines by the Ayala group, President BS Aquino’s favorite conglomerate. Needless to say, Ayala is a big corporation.

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CHONG ARDIVILLA

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Southwoods shoots for 5 PAL title th

THE Manila Southwoods Masters shoots for its fifth straight championship when the 10th Philippine Airlines Ladies’ Interclub golf team tournament gets going on Oct. 8 to 10 at the Negros Golf and Country Club in Marapara, Bacolod City.

Haka shakes Convent Garden WORLD-FAMOUS rugby legend Jonah Lomu treated early morning commuters in Covent Garden, London, to one of the most powerful and moving displays in world rugby, the haka. Passersby were stopped in their tracks as MasterCard ambassador Lomu linedup alongside 100 participants to deliver a Priceless Surprise to the people of London. The Ka Mate haka, led by the Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club, commenced with the unique sound of the conch shell, triggering the arrival of a Māori leader in traditional clothing to initiate the most iconic display in global sporting culture. MasterCard ambassador Lomu, said: “It’s always an honour to perform the haka, whether you’re representing your nation in front of 80,000 people or performing for a group of unsuspecting rugby fans. In partnership with MasterCard, I’m really looking forward to personally delivering even more Priceless Surprises to rugby fans as anticipation grows ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015.” Dating back to 1820, Ka Mate is the most widely known haka around the globe as it has traditionally been performed by New Zealand’s international rugby union team, as well as New Zealand’s international rugby league team, immediately prior to matches. Ann Cairns, President, International Markets at MasterCard, said: “The haka is one of the most iconic sounds and sights in world rugby and this was a rare opportunity for the people of London to experience the traditional spectacle first-hand.

MasterCard ambassador Jonah Lomu surprises London commuters with a Priceless haka.

Red Robins eye rosy NCAA finish AFTER scoring big wins in 14 consecutive games, the Red Robins, the basketball squad of Malayan High School of Science, are optimistic that they are closing the 91st season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association with a rosy finish. The Red Robins are currently in second place with a 14-1 slate, which, according to its coach and former Mapúa Cardinal Randy Alcantara, is highly attributed to the team’s consistency and maturity, especially in the end-game. “Losing the title last season is an enough motivation for all of us. Instead of dwelling on it, we are more determined to prove that we are a team to beat. During the off-season trainings, we agreed to double our efforts this year to make it to the championship,” said Alcantara. Although the team is fielding mostly rookies this year, Alcantara said he remains confident in the squad’s improved performance this season. Veterans Jasper Salenga, Sherwin Concepcion, and Rom-

uel Junsay are taking charge as leaders of the team. With their strong focus and leadership, the Red Robins have posted 14 back-to-back victories. “During our practice, we remind ourselves that our focus is to play together as a team. We need to be more open to each other’s suggestions because communication is the key to winning the games,” said Junsay. With the team’s good performance comes patience, a virtue the young team has learned throughout the season. “We work on our defense. I always tell them that playing defense will help them win the games, shooting will just follow,” said Alcantara. Salenga added that the team has been lessening its turnovers by having the right presence of mind inside the court. He said: “We need not underestimate our opponents. We treat all games as if they were our last.” Salenga, Concepcion, and Junsay’s consistent games have

made them the team’s reliable players. They serve as inspiration to the younger Robins. “We work harder now, during the training and especially during the games. We are a family inside and outside the court, so we help one another to improve,” Concepcion said. The Red Robins finished second in last year’s NCAA. It has been a constant final four contender in the last two seasons of NCAA. Launched in 2006, MHSS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mapúa Institute of Technology, the biggest engineering school in the Philippines. It also has strong linkage to Malayan Colleges Laguna in Southern Luzon. Envisioned to be a global center of excellence in secondary education, MHSS educates its students to have a very strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, along with excellent communication skills, a deep appreciation of today’s most important technologies, an analytical mind, and a creative, innovative spirit.

PH bet bags bronze in world gymnastics

Caloy Yulo (right) displays his bronze medal at the podium.

YOUTH Olympian Carlos ‘Caloy’ Yulo bagged the first-ever medal for Philippine gymnastics in the 2015 International Junior Gymnastics Championship on Thursday at the Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium in Yokohama, Japan. Yulo, a multi-titled and ASEAN school champion, claimed the bronze in the vault competition of the tournament sanctioned by the Federation International Gymnastics. Nanjing Youth Olympics winner Regini Moran of Great Britain won the gold, while Chinese Yue Ma claimed the silver medal.

GAP president Cynthia Carrion reiterated her pleas for both the private and government sectors to help Yulo in making his way to 2020 Olympics. “Winning along with the YOG gold medalist is a solid proof that he has a big potential in getting a gold medal if given the proper training,” said Carrion. Carrion said that the GAP is raising funds to send Caloy to a training camp in Japan for a year. For support and sponsorship, please call the Gymnastics Training Center at (02) 521.2640.

The defending champion heads a field of 19 teams, including a squad from Australia, converging for the three-day event. Last year, SouthwoodsMasters rallied in the final day to edge Cebu Country Club by a single point at the Alta Vista Golf Club in Cebu City. CCC is again fielding a strong squad which aims to end Masters’ four-year reign. Aside from Masters and CCC, the other participating clubs are the Alabang Country Club, Apo Golf and Country Club, Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club, Bacolod Golf and Country Club, Manila Golf Club, Iloilo Golf Ladies Club, Manila Southwoods Masters Team, Negros Occidental Golf Club, Pueblo de Oro Gold Team, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf Club, Valley Golfer and Country Club, Victorias Golf and Country Club, Mactan Island Golf Club-Team B, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club,Del Monte Golf Club, Eagle Ridge (Ladies Group), Davao City Golf and the Club Lady Eagles Australian Golfers, the only foreignbased squad. The event is divided into four divisions: Championship, Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship. It will be played for two rounds with each team allowed to field eight players with the best five scorers counting. The Molave point system will be used for the event, according to tournament director Henry Arabelo. A team captains’ meeting will be held on Oct. 7 to be followed by the ceremonial tee-off and captains’ tournament. The event will be sponsored by the Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Travelife, Business Mirror, Airbus, Splash Philippines, Wealth Inc. and East Gate Publication.

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It’s anybody’s race in Juvenile Stakes

Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia celebrates her win over Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro during their second round match at the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo. AFP

Pikit hosts Palawan net meet PIKIT, Cotabato hosts the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age group tennis tournament for the first time starting today with keen competition seen in various categories of the event set at the Pikit Tennis Club. Mayor Muhyryn SultanCusi has ensured the successful staging of the event, which features a full-packed 64-player field in the boys’ 14-and-under category and a number of 32-player draws in both sides of the Group 5 tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association headed by president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez. “We have invited all the young players here in Mindanao to compete in our first PPS-PEPP tournament with all our LGUs participating to help ensure the orderly and successful conduct of the event,” said Sultan-Casi. “We are very honored to be included in the Palawan Pawnshop’s junior tennis circuit.” Eric Comendador and Kurt Haro headline the boys’ 14-U cast that also includes JV Comendador, Steve Aton, Joross Manangking, Carlo Ferolino, Rodick Litang and Samanudin Abdul while Danna Abad and Jazzelle Madis, along with Ma. Angelica Novis, Jonn Nadela, Arnie Diaz, Jaonne Gornez, Pauline Binoya and local bet Jillian Manangking banner the 32-player roster in the girls’ 14-U section of the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Technifibre.

FRESH from a win in a major race, Subterranean River will go against seven other talented 2YO in the Philippine Racing Commission 2nd leg Juvenile Fillies and Colts Stakes on Sunday at Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite. The filly owned by Wilbert Tan outran five others to win by a decisive five lengths the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office 2YO Maiden race last Sep. 12 at Metroturf Racecourse in Batangas. On Sunday, Subterranean River will compete against a different set of opponents including stablemate Homonhon Island, a colt; James Albert Dichaves’ filly Angela’s Magic; Aristeo Puyat’s colt Infinito; Deemark International’s colt Killer Hook; Erwin Dy’s colt Show The Whip; lawyer Narciso Morales’ colt Spectrum; and Antonio Tan Jr.’s filly This Time. A stayer, Subterranean River could outlast the field in the 1,200-meter race. She will face stiff opposition from Spectrum, the winner of the 1st leg of the Philracom Juvenile stakes series last Aug. 30 at San Lazaro Lei-

sure Park. However, as racing fans say, juvenile races are usually anybody’s race. “This series is a chance,” said Philracom Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez, “for racing fans to see who among the juveniles have the speed and determination that will carry them into the elite 3YO races next year. Perhaps one of these will be the next Triple Crown champion.” Philracom allotted P1 million in total prizes for this race. The winner will receive P600,000, second placer P225,000, third P125,000, and fourth P50,000. There is also a purse of P30,000 for the breeder of the winning horse. The third leg of the Philracom Juvenile series is split between colts and fillies, to be held on Oct. 25 at Metroturf over 1,400 meters. Likewise a split event is the 1,500-meter fourth leg on Nov. 22 at SLLP. The series culminates in a merged championship race over 1,600 meters on Dec. 13 at SLLP.

Wolves let go of top pick; Richardson calls it a career MINNEAPOLIS—The Minnesota Timberwolves are parting ways with underachieving forward Anthony Bennett, the number one overall selection in the 2013 NBA draft. Bennett was acquired by the Timberwolves in August of 2014 as part of a threeteam trade that involved Cleveland and Philadelphia. He appeared in 57 games with Minnesota, averaging 5.2 points in 15.7 minutes per game. The Timberwolves reportedly bought out the 22-yearold Bennett’s contract to the

tune of $3.6 million. If he clears waivers without being claimed by another team he will become an unrestricted free agent. “In speaking with Anthony and his representatives over the past few days, we came to the conclusion that this was the best outcome for both parties,” said Timberwolves general manager Milt New-

ton. “When you look at our team, our deepest position is probably power forward. This move balances out our roster while also allowing Anthony another opportunity in the NBA. “He has a lot of talent and his play this summer internationally made this a difficult decision for us.” Bennett was in the Canada squad that earned bronze at the recently concluded FIBA Americas tournament. Meanwhile, Jason Richardson, who was one of the

greatest dunk specialists in league history, announced his retirement Wednesday after 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association. “Today is a bitter sweet moment for me. I’m officially announcing my retirement from pro basketball,” Richardson wrote on Instagram. “I like to thank the organizations and fans in Charlotte, Phoenix, Orlando, Philly and especially The Bay Area for their loyal support the past 14

Nietes eager to spar with Viloria By Ronnie Nathanielsz EDMUND Villamor, the trainer of World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes, said the longest-reigning Filipino world champion is eager to get to Los Angeles to begin sparring with two-division world champion Brian Viloria at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach in Los Angeles. Villamor told The Standard/ boxingmirror.com that the handlers of Viloria, who is scheduled to face undefeated poundfor-pound No.1, World Boxing Council flyweight champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, are waiting for Nietes because as Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn has pointed out, both fighters will benefit from the sparring. Both will face tough opponents on the same day, Oct. 17, with Nietes defending his title against

Juan “Pinky” Arago at the StubHub Center and Viloria going after the crown of Gonzalez at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Nietes said he, too, wanted a crack at Gonzalez for some time now and would watch a tape of Viloria’s fight, while wishing him all the best in his fight to inflict the first defeat on the champ. Meantime, while Nietes looked awesome in training at the ALA Gym in Quezon City on Wednesday, Viloria’s training is reportedly ahead of schedule as he prepares for the biggest fight of his life. “Viloria is doing great in training and Brian is ahead of schedule,” said Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach’s assistant, Filipino Marvin Somodio, who revealed that Viloria is only four pounds over the flyweight limit and “is very motivated to get that green and gold World Boxing Council belt.”

years. “Walking away was the hardest decision I had to make but choosing my health and spending time with my family is more important to me! God bless!” he wrote. Richardson spent his most productive years with the Golden State Warriors, where he blossomed into a 20-point scorer. Richardson played a half dozen seasons with Golden State, then joined the Phoenix Suns after two years in Charlotte.

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Republic of the Philippines Office of the President NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) Region 8, Tacloban City Office Address: Website:

NIA Road, Marasbaras Tacloban City, Philippines www.nia.gov.ph

Telefax No. (632) 323-7596 TIN 000-916-415

INVITATION TO BID No. 14-2015 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Region 8, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for Borongan CIP Contract No. 01-2015 – Construction of Diversion Works. The Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) is THIRTY THREE MILLION ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY TWOTHOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTPESOS &23/100 (P33,172,508.23). Completion of the works is required in One Hundred Eighty (180) calendar days. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government procurement Reform Act”. Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm. The pre-bid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the Bid documents. No more sale of bid documents after pre-bidding conference in order for the bidders to submit a highly technical and educated bid. The schedule of BAC activities are as follows: BAC Activities Issuance of Bid Documents

Schedule Time Starting September 9, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pre-bid Conference

September 18, 2015

2:00p.m.

Receipt and Opening of Bids September 30, 2015

2:00 p.m.

Arana goes to SMB after 3-squad trade By Jeric Lopez

AFTER spending his entire career under the Rain or Shine turf, veteran guard Ryan Arana will now find himself in a new home in the Philippine Basketball Association. With an alreadyloaded backcourt at their expense, the Elasto Painters had no choice but to deal away one of their longesttenured players as they sent Arana to Barako Bull yesterday in exchange for a 2016 sec-

ond-round pick. Barako was just a pit stop for Arana as the Energy immediately dealt him to San Miguel in exchange for seldom-used guard Ronald Pascual. The deal already reached the league’s

commissioner’s office and is reportedly set to be approved. Arana just might be a needed veteran addition for the Beermen to further boost their quest in retaining their Philippine and Governors’ Cup title and in winning the Commissioner’s Cup in this upcoming 41st PBA season. The 6’1” scrapper will bring with him a lot of toughness as well as instant offense to San Miguel. where he will join an already star-

studded backcourt that consists of Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz and Ronald Tubid. Since being drafted in 2007 by Rain or Shine, Arana has been one of the regulars in Painters’ coach Yeng Guiao’s rotation, but with the entry of rookies Maverick Ahanmisi, Don Trollano and Josan Nimes, the Painters needed to unload one from their guards and it was Arana that had to pack his bags for another team.

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents to eligible bidders from the address above and upon payment of non-refundable amount of P25,000.00to the Cashier. The NIA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. (SGD) GLORIA A. SEVILLA BAC Chairman Noted: (SGD) ROMEO G. QUIZA Regional Manager (TS-SEPT. 25, 2015)

Municipality of Dinalupihan, Bataan Request foR expRession of inteRest foR ConsuLtinG seRViCes foR tHe upDAtinG of tHe fifteen-YeAR (2015-2030) CoMpReHensiVe LAnD use pLAn AnD CoMpReHensiVe DeVeLopMent pLAn of tHe MuniCipALitY of DinALupiHAn, BAtAAn 1.

The Municipality of Dinalupihan, Bataan, through its Municipal Fund approved by the Sangguniang Bayan for the Year 2015 intends to apply the sum of Two Million Nine Hundred Thousand Pesos (P2,900,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of Consultant for the Updating of the Fifteen Year (2015-2030) Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Comprehensive Development Plan (CLUP/CDP) of the Municipality of Dinalupihan, Bataan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposals.

The Municipality of Dinalupihan, Bataan, now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the shortlisting and selection of Consultants that may be allowed to bid for the preparation of Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Comprehensive Development Plan of the Municipality. Interested consultants must submit their eligibility documents on or before September 30, 2015 at the Office of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), 2nd Flr, Municipal Hall, Dinalupihan, Bataan. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on Quality Based Evaluation/ Selection (QBE/QBS).

The Bidding Documents shall be available at the BAC Office, 2nd Flr. Dinalupihan Municipal Hall, during working hours (8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) Monday to Friday from September 19-30, 2015.

The BAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted Eligibility documents/Expression of Interest and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The short list shall consist of five (5) prospective bidders who will be entitled to submit bids. The criteria and rating system for short listing are: ITEM Applicable Experience Qualification of Personnel Current Work Load

WEIGHT 50% 30% 20%

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using the Quality Based Evaluation/ Selection (QBE/QBS). Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality Based Evaluation/ Selection (QBE/QBS).

The contract shall be completed within six (6) months after receipt of Notice to Proceed.

