The Standard - 2015 October 27 - Tuesday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXIX NO. 257 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 TUESday : OCTOBER 27, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Chiz not betraying Grace by joining VP

‘end the abuse’ Asian indigenous peoples show support for lumad By Florante S. Solmerin and John Paolo Bencito

MORE that 70 organizations of indigenous people from across Asia urged President Benigno Aquino III to put an end to the killing and other human rights abuses against the lumad of Mindanao.

In a letter sent Oct. 20, the Thailandbased Asia Indigenous People’s Pact expressed alarm over the spate of killings of lumad under Aquino’s watch and the “hundreds of cases of harassment, arbitrary detention and displacement of thousands of lumad now living in evacuation camps across the region.” The AIPP is a regional organization founded in 1988 by indigenous peoples’ movements, and is committed to promoting and defending their IP rights and articulating issues of relevance to indigenous peoples. Indigenous organizations from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia,

Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam endorsed the appeal, as did groups from France, the United Kingdom and Australia. In its letter, the AIPP called for an investigation of the roles played by paramilitary groups and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the human rights abuses. The group also urged the President “to take immediate measures to disband all paramilitary groups, whether these are within the investment defense forces or not, and revoke Executive Order 546, which legitimizes formation of such paramilitary groups.” The group reminded the Philippine gov-

ernment of its obligation to protect and respect the rights of the indigenous peoples under its own laws and its obligation to fulfill its international human rights commitments. In its appeal, the organization highlighted the killing of Lito Abion, a Manobo human rights defender from San Luis, Agusan del Sur, allegedly killed by state security forces on Sept. 28, as well as three Higaonon men who were said to be tortured by soldiers belonging to the 5th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army on the same day. The AIPP appealed to the President not to let Abion and the three tortured tribesmen become mere statistics. Next page

Protest. Members of the indigenous peoples’ groups march from Taft Avenue to Mendiola Bridge in Manila on Monday to slam alleged militarization in Mindanao. Danny Pata

Pope lauds Filipinos’ exemplary devotion

Marquez: Probe INC minister’s allegations By Francisco tuyay and Rey E. Requejo PHILIPPINE National Police chief Ricardo Marquez ordered an investigation Monday into allegations that Quezon City policemen abducted Lowell Menorca, a former minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Reacting to the allegations raised by Menorca on Sunday, Marquez said he would not hesitate to axe any policemen who participated in the abduction and the filing of trumped-up charges against the expelled INC minister. “The cleansing in the PNP is a daily activity. We continue to make sure that appropriate actions are instituted, implemented

against our people who are involved in any illegal activities,” Marquez said. He added that he would have the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group study the CCTV footage from the Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Compound in Quezon City, where Menorca said he and his family were held captive for three months. Next page

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Aguinaldo escape leads to lockdown By Francisco tuyay

THE military has tightened security in Camp Aguinaldo days after a South Korean fugitive detained at the secluded Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines escaped. It was unknown how the fugitive, Cho Seongdae, also known as Lee Doyeon, managed to escape from his cell at the ISAFP. The Korean embassy has cancelled Cho’s passport and issued a warrant of arrest for the crimes committed against his fellow Koreans in the Philippines. Cho arrived in Manila on Sept. 11, 2012 and was issued a summary deportation as an undesirable alien. The fugitive South Korean national is also facing several criminal cases, including human trafficking, prostitution, sex abuse, and usurpation of authority. There is also a pending case of attempted extortion against his fellow Koreans. Another warrant of arrest for Cho has

Marquez... From A1

Menorca said Sunday he was abducted from his church in Sorsogon by three Quezon City policemen and three heavily armed civilians, accosted by another policeman who threatened to shoot him dead, and taken to Dasmariñas, Cavite, where he was jailed on a trumped-up charge for possession of an explosive device. It was after that, he said, that he was taken to the INC Central Compound and detained for three months. He said he was later rescued by his lawyer from a safe house in Fairview, Quezon City, after the Supreme Court ordered the INC to produce him in response to a petition for a writ of habeas corpus filed by Menorca’s brother and his sister-in-law. Trixie Angeles, Menorca’s lawyer, said she was receiving threats from unknown persons since she took his case. “We will coordinate with the complainants. We will ask them to substantiate their allegations,” Marquez said. Marquez said the PNP would spare no one found violating the law, regardless of religion. “Religion has never been considered in the performance of duty. If somebody violates the law, then the PNP reacts accordingly. Enforce the law, maintain peace and order— that’s our mandate,” Marquez said. National Capital Region Police Office Director Joel Pagdilao, who was head of the Quezon City Police District at the time of the abduction, said he knew nothing about allegations that Quezon City policemen were involved. “This is the first time that I heard of such an incident,” he said. A lawyer representing the INC denied Menorca’s accusations. “Allegations are false, and we will prove them to be false. However, I am constrained by my lawyer’s oath not to discuss these publicly as they are sub judice. We trust the courts will act judiciously and in a manner consistent with jurisprudence and the rule of law,” said Patricia Ann Prodigalidad of the Angara Abello Concepcion & Cruz Law Office. The Court of Appeals Seventh Division is set to hear the habeas corpus and amparo case against leaders of the INC on Nov. 3, after the Supreme Court remanded it to the

not been served, allegedly because a police officer intervened in exchange for P2.5 million to P5 million. Sources said Cho was being guarded by two agents of the Bureau of Immigration inside the prison facility at the ISAFP’s compound. Shortly after the escape, military agents found P100,000 in cash on one of Cho’s guards. The guard is reportedly undergoing interrogation by ISAFP investigators. Military personnel said they were puzzled as to how Cho and his guard were able to gain access to the ISAFP gate without being noticed at 3 a.m. Thursday. This was the third time Cho escaped from custody. In 2012, he was arrested shortly after arriving in Manila, but was taken to hospital for a medical condition and escaped two weeks later. He was recaptured by Immigration agents in Parañaque City and taken to the bureau’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig City. Cho escaped again on Sept. 29 and was recaptured on Oct. 12 in Angeles City. To prevent Cho from escaping, the Bureau of Immigration decided to hold him at the ISAFP compound.

appellate court for hearing and resolution, in response to a petition filed by Menorca’s brother Anthony and his sister-in-law Jungko Otsuka. The 7th Division, composed of Associate Justices Victoria Isabel Paredes, Magdangal De Leon and Elihu Ybañez, will receive the answers of the respondents—INC’s executive minister Eduardo Manalo and three members of their Sanggunian or Council, Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago and Rolando Esguerra— who have also been commanded to produce before it the persons of Menorca and his immediate family. Based on the Supreme Court writs of habeas corpus and amparo, the CA must also decide on the case within 10 days after hearing all sides. In their petition last week, Anthony Menorca and Otsuka asked the Supreme Court to compel the INC leadership to release the minister and his immediate family from their custody. They also asked the Court to enjoin the church leaders “from doing further harm and even from approaching or transacting” with their family. The petitioners, through lawyer Angeles, alleged that Menorca was abducted on July 16 after leading a church service in Bulan, Sorsogon. Angeles is also the lawyer of expelled minister Isaias Samson Jr., who earlier filed criminal charges of harassment, illegal detention, threats and coercion against members of the Sanggunian before the Justice Department. Angeles confirmed that her clients were already released from INC custody, making the habeas corpus petition moot. But she said they would pursue the amparo petition where they sought issuance of a protection order. A writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security has been violated or threatened. A writ of habeas corpus, on the other hand, is a legal action sought on behalf of a person who has been unlawfully detained. Vice President Jejomar Binay said Monday the government should handle the case based on the rule of law. In a radio interview, Binay said INC leaders have not been convicted, and said that Menorca’s accusations, until proven, were all mere allegations. “Let us not jump to conclusions,” Binay said. With Rio n. araja and Vito Barcelo

Speech. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago delivers an address at the University of the Philippines Bahay ng Alumni on Monday. Lino SantoS

End... From A1

The Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday expressed concern over an international fact-finding mission scheduled to look into allegations that government troops and allied paramilitary forces were behind a spate of lumad killings. “It came to our attention that there is an international fact finding mission in the area of Surigao del Sur this Oct. 26 until the 30th of October. Accordingly, the activity is supposed to validate, strengthen and amplify the issues regarding the killing of three people at Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur last Sept. 1, 2015 and the forced evacuation of around 3,000 people in parts of four municipalities to the Provincial Sports Complex in Tandag, Surigao del Sur,” read a statement released by the public affairs office of the 4th Infantry Division. The division, under the command of Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, has drawn local and international condemnation because of reports that it had formed, trained and armed militia groups such as the Bagani, Magahat, Alamara, among others, to intimidate, harass and even to kill tribesmen suspected of being supporters of the communist New People’s Army. The NPA, meanwhile, has also claimed responsibility for the killing of

lumad leaders and elected officials that it has branded as “counter-revolutionaries,” including Loreto Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl. The murders and unabated forced evacuation of thousands of lumad communities from their ancestral homes have been criticized by the UN High Commissioner on Refugees. It said the lack of government protection has exacerbated the exodus of lumad communities. The UNHCR believed one of the many reasons the government was allowing the military to uproot the lumad communities from their ancestral domains was because of future development projects. Also on Monday, the leftist youth group League of Filipino Students scored Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. over his recent statements that the government condemns the attacks on lumad and will uphold peace. “This government knows no shame! As the call for justice resounds across the world, Aquino is trying to dodge accountability,” said LFS National Chairperson Charisse Bañez in a statement. The LFS said it was the AFP that started the attacks on lumad schools, communities and people and was also involved in organizing paramilitary groups to spread terror in Mindanao. Even the Education Department, she said, was involved in closing down lumad schools and militarizing them.

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Poe blasts government neglect of Mindanao

Endorsement. Leaders of the Partido Demokratico Pilipino-Laban endorse the presidential bid of fellow officer Martin Dino during the party’s meeting in Pasay City on Monday. Ey acaSio

Chiz: I’m not leaving Grace to join Binay SENATOR Francis Escudero on Monday dismissed the insinuations he betrayed Senator Grace Poe as a result of his supposed “reconciliation meeting” with Vice President Jejomar Binay that was brokered by businessman Antonio Floirendo in Davao City. “That could be part [of black propaganda]. Those could have come from the groups who want us separated,” Escudero said. “But in truth, among all the tandems we have the longest partnership. Compared to the other tandems we have been together and have known each other for the longest time.” Escudero served as spokesman of Poe’s adoptive father, the late Fernando Poe Jr., when he ran for President in 2004. Poe then returned to the country from the United States to help in her father’s

presidential campaign. “If there are issues like this [betrayal], this will be more likely in the other tandems that lack closeness or those involved are not close to each other,” Escudero said. The other tandems in next year’s elections are Manuel Roxas II and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Gringo Honasan, and Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Escudero also belied the reports that Floirendo tried to patch up things between him and Binay.

“That’s not true. We didn’t even talk,” Escudero said. “He just told us he was happy because we were there. In fact, he also said that if Senator Grace was around, he would have also invited her because we were all his friends.” There were reports that Binay and Escudero had lunch at the Filipino Comfort Food Restaurant in Davao City owned by Floirendo. Floirendo, who is running unopposed as representative of the second district of Davao City, is a known supporter of Binay and Escudero. Escudero admitted bumping into Binay in the same restaurant, but said he merely asked Binay if he had taken his lunch. He said he didn’t feel awkward because they were in a public place, and that they did not talk about politics. “We just talked about food,” Escudero said. Macon Ramos-araneta

SENATOR Grace Poe on Monday bewailed the government’s lack of support to the poverty-stricken Mindanao region, saying it needs a development program to help its people. She earlier filed a resolution urging the Senate to conduct an inquiry into the government’s overall development program for the region. “It is our common dream to see a truly strong and united country that realizes the aspirations of our Muslim brethren in Mindanao and the nation as a whole,” Poe had said when she praised the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro a year ago. “We are hopeful that this initial step will bring us closer to our long-awaited peace and stability leading to progress in this important region.” Poe also noted that the inclusion of Sarangani, Zamboanga del Sur and North Cotabato in the agreement, provinces which are not within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and which enjoy relative peace and order, “is a clear indication that the problem is not only about peace and order but is more about the lack of focus in the overall economic upliftment

of Mindanao.” “With its vast potential, rich natural resources and resilient and hardworking people, Mindanao cannot go wrong if only the national government gives it more attention,” Poe said. At the same time, Poe, the frontrunner in the various presidential preference surveys, underscored the urgent need to implement plans for a modern railway system in Mindanao. “For years, we have heard of this railway system but that’s just that: all talk. We need to move and make this into a reality,” she said. “Mindanao continues to have the potential of opening up Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand to more trade and business for the country. But sadly, this has yet to happen.” Poe said the worsening power problem in Mindanao should be immediately addressed by the next President. “This is a problem that many in government had actually anticipated but barely did anything about. The next administration should have a fresh start at taking this problem by the horns and solving it,” Poe said. Macon Ramosaraneta

UNA unveils slate of 12 Senate bets THE United Nationalist Alliance on Monday announced the party’s senatorial slate for 2016 and said it was one with the Binay-Honasan tandem in its bid to address poverty, hunger and unemployment under a competent, compassionate and healing government. “The composition of UNA’s senatorial lineup is illustrated by each candidate’s personal advocacies and the legislative agenda their respective organizations would advance in the Senate,” UNA president Toby Tiangco said. “All are together for a common stand under the party

leadership of VP Binay to improve the lives of the Filipino people by addressing poverty, unemployment, low salaries and the rising prices of basic commodities.” The UNA senatorial lineup includes boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, former Special Action Force Director Getulio Napeñas, Parañaque Councilor Alma Moreno, Sulu Sultanate Princess Jacel Kiram, broadcaster Rey Langit and Labor lawyer Allan Montaño. Completing the UNA senatorial ticket are Vicente Sotto III, Panfilo Lacson, Richard

Gordon, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and OFW advocate Susan Ople. Tiangco said UNA’s officials and members were committed to support and advance the advocacy of Vice President Jejomar Binay, which is to help the poor. “We are proud to say all UNA senatoriables are committed to pursue worthy priorities in the legislature,” Tiangco said. “They share the same vision with Vice President Binay of a pro-poor and reform-oriented legislative agenda.” Maricel V. cruz and Vito Barcelo

Dismissal. Senator Francis Escudero dismisses the rumors about his

supposed meeting with Vice President Jejomar Binay during a conference at a restaurant in Quezon City on Monday. Lino SantoS

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Solons slam Palace excuses By Maricel V. Cruz LAWMAKERS expressed deep disappointment over Malacañang’s admission last week that it failed to provide the necessities to the survivors of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” because the destruction was “extensive and deep.”

Peso amendments. President Benigno S. Aquino III signs into law amendments to the PESO Act during the 15th National Public Employment Service Office Congress at the Philippine International Convention Center on Monday. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

Roxas takes blame for traffic By John Paolo Bencito LIBERAL Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II admitted on Monday that the country’s transportation systems slipped to its worst conditions during the past five years of the Aquino administration. “Your observations are correct, and we are not denying that,” Roxas said in a television interview via ‘‘Aksyon TV’s Happy Hour’’ on Monday. “But when we are being confronted with the problems, the solutions themselves are very hard to fix. The MRT itself is conceived [in] original sin,” Roxas explained, adding that the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is to blame. “This government just inherited this situation, and we have to work with the limitations,” [sic] Roxas said.

Roxas said there are ownership issues within the MRT Corporation, the original contractor for the MRT-3 project, and the government had to take one to prevent further rate increases. “The previous administration gave a guaranteed 15 percent internal rate of return in dollars. And the owner of the MRT before wants to extend their ownership of the MRT. In fact, they offered to buy the train sets in exchange of extending their ownership of the MRT and give them the authority to raise fare hikes,” Roxas claimed. Roxas said the government is doing everything to alleviate commuter woes pending the arrival of 48 new light train sets bought from CNR Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co. of China. “We are always accountable, nobody’s denying accountability. We are always accountable, for what we

do, given the problems that we encounter,” he added. “You talk about traffic, we sympathize. Don’t get us wrong. Nobody wants to be in traffic. People suffer through a two-hour commute,” Roxas said. The administration standard bearer added that many of the country’s transport problems will have to take a longer time to fix “because we’ve made long-term solutions.” Roxas said major Private-Public Partnership Projects started under the Aquino administration, such as the NLEX-SLEX connector project and the government is continually building infrastructure projects cope with the growing demand and influx of passengers and commuters. “Gets namin yan [We get it],” Roxas said. “But the solutions are not easy. A highway can’t be bought from a supermarket.”

“It is sad that the Palace issues more defensive press statements than fund releases for the transfer of the master rehabilitation plan signed by President Aquino III,” said Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, adding things could have been different with proper planning in place. Almost two years after Yolanda flattened Eastern Visayas, Romualdez said the government has yet to account for all local and foreign donations and has not done enough to help the Yolanda victims despite the huge funding available. Reps. Jonathan de la Cruz of Abakada party-list, Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Luz Ilagan of Gabriela also slammed the Aquino administration’s incompetence and insensitivity to the plight of the Yolanda survivors. “Two years of callous incompetence by this ‘Huwad na Daan’ administration is indeed an even bigger disaster than super typhoons Yolanda, Lando, Pablo and Sendong all combined. Our people, the disaster victims and survivors especially, must now put an end to this calamitous reign of criminal negligence,” Zarate said. De la Cruz, member of Romualdez’s Independent Bloc, said the government’s failure to fully implement the Yolanda rehabilitation plan proved that that the country has a “selective and uncaring” President. Ilagan, for her part, asked: “Is the inefficiency inherent or deliberate? If it is the latter, then there is a sinister plan behind this. The specter of DAP and savings hovers above Yolanda survivors.” Ilagan said the Makabayan Bloc was one with Romualdez in seeking a full accounting of the Yolanda funds, both foreign and local. “This is what we have been pointing out all this time. Gabriela filed a resolution for a complete accounting of donations, local and foreign in order to make the DSWD account for all relief assistance. It failed to satisfactorily comply,” Ilagan said. “The incompetence is so massive that foreign agencies have decided to bypass our government agencies and do things on their own. Naturally, it is not enough. The bulk of the assistance is with government,” Ilagan added. Because the Yolanda issue was “personal” to him, Romualdez had earlier proposed the creation of an automatic appropriation on all foreign, international and local assistance extended to the government, to make these funds as deemed automatically appropriated for the purpose for which it was donated. Romualdez proposed that all donations for relief, rescue, retrieval and rehabilitation to be considered as public funds in order to make public officials accountable for their use, storage, maintenance and audit. Romualdez also proposed the creation of a separate department for managing disasters and calamities similar to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the United States.

Pope lauds Pinoys’ faith ALMOST a year after his visit to the Philippines, Pope Francis still has some nice things to say about the Filipinos. In a brief and casual meeting with Filipino bishops attending the ongoing Synod on the Family at the Vatican, the Pope again expressed his admiration for the Filipino faith. “The Holy Father said ‘I have special admiration for the Filipinos’,” Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma quoted the pontiff as saying. “Basically, he is taking us as people of great faith.” Daet Bishop Gilbert Garcera said the Pope also recalled with “great happiness” the “Lolo Kiko” nickname that Filipinos fondly gave him. “He was really laughing and was so happy about it,” Garcera said. According to Palma, it created a good impression on the Pope how elderly are held in high regard in the Philippines.

“It’s a sign that I am appreciated. I am loved in the Philippines,” Pope Francis said, according to the Cebu prelate. On Saturday, Catholic bishops agreed to a qualified opening toward divorcees who have remarried outside the Church but rejected calls for more welcoming language towards homosexuals. The outcome of a three-week gathering at the Vatican, known as a synod and presided over by Pope Francis, marked a victory for conservatives on homosexual issues and for progressives on the thorny issue of remarriage. The final synod document restated Church teachings that gays should not suffer discrimination in society, but also repeated the stand that there was “no foundation whatsoever” for samesex marriage, which “could not even remotely” be compared to heterosexual unions.

More in the law. Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (center) explains to television hosts Anthony Taberna, Ariel Oreta, Amy Perez and George Cariño how he intends to extend more benefits in the law to those who have less in life. VER NOVENO

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Ampatuan lawyer faces tax charges By Rio N. Araja THE Court of Tax Appeals on Monday deferred the arraignment of a lawyer of one of the principal suspects in the Maguindanao massacre case over the failure of the prosecution to show up during a hearing on his P27-million tax case. The tax court issued a show-case order directing the lawyer to explain its absence. The arraignment of the accused—Arnel Manaloto, lawyer of Andal Ampatuan Jr.—was reset to Nov. 23. Manaloto’s first arraignment was set last Sept. 9, but was cancelled due to his petition for review pending before the Department of Justice. In August 2013, in an 11page resolution, the justice department found probable cause to indict Manaloto for violation of the National Internal Revenue Code. In 2012, the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed a tax complaint against the lawyer, accusing him of evading payment of taxes worth P27.56 million by underdeclaring his income in 2011.

Haze threatens Metro; cloud seeding proposed By Maricel V. Cruz and Rio Araja A MindAnAoAn lawmaker on Monday asked the national government to conduct cloud seeding to contain the indonesian haze that has reached davao City and other areas in Mindanao and threatens to engulf Metro Manila. Weathermen said they have monitored “light haze” that could be caused by the Indonesian forest fires Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab said that cloud seeding is needed to protect the public from bad effects of the haze that has said to be caused by the burning of forests in Indonesia. “I am urging the government to conduct a cloud seeding. Hopefully the rains can help neutralize the haze,” Ungab, chair of the House committee on appropriations, said. “However, business is still usual

in Davao. But the long term effect of it might lead to respiratory problems. The health of our children must be protected,” Ungab added. Cloud seeding is the induction of rain by introducing silver iodide or dry ice can into clouds through the use of airplane flares, rocket or generator. Apart from the Philippines, other countries affected by the recent haze are Malaysia and Singapore. Health officials from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have advised the public to stay indoors to avoid getting respiratory

diseases due to a haze which now covers many parts of Mindanao and Visayas. Weather forecasters said the light haze drifted over some parts of the country. On Sunday, flights were cancelled and hospitals were put on alert owing to the thickening haze from Indonesian forest fires. International efforts to douse the blazes have done little to clear the air, and Filipino authorities warned ash levels were becoming increasingly dangerous in the southern islands. “The department of health is advising those who have breathing problems or respiratory diseases to wear face masks in areas covered by haze,” presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma told reporters. Hospitals in the south were ready to receive anyone affected by the haze, he added.

Six flights to central and southern islands were cancelled or delayed Sunday due to the thickening smog, after thousands were left stranded over the past 10 days. Pilots flying in the central city of Cebu could only see eight kilometers (five miles) ahead, said government weather observer John Agbay, adding that visibility was also impaired in the western island of Palawan. Indonesian forest fires are an annual occurrence, but dry weather has made them particularly bad this year and Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Japan have all sent help to fight the blazes. While the haze in the Philippines has been mild compared to other parts of Southeast Asia, the smoke has been largely unexpected as the islands affected lie thousands of kilometers away from the fires. With AFP

Oil price rollback: P1/liter By Alena Mae S. Flores THE country’s oil firms cut pump prices anew, this time by as much as P1 per liter to reflect the softening of world oil prices in the market starting 6 p.m. Monday. Fernando Martinez, Eastern Petroleum Corp. chairman and chief executive said the latest price adjustment reflects the downward trend in world oil prices at the close of last week’s trading owing to oversupply against slow demand outlook. “Analysts expect a sharp slowdown in global oil demand in the fourth quarter of the year, which marks the slowest pace of growth in five quarters, while they also expect investments [in the petroleum sector] to likely drop further next year,” Martinez said. The oil firms cut the price of gasoline by P1 per liter, diesel by P0.35 to P0.40 per liter and kerosene by P0.40 per liter. Eastern Petroleum cut prices at 6 p.m. Monday while others rolled back prices starting 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. Among those that cut pump prices at presstime are Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Petron Corp., PTT Philippines while others are expected to follow suit.

Lead-free. Students of Masambong Elementary School paint a miniature houses with lead-safe paint during the event organized by EcoWaste Coalition

to mark the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action. The event intends to promote awareness and action to combat lead exposure, which contributes to approximately 600,000 cases per year of kids with intellectual disabilities across the globe. JANSeN RoMeRo

Ombudsman strikes again: Bohol solon, gov rapped Tongco, Eufrasio Mascariñas, Concepcion Lim, Exequiel Madrinas, Severino Caberte, Tomas THE Office of the Ombudsman on Monday Abapo Jr., Francisco Alena Sr. Felix Uy, Renato filed graft charges against Bohol Rep. Rene Lim and Lemuel Digal. Dennis Villareal of the Consortium of Salcon Relampagos and Gov. Edgar Chatto before the Sandiganbayan over a questionable privatiza- International Inc. was also named a co-accused. Sometime between May to December 2000, tion of the province’s electric and water utilities Relampagos and then vice governor Chatto enin 2000. In a complaint, the Ombudsman’s Office of tered into a joint venture agreement with Vilthe Special Prosecutor charged Relampagos, lareal’s Salcon Consortium for the privatization Chatto and 14 others with violation of Section 3 of Bohol’s electric and water systems. Under the arrangement, the assets and fran(g) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for selling the capitol- chise of the provincial electric system was owned provincial electric system and provin- transferred to Salcon Power Consortium for cial water system to a private company at very only P75 million. On the other hand, the assets and franchise low prices. Implicated were provincial planning and of the provincial water system was transferred development officer Juanito Cambangay, pro- to the Salcon Water Consortium for only P80 vincial lawyer Inocentes Lopez and provincial million. Both had a total sale of only P155 million. council members Arnold Lungay, Isabelito

By Rio N. Araja

According to the Ombudsman, the sale of both utilities was“manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government” since the two utilities had a combined value of P782 million. “This is to certify that based on record, a preliminary investigation was conducted in this case and that there is sufficient ground to engender a well-founded belief that the crime charged was committed and that the accused are probably guilty thereof,” the complaint read. In 2001, the Association of Concerned Tagbilaranons filed the suit against Relampagos and company, including acting Bohol Gov. Victor de la Serna, with the Ombudsman that dismissed the case. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, however, ordered a reinvestigation in August 2014. Last June, the Ombudsman indicted the respondents.

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JBC draws up shortlist of Sandigan aspirants By Rey E. Requejo

THE Judicial and Bar Council has transmitted to Malacañang its shortlist of 37 nominees aspiring for the six new posts in the Sandiganbayan created by the law signed by President Benigno Aquino last April expanding the powers of the anti-graft court. During its session on Monday, the seven-member counsel mandated to screen nominees to posts in the judiciary and the Office of the Ombudsman voted the final candidates to assume the two new divisions from a total of 90 applicants. The JBC concurrently chaired by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno transmitted to the Office of the President six different shortlists where President Aquino will choose the appointees who will join the 15 current magistrates of the Sandiganbayan. Included in the first shortlist for

the position of the 16th associate justice of the Sandiganbayan are regional trial court Judges Philip Aguinaldo, Reynaldo Alhambra, Danilo Cruz, Benjamin Pozon, Danilo Sandoval and Salvador Timbang Jr. For the 17th associate justice post, the JBC nominated Judges Maryann Corpuz-Mañalac, Ma. Theresa Mendoza–Arcega and Andres Soriano, Assistant Solicitor-General Ma. Antonia Edita Dizon and Senate Blue Ribbon committee secretary Rodolfo Noel Quimbo. The third shortlist for the 18th post

includes Judges Celso Baguio, Ma. Teresa De Guzman–Alvarez, Bernelito Fernandez, Elvira Panganiban and Fernando Sagun Jr. and Sereno’s staff Zaldy Trespeses. For the 19th post, the nominees are Judges Frances Guanzon, Marissa Macaraig–Guillen, Vilma Pauig and Ruben Reynaldo Roxas, Assistant Solicitor-General Renan Ramos and Palace Undersecretary Reynaldo Cruz. Shortlisted in the fifth shortlist for the 20th post are Assistant Solicitor General Karl Miranda, Judges Perpetua Atal–Paño, Thelma Bunyi– Medina, Luisito Cortez, Geraldine Fiel–Macaraig and Angeline Mary Quimpo–Sale and Ombudsman director Bayani Jacinto. The final shortlist for the 21st post includes Judges Wilhelmina JorgeWagan, Garaldine Faith Econg, Rosanna Fe Romero-Maglaya, Merianthe Pacita Zuraek and Victoria Fernandez–Bernardo and Palace

Undersecretary for special concerns Michael Frederick Musngi. The six Sandiganbayan posts were created by the passage of Republic Act 10660 or An Act Strengthening the Functional and Structural Organization of the Sandiganbayan, which was signed by President Aquino last April 16. The Sandiganbayan, which resolves cases of corruption against government officials, originally had three divisions until it expanded to five divisions of three members each in March 1995. Under the new law, there will now be a total of seven divisions with three members each or a total of 21 justices in the anti-graft court. Currently, all 15 posts are filled. The most junior member is Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez, who was appointed last May to replace dismissed Senior Justice Gregory Ong.

On business. Vice

President Jejomar Binay addresses the 41st Philippine Business Conference at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. DANNY PATA

CamNor ex-governor indicted for fertilizer fund mess By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman on Monday indicted former governor Jesus Typoco of Camarines Norte for graft over his involvement in the alleged fertilizer fund scam. Typoco violated Section 3(3) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Ombudsman said. It also ordered the filing of information against former provincial accountant Maribeth Malaluan; bids and awards committee members, Jose Atienza, Lorna Coreses, Cesar Paita, Rodolfo Salamero and Jose Rene Ruider, and Alex Rivera of Hexaphil Agriventures Inc. Hexaphil) for RA 3019 and violation of 65.3(1) of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Investigations showed the province of Camarines Norte received P4 million to finance the purchase of agricultural supplies and P1 million for vegetable seeds in 2004. But in March 2004, Rivera offered their product Hexaplus liquid fertilizer to Typoco, and claimed the firm was an exclusive distributor of the product sold at P700 per bottle. On April 1, 2004, a memorandum of agreement was executed between the regional office of the Department of Agriculture and Typoco. Fifteen days later, Typoco and the BAC members awarded the procurement of 7,142 bottles of fertilizer to Hexaphil without public bidding. In the course of investigation, anomalies in the procurement were uncovered, such as Hexaphil was not a legitimate company for having without a business permit or a license to operate, and that the company was not registered with the Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission or the Bureau of Internal Revenue. In addition, the Ombudsman said Hexaphil could not be located its business address and respondents did not exercise diligence in the conduct of its market probe prior to the award of contract. Moreover, the firm’s reference to brand names was prohibited in RA. 9184 and questionable resort to direct contracting. “Typoco cannot simply be exempted because he was then busy campaigning for the then upcoming elections,” the order read.

Binay sets agenda: Tax cuts, infra buildup and more jobs By Vito Barcelo MASSIVE infrastructure program, tax reduction and considerable employment program will be the primary focus of the Binay presidency. Vice President Jejomar Binay said that the first tasks of his administration if he wins in the 2016 polls are to bring tax relief to the Filipino people by revising tax rates to account for current inflation rates, resolve the infrastructure gap, and address poverty. “Tax relief will restore purchasing power to the working class and expand demand in the local economy. This will reduce pressure for raising wages that will make the entire economy uncompetitive,” Binay said in his speech at the Philippine Business Conference. “Being an archipelagic country, we need to evolve an efficient logistics system so that island economies are not stranded from the mainstream, a comprehensive national transport system, including modern ports, airports and rail systems to move products cheaply and disperse economic activity and more modern road system delivering farm products to the

markets more efficiently,” Binay said. “It will enable our companies to operate more efficiently to compete in an open regional market. It will unlock the potential of our agricultural sector and help bring down our excessively high food price regime. That will create jobs and reduce poverty,” he added. “The corporate tax rate should likewise be reduced to be at par with the rest of the region. This, by far, will serve as the best incentive for investments in our economy. The increased investments will offset the initial loss in revenue,” he added. Binay said both the adjustment in individual tax rates and reduction of excessive corporate tax rates will not amount to half the potential revenues lost to rampant smuggling and a mere pittance to over P500 billion underspent funds idly stacked in state coffers. “This will increase the competitiveness of Filipino businesses. It will ease the traffic congestion that wastes billions in economic potential each day. It will revive our exports. It will resurrect our agriculture. It will create more jobs and disperse economic activity,” he further said.

Enterprising. A girl arranges candles that she will sell on All Saints’ Day. ANDREW RABULAN

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Rebels kill army officer in clash By Florante S. Solmerin

A compAny commander of a philippine Army battalion was killed during an encounter with members of the new people’s Army on Sunday at Barangay Batasan, San Jose, occidental mindoro, according to Southern Luzon command chief Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya on monday.

One long fish. Locals are amazed at the more-than-three-meters-long espada, or beltfish, caught in the San Fernando City Bay in La Union.

CHRISTINE JUNIO

Sandiganbayan suspends mayor on pork barrel misuse By Rio N. Araja THE Sandiganbayan has ordered a 90-day suspension on Lapu-lapu Mayor Paz Radaza for graft charges on alleged misuse of P15 million in pork barrel funds from former Cebu representative Clavel Asas-Martinez in 2002. Also suspended were provincial board ex-officio member Celestino Martinez III, ex-Bogo municipal treasurer Rhett Minguez and ex-municipal accountant Cresencio Verdida. The Fifth Division’s resolution, dated Oct. 21, 2015, was

penned by Chairperson Roland Jurado and concurred by Associate Justices Alexander Gesmundo and Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta. In July last year, Radaza posted bail of P140,000 after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for her arrest. The cases stemmed from the alleged misappropriation of P15 million from the Priority Development Assistance Fund of the lawmaker from 1998 to 2007. According to the Office of the Ombudsman, Asas-Martinez allocated P15 million to the antidrug campaign of the Girl Scouts

of the Philippines. The use of the funds, however, was not reflected on the organization’s financial and audit reports. Asas-Martinez was then president of the GSP Cebu Council while Radaza was the treasurer. It also found that only P600,000 of the P15 million was given to the GSP-CC, “while the rest went to Rep. Martinez.” In another development, the anti-graft court yesterday denied with finality the motion of Jessical Lucila “Gigi” Reyes to defer the pre-trial of her plunder case in connection with her alleged involvement in the

pork barrel scam. In a resolution issued by the anti-graft court, the Sandiganbayan upheld its previous decision junking Reyes’ bid to cancel the proceedings. “To be sure, she did not file a motion for a bill of particulars with this Court or a petition of a similar nature with the Supreme Court,” the Third Division said. Reyes is a co-accused of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in the plunder and graft cases before the Third Division over the P172.8-million alleged kickbacks that he allegedly amassed from the pork barrel scam.

Visaya identified the slain officer as First Lieutenant Mike G. Nollora, commanding officer of the Bravo Company under the 4th Infantry Battalion. “It is saddening that we lost a young commander and a good officer while serving and protecting the people of Occidental Mindoro,” said Visaya. He said Nollora was leading a combat operation to find the location of NPA sighting when they encountered more than 10 rebels at around 9:30 a.m. The 10-minute encounter led to the wounding of Nollora, who suffered a severe gunshot wound on his left thigh. He was immediately evacuated but he died at around 11 a.m. Meanwhile, Visaya has ordered more reinforcements along with helicopter gunships into the clash site to pursue the fleeing rebels. Just recently, the Solcom scored big against the NPA rebels in some parts of the Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions with the recovery of high-powered firearms and the capture of strategic rebel camps. “The NPA are becoming active again because of the onset of the campaign period for the 2016 polls. They demand of political wannabes to pay sums of money such as what they called permitto-campaign.” “We will not give the NPA a chance to extort money, we will strike them anytime and anywhere once we pinpoint their locations,” Visaya said.

Court of Appeals: Reinstate axed Reg 9 education official By A. Perez Rimando DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte—The Court of Appeals has ordered the Department of Education to immediately reinstate this capital city’s schools division superintendent who was earlier fired by President Benigno Aquino for alleged “grave misconduct.” The CA’s order was transmitted to DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro who earlier recommended to Malacañang the dismissal of Dipolog City SDS Teresita E. Cascolan, a career executive service officer, in connection with the “procurement by the City Division of some P20 million worth of unauthorized reading materials which

the Commission on Audit earlier warned the accused school official not to proceed without public bidding.” Luistro then formed a factfinding committee to probe the alleged anomaly even as he directed Cascolan to answer the complaint which was transmitted to the DepEd chief by a Zamboanga del Norte congressman. In her reply, Cascolan denied the allegation and claimed there was no irregularity in the purchase even as, upon receipt of her dismissal order, she took her case to the CA. Cascolan’s ouster was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa for President Aquino who is authorized by law to fire erring

CESO eligible government officials. In his memorandum, coursed through DepEd Region 9 Director Malcolm S. Garma, reinstating Cascolan to DepEd, Luistro quoted the CA Resolution thus: “WHEREFORE, the Court finds Dr. Teresita Cascolan guilty of SIMPLE MISCONDUCT, and is meted with the penalty of Two (2) Months and One Day suspension from the service without pay. The DepEd is DIRECTED to reinstate petitioner to her position, or its equivalent, without loss of seniority rights, and to PAY her back wages and benefits during her ‘dismissal’ less the amount equivalent to her salary for Two Months and One Day.”

Happy harvester. A farmer harvests tobacco at a farm in Barangay Ane-1, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. BOBBY LAGSA

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

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OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

THE SYNOD’S CATHOLIC OUTCOME

[ EDI TORI A L ]

WHAT OF THE FLOCK? “IF THERE is smoke, there is fire,” goes an old, tired, saying. And this is some smoke that won’t go away. Former Iglesia ni Cristo minister Lowell Menorca faced the press in tears over the weekend, narrating his abduction and his family’s threemonth detention at the hands of top officials of the religious group. According to Menorca, he was taken by members of the Quezon City Police District and some Iglesia officials in Sorsogon on July 16 and then put in a vehicle to Cavite. They planted a grenade onto his lap—and then he was arrested for illegal possession of firearms. After his release, he and his family were detained at the INC’s central temple in Quezon City. His lawyer rescued him and secured his release. Menorca was also told that Iglesia members were so angry over an Oct. 23 Supreme Court order compelling church leaders, led by Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, to appear before the Court of Appeals on Nov. 3. The flock would reportedly storm Edsa again soon, protesting the inclusion of their leader in the writ of amparo and writ of habeas corpus cases filed as a result of Menorca’s detention. This brings to mind that unfortunate weekend in August when multitudes of INC members occupied the major thoroughfare, ironically demanding separation of church and state, as they slammed then-Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s “meddling” in the investigation of Menorca’s taking. They wanted De Lima out. Which she now is—something conveniently aligned to her senatorial aspirations. A happy coincidence, indeed. The abduction issue and the more encompassing power scandals rocking the group take on greater significance now that national and local candidates have filed their Certificates of Candidacy and are courting the favor of one of, if not the most, powerful voting bloc in the country. Happily oblivious of all these are the millions of Iglesia members who dutifully go to church, give their dues and espouse any cause they are fed: Whom to vote for, what to be angry about, and where to congregate next. Religious affiliations are supposed to provide people comfort in times of struggle, not agitate them into doing something they would not otherwise do. The chief of the national police has committed to investigate what really happened. Let’s hope the flock won’t go after him next.

SMALL FRY LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales seems all over the place all the time these days, suspending and dismissing mid-level government officials for alleged corruption. And that’s well and good, really— except that I never hear Morales going after the real big fish. I’m not talking about the police generals and provincial governors that Morales has

been removing from office on an almost daily basis. Those officials are like third-string basketball players who don’t really count as far as Team Noynoy is concerned. Morales apparently enjoys the adulation she’s been receiving as the born-again nemesis of the corrupt in government. But I won’t join in the chorus of those singing her praises until she goes after three people who I feel truly deserve the Ombudsman’s wrath. I’m talking about the Big Three of the Aquino Cabinet: Budget Secretary Florencio

Abad Jr., Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. Sure, Abad is supposedly being investigated by the Ombudsman for his involvement in (his masterminding of, really) the pork barrel and Disbursement Acceleration Program scandals. But I really don’t put much stock by this probe, because Morales included President Noynoy Aquino in the investigation she’s conducting —and surely the Ombudsman must know that an incumbent President can’t be sued.

Madam Ombudsman, go pick on someone with some real standing and leave the small fry to your subalterns.

As for Abaya, I’ll just single out one of his most questionable official actions: his signing of the contract that allowed an under-capitalized and inexperienced company to maintain the now-dilapidated Metro Rail Transit 3. Abaya said he signed the contract just days after he took over at the department and was cleared by the Ombudsman, which charged Abaya’s subordinates for involvement in the deal. Regarding Alcala, even Aquino himself has done the unprecedented act of handing over some of the most important agencies of the agriculture department to another person, Francis Pangilinan, virtually admitting the incompetence

(at the very least) of his old Congress buddy from Quezon. Under the watch of Alcala, who convinced Aquino about the fool’s gold of rice self-sufficiency, artificial shortages and large-scale smuggling of just about every important agricultural product have taken place—and yet he’s still there, long after Pangilinan has left to run again for the Senate. So spare us the drama, Madam Ombudsman. Go pick on someone with some real standing and leave the small fry to your subalterns.

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*** But if Morales wants to continue going after lightweights, perhaps she can look into the case of former Camarines Sur Rep. Arnulfo Fuentebella, who is running for office again next year. Fuentebella, a House speaker during the Estrada administration, was named in the 2007-2009 special audit report of the Commission on Audit as behind the alleged anomalous release of at least P40.27 million worth of pork barrel funds. Fuentebella is the patriarch of a po-

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litical dynasty that has held sway for over a century now in CamSur’s fourth or Partido district, where many of the province’s poorest towns (including his hometown of Tigaon) are. He is running for congressman once more in place of his son Felix William, who used to head the graft-tainted Partido Development Authority, while his elder brother Arnulf Bryant, mayor of Tigaon, is running for governor; Fuentebella’s wife Evelyn is seeking reelection as mayor of Sagnay. Continued on A10

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MANY media reports on the conclusion of the Synod on the Family last Sunday judged its final outcome document as a victory for either conservatives or progressives. Both interpretations are wrong: what the Synod Fathers have produced is a Catholic result, most definitely the work of the Holy Spirit. Based on this, Pope Francis is expected to issue, during this special Jubilee year of mercy, an apostolic exhortation that will guide the Catholic Church, its leaders and faithful, for years to come. As Pope Francis himself said in his final address to the synod, this meeting on families was “about urging everyone to appreciate the importance of the institution of the family and of marriage between a man and a woman, based on unity and indissolubility.” The synod was a dialogue: “listening to and making heard the voices of the families and the Church’s pastors, who came to Rome bearing on their shoulders the burdens and the hopes, the riches and the challenges of families throughout the world.” Through this gathering, “the vitality of the Catholic Church, which is not afraid to stir dulled consciences or to soil her hands with lively and frank discussions about the family” will be shown. Pope Francis acknowledged the debate that happened during the synod. He explained the differences between bishops through the concept of inculturation: “We have also seen that what seems normal for a bishop on one continent is considered strange and almost scandalous for a bishop from another; what is considered a violation of a right in one society is an evident and inviolable rule in another; what for some is freedom of conscience is for others simply confusion. Cultures are in fact quite diverse, and each general principle needs to be inculturated, if it is to be respected and applied... Inculturation does not weaken true values, but demonstrates their true strength and authenticity, since they adapt without changing; indeed they quietly and gradually transform the different cultures.” In my view, the Synod Fathers, in approving the “relatio” or final outcome document, each paragraph of the total 94 by two thirds vote of the 270 voting members, did not fail the Holy Father and the faithful relying on their wisdom and fidelity. Actually, most paragraphs were approved by an overwhelming majority, even by near unanimity. There was little dissension in approving Part 1 of the final document which is on the challenges confronted by the family today. It rightly highlights poverty and economic difficulties faced by families, in particular the special Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

THE SYNOD’S CATHOLIC OUTCOME

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Madam Ombudsman, go pick on someone with some real standing and leave the small fry to your subalterns.

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

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A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A NEGATIVE FACTOR TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

A FRIEND asked me how old I was. I said I was 88. “My gosh,” he said. “Why don’t you retire?” I ask myself the same question sometimes. Most of my batchmates are either dead, bedridden, or sick with dementia. The problem with us journalists is that we don’t have pension plans when we retire. We must continue to work to earn a living. I have spent 65 years of my life in media.What will happen to me if I stop now? I know nothing but pound on my old typewriter to meet my column deadlines. At times, retirees get sick of boredom, become their wives’ pets or die early because of the sudden change in lifestyle.

President Aquino really should not join Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo in their sorties.