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

For further information, please refer to: Engineer Diosdado R. Santos Jr. Municipal Planning and Development Office Municipality of Dinalupihan, Bataan Telephone Number 09989890685 Email address santos_drjr@yahoo.com (SGD) AMELITA E. PEÑAFLOR BAC Chairperson (TS-SEPT. 25,30, 2015)

Far Eastern University Tamaraw Cris Michael Tolomia (left) drives against defending University of the East Warrior Edison Battiler in a UAAP game won by the Tamaraws, 92-81, at the Mall of Asia Arena. BROSI GONZALES

UP Lady Maroons remain unbeaten REIGNING women’s champion University of the Philippines turned back De La Salle, 3-2, to seize the solo lead Wednesday in the UAAP Season 78 badminton tournament. Last year’s top rookie Mary Ann Marañon needed three sets to beat Arianne Rivera, 15-21, 21-15, 21-11, in the first singles, Paola Bernardo subdued Mariya Anghela Sevilla, 21-16, 21-15, in the second singles, and the Lady Maroons clinched the tie after the first doubles’ tandem of reigning MVP Jessie Francisco and Eleonor Christine Inlayo prevailed over Alyssa Leonardo and

Kristelle Salatan, 22-20, 2119. The Lady Archers, whose two-game winning streak was snapped, drew victories from Aries Montilla and Sevilla, who beat Marañon and Marina Caculitan, 21-10, 21-19, in the second doubles, and Nicole Albo, who topped Inlayo, 21-19, 17-21, 21-14, in the third singles. UP remained unbeaten in three starts, while La Salle dropped to 2-1 alongside Ateneo, a 3-2 winner over Far Eastern University, and University of Santo Tomas, which drubbed National University, 4-1, in second place. Cass Lim, Bianca Carlos and

the doubles tandem of Geva de Vera and Janel Dihiansan provided victories for the Lady Eagles, who continued to rise from a season-opening loss to the Lady Archers. The Tigresses banked on Steffie Aquino, Patricia Barredo and Arish Ann Macalino to bounce back from last Sunday’s 0-5 loss to the Lady Maroons. In the other tie, Adamson University barged into the win column with a 3-2 win over University of the East. The Lady Falcons dropped in a tie with the Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Bulldogs at 1-2, while the Lady Warriors suffered their third consecutive loss.

F R I D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Sanman aims to prove something GENERAL S a n t o s DENNIS PRINCIPE City—Two SPORTS CHAT City World Boxing Federation Asia titles will be up for grabs in Sanman Promotions’ boxing event dubbed “Brawl at the Mall: Revenge or Revalidation.” In a highly anticipated rematch, Sanman protégé Daryl Basadre will try to avenge a controversial loss to Cebu’s Kenny Demecillo, who is fighting under the Omega Boxing Gym banner. This will be their second meeting in the last three months as both fighters recently faced off June 7 of this year when they fought for the WBA Oceania Bantamweight title. Demecillo, with a record of 9-3-1 with 6 knockouts, guaranteed to win his second title this weekend in spectacular fashion. “It will be by knockout. I will prove to all that my first win was no fluke,” said Demecillo. Basadre for his part promises to win in dominating fashion as he has been preparing for this fight and plans to do all he can to punish Demecillo as he felt he could have won their initial outing had the referee allowed him to continue. “I felt I let down my fellow Generals during our first bout and I want to win it for them so bad. I worked hard in training. My team is formulating our plan for this upcoming rematch.” said the soft-spoken Basadre after their press conference. Meantime, a mix of regional champions and hot young prospects from the Sanman Boxing Gym’s pool of fighters are to be showcased on the said event. The supporting main bouts will also feature a WBF title bout between undefeated Rinmar Metuda against Jason Tinampay in a 10-round battle for the vacant Asia-Pacific featherweight crown while WBC Asia Champ John Vincent Moralde will stake his belt versus Jerry Castroverde. WBC Asia Flyweight and IBO Intercontinental Flyweight Champion Raymond Tabugon will be one of the top features when he squares off against Renante Suacasa in an 8 round superflyweight bout. Tabugon last fought March of this year in Cotabato, Philippines besting Juan Purisima via 10 round UD. He won the IBO Inter-Continental title last year knocking down South Africa’s Luzuko Siyo in the 12th en route to a 12-round unanimous decision win. Undefeated superbantamweight Marquil Salvania will be tested by former Philippine champion Philip Parcon, while flashy “Magic” Mike Plania will trade leathers opposite Marjun Tabamo in another pair of 8-rounders. Rounding up the rest of the undercards will be Engelbert Moralde vs Jonathan Francisco of Cebu, Reymart Gaballo vs Frejun Dela Cruz of Cebu and Jenny Boy Buca vs Michael Padayag in a 6 round curtain raiser.

Pirates trounce Generals By Peter Atencio

JEAN Ngudjol struck with 16 points and 14 rebounds as the Lyceum Pirates got down to the business in repulsing an undermanned Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 59-45, yesterday at the Arena in San Juan. Teaming up with Mer Ayaay and Wilson Baltazar in the last period, the Pirates took their time in pulling away and earning their fourth win in 16 games in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament. “I told the players to just honor this game, and play our basketball, no showboating and nothing flashy,” said Pirates’ coach Topex Robinson. Robinson gave this instructions after learning the that league had extended the suspension it imposed on three players involved

in an on-court brawl Tuesday and included their participation in a fistfight, which took place minutes later at the parking lot. In the junior division, the La Salle Greenhills Greenies and the Lyceum Junior Pirates whipped separate foes to stay in contention for Final Four semifinal slots. Makki Santos drove off Kerby Dularte in the last 1:56 to help the Junior Pirates move ahead and post a 95-90 triumph over the EAC-ICA Brigadiers, while Alain Madrigal banged in 20 to carry the Greenies to an 87-57 smashing of the San Sebastian Stags.

Both have 10-6 records, while the Brigadiers dropped out of contention at 8-8. The suspensions included EAC’s Sidney Onwuberre and Rico Diego, and University of Perpetual Help’s Nikko Cabiltes, and another teammate Nestor Bantayan. Because of this, the Generals played with only eight players. They also missed Remy Morada, and Addum Mbang, who left the team midway in the season. Nikolo Cabiltes will now serve a three-game suspension, from an initial one-game ban, while his teammate Bantayan is suspended for two matches. Two Altas cagers John Ylagan and Flash Sadiwa received stern warnings. Raymund Pascua of EAC got the same penalty as Cabiltes’, while his fellow General Sydney Onwubere

Intense action. Fiji’s full-back Metuisela Talebula (center) and Australia’s full-back Israel Folau (2nd from right) fall next to Australia’s wing Adam Ashley-Cooper (2nd from left) and Fiji’s centre Vereniki Goneva (right) during a Pool A match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between Australia and Fiji at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff, south Wales. AFP

Tierro, Arcilla claim semis spots in PCA Open VETERAN aces Patrick John Tierro and Johnny Arcilla carved their spots in the semifinals of the 34th Philippine Columbian Association OpenCebuana Lhuillier Wildcard Event at the PCA clay courts in Paco, Manila. Top-ranked Tierro rallied to defeat No. 6 Marc

Anthony Reyes, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0. The 30-year-old Tierro, who aims to clinch his second title, will meet Elbert Anasta in the next round of the event supported by Cebuana Lhuillier, Puma, Dunlop, The Philippine Star, Head, Babolat, Compass/IMOSTI and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

Third pick Anasta stopped No. 5 Rolando Ruel Jr., 7-5, 7-6 (5). Arcilla, on the other hand, came out strong and solid right off the bat as decimated Ronard Joven, 6-6, 6-2. “Unti-unti nang gumaganda ang laro ko pero hindi puwede magkumpiyansa dahil mas matindi

na ang labanan sa mga susunod na laro. Kailangang maging consistent parati, less errors para makakuha ng magandang resulta,” said Arcilla, whose quest for his ninth PCA title ended abruptly last year. Arcilla will duel the winner between Australian Open juniors doubles

Miriam, La Salle-Zobel sweep WNCAA elims MIRIAM College, De La Salle Zobel and Chiang Kai Shek College finished their elimination rounds unbeaten in the 46th WNCAA tournament held over the weekend. In the senior division, Centro Escolar University and Rizal Technological University moved closer to sweeps of their own after posting contrasting wins. DLSZ won all its four basketball assignments in both midgets

is suspended for a game. The Generals’ Rico Diego is still suspended for one game after the off-court altercation. Mancom chairman Melchor Divina of Season 91 host Mapua said the penalties were given after they talked to the players during their probe. “Based on our investigation, they participated. Umamin sila,” said Divina. It was Cabiltes who engaged EAC’s Pascua and Diego in a scuffle in The Arena parking lot after they got ejected during the Perpetual Help-EAC game. Altas’ player Nestor Bantayan was cleared after officials learned that he was one of those who tried to pacify the players. According eyewitnesses, Pascua sneaked in and hit Cabiltes repeatedly on the back of his head until he fell.

and Junior A divisions, beating Poveda, 45-22, and St. Stephen’s High School, 62-11, respectively, at the St. Scholastica gym. DLSZ will face Junior B No. 4 Assumption in the quarterfinals this Saturday while its defending champion midgets squad is still awaiting its semifinal foe. CKSC whipped Assumption, 67-21, for a 5-0 sweep of Junior B, and will take on Junior A

No. 4 SSHS in the next round of the league being supported by Gosen, Mikasa, Molten, Goody, Converse, Colgate, Sonak Trading, MJC Printing Press and media partners Inquirer, Bulletin, Philippine Star, Sports5, Magic 89.9 and Chalk Magazine. Defending junior volleyball champion Miriam, meanwhile, toppled San Beda College Alabang, 25-15, 25-21, 25-20, for a

5-0 sweep of Group A at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. In senior basketball, defending champion CEU trounced Assumption, 77-15, and is just two wins shy of a seven-game sweep. Defending senior volleyball champion RTU, on the other hand, survived SBCA, 26-24, 20-25, 2518, 25-23, for its sixth straight victory. It will go for a sweep against Miriam this Sunday.

champion Francis Casey Alcantara and top junior netter Alberto Lim Jr as men’s singles semis take centerstage today. Meantime, in the ladies’ side, the formidable Patrimonio sisters - Clarice and Christine - inched closer to the elusive title as they marched into the semis.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

F R I D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 1 5

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS Bibat storms to 4-shot lead with solid 66

Michael Bibat watches his approach shot on No. 5

Gilas PH crush hapless Hong Kong by 51 points By Jeric Lopez

GILAS Pilipinas showcased a resounding bounce-back effort it badly needed, venting its ire on Hong Kong in a merciless 51-point drubbing, 101-50, to emphatically pick up its first victory in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship at the Changsa Social Work College’s Gymnasium in Changsa, China yesterday. Bouncing back from his lackluster opening-game showing, Jayson Castro was steady in spearheading Gilas’ attack, firing a team-high 21 points, while drilling five triples on top of five rebounds and two assists, while naturalized star Andray Blatche continued to make a sig-

Nietes eager to spar with Viloria TURN TO A13

nificant contribution as he added 17 markers and eight rebounds as the Philippines’ 1-2 punch got it going. The Philippines, which finally got the fluidity it was looking for, improved to 1-1 in Group B and is now in a good shape to make it to the next phase.

National coach Tab Filipinos need to secure Game Today Baldwin said that this (Preliminary Round – Group B) this win for them to satisfying victory is 4:45 p.m. • Smart Gilas Pilipinas formalize and solidify vs. Kuwait just a sign of things to their entry in the seccome for Smart Gilas. ond round, where the “That was just the start of our Top 3 teams of Groups A and B will be road to redemption,’’ said Baldwin. combined to form Group E. “We don’t redeem ourselves until With a sense of urgency, Gilas, just we wipe out every bit of doubt in like what it did against Palestine, came everybody’s mind. That’s who we out of the gates with guns blazing. are. It’s important that everybody Firing from all cylinders early that’s part of Philippine basketball on, Gilas zoomed to a rousing 20-2 knows that this team has ‘Puso’ jumpstart for an 18-point cushion and that we’ll show it every time after Terrence Romeo’s triple at the we step on the floor.’’ 4:39 mark of the first canto that gave it Gilas continues its campaign today complete command right away with when it locks horns with Kuwait at just a few minutes into the game. At 4:45 p.m. in the same venue in its final the end of one, Gilas Pilipinas was algame in the preliminary round. The ready comfortably ahead, 28-15.

Arana headed to SMB TURN TO A14

TRECE MARTIREZ, Cavite— Michael Bibat put on another show of solid golf—an eaglespiked six-under 66 that got him past erstwhile leader Cassius Casas and put him four strokes ahead of Tony Lascuña halfway through the P3.5 million ICTSI Tournament Players Championship at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club here yesterday. After churning out a bogey-free 68 in a late, windy start Wednesday, Bibat proved a lot better in calm condition in an early tee-off, stringing a pair of back-to-back birdies on both nines (Nos. 5 and 14) and highlighting his 32-34 card with an eagle on the par-5 No. 8. “It’s a big advantage starting out early with the wind hardly a factor,” said Bibat, who has surprisingly enjoying top form following a set-up check after missing the cut in last week’s Central Azucarera de Tarlac Open at Luisita. “I struggled with my driving last week and I asked Jay (Bayron) to help me check it. He made a little adjustment on my set-up,” added Bibat, whose 10-under 134 gave him a big four-shot cushion heading to the final two rounds of the P3.5 million championship sponsored by International Container Terminal Services Inc. While relishing his first bogeyfree 36-hole stint in a seven-year pro career, the former Asian Games bronze medalist has stressed the need for consistency in the last two rounds to fuel his drive for a follow-up to his breakthrough win at Rancho Palos Verdes in 2013. “Against this tough field, I need to play as good as my performance in the first two rounds to gain a crack at the crown,” said Bibat, who also anchored his solid start on hot putting, highlighted by a 40-foot putt for an eagle off a 3-wood second shot from 235 yards on No. 8 and a pitch-in birdie from 20 yards on No. 14. He used 27 putts to fire a 68 for joint third in the first round then improved two putt less to storm ahead of the field fighting for the top P650,000 purse in this season-ending tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

FRIDAY: SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Fitch lifts PH outlook to positive By Julito G. Rada

FITCH Ratings on Thursday lifted the ratings outlook for the Philippines to positive from stable, a signal that the debt watcher may upgrade the country’s credit score within the next 12 to 18 months. Fitch which granted a credit rating of BBB-, the minimum investment grade, on the Philippines in March 2013, recognized the economy’s strong growth performance and its ability to confront external headwinds better than most emerging markets.

“Global competitiveness, as ranked by the World Economic Forum, has risen to a level comparable to ‘BBB’-rated peers. Indicators for corruption, transparency and economic freedom have also improved substantially. Evidence that governance improvements

can be sustained beyond the next election cycle would be positive for the credit,” Fitch said. It said economic growth continued to outperform ‘BBB’-rated peers while favorable demographics would support the mediumterm growth outlook. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the positive outlook from Fitch “signaled the long overdue credit rating upgrade, which appropriately reflects the economy’s outperformance.” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the revised credit outlook and the likely credit rating

upgrade reflected what financial markets said all along about the Philippines’ creditworthiness. “The Philippine economy continues to perform strongly despite turbulent headwinds, while financial markets continue to assess Philippine debt way better than what a BBB- rating reflects. We thank Fitch for coming out with a positive outlook. While we still think we are underrated [we continue to outperform our singleA rated neighbors in Southeast Asia], this is definitely a move in the right direction,” Purisima said. Fitch predicted that gross do-

mestic product of the Philippines would grow 5.6 percent in 2015, as domestic demand remained robust even as external demand weakened. The Philippines’ total dependency ratio is projected to fall over the next three decades, in contrast to most other ‘BBB’rated peers and other economies across the region. Fitch said external finances continued to be key credit strength for the country. The Philippines has run current account surpluses since 2003, underpinned by high levels of worker remittances and revenue from the business process outsourcing industry.