So I will continue to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. I have enough engagements to keep me busy. I do things because I get a sense of fulfillment doing them. I hope to make a difference, no matter how small. Yes, at times I feel I am battling windmills. But I feel I am privileged, nonetheless. I have witnessed Philippine history in the making and have walked the corridors of power. I have seen the best and worst of the most powerful people in the country. What more can a man ask for? *** President Aquino says that he will campaign in the provinces for his anointed, Liberal Party presidential candidate Mar

Roxas and his running mate, Leni Robredo. Mr. Aquino obviously think they need his presence in order to win. I don’t know if Mar and Leni realize it, but the presence of the President in their campaign sorties can be a negative thing for them. After all, the Daang Matuwid or the straight-path mantra has been exposed to be a hypocrite’s battle cry. With Mr. Aquino present in the sorties, people will only be reminded of the many mistakes and shortcomings of his administration. Remember how he bribed lawmakers with the Priority Development Assistance Fund and the Disbursement Acceleration Program to get what he wants? There is also the slaughter of 44 police commandos in Mamasapano. The families of the fallen are still crying out for justice. But Mr. Aquino has not apologized for the death of the men even as we all know he bears the ultimate responsibility for this. Roxas does not need to bring the President along everywhere he goes. What he needs is to counter his negative image that he has brought upon himself. As for Robredo—she has much to work on. I have seen her shaking the hands of people who looked hesitant for the plain reason that they do not know her. There is no way she could be vice president. She should have just sought reelection. *** Presidential candidates like Mrs. Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares (who continues to top poll surveys) should be told that there are still eight months to go before elections. As such, poll survey results could be farthest from reality. What the surveys are telling us is that on the day the questions were asked of respondents, that was what their sentiments were. These sentiments can still change. So for those now ahead in the surveys, do not be complacent. You can easily be overtaken by others who are prepared to work harder. This is why presidential candidates need to go to

Small...From A9 Based in part on the CoA findings, anti-graft NGO ZeroTolerance.org filed last Oct. 20 a plunder case against Fuentebella and his wife Evelyn to make them “accountable for illegal amassing of wealth and for

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

BOGUS COMPLAINTS BEFORE THE OMBUDSMAN

THE 1973 Constitution in force during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos made several revolutionary contributions to the current legal system obtaining in the Philippines. Before the 1973 Constitution was in effect, government officials accused of graft and corrupt practices were investigated by fiscals of the Department of Justice. Because corrupt fiscals were, through time, contemptuously called “fixcals,” the DoJ later changed their title to “prosecutor,” the title in use today. If the fiscal finds probable cause—a reasonable belief that the accused is probably guilty of the crime attributed to him—the fiscal files the corresponding criminal case against the accused before the Court of First Instance (now the Regional Trial Court). If the accused is convicted by the trial court, he had the right to appeal to the Court of Appeals and, ultimately, to petition the Supreme Court. The 1973 Constitution changed that system. It had a separate article mandating the accountability of public officers. The charter also created an anti-graft court called the Sandiganbayan, and gave rise to an investigation officer called the Tanodbayan. Under the new system, the Tanodbayan conducts the requisite investigation, and where proper, the Tanodbayan files the criminal case against the accused before the Sandiganbayan. A trial in the Sandiganbayan ensues where the accused is ultimately acquitted or convicted. If he is convicted, his only recourse is to the Supreme Court. This process was reiterated in the 1987 Constitution, with some slight

changes—the Tanodbayan became a special prosecutor, and the Tanodbayan’s basic functions under the old charter were vested in the Office of the Ombudsman the public reads about today. Under the law, anybody can file any anti-graft case against any government official with the Ombudsman. Exempted from this rule are officials who, under the Constitution, are unseated only by impeachment. Anyway, as a result of this open-ended invitation for the general public to file complaints against government officials throughout the country, the dockets of the Ombudsman were soon clogged. Moreover, the relatively few investigators in the Ombudsman were unable to cope with the heavy volume of cases filed with the agency. While many of the complaints filed in the Ombudsman are meritorious, there are just as many which are patently unmeritorious, or manifestly calculated solely to harass the respondent. This is seen in the number of complaints dismissed outright by the Ombudsman. Precisely because the public is encouraged to report graft in the government, the Ombudsman is unable to prevent the filing of unfounded complaints against innocent respondents. For instance, in 2014, two officials of the University of the Philippines in Manila were accused of graft for, among others, their refusal to renew the contract of a security agency which failed to protect campus officials against a violent mob which tried to attack them. Fortunately, the complaint against them was dismissed by the Ombudsman. Just recently, a discredited Bicol politician filed a

complaint for graft against former House Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella and his wife before the Ombudsman. Records reveal that the complaint is a mere rehash of two similar accusations dismissed by the Ombudsman back in August 2004 and in June 2012. While the complaint smacks of manifest harassment against the Fuentebella spouses, all that the couple can do in the meantime is to seek the outright dismissal of the complaint on the ground of prior adjudication. Although the complaint is dismissable, the damage to the Fuentebella couple has already been inflicted on them in terms of the inconvenience and embarassment that went with it. The Fuentebellas also stressed that the proximity of the complaint to the coming elections underscores the bad faith of the complainant who once sued his own father over local politics. It seems that all that an innocent respondent can hope for is a speedy dismissal of the complaint against him. In most instances, however, that is virtually impossible. Clogged dockets indicate that delays in the disposition of cases are inevitable. There are also disturbing reports about corrupt investigators who delay the investigation process for a consideration from either the complainant or the respondent. Indeed, justice delayed is justice denied, particularly when the respondent is innocent. The anxiety and the occasional sleepless nights that an innocent respondent is subjected to while his case remains pending with the Ombudsman are penalties by themselves. Thus, an innocent respondent whose

case is eventually resolved in his favor, but only after the lapse of several years, can only sigh and assign his misfortune to experience. Although the Office of the Ombudsman professes to apply the law evenly and swiftly on everybody, observers suspect favoritism on the part of the agency in the light of reports that high profile cases are either given top priority or allowed to slumber in the disposition process. According to a public interest advocate, a case he filed in the Ombudsman against a senator, pertaining to the senator’s unreported ownership of property in New York City, has been slumbering for years, and a case he filed against an excity vice mayor who publicly admitted having received P80 million in bribe money remains pending. The Ombudsman cannot require a complainant to pay a docket fee just to discourage unfounded complaints. Such a requirement is tantamount to making the right and the duty to report crime in the corridors of power dependent on one’s capacity to pay. It will also mean that criminal justice is for sale in this country. When Raul Gonzalez was Justice Secretary, he came out with a directive requiring complainants to pay a docket fee in criminal cases. The directive was so unpopular and objectionable that the DoJ later revoked it. This is the sad state of cases involving innocent respondents who are sued in the Office of the Ombudsman. Unless something can be done to solve this problem, the inevitable conclusion is that anyone who seeks public office should prepare to face harassment suits, especially when elections are just around the corner.

the provinces. They have to explain to the people what they can do to improve their lot. Who can give me food on the table, who can give me a job; and who can I run to for help? Popularity will not guarantee victory; answers to these questions can. *** The Aquino administration and the Commission on Audit must shed

light on the total amount of funds for rehabilitation donated by foreign governments and institutions for the victims of typhoon Yolanda. How much has been spent so far? Many Yolanda survivors are still living in tents and transitional quarters. Santa Banana, is it true that Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman has withheld the release of donated

funds kept in the bank accounts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development? My gulay, this is criminal. It seems that only Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, among the many candidates vying for a slot in the Senate, who is pressing for this. Is he the only one who has “malasakit”? Others have obviously forgotten the tragedy.

*** They say that social media wield a big influence on the outcome of the presidential and senatorial elections even if many of the posts are outright libelous, or at least baseless. I still believe, however, that print and broadcast media (radio and television) carry the biggest influence. Radio, especially, still the most effective for the masses.

plunder of public funds to the great prejudice of the Filipino people.” Danilo Hassan, who chairs ZeroTolerance, accused the former Speaker in a statement of misstating his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth in 2010 because his family has managed to accumu-

late wealth valued at about P186 million while in office. Hassan also took note in his statement of Fuentebella’s unaccounted PDAF outlays worth P11.36 million, an amount allegedly used to buy thousands of sacks of rice from the National Food Authority without

any official project proposal that ostensibly ended up in the hands of “ghost” beneficiaries. According to the CoA report, Fuentebella coursed a portion of his PDAF outlays to the Partido District Development Cooperative Inc. for a rice procurement project that ended up

in the hands of dummy or even “deceased” beneficiaries. “ZeroTolerance was informed that the distribution list contained fake signatures including some that belonged to deceased individuals,” Hassan said. Sounds like a job for Morales, to me.

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

TWO-CHILD POLICY IS TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE children. Meanwhile, a recent, limited opening in several cities WHEN Chinese leaders convene failed to turn up many urban this week for a four-day meet- couples interested in having a ing on the future of the country’s second child. The reasons aren’t unique economy, the biggest news might have to do with babies. Accord- to China: As societies become ing to reports in Chinese media, wealthier and concentrate in the government may be ready to cities, couples choose to have relax the notorious “one-child” fewer kids. A peer-reviewed policy, in existence since the late study from 2012 found that be1970s, and allow Chinese par- tween 2000 and 2005, urbanization accounted for a net decline ents to have two kids. This might seem like a rare vic- in fertility in all but three of tory for human rights in a coun- China’s provinces. The governtry where reproductive freedoms ment could try enforcing mahave long been restricted, and it ternity-leave policies better and is. But the government has a more providing more generous childpractical outcome in mind. Chi- care subsidies. But such policies na’s population of working-age haven’t really succeeded in Sinadults started shrinking in 2012, gapore or Japan, and there’s little and by 2050 the country will be reason to think that they’d work home to fewer than 1.6 workers any better in China. More drastic solutions are for every retiree, according to a 2013 report from the Paulson needed. Step one would be to Institute. That’s comparable to scrap population-control poliaging, slow-growth countries like cies altogether. Though total ferJapan and Singapore. In response, tility in China is in long-term the regime is hoping to spark a decline, lifting the cap on births entirely might at least encourage baby boom. Unfortunately, by this point, rural parents to produce more even a two-child policy may be kids. What China really needs to too little, too late. Most Chinese do, though, is the same thing Jaoutside the big cities can already pan’s struggled with for so long: have two, and sometimes more, import labor.

By Adam Minter

If bringing immigrants into the world’s most populous country sounds crazy, it’s not. China is already home to large immigrant communities, including several hundred thousand Africans (mostly traders) in Guangzhou, approximately 30,000 to 40,000 Arab traders in the trading hub of Yiwu, and hundreds of thousands of Americans, Japanese, and Europeans—many of whom work illegally as professionals and creatives—across the country. More pertinent perhaps are the increasingly large communities of Southeast Asian laborers who have begun working in southern Chinese factories as the supply of migrants from the countryside dries up. No reliable estimate of their numbers exists. But according to an August investigative report from Reuters, there are “at least 30,000” illegal workers in Dongguan, one of China’s best-known manufacturing towns, most of whom hail from Southeast Asia. (In the last four months, I’ve personally seen Burmese working illegally in recycling facilities in Guangdong province.) Chinese officials are reluctant to admit to the scale of the influx (likely because of the

corruption involved in bringing workers over the border), but state media concedes that the number of illegals has grown in recent years. The question is how to formalize and build upon a trend that’s already begun. In recent years, China has opened its doors to high-skilled immigrants. But like most East Asian countries, China isn’t a diverse place, and citizens and leaders alike remain suspicious of outsiders. Though a naturalization process exists, it’s rarely used except for cases of marriage or individuals perceived to have made major contributions to Chinese society. The chances of those rules being changed are slim. But China could take other less dramatic steps, starting with a temporary guest worker program targeting factory workers. In advance of the 2020 Olympics, Japan is trying something similar, allowing skilled construction workers into the country temporarily. China could target the lower end of the labor spectrum. Assuming that the government can establish an enforceable baseline standard for wages and conditions—a big if—a for-

mal work visa program might actually make China the destination of choice for Southeast Asia’s massive population of migrant laborers, most of whom work illegally in places such as Malaysia and Thailand. That would be a big advantage—Chinese companies would have their pick of labor—as Chinese factories increasingly compete against those in Southeast Asia. As factories grow more automated and the need for unskilled labor declines, the program could be expanded to service workers, from waiters to nurses. Like any largely homogenous country, China will struggle mightily with the idea of accepting a large influx of foreigners. But the relative tolerance with which expatriates and foreign workers appear to be treated currently suggests that at least some degree of formal immigration is possible. What the government needs to do first, though, is begin explaining to citizens why such a move might become necessary. That kind of education and outreach could one day be as important to China’s future as abolishing the hated one-child policy. Bloomberg

MAIL MATTERS MY ADMINISTRATION VIGOROUSLY PURSUED SHELTER PROGRAM I REFER to the column of Victor Avecilla in the 17 October 2015 issue of the Standard, wherein he wrote: “Mass housing woes worsened during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, and became widespread during the incumbency of President FVR....” As President Cory can no longer defend herself, suffice it to say that I was proud to be part of her Cabinet. During her term, our primary concern was to help stabilize and uplift our bankrupt country and people. With socialized mass housing but one of the urgent priorities

of governance, President Cory, despite her challenging stint at that time, still managed to generate some 268,249 units through the National Shelter Program. Through people empowerment, the FVR Administration aggressively pursued the NSP alongside other programs— elimination of Smokey Mountain as garbage dump-site and its development for on-site housing (Tondo); Mt. Pinatubo disaster resettlement (23 sites); relocation of squatters to Cavite from the Manila Bay reclamation area and danger areas like

The synod’s...From A9 challenges of migrants, refugees, the homeless, the itinerant people, the untouchables and those affected by illnesses that bear a social stigma. It also focuses on women, saying their dignity must be protected from all forms of discrimination and violence. Finally, Part 1 speaks about ecology, citing Laudato Si, as well as the biotechnological revolution in the field of procreation and the problems this raises. Part 2 is also not controversial, focusing on the vocation of the family. Church doctrines and familiar teachings are affirmed in this section: the indissolubility of marriage, responsible parenthood, the role of conscience, procreation, a positive view of adoption, and a rejection of contraception, sterilization and abortion. As expected, Part 3 of the synod document, on “Family and Pastoral Accompaniment,” is the most contentious section. Surprisingly, the issue of homosexuality turned out to be a non-issue, with an affirmation of Church teaching on samesex marriage and against discrimination of homosexuals. More positively, the syn-

Pasig River, other waterwaystributaries, and from various Metro Manila communities—in tandem with socialized housing projects for low-income earners. One year before stepping down, FVR’s Administration had generated some 943,462 housing units—a 350-percent increase from that recorded for the previous Administration. It should also be mentioned that the privatization of portions of the Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Air Base military reservations was not meant to deprive soldiers of their homes, as Mr. Avecilla seems to imply, but

od called for pastoral accompaniment of families with homosexual members. However, the issue of divorced and remarried Catholics was challenging. But in the end, the Synod Fathers took the necessary tough decisions. In particular, according to O’Connell, three paragraphs in the relatio (84, 85, and 86, all of which passed with the smallest margins) recommends the integration of divorced and remarried Catholics into the life of the church, including the possibility that they may, under certain circumstances, be allowed to receive communion. This is one but not necessarily the only conclusion can make from this crucial passage in paragraph 85, which was approved by a margin of only one vote: “It’s thus the duty of priests to accompany the people involved on the path of discernment according to the teaching of the Church and the guidance of the bishop. In this process it will be useful to make an examination of conscience, through moments of reflection and penance. The divorced and remarried should ask themselves how they behaved towards their children when their conjugal union went into crisis; if they made an effort at recon-

to (1) relocate to the provinces military units in Fort Bonifacio prone to be exploited by coup-plotters during the Cory Administration (i.e., Armor Brigade to Tarlac; Scout Rangers to Bulacan; Special Forces to Nueva Ecija), and (2) satisfy public needs such as a new Terminal III in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Further, original Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Air Base dwellers were relocated to either the AFP-PNP Housing Areas for those who availed of a lot only or to Pamayanang Diego Silang and Philippine

ciliation; what’s the situation of the abandoned partner; what consequences have the new relationship had on the rest of the family and the community of the faithful; [and] what example it offers to young people who have to prepare themselves for marriage. A sincere reflection can reinforce trust in the mercy of God that is not denied to anyone.” Paragraph 85 is complemented by the concept of the internal forum described in paragraph 86: “Conversation with the priest, in the internal forum, contributes to the formation of a correct judgment on what places an obstacle to the possibility of a fuller participation in the life of the Church and on the steps that can favor that participation and make it grow.” What is clear in the synod’s approach is that of discernment, as explained by Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schonborn. According to him, in the case of divorced and remarried Catholics, “there is no black and white answer, no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as some insisted, instead ‘it’s necessary to discern in each case’”. In this regard, Fr. James Martin SJ commented that discernment, as Jesuits like Pope Francis practices it, “relies on the

Centennial Village mediumrise housing with ready-tooccupy condo units. All these sites are situated along C-5 in Taguig City. AFP personnel who had been retired, but continued to occupy government quarters intended for active duty personnel only, were the ones requested to vacate—as stipulated in the contract they signed with the AFP Housing Board. This started in 2006—about eight years after FVR had stepped down as President. FIDEL V. RAMOS

idea that God can deal directly with us, through our inner lives.” According to Martin, “It is another encouragement to remind people, especially remarried Catholics, that an informed conscience is, as the Church has always taught, the final moral arbiter.” Now that the synod is done, the baton has been handed back to the Pope. Personally, I am for the approach that is the most merciful and compassionate, because I have always seen mercy and forgiveness as central to the truth and Catholic doctrine. But I trust Pope Francis. In his final speech to the synod, the Pope said that “the true defenders of doctrine are not those who uphold its letter, but its spirit; not ideas but people; not formulae but the gratuitousness of God’s love and forgiveness.” He also proclaimed that “The Church’s first duty is not to hand down condemnations or anathemas, but to proclaim God’s mercy, to call to conversion, and to lead all men and women to salvation in the Lord.” These are enough assurances for me. Facebook: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

US win is Lewis’ greatest moment AUSTIN—Newly-crowned three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton basked in the glory of emulating childhood hero Ayrton Senna on Sunday, describing his United States Grand Prix triumph as his “greatest moment”.

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates with the team in the pit lane he won the United States Formula One Grand Prix and the championship at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, United States. AFP

Benedicto, Kearny top Tri United 3 UNILAB Active Health’s August Benedicto displayed perseverance and determination to retain his title in last Sunday’s Tri United 3 from the ACEA Resort (Dungaree Beach) inside the Subic Bay Freeport to Alviera in Porac, Pampanga via the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway. The event organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by ULAH, was the toughest in this year’s series since its main contest covers roughly 113-kilometers in distance (1.9-k swim, 90-k bike, 21-k run). But even combined with the intense heat of the day, Benedicto was able to keep pace with teammate Benjamin Rana and early leader Ben Regan in the swim leg, before slowly pulling away in the bike and run stages for the Elite Male best time at 4 hours and 48 minutes. “I was behind a few competitors coming from the swim, but I managed to overtake them,” Benedicto said. “I’m very happy for winning today’s long-distance triathlon, which was very well organized.” Rana eventually lost steam down the stretch and finished third overall (5:07:23) behind CamSur Tri Team bet Billy Biag (5:04:16). Meanwhile, Katelyn Kearney was the lone Elite Female participant and went on to claim the title with her 7:17:15 time. The effort put in by the triathletes in the event supported by ULAH, Enervon Activ, Active Health Carb Gel, Enervon HP, NLEX-SCTEX Cycling, Orbea, Saucony, Weather Philippines, TIMEX, Gardenia, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Court Meridian Hotel and Suites and Oxford Hotel and Casino, were rewarded with P10,000, P6,000 and P4,000 cash prizes. Age Group, Team Relay and Team Competition titles were also handed out in this event that also drew the support of SwimBikeRun.ph, Multisports magazine, RaceDay and Spin. ph as media partners.

WBC: Cotto in phenomenal shape By Ronnie Nathanielsz WORLD Boxing Council middleweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico is in “phenomenal shape,” easily passing the the WBC’s 30-day weigh-in prior to his title defense against popular young Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and

Casino Events Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 21. The WBC website reported that Cotto stepped on the scale weighing 160.2 pounds, which is just two-tenths of a pound over the 160-pound middleweight limit. The special graduated pre weigh-in procedure is required by the WBC in order

to meticulously monitor the gradual losing of weight in a safe manner. The fight against Alvarez is expected to be a war in which Cotto will be making the second defense of the title he won after defeating Argentina’s Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, who retired in the 10th round on June 7, 2014.

Ababa, 2 others lead golf chase THREE leg winners, eight Thai aces and a slew of title hungry local bets, including 10 other amateurs, set out for a fierce battle right at the start of the P500,000 Manila Southwoods Ladies Classic today at Southwoods’ Legends course in Carmona, Cavite. Sherwood leg winner Sarah Ababa, Fil-Am Luisita stage champion Cristina Corpus and Korean amateur Hwang Min Jeong, who humbled the pro

field at Malarayat, all seek to come up with a strong start for the needed momentum to fuel their respective bids for a second title in the final leg of the eightstage circuit sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. “With too many foreign players, it will be tough but I’ll fight to the finish and hopefully, I’ll win again,” said Ababa, who drew Thai Saraport Chamchoi and amateur Annika Cedo in

the 7:30 a.m. Flight. Corpus, who skipped the Mt. Malarayat leg after beating a host of Thai players for her breakthrough win at Luisita, will start at 7:10 a.m. in the company of Lucy Landicho and amateur Koh Eu Na, also of Korea, while Hwang, who bested Cyna Rodriguez and local amateur ace Princess Superal in a thrilling finish at Malarayat last month, will play alongside Chihiro Ikeda and Sylvia Torres at 7:20 a.m.

As his Mercedes team celebrated all around him, soaking him in champagne, the 30-year-old Briton reflected on his role model status and his hopes and inspirations in the aftermath of an astonishing race and achievement. “This is the greatest moment of my life,” Hamilton told his team in the emotional moments after he crossed the line to add the 2015 title to those of 2008 and 2014. Later, he said he felt moved to have realised a dream in matching Senna’s achievement in winning three championships. “For me, that was the target,” he said. “I wanted to get the three that Ayrton had. He wasn’t from the same country as me, but he was the guy who inspired me as a youngster. “Now, I don’t know what is going to come next. There is nobody else I look to who I want to emulate and I feel like I’ve got the baton for myself and Ayrton and I will carry that on and see how far I can take it.” After feeling deeply emotional after the race, he told a news conference: “I’m so overwhelmed right now. I remember my first British Championship and when my dad drove me home. “We were singing ‘We Are The Champions’ in the car as we drove home. I owe so much to them -- my mum, my dad, my family for all that they sacrificed for me.” Hamilton’s father Anthony and family were not in Austin to see him win the race and take his third title, an absence that the champion addressed by sending messages to them at every opportunity. Asked about his dreams and his role, he said: “I want to encourage young kids. It is about the self-belief they have. “Hopefully this will inspire parents. I wanted to be Ayrton Senna or Superman when I was younger and I hope that they feel the same and don’t give up on their dreams. AFP

Sharapova wins 3-set marathon

Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts after winning the match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during the Women’s Tennis Association final in Singapore. AFP

SINGAPORE—Maria Sharapova won a threeset marathon against Agnieszka Radwanska as she shrugged off injury concerns and laid down a significant marker at the WTA Finals on Sunday. The Russian had not completed a match since the Wimbledon semi-finals after leg and forearm problems but she overcame some rusty play to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours 47 minutes. It could prove a useful work-out for the world number three as she bids to recover the title she won aged 17 on debut in 2004. Top-ranked Serena Williams has opted not to defend her title. Last year’s runner-up Simona Halep earlier destroyed Flavia Pennetta 6-0, 6-3 to also get off the mark in the Red Group round robin, with matches to come against Sharapova and Radwanska. “Matches like this, I think they take a few years out of your life. God knows what is happening with my hair. I think I lost half of it. It’s like I don’t even want it open this bun up because it’s just a disaster,” Sharapova said. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Wolves’ coach Saunders dead at 60 M I N N E A POLIS —Ph i l “Flip” Saunders, coach and president of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, died Sunday at age 60 after a battle with cancer, the team announced. Saunders won more than 1,000 games over a coaching career that spanned 35 years. As an NBA coach, Saunders went 654-594 with Minnesota, Detroit and Washington. Saunders announced in August that he was being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and that it was considered treatable. But he was hospitalized in September after complications following chemotherapy. The news came only a day after the Timberwolves revealed Saunders was too weak to coach the team at all in the upcoming season that begins next week. “It is with extreme sadness that the Minnesota Timberwolves today learned that Phil ‘Flip’ Saunders, who served as the team’s president of basketball operations and head coach, in addition to being a minority owner of the team, passed away today at age 60,” a club statement said. Sam Mitchell, a former coach of the Toronto Raptors, has guided the Timberwolves in the pre-season and will coach the club to open this season. After a decade coaching developmental-level teams, Saunders was given his first NBA coaching job with Minnesota in 1995 and spent a decade with the TWolves, guiding the team to the 2004 Western Conference final. But the next season, Minnesota started 25-26 and Saunders was fired in February as the T-Wolves missed the playoffs. Saunders was hired four months later to coach the Detroit Pistons and guided them to three consecutive Eastern Conference finals, including a club-record 64 wins in the 2005-06 season. AFP

Cavs favored as season starts WASHINGTON—Superstar playmaker LeBron James sparks the NBA’s highest-paid lineup in his quest of a long-sought title for his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers when the league opens its 70th season on Tuesday.

Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman (center) leads the ceremonial opening tipoff of the 5th DELeague Basketball Tournament Sunday at the Marikina Sports Center, together with former PBA stars Nic Belasco (left) and Ali Peek (right). Also gracing the occasion are (from left) Councilor Ruben Reyes, Vice Mayor Jose Fabian Cadiz, Councilor Joseph Banzon and Councilor Mark Albert Del Rosario of the Marikina City.

Hobe Bihon opens bid with a win TWO-TIME champion Hobe BihonCars Unlimited made short work of Mindanao Agilas, 98-66, to jumpstart its campaign in the 5th DELeague Basketball Tournament that opened on Sunday at the Marikina Sports Center, Marikina City. In the other game, Macway Travel defeated Austen Morris Associates, 83-79, to take an early lead in Group B. Hobe Bihon-Cars Unlimited, which topped the tournament backed by Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman in 2012 and 2013, was led by Rodrigue Edundo, who netted 16 points, seven rebounds,

four assists, one steal and one blocked shot. The team actually scored a double victory on Sunday as Kresna Galindez was also voted Best Muse in the opening ceremony of the league also supported by PSBank, Accel Sportswear and PCA-Marivalley. Jonathan Pareños netted 11 points and Rene Pacquiao scored 10 for the Agilas. Meanwhile, Paul Santiago collected 21 points, six rebounds and five assists to pace Macway Travel Stalions. Former pro player Nic Belasco, on the other hand, finished with 12 points and six boards for

Austen Morris Associates. The league, also sponsored by Mckie’s Construction Equipment Sales and Rentals, Luyong Panciteria, Azucar Boulangerie and Patisserie, JAJ Quick Print, Mall Tile Experts Corporation, Jay Marcelo Tires, Polar Glass and Aluminum Supply and Mr. and Mrs. Dot Escalona, returns today with another double-header as Macway Travel and Philippine National Police collide in the first game and inaugural season champion Sta. Lucia Land Inc. clash with Philippine Christian University in the main game. Tickets are pegged at only P10.

Air Force,Navy crowned volley champs PHILIPPINE Air Force Team B won the men’s division title and the Philippine Navy Team B bagged the women’s division crown in the third leg of the Tanduay Rhum Beach Volleyball Invitational held last Saturday at the sand-courts of the Cantada Sports Center in Taguig City. The sports center has two sandcourts (outdoor and indoor) to accommodate the simultaneous holding of competition for men and women.

PAF Team B’s Mike Abria and Arvin Avila defeated PN Team B’s Madsain Nut Amin and Roldan Medino in three sets in the men’s finals, 15-21; 22-20; 16-14, to secure the title. Philippine Navy’s Team B’s Pau Soriano and Norie Jane Diaz made short work of UP’s Vina Alinas and Arielle Estranero in two sets in the women’s finals—21-18 and 21-13, for the crown. The regularly scheduled beach

volleyball tournaments are supported by sportsman Bong Tan and Tanduay. As in all beach volleyball events conducted by Joe Cantada Sports in coordination with the Philippine Volleyball Federation, all participants, officials and guests were treated to complimentary breakfast, lunch and snacks. Tanduay mixed fruit drinks were also generously served. There were no entry fees.

But the $115 million squad will be challenged to lift the trophy next June by a handful of top foes, most notably the team that scuttled their championship dreams four months ago, the Golden State Warriors. Opening night features Cleveland at Chicago and Golden State unfurling a championship banner against visiting New Orleans. The Cavaliers remain nagged by injuries as they were in the final, only this time it’s 30-year-old James with a sore back who is questionable. “We feel like we’re progressing really well and if we can continue to do that, then I’m optimistic I’ll be able to go,” James said. “I’m trying to listen to the training staff and not be hard headed, and I’m going with them.” Plenty is expected from James this season as Las Vegas oddsmakers have made the Cavaliers 5-2 favorites to claim the title and 53.6 percent of NBA general managers think the Cavaliers will win the crown. “All the predictions and prognostications, it doesn’t mean a whole lot,” Cavaliers coach David Blatt said. “Certainly we can be a contender, but beyond that? I don’t think we’ve got the right to talk too much about more than that. “We’re not even talking about that right now. We’re talking about how we can get everybody on the same page, get all our players back, work hard and try to make day-to-day progress. What we’re really concerned with is just becoming a good team right now.” James made his fifth NBA Finals appearance in a row last June, the first four with the Miami Heat before jumping back to the club he spurned in 2010 for the South Florida sun. The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and two-time champion was undone by injuries to teammates, unable to carry the team to glory, and injuries still weigh upon Cleveland four months later. AFP

Rizal Tech, Miriam, St. Paul keep titles RIZAL Technological University, Miriam College and St. Paul College Pasig retained their volleyball titles, while De La Salle Zobel seized a fifth consecutive midget basketball crown during the 46th WNCAA championship weekend at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. RTU had to go through five sets in both Games 1 (25-14, 25-17, 2125, 17-25, 15-13) last Oct. 17 and 3 (15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 15-13) last Sunday en route to the seniors championship. SBCA inflicted RTU’s first and only loss in 11 games this season during Saturday’s Game 2, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21. Also winning for the second straight season are St. Paul in the midgets’ division and Miriam in

the juniors’ level. In basketball, DLSZ dominated the midgets’ division for the fifth straight year. The Junior Archers dropped Game 1 to St. Paul last Oct. 17, 42-36, but swept their next two matches, 37-32 and 36-30. Sabina Alyssa Bobier topscored for DLSZ with 16 points, while Most Valuable Player Carly Kaye Monreal added 11. Bobier and Monreal were joined in the Mythical Five by St. Paul’s Julienne Estrelle Galgana, Eriel Raven Lacanlale and Rafaella Maxine Almeda. Chiang Kai Shek College also shared the spotlight in juniors basketball, sweeping DLSZ in two games, 63-50 and 75-67, to regain

the championship they last held two seasons ago. Centro Escolar University, seeking a fifth straight seniors’ crown, and RTU will resume their duel on Nov. 8 as both squads have to attend to school commitments first. CEU took Game 1, 64-55. RTU added the seniors futsal crown to its collection by beating host Philippine Women’s University, 2-0, while DLSZ bagged the juniors’ division title in 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.

Season MVP Eula Marie Ugalde of San Beda College Alabang and Finals MVP Shana Marie Costillas of Rizal Technological University (third and fourth from left) are flanked by WNCAA officials (from left) Yolanda Co, Ma. Vivian Manila and Ma. Angelica dela Cruz.

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Melindo, Villanueva headline Pinoy Pride 34 By Ronnie Nathanielsz TWO ALA Gym fighters, who were victims of seriously questionable decisions in International Boxing Federation world title fights, are eager to get back with a vengeance when they battle Mexican opponents on “Pinoy Pride 34” at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu City on Nov. 28. The 27-year-old Melindo, who has a record of 32-2 with 12 knockouts, faces hard-hitting Carlos “Divino” Fontes of Mexico in a World Boxing Organization International junior flyweight championship bout, while super flyweight King Arthur Villanueva clashes with Victor “Spock” Mendez, another Mexican slugger in a battle for the World Boxing Council International super flyweight title fight. Of the two ALA boxers, Villanueva was the

Work it. A Chargergirl cheerleader of the San Diego Chargers performs during an NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. AFP

clearly more aggrieved as he appeared to be beating Puerto Rico’s McJoe Arroyo in an IBF world title fight in El Paso, Texas on July 18, when the referee, who had deducted a point from him in the sixth round after he suffered a cut over the right eye, which worsened as the bout progressed, stopped the fight in the 10th round with the three judges scoring the fight for Arroyo by unbelievably lopsided margins. Villanueva, who won the vacant IBF International title with a split decision win over Henry Maldonado in Dubai on Sept. 5, 2014, is determined to take his frustrations out on his Mexican opponent. That’s the same attitude of Melindo against the 26-year-old Fontes, who has a record of 21-3 with 17 knockouts and is coming off a fifth-round TKO of Roberto Lopez, a veter-

an of 59 fights last Sept. 26. Fontes lost in a battle for the WBC Silver title when he yielded a ninthround technical decision to power-punching Luis Concepcion, who dropped him in Rounds 5 and 7. The 27-year-old Melindo, who boasts of a 32-2, 12 KO record, is aching to recover from his sixthround technical decision loss to Javier Mendoza in an IBF light flyweight title bout after the Filipino, who was cut over the left eye, was deducted a point in Round 6, while the referee stopped the fight when Mendoza was cut over the left eye and the judges awarded the win to him. Melindo was also penalized for low blows in Rounds 4 and 5 and was further disadvantaged on the scorecards and is grimly determined not to allow it to happen again in his WBO International junior flyweight championship.

Moment of truth for Knights By Peter Atencio

THEY have waited for 10 long years, but the Letran Knights, inspired by their 9490 victory over the San Beda Red Lions in Game 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball finals, will enter the Mall of Asia Arena hard-court with no less than a victory in mind that would end the school’s title drought. The Knights will be men on a mission when they play at 4 p.m. against their arch-rivals, who are

as determined to avenge the loss and continue their quest for an unprecedented sixth straight men’s

basketball championship. In Game 1, the Knights clearly outplayed the Red Lions in the endgame after three quarters of back and forth action of never giving an inch against the taller and the more experienced San Beda side. Perhaps coming as an added motivation and inspiration was the presence of boxing idol Manny Pacquiao on Letran’s bench. The boxing champion reportedly joined the team at the dugout before the game, and later treated the entire team to a sumptuous din-

ner after the victory. by San Beda’s three-point “Pangalan pa lang, moti- upmanship, making 12 of vation na sa mga bata. When 29 three-pointers, while the he entered the dugout, sa Knights buried 11 out of 24 mukha ng bata, tries from the Games Today nakita ko, elated same area. 2, MOA Arena) sila. Lagi kasi 2 p.m.(Game But it was in San Beda vs Arelano (jrs) nauudlot ang 4 p.m. San Beda vs Letran (srs) the endgame pagpunta niya. where the So, they were motivated by Knights had the better of his presence. Nandu’n kasi the Lions, as Kevin Racal ang suporta niya,” said Le- scored a crucial drive and tran coach Aldin Ayo. Rey Nambatac drove to the Still, it was the Knights’ basket to seal Letran’s win. consistency from the longAside from Racal, three court and their tough de- other Knights scored in fense that turned the team’s double digits –Nambatac fortunes in the game. Le- had 18 points, Mark Cruz tran refused to be cowed added 17 and McJour Luib

chipped in 16. San Beda coach Jamike Jarin, meanwhile, took the blame for the loss, although he remains upbeat going into Game 2. “I coached badly. So it’s my fault,” said Jarin. “But the good thing about it is we have Game 2. We’re going to have another game on Tuesday.” Jarin added that it was actually their turnovers which contributed to the loss in Game 1. “We need to take care of the ball and I need to coach better,” said Jarin.

Cone won’t push panic button, yet Airmen down Sailors, close in on semifinals By Jeric Lopez by Star and trailed as many as 31 points in a lethargic first half showBEING the seasoned veteran coach that ing in its season opener last Sunday he is, Barangay Ginebra’s Tim Cone before eventually falling, 86-78. Ginebra’s legion of fans were knows that it is too early for the Gin Kings to push the panic button in the 41st anxious throughout their team’s debut performance in the Philippine Philippine Basketball Association. Despite a terrible performance in Cup as the Gin Kings were never in their debut game against his former it from start to finish. Cone wants the Ginebra fans to team Star, the new Ginebra mencalm down despite the tor remains calm and Games Wednesday setback as he is concomposed as he thinks (Smart Araneta Coliseum) that it is just a learning 4:15 p.m. - NLEX vs. Barako Bull fident that the team curve for the Gin Kings 7 p.m. - Meralco vs. San Miguel has the ability to settle down and be better as as they are only starting to find their way around each other it continues to familiarize itself with each other as the conference goes. and their overall play. “I’m still in the process of figuring “It’s not the start we wanted, but it’s just one game for us,’’ said a still out the right combinations and who optimistic Cone. “We’re looking at to play on certain situations. What we the big scheme of things for us and have to do is be better each time. HopeI believe we have a really good team fully, we can continue what we’re working on and get better as soon as we can that can improve as we go.’’ Still obviously unfamiliar with its at the right time,’’ said Cone. The silver lining for Ginebra in new system, Ginebra got clobbered

that opening loss was the burly play of twin towers Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter. It was evident that they are Ginebra’s focal point of offense now and they did not disappoint with Slaughter scoring a game-high 28 points and Aguilar not far behind with 26 markers. Cone expects the two to continue what they’re doing for Ginebra as they will carry most of the heavy load for the Gin Kings. “It shows their capabilities. The offense is directed to them and they’ll have the opportunity to put up big numbers,’’ he said. However, the systematic coach wants a lot more from his backcourt in order for Ginebra to finally get going. “It’s still a 50-50 offense. We also need some contributions and plays from our backcourt. Our guards got to be able to contribute and that falls on me as well.’’

AIR Force razed down Navy with its top Navy spiker failed to draw other power game and combination plays double-digit outputs from the rest and came away with a 25-21, 25-21, with Razzel Palisoc finishing with 25-18 victory to zero in on the first seven hits and Jayson Sapida and Edgardo Rusit adding semifinal berth in the Spikers’ Turf Season Games tomorrow (Wednesday) five points each. The victory was Air 1 Reinforced Confer- 1 p.m. – Air Force vs Sta. Elena 3 p.m. – Navy vs PLDT Force’s third straight ence at The Arena in 5 p.m. – Cignal vs IEM following a pair of fourSan Juan late Sunday. set escapes over InstituThe Sailors actually put up superb blocking all game, to Estetico Manila and Cignal with the producing nine, but just couldn’t Airmen moving one win away from completely neutralize the Airmen, formalizing their stint in the semis in who finished with 44 attack points the single round robin elims among six teams in the season-ending conferagainst their rivals 27. Rodolfo Labrador led Air Force’s ence of the league presented by PLDT attack with 14 hits, including 12 Home Ultera and backed by Mikasa. kills, while Ruben Inaudito added 10 Air Force also leaned Jessie Lopez’s and Jeffry Malabanan and Nino Je- solid playmaking skills, finishing with half of the team’s 32 excellent sets, 19 ruz each chipped in seven markers. Nur Amin Madsari outhit Lab- more than Navy’s 13-set effort that inrador with a 15-point effort but the cluded 12 from Paul Junio.

T UE S DAY : O CTO B E R 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Torre falls to WIM Frayna in Day 3 IN-form Woman International Master Janelle Mae Frayna outplayed reigning champion and Grandmaster Eugene Torre in the third round late Sunday to lead a pair of shock upset victories in the 2015 Battle of Grandmasters-National Chess Championship at the Philippine Sports Commission, RMSC, Vito Cruz Manila. Standings after three rounds (Match Point System) Open Division—Bitoon, Frayna, Pascua, Docena 4 points, Antonio 3, Turqueza, Laylo, Torre, Abelgas 2, Gomez 1. Women’s—Fronda 5, San Diego, Mendoza, Lozano 4, Perena-

Secopito 3, Enriquez, Bernales, Suede 2, Pineda, Membrere 1. The 19-year-old Frayna, a graduating student at Far Eastern University, forced Torre to commit a series of weak moves in the middle game, and outwitted Asia’s first GM in the knight-bishop endgame.

In the end, Torre raised the white flag after 67 moves of their Catalan game as Frayna was set to gobble up an unprotected middle pawn, while nursing another potential pawn for promotion in the a-file. Frayna, who has two draws and a win so far, now needs only to score three points (or six points under the Match Point scoring system) to officially clinch a third WGM norm to achieve WGM-elect status with still 10 rounds to go in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission. Frayna’s shock win gave her four points in a tie with GM Richard Bitoon, IM Haridas Pas-

cua and Jerad Docena under the match-point system, where a win is assigned two points, a draw 1 points and a loss, 0 point. Qualifier Haridas Pascua hacked out the other upset win, a 43-move dismantling of third seed GM Joey Antonio in their Sicilian match. The loss dropped Antonio into solo fifth with 3 points, while Torre stayed with 2.0 points along with Turqueza, GM Darwin Laylo, IM Paolo Bersamina and NM Roel Abelgas. Bersamina and Abelgas both lost their matches, against Bitoon and Docena, respectively. GM John Paul Gomez is at the bottom with 1.0 ponts. In the women’s side, defending

In-form De Asis, Baran rule Pintaflores net tourney

Kent Lao (center) of University of Santo Tomas splits the defense of University of the Philippines’ Jett Manuel (left) and Cheick Kone in a UAAP men’s basketball tournament game won by the Tigers, 83-76, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. BROSI GONZALES

PH Superliga introduces video challenge system WOMEN’S volleyball action is only about to Ariel Usher who erupted for 36 points built get even more intense as the Philippine Su- on 29 kills, five blocks and one ace in their 26perliga formally introduces the video chal- 19, 24-26, 25-23, 25-17 victory over RC Colalenge system when unbeaten Cignal clashes Air Force over the weekend. with reigning champion Petron and Foton But it won’t be a walk in the park for the tangles with RC Cola-Air Force today in the HD Spikers as the Blaze Spikers are also 2015 PSL Grand Prix at The serious in making a strong Arena in San Juan. run in the second round of The Tordanoes battle the this tournament which stakes Games Today: (The Arena, San Juan) Raiders at 4:15 p.m., while the a ticket to the AVC Asian 4:15 p.m. -- Foton vs HD Spikers try to keep their Women’s Club ChampionRC Cola-Air Force immaculate slate intact when 6:15 p.m. -- Cignal vs Petron ship in Manila next year. they face the Blaze Spikers in Adding more excitement the 6:15 p.m. featured encounto the heated battle will be ter of this prestigious inter-club tournament the unveiling of the video challenge syspresented by Asics and backed by Milo with tem -- a state-of-the art volleyball techSenoh, Mueller and Mikasa as technical part- nology that allows competing teams to ners and TV5 as official broadcaster. challenge questionable calls during the After re-tooling its roster in the off-season, game through the help of 16 high-definiCignal has been regarded as the team to beat tion cameras that will be beamed through after sweeping the first round with five con- a giant LED screen to be installed at the secutive victories, thanks to American import venue.

champion WIM Catherine Perena-Secopito fell against fellow WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, while Asian junior champion Mikee Charlene Suede also dropped her match aganst WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego. The loss dropped Perena-Secopito out of the lead and ceding it to Frona, who now has five points, followed by San Diego , Shanie Mae Mendoza and Arvie Lozana with four points apiece. Perena-Secopito stayed with three points, while Karen Jean Enriquez, Suede and Christy Lamiel Bernales each have two points. Judith Pineda and Brena Mae Membrera bring up the rear with a point each.

Muay thai, fun run at PSA Forum THE sport of muaythai and a special runfest for a cause highlight today’s discussion in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate. The muaythai event will be about the SAFC Southeast Asia Fighting Championships, with National Muaythai Kickboxing Council of the Philippines match maker Larry Buluyan, secretary general Emmanuel Cabrera Jr., and presidentpromoter Master Emmanuel Sabrine talking about the matter in the 10:30 a.m. session. With them in the forum aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., are the people behind this year’s edition of the Tempra Run against Dengue, led by Tempra marketing manager Cleo Roda Nodado and Matt Ardina of Subterranean ideas.

KIANA de Asis logged another two-title romp while Karl Baran salvaged a victory in the boys’ 16-and-under class in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Pintaflores Festival age-group tennis tournament at the San Carlos City Tennis Center in Negros Occidental last Monday. De Asis endured three grueling threesetters to snare the hotly disputed girls’ 14-U diadem, edging Kim Galanza, 4-1, 2-4, 10-6, in the quarters, nipping Bliss Bayking, 3-5, 4-1, 10-6, in the semis, before the top La Carlota bet thwarted Shyryn Salazar, who booted out top seed Tracy Llamas, 4-1, 4-2, in the Final Four, via a thrilling 7-6 (5), 5-7, 10-7 victory in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and held in conjunction with Pintaflores Festival celebrations. De Asis, who also romped off with a pair of wins in Pontevedra and Panaad the last three weeks, repeated over Salazar, 6-0, 6-1, to bag the 16-U crown in the four-day tournament presented by Technifibre. But local ace Bayking foiled De Asis three-title bid, winning the centerpiece 18-U plum with a tough 6-7(5), 6-3, 10-7 triumph in the Group 5 tournament which also served as a prelude to the Pintaflores Festival Open Championship featuring the country’s leading players this week, also at the San Carlos Tennis Center. For details, call Bobby Mangunay, PPSPEPP organizer and sports program development director at 0915-4046464. “While Kiana won two titles again, she needed to toughen up in the 14-U finals while the other results ended in cliffhangers, underscoring the level playing field that has been the norm in all our tournaments,” said Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro. Baran, also from La Carlota, posted a 4-0 (ret.) win over Reynan Mahusay to clinch the 16-U title but fell short of his bid in the 18-U finals, dropping a heartbreaking 4-6, 6-2, 11-9 setback to unranked Ryle Singson of the host city.

LOTTO RESULTS 6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

P0 M+ P0 M

T U E S D AY : O C T O B E R 2 7, 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 Aldridge joins Big 3’s possible last ride WASHINGTON—Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli haul their aging bodies back for another punishing NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs in what could be Big Three’s last stand. But combined with newcomer LaMarcus Aldridge from Portland and rising star Kawhi Leonard, a solid supporting cast and US sport’s longest-tenured coach in Gregg Popovich, the Spurs might just be a threat for their second title in three seasons next June. Duncan, a 39-year-old power forward, has sparked San Antonio to NBA titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014 with French point guard Parker, 33, and Argentine reserve

guard Ginobili, 38, joining him in the past four championship runs. The Spurs also boast Leonard, the 2014 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and 2015 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Aldridge, who has averaged more than 21 points a game over the past five seasons, could be the pivotal playmaker in what promises to be a new generation of San Antonio success. “You have certain guys you go to—Manu, Tony and Timmy were

7 col x 10 cm

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LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs boxes out against the Phoenix Suns during a preseason game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. AFP

the three guys for most of their career,” Popovich said. “It shifted from Timmy to Manu and Tony. Now it shifts a little bit towards Kawhi, a little bit towards LaMarcus. But you can’t forget about Timmy, Manu and Tony.” Duncan has averaged 19.5 points and 11.0 rebounds a game for his career but last season had 13.9 points and 9.1 rebounds and was involved in only 22.2 percent of Spurs’ plays, a career low. Even with that, he improved his shooting percentage to remain a more versatile threat. Parker has 16.9 points, 5.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds a game while has Ginobili contributed 14.3 points, 4.0 assists and 3.8 re-

bounds over his career. Those averages dropped last season, but only as contributions grew from such teammates as Danny Green, who took less money to stay with the Spurs, and Australian Patty Mills, who became a 3-point threat off the bench. Add Aldridge and David West, who snubbed a richer deal from Indiana for a chance to join the Spurs, and its no wonder a team with 18 50-win seasons in a row looks likely to stretch that streak. “The pressure is all on ‘Pop’ now,” Parker said. Duncan must change his game There is some truth there, as Popovich must blend the young and old, work the newcomers into his style

and split up the minutes so players are fit and on form when the playoffs arrive, just about the time Duncan turns 40. “My role has changed a little bit this year. I’m trying to figure that part of it out,” Duncan said. “But it’s fun to be with the guys that I’ve been with for so many years and some new guys that I’m learning.” That means a transition to less of a scoring role and more of a supporting one. “You have to try not to fight it,” Duncan said. “We all want to do what we’ve always done. But you have to understand what’s best for the team. It’s about accepting that, finding your niche and your new role.” AFP

TUESDAY: OCTOBER 27, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

China rate cut positive for PH PSe comPoSite index Closing October 26, 2015

8000 7700 7400 7100 6800 6500

7,324.40 88.02

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing OCTOBER 26, 2015 43.50 44.60 45.40

P46.540

46.20

47.00

HIGH P46.680 LOW P46.530 AVERAGE P46.607

By Julito G. Rada

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said Monday emerging economies, including the Philippines, will benefit from the latest move of China’s central bank in cutting its cost of borrowing for the sixth time this year. Tetangco said the benefits could come in the form of capital inflows to countries with strong macroeconomic fundamentals such as the Philippines. “To the extent, the moves of the Chinese authorities would ease fears of an abrupt slowdown in Chinese economic growth and support Chinese corporate balance sheets, these should be good for global market confidence,”

Tetangco said in a text message Monday. “Although markets will continue to look for the necessary structural reforms that would sustain domestic demand and the other sources of growth of the Chinese economy. In the near term, we may see some rebalancing of flows toward US assets as well as to EMEs that have strong macroeconomic fundamentals,”

Tetangco said. The People’s Bank of China reduced the cost of borrowing for the sixth time this year, resulting in an increase in stock prices in Asian markets. Related story on B3 The latest move took place after China released official figures showing that the economy’s annual growth rate slowed down in the third quarter. Tetangco said with these developments, local monetary authorities would remain on their toes and continue to monitor developments to “see if there is need to adjust stance of policy.” Bangko Sentral said in its thirdquarter inflation report external headwinds emanating from the slowdown in the Chinese economy and uncertainty surrounding the US interest rates lift-off had contributed to an increase in investor risk perception and a

consequent search for safe-haven assets. The Philippine equities market saw dampened activities, with the benchmark index falling by 6.1 percent in the third quarter, relative to the preceding quarter. The economic slowdown in China was one of the global developments that monetary authorities in the Philippines took into consideration before they arrived at the decision of maintaining the benchmark interest rates on Sept. 24. Bangko Sentral’s Monetary Board kept the key policy rates at 4 percent for overnight borrowing and 6 percent for the overnight lending in its last meeting. The board considered the weakness in the global economy and the continuing uncertainty in the global financial markets.