PSe comPoSite index Closing September 24, 2015

8000 7700 7400 7100 6800 6500

6,917.55 9.36

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 43.50 44.60 45.40

P46.860

46.20

47.00

HIGH P46.830 LOW P46.970 AVERAGE P46.902 VOLUME 567.700M

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

oPriceS il P today

Entertainment City plans. Executives of foreign and local investors in the Entertainment City project are updated by Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez (center) about the plans and developments that will be implemented by the city government. Those who attended the meeting are Donato Almeda and lawyer Ellan Pailan of Solaire Resorts and Casino; George Salvador of Aseana Holdings Inc.; Kenji Sugiyama, Dindo Espeleta and Antonio Garcia of Tiger Resort & Casino; Francis Hernando of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.; Edwin Rovero of Public Works Department; Mario Bardeloza of the Philippine Reclamation Authority; and John Dioquino of Entertainment City Estate Management Inc.

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

BSP keeps interest rates steady, cuts inﬂation forecast

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, September 24, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.7380

Japan

Yen

0.008317

0.3887

Pound

1.524600

71.2568

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129039

6.0310

Switzerland

Franc

1.020304

47.6870

Canada

Dollar

0.749794

35.0439

Singapore

Dollar

0.701361

32.7802

Australia

Dollar

0.701508

32.7871

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656254

124.1480

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

12.4628

Brunei

Dollar

0.698910

32.6657

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

0.0032

Thailand

Baht

0.027647

1.2922

UAE

Dirham

0.272324

12.7279

Euro

1.118200

52.2624

Korea

Won

0.000838

0.0392

China

Yuan

0.156644

7.3212

India

Rupee

0.015143

0.7078

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.230150

10.7568

New Zealand

Dollar

0.626017

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030343

29.2588 1.4182 Source: PDS Bridge

THE Monetary Board, the policymaking body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday kept key policy rates unchanged for the eighth time since October last year, as inflation rate continued to fall within target. Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a news briefing the benchmark interests were kept at 4 percent for overnight borrowing and 6 percent for overnight lending. “The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment of the dynamics and risks in the inflation environment over the policy horizon. While latest baseline forecasts show that inflation

could fall below the inflation target range of 2 to 4 percent for 2015 due to the successive low inflation out-turns in recent months, inflation is projected to return gradually to a path consistent with the inflation target for 2016 to 2017,” Tetangco said. “The Monetary Board is of the view that domestic demand conditions remain firm, supported by buoyant business and consumer sentiment and ample domestic liquidity,” he said. Tetangco said the benign inflation outlook and the economy’s underlying growth momentum provided ample room to keep monetary policy settings un-

changed at this time. “Meanwhile, inflation expectations also remain anchored within the inflation target band over the policy horizon,” he said. Inflation forecast for 2015 was reduced to 1.6 percent from the previous estimate of 1.8 percent, after the actual figure fell to a record low of 0.6 percent in August. The forecast for 2016 was slightly adjusted upwards to 2.6 percent from 2.5 percent, amid the threat of El Niño dry spell. The forecast for 2017 was also increased to 3 percent from the previous assumption of 2.6 percent. Tetangco said upside risks could come from the impact of

stronger and protracted El Niño dry weather conditions on food prices and utility rates as well as pending petitions for power rate adjustments. Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the higher inflation forecast for 2016 and 2017 was triggered by the expected lingering effects of El Niño, which could persist until June 2016. “Any additional risks from El Nino will affect the balance of risks,” Guinigundo said. Inflation in the first eight months averaged 1.7 percent, well below the 2015 target range of 2 to 4 percent. Julito G. Rada

FRIDAY: SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, sepTember 24, 2015

52 Weeks

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 30.45 0.92 2.6 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 75 91.5 137 80 361.2 57 180 1700 124 47 5 2.36 15.3 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 0.66 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 390 156 0.710 0.435 0.510 10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.75 2.55 69 66.15 103.60 99.95 83.00 82.00 42.6 41.5 2.48 2.40 19.84 19.26 0.66 0.65 1.70 1.69 720.00 720.00 0.700 0.640 81.5 80.05 0.96 0.93 16.72 16.68 24.00 24.00 52.45 50.10 102 98 150 150 296 295 31.2 30.85 139 135 1430.00 1430.00 53.00 51.20 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp. 42.95 43.5 42.55 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.49 1.49 1.45 1.86 Alsons Cons. 1.64 1.8 1.6 7.92 Asiabest Group 10.76 10.9 10.6 15.32 Century Food 16.76 16.82 16.76 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 25.75 25.75 25 29.15 Concepcion 41.6 43 41.6 1.5 Crown Asia 2.78 2.8 2.73 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.83 1.85 1.65 10.72 Del Monte 10 10 9.98 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 10.440 10.680 10.4 9.04 Emperador 7.90 8.00 7.72 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 6.00 6.00 5.80 8.86 EEI 7.88 8.00 7.61 1.06 Euro-Med Lab 1.82 2.05 1.75 8.61 Federal Res. Inv. Group 13.06 13.48 12.8 20.2 First Gen Corp. 22.6 23.25 22.5 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 65.55 66 65.3 13.86 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 12.50 12.50 12.50 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.00 13.00 13.00 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.72 5.82 5.72 3.270 2.880 0.395 Ionics Inc 2.990 173 Jollibee Foods Corp. 189.00 189.40 185.50 2.3 LMG Chemicals 2.28 2.55 2.2 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 4.39 5.98 4.39 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 23 22.8 21.75 17.3 Maxs Group 21.85 21.85 21.2 5.88 Megawide 5.56 5.59 5.5 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co À’ 293.00 294.00 290.00 3.37 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 3.91 3.83 3.83 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.1 4.14 4.06 8.45 Petron Corporation 6.88 6.94 6.86 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.33 3.34 3.25 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.95 2.05 1.95 1 Pryce Corp. À’ 2.1 2.2 2.07 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.04 4.04 4.02 1.65 Roxas and Co. 2.7 2.8 2.7 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 134.9 135 132 1.55 Splash Corporation 2.24 2.28 2.15 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.146 0.150 0.144 1.02 TKC Steel Corp. 0.94 1.00 0.91 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 1.92 1.93 1.86 152 Universal Robina 185.9 192 186 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.65 4.62 4.62 0.640 Vitarich Corp. 0.73 0.72 0.67 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l. 1.01 1.05 1.02 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. À’ 0.430 0.430 0.430 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 58.2000 58.2000 56.7000 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 19.00 19.00 18.12 6.62 Anscor À’ 6.60 6.60 6.39 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.233 0.235 0.231 634.5 Ayala Corp À’ 759.5 760 735 7.390 Cosco Capital 6.94 6.92 6.74 12.8 DMCI Holdings 12.60 12.60 12.14 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 3.09 3.1 3.1 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.228 0.225 0.214 837 GT Capital 1225 1245 1220 5.3 House of Inv. 5.97 5.97 5.95 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 68.95 68.90 67.25 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp. 6.05 6.06 5.8 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.72 0.72 0.69 12 LT Group 11.7 11.74 11.5 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5 5 4.92 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 8.29 8.29 7.5 0.030 Pacifica À’ 0.0350 0.0360 0.0350 0.550 Prime Orion 1.720 1.760 1.720 2.26 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.8 2.8 2.8 44.40 50.75 43.90 59.3 San Miguel Corp À’ 1.5 Seafront À’ 3.02 3.02 2.90 751 SM Investments Inc. 878.50 888.00 850.00 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.18 1.18 1.18 170 Transgrid 210.00 220.00 220.00 80 Top Frontier 63.000 84.950 63.000 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3600 0.3650 0.3300 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.2290 0.2250 0.2030 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.249 0.275 0.250 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.800 6.800 6.550 12 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 8.40 8.30 7.57 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.62 0.65 0.61 1.2 Araneta Prop À’ 1.120 1.120 1.100 0.192 Arthaland Corp. 0.250 0.250 0.250 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 34.00 34.00 33.75 3.36 Belle Corp. À’ 3.01 3.05 3 4.96 Cebu Holdings 4.91 4.8 4.77 0.79 Century Property 0.58 0.6 0.57

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 19.6 0.74 1.02 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 58 62 88.35 52 276 41 118.2 1200 59

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Eastwest Bank First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank

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

SHARES 19,663,145 144,881,955 155,420,818 102,704,619 73,152,504 612,717,892 1,117,923,234

2.6 69 102.00 83.00 42.6 2.50 19.8 0.69 1.70 715.00 0.680 80.05 0.96 16.66 24.00 52.50 100 150 298 31.1 139 1435.00 52.20

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.55 69 103.00 82.50 41.95 2.40 19.32 0.65 1.69 720.00 0.650 81.5 0.96 16.68 24.00 50.15 100 150 295 30.9 137.6 1430.00 51.20

-1.92 0.00 0.98 -0.60 -1.53 -4.00 -2.42 -5.80 -0.59 0.70 -4.41 1.81 0.00 0.12 0.00 -4.48 0.00 0.00 -1.01 -0.64 -1.01 -0.35 -1.92

123,000 12,820 2,457,980 2,976,430 18,400 16,000 125,000 500,000 6,000 30 9,403,000 719,330 2,015,000 121,400 5,000 393,520 11,440 10 1,200 278,100 157,910 100 13,170

43.5 1.49 1.7 10.6 16.76 25.75 41.6 2.79 1.65 9.99 10.460 8.00 5.89 7.68 1.97 13.48 22.6 66 12.50 13.00 5.72 3.120 187.00 2.2 5.34 21.75 21.7 5.51 293.00 3.83 4.1 6.90 3.34 2.10 2.1 4.03 2.8 132 2.28 0.145 0.91 1.89 192 4.62 0.68 1.04

1.28 0.00 3.66 -1.49 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.36 -9.84 -0.10 0.19 1.27 -1.83 -2.54 8.24 3.22 0.00 0.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.35 -1.06 -3.51 21.64 -5.43 -0.69 -0.90 0.00 -2.05 0.00 0.29 0.30 7.69 0.00 -0.25 3.70 -2.15 1.79 -0.68 -3.19 -1.56 3.28 -0.65 -6.85 2.97

2,461,200 9,000 407,000 3,600 3,256,000 77,000 411,500 416,000 8,825,000 52,000 7,167,500 386,000 19,253,700 70,300 128,000 4,600 1,485,200 324,890 3,100 10,000 51,400 70,296,000 1,039,210 146,000 271,000 1,131,700 93,900 8,200 359,550 3,000 957,000 863,500 31,000 200,000 200,000 6,336,000 78,000 73,080 980,000 3,200,000 90,000 11,687,000 2,106,000 4,000 2,845,000 50,000

0.430 57.9000 18.14 6.39 0.235 740 6.79 12.40 3.1 0.224 1235 5.95 68.70 5.95 0.69 11.6 4.98 8.2 0.0350 1.730 2.8 50.75 3.02 880.00 1.18 220.00 84.950 0.3350 0.2210 0.270

0.00 -0.52 -4.53 -3.18 0.86 -2.57 -2.16 -1.59 0.32 -1.75 0.82 -0.34 -0.36 -1.65 -4.17 -0.85 -0.40 -1.09 0.00 0.58 0.00 14.30 0.00 0.17 0.00 4.76 34.84 -6.94 -3.49 8.43

30,000 1,471,710 12,598,200 39,200 170,000 461,720 720,200 4,103,900 17,000 480,000 196,350 48,500 2,138,790 2,516,900 334,000 1,956,300 29,389,300 1,134,900 16,800,000 182,000 11,000 445,400 6,000 294,550 6,000 10 103,330 21,390,000 530,000 990,000

6.550 7.57 0.62 1.100 0.250 34.00 3.03 4.8 0.57

-3.68 -9.88 0.00 -1.79 0.00 0.00 0.66 -2.24 -1.72

195,300 2,500 435,000 128,000 200,000 8,618,100 904,000 12,000 7,153,000

-90,462.00 35,277,097 -9,073,690.00 62,180.00 -688,768.00

134,000.00 -7,599,033.50 120,000.00 -16,203,474.00 -29,500.00 -3,889,525 -4,943,969.00 71,500.00 -654,785.00 18,371,610.00

4,935,952.00 -10,504,270 19,060.00 19,199,824.00 -106,475.00 1,193,461.00 -319,292.00 -13,790.00 -14,593,210.00 -7,846,817.50 65,000.00 195,752.00 1,262,630.00 -5,589,890.00 -19,079,225.00 -33,220.00 43,961,002.00 2,700,750.00 469,920.00

923,100.00 641,918.00 4,320.00 -16,000.00 18,728,000.00 83,718,677.00 18,480.00

-44,664,466.00 -99,749,836.00 -66,952,705.00 -124,017.00 -32,372,776.00 -6,720.00 -148,161,545.00 151,825.00 -69,152,797.00 -5,173,500.00 -4,150,738.00 -42,796,311.00 -337,449.00 49,000.00 -43,350.00 -12,245,565.00 -116,853,150.00 -2,287,967.50 -223,100.00

52 Weeks

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

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

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 2.6 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 3.2 1 15.2 0.62 1.040 6.41 4 18 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 1.6 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 8.72 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.95 0.650 6 0.335 0.37 3 2.28 8.8 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

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

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Discovery World DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Macroasia Corp. Manila Bulletin Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp. 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 5.45 17.24 0.330 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 0.236 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

70 553 525 120 515 8.21 12.28 1060

33 490 500 101.5 480 5.88 6.5 997

78.95 84.8

74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F Swift Pref

12,189.00

1.34

-92,110.00

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

-22,238,940.00 -538,960.00

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

-2,636,550.00

Makati Fin. Corp. IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

VALUE 654,552,417.042 1,422,794,545.498 2,353,589,301.11 986,975,769.42 1,031,689,576.71 508,585,132.014 7,087,376,842.652

FINANCIAL 1,543.17 (UP) 1.21 INDUSTRIAL 10,751.73 (UP) 57.99 HOLDING FIRMS 6,449.05 (DOWN) 39.12 PROPERTY 2,823.53 (DOWN) 4.97 SERVICES 1,705.64 (DOWN) 12.78 MINING & OIL 10,997.21 (UP) 30.26 PSEI 6,917.55 (DOWN) 9.36 All Shares Index 3,991.08 (DOWN) 4.01 Gainers: 73 Losers: 96; Unchanged: 45; Total: 214

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.109 0.455 20.1 0.810 1.02 1.77 1.35 4.25 0.092 0.2850 0.4300 8.5 28.50 1.55 3.14 19.90 0.72 8.37 0.720 5.120

0.105 0.100 0.100 0.450 0.435 0.435 22.2 20.5 21.15 0.780 0.780 0.780 1.03 1.02 1.03 1.78 1.74 1.74 1.38 1.28 1.33 4.3 4.21 4.25 0.092 0.091 0.092 0.2850 0.2850 0.2850 0.3850 0.3850 0.3850 9.44 8.32 8.35 28.85 28.20 28.55 1.55 1.52 1.55 3.15 3.15 3.15 20.00 19.78 19.84 0.72 0.7 0.72 8.37 8.37 8.37 0.720 0.720 0.720 5.250 5.010 5.150 SERVICES 7.9 8.1 7.58 8 59.45 60 59.2 60 1.12 1.14 1.11 1.11 0.580 0.610 0.550 0.560 6.00 6.10 5.94 5.98 0.0600 0.0600 0.0580 0.0580 3.75 3.67 3.6 3.6 88.3 88.35 86.5 86.5 1.6 1.8 1.6 1.8 4.98 5.30 5.00 5.00 2454 2490 2360 2380 6.28 6.38 6.26 6.30 1.25 1.35 1.25 1.26 79 79 75.1 77 11.4 11.94 11.4 11.94 0.191 0.197 0.189 0.191 1.4000 1.4500 1.4000 1.4200 2.15 2.33 2.15 2.15 8.60 8.60 8.60 8.60 2.87 2.97 2.78 2.87 2.20 2.27 2.15 2.26 0.610 0.610 0.600 0.600 4.75 4.76 4.59 4.59 0.320 0.310 0.310 0.310 0.495 0.495 0.480 0.495 4.72 4.60 4.50 4.60 2.53 2.97 2.62 2.92 8.66 9.24 8.65 9.24 100.00 104.00 85.00 96.00 18.48 18.70 17.90 18.70 2264.00 2282.00 2258.00 2270.00 0.580 0.580 0.560 0.570 1.070 1.080 1.050 1.070 30.80 31.10 30.60 30.80 72.00 73.10 71.50 71.90 6.62 7.25 6.65 7.11 6.52 6.50 6.32 6.34 0.50 0.51 0.48 0.49 3.39 3.54 3.38 3.45 0.360 0.360 0.340 0.355 2.670 2.780 2.660 2.710 MINING & OIL 0.0055 0.0057 0.0054 0.0055 2.30 2.31 2.31 2.31 4.70 4.74 4.70 4.73 0.190 0.189 0.188 0.188 0.75 0.75 0.69 0.75 0.65 0.66 0.63 0.66 7.00 7.15 6.28 6.50 1 1.07 0.98 1.01 0.295 0.300 0.290 0.300 0.180 0.182 0.180 0.181 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 2.03 2.14 2.02 2.1 6.83 7.58 6.75 7.18 2.9 2.94 2.85 2.9 0.6200 0.6000 0.5900 0.6000 1.3400 1.3500 1.3000 1.3500 0.0095 0.0086 0.0086 0.0086 3.86 3.86 3.78 3.86 5.00 5.030 4.900 5.00 1.39 1.450 1.360 1.38 0.0120 0.0100 0.0110 0.0120 136.40 136.00 134.60 134.70 2.47 2.82 2.52 2.62 0.0079 0.0084 0.0084 0.0084 PREFERRED 59.9 60.05 59.7 59.9 528 528 528 528 526 530 530 530 118.1 118.2 118.2 118.2 528 527.5 527.5 527.5 6.48 6.49 6.45 6.45 1.11 1.11 1.1 1.1 1056 1080 1080 1080 1080 1100 1100 1100 80 80 78.5 78.5 81.1 81.5 81.1 81.2 78.5 78.5 78 78 77 77.55 77.25 77.5 78.45 78.8 78.5 78.65 2 2 1.8 1.8 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.050 3.120 2.980 3.040 SME 3.58 3.5 3.37 3.48 80 80 64.3 70 12.6 14 12.8 13.7 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 113.6 113.6 113 113.1