VOLUME 539.500M

P417.00-P640.00 LPG/11-kg tank P35.85-P43.35 Unleaded Gasoline P24.55-P28.00 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P20.75-P21.75 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, October 26, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.4540

Japan

Yen

0.008238

0.3827

Pound

1.530800

71.1118

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129032

5.9941

Switzerland

Franc

1.021033

47.4311

Canada

Dollar

0.758840

35.2512

Singapore

Dollar

0.715564

33.2408

Australia

Dollar

0.721709

33.5263

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656395

123.4002 12.3993

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266916

Brunei

Dollar

0.713012

33.1223

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000073

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.028082

1.3045

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

12.6495

Euro

1.101500

51.1691

Korea

Won

0.000883

0.0410

China

Yuan

0.157480

7.3156

India

Rupee

0.015419

0.7163

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236855

11.0029

New Zealand

Dollar

0.674582

31.3370

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030803

1.4309 Source: PDS Bridge

Costa Coffee in Taguig.

Costa Coffee, a British coffee chain, opens a new branch at the ground ﬂoor of One World Place along 32nd Street in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Shown during the opening ceremony are (from left) Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. president and chief executive Robina Gokongwei, Taguig City property administrator George Bocobo, football player Phil Younghusband, Taguig City vice mayor Ricardo Cruz Jr., football player James Younghusband, Daiichi Properties Inc. senior vice president Charmaine Uy and Costa Coffee Philippines general manager Corinne Miligan. MANNY PALMERO

BDO’s net income climbed 5.4% to P17.6b in nine months BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender controlled by tycoon Henry Sy, said Monday net income rose 5.4 percent in the first nine months to P17.6 billion from P16.7 billion a year ago, on double-digit growth of loans and deposits. BDO said in a statement it achieved the growth despite the challenging operating environment this year. “BDO’s lending operations picked up pace with a 19-percent

increase in gross customer loans to P1.2 trillion, on sustained growth across its target markets,” the bank said. “Likewise, the bank’s total deposits rose by 12 percent to P1.6 trillion, led by the 16-percent hike in low-cost deposits. As such, net interest income rose by 12 percent year-on-year to P41.8 billion,” BDO said. The third-quarter results incorporated the completion of BDO’s acquisition of One Net-

work Bank in July this year, adding over P20 billion to BDO’s total loans and deposits. The bank’s fee-based service income contributed P13.9 billion to non-interest income, followed by trading and foreign exchange income at P6.3 billion. Overall, BDO’s gross operating income went up by 11 percent to P65.6 billion. BDO said despite increased business volumes and sustained branch expansion, it managed

the growth of its operating expenses at 11 percent. BDO said it prudently managed its balance sheet and set aside provisions amounting to P2.7 billion. Gross non-performing loan ratio stood at 1.2 percent compared to 1.4 percent a year-ago while NPL cover settled at 182 percent, after the consolidation of ONB. The bank’s total capital increased to P192 billion, with both the capital adequacy ra-

tio and common equity Tier 1 ratio remaining above the regulatory minimum under the Basel III framework at 13.4 percent and 11.4 percent, respectively. BDO completed the acquisition of Davao City-based One Network Bank Inc. in July this year. ONB, the largest rural bank in the country in terms of assets, has 105 branches and microbanking offices in Mindanao and Panay Island. Julito G. Rada

TUESDAY: OCTOBER 27, 2015

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Monday, october 26, 2015

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59

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

2.7 46.7 107.50 84.30 40.4 2.50 1.26 15.74 19.82 7.70 750.00 0.600 83.25 0.98 18.42 54.00 103.9 299.6 30.55 142.9 1560.00 57.00

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 148 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 79 3.95 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 32 15.32 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 8.61 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 34.1 2.3 1.63 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 161 4.1 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons. Asiabest Group C. Azuc De Tarlac Century Food Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab Federal Res. Inv. Group First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp. Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ SPC Power Corp. Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

42.6 1.65 0.9 1.61 11 95.00 16.98 24.9 43 2.58 1.76 9.98 10.200 7.70 6.97 7.61 1.69 12.46 26.7 72.2 11.76 13.02 5.96 2.610 207.60 34.00 2.13 3.99 41.50 24.3 25 6 320.00 4.4 7.25 4.5 11.50 3.57 2.00 2.6 4.09 141.5 4.19 2.24 0.171 1.22 2.23 204 4.55 0.68 1.15

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 3.68 4.92 0.66 1455 76 6.5 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 1.15 2.26 0.152 837 49.55 3.43 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 4.5 0.030 0.550 2.26 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

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

0.410 57.7500 18.00 6.48 0.255 0.255 774 7.45 12.60 4.06 3.65 3.80 0.260 1322 73.00 4.02 6.89 0.86 12.34 0.53 5.23 8.8 0.0340 1.920 2.84 48.50 2.93 885.00 1.20 0.81 107.800 0.3300 0.2330 0.330

10.5 26.95 1.99

6.74 12 0.65

8990 HLDG 6.520 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 7.60 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.70

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

SHARES 16,702,939 82,804,253 145,612,379 175,286,860 191,257,414 762,183,655 1,377,839,730

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.2 2.8 50 46.7 109.00 103.50 85.70 84.90 40.8 40.4 2.46 2.40 1.68 1.30 15.6 15.5 20 19.86 8.30 7.70 760.00 755.00 0.620 0.600 87 84 0.95 0.94 18.72 18.50 54.30 53.50 104 101 300 298 31.9 30.65 146.2 142.4 1560.00 1540.00 56.50 57.50 INDUSTRIAL 42.85 41.75 1.79 1.65 0.92 0.9 1.66 1.61 11.6 10.82 98.95 98.95 16.98 16.86 25 23.8 43.05 43 2.61 2.53 1.8 1.75 9.98 9.85 10.540 10.26 8.10 7.70 7.02 6.93 7.83 7.63 1.7 1.66 12 11.8 27 26.6 74.55 72.2 11.76 11.76 13.10 13.10 6 5.95 2.660 2.540 208.20 207.00 49.35 35.50 2.1 2 3.8 3.7 41.50 40.00 24.55 24.2 25.35 24.65 6.2 5.88 323.00 313.00 4.52 4.4 7.39 7.25 4.54 4.5 11.48 11.06 3.58 3.55 2.04 1.99 2.65 2.4 4.11 4.10 142 141 4.01 4.01 2.22 2.16 0.178 0.170 1.25 1.20 2.28 2.19 207.4 204.6 4.55 4.55 0.69 0.67 1.26 1.15 HOLDING FIRMS 0.410 4.000 58.2000 57.1000 18.60 18.40 6.50 6.40 0.260 0.250 0.26 0.255 790 776 7.69 7.46 13.00 12.80 4.19 4 4.05 3.99 3.80 3.80 0.265 0.255 1369 1321 76.00 73.20 4.01 3.91 7.2 6.92 0.88 0.82 12.5 12.1 0.55 0.53 5.39 5.23 8.89 8.79 0.0340 0.0320 1.960 1.920 2.73 2.71 48.50 47.80 2.69 2.69 900.00 892.50 1.21 1.21 0.80 0.77 107.700 104.300 0.3350 0.3300 0.2390 0.2300 0.335 0.320 PROPERTY 6.600 6.500 8.12 8.12 0.71 0.70

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3 49.35 103.80 85.25 40.4 2.46 1.46 15.6 19.98 8.30 760.00 0.620 86.2 0.95 18.58 54.30 103 300 31.35 143 1540.00 57.00

11.11 5.67 -3.44 1.13 0.00 -1.60 15.87 -0.89 0.81 7.79 1.33 3.33 3.54 -3.06 0.87 0.56 -0.87 0.13 2.62 0.07 -1.28 0.00

526,000 66,500 2,919,360 3,655,280 50,100 17,000 3,008,000 16,400 156,300 1,000 160 637,000 3,275,310 305,000 185,300 50,730 660 3,570 268,500 526,840 325 114,020

42.65 1.66 0.92 1.62 11 98.95 16.9 24.6 43 2.56 1.78 9.97 10.500 7.90 7.00 7.68 1.66 12 26.6 74 11.76 13.10 5.96 2.540 207.00 35.50 2 3.8 40.40 24.45 24.8 6.18 313.00 4.52 7.25 4.54 11.48 3.58 2.00 2.5 4.10 142 4.01 2.18 0.173 1.25 2.21 206 4.55 0.69 1.20

0.12 0.61 2.22 0.62 0.00 4.16 -0.47 -1.20 0.00 -0.78 1.14 -0.10 2.94 2.60 0.43 0.92 -1.78 -3.69 -0.37 2.49 0.00 0.61 0.00 -2.68 -0.29 4.41 -6.10 -4.76 -2.65 0.62 -0.80 3.00 -2.19 2.73 0.00 0.89 -0.17 0.28 0.00 -3.85 0.24 0.35 -4.30 -2.68 1.17 2.46 -0.90 0.98 0.00 1.47 4.35

3,749,700 156,000 239,000 571,000 4,200 130 29,300 533,000 95,800 1,057,000 591,000 72,100 16,661,500 11,778,600 16,005,700 629,700 36,000 3,200 2,126,700 509,960 4,000 2,200 118,000 1,843,000 510,030 500 36,000 32,000 22,000 607,500 203,800 41,500 726,870 552,000 940,300 35,000 6,100 79,000 199,000 1,513,000 6,332,000 3,100 20,000 44,000 7,530,000 124,000 2,769,000 2,099,470 3,000 974,000 544,000

0.405 57.1000 18.50 6.40 0.250 0.255 784 7.66 12.86 4.19 3.99 3.80 0.255 1360 75.00 4.01 7.1 0.86 12.1 0.53 5.28 8.89 0.0320 1.950 2.72 48.35 2.69 896.00 1.21 0.80 107.700 0.3300 0.2340 0.320

-1.22 -1.13 2.78 -1.23 -1.96 0.00 1.29 2.82 2.06 3.20 9.32 0.00 -1.92 2.87 2.74 -0.25 3.05 0.00 -1.94 0.00 0.96 1.02 -5.88 1.56 -4.23 -0.31 -8.19 1.24 0.83 -1.23 -0.09 0.00 0.43 -3.03

510,000 1,146,840 10,042,800 42,700 1,100,000 100,000 391,930 3,008,200 5,229,700 176,000 18,000 1,000 840,000 188,685 3,787,290 16,000 4,914,000 1,922,000 3,596,300 811,000 40,779,000 2,352,700 57,700,000 1,024,000 7,000 424,800 3,000 325,530 20,000 173,000 13,020 1,490,000 300,000 1,570,000

6.500 8.12 0.71

-0.31 6.84 1.43

952,400 3,000 822,000

59,630.00 873,540.00 -34,217,219 55,561,287.50

145,462.00 37,750.00 67,200.00 85,422,690.00 238,130.50 -2,500,300 21,071,721.00 69,450.00 -20,622,735.00 49,500.00

52 Weeks

High Low 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 8.54 31.8 2.29 21.35 1.06 1.62 8.59

0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 2.69 22.15 1.6 15.08 0.69 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.09 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 3.32 2.53 95.5 1 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 18 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 0.63 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 8.72 0.041 1.200 6.5 1.91 1.01 3.1 0.650 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 8.8 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

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

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN APC Group, Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp. 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 0.440 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 0.2160 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’ Lepanto `B’ 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

-29,426,264.00

70 553 515 8.21 12.28 111

33 490 480 5.88 6.5 101

-9,458,040.00

1047 84.8

1011 75

1.34

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F Swift Pref

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

-243,382.00 3,994,700 -59,198.00 133,988,060.00 39,649,312.00 -27,739,275.00 -3,031,579.00 -6,670,160.00 -8,522,631.00 -47,040.00 26,200.00 -105,090.00 9,138,740.00

62,250.00 4,451,275.00 19,691,548.00 2,453,520.00 -336,109.00

30,600.00 3,386,150.00 -37,180.00 6,480.00 3,201,120.00 235,199,566.00

12,905,501.00 -51,934,408.00

8,351,075.00 2,413,784.00 40,233,714.00

88,234,270.00 69,381,161.00 11,826,273.00 -19,951,606.00

-33,797,835.00 -252,821.00

-1,675,697.00 24,360.00

Makati Fin. Corp. IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.220 0.201 0.215 36.900 36.000 36.550 3.58 3.5 3.56 5.15 5.1 5.15 0.61 0.59 0.61 0.94 0.93 0.93 1.06 1.06 1.06 0.134 0.130 0.130 0.590 0.550 0.550 22.15 21.5 21.75 0.910 0.890 0.890 0.161 0.161 0.161 1.14 1.13 1.13 1.78 1.75 1.76 1.31 1.29 1.29 4.85 4.74 4.79 0.095 0.088 0.093 8.64 8.35 8.43 31.90 30.10 31.20 1.55 1.52 1.55 23.20 22.35 22.40 0.72 0.74 0.75 1.110 1.020 1.020 5.840 5.480 5.770 SERVICES 8.21 8.5 8.21 8.43 64.65 65.2 64.55 64.85 0.590 0.590 0.570 0.590 28 28 28 28 6.69 7.00 6.82 6.86 0.0540 0.0570 0.0540 0.0560 3.75 3.86 3.7 3.85 86.75 88.1 86.75 87.4 9.51 9.5 9.5 9.5 5.93 6.00 5.90 5.98 2328 2380 2350 2372 6.86 7.17 6.86 7.02 1.20 1.23 1.20 1.23 81.3 88.5 82 87 11.4 11.42 11.4 11.42 0.184 0.185 0.182 0.183 1.4200 1.4500 1.4000 1.4400 8.78 8.90 8.78 8.78 3.48 3.60 3.47 3.52 1.25 1.31 1.15 1.19 31.50 35.00 32.50 32.00 0.580 0.610 0.640 0.580 2 2 2 2 4.01 4.17 4.02 4.06 0.295 0.300 0.290 0.295 0.970 1.030 0.900 0.920 9.5 8.92 8.92 8.92 99.90 100.00 100.00 100.00 20.35 20.35 19.90 20.25 2364.00 2430.00 2382.00 2400.00 0.570 0.570 0.560 0.560 1.200 1.220 1.180 1.190 35.95 36.50 36.10 36.25 76.00 79.20 76.00 78.00 6.52 6.64 6.31 6.35 5.40 5.75 5.57 5.70 0.46 0.49 0.45 0.48 4.34 5 4.34 5 0.350 0.355 0.350 0.355 4.150 4.140 3.950 3.990 MINING & OIL 0.0051 0.0050 0.0048 0.0048 2.33 2.33 2.15 2.20 5.90 6.14 6.05 6.10 0.205 0.210 0.206 0.210 0.81 0.84 0.77 0.8 0.64 0.66 0.65 0.66 8.63 9.30 8.65 9.09 1.03 1.05 1.01 1.03 0.320 0.360 0.315 0.340 0.193 0.195 0.190 0.194 0.208 0.205 0.205 0.205 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.011 0.120 0.110 0.012 2.28 2.62 2.32 2.57 8.77 8.98 8.68 8.8 3.25 3.3 3.19 3.26 0.6400 0.6300 0.6000 0.6000 1.4100 1.5000 1.4200 1.4800 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 4.00 4.00 3.96 4.00 5.37 5.570 5.020 5.40 1.360 1.37 1.38 1.380 0.0130 0.0140 0.0130 0.0140 133.50 137.60 133.50 135.90 2.37 2.39 2.29 2.37 0.0083 0.0083 0.0083 0.0083 PREFERRED 66 66.5 65.9 66 515 515 513 513 518 518 518 518 6.75 7.09 6.78 7.02 1.12 1.13 1.13 1.13 109 109.6 109.5 109.5 1050 1052 1052 1052 1035 1030 1030 1030 82.75 82.75 82.7 82.75 79.2 79.1 79.05 79.1 79 78.9 78.5 78.5 79.95 80 80 80 2.9 2.98 2.98 2.98 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.000 3.090 2.900 3.030 SME 2.97 2.85 2.78 2.78 61.35 60.06 60 60 15.7 15.92 15.48 15.78 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.2 120.1 118.3 119.7

-4.44 3.54 2.01 1.98 3.39 -6.06 3.92 0.00 0.00 1.16 0.00 -0.62 0.00 1.73 -1.53 1.27 3.33 -2.66 3.83 1.31 -1.10 2.78 -5.56 5.48

370,000 14,197,000 2,681,000 125,000 5,231,000 9,000 2,000 4,260,000 30,309,000 1,396,100 491,000 100,000 4,383,000 17,034,000 69,000 49,068,000 1,120,000 119,000 7,732,300 409,000 13,530,000 1,847,000 2,339,000 16,667,800

2.68 0.31 0.00 0.00 2.54 3.70 2.67 0.75 -0.11 0.84 1.89 2.33 2.50 7.01 0.18 -0.54 1.41 0.00 1.15 -4.80 1.59 -4.92 0.00 1.25 0.00 -5.15 -6.11 0.10 -0.49 1.52 -1.75 -0.83 0.83 2.63 -2.61 5.56 5.49 15.21 1.43 -3.86

159,000 106,430 238,000 600 8,508,300 22,500,000 1,120,000 716,370 10,000 699,900 81,835 1,057,400 22,000 2,717,730 17,000 1,040,000 942,000 451,500 822,000 46,000 32 244,000 8,000 28,421,000 2,070,000 32,083,000 100 40 77,700 267,255 2,013,000 7,206,000 4,840,600 1,867,480 7,884,500 25,471,000 27,370,000 7,631,000 90,000 1,030,000

-5.88 -5.58 3.39 2.44 -1.23 3.13 5.33 0.00 6.25 0.52 -1.44 0.00 9.09 12.72 0.34 0.31 -6.25 4.96 0.00 0.00 0.56 -0.72 7.69 1.80 0.00 0.00

284,000,000 -5,000.00 166,000 284,400 14,043.00 50,000 1,158,000 -52,820.00 585,000 483,500 -473,926.00 13,606,000 -1,245,540.00 10,080,000 272,450.00 1,000,000 830,000 311,100,000 92,200,000 4,654,000 -1,596,000.00 10,190,000 7,103,472.00 445,000 6,200.00 499,000 48,980.00 100,000 -1,490.00 4,700,000 25,000 1,873,200 -722,257.00 206,000 34,230.00 9,000,000 657,680 17,421,928.00 54,000 2,370.00 14,000,000 -16,600.00

0.00 -0.39 0.00 4.00 0.89 0.46 0.19 -0.48 0.00 -0.13 -0.63 0.06 2.76

1,061,670 2,000 80 219,100 12,000 35,800 100 200 114,310 5,100 102,610 164,750 1,000

1.00

120,000

-6.40 -2.20 0.51

160,000 2,070 3,824,300

1.27

5,860

12,145,350.00 6,043,800.00 -125,000.00 -65,500.00 362,250.00 -6,654,880.00 -760,600.00 871,750.00 65,310,000.00 701,660.00 31,269,610.00 -55,800.00 16,902,615.00 -21,800.00 -10,670,190.00 -64,785.00

6,058,697.00 995,787.50 1,486,800.00 -117,064,220.00 34,713,643.50 2,900.00 2,186,884.00 -28,400.00 9,650.00 -89,449,930.00 14,860.00 406,885.00 178,957,710.00 -1,339,600.00 4,089,820.00 23,338,039.50 -4,436,242.00 153,973.00 -8,030,100.00 -3,395,560.00

-67,308,587.50

78,500.00 -2,201,600.00

3,881,690.00

T op L oSerS

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,588.88 (UP) 3.53 INDUSTRIAL 11,581.65 (UP) 41.67 HOLDING FIRMS 6,737.22 (UP) 90.76 PROPERTY 3,100.09 (UP) 54.77 SERVICES 1,826.44 (UP) 44.00 MINING & OIL 11,796.52 (UP) 179.45 PSEI 7,324.40 (UP) 88.02 All Shares Index 4,203.15 (UP) 42.51 Gainers: 116; Losers: 70; Unchanged: 32; Total: 218

0.225 35.300 3.49 5.05 0.59 0.99 1.02 0.130 0.550 21.5 0.890 0.162 1.13 1.73 1.31 4.73 0.090 8.66 30.05 1.53 22.65 0.72 1.080 5.470

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,092,406,615.249 1,513,303,595.50 1,909,246,709.598 1,508,129,129.28 2,053,689,028.35 256,315,087.768 8,394,665,394.745

Low

Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Bright Kindle Resources

1.46

15.87

Seafront `A'

2.69

Travellers

15.21

Makati Fin. Corp.

2.78

-8.19 -6.40

Marcventures Hldgs., Inc.

2.57

12.72

Omico

0.6000

-6.25

AG Finance

11.11

Phil. Racing Club

8.92

-6.11

F&J Prince 'B'

3.99

9.32

LMG Chemicals

-6.10

Manila Mining `B'

0.012

9.09

City & Land Dev.

0.93

-6.06

Filipino Fund Inc.

8.30

7.79

Abra Mining

0.0048

-5.88

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0140

7.69

Pacifica `A'

0.0320

-5.88

I.C.T.S.I.

7.01

Apex `A'

2.20

-5.58

Anchor Land Holdings Inc.

8.12

6.84

Suntrust Home Dev. Inc.

1.020

-5.56

TUESDAY: OCTOBER 27, 2015

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

Stocks climb; ICTSI rallies

AXA corners. AXA, the global leader in insurance, and the pioneer of bancassurance in the Philippines, launches the AXA Advisory Corners

to strengthen its presence in the branches of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. nationwide. The service pods allow customers and bank clients plan and secure their financial future. At the launching at the Metrobank branch in GT Tower International are (from left) Metrobank president Fabian Dee (fifth from left), Metrobank branch support center head Susan Niere (seventh from left) and Metrobank head office branch head Triccie de Leon (ninth from left).

San Miguel to finish Naia toll road in May By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said Monday it may complete the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway toll road in either April or May yet because of right-of-way problems. San Miguel Holdings Corp. chief finance officer Raoul Eduardo Romulo said in an interview at the sidelines of the 41st Philippine Business Conference right of way problems had delayed the project by 12 months. The Naia Expressway project was originally scheduled to open this month. Romulo said the project could be further delayed because of

work stoppage during the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Conference in November. “We will endeavor to make it April or May,” Romulo said. “But with the Apec they [government] are making us stop work for entire seven days. The impact of that in real time is 13.5 days. But with out catch up plan, we will be able to reduce the 12-month delay

by six months,” he said. The Naia Expressway is about 40 percent complete. The P15.52-billion Naia Expressway project is a four-lane, 7.15-kilometer elevated expressway that aims to provide easy access to and from the three Naia terminals and link the Skyway and the ManilaCavite Toll Expressway. The project will interconnect the South Luzon ExpresswaySkyway to the Cavitex, Macapagal Boulevard and the Entertainment City of state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. San Miguel Holdings is facing ROW problems in a number of key areas, including Villamor Airbase, Naia Road, Tambo and locations along the Quirino to Roxas

Boulevard stretch, which government has not delivered so far. Alec Cruz, head of tollway project of San Miguel Holdings, earlier said the ROW issues had made it “very difficult” to complete the project before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Manila. He said the Public Works Department must deliver about 20 percent to 25 percent of the ROW requirements to complete the project by October. “We’d also like to ask for the cooperation of utility companies such as Meralco [Manila Electric Co.], the telecommunications companies and businesses in the area whose facilities need to be relocated to make way for the construction,” Cruz said.

THE stock market rallied Monday as investors welcomed China’s latest cut in interest rates ahead of this week’s policy meeting, but analysts warned the move indicates further weakness in the world’s number two economy. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 88.02, or 1.2 percent, to 7,324.40 on a value turnover of nearly P8.4 billion. Gainers beat losers, 116 to 70, with 32 issues unchanged. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the biggest telecommunications firm, climbed 1.5 percent to P2,400, while major property developer Ayala Land Inc. surged 3.5 percent to P36.55. JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei rose 2.7 percent to P75, while unit Robinsons Land Corp. advanced 3.8 percent to P31.20. International Container Terminal Services Inc., the largest port operator, jumped 7 percent to P87, while Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, climbed 3.5 percent to P86.20. Meanwhile, China’s move—the sixth reduction since November— realized hopes for further monetary easing, but Premier Li Keqiang tempered the mood by indicating China’s economy could grow less than seven percent this year. Emerging-market currencies also retreated as the latest announcement led to concerns about the Chinese outlook, a week after official data showed the economy expanded in the third quarter at its slowest pace for six years. Global markets suffered a mauling in July-September on worries about China as well as an expected US rate rise. However, with the Federal Reserve now showing signs it will delay any monetary tightening until next year, October has seen a healthy rally across equities and higher-risk assets. On Friday, the People’s Bank of China cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points and lowered the reserve ratio requirement—the amount of cash banks must keep in reserve. The two moves should free up cash. With AFP

Banks’ total deposits rose by 7.3% to P6.8t in July—BSP report By Julito G. Rada TOTAL deposits of banks, one of the steady sources of funds for the banking system, grew 7.3 percent or P0.5 trillion to P6.8 trillion at the end of July this year from a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilpinas said in a report released Monday. “The Philippine banking system remains solid. Banks’ balance sheets were marked by a sustained growth in assets and deposits,” the bank regulator said. The growth in deposits recorded in end-July was, however, was slower than the 8.2-percent expansion posted in the previous month.

Savings and demand deposits expanded 9 percent and 12.3 percent, respectively. Time deposit declined marginally by 0.2 percent or by P4.2 billion during the review period, the Bangko Sentral said. “Asset quality indicators also continued to improve, while capital adequacy ratios remained above international standards, even with the implementation of the tighter Basel 3 framework,” it said. Meanwhile, foreign currency deposits owned by residents grew 9.6 percent year-on-year to P1.4 trillion. The report also said the increase in the resources of the banking

system slowed down significantly to 8.6 percent to P11.5 trillion as of end-June 2015 relative to the 18.7 percent growth a year ago. “However, the second-quarter growth was a mild deceleration from the previous quarter’s 8.7 percent owing to the reduced pace in bank lending,” it said. Universal and commercial banks accounted for 90 percent of the total resources of the banking system. Banks’ total resources as percentage of the gross domestic product remain steady at 88.8 percent. The number of banking institutions’ head offices fell to 638 as of end-June from the 664 a year ago. It was also lower than the 646

in the first quarter this year. The Bangko Sentral said the decrease was an indication of “continued consolidation of banks as well as the exit of weaker players in the banking system.” By banking classification, banks consisted of 36 universal and commercial banks, 70 thrift banks, and 532 rural banks. The operating network (head offices and branches/agencies) of the banking system expanded to 10,528 in the second quarter from 10,120 offices in the same period last year. It was also higher than the 10,456 in the first quarter. The banking system’s gross non-performing loan ratio as of end-June improved to 2.4 percent

from the 2.7 percent a year ago and 2.5 percent in the first quarter. “Banks’ initiatives to improve their asset quality along with prudent lending regulations helped maintain the GNPL ratio to a level below its pre-Asian crisis at 3.5 percent,” the Bangko Sentral said. “Compared with the previous quarter, the second-quarter GNPL ratio reflected the combined effect of the GNPL decline by P0.6 billion, from P141.4 billion in the first quarter to P140.8 billion in the second quarter, and the banking system’s total loan portfolio expansion by P155.7 billion, from P5.7 trillion in the first quarter to P5.9 trillion,” it said.

Nexus’ awards. Microsoft Philippines honors Nexus Technologies Inc. with three awards – Microsoft Partner of the Year, Licensing Solution Provider of the Year and Cloud Partner of the Year for Azure – during the Microsoft Partner Awards Night. Nexus product manager Aying Ramos (center) and assistant vice president Paolo Salonga accept the awards for Nexus. With them are Nexus president Juan Chua (eighth from left) and vice president for sales Alfonso Olondriz and Microsoft executives (from second left) developer experience director Joel Garcia, enterprise and partner group director Deon Del Mundo, managing director Karrie Ilagan, marketing and operations director Cian O’Niell, small and mid-market solutions and partners director Eileen Ong, public sector director Ferdie Saputil and consumer channels group director Jerry Bongco.

Meralco’s profit rises to P16.1b By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co., the country’s largest power retailer, said Monday consolidated net income grew 13 percent year-on-year in the first nine months to P16.1 billion, despite the weaker profit in the third quarter.

Meralco said core net income also rose 11 percent in the nine-month period to P15.8 billion. Core net income excludes the effects of foreign exchange gains or losses, mark-tomarket adjustments and other one-time exceptional transactions. “Given our performance to date and the outlook for the rest of the year, we expect to achieve our consolidated core net income guidance of P18.5 billion for the full year

2015,” Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters. Meralco, however, said core net income in the third quarter dropped to P4.15 billion from P4.4 billion a year ago, while net income declined to P4.4 billion from P4.671, because of lower distribution rate. The lower interim average rate implemented at the start of the fourth regulatory period on July 1, 2015 resulted in a lower average distribution rate of P1.52 per kWh for the nine-month period compared to P1.63 per kWh in 2014. Meralco president Oscar Reyes said total volume of electricity distributed grew by almost 5 percent, on strong demand from all customer classes on account of new customer connections, particularly residential and commercial, increased economic activities and benign inflation. Reyes said the strong volume growth was due to new customer connections, which grew 4 percent; and higher demand across all customer classes, particularly residential and commercial, six0year record high tempera-

ture of about 36 degrees Celsius; and record high peak demand of 6,298 MW in August 2015. He said sales volumes increased across all customer classes with the residential and commercial segments growing at around 6 percent each. Industrial segment was up 3 percent. The energy sales mix consists of commercial segment accounting for 40 percent share in sales; and residential and industrial segments accounting for 30 percent, each. Reyes said increased sales of real estate, retail trade and hotel and entertainment industries contributed to the larger portion of the increase in commercial sales. The growth in sales volume in September alone was 8 percent, the third highest growth in the first nine months. Increased production in the food and beverage, basic metals, and electricity, gas and water industries in anticipation of the December holiday season boosted industrial sales volumes.

Confiscated fake products decrease 83% to P1.4b By Othel V. Campos THE value of counterfeit products confiscated by authorities in the first nine months dropped 83 percent to P1.4 billion from P8 billion collected in the same period last year, on stronger enforcement of antipiracy measures. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines said while the country was moving at the right direction in addressing the pressing problem of fake and counterfeit items, the amount of seized products started to taper, as more focus was given to piracy issues. “We cannot use figures from seizure as barometer to determine our effectivity as an enforcing agency. Nevertheless, what-

ever the figures indicate, we are still doing our job and we hope to correct the people’s conception about counterfeiting,” IPOPhl deputy director general Alan Gepty said Monday at the sidelines of the anti-piracy seminar at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City. Several agencies including the Bureau of Customs have yet to submit their reports on seized items, he added. The agency said unlike 2014, when the agency intercepted branded luxury wrist watches, the list this year involved mostly garments, apparels, shoes, backpacks and counterfeit medicines. Gepty said that on top of seized goods, enforcing agencies should be able to translate the incidence of raids and onsite seizures into criminal and civil cases.

The Philippines was cited as one of the world’s biggest enforcers of anti-counterfeiting measures in June 2015. The Philippines’ removal from the United States Trade Representative Special 301 Watch list, in two consecutive years now, was a boost to the country’s morale to continue its anti-piracy efforts, he said. Gepty said his agency managed to enhance inter-agency cooperation and the rigorous campaign against counterfeiting and piracy. He said in the next few years, the agency would focus on educating the public not only on the dangers and serious concerns of patronizing counterfeit products but also for the public to know what the intellectual property

system could offer to them. Gepty said the IPOPHL initiatives on enhancing the legal and judicial enforcement of intellectual property rights as well as a speedy and cost-effective resolution of IP conflicts were also a big boost in the IP system. Convictions on IPR cases have increased since the passage of the Supreme Court rules of procedure for intellectual property rights cases that govern civil and criminal actions for violations of intellectual property rights lodged before regional trial courts designated as special commercial courts in 2011. The agency said since then, there were 36 cases of convictions from 1,071 criminal cases and 186 civil cases filed in courts.

MB closes Benguet rural bank By Julito G. Rada THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, placed the Benguet-based Rural Bank of Buguias Inc. under the custody of Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. on Oct. 22 this year because of the lender’s unhealthy financial condition. Rural Bank of Buguias became the 11th rural bank closed by the board this year. As receiver, the state-run PDIC took over the bank on Oct. 26. Rural Bank of Buguias is a sixunit rural bank with head office in Abatan, Buguias, Benguet. Its five branches are located in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur; Kabayan and La Trinidad towns in Benguet; and Bauko and Tadian towns in Mountain Province. Latest available records showed that as of June 30, 2015, Rural Bank of Buguias had 16,244 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P347.4 million. Total insured deposits amounted to P303.1 million or 87.2 percent of total deposits. Prior to Rural Bank of Buguias, the Monetary Board earlier ordered the closure of 10 rural banks because of unsound financial condition. These were the Bukidnonbased Xavier-Punla Rural Bank Inc., the Batangas-based Farmers’ Rural Bank Inc., Rural Bank of Taysan (Batangas) Inc., the Surigao-based Siargao Bank (A Rural Bank), Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon), Community Rural Bank of Magsaysay

T U E S D AY : O C T O B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 5

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

Smart, Globe to offer iPhone 6s Unleashing the Werewolf UBUNTU 15.10 a.k.a. Wily Werewolf was released last week, but don’t expect any gutwrenching, shirt-ripping transformations. Moving up from 15.04 (Vivid Vervet), Wily offers mostly bug fixes and incremental improvements. Upgrading from Vivid to the latest version using the Update Manager was smooth and painless and took about two hours. The time required may vary depending on the speed of your Internet connection. When my PC rebooted after the upgrade, the only hint that I was using a new operating system was a watermark at the bottom of the startup screen. Then, I was taken back to the comfortable familiarity of my customized XFCE desktop so that I could resume where I had left off. Even those who use Ubuntu’s default Unity interface won’t see much of a change on the surface. The new official wallpaper in the now-familiar purple-to-orange motif looks suspiciously like the one that came with 15.04—although Wily comes with a set of new community-designed wallpapers that are pretty striking. The Unity Desktop, which has undergone a slight update to Version 7.3.2, has learned a few new tricks. Now you can drag and drop applications from the Unity Dash to the desktop to create shortcuts, and navigate through Dash results using Page Up/Down on the keyboard. If you pay close attention, you’ll also find that Unity’s overlay scrollbars have been replaced by ones that expand when you mouse over them to give you a somewhat larger area to grab. I normally disable the overlay scrollbars because I prefer ones that don’t disappear and reappear. Unfortunately, the tried and tested methods for disabling the scrollbars that worked in previous versions of Ubuntu (such as Ubuntu Tweak Tool, Unsettings or Dconf-editor) no longer seem to work on Wily. If the scroll bars really bug you, don’t fret—just install a different desktop like XFCE or Mate and use it instead of Unity. Under the hood, Wily uses the new Linux 4.2 kernel, which brings better hardware support, including a new AMD driver for the newer Radeon graphics processors, and F2FS (Flash-Friendly File System) encryption support. Compiz, the window manager that drives the Unity Desktop, has been updated to Version 0.9.12.2, with various fixes and improvements. The core applications that come with Ubuntu have also been updated, including Firefox, which has gone up to Version 41, and Chromium, to Version 45. LibreOffice, Ubuntu’s default office productivity suite, has been bumped updated to 5.02. Other applications that have received updates are the Ubuntu’s file manager, Natuilus; its default video player Totem; its music player Rhythmbox; its image viewer, Eye of GNOME; its messaging program Empathy; and its photo manager, Shotwell. Most of the packages from the GNOME stack have been updated as well to Version 3.16, including Font Viewer; Screenshot, System Monitor, Calculator, GNOME Contacts and Clocks. These changes notwithstanding, 15.10 can be seen as a transitional release in preparation for 16.04, which will likely include drastic changes, including Unity 8, which is already in use on Ubuntu Phone and other touch-screen devices; and Mir, a new display server that will replace the X Window System. The combination of these two elements is supposed to bring about a convergence of Ubuntu desktop systems and Ubuntu touch-enabled phones and tablets, but could also bring short-term instability on the desktop. Jack Wallen, writing in TechRepblic, notes that “things will start getting really interesting, as the Unity 8/Mir combination finally comes to fruition.” “At that point, all bets are off,” he writes. “When 16.04 is released, the desktop will drastically change, and all of that amazing stability we’ve enjoyed for years might well be chucked out the window... at least for a while.” If all that sounds a bit daunting, you don’t have to upgrade to 16.04 when it’s released next year. In fact, it might be safer to simply stick it out a little longer with the rather staid Werewolf, until all the kinks have been worked out for its successor. Column archives and blog at: http://www.chinwong.com

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE country’s two largest mobile phone providers said Monday they will offer the latest iPhone models starting next month. Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. will offer the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus beginning Nov. 6. Customers can pre-register now for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus at smart.com.ph/iphone for Smart and at www.globe.com. ph/iPhone6s for Globe.. Apple announced it sold more than 13 million new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models just three days after launch in September, a new record for the company. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus were launched in more than 40 countries including Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain and Taiwan on Oct. 9.

The new iPhones will be available in over 130 countries by the end of the year. “Sales for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have been phenomenal, blowing past any previous first weekend sales results in Apple’s history,” said Apple chief executive Tim Cook. The latest Apple smartphones-iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus-bring a powerful new dimension to iPhone’s revolutionary multi-touch interface with 3D Touch, which senses how deeply the users press the display, letting them do essential things more quickly and simply. The new iPhones also introduce

Live Photos, which bring still images to life, transforming instants frozen in time into unforgettable living memories. Live Photos, 3D Touch, 12-megapixel iSight camera, 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash and more are powered by the Apple-designed A9 chip, the most advanced chip in a smartphone, delivering faster performance and great battery life. The two smartphones are designed with the strongest glass on any smartphone and 7000 series aluminum, the same alloy used in the aerospace industry, in metallic finishes that now include rose gold. Aplle’s iOS 9, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, brings more intelligence to iPhone with proactive assistance, powerful search and improved Siri features, all while protecting users’ privacy.

International exhibitors. Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo (second from left), along with Export Marketing Bureau director Senen Perlada (left) and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions executive director Rosario Virginia Gaetos (right), guides Sri Lanka Export Development Board deputy director Anoma Karalliyadde (second from right) in a walk-through during Manila FAME at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Karalliyadde facilitated the participation of eleven Sri Lankan companies in the International Hall of the Manila FAME. The International Hall is a business venue that aims to bring together international exhibitors from Asia Pacific and Asean countries.

Valencia quits as chief of Roxas Holdings By Anna Leah E. Gonzales ROXAS Holdings Inc. president and chief executive resigned from the company, considered the largest sugar producer in the country. Roxas Holdings said in a disclosure to the stock exchange incumbent chairman Pedro Roxas would take over as interim president and chief executive until the board of directors appointed a permanent replacement. Valencia has served as director of RHI since Sept, 24, 2004 and was appointed group president and chief executive on Dec. 1, 2011. The company said under Valencia’s watch, RHI instituted changes across all its plants in support of the group’s vision to become a globally-competitive industry player. Meanwhile, Roxas assured the company would continue to enhance the operations of all its plants in Nasugbu, Batangas; La Carlota and San Carlos in Negros Occidental.

“RHI is focused on its vision to become a globally-competitive player. We will continue to implement the needed changes to ensure excellence in all aspects of our organization,” Roxas said. Roxas Holdings is considered the largest integrated sugar business in the Philippines, with close to a century of experience. It manages Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. in Nasugbu, Batangas; and Central Azucarera de la Carlota Inc. and Roxol Bioenergy Corp. in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental. It also holds a 45-percent stake in affiliate Hawaiian-Philippine Company in Silay, Negros Occidental. Hong Kong-based conglomerate First Pacific Co. Ltd. early this year took majority control of Roxas Holdings. The First Pacific group led by businessman Manuel Pangilinan controls 50.9 percent of Roxas Holdings. First Pacific’s investment boosted Roxas Holdings’ total equity to P8.63 billion from P6.93 billion.

TUESDAY: OCTOBER 27, 2015

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

LRMC keen on Dasmariñas line By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Light Rail Manila Consortium of Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is interested in the contract to build the P65.09billion LRT Line 1 extension to Dasmariñas from Bacoor, Cavite. “For the convenience of the Cavite commuters, I think that line is very welcome to them and of course we will be interested because it will enhance the economics of our line... if that line will be built,” LRMC president and chief executive Jesus Francisco said. The project, approved by the board of the National Economic and Development Authority, is a 19-kilometer railway from Niyog, Bacoor, which is the terminus of the P64.9-billion LRT 1 Cavite Extension, to Dasmariñas City. The proposed LRT Line 6 would have seven stations, namely Niyog, Tirona, Imus, Daang Hari,

Salitran, Congressional Avenue and Governor’s Drive. LRMC earlier won the contract to build the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project. Under the concession, LRMC will assume the operations and maintenance of the existing 20-kilometer LRT1, and construct the 11.7-kilometer extension of the rail line southward from the Baclaran station to Bacoor, Cavite. The consortium will build eight new stations after Baclaran. These include Aseana, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Piñas, Zapote and Niyog. The project will increase the

span of LRT 1 from 20.7 kilometers to 32.4 kms, and provide commuters from Cavite and other parts of Parañaque and Las Piñas access to central Manila. The project is expected to start by October 15 and should be operational within 54 months, or by May 2019. MPIC, through Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., owns 55 percent of LRMC, while AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. of Ayala Corp. holds a 35-percent stake. Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Inc. owns remaining 10 percent. The LRT Line 1 extension will increase the length of LRT 1 from 20.7 km. to 32.4 km., and provide commuters from Cavite and other parts of Parañaque and Las Piñas access to central Manila. The government will acquire the right-of-way for the project, the satellite depot, and procure 120 light rail vehicles that will be financed through a grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

IT-BPO Summit. Globe Telecom Inc. senior advisor for products and services within the IT enabled services group Mike Sy presents the company’s initiatives for mastering a new intelligent network that can benefit enterprises. The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines celebrated the record revenues of the local IT and business process management industry during the 7th International IT-BPO Summit.

MDGs wind up; Enter the SDGs ONE day in September 2000, a little more than two years into his Presidency, Joseph Ejercito Estrada joined numerous other heads of state in affixing his signature to a United Nations Declaration called the Millennium Declaration, which gave birth to the Millennium Development Goals, a fifteen-year (2000-2015) campaign to bring about a 50 percent reduction in extreme poverty in the developing world. The MDGs came to a close last month. This year we were in the “last two minutes” of the MDG program. If it were a basketball game, a loudspeaker would have been blaring out “Last two minutes.” In basketball, the announcement that there are only two minutes left in the game would be received with a frenzied effort on a team’s part to score enough points to wipe out a deficit and post a win. That was not the case with regard to the last two months of the MDG game. As far as one can see, the Philippine government pulled down the shutters on the MDG campaign early in 2015. Hardly anyone in the government, official or otherwise, talked about the MDGs anymore. Yet as already stated, the program still had until September 2015 to run. That’s the downside of long-term programs. When a program is very long term, enthusiasm wanes and boredom sets in as the long period progresses. Whatever fire and focus there was at the outset diminishes with the passage of time. At the ten-year point of the MDG program, the interest and excitement that there were in the immediate wake of the New York signing event were already on the wane, in the last few years, the Philippine government—the National Economic and Development Authority and other frontline departments—appear to have just been coasting along. This is not to say that there have been no pockets of sustained enthusiasm in the government for the MDG program. There have been. Commendation and thanks should go to, and are well-deserved by, the Department of Education and the Department of Health, which have consistently performed in true front-liner fashion. They were still at it, and they will continue to push the Goals even though the MDG program has officially ended. As 2015 draws to a close, what sort of MDG performance has the Philippines posted and how does this country’s MDG record compare with the records of other countries? Of the seven MDGs—strictly speaking, Goal No. 8 was not a related to a country’s socio-economics—the Philippines is believed to not have achieved the MDGs relating to universal primary education, infant mortality, maternal health, HIV/AIDS prevention and extreme-poverty alleviation. With regard to the other Goals, it is believed to have performed well. Overall, this country compares favorably with most other similarly placed countries. Pleased with the overall outturn of the MDG program—an initiative conceived during the term of Secretary-General Kofi Annan and continued by SG Ban Ki-moon, the UN has just launched an even more ambitious program called the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), which likewise has a fifteen-year (2016-2030) timeframe. Whereas there were eight MDGs, there are 17 SDGs, which are divided into no less than a hundred sixty-nine sub-goals. The UN has acknowledged that the SDGs revolve around, and are closely intertwined with, the expected impact of climate change on the global economy. If the MDGs posed a major challenge to the policymaking and management capabilities of the Philippine government, the SDGs, because of their greater number and complexity, are bound to put Philippine officialdom to a truly severe test. Will this country be equal to this new task? It is not easy to say. What is certain is that the experience gained with the Philippine MDGs presents a sturdy foundation upon which the implementers of the SDG program can build their edifice. In the meantime, the last two minutes of the MDGs have just ended. Would that the Philippine bureaucracy spent the remaining months of 2015 to further improve upon this country’s MDG performance. E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

Energy to award geothermal, hydro contracts to winning bidders By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Department plans to award the contracts to winning bidders in the government’s second open and competitive selection process for hydro and geothermal sites next month, an official said over the weekend. “Hopefully yes [we can award next month]. We are nearing completion of final review and evaluation,” Energy director Mario Marasigan for the Renewable Energy Management Bureau said.

The department earlier scheduled the awarding of the contracts for the hydro and geothermal sites on September 4. Marasigan earlier said the auction, launched in February, attracted 39 bids for the two geothermal areas and 14 for the hydro sites. “We have eight bids for geothermal and 31 bids for hydro and we’re very happy with the turnout,” he said. The department offered four geothermal sites and 17 hydro

areas for private sector development under an open and competitive selection process. Marasigan said the bidders must pass the pre-qualification process such as legal, technical and financial biddings. He said while geothermal projects take a longer time to develop than hydro stations, they have same development cost of $2.5 million to $3 million per megawatt. The department offered four areas on geothermal exploration

and development but only two areas received bids. The two areas that received bids were Area 2 (Southern Leyte Geothermal Prospect) and Area 3 (Amacan geothermal prospect). Repower Energy Development Corp., Cabalian Bay Co. and AP Renewables Inc. submitted bids for Area 2, while Repower, APC Energy Resources, Emerging Power Inc., Energy Development Corp. and Biliran Geothermal Inc. offered bids for Area 3. The department did not receive

bids for Area 1 (Acupan-Itogon area) and Area 4 (Balut Island). Marasigan said the government would open the areas that did not receive bids for direct negotiation. The department, meanwhile, offered 17 areas for hydro development but received bids on only 14 sites. Area 1 (Madongan 1 hydro project) received four bids from Pachyro Energy Inc., Clean N Green Energy Solutions, FGS Renewable Energy and Alternergy Hydro Partners.

t u e s D aY : o c t o b e r 2 7, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

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Comedian wins in Guatemala GUATEMALA CITY—Comedian Jimmy Morales won a landslide victory in Guatemala’s presidential race Sunday despite having no political experience, after a campaign upended by a corruption scandal that felled the outgoing president.