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-8.26 -4.40 5.22 -3.70 0.98 -1.69 -1.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 -10.47 -1.76 0.18 0.00 0.32 -0.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.59

6,780,000 200,000 3,327,500 17,000 1,045,000 9,540,000 663,000 21,257,000 210,000 130,000 200,000 3,447,800 3,735,900 49,000 51,000 13,912,800 958,000 11,500 100,000 10,470,200

1.27 0.93 -0.89 -3.45 -0.33 -3.33 -4.00 -2.04 12.50 0.40 -3.02 0.32 0.80 -2.53 4.74 0.00 1.43 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.73 -1.64 -3.37 -3.13 0.00 -2.54 15.42 6.70 -4.00 1.19 0.27 -1.72 0.00 0.00 -0.14 7.40 -2.76 -3.00 1.77 -1.39 1.50

74,200 84,840 134,000 4,449,000 1,487,900 14,010,000 1,023,000 496,080 90,000 147,000 113,958 1,031,800 258,000 2,710,910 33,200 5,500,000 839,000 3,000 289,300 621,000 75,000 25,000 3,748,000 20,000 210,000 13,000 21,000 2,100 3,130 98,200 110,215 1,575,000 4,984,000 1,377,200 107,590 11,911,200 1,924,200 10,716,000 1,518,000 490,000 420,000

0.00 0.43 0.64 -1.05 0.00 1.54 -7.14 1.00 1.69 0.56 2.04 -8.33 3.45 5.12 0.00 -3.23 0.75 -9.47 0.00 0.00 -0.72 9.09 -1.25 6.07 6.33

341,000,000 140,000.00 5,000 84,000 -367,860.00 310,000 1,153,000 155,000 -2,550.00 210,900 18,882,000 -7,176,610.00 270,000 66,700.00 8,020,000 31,000,000 3,400,000 180,000 -4,100.00 5,109,600 5,444,769.00 989,000 29,100.00 199,000 247,000 -3,400.00 3,000,000 8,000 -7,320.00 711,000 110,198.00 213,000 -44,200.00 18,700,000 3,159,850 -29,514,729.00 3,922,000 -371,990.00 1,000,000 -8,400.00

0.00 0.00 0.76 0.08 -0.09 -0.46 -0.90 2.27 1.85 -1.88 0.12 -0.64 0.65 0.25 -10.00

155,750 160 10 4,010 1,000 18,500 40,000 6,000 2,775 12,800 192,990 261,080 359,800 403,970 8,000

-0.33

162,000

-2.79 -12.50 8.73

13,000 30,110 9,330,800

33,562,500.00

-0.44

8,390

2,248.00

6,234,990.00 -9,100.00 -13,564,930.00 -34,475,680.00

-97,183.00 37,557,310.00 -174,998,442.00 96,255.00 -31,655,612.00

-3,994,673.00 58,000.00 -22,734,920.00 -231,804,030.00 -83,598,116.00 17,100.00 2,439,820.00

1,369,930.00 4,950.00 29,200.00 -2,720.00 -727,456.00 -70,526,990.00 -3,269,700.00 30,865,875.00 2,711,744.50 -2,906,841.00 -3,744,520.00 -2,150,185.00 -2,212,130.00 -3,600.00 -67,870.00

935,073.50

-39,000.00 247,200.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Top Frontier

84.950

34.84

IRipple E-Business Intl

-12.50

Mabuhay Vinyl

5.34

21.64

Phil. Realty `A'

0.3850

-10.47

Paxys Inc.

2.92

15.42

Swift Pref

1.8

-10.00

San Miguel Corp `A'

50.75

14.30

Anchor Land Holdings Inc.

7.57

-9.88

Discovery World

1.8

12.50

Da Vinci Capital

1.65

-9.84

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0120

9.09

Oriental Pet. `A'

0.0086

-9.47

Xurpas

13.7

8.73

Manila Mining `B'

0.011

-8.33

Zeus Holdings

0.270

8.43

Crown Equities Inc.

0.100

-8.26

Euro-Med Lab

1.97

8.24

Dizon

6.50

-7.14

Phoenix Semiconductor

2.10

7.69

Unioil Res. & Hldgs

0.3350

-6.94

FRIDAY: SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

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

Stock market declines; URC up THE stock market fell Thursday ahead of a closely watched speech later in the day by Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen, during which markets hope she will provide more clarity on the bank’s plans for an interest rate hike. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 9.36 points, or 0.1 percent, to 6,917.55 on a value turnover of P7.1 billion. Losers beat gainers, 96 to 73, with 45 issues unchanged. Conglomerate Ayala Corp. declined 2.6 percent to P740, while unit Globe Telecom Inc. tumbled 3 percent to P2,380. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. retreated 1.2 percent to P134.70, while Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan sank 4.5 percent to P18.14. Universal Robina Corp. of industrialist John Gokongwei bucked the trend, advancing 3.3 percent to P192, while technology issue Xurpas Inc. jumped 8.7 percent to P13.70. The rest of Asian markets mostly recovered Thursday from the previous day’s sharp losses but Tokyo tumbled as investors returned from a long weekend to play catch-up, with auto giants hit by the Volkswagen scandal. Stocks and other high-yielding, or riskier, assets took a hit after the Fed’s decision last week to hold—citing China’s woes and a developing market slowdown— fanned concerns about the US and global economy. Those worries were exacerbated Wednesday when a closely watched gauge of Chinese manufacturing activity for September hit a six-and-a-half-year low, the latest in a string of results highlighting a severe slowdown in the world’s number two economy. The news sent shares in Asia plunging—with Shanghai and Hong Kong down more than two percent—followed by losses in New York. On Thursday, however, investors in most stock markets turned buyers, with Shanghai ending 0.86 percent higher, Sydney adding 1.47 percent and Seoul 0.13 percent higher. But Hong Kong continued to drop, shedding 0.97 percent by the close. Tokyo finished 2.76 percent down as trading began for the first time since Friday after a three-day public holiday. “Japanese markets have still got some catch up to do after the uncertainty that’s been washing through global markets,” Tony Farnham, a strategist at Patersons Securities in Sydney, said. “The issue is gauging the extent of the slowdown in China and the ongoing debate about whether the Fed is doing the right thing” on when to raise interest rates. Automakers were among the big losers on Japan’s Nikkei as the industry is rocked by the Volkswagen emissions scandal. With AFP

2 new power plants on track—First Gen By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group plans to complete its 97-megawatt Avion and 414-MW San Gabriel natural gas projects in Batangas province in the next 10 months.

First Gen president Francis Giles Puno told reporters at the sidelines of a forum First Gen was spending around $750 million to build two natural gas projects. The company is building the Avion project at cost of $100 million to $150 million and the San Gabriel project for $550 million to $600 million. “Avion’s a little late. It will come online by the end of the year. San Gabriel [is by the] second quarter of next year,” Puno said. The Avion project was earlier scheduled for completion in time for the dry months early this year. “There were delays on site preparation,”

Puno said. He said said the output of the power projects would initially be sold at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s electricity trading floor. The Malampaya natural gas project off northwest Palawan supplies fuel to to the existing 1,000-MW Sta. Rita and 500-MW San Lorenzo power plant, which are both owned by First Gen Corp. First Gen is pursuing a third phase of expansion that will comprise of two units of a combined cycle natural gas-fired power plant with a total capacity of 800 MW. All stations will be located within the power plant complex of the Santa Rita and San Lorenzo facilities in Batangas. First Gen confirmed it was open to the possibility of teaming up with local or foreign companies for the development of a liquefied natural gas receiving, storage and re-gasification terminal using LNG imported from abroad to address the expected depletion of Malampaya gas starting as early as 2022. A land-based LNG re-gasification terminal

is estimated to cost around $1 billion. First Gen reported a 7.1-percent decline in net income attributable to parent of $95.3 million in the first half from $102.7 million year-on-year. First Gen attributed the decline to the lower earnings booked by unit Energy Development Corp., resulting from the outage of the Tongonan geothermal power plant in Leyte, trading losses in the Unified Leyte strip business, higher operating expenses and typhoon-proofing works. “Despite the positive contribution of the gas projects, EDC’s geothermal operations suffered reliability issues which we are now addressing. Due to the aging fleet of EDC’s portfolio, we will implement major rehabilitation programs in order to prevent any unforeseen outages going forward,” Puno earlier said. “Moreover, we continue to focus our efforts on bringing Avion to commercial operation in the third quarter of 2015 so that it can augment power available to the grid. San Gabriel’s construction is likewise progressing with all the major components already onsite,” he said.

Manila Bay cleanup.

Port operator Asian Terminals Inc. and employee volunteers join forces with industry stakeholders in clearing Manila Bay’s shores of debris as part of the International Coastal Clean-up Drive. Led by Ocean Conservancy International and in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the annual global activity drives greater ecological awareness and social involvement in rejuvenating the world’s waterways through trash-free oceans and seas.

National Grid boosts lines to link Ilocos wind farms By Alena Mae S. Flores

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines has increased the capacity of the San Esteban substation in Ilocos Sur province with the upgrading of a power transformer from 50 megaVolt amperes to 100 MVA. National Grid said in a statement the expansion boosted the capability and reliability of the power transformer to accommodate the growing generation capacity from wind farms in Ilocos Norte, such as those of Energy Development Corp. in Burgos, North Luzon Renewable Energy Corp. in Pagudpud and North Luzon Wind Power Corp. in Bangui. EDC is operating the 150-MW

Burgos wind project while North Luzon is running the 81-MW Pagudpud wind project. NorthWind Power Development Corp., meanwhile, owns a 52-MW wind project in Ilocos Norte. The San Esteban substation is a critical link to the grid as it transmits around 280 megawatts. National Grid is a privatelyowned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations and related assets. The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power

transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by retail tycoon Henry Sy Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation of Robert Coyiuto Jr. and the State Grid Corp. of China as technical partner. “This project also caters to the increasing load demand from connected power customers Abra Electric Cooperative, Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative, and Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative,” National Grid. The upgraded transformer was energized on September 5. The San Esteban Substation now has two 100-MVA power transformers. NorthWind has urged National Grid to pursue the development

of the North Luzon transmission line looping project to accommodate wind projects in other areas in North Luzon. NorthWind chairman Niels Jacobsen said earlier the North Luzon loop would not only encourage other power projects but also enhance transmission security. “In all other countries in the world you would always have a loop for security reasons. It would make very much sense to loop it. If they [National Grid] loop it, then we can proceed with the projects,” he said. NorthWind is developing wind projects in Aparri and Pamplona, Cagayan, which have a potential of up to 80 megawatts of wind energy.

FRIDAY: SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

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

Volkswagen eyes assembly plant By Othel V. Campos

VOLKSWAGEN Philippines Inc. is pursuing its plan to assemble cars in the country, an industry source said Thursday.

PH, New Zealand landmark agreement to beneﬁt OFWs KUDOS to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz who just works quietly without any fanfare—unlike some others who are big on motherhood statements and inviting media people to (contrived) activities and events to fool the public into thinking they are actually doing some work. Just recently, the Philippines and New Zealand entered into an agreement that will benefit overseas contract workers and protect them from the clutches of human traffickers. Lengthily titled as the “Arrangement on the Principles and Controls on the Recruitment and Protection of Filipino Workers in New Zealand,” the agreement strongly enforces a no placement fee—that’s right, no placement fee —for OFWs to New Zealand. That should come as a big sigh of relief to many applicants especially those coming from the provinces who have to hock the cow, the farm and sometimes even the nipa hut just to pay for those onerous placement fees charged by recruiters. The agreement also calls for the prosecution of illegal recruiters and human traffickers for document fraud and other recruitment anomalies and violations—which should serve as a warning for those who are engaged in these unlawful activities. According to Secretary Baldoz, both the Philippines and New Zealand are working together to eliminate high job placement and other recruitment-related charges, and more importantly, to zero-in on those who forge documents, conduct bogus trainings and falsify qualifications and credentials of applicants. An important aspect of the agreement—which has been hailed by OFW groups—is the provision to ensure that the job terms and conditions offered to OFWs in New Zealand are actually reflected (and followed). We’ve heard so many stories about workers who are told that they would be hired for a certain job with certain benefits and wages – only to find out later that none of the conditions outlined in the employment contract are being followed and by then, it is too late because they have sold everything to pay for the recruitment fees, and many could not face the embarrassment of coming back home empty handed, the objet of pity and ridicule for having been duped by illegal recruiters. That is, if these OFWs have a choice at all to come home—since others are kept in the host country against their wishes. VW chief resigns, to get $32-m retirement package The emissions scandal that has rocked Volkswagen has resulted in a further drop in share prices and cost chief executive Martin Winterkorn his job because the guy has announced his resignation. In case you missed our previous article that came out on Sept. 22 (http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/09/22/vw-caught-cheatingwith-emissions-results/), the German car manufacturer has been caught lying and cheating about the low emissions test results of its supposedly “clean” vehicles. According to reports, VW installed a software technology that could tell if the car is being tested for nitrogen oxide (nox) emissions through the movements of the pedal and the steering wheel, so the so-called “defeat device” that installed pollution control mechanisms get activated. The rest of the time ,however, the so-called clean cars are anything but—with nox emissions that go as high as 35 to 40 times over legal limits. Accounts show that the big farce was discovered when this group called the International Council on Clean Transportation became curious after noticing a discrepancy on the tests and the real-road performance of the vehicles, so they collaborated with researches at a university—with shocking results. Caught, VW is trying to come out clean, admitting that 11 million of these “clean” vehicles mostly sold in the US and Europe were fitted with the cheating device. The company, who lost one third of its market caps in the wake of the scandal—has also announced a freeze on US sales for the 2015 and 2016 “clean diesel” cars. Meantime, Winterkorn—who is known as the second highest paid CEO in Germany and has been defended by colleagues as “innocent” of the wrongdoing, will get a severance package of $32 million plus an additional perk of getting to ride in a company car—a clean diesel model?—during the time it takes for payout to be completed. Someone if asking if that retirement package should be called “dirty money” – we leave you readers to decide. ••• For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may email to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com. You may also visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ happyhourmanilastandard. We’d be very happy to hear from you. Cheers!

The company held preliminary talks with the Board of Investments about its intension to create an assembly facility and eventually go into manufacturing, with an initial investment of $200 million, the source said. The source, who was aware of the discussions, said Volkswagen Philippines was ready to invest under the existing Motors Vehicle Development Program, and not under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence program. Volkswagen would deliver the $200-million investment if the government would allow them to come in via the MVDP

as a new entrant, without the capability to comply with the 200,000-unit required volume under the six-year Cars program, the source said. The Ayala Group, the exclusive distributor of the German vehicles via Volkswagen Philippines, would also invest in an automotive park. “Ayala committed $200 million because they have to develop an automotive park. This is on top of Volkswagen’s investments,” the source said. The source said once the plan was finalized, a corporate vehicle would be created by both partners.