Guests. Bill Cody of WSM and Brenda Lee attend The Country Music Hall of Fame 2015 Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 25, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee. AFP

Morales, a comic actor and TV personality, declared victory as election officials released the resounding results: 68 percent of the vote for the conservative candidate to 32 percent for former first lady Sandra Torres, with 97 percent of polling stations reporting. “With this election you have made me president. I received a mandate and that mandate is to fight the corruption that has consumed us,” said Morales on national TV. “Thank you for this vote of confidence. My commitment remains to God and the Guatemalan people, and I will work with all my heart and strength not to defraud you.” Torres conceded defeat in a brief televised address, telling Guatemalans that “the people have made their choice and we respect it. We wish Mr. Morales the best of success.” It has been a remarkable ride for Morales, who started the race with just 0.5 percent support back in April. The campaign was rocked by president Otto Perez’s resignation and arrest on corruption charges on September 3, three days before the first-round vote. Perez, who is in jail awaiting trial, is accused of masterminding a corrupt network of politicians and customs officials that took bribes from businesses in exchange for illegal discounts on import duties. Prosecutors and United Nations investigators say the network collected $3.8 million in bribes between May 2014 and April 2015—including $800,000 each to Perez and jailed ex-vice president Roxana Baldetti.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 58 MAKATI CITY

Despair as haze crisis persists in Indonesia PALANGKARAYA, Indonesia—When the smoke from forest fires turned a thick, acrid yellow, casting an apocalyptic glow over Palangkaraya, Kartika Sari decided to grab her child and flee the Indonesian city at the epicentre of the haze crisis smothering Southeast Asia. The 32-year-old pharmacist and her three-year-old daughter have for weeks been inhaling toxic air in Palangkaraya, a city of 240,000 that has been engulfed in poisonous darkness by smoke from peat land set alight to clear land for palm oil plantations. “The smoke was no longer white, it was yellow,” she told AFP from an evacuation centre in Banjarmasin, a six-hour drive from Palangkaraya. “Usually we just endured it, even though we had headaches and felt nauseous. But it has got so bad lately, that I can’t take it anymore. I can’t even breathe fresh air.” Now she waits in limbo in a basic shelter with nine other evacuees, mostly children, including a one-year-old boy suffering from severe cough and diarrhea. Authorities say the fires from slash-andburn farming in Borneo and neighboring Sumatra have killed 10 people so far, some of whom died while fighting the blazes and others from the pollution. Respiratory illnesses in Palangkaraya

have soared as the choking smog has worsened in recent weeks. While many have relocated to safety elsewhere with friends and relatives, others have no choice but to stay behind despite the risks posed by the noxious haze. 39-year-old Rahmah, a street vendor in Palangkaraya, said she needed to keep doing her job to pay her children’s school fees, despite the toll on her health from working outdoors. “I have to stay whether I like it or not. My livelihood is here so how can I leave?” Rahmah, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told AFP on the porch of her riverfront wooden house in Palangkaraya. “You get light headed after a while, but I just try my best to cure myself with simple medication.” Her neighbor Nurjanah, who shares a small house with seven other family members, including her five-month-old granddaughter, echoed the sense of desperation felt in the blighted city, where visibility is sometimes as low as a few dozen metres (yards). “Leave? Where to?” Nurjanah said, when asked why she doesn’t evacuate. “The smoke gets everywhere, so what’s the point of evacuating when there’s no escape?” At a nearby health clinic, hundreds of

people queue for hours for a chance to use one of the 10 oxygen tanks available to get a breath of fresh air. Even there the haze finds its way in, swarming around 23-year-old English teacher Ayu Dwitasari, who has suffered from bronchitis for days and is having trouble breathing. “It’s got especially bad today, that is why I came here,” Dwitasari told AFP. Mass evacuations—especially of children and those suffering chronic respiratory illnesses—were not out of the question, said Indonesian military spokesman Tatang Sulaiman. Three warships carrying medical teams, tents, cooking stoves and protective masks were on their way to the worst-affected regions in Kalimantan—Indonesia’s half of Borneo—and Sumatra, he said, to help build temporary shelters away from the haze-plagued cities. “Our warships are ready to evacuate residents, whether to these temporary shelters, or even to take them on board. We are prepared for that,” he told AFP. But for those fighting the fires, a lack of equipment and tinder-dry conditions are hampering their best efforts to curb the thousands of blazes smouldering on carbon-rich peat lands. AFP

Morales rode a wave of outrage with politics-as-usual in the impoverished Central American country, which is torn by gang violence and still recovering from a 36-year civil war that ended in 1996. He won the first-round vote with 24 percent to 20 percent for Torres, who was running for social democratic party UNE. Morales, 46, is famous for playing a country bumpkin cowboy who nearly becomes president in the 2007 film “A President in a Sombrero.” In real life, the presidential race was his first foray into national politics, though he once ran unsuccessfully for mayor of his hometown. Morales will be tasked with rebuilding confidence in the government at a time of deep public distrust, shaky institutions and a depleted treasury. “The new president will face a somber panorama because the state is in a death spiral,” said Manfredo Marroquin, head of the local chapter of Transparency International. Morales will also have to govern with just 11 seats in the 158-seat Congress. Voters voiced concern about the political situation as they cast their ballots. “Things are really bad,” said textile salesman Francisco Estrada. “The next president must at least purge the police and clean up the government.” In the central town of Chinautla, whose mayor is in jail awaiting trial for money laundering, 35-year-old Leocadio Lic bemoaned rampant graft. AFP

PHILIPPINE INVESTMENT ONE (SPV-AMC), INC., (as substitute of FAR EAST BANK & TRUST CO., Plaintiff, -versus-

CIVIL CASE NO. 98-717

HERNANDEZ LEATHERGOODS, INC. Defendant x---------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF SALE ON EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY WHEREAS, by virtue of the Writ of Execution dated September 12, 2014 issued by this Court presided by HON. EUGENE C. PARAS, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 58, Makati City, In Civil Case No. 98-717, wherein Philippine Investment One (SPV-AMC), Inc. (as substitute of Far East Bank & Trust Company is the Plaintiff and Hernandez Leathergoods, Inc. is the defendant, for the recovery of the amount of Php8,132,592.40 as of July 13, 2015 based on the statement account issued by plaintiff in accordance with the decision dated January 31, 2003 issued in this case, levy was made by the undersigned SHERIFF, Mr. ANTONIO O. MENDOZA on July 29, 2015 through the Registry of Deeds of Manila City, on the rights, interests, and participation of defendant HERNANDEZ LEATHERGOODS, INC. in the real property more particularly described as follows; Transfer Certificate of Title No. 195208 A parcel of land (Lot 11-A-1 of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-343610, approved as non-subdivision project, being a portion of Lot 11-A, (LRC) Psd-2800 47 L.R.C. Record No. 7680), situated in the District of Sampaloc, City of Manila, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., points 2 to 3, by Lot 12, Block 8, Psd-24-816; on the SE. points 3 to 4, by Lor 11-F, (LRC) Psd280047; on the SW. points 4 to 1, by Lot 11-A-2 0f the subdivision plan and the NW. points 1 to 2, by Calle Mindanao (Road Lot 6, Psd-24818). Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S. 37 deg. 37È., 38È ., 2964.55 m. from CBN No. 37, City of Manila; thence N. 36 deg. 37È., 4.26 m. to point 2; thence S. 55 deg. 23È., 11 11.25 m. to point 3; thence S. 36 deg. 37`W., 4.28 m. to point 4; thence N. 55 deg. 23`W., 11.25 m. to point of beginning; containing an area of FORTY-EIGHT (48.00) SQUARE METERS, more or less. NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of said Writ of Execution and in accordance with Rule 39, Section 19, of the Rules of Court, the undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, for Cash and in Philippine Currency, on November 25, 2015 at 10:00 o`clock in the morning, infront of Makati City Hall, City of Makati, the rights, interests and participation of defendant HERNANDEZ LEATHERGOODS, INC. in the above-described real property in order to satisfy the said Writ of Execution, together with interests, cost, sheriff`s fees and the expenses of sale. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date it shall be held on December 02, 2015 at the same time and place, without further notice. Interested parties are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title and condition of the said property and the encumbrances thereon. City of Makati, October 05, 2015. (SGD) ANTONIO O. MENDOZA Deputy Sheriff (TS-OCT. 27, 2015)

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B8 Bond’s back as ‘Spectre’ premieres in London LONDON—James Bond returns to the silver screen on Monday in “Spectre” at a glittering premiere in London, expected to be attended by members of Britain’s royal family. Prince William, his wife Kate and brother Prince Harry are among the guests due at the opening night for the 24th outing of the Martini-quaffing British agent. Widely praised by critics, the film is directed by Sam Mendes and sees Daniel Craig play suave MI6 spy 007 for the fourth time. “I love making these films and the chance to come and make a movie after ‘Skyfall’ was a huge challenge,” said Craig, referring to the last Bond film released in 2012 and the franchise’s highest-grossing ever. “You just want to move on and make a bigger and better version of the movie.” The film’s title is the acronym for the Special Executive for CounterIntelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion—a shadowy organization bent on world domination which last made an appearance in 1971’s “Diamonds Are Forever”. The organization’s members include classic Bond villains Dr. No and Ernst Stavro Blofeld, but the group disappeared from the films for decades due to a legal rights dispute that was only resolved two years ago. “One of the most exciting parts of this movie is that we’ve got the chance to use that organization and all that that brings with it,” Craig told film website ScreenSlam. Britain’s Guardian and Telegraph newspapers gave Spectre a maximum five stars, the latter praising the film’s “swaggering show of confidence”. However, the Financial Times gave it only two stars and said the film was attempting to alter the winning formula of “Skyfall” while “clearly being thrown into panic at the thought”. “Spectre” was filmed in England, Italy, Austria, Mexico and Morocco and includes the usual Bond ingredients: high-speed chase scenes, a suave villain, sultry female leads, exciting gadgets and witty oneliners. AFP

CESAR BARRiOqUinTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

Fashion Week. Models parade the creations of Echo Chen designed by Chen Weiyi at the China Fashion Week in Beijing on October 26, 2015. AFP

EU pledges to manage the flows of migration BRUSSELS—The EU pledged Monday to help set up 100,000 places in reception centers along the migrant route through the Balkans, in a bid to defuse rising tensions on its eastern frontier over how to deal with the crisis. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker made the announcement after emergency talks with the heads of 10 EU nations, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, plus the leaders of non-EU Albania, Serbia and Macedonia. “Managing migration flows together is the only way to restore order, to slow down the uncontrolled flow of people. The uncontrolled flow of people must be stopped,” Juncker told a press conference in

Brussels. “It cannot be that in the Europe of 2015, people are left to fend for themselves, sleeping in fields.” The meeting comes after Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia on Saturday warned they could close their borders to stop them becoming a “buffer zone” for the tens of thousands of people streaming into Europe every day. More than 670,000 people have reached European soil this year— many of them fleeing violence in

Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan—in the continent’s worst migration crisis since World War II. “This is one of the greatest litmus tests Europe has ever faced,” Merkel told the press conference with Juncker. Some 3,000 have died making the dangerous Mediterranean sea crossing and, with winter fast approaching, the fear is that more could face the same fate on the land route through the Balkans. The reception places, to be provided with the help of the United Nations’ refugee agency, the UNHCR, will help provide shelter and speed up registration of migrants, Juncker said. Some 50,000 places will be created across Balkans countries such as Macedonia and Serbia, while the

other half will be located in Greece. That includes 30,000 to be made available this year, and another 20,000 will be set up with families or in rental housing subsidized by the UNHCR. By trying to separate genuine refugees from economic migrants, the centres would also help speed the planned relocation of 160,000 asylum seekers from overstretched Greece and Italy throughout the 28-nation EU. Most migrants land first in Greece but, desperate to get to Germany and wealthier northern European countries, thousands have pushed on rather than staying there to have their asylum applications processed as is required under EU rules. Moving up through the Balkans

Couple freed in doubt over their guilt

Earthquake. Indian office workers stand in an open area in a carpark following an earthquake in New Delhi on October 26, 2015. The earthquake lasted for almost a minute, with buildings shaking in the center of the Indian capital. Tremors were also felt as far away as Islamabad in Pakistan and the Afghan capital Kabul but not in neighboring Nepal, which was hit by a major quake in April. AFP

TOKYO—A Japanese woman and her boyfriend were released after two decades of a life sentence Monday after a court agreed there were serious questions about their guilt in the arson murder of her 11-year-old daughter. Keiko Aoki, 51, and her 49-yearold common-law husband Tatsuhiro Boku, emerged from separate jails as supporters cheered their release, television footage showed. “After 20 years, I can finally return to the life that I deserve,” Aoki told reporters. “I can hear my daughter saying to me ‘Mom, I’m happy for you’. I want to tell her ‘thank you’ for

watching over me all this time.” The couple had been found guilty of setting their house on fire by spraying gasoline in the garage—a blaze that killed Aoki’s daughter Megumi—in an attempt to claim insurance money. But a court in Osaka on Friday upheld a lower court’s decision to order new trials in the case amid serious doubts about the couple’s guilt. It was not clear why there was a delay between Friday’s decision and their release. Defense lawyers had argued that subsequent tests suggested the fire was likely not arson, and there were questions about whether the boy-

friend was forced into a false confession during his interrogation. Prosecutors had also failed in their attempts to re-create the fire with key details from his original confession, reports said. Their release comes after Iwao Hakamada—believed to be the world’s longest-serving death row inmate—walked free from jail last year after decades in solitary confinement, in a rare about-face for Japan’s rigid justice system. He had been accused of being responsible for the grisly 1966 murder of his boss and the man’s family, but doubts arose about the reliability of his confession. AFP

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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

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

A RTS, CU LT U RE & T ECH

LIFE

Courage

Leadership

ARDEN SIAROT AND ‘LA DIVINA FILIPINA’

he beauty of the Filipina is more than skin deep. She is imbued with unique virtues that set her apart from other women – and this is what artist Arden Siarot conveyed at the recently concluded MANILA F.A.M.E 2015 where he paid tribute to the spirit and enduring qualities of the Filipino woman in a collection called “La Divina Filipina.” The artist’s latest works feature aspects of the modern Filipina that reflect both her Oriental and Western lineage, and pay homage to her endearing traits. Combining shell and metal, Arden creates sculptures that capture the essential beauty of the Filipina psyche and the strength of her will. “La Divina Filipina” depicts feminine forms in various poses – in prayer, in labor, in poetic stances and movements of power – in essence, his interpretation of the Filipina’s singular beauty. To these, he ingeniously incorporates a myriad of seashells to form a unified and fluid work of art. In “La Divina Filipina,” Arden’s fascination finds expression in exquisite art decor named after the many admirable characteristics of the Filipina. “Beauty” is a silver-plated bust with long, flowing locks to provide a welcome gentleness to the sculpture; the smooth and polished visage is a picture of serenity and quiet elegance. It aims to essay the Filipina’s physical beauty, her lovely

Compassion

Spiritual

gaze, her luxurious locks, and her mixed Oriental and Occidental parentage. Crowning the head is a beautiful Frog Shell that lends a hint of color and texture to the sleek art work. “Compassion,” on the other hand, epitomizes the Filipina’s kindhearted spirit. Arden interprets the bounty of her spirit through a vessel made from polished Nautilus. It

Creative

Beauty

is cradled by a silver sculpture, modernistic in style, to represent the giving nature of the Filipina. “Leadership” represents the Filipina’s natural ability to take the reins in order to accomplish daunting tasks. Arden’s two elegant versions of “Nurturing” are an expressive interpretation of motherhood, with a shell fashioned as a woman’s womb, lovingly

Power

cradling life before it sees the light of day. That the Filipina holds immeasurable power can never be doubted. Philippine history has seen the rise of feminine figures who rose to fame and prominence because of their singular ability to hold sway over the nation, their uncanny ability to motivate and inspire, their determination to

change the course of a county’s history. Arden’s “Power” embodies all that is spellbinding and astounding about the Filipina. It is the artist’s evocative vision of the Filipina as goddess. Here, he creates a silver divinity with mother-of-pearl wings, emerging dramatically from her own shell to cast her brand of potency. “La Divina Filipina” forms part of Arden’s double collection unveiled at the Manila F.A.M.E 2015 design and lifestyle event. His other collection, entitled “Journey,” is the artist’s tribute to the seafaring explorers of old and their magnificent marine vessels. Together, “La Divina Filipina” and “Journey” mark Arden Siarot’s third exhibit following the highly successful “Vita Fauna” and “Cada Dia” exhibits also at the Manila F.A.M.E. F.A.M.E. is the country’s premier trade platform for exports and design, providing opportunities for small and medium scale entrepreneurs to showcase their products in the world market. Manila FAME is one of the longest running trade shows in the Asia-Pacific, featuring the latest Philippinemade creations from artisans and manufacturers and is the only trade event in the country approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. For more of Arden Siarot’s creations, check out the Arden store located at the 3rd floor of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City .

TUESDAY : OCTOB ER 27 : 2015

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ENCHANTED KINGDOM TURNS 20

nchanted Kingdom or “EK” as we have gotten used to calling it recently celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 17. The country’s first and only world-class theme park hosted executives from Asia’s leading theme parks and major amusement destinations and who are all members of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), as well as ride manufacturers and suppliers. The visit opened doors for expanding existing partnerships between these parks and manufacturers as EK embarks full-steam on its “EK 2020” expansion program in time for its silver or 25th anniversary. The magical celebration launched a lineup of new attractions and events for the rest of the year and 2016. On your next EK visit, make sure you go inside the Rialto Theater which has been transformed into the much improved New Rialto Theater 4D, with an increased seating capacity of 108 seats (plus four non-moving seats for PWDs) from 60 seats. The new theater also boasts of the latest in 4D technology and is guaranteed to give guests an enhanced and unforgettable simulator theater experience. The renovation included the main lobby and pre-show area to accommodate more waiting guests in air-conditioned comfort. Another highlight of the amusement park is the historical sites and stories of Enchanted

Kingdom – The First 20 Years – A Journey Through Time. Travel back in time as EK features its heritage from the sights, sounds and mementoes of their humble beginnings, and get insights on future things to come. For families with kids who are not allowed to ride some adult attractions, there is Kinder Magic, the new indoor entertainment venue that caters to children six years and below. Parents can leave their kids here to enjoy different interactive entertainment and try the rides around EK. Kinder Magic is set to have a fully equipped and comfortable facility for nursing mothers and their babies as well as diaper changing stations. Activities for the youngsters will include arts and crafts, storytelling, kinder math with the use of oversized Lego bricks, role playing and gardening, among others. This year, EK will hold the 3rd International Sky Wizardry Competition. The pyro musical grand finals will have different teams from Spain, United States, France, Singapore, Netherlands, and of course the Philippines competing against each other to earn the distinction of becoming EK’s Sky Wizardry Champion for 2015. Next year, be enchanted with EK’s most ambitious ride project since it opened 20 years ago – Agila, a unique flying ride experience that is the only one

and largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. The plight of the country’s national bird, the Philippine eagle, and the sites of our native land inspire this exciting ride. The big-ticket Agila attraction scheduled to open in June 2016 is seen to bump up the theme park’s annual attendance by at least a million visitors. “With our Agila attraction alone, we hope to breach the two million visitor mark

and beyond, thus placing Enchanted Kingdom among the top 30 theme parks in Asia Pacific, and increasing our visibility and viability of being an international tourist destination,” says Enchanted Kingdom’s chairman and president Cesar Mario Mamon. “Agila is targeted not only to our local and traditional guests, but also for foreign tourists who may want to experience

more of the country but have limited time. It is our first salvo in promoting Philippine tourism,” Mamon said, adding that a double-digit share in foreign guests is expected with the new attraction. So next time you plan to take a trip outside the country for some gut wrenching attraction, why fuss with all the booking when you can experience world class amusement park in your own country?

CELEBRATING TAWI-TAWI’S SEAWEED FESTIVAL WITH EXOTIC MUSIC AND DANCE BY AYUNAN G. GUNTING PHOTOS BY DHON CHISTER SAMUSA

pectators were captivated by the colorful celebration of the Agal-Agal Festival in the island province of Tawi-Tawi, with dancers parading in neon colors of fuchsia, orange, yellow, green and purple, with headdresses, leis and bracelets made of agal-agal or seaweed, the main industry in the province. Celebrated with pomp, the Agal-Agal Festival was the highlight of the 42nd Kamahardikaan Festival in the capital city of Bongao. “Kamahardikaan” is the Sinama word for “the highest honor”, and the event, which commemorates the founding anniversary of Tawi-Tawi as a province, brought to the fore the cultures of Sama, Badjao, Jama Mapun and Tausug of Southern Philippines. Dance groups from 11 municipalities performed the pangalay, the indigenous dance from the South characterized by sinewy arm movements and expressive fingers, and traditional martial arts. The dancers flashed their janggay, the elongated metal nails that emphasize every hand gesture, with the colorful banig (woven mat) as props. Some dancers were perched on bamboo poles, floats and ethnic houseboats to portray the marine life and the stages of

seaweed farming. Traditional music wafted in the air with the kulintangan, agung, gandang, biula (native violin) and the native drum. The festival also featured a fluvial parade and beauty contest called Budjang Tawi-Tawi. Budjang is a Sinama term for a single lady. Governor Nurbert Sahali underscored that Tawi-Tawi’s seaweed industry is unmatched in the Philippines, and it has generated tourism revenues for the province since 1988. “Every year, we showcase to the world the uniqueness of the Agal-Agal Festival. We are proud that Tawi-Tawi has gained a reputation as the Seaweed Capital of the Philippines because we supply 40

percent of our seaweeds to the world market,” the governor said. Under Sahali’s leadership, Tawi-Tawi’s economic activity has flourished, with government and private initiatives helping coastal farmers and seaweed fishermen produce high-quality seaweeds and its byproduct, carrageenan, an additive used mostly in dairy and vege-meat. Tawi-Tawi Representative Ruby Sahali stressed that cultural festivals help change the negative image of Mindanao, while Tourism Council head Dona Juana Sahali also vowed to preserve the rich heritage of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, especially dance and music, through the Agal-Agal Festival.

TUESDAY : OCTOB ER 27 : 2015

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ARTS AND CULTURE ROUNDUP What’s on in theaters and galleries this week

EXHIBITS Anak Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City Ongoing until November 1 The Igan ng Pilipinas Foundation, Inc., founded by GMA news anchor Arnold Clavio, taps the six-member Benavides Art Group to stage a fundraising exhibit for the benefit of children suffering from life-threatening diseases. Clavio and the six visual artists share several common denominators: they are all graduates of the University of Santo Tomas, they are all united in their love of art, and they are all passionate to help people in need. The works currently on exhibit feature a children-centric theme in a feast of colors and different genre – from Eric Cachero’s floral impersonations of the Madonna and child, Rey De Guzman’s graphic interpretations of a caring mother, Jaime Delos Santos’ portrayal of life lessons, Pedro Garcia II’s intimate visualization of the endearment of a mother to her child, Ninoy Lumboy’s textured compositions of maternal love, to Noli Vicedo’s fauvist cubism of the child’s nurturing care of his mother. Also on display are Clavio’s selected pieces. Catch the show at the lobby of Robinsons Magnolia until November 1. For more information on Igan Foundation, visit its Facebook page IGAN FOUNDATION Philippines.