Volkswagen will also bring in German parts suppliers, the source said. The source said Volkswagen was looking at enrolling its assembly project before MVDP was phased out and replaced by the Cars program. It would take Volkswagen Philippines one and a half years to complete an assembly plant or at least two and half years before production could start. The Cars program grants $600 million worth tax subsidies to three models that can produce 200,000 units each over a sixyear period while MVDP only grants preferential import tariff for completely knocked down auto parts of as much as 10 percent and one percent if imported from Asean. Volkswagen is paying a 30-percent import duty as it imports CKD vehicles outside Asean.

P&G support.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo (center) commended initiatives from the private sector to empower micro, small and medium enterprises in the country by offering meaningful leadership and human capital development programs. With Domingo during the launching of the Proctor & Gamble Leadership College for small and medium enterprises at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City recently are P&G Asia president Hatsunori Kiriyama (left) and P&G Distributing Philippines president and general manager Shankar Viswanathan.

IN BRIEF SM taps 4 banks for bond sale SM Prime Holdings Inc. has hired four banks to handle its P20billion bond offering in December. SM Prime said in a ﬁling with the Securities and Exchange Commission it tapped BDO Capital & Investments Corp., BPI Capital Corp., Chinabank and First Metro Investments Corp. as the joint lead underwriters for P15 billion bond offering, with an over subscription option of up to P5 billion. The bonds will mature in 2021 and 2025. Net proceeds from the bond offering will primarily be used to build more shopping malls, as the company expects the mall business to remain its primary focus. It also expects shopping mall operations to account for majority of the group’s net income in the coming years. SM Prime is set open to three additional malls in the second half this year, including SM Seaside Cebu, SM Cabanatuan and SM Sangandaan. The opening of new malls will increase the company’s overall gross ﬂoor area by 8 to10 percent this year to 7.3 million square meters. Jenniffer B. Austria

Okada investing another $700m TIGER Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. of Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada is investing an additional $700 million (P31 billion) to develop a $2-billion integrated resort and casino project in Parañaque City. Tiger Resort said in a statement it would make additional investments, after state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. agreed to extend the deadline for the company to complete the planned casino project called Manila Bay Resorts. Manila Bay Resorts is now scheduled to open in 2016 from original completion date of 2015. “The extension was granted given the increased scope and scale of the development, which promises to be the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Entertainment City. The expansions in the design and scope of the project called for an increase in investment, requiring an additional $700 million,” Tiger Resort said. The improvements under the updated project implementation plan, include an additional 97,000 square meters of gross ﬂoor area, covering two hotel towers with a sky bridge. Jenniffer B. Austria

Clark to deploy road train CLARK Development Corp. and the Science and Technology De-

partment on Tuesday signed a memorandum of agreement to deploy a light hybrid road train inside Clark Freeport. CDC president Arthur Tugade said the 160-passenger light hybrid road train would address the transportation needs of the increasing number of workers inside the Freeport.

The train aims to provide the commuters in the Freeport reliable, economical, safe, smart and “green” transportation mode, he said. The light hybrid road train is set to undergo functional and performance testing om October. The trial period would run for one year with CDC allotting P1 million for the entire process. The train will have ﬁve coaches linked to one another. One coach is dedicated for the engine and power mechanisms and instruments, while the other four coaches can each accommodate 40 to 45 passengers each. Made by Filipino-engineers, the bus-like train can run with a maximum speed of 50 kilometers an hour. Othel V. Campos

Cignal eyes 2m subscribers CIGNAL TV, the pay television unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., expects to increase the number of subscribers to 2 million in two to three years and is unfazed by rival SkyCable Corp.’s plan to offer direct-to-home television service. “It’s good for the consumer it gives them choice. I think for us we we welcome the competition. But of course its going be tougher, we have to work hard. So, its gonna be fun,” Cignal chief operating ofﬁcer Oscar Reyes Jr. told reporters at the sidelines of the company’s thanksgiving party for reaching over 1 million subscribers. Reyes said the company expected to end 2015 with a total subscriber base of more than 1.1 million. Cignal has overtaken rival SkyCable and Destiny Cable with combined subscribers of more than 800,000. Sky Cable said in an earlier ﬁling with the National Telecommunications Commission it would spend P252 million for the rollout of direct broadcast satellite service across 251 cities and municipalities. The country’s pay TV penetration stood at 15 percent. Darwin G. Amojelar

PH to head group of 20 countries The Philippines will head the inauguration of the Vulnerable Twenty or V20, a group of ﬁnance ministers from 20 countries that are vulnerable to the impact of climate change. V20 groups Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Kiribati, Madagascar, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Vietnam. The Finance Department said in a statement V20 would be established on Oct. 7 and 8 during the upcoming annual meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Lima, Peru. The inauguration will be chaired by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. The V20 was foreseen in the 2013-2015 Climate Vulnerable Forum Costa Rica Action Plan that initiated dedicated cooperation among Ministers of Finance. The establishment of V20 seeks to enable the vulnerable countries to steer a high-level policy dialogue pertaining to action on climate change and the promotion of climate resilient and low emission development. Gabrielle H. Binaday

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cESAR BARRIoquInTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Deadliest dengue outbreak in Taiwan TAIPEI—Taiwan is suffering its deadliest ever outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever with a record high of 42 deaths, authorities said Thursday, double the number that died in 2014. Last year saw 15,732 cases—by far the highest in nearly three decades—with this year shaping up to overtake. The total number of cases for 2015 has already hit 15,282, the Center for Disease Control said, the majority of them in southern Tainan City. Unusually hot weather has caused the increase, the CDC said. High temperatures and humidity encourage the breeding of mosquitoes, which is why countries with tropical climates— including Taiwan—tend to be plagued by dengue fever every year. “This year saw temperatures in Tainan and (the southern region of) Kaohsiung at their highest in 30 years,” Chuang Jen-hsiang, CDC’s deputy director, told AFP. “It’s likely at its peak right now. The epidemic across Southeast Asian countries is generally more serious this year,” he added. Another 36 deaths are being examined for their connection to dengue fever. Dengue—which causes high fever, headaches, itching and joint pains—affects two million people across the globe annually, with the number of cases up 30 times in the last 50 years, according to the World Health Organization. The virus, for which there is no vaccine, can lead to vomiting, bleeding, and breathing difficulty in more severe cases. Cases in Thailand have nearly tripled this year while Malaysia also saw a surge in infections, with 219 deaths as of September 20, according to the CDC. Local media have reported the epidemic hitting tourism in Tainan, a city with a population of 1.88 million, which draws visitors with its historic architecture and reputation as Taiwan’s best food destination. Businesses have seen a 50 percent drop in visitors since the outbreak, United Daily News reported earlier this month. AFP

world 500 killed in stampede at hajj in Saudi Arabia MINA, Saudi Arabia—At least 500 people were killed and hundreds wounded in a stampede at the annual hajj in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, in the second tragedy to strike the pilgrims this year.

Pilgrimage. Muslim pilgrims circle counterclockwise Islam’s holiest shrine, the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in the Saudi holy city of Mecca, late on Sept. 20, 2015. The annual hajj pilgrimage begins on Sept. 22, and more than a million faithful have already flocked to Saudi Arabia in preparation for what will for many be the highlight of their spiritual lives. AFP

The stampede, one of the worst incidents to hit the hajj in nearly a decade, broke out during the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual, the Saudi civil defense service said. It said that at least 450 people were hurt and emergency operations were under way in Mina, about five kilometers from Mecca. It was not immediately clear what had caused the stampede. Helicopters were flying over the area and the sirens of dozens of ambulances could be heard, AFP reporters said. It was the second major incident this year for hajj pilgrims, after a construction crane collapsed on September 11 at Mecca’s Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site, killing 109 people including many foreigners. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims had converged on Mina on Thursday to throw pebbles at one of three walls representing Satan, the ritual that marks the last day of the hajj. The world’s 1.5 billion Muslims were on Thursday marking Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, the most important holiday of the Islamic calendar. The hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform it at least once in a lifetime. In the past the pilgrimage was for years marred by stampedes and fires, but it had been largely incident-free for nearly a decade following safety improvements. In January 2006, 364 pilgrims were killed in a stampede during the stoning ritual in Mina. Thursday’s ritual was taking place at a five-storey structure known as the Jamarat Bridge, which cost more than $1 billion to build, and which was used during earlier pilgrimages. Almost one kilometer long, it resembles a parking garage and allows 300,000 pilgrims an hour to carry out the ritual. The faithful had gathered until dawn Thursday at nearby Muzdalifah where they chose their pebbles and stored them in empty water bottles. They had spent a day of prayer Wednesday on a vast Saudi plain and Mount Arafat, a rocky hill about 10 kilometers from Mina, for the peak of the hajj pilgrimage. AFP

In Zimbabwe, villagers skip meals to save on food BINDURA, Zimbabwe— Villagers in Zimbabwe are skipping meals and foraging for wild fruit as food stocks run out after a poor harvest blamed on drought and controversial land reforms. “Even if the children complain of hunger there is nothing we can do about it,” says Rabian Chidamba, 40, a mother of four who lives in Musana district northwest of the capital Harare.

She has cut the family’s meals to two a day as she ekes out her small stock of the staple food, corn. Breakfast is tea with homebaked cornmeal bread, while supper is cornmeal and fried kale, occasionally supplemented with a small portion of meat. “When the children get hungry between meals they go and look for wild fruit,” Chidamba says.

She still has some corn in her makeshift granary, unlike many of her compatriots in other districts whose food stores are empty, but the next harvest is not due until April or May next year. “Our harvest came to 10 bags of maize instead of the 30 bags we usually get,” she said. Chidamba usually sells surplus corn to raise money for her chil-

dren’s school fees and other necessities, but this year’s harvest is not enough even to feed her own family. At least 1.5 million Zimbabweans are in need of food aid, according to the United Nations World Food Program and other aid agencies. Once a major producer of corn, Zimbabwe has become a perennial importer of food following

a slump in agricultural production blamed on President Robert Mugabe’s land reforms, which saw the seizure of land from white commercial farmers for redistribution to landless blacks. This year, drought has played a major role in reducing harvests in many southern African countries, with Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana among the worst-hit. AFP

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WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Rare show coming for stargazers PARIS—For the first time in decades, stargazers are in for the double spectacle Monday of a swollen “super moon” bathed in the blood-red light of a total eclipse. The celestial show, visible from the Americas, Europe, Africa, west Asia and the east Pacific, will be the result of the Sun, Earth and a larger-than-life, extra-bright Moon lining up for just over an hour from 0211 GMT. “It will be quite exciting and especially dramatic,” predicted astronomer Sam Lindsay of the Royal Astronomical Society in London. “It’ll be brighter than usual, bigger than usual.” The Moon will be at its closest orbital point to Earth, called perigee, while also in its brightest phase. The resulting “super moon” will look 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than when at apogee, the farthest point—which is about 49,800 kilometers from perigee. Unusually, our planet will take position in a straight line between the Moon and the Sun, blotting out the direct sunlight that normally makes our satellite glow whitish-yellow. But some light will still creep around Earth’s edges and be filtered through its atmosphere, casting an eerie red light that creates the “blood moon”. The Moon travels to a similar position every month, but the tilt of its orbit means it normally passes above or below the Earth’s shadow—so most months have a full moon minus eclipse. For people younger than 33, this will be their first-ever chance to see a “super blood moon”. The last, only the fifth recorded since 1900, was in 1982, according to the NASA space agency, and the next will not be until 2033. If the weather holds, that is the spectacle would not be visible behind cloud cover. On top of the wow factor, the event is also of great interest for researchers. Over a 24-day cycle, the temperature on the surface of our satellite normally ambles between highs

of about 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) in direct sunlight, and lows around minus 115 C in the shade. These changes help researchers study the composition of the crust, as rocks warm and cool slower than sand-like dust. But on Monday, the eclipse will see that temperature shift happen much faster, over the duration of the eclipse—confining the observable change to the very outer surface, said Noah Petro, deputy project scientist for NASA’s lunar orbiter. “That almost instant change tells us about the upper few centimeters of the surface. We’re getting a very fine, unique measurement of the uppermost surface,” Petro told AFP. Monday’s “blood moon” will be the last in a string of four total lunar eclipses since April 15, 2014, in a series astronomers call a tetrad. These phenomena may be a normal part of the celestial calendar today, but for many ancient peoples it was an omen of bad things to come. “Throughout history many cultures have seen (eclipses) as being a sign of gloom and doom,” Petro said. They weren’t always wrong. In February 1504, explorer Christopher Columbus used a blood moon to trick Jamaican natives who had been feeding him and his men, but cut them off when relations turned sour. Columbus knew a blood moon had been forecast, and warned the natives that his god would send an angry “sign” at their treatment of the newcomers. Legend has it the natives came running with food as soon as the Moon turned red. Unlike a solar eclipse, which creates the impression of a bright “ring” of light as the Moon passes before our star, there is no danger in watching Monday’s lunar spectacle with the naked eye, the experts say. AFP

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Holiday. Backdropped by Dubai’s trademark skyscrapers, Muslims perform morning prayers to mark

the Eid al-Adha holiday on Sept. 24, 2015, at al-Mankhool mosque in Dubai. Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacriﬁce) is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacriﬁce his son for God, and animals are traditionally slaughtered on the holiest day. AFP

Bombing kills at least 25 in Yemen SANAA—A suicide bomber struck a mosque in Yemen’s capital on Thursday in an attack targeting Shiite worshipers that killed at least 25 people and wounded dozens during holiday prayers, medics and witnesses said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Sanaa has been shaken by a string of bombings by the Islamic State jihadist group in recent months targeting Shiites. Thursday’s blast ripped through the Balili mosque where Huthi Shiite rebels who control Sanaa go to pray, according to witnesses. It came as Muslims marked Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, the most important holiday of the Islamic calendar. Witnesses reported that after a first blast inside the mosque, a suicide bomber detonated an explosives belt at the entrance as worshipers rushed outside. It was not immediately clear if the first blast was also from a suicide bomber.

IS, a radical Sunni Muslim group which controls swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, considers Shiites to be heretics. IS bomb attacks targeting several Shiite mosques in Sanaa on March 21 killed 142 people. The group has also claimed attacks on mosques in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The capital of Sunni-majority Yemen has been under the control of the Iran-backed Huthi rebels for the past year. The insurgents have also expanded their grip to other parts of the country. Pro-government forces backed by air strikes and troops provided by a Saudi-led Arab coalition have recently managed to wrest back some southern provinces, including the second city of Aden. After six months in exile in neighboring Saudi Arabia, President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi returned to Aden on Tuesday with a vow to liberate the country from the Huthis. The Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against the rebels on March 26, and began a

ground operation in July. Hadi loyalists began an all-out offensive against the Huthis in the oil-rich Marib province east of Sanaa earlier this month, aiming to retake the capital. The United Nations says around 5,000 people have been killed and 25,000 wounded, many of them civilians, since late March in Yemen. Yemen has descended into chaos since the 2012 ouster of longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh, and security has broken down since Huthi militiamen swept unopposed into the capital a year ago. IS and the Yemen-based branch of its jihadist rival AlQaeda have exploited the turmoil to boost their activities in the impoverished country on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Al-Qaeda has long been the dominant jihadist force in Yemen, located next to oil-flush Saudi Arabia and key shipping lanes, but experts say IS is seeking to supplant its extremist rival. AFP

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

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Vios Cup: Waku-Doki weekend in Manila

Trading paint and wheel to wheel racing is what the Vios Cup is all about.

Text and photo by Dino Ray V. Directo III

IT was a rip-roaring weekend as the third leg of the Toyota Vios Cup blasted the tranquility of the Manila Bay Marina last September 5 and 6. It was Manila’s turn to experience what Waku-doki was all about as thousands of race fans, car enthusiasts, and gearheads of all ages witnessed local motorsports history in the making. Manilenos got their first taste of wheel to wheel racing as celebrities and veteran racers traded paint and scorched the pavements to compete for championship points . During the first heat of the Celebrity Class, it was a close battle for track dominance amongst the racers but seasoned model and actress Phoemela Baranda showed her experience and bagged 1st place while sportscaster and host Jinno Rufino took 2nd spot and Brazilian-Japanese model Fabio Ide took 3rd. DJ Sam YG displayed his brilliance behind the wheel by bagging the 1st place in the second heat despite car early car problems. In Race 5 of the Promotional Class, veteran driver Miguel Diaz of Toyota Alabang Motorsports showcased his driving skills finishing 1st place, with Visayan racer Lord Seño representing Toyota Cebu coming in at 2nd place. Senator JV Ejercito of Toyota North

Edsa completed the podium at the Promotional Class and finally had his first podium finish of the season as he bagged the 3rd spot in the heat. Showing that age does not matter, TMP Philippines President Michinobu Sugata finished 3rd overall. The young guns dominated the Sporting Class for podium finishes as Estefano Rivera of Toyota Alabang was crowned champion despite his race-ready Vios packing an extra 60lb load compared to other racers. In the first heat, Andres Calma of Toyota Alabang tailed Rivera tightly and took 2nd place but during the second heat Daniel Miranda of Toyota Balintawak overtook Calma to take his spot at 2ndplace. Moreover, a consistent threat to the leaders of the pack was Bobby Domingo of Toyota Alabang who finished 3rdplace for both first and second heat of the Sporting Class. “I am thrilled that more fresh tal-

ents are showing interest and support to bring back the life of Philippine Motorsports! From the beginning, we have always envisioned the Vios Cup to be a grassroots racing competition wherein racers of all ages can learn what Motorsports is all about. This leg ofthe Vios Cup in Manila is trulya testament of Toyota’s continued thrust to revive Motorsports in the Philippines,” says Toyota Motor Philippines president Michinobu Sugata. Toyota is set for its fourth race slated on November this year. Car enthusiasts and Motorsports fans should definitely watch out for the final leg of the Vios Cup. Location and exact race weekend schedule in November will be announced soon! The 2015 Vios Cup is in partnership with Bridgestone and Rota, supported by Motul, TRD, Brembo, Denso, AVT, OMP and Tuason Racing.

FAST FASTLANE Subaru presents Palm Challenge winners MOTOR Image Pilipinas, the authorized distributor of Subaru in the Philippines recently concluded the 2015 Subaru Palm Challenge Philippine Face-off with its final leg held at Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City early this month. Only 200 slots of the original 300 registrants were made available by the hopeful participants with the goal to be the last man standing. A mix of young and old ranging from the youngest who was 18 and the oldest at 69 took the test of mental and physical strength. A good mix of experienced and familiar faces joined this year’s Subaru Palm Challenge including the 7-time winner, Alex Neblasca who proved to be, yet again, the toughest and outlasted all other participants finishing with a time of 13 hours 9 minutes and 33 seconds. The winners from Cebu and Davao will now be joined by the top eight (8) winners from Manila for the Regional Finals on November to be held at Singapore. The 2015 Philippine Team will now consist of the following. The 2015 Subaru Palm Challenge Philippine Face-off Manila leg’s 8 winners are as follows (in order starting from the challenger with the longest time): Alex Neblasca (seven time re-

gional participant) Juan Furiscal Jr., Francisco Gomez, Alec Ebuen, Juntie Torres, Dan Angelo Villacorza, Oshwald John Carbonell, Marcus Leui Pagcaliwangan. Cebu Leg Champion Donn Michael Yap (back to back Cebu leg champion) Davao Leg Champion Gilber Hamo-ay Of the top 10 winners of the Manila leg, 9 winners were able to bring home Php 10,000 each and exclusive Subaru merchandise; while the last man standing, Alex Neblasca won Php 20,000 cash prize, exclusive Subaru merchandise. Neblasca also had the longest time among all leg winners which gives him the privilege to bring a plus one in the Singapore regional challenge. The 8 winners from Manila along with the Cebu and Davao leg winners will compete this November in Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, Singapore against challengers from around Asia such as Singapore, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Should the last man standing from the Subaru Challenge 2015 come from the Philippines, a grand prize of a brand new Subaru Forester 2.0i-L worth Php 1,398,000 will await them upon their return to the Philippines.

Car sales surging at Honda HONDA’S automobile business unit in the Philippines, sold 1,700 vehicles for the month of August, bringing total sales since January to 12,167. Honda vehicles sales indicate a 48% increase compared to sales over the same period last year, says Honda Cars Philippines Inc. The lone locally-produced Honda vehicle - the City - remains the company’s best seller contributing 44% to HCPI’s August sales. The recently launched Mobilio

shows a lot of promise, posting a 22% contribution to HCPI August sales. For the month of August, the Mobilio garnered 830 new reservations proving that customers have a strong desire for this type of vehicle in the market today. The Mobilio is Honda’s first seven-seater Multipurpose Utility Vehicle (MUV) that addresses the market’s need for an affordable family vehicle. Check out Honda’s latest vehicle line up at any of the dealerships

Licensed...

From B8

ongoing expansion to increase their presence in the Asia Pacific region.” “The economic growth in Asia Pacific represents a huge potential for the brand. I am very pleased that we have found the perfect partners in Manila who share our passion for Aston Martin. This expansion will surely strengthen our network,” says Nilsson. At the helm of the DBPhils Motorsports Incorporated, the country’s exclusive distributor of the Aston Martin brand, are two young blood in the industry: Marc Tagle of the famed Bridgestone brand and Marc Soong, who adds Aston Martin to his family’s list of marquee brands such as Land Rover, Maseratti, Ferrari and Jaguar cars. The state-of-the-art showroom offers door-to-door pickup and delivery services for maintenance and repairs of customers’ vehicles. Owners can rest assured that their cars will be maintained by Aston Martin-certified technicians using the brand’s latest diagnostic equipment and tools, according to Tagle. “We welcome all Aston Martin owners at our new state of the art after sales facility, including those who imported their cars prior to our official presence. This will be a new start for existing Aston Martin customers as well,” explains Tagle.

nationwide or drop by Honda’s display event from September 25 to 27 at the Alabang Town Center activity center. This is to give customers an opportunity to take a look at the vehicles being offered and to test drive one for themselves. Cars to be displayed are the following: City, Mobilio, t Accord, and Odyssey. Event participants will have the opportunity to avail of cash discounts and other special offers that will be available only during the event.

Engineered to tackle trails

GEAR up and tough it up with Overland off road gear. Overland makes it their business to protect your SUV from the harsh elements of the off-road environment. Specially engineered and designed Grille guards and brush guards add protection and rug“With Aston Martin’s arrival in the country, the market ged looks to the front of your vewill now have one of the iconic luxury sports cars. The hicle. Bull bars and light bars add country’s economic growth is fueling interest in a more good looks without over-powersophisticated sports car,” adds Nicky Mariano Managing ing the front of your vehicle. Most Director of DBPhils. are made from heavy gauge steel Tagle introduced to the media the full range of Aston tubing grille guards provides the Martin sports cars. From the track-inspired Vantage, the timeless DB9 and elegant four-door Rapide S to the ulti- ultimate custom appearance. You won’t find a more thoroughmate in sporting luxury – the Vanquish. Tagle discloses that orders have been taken on models ly designed and manufactured veeven before the official opening of the dealership, including hicle protection system than Overthe 100-unit limited production Vantage GT12. “Filipinos land’s line of front, know the history of the brand and it also helped that there rear and side bumper are generations of James Bond fans who would like to see protection. Engineerthemselves driving the car of the world’s most popular se- ing a bull bar requires cret agent,” says Tagle. careful consideration Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and of a number of factors Robert Bamford. The two had joined forces as Bamford & Martin the previous year to sell cars made by Singer from to ensure it properly premises in Callow Street, London where they also serviced serves its purpose. FacGWK and Calthorpe vehicles. Martin raced specials at As- tors such as vehicle deton Hill near Aston Clinton, and the pair decided to make sign, crush rate, air bag their own vehicles. The first car to be named Aston Martin deployment, approach was created by Martin by fitting a four-cylinder Coventry- angles, accessory fitSimplex engine to the chassis of a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini. ment, strength, weight And the rest, as they say, is history.

and aesthetics are accessed in every Overland bumper before it enters production. Overland designs are engineered by people who are active 4-wheelers know first-hand the demands made on protection equipment. Overland 4x4 bumpers are designed to minimize vehicle damage and keep you moving. The standard Bull Bar replaces the front bumper completely with a robust steel bumper designed specifically for each application. Jim does not endorse a “one size fits all” approach to design Protect and enhance the capacity of your SUV with Overland. It is available in dealers nationwide.

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING

LICENSED TO THRILL Prepare to be shaken by Aston Martin

Text by Dino Ray V. Directo III

t has shaken and created quite a stir in the local auto kingdom. In pursuit of Her Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Service, James Bond takes an exhilarating foray into the Philippines. This time, the Aston Martins are here to stay as signified by a formal launching held last week at the Aston Martin HQ at the G/F W Fifth Avenue Bldg., 5th Ave., cor 32nd St. in Fort Bonifacio Global City. According to Patrik Nilsson, Regional Director for Aston Martin Asia Pacific, the launch of the brand is a testament to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Turn to B7

DBPhilippines officials are optimistic about the brand in the country.

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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

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE

SIGNET: A PLACE FOR THE STYLISH FILIPINO GENTLEMAN

Signet owners Kelly See, Edie Lim, and Jason Qua

What does a gentleman need? The right basics with the right fit, found at the right place. BY KAI MAGSANOC PHOTOS BY SONNY ESPIRITU

Ring Jacket, D’Avino, Sunspel, and Barbour outerwear and shirts.

“The suit is the modern gentleman’s armour.” — Harry Hart played by Colin Firth, Kingsman (2014)

had a phase where I was enthralled by all things mod — the style, the attitude, the class, the fashion. Look up “Quadrophenia” on Google and you will see men in suits and parkas on Lambretta scooters, and you’d wish you could ride with them. “Mod” as an adjective is short for modern. “Mod” as a British noun is a person belonging to a subculture characterized by the wearing of stylish clothes, the riding of scooters, and the liking for soul.

Being mod is uncontrived. It is not forced. It is a way of life. Kelly See, Edie Lim, and Jason Qua embody this way of life through their men’s specialty store along Legazpi Street, Makati, called Signet. LIFE at The Standard visited them last September 5 on the last day of the trunk show by Japanese shoe designer and maker Koji Suzuki, for his brand Spigola. “We curate brands and we work with artisans whom we feel have the aesthetic we’re looking for and have that quality craftsmanship,” Kevin Yapjoco of Signet told LIFE at The Standard. “We see that there is a demand for better fitting footwear for a lot of our clients. Ready to wear and made to order don’t really meet their needs.” Signet — whose façade and over-all feel would remind one of the 2014 Colin Firth film Kingsman — is for everybody. “Guys in their late twenties and early thirties come. They upgrade their wardrobe and get a lot of ready to wear shoes and jackets,” said Yapjoco. “The older clientele — forties and up — go for our suits, tailoring services, and made to measure and bespoke shoes.” To be “made to measure” means it is specially made to fit a particular person, designed to fulfill particular requirements. To be “bespoke” means it is made to order.

KOJI SUZUKI AND SPIGOLA

Spigola by Koji Suzuki carries timeless, classic designs for men’s shoes.

Kelly See, one of the men behind Signet, has been a client of Suzuki long before the store came to be. Continued on C3

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

CINCHED DOMINATRIX D a r k , mysterious and a little bit kinky. If that’s how you want your leather accessories, Fallen Angel is THE GIST the brand you BY ED BIADO should know about. With Gothic designs in the vein of New York leather house Zana Bayne and London bondage label Fleet Ilya, this Manila brand is a leather design house that specializes in handcrafted leather accessories aimed at the modern and edgy fashion market. Established last year, Fallen Angel is the brainchild of Trix Guevara, who saw a gap in the market and the need for edgy yet feminine accessories that don’t conform to the norm. Fueled by her love of leather craft, the business specializes in custom belts, harnesses and corsets. Their leather pieces boast sophisticated craftsmanship and the use of carefully selected materials, which is said to reflect their “commitment to enduring quality.” Each piece is made from real leather that should last for years with proper care. “Our strong design aesthetic focuses on one-of-a-kind pieces that innovatively meld dark and romantic styles with a subtle sexy twist. Our brand speaks to the bold, brave and fearless; [those] who push the boundaries of fashion and who are not afraid to flaunt their sexuality and individuality while exuding style and elegance all at the same time,” reads the brand’s profile. The Gist spoke with Guevara to know more about the process behind creating dominatrixstyle accessories and how the local market is responding to the brand’s uniquely sexy designs.

Photos by Kevin Cayuca Model: Lisa of LVX Talent Management

Who/what are your inspirations for the designs? I get my inspirations from people, places, fabrics, movies, sculptures, architectures and silhouettes. When something catches my eye, I instantly get inspired by them. I love things and people who can be considered eccentric. I find them very beautiful.

Photos by Bryan Venancio; Model: Jem Austria

Who are your top fashion icons and influences? I love Daphne Guiness, I find her refreshingly eccentric and adore her passion for couture. Her style is fascinatingly distinct and she’s always evolving. I also love Iris Van Harpen, her designs are sculptural and avant garde, so vibrant and alive it feels like it’s got a life of its own. Dita Von Teese the queen of burlesque, I find very sexy yet stylish. The queen of punk fashion, Vivienne Westwood – she’s her own person. And of course Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli for their classic styles. Your products are on the edgy side. How are these being received by the market? Our brand caters to a specific clientele. I find that our audience wants something out of the ordinary. Our aim is to help them exhibit their individual styles. I always strive to design wearable pieces with a flair for the unusual. Describe the Fallen Angel woman. Fallen Angel is for the woman who seeks balance; she appreciates luxurious yet distinctive wardrobe pieces. Her effortless confidence and romantic spirit extends to her wardrobe.

What are your future plans for the brand? We plan to eventually produce other leather goods (bags, shoes, clothing, etc.). And of course, our long-term goal is to have our own store. Also, to collaborate with other designers and artists.

Walk us through your design and production process. The process usually begins with a design idea; a sketch. Then the sketches will be used to

To explore the collection, go to www. fallenangel.ph. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

VANITY BOX THE SCENT OF SEDUCTION

MORENA IS BEAUTIFUL

The link between scent and seduction is pretty straightforward. A whiff of someone else’s perfume is so powerful, perhaps because, as told by some psychologists, the area of the brain that processes scent is the same part that processes emotions. For those moments when you want to get in touch with your “inner enchantress,” spray on a fierce fragrance that is equally dark and enchantingly hypnotic like Avon’s new Imari Elixir Eau de Toilette from its Imari range. Imari Elixir features a long-lasting sensual aroma that softly opens with juicy blackberry and anchors into the skin with rose absolute and pure vanilla extract. Imari Elixir is the newest member of the much-loved Imari line of fragrances that include Imari Classic Eau de Cologne Spray, that features citrus and jasmine extracts for the young and playful; Imari Seduction Eau de Toilette, whose plum, purple orchid, amber and musk notes provide an intoxicating

We, as a nation, are obsessed with fair skin, and there’s no question about that. Proof is our beauty industry that is oversaturated with whitening products – topically applied or orally taken – that promise to lighten your skin in a few weeks or so. And while many of us are shelling out money to get fairer skin, many natural mestizas around the world are working so hard to have our color. Why? Because morena is sexy and beautiful. Human Nature, the country’s largest genuinely natural personal care and cosmetic brand, believes that – as it purposely chooses not to make whitening products. To underscore this, it launched the Morena & Proud campaign that is strengthened through its products that celebrate

Imari Elixir

fragrance; and Imari Velvet Eau de Toilette, that exudes exotic and striking scent with its blend of mandarin, peach, sandalwood and musk scent. These playful and sexy fragrances now come in refashioned bottles that mark the range’s 30th year. The new Imari Elixir Eau de Toilette (P1,000 for 50ml) and other Imari variants are now available nationwide through Avon representatives. Visit www. avon.com.ph for more information.

create a paper model or prototype. All the necessary fittings and adjustments are made to ensure all products sit perfectly on the body, then an official pattern will be made and used to create the entire collection. Next step is the sourcing of raw materials. Fallen Angel leather belts are meticulously made using the finest cow and calf leather, 100 percent locally sourced. Leather finish will mostly depend on the silhouette of the design; a structured design requires stiffer leather while a slouchy or form-fitting design would use softer leather. Colors and texture of the leather are also considered. After the materials are selected, a skilled leather crafter will bring the prototype to life, carefully cutting each leather piece and delicately piecing them all together by hand. The leather crafter brings years of experience and craft to the process to ensure the end products are flawless.

Pressed powder Loose powder

Filipina skin. The products of Human Nature Mineral Makeup line are made of 100 percent natural ingredients sans harmful chemicals, synthetic dyes, harmful phthalates, talc and pore-clogging mineral oils. Under this latest line are three perfect powders for morenas on the go. The Mineral Pressed Powder in Boracay Bronze (P325, 9g) is a lightweight powder with a light to medium coverage. It helps control sebum production with rice powders and subtly blurs out imperfections. For those who prefer medium to high coverage, there’s Perfect Coverage Mineral Foundation in Toffee (P595, 7.5g) that is made with a blend of sebum-controlling rice powder and shine-fighting bamboo powder. It also contains vitamin E that keeps skin radiant. Finish off with a sweep of Perfect Finish Loose Powder in Mocha (P425, 12 g) that has jojoba oil for soft and dewy skin. Carry and organize your makeup in style in Trese Morena & Proud Canvas Tote Bag (P149.75) and Trese Morena & Proud Cosmetic Pouch (P99.75) made by craftsmen at Gawad Kalinga Blue Eagle Village in Payatas 13, Quezon City. To learn more about Human Nature and its advocacies, visit www.humanheartnature.com

Foundation

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

SIGNET: A PLACE FOR THE STYLISH FILIPINO GENTLEMAN From C1

“Spigola is from Kobe, Japan. Koji Suzuki is based in Japan,” See told us at the trunk show. “He went to Florence to train with [bespoke shoemaker] Roberto Ugolini and started making shoes in 2001 in Kobe. Koji-san offers made to measure and bespoke shoes.” According to Suzuki, about 80 percent of Asian men are flatfooted. This can be corrected by made to measure or bespoke shoes. “Koji-san has his own techniques to make the shoes very comfortable. With made to measure or bespoke, you can choose your leather, design, even the heel — if you want higher or lower,” See continued. “I’ve tried a lot of shoemakers from UK, London, and Italy. The most comfortable shoes would still be Spigola by Koji Suzuki. They are the perfect fit. You can run with these shoes,” said See, who compared men’s lace-up dress shoes with heels for women. At the end of the day, men would complain about how their feet feel in those shoes. But not if they wear Spigola. “It’s because Koji-san is Asian, and he knows the problem of Asian feet,” said See. “If you go for made to measure or bespoke we can adjust everything. We can tweak everything.” Spigola by Koji Suzuki is made from French calf, Italian leather, and European leather. Every pair is fully handmade.

THE SIGNET STORY

Signet has been open for six months at Windsor Tower, Legazpi Street in Makati. In the pipeline is another store in Bonifacio Global City, at Shangri-La The Fort. But their

Signet also carries accessories that complete the look every gentleman must go for.

Fox Umbrellas also makes canes, although this is not their core business.

Japanese brand lovers who are into street wear will find all they need at Signet.

Fox Umbrellas. The brand has been around since 1868.

From clothing to footwear to bags and accessories, everything in Signet is artisanal and can be made to order.

trunk shows began two years ago in 2013, long before they found the perfect spot. “The market is in Makati,” said See, who mainly started the store. He would fly out of the country at least eight times a year to see tailors and shoemakers. He decided to bring them to him instead, and let other people know them, too — and Signet was born. “Our goal is to have a one-stop shop. It’s always classic. It’s always traditional clothing,” said See. “What you need is the basics and just play around with them. Guys shouldn’t go with trends.”

For See, “basic” means goodfitting shoes, suits, shirts, and denim. Signet features in-house brands sourced by the partners in Japan, Italy, UK, and France. “Edie is really into denim, Japanese denim. He’s into rugged wear,” said See of partner Edie Lim. “Jason [Qua] is more into street wear.” Among the fashion brands available in Signet are: • Ring Jacket, a sport coat and suiting brand, around since 1954 • D’Avino, a Neapolitan shirt brand, parts of which are hand made

• Sunspel, a knitted shirt brand that started in the 1800s

• Barbour, an English

outerwear brand that specializes in waxed jackets • Fox Umbrellas, which has been around since 1868 • Saint James, unisex shirt brand which has been around since 1889 • Bretel le a nd Braces, Albert Thurston braces and suspenders Their Japanese denim brands are The Flat Head, Momotaro Jeans, Studio D’Artisan, Samurai, Iron Heart, Full-count, and Resolute.

“What makes Japanese denim the best is they reproduce very close to vintage fabrics from the 1940s to 1960s,” said Yapjoco. “No stretch at all. It’s all 100 percent cotton.” Japanese sneakers Shoes Like Pottery and artisanal bag and accessory brand Superior Labor (each piece made by one artisan, upon order) are also available in Signet. The leather goods — while understated — also stand out. Frank Clegg Leatherworks are made in Massachusetts by a father and son team with a staff of about five people. They create bags made upon order based on standard, available designs. “You can choose the leather, the options you want inside, the monogramming,” said Lim. “They’re done really nice.” Footwear brands available are Farfalla (“Ballet flats for guys,” said Yapjoco) and Carmina (Spanish shoemaker since 1860s). They can be done made to order for both men and women, and the process would take three to four months. The well-dressed man is not the one wearing the most expensive stuff. The well-dressed man is the one dressed for the occasion he is intending to go to. Signet is a place that makes sure it can provide a man’s style needs. In fact, every third Sunday of the month, there are also barber sessions, every slot booked by appointment. This October 27, Signet is hosting shoemaker Stefano Bemer. For inquiries, call 894-3934 or email info@signet-store.com.

SFERA GOES NOSTALGIC

remier Spanish brand Sfera goes romantic with sophisticated overtones in its newest Fall/Winter 2015-2016 collection launched at The SM Store Makati with Karen Pamintuan as host. The pieces definitely bring back the ’70s look with floral prints, high-waist denim bell bottoms and long, billowy sleeves in dainty fabrics. The feminine figure is highlighted in the cinched waists, while the wide-leg trousers are very reminiscent of the hippie era. Distinct fabrics such as cord and velveteen, and unique features like decorated lapels and pom-pom detail also give a bohemian touch to the pieces. Earth tones that include marsala, mustard and black are predominant in the ’70s collection. Adding tot eh boho-chic feel during the launch were the white Sfera canvas bags with an arresting illustration by fashion illustrator Soleil Ignacio. Sfera also paid homage to the Victorian period with ornate designs on the delicate frocks decorated with lace, velvet, and pleated silk. Frills on the dresses and sheer shirts with bows add a subtle nod to the classical, Romantic Sfera woman. Sfera Man focuses its collection on garments with an Urban Casual look. A tribute to Retro London is seen in the bright blues and khakis enriched with red detailing of the pieces from the Collection. The casual American, preppy school boy cuts in style is given a makeover with darker

tones. A base of blues and black with hints of maroon and aubergine for plain fabrics are seen in the classic sweater and checkered polo shirt. Denim also plays a large role in the Men’s Collection, rounding off all looks in various shades that make for a versatile look.

Check out the latest Sfera collection at the second floor of The SM Store Makati, the Spanish brand’s first store in Asia. Follow Sfera on Instagram at @sferaph (#SferaPH) and Facebook SFERA Philippines.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

AU NATUREL As more and more people become conscious about health and wellness through exercise and eating right, even consumer’s attitudes POP-UP BEAUTY towards skincare and BY JIGS MAYUGA makeup are following suit. Apothecary and pharmacy brands that use natural and organic materials are slowly gaining mainstream popularity. Plant, flower and fruit based ingredients not only care for the skin naturally but are also gentle and effective in addressing many skincare and cosmetic problems.

KIEHL’S Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Greenbelt 5

Kiehl’s began as an old-world apothecary in 1851 in New York City and was eventually called the Kiehl’s Pharmacy. Today, Kiehl’s introduces Midnight Recovery Concentrate, a powerful concentration specifically formulated to biologically replicate skin’s natural lipids for optimal skin repair at night. This potent elixir is 99 percent naturally derived and paraben free. A combination of lavender, geranium, rosemary and rose essential oils soothes inflamed skin, brightens skin tone and relieves stress. On the other hand, botanical oils like Squalene, evening primrose, coriander and rose hip seed oil help restore skin’s natural moisture with lipids similar to those found naturally in the skin.

A lot of skincare products from many big brands that you see at drugstores, groceries and department stores are formulated for a longer shelf life, thus containing more artificial ingredients and preservatives. Natural skincare brands usually indicate the date of manufacture to assure customers that the products they purchase are fresher, therefore maintaining their efficacy. Gone are the days when the term “clinicallyproven” appealed to consumers. These days, people prefer to hear terms like “Artisanal,” “Organic” or “All-Natural” when buying products to care for their sensitive skin needs. Here are just some of the many choices currently available in the country.

JANE IREDALE Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream, Rustan’s Makati

This power-packed BB Cream with grapefruit extract covers blemishes and minimizes wrinkles, while apple extract makes it rich with skin-smoothing anti-oxidants that can exfoliate, refine and rejuvenate skin. All that with an SPF of 25 and water resistance to up to 40 minutes. Jane Iredale is certified cruelty-free by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program, the leading internationally respected animal protection group for cruelty-free certification. Which means their products are not tested on animals, nor do they use ingredients tested on animals or sell into markets that require animal testing.

AVEDA Botanical Kinetics Energizing Eye Creme, SM Makati

Wake up bright eyed and fresh with this lightweight and soft-textured eye crème from botanical and plant-based beauty brand, Aveda. Botanical Kinetics Energizing Eye Creme diminishes the appearance of dark circles and puffiness with its 98 percent naturally derived formula of licorice root and caffeine. Organic cupuaçu butter, sustainably sourced from Brazil, helps seal in moisture for the delicate eye area. Gently smooth under and around eyes, morning and evening.

ORIGINS Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask,

SM Makati The “no makeup” look combined with dewy, glowing skin is the most coveted beauty looks this season, which calls for a canvas of healthy skin. Origins Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask not only functions as a deep cleaning mask but also exfoliates and refines, helping skin look refreshed and flawless. Rose Clay deep cleans skin to absorb impurities and excess oils while drawing out dirt and buildup from pores while Canadian Willowherb helps restore skin’s clarity. Jojoba beads slough off dead skin cells to reveal radiant skin. Apply a thin layer and allow to dry for 10 minutes before scrubbing off with wet fingertips. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @jigsmayuga

Gillette Fusion Proglide with Flexball Technology

et’s face it, when it comes to shaving, experience is not the same as what you see on advertisements with good looking guys rubbing their bristle-free face like it was so smoothly shaven and they barely get nicks and cuts. Every man has a different facial surface, unique in shape and contour and they usually apply different techniques and methods in shaving their

facial hair. Finding the perfect shaver can be tricky, as different products vary and they are usually very costly. “For years, the shaving experience has been dogged with what men have referred to as “shave face” – the typical scrunching and squeezing of one’s face in order to reach every surface and every last bit of stubble,” says Procter and Gamble Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer, Ramachandra Golikere at a recently held launch for Gillette Fusion Proglide with Flexball Technology. “But now, thanks to Gillette’s dedication to quality service, gone are the days of shave face. Though Gillette’s ProGlide technology has been a mainstay in the industry for some years now, a new pivotal moment has arrived with the addition of FlexBall Technology.” What is FlexBall Technology? Dubbed as a “groundbreaking development in the market,” it is Gillette’s latest innovation and may be the best razor to date.

With FlexBall, there will be no more missed hair while shaving, and the feeling is like getting a barber shave at the comfort of your home. FlexBall razor follows the shape and contour of a man’s face in order to reach hair bristles. Gillette’s signature ultra-thin blade cartridges offer a slick shave, FlexBall allows the razor’s head to swerve and pivot to promote optimal contact with the skin’s surface. From over 20,000 tests a year, surveys show that current users prefer the new FlexBall handle to their existing ProGlide razors, 2:1. The precision and ease of FlexBall provides unmatched precision. Here are some of the reasons that

might convince you to try the shaver: It’s got a reimagined handle dock, which responds to contours and maintains close contact, giving the cartridge a full range of motion to get virtually every hair; the razor has better adherence on nooks and curves for a smoother finish; its grip is more ergonomic for precise control; 4-way flex for superior contact; the blades are thinner and with finer edges and low-resistant

coating; and it’s got an enhanced Lubrastrip to enable effortless movement over skin and maximize comfort and performance. The new Gillette Fusion ProGlide with FlexBall Technology is available nationwide at Watsons, Shopwise, Rustan’s, Landmark, Robinson’s, Mercury Drug, South Star Drug, and Puregold.

F RIDAY : S EPT EMBER 25 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

Megan Young nails MariMar role Kapuso multi-talented actress Megan Young expresses her happiness for the overwhelming support of viewers and netizens for the primetime series Marimar. Since its pilot episode, Marimar has been a hot trending topic on social media and consistently registers good ratings nationwide. “Natutuwa ako. To be honest hindi ko talaga ine-expect. Basta ang nasa isip ko lang ay gagalingan na lang namin at i-e-enjoy namin ang experience. I’m very thankful sa mga patuloy na sumusuporta. Ang dami pang nakaka-excite na mangyayari,” shares Megan. One of the highlights to look forward to in the series is the beginning of Sergio (Tom Rodriguez) and Marimar’s journey as a married couple. Sergio starts to feel guilty about his selfish plan especially when he sees how Marimar is deeply in love with him. Meanwhile, Señora Angelika (Jaclyn Jose) and daughter Antonia (Lauren Young) will persist in planning against Marimar. But behind the trouble and pain Marimar is experiencing because of Señora Angelika, Megan feels grateful of having a great working relationship with seasoned actress Jaclyn Jose. “It’s fun. Tita Jane is very nice. She always gives me pointers. She’s always there to support in whatever’s happening on the set,” says Megan. Even though they failed to stop the wedding, this doesn’t stop Angelika and Antonia from ruining the relationship of Sergio and Marimar. Marimar airs weeknights after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

Jaclyn Jose is Señora Angelika

Tom Rodriguez and Megan Young play ill-fated lovers in Marimar

IloCana beauty Is 2015 MIss Global PhIlIPPInes

From left, Maryl Angeline King of Camarines Norte (4th runner up), Sam Gonzales (third runner up) Candice Ramos of Vigan (Miss Global Philippines 2015), Henna Santos of Ilocos Norte (first runner up) and Angela Aninang of Negros Occidental (second runner up)

roclaiming she would readily give up her career in exchange for winning Miss Global Philippines which she believed would be her bread and butter and would open for her doors of opportunities, Candice Ramos edged out four of her nearest competitors and 16 other single girls and single mothers to win as Miss Global Philippines 2015 at the coronation night at Resorts World Manila Newport Theater of Performing Arts, Sunday night. Ramos, a 28-year-old, native of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is a BS Tourism graduate of the University of the Philippines and was fifth at the

Miss Earth Philippines pageant in 2012. Outgoing title-holder Catherine Almirante, third at Miss Global International 2014, crowned the new tittle holder. Henna Santos, another Ilocana, was first runner-up; Mary Eileen Gonzales of Quezon City, secnd runner-up; Angela Anninang of Negros Occidental, who lost her balance and fell on stage during a preliminary competition finished third runner-up while Meryl Angeline King of Albay was 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 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 2015 for the Miss Global International title currently with Miss Canada Ela Mino. Miss Global Philippines franchise is headed by Rizza Lao Laping and Pauline Laping. – Eton B. Concepcion

F RIDAY : S EPT EMBER 25 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PeOPle

...ARe tAlKiNG ABout

mAiNe meNdoZA

In a short span of time, two months to be exact, the country’s Dubsmash Queen was catapulted to stardom. Thanks to her one million Twitter followers, three product endorsements and a film project in the offing. And in the recent development on AlDub’s Twitter domination, Guinness Book of World Records is looking into giving AlDub the “Fastest Rising Worldwide Trend” award after the 12.1 million tweets posted on Twitter last Saturday.

Yaya Dub has a shampoo endorsement, too. Nadine Lustre

NAdiNe luStRe

The On the Wings of Love star is joining her onscreen partner James Reid in vying for the Best Southeast Asian Act in this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards. If you haven’t noticed, Nadine steps up her game by making herself known also as individual artist and not just as the other half of JaDine. Hence, when love teams no longer click, she still has a fallback.

heNeRAl luNA John Arcilla in Heneral Luna

...ARe Not tAlKiNG ABout Pastillas Girl

The Academy Awards’ foreign language film category nomination has been elusive to locally made films. But will the Philippines finally get nominated and ultimately snatch the Oscar trophy for Best Foreign Language Film section in the prestigious film event? Have we finally got the formula that the international audience and critics are looking for? Ploning, Bwakaw and Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank all failed but Heneral Luna, with its universal theme, is more than ready to take on the challenge.

PAStillAS GiRl

It’s Showtime’s answer to AlDub fever faces more criticism than admiration. Even loyal followers of the noontime show find Pastillas Girl and the Twitterserye a desperate attempt to find something to topple the super tandem. Rather than creating another television love team, why not focus on what It’s Showtime is known for? Least they forget, It’s Showtime became a big threat to Eat Bulaga for its more entertaining segments.

Felix mANAlo

Dennis Trillo as Felix Manalo

Kathryn Bernardo

Will the general public take time to see the biographical film dramatizing the life of Iglesia Ni Cristo’s founder? That’s the big question. But regardless of the answer, the film will make it big at the box office. Imagine, every single member of the religious group is required to see the biopic of their former leader, especially on its first day of commercial release. Probably, non-member would see the movie not because of the story but only because of Dennis Trillo.

KAthRyN BeRNARdo

So, she’s the former Going Bulilit cast member that the veteran director was referring to as the only one who didn’t greet him at the Star Magic Ball. Expect that her fans would react and defend their idol no matter what the turns of event would be. Anyway, in this [un]intentional incident, we’re perfectly sure who gets the bad publicity.

CRoSSwoRd PuZZle 38 39 40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 51 52 53

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Like a catty remark 7 Crooner — Damone 10 Ado 14 “Becket” actor 15 Mont. neighbor 16 Rainfall measure 17 Emulate Hamlet 18 Always, to Byron 19 Mets’ former ballpark 20 Nature hobby

(hyph.) 23 Little Richard’s hometown 26 Aunt or bro. 27 Holy cats! 28 Poet’s black 29 Facilitate 30 Aleta’s son 31 “— Kapital” 32 Corral 33 Hailed a cab 37 Adherent

56 57 58 62 63 64 65 66 67

Indiana Jones’ quest Stimpy’s pal Earth-conscious org. Frame Galleon cargo Beatty or Rorem Purpose Lunch counter order Fed a line Traffic-jam noise Onassis nickname Young girl Iffy gamble (2 wds.) Sight for a psychic British inc. List of typos Gator kin — wheel “Forgot” a letter Leisure Breeze through Oval nuts

DOWN 1 Jungle crusher 2 Dune buggy kin 3 Canape topper 4 Fancy confection 5 Hoops great — Baylor

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 22 23 24 25 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 42 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 59 60 61

Elk and caribou Watched Best possible Shopping aid Lake sport Out of it Vista Thick carpets Swigs down Rostand hero Army doc Fluster — del Sol Hawk’s lair Like a good sentry Whole bunch Frisk about Rank above species Fencing weapons — -longlegs Kind of tension Catwalk Acid in lemons Prop up Hobson or Dern Puffy hairstyles Garret Actress — Oberon Island off Italy Stay fresh Oklahoma town Gymnast’s goal Mag fillers

Sun ShineS on Ryan agonCillo Following its successful campaign as a brand that champions best-value choices for Filipinos, Sun has launched Postpaid Plan 599, an irresistible bundle of calls, text, data and device that makes it the best postpaid plan 599 in the market today. Sun Postpaid Plan 599 offers unlimited Sun calls and texts, 400 texts to other networks, and 400MB data per month as well as a free Android smartphone and Samsung 3V tablet – easily trumping other offers at the same price point, which only includes unlimited calls and texts to same network, less data, and just a free phone. “Our vision has always been anchored at providing the practical Filipinos with value-packed offers that will give them more than what they pay for,” said Sun Vice President for Postpaid Marketing Joel Lumanlan. “Given the overwhelming positive response of the public to our latest campaign, we have decided to launch a new irresistible postpaid offer that will address the changing communications needs of the practical Pinoys today.” New AdditioN to the SuN FAmily The formal launch of the new postpaid plan comes alongside the announcement of Sun’s new brand ambassador, popular entertainment personality Ryan Agoncillo. Sun shares that Ryan’s addition to the Sun family inspires more practical Filipinos to do more by getting more than what they pay for. “I am happy to be with Sun because I love being with brands whose values are kaparehas ng sa akin. For example, it is no secret that I have a

Ryan Agoncillo and Sun Vice President for Postpaid Marketing Joel Lumanlan.

number of projects and yet I still manage to pursue my own hobbies,” shares the new face of Sun, Ryan Agoncillo. “Because of these, I make practical choices that will help me make the most out of life. I don’t think that one has to spend too much time, effort or money to make it happen. There are wise and practical ways of doing it. Sun helps Filipinos make the most out of life.” This launch follows Sun’s latest initiatives geared towards providing better value experiences to its subscribers. Recently, Sun held a fly-off promo to bring lucky subscribers to the Madonna Rebel Heart concert in Las Vegas. It is also geared to launch another set of promos for Madonna’s concert in other Asian countries. Sun also partnered with Disney to bring the biggest Disney events in the country, such as the Disney Live: Mickey’s Music Festival held this month and the upcoming and much-awaited Disney on Ice where Sun subscribers can enjoy special discounts and perks. So what are you waiting for? Head now to the nearest Sun Shop and join the many other practical Pinoys who made the choice to be with Sun with the new Sun Postpaid Plan 599.

F RIDAY : S EPT EMBER 25 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Maricel Soriano, Famas icon honoree, is vocal about her choices for the 2016 elections

Father Jorge Bergoglio is today's Pope Francis

Mar Roxas is Maricel's choice

MaRiCel looking foRWaRD To 2016

iamond Star Maricel Soriano was recently honored at the 63rd FAMAS Awards as one of the six Iconic Movie Queens Of Philippine Cinema. She shared the special citation with Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Dawn Zulueta, Sarah Geronimo, and Nora Aunor. In the course of her illustrious career as one of the most versatile and accomplished actresses in the history of the Philippine entertainment industry, Maricel has starred in over 100 films and was recognized numerous times as both a box-office queen and one of the best actresses in the industry. Maricel received her first FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award in 1984 for her outstanding performance in the classic tearjerker Saan Darating Ang Umaga and went winning three more awards as Best Actress in such films as Babaeng Hampaslupa (1989), Dahas (1996), and Nasaan Ang Puso (1998). During the ceremony, award-winning actress couldn’t help but feel grateful for the recognition that she received. “Words cannot express the happiness I feel,” says Maricel. “I feel so blessed and humbled to be given the honor to stand beside such great actresses. This award inspires me to continue to do more films in the future.” Maricel also mentioned that she is celebrating her 45th year in the industry in 2016. “Akalain ninyo na tatagal ako ng ganito? Talagang malaking blessing ito galing

from C8

kay Papa God. Madami pa akong exciting na mga plans sa mga darating na taon, lalo na sa 2016. In the topic of great things to come in 2016, Maricel, who was one of the big stars who supported Korina Sanchez-Roxas’ successful KeriBeks gay congress last August, was asked which Presidential candidate she will support in the upcoming national elections. “Of course si Mar,” reveals Maricel. “Bakit si Mar? Eh gusto ko eh! Bakit mas marunong pa kayo sa akin? Hahahaha. Pero seriously, naniniwala ako sa kanya at sa kanyang kakayahan.” Maricel says that she had the opportunity to know Mar Roxas personally and that she was able to talk to him in several occasions. “Hindi siya magnanakaw at hindi siya maramot. Naunawaan ni Mar ang sitwasyon ng iba’t-ibang mga tao. Siguradong magkakaroon ng maraming disente at maayos na trabaho ang mga tao. Ang mga call center na lang. Madami ang nagka-trabaho dahil dito at alam nating malaki ang role ni Mar kung bakit maunlad ang mga call center sa atin.” She also revealed that she is very impressed with Mar’s credentials. “Cartwheel at tumbling ako sa dami ng mga nagawa ni Mar. Ako nga, madami ang humahamak sa akin dahil hindi ako nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral pero sa kabila ng aking kahirapan, ay nabuhay ko ang mga kapatid at mga anak ko. Eh achievement ko lang yan ha, weh paano pa yung mga nagawa

ni Mar? Nakakaloka talaga siya,” says Maricel in conclusion. HHHHH SkyCaBle anSWeRS gMa neTWoRk In reference to GMA Network’s new complaint on latest reports of signal disruption during the “Kalye-Serye” segment of Eat Bulaga, SKY Cable Corporation reiterates that it did not experience any network problem that could have resulted in the loss of GMA 7’s signal only, similar to earlier reports covering July to August 2015 period. If there were incidents of signal loss affecting certain portions of the network in the areas and period referred to, these affected other channels as well, not just GMA 7. Says SkyCable, “We have already mentioned this in our September 18, 2015 letter to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and GMA 7 in response to the latter’s previous complaint filed last August 25, 2015. We will, however, continue to cooperate with the NTC should they see the need to further investigate this matter. “Once again, we take strong exception to GMA’s claim that the signal interruption is confined only to their network since there is no basis for this insinuation. SKY Cable Corporation commits to continue providing the best service our valued subscribers deserve, regardless of the channel or program they choose to watch.” So, there you are AlDub fans.

WatCh ‘PaPa FranCisCo: the PoPe FranCis story’ – MtrCB ChieF

“T

his is an opportunity for us to know him, his struggles, his triumphs, his joys.” It’s Atty. Eugenio “Toto” Villareal, Chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), speaking about Pope Francis in connection with the upcoming film entitled Papa Francisco: The Pope Francis Story. During a special screening at the SM Megamall Cinema 3 on Sept.17, Villareal urged everyone to intensify their affection for the Pope. “I have been taught that we should love the Pope with that real love of a son or daughter for a father. Use this occasion to formulate a resolution or two in regard to our love for the Pope,” he said. The PG-rated bio flick, distributed locally by Pioneer Films, features the life of the Jesuit Father Jorge Bergoglio as a priest and his election as Pope. It opens in Philippine cinemas on Sept.30.

“This film offers us a picture of, and inspired on, the man who in now Pope Francis. The strengths and weaknesses will be there, as will be the triumphs and joys,” said Villareal. “It’s a fitting follow-up doon sa ginawang pagbisita ng Santo Papa sa atin early this year,” he added. Playing the role of Pope Francis in the film is Argentine actor Dario Grandinetti. “Very poignant and very human ang portrayal dito. Makikita rin yung kanyang malasakit, yung tinatawag na mercy and compassion sa ating mga kapwa,” Villareal shared. Also present during the movie screening were Bishop Hubert Mylo Vergara, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications; Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, President and COO of Radio Veritas; Rev. Fr. Francis Lucas, President of Catholic Media Network; Sr. Consolata Manding, FSP of CBCP Cinema; and Pioneer Films’ Karenina and Karla Yoluque.

Luna goes to osCars

“W

The soldiers of Antonio Luna in Heneral Luna

By RoBBie Pangilinan

e are happy to announce and share with everyone the good news that Heneral Luna has been selected as the Philippines’ Official Entry to the 2016 Oscars in the Best Foreign Language Film Category!” was the text message of actor Alvin Anson, who plays General José Alejandrino in the historical-action biopic. A statement from executive producer Fernando Ortigas and producer E.A. Rocha stated: “There are no words for the tremendous pride and honor that we feel, with the film being chosen to officially represent our country to the Oscars.” Ortigas and Rocha feel that Heneral Luna deserves to be cho-

sen as the country’s entry because the epic film “celebrates the Filipinos as a nation — in the richest and most complex ways.” The much talked about movie by Jerrold Tarog showed some controversial events in the history of the Philippines during the struggle against the American colonizers. Antonio Luna was depicted as the unifying force behind the revolt of the brave Filipinos. “I am very blessed. Pwede na rin pala akong maging bida. Salamat sa Diyos. Para sa bayan,” said lead actor John Arcilla. The film opened nationwide on Sept. 9. The announcement coincides with the upcoming theatrical release of the film in the United States in October/November 2015.

F RIDAY : S EPT EMBER 25 : 2015

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Perez, Liang and Tiri with the Famas trophy for the film as Critics Choice

Singer turnS Sexy in elwood Perez’S ‘eSoterika: Maynila’ Ronnie Liang plays a graphic novelist in Esoterika: Maynila

Esoterika: Maynila director Elwood Perez

Esoterika: Maynila producer Rex A. Tiri

ISAH V. RED People say singer Ronnie Liang may be good looking but lacks that oomph to make it big as a movie star. Challenged by hearing the same comment over and over again, he agreed to play the lead role in maverick filmmaker Elwood Perez’s Esoterica: Maynila, the second in a semi-autobiographic trilogy, the first one being the highly esoteric Otso, about a filmmakers’ journey and discovery of his world and the people around him. Liang, at first, was hesitant to accept the role as it would require interplay with some of his fellow players most of which are trannies (transsexuals), but after much thought accepted it and the challenge, anyway. In a conversation prior to the release of the film, he admitted he doesn’t have much experience with women, much less with individuals of the same gender. But Perez put him in the scenes with his co-players and pulled them off successfully. “I thank direk Elwood for giving me the right motivations so I could execute the required scenes

with fellow players,” he says, adding, “Yes, this is a sexy movie.” Following the buzz of its highly successful World Premiere at Cine Moko in the 39th Hong Kong International Film Festival in March and SRO Sneak Peek that opened the 10th Cinema One Originals Film Festival at Trinoma some months earlier, the award-winning Esoterika:Maynila is screening until Sept. 29 at the Shangri-La Cineplex. Perez can’t be less happier for this development as he wishes to complete the trilogy. In fact he is now at work on third that he calls Vaya Con Dios which stars Amalia Fuentes in her big-screen comeback. Liang is also ecstatic that after a long time, his admirers and those who say he has no sex appeal will now be able to watch Estorika: Maynila. “I don’t know what they’d think after watching the film.” Produced by T.rex Productions in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Esoterika:Maynila(known outside of the Philippines as Esoterica:Manila) feautres a multi-lingual cast of cross-cultural persuasions apart from Liang. Perez directed the film from the screenplay written by awardee, eminent critic and book author, Jessica Zafra. Rex A. Tiri is executive producer.

The limited screening marks the first time Esoterika: Maynila will be viewed by the public following its successful premiere in Hong Kong. In August, it had a successful gala screening at the 11th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Esoterika, described by a reviewer as a wild, fascinatingly profound joy ride around Manila, has fetched glowing reviews from critics everywhere. Joel David, professor at Inha University and founding director of UP Film Institute, writes, ‘First with Otso and now with Esoterika: Maynila, Elwood Perez has demonstrated what was previously considered impossible: That a Filipino filmmaker can become even more creative and vital as an elderly citizen. Finally, a model of reflexive audience-friendly productivity that an entire generation of indie-digital practitioners can aspire toward.” Nicolas B. Pichay, top playwright, Palanca Hall of Fame and National Book awardee, says, ‘In Esoterika: Maynila, Elwood Perez continues the cinematic tradition of paying homage to a city. Part diary, part fantasy, the movie evokes campy-kitschy-surreal Manila. Briny and existential, this movie shares a cinematic place alongside

Bernal’s Manila By Night and Brocka’s Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag. Raya Martin, filmmaker of global renown, writes: ‘A hedonistic adventure in the rollercoaster that is our society, Esoterika is the poignant journal of a master in Philippine cinema.’ Perez says, “In a voyage of self discovery, the protagonist---alternately ingenious and ingenuous---plunges into the territory of the exalted, the charmed and the bizarre, swimming through the uncharted waters of the unique Filipino experience, emerging from it all as an authentic Manileño, imbued with the thought that tolerance is sophistication.” Esoterika: Maynila has been picked by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences as the 62nd FAMAS Film Critics’ Choice Award in ceremonies held at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. The film has also been invited to open the 22nd Filipino Arts and Cinema International Film Festival (FACINE) in San Francisco, California in October. Its director Elwood Perez will also be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the growth and development of the Filipino motion picture industry. ➜ Continued on C7