The 48th Shell National Students Art Competition Ground Floor Gallery, Ayala Museum, Makati City Ongoing until October 31 Showcasing this year’s theme “Highlights: Paint the best parts of life,” are the winning entries and finalists in this year’s prestigious National Students Art Competition presented by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation. On exhibit are a variety of visual artworks in the categories of oil/acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, and multimedia arts with digital art print and digital short film as sub-categories. The 48th edition of Shell NSAC provides an avenue for the country’s new generation of artists to portray the brilliance of life in moments and experiences. Admission to the exhibit is free. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 759-8288 or email hello@ ayalamuseum.org Filling Up The Big Room: Pam Yan-Santos The Big Room, ArtInformal, San Juan Ongoing until November 21

The Vexed Contemporary Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Manila Ongoing until November 21

Overgrown Stories: Chae Eun Rhee Artery Art Space, Quezon City October 28 to November 28

Sixteen of the country’s most provocative artists come together in a group show that challenges the very concept or art and “contemporaneity” as part of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design’s series of new emerging works in the Philippine art scene. Pio Abad, Poklong Anading, Victor Balanon, Yason Banal, Lena Cobangbang, Louie Cordero, Kiri Dalena, Leslie De Chavez, Kawayan De Guia, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Cocoy Lumbao, Gina Osterloh, Gary-Ross Pastrana, Ikoy Ricio, Maria Taniguchi, and The Weather Bureau exhibit pieces that fit the gallery’s principle which is to encourage visitors to put themselves, physically or symbolically, into the dynamics and form of the works. MCAD is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at the ground floor of the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, School of Design and Arts Campus, Dominga Street, Malate, Manila.

For her first solo exhibit in Manila, Korean visual artist Chae Eun Rhee presents a suite of vibrantly colored paintings that provides ground for imaginative possibilities. Based in Seoul, Korea, Rhee is currently participating in the gallery’s Residency program. In her Manila show, she explores the complex representations of growth, renewal, beauty and truth which collide with the realities of everyday life. Rhee received her BFA and MFA degrees at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and has held shows in Seoul, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. For inquiries and more information, email arteryartspace@ gmail.com or visit www.arteryartspace.com

CONCERTS In her solo exhibit, Pam Yan-Santos takes the audience inside her home and back to her childhood through a series of paintings and installations featuring familiar images in the household. Through a child’s eyes, Yan-Santos revisits these spaces shadowed by a sense of loss and hollowness. Amid the silence echoing in certain parts of the house comes life from innocent beginnings. The empty room is filled with green grass sprouting from the floor while carefree scribbles and childlike drawings adorn the vintage furniture. The collection of images not only fills the void of the physical spaces but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder for the beautiful memories created and shared in these rooms. Visit www.artinformal.com for more details.

The Halloween Symphony Ayala Museum, Makati City October 29 The Manila Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Arturo Molina, will bring out the goosebumps as it presents a special and spooktacular musical treat. For the Halloween edition of the Rush Hour Concerts, the premier orchestra will play breathtaking classical pieces and orchestral renditions of pop songs often associated with All Hallows’ Eve. Tickets are now on sale at the Ayala Museum, limited seats are available. Ticket prices range from P300 to P500. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 759-8288 local 31 or 35 or email concerts@ayalamuseum.org

T U E S D AY : O C T O B E R 2 7 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Art Association of the Philippines Luisita Guerrero is one of the Sunshine Place’s new artists. president Fidel Sarmiento with Sunshine Place President Lizanne Uychaco beside the paintings of art class participant, Connie Cadelina

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Sunshine Place art class participant and exhibitor, Atty. Victoria Pollisco and her work, ‘Metallics’ in acrylic

Ceasar Cheng, professor at the Confucius Institute of Ateneo de Manila University, holds Chinese painting tutorials at the Sunshine Place.

A PLACE CALLED SUNSHINE

rt enriches life – it gives depth to emotions, and makes our existence more colorful both literally and figuratively. At the Sunshine Place in Makati, art knows no boundaries and is for everyone – and this was evident when artworks from participants in an art class program were showcased in an exhibit. The exhibit served as a “graduation” ceremony for 19 participants from the senior recreation center, all of whom amazed family members and friends with their remarkable oil pastel and acrylic paintings. These 19 “graduates” had no painting background to speak of, but the weekly art workshops facilitated by master painter and Art Association of the Philippines President Fidel Sarmiento drew out the artists in them. Originally created for the senior members of the center, the workshop was opened this year to adults and young-adults as well. At the core of the workshops are mentoring sessions in handson techniques, basic strokes and mixing colors. Luisita Guerrero, one of Sunshine Place’s newest members and an art exhibit participant, admitted she “didn’t know anything about painting; it was my husband who’s

Carolina Llanillo’s ‘Self Portrait’ and ‘The Better Half’ in oil pastel

Meliza Gonzales’ ‘Flowers in Pots’ in acrylic

Cris Cruz’s ‘Puerto Princesa: Lazy Afternoon’ in acrylic

Estrellita Ong’s ‘Forest Life’ in acrylic

Luisita Guerrero’s “The Bouganville” in acrylic

an artist.” But on the first day, “Fidel (Sarmiento) advised us to use an inspiration and we were able to produce an artwork after our first day of class,” she says, adding that she will continue participating in

Erlinda Tan’s ‘My Memory of the Meadows’ in acrylic

the art classes at the Sunshine Place where seniors like her can learn something new. Sunshine Place is a senior recreation center under the Felicidad Tan Sy Foundation. It is a

venue where adults can live actively as they engage in recreational classes and age-appropriate physical training programs. It is the venue where older members of society can be entertained, can

socialize and reflect; a place of happiness and wellness for one’s mind, body and soul. Aside from the art workshops, Sunshine Place offers a wide range of activities for its members and guests. There are iPad classes, Ikebana (Japanese art of flower arrangement) tutorials, monthly health talks, games and hobby clubs. At Sunshine Place, there is always something new to learn: music classes and voice lessons; Jazz, Yeba and social ballroom dance classes; a 10-session course in Tai Chi; nutrition counseling and customized fitness training programs. One can also take time to reflect in the chapel that is open every day and holds a 12:15 p.m. mass every Friday. Venue rentals are also offered with a roof deck complete with amenities ideal for private parties and corporate functions, plus a dance studio for dance practices or fitness training sessions. For the rest of 2015, Sunshine Place will also be holding Young at Art: Acrylic Lessons for 8-18 year-old participants, and basic Chinese painting classes. For more information, visit the Sunshine Place at 56 Jupiter St., BelAir, Makati City or call (02) 8564144 and (0917) 515-5656 or email seniorhubjupiter@gmail.com.

MY CITY, MY VIBE:

Viber launches Sticky Fingers 2

ilipino artists are being challenged to bring their city’s vibe to life by leading mobile messaging app Viber that has launched an exciting second run of its global sticker design initiative, Sticky Fingers, with the theme My City, My Vibe. A core part of Viber’s service includes stickers that millions of people use every day to convey an emotion, a reaction, or simply to share good vibes with friends and family. Last year, over 600 million Viber users sent more than 22 billion stickers – making Sticky Fingers 2 a great opportunity for Filipino artists to showcase their design talent and share to the rest of the world the unique vibe that their cities carry. A panel of judges will select 20 finalists who will each receive $1,000. Out of the 20, five artists will get the opportunity to work with the Viber design studio to

“drawing and sketching develop their character characters since 2008, into sticker packs, plus but being Selected a share in the revenue for Viber’s first Sticky for every sticker design Fingers Creative Invite sold. On top of this, the was a dream come true.” final five will also receive For Drawk, having exposure across Viber’s been selected was an social media channels. incredible opportunity The 20 finalists will but was also a great be picked based on responsibility. “I the quality of their got the opportunity submissions – not by to work alongside country of origin – which professional artists at means the more entries an international level, from the Philippines, to travel more, and now the higher the chances of my sketches are in a Filipino artists making it sticker pack that will be as finalists. Stanislav Makarenko a.k.a. ‘Drawk,’ winner of the first Sticky Fingers initiative used around the world. Stanislav Makarenko (also known as I’m looking forward “Drawk”) – the Selected Artist of the first to helping choose the Selected Artists of Sticky Fingers tilt – shares that he has been ‘My City, My Vibe’ and I encourage all

Sticky Fingers 2: ‘My City, My Vibe’ is a global design initiative inviting artists to create original stickers inspired by their favorite city in their country.

entrants to get inspired, be yourself and let your original style come through in your sketches.” Filipino creatives have until November 18 to send their entries through www. viber.com/MyCityVibe. The 20 finalists will be announced on December 9, and the five selected artists on December 15. For more updates, follow Viber Sticky Fingers on viber.com/viberph, facebook. com/viberph, twitter.com/viberph, and Instagram.com/viber or follow the hashtag #MyCityVibe.

T UES DAY : OC OT BER 27 : 2015

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

Sid Lucero plays Ford who grows up believing that he is the illegitimate son of Apocalypse Now director Francis Ford Coppola

How SId Lucero feLL In Love In ‘ApocALypSe cHILd’

n 1979, Apocalypse Now, hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, premiered in Hollywood amid much controversy. Shot on location in Baler, Aurora, then a small fishing village in the Philippines, the film went way over budget and took much too long to shoot. When the filming crew, led by director Francis Ford Coppola, left the shores of Baler in 1977, they had no idea that their film would have such an impact on the local community. It has become part of local lore how, scattered among the debris of Apocalypse Now, were surfboards used by the filming crew and how a group of teenage boys found the boards and decided to teach themselves how to surf. Fast forward to over three decades later. Baler is now widely regarded as the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. This is the backdrop for the upcoming film Apocalypse Child, one of the finalists in the QCinema International Film Festival 2015. Directed by Mario Cornejo and produced by Monster Jimenez under ArkeoFilms, the movie stars Sid Lucero as Ford, a surfing instructor in Baler whose father is supposedly the Apocalypse Now director. As his mother petitions Coppola to acknowledge his son, Ford has been wasting his youth away, that is, until he is forced to confront his past and the myths surrounding his life. Lucero, an award-winning actor who has an 11-year career

behind him, is a favorite among indie film producers. He says shooting Apocalypse Child is unlike anything he has ever experienced before. “Honestly this is the most fun I’ve ever had on a set. It really didn’t feel like working.” “I mean, come on, we shot on a beach, we finished at what, 8 o’clock most of the time? And we were there for a month!” Lucero laughs as he recalls his experience on set and shares that the hardest thing for him to do was to actually leave Baler after filming wrapped. It was so hard that Lucero found a way to stay behind a few more days. “I fell in love with Baler. I want to live there. I want to die there!” Lucero’s enthusiasm for the town is infectious and will, perhaps, seep into the film’s audience. He, however, admits that he’s a little scared to watch it. “I think this is the first time I allowed myself to be that exposed.” Lucero reveals that in a way, the story reflects certain parts of his life. “I’ve never been so comfortable naked, not physically, but exposed, like your heart’s right there.” This is surprising since Lucero’s performances in previous films and TV shows often come across as raw and intense, but he insists Apocalypse Child is different, in that there’s a certain aspect of it that’s very personal to him. He credits director Cornejo for bringing that out of him. It is Lucero’s first time to work

On the set of Apocalypse Child with Direk Mario Cornejo (right)

with Cornejo, whose film credits include Big Time (2005), First Day High (2006), and Stray Hearts (2008), and the actor could not get over how vastly different the Apocalypse Child director is from anyone he has ever worked with in the past. “I’m not used to working with people like Mario. Mario likes to talk about things, which is great. I like it too because it gives me the right direction,” Lucero recalls. “But I grew up as an actor doing things on the first or the second take and I’m not used to doing it over and over and over again. Every line and every scene is really premeditated.” Lucero said that the talking made him lose his patience a few times. He’d lash out at Cornejo who, thankfully, has the patience of a saint and never lost his temper on set. “For some reason, he never gets angry. He never felt like

I was being bastos although I was already, not intentional naman. Impatient lang talaga. But the way I defend him to myself is: this is his baby and although he trusts us with his characters, this is still his brainchild. And siyempre you want to give what he wants to see.” Lucero believes that all the talking and the patience paid off because it made him understand his character more. “That’s what I appreciate about Direk (Cornejo), although it totally goes against the way I do my job. But it works. It’s good to be working with someone who has a different attack. It makes you grow. You learn a lot.” In describing his character, Lucero has this to say; “Ford, as I understand him, is a character just going through life. Perfect na eh, he’s a surfer, he rides the waves. But I think he could do more.

Something happened to him which made him be comfortable being right where he is, which is basically what the film is talking about, as a Filipino.” When Lucero first met Cornejo, who co-wrote Apocalypse Child with Monster Jimenez, he had no idea that things would go the way they went on set. The story piqued Lucero’s curiosity and he wanted front row seats to see just how Cornejo would shoot certain scenes he considered very personal. “The sensitive scenes, I like (them) as real as possible. And that’s never easy because you’re basically baring your soul to someone you barely know and to other people, too. Tapos may camera pa. But when I started seeing how I thought Direk Mario saw the film, the more it became appealing to me. It’s nice because everything’s so real and natural, all his scenes.” Lucero adds, “And the fact that it was supposed to be a comedy but done reverently. And that’s what I like nowadays, comedies that actually say something.” Set in a tableau of sun, surf, and sand, it will be interesting to see if Apocalypse Child is indeed a comedy as Sid Lucero thinks. For screening schedules, you can check out their Facebook w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / ap o c a lypsechildthemovie which also has a nice collection of behindthe-scenes photos and videos.

T UES DAY : OC OT BER 27 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

SAbRinA in 2015 ASiA SOng FEStivAL

sia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina is another source of pride for Filipinos when she represented the Philippines at the 2015 Asia Song Festival held on Oct. 11 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Busan, South Korea. Sabrina performed alongside Asia’s top music acts like K Pop artists EXO, GOT7, Red Velvet and B.T.S, NGT48 from Japan and William Chan from China. She debuted her new original single “Hypnotized” (which will be included on her all-original album scheduled next year) at the said festival apart from singing a track “Lost Stars” from her latest album, now popular in Korea. But the highlight of the event is her collaboration on stage with famous K Pop group B1A4 for “Lonely.” Sabrina performed the song in Korean. It was the group’s request for Sabrina to have a duet with them. The 45,000 crowd at the stadium loved the duet, endearing her to the Korean fans. “It feels so surreal and amazing to have been chosen as the Philippines’ representative to the Asia Song Festival. Before the performance, I was actually excited and pressured at the same time but after that, I was just so proud to have carried the Philippine flag. It was also an honor to have been asked to do a duet with a popular K Pop artist B1A4. It was a Korean song so I listened to the track over and over again and practiced hard. I’m glad the audience understood my Korean,” Sabrina said. After their performance, the boys of B1A4 praised Sabrina for singing the Korean song well. “They said I did a great job and had fully prepared for the song,” Sabrina said. Asia Song Festival is held every year since 2004 in Korea gathering the best singers in Asia and spon-

sored by the Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Previous Philippine representatives include R&B singer Kyla and MYMP. Sabrina also conquered Malaysia when she performed at the Kuala Lumpur Lake Garden Festival on Aug. 23 at Padang Merbok in the capital city. She was the only Filipino to perform at the festival alongside other Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean and other acts from Southeast Asia. She also did photo shoots, radio guestings, retail and TV appearances during her tour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in time for her latest album I Love Acoustic 8. To date, she has also traveled to Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore where she had successful concerts and promo tours She just released her latest album I Love Acoustic 8, which debuted at no. 1 on iTunes Philippines and Indonesia and also on Top 10 of iTunes Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam. The album is also released in CDs all over Asia making Sabrina one of the only few Filipinos to release a CD in the region and cementing her status as Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart. In the Philippines, the album is now on the Top 10 of the country’s largest CD retailer Astroplus. Her album will also have a version in Malaysia and Indonesia apart from the standard version. The version of the album in Malaysia includes her duet with Malaysian singer Natasha Sass with the Malay version of Freddie Aguilar’s iconic song “Anak” which is entitled “Terima Kasih”. Indonesia’s version has Sabrina recording a duet with one of their top singers Chilla Kiana for the songs “Thinking Out Loud” and “Love Me Harder”. I Love Acoustic 8 includes Sabrina’s acoustic versions of current hits like “Thinking Out Loud” (Ed

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 43 44 45 46 48 50 51 54 55 57 61 62 63 64 65 66 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Radar O’Reilly’s drink 5 Fact or figure 10 Egg on 14 List element 15 Boadicea’s people 16 Quechua speaker 17 Legendary marshal 18 Ant’s burden 20 Nest builder 22 Ribs or needles 23 Off the track

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Complaint Rio — (border river) It holds the mayo — — song (cheap) Ignore Reverie Son of Aphrodite — -relief Yea, to a matador She has a habit “Bonanza” brother Mildews

After midnight MOMA artist ET carrier Winter warmer Mach 1 breakers Put in a lawn Work with stone Milan’s country Would like to date (3 wds.) Cutting remark TV’s Hawkeye Biathlon weapon Russian river Very willing to More cagey Polite chap

DOWN 1 Never, in Bonn 2 Frat letter 3 Part of HMS 4 Stamp 5 Used a bulb planter 6 Hard on the nose 7 Adolescent 8 One, to Conchita 9 Big exam 10 Treetop nibbler 11 Heavy burden 12 Crowning point 13 Applies makeup 19 So-so grade

Sheeran), “Bang Bang” (Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj), “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor), “Love Me Like You Do” (Ellie Goulding), “Uptown Funk” (Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars), “Chandelier” (Sia), “I Really Like You” (Carly Rae Jepsen), “Blank Space” (Taylor Swift), “Sugar” (Maroon 5), “Love Me Harder” (Ariana Grande), “Style” (Taylor Swift), “Heroes” (Alesso feat. Tove Lo), “Lost Stars” (Adam Levine), “The Heart Wants What It Wants” (Selena Gomez), “Cool Kids” (Echosmith), “I’m Not The Only One” (Sam Smith), “I Want You To Know” (Selena Gomez) and “One Last Time” (Ariana Grande). The music video for “Thinking Out Loud” is now playing on music channels in the Philippines and will premiere soon on VEVO. Now on its 8th volume, her I Love Acoustic series plus Acoustic Love Notes has sold more than 300,000 units all over Asia and were certified Platinum and Gold in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia and also released in Korea and other Asian countries digitally. In 2016, Sabrina is set to release her all original album. She just likewise renewed her contract with multi-national label MCA Music and she is set to tour more Asian countries with her upcoming albums. Sabrina’s I Love Acoustic 8 is now out on CDs at Astroplus and Astrovision outlets, through digital downloads via Spinnr and iTunes and through streaming via Spinnr, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Guvera and Rdio. F or bookings and inquiries, please contact Sammy Samaniego at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 or +639209682991 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com or mcabookings@umusic.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015

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U.K. lexicon Large fleet Former Saudi king Sounded sheepish? Turn (2 wds.) Simple dessert (hyph.) Busy-looking Defeated overwhelmingly “Lou Grant” lead Helipad sites Deceive Grumbles Wool gatherer Pretty beetle Cave-dwelling fish Mole, maybe Evening wrap Thick carpeting Cat ender Meat-grading org. Not certain Part of RSVP Exist Hightailed it Lunch counter order

With the release of Love Acoustic 8, Sabrina cements her status as Asia's Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina represented the Philippines at the 2015 Asia Song Festival in Busan, South Korea

T UES DAY : OC OT BER 27 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Nora, EddiE supporT GracE poE

ora Aunor and Eddie Garcia, both from the Bicol region, expressed their unequivocal support for Senator Grace Poe’s bid for the presidency in 2016. “Iba talaga kapag

from c8

babae na may puso na marunong at madaling lapitan. Sigurado ako riyan na malaki ang maitutulong niya sa ating mga kababayan,” Aunor said in a recent interview. In fact, Aunor defended Poe when Sheryl

HHHHH aNoThEr characTEr iN BEauTiful sTraNGErs Rafa Siguion-Reyna is the latest artist to join the cast of Beautiful Strangers. In the series, he plays

Cruz, her cousin, said Poe wasn’t ready to be President of the country. On the other hand, Eddie Garcia has expressed his support for Grace Poe. He will campaign for Grace even if he would be offered a big

the cousin of Noel (Rocco Nacino). When Noel was hit by a gunshot after taking the evidence that could put Kristine (Heart Evangelista) in prison, Tatay Nestor (Emilio Garcia) brought his son to his cousin’s house.

sum by other candidates. movie industry and the Poe is very grateful for television industry. Iyon this expression of sup- naman ang kinalakiport from the two movie han ko, iyan naman ang icons, especially because nagpaaral sa akin, iyong they have worked with mga tumataguyod ng his late father when he pelikula kaya I’m proud was still alive. of that,” Grace said in a “I’m very proud of the radio interview.

HHHHH is MikaEl daEz rEady To BE a daddy? Mikael Daez and the girl playing Munding in My Faithful Husband are always seen together, bonding perhaps. In fact, they have lots of photos

together posted on Mikael’s Instagram account. Obviously, Mikael is having a great time with the kid. And even on screen, it shows how Mikael is reacting very positively to Munding. Is he getting ready for a real life role as a daddy?

Mikael Daez in My Faithful Husband

Rafa Siguion-Reyna with Rocco Nacino and Emilio Garcia in Beautiful Strangers

Liam Hemsworth in The Dressmaker

Hemsworth with Kate Winslet

Hemsworth is Teddy in the Australian revenge comedy drama

‘hunger gAmes’ stAr LiAm hemsworth in ‘the dressmAker’

he Dressmaker brings Liam Hemsworth back to his birth country Australia, where his character Teddy, lives in a small town called Dungatar. The town, it’s a wicked amalgam, a small town that could be anywhere in the world, that despite its fantastical vision and eccentric occupants, is built around deep truths about human behavior. Every character in Dungatar is involved in either covering up or contributing to the tragic events of the past that affected Tilly (Kate Winslet) and Molly (Judy Davis). Some of them are not awful, but they’ve all committed some rather heinous acts that they’re trying to forget about. When Tilly comes back they’re forced to remember. The citizens of Dungatar see Tilly as a threat to their status quo, to the semi-peaceful existence they have established.

They banished her when she was a little girl, blamed her for a murder, and the very fact that she’s come back means they’ll have to face all the bad things they did to her in the past. Except for Teddy McSwiney (Hemsworth), who treats Tilly in an endearing way and falls in love with her. The love story that develops between Teddy and Tilly is tender and unexpected – in many ways the two are like chalk and cheese. Tilly has lived in Europe, she’s worldly, elegant, savvy, she has an emotional past. Teddy is a stolid footballer, uncouth, younger than her, who may not have ever ventured out of Dungatar, but they share a level of smarts, and he instantly falls in love with her. Producer Sue Maslin says, “Casting the role of Teddy was probably the toughest decision finding an actor that could bring both the charm and the mascu-

linity to the role. We wanted an Australian actor, but somebody who was going to have credibility with audiences internationally as well. Liam Hemsworth certainly embodied the physicality of the role and the sensitivity. You could not find a better Teddy, he’s just utterly charming, utterly gorgeous, laconic, a larrikin- all of the things that Teddy embodies, so it was an absolute delight working with him.” While director Jocelyn Moorhouse shares, “ I love the scenes where Kate and Judy were physically fighting each other, but I also have to admit the scene where Liam gets measured by Kate for his new suit, always makes me smile.” Liam Hemsworth, who plays Teddy, says he connected to the character on reading the script “because he reminded me of a lot of people I grew up with, of my

grandpa in particular – a hard working Australian guy, someone who just gets on with it, very positive and quirky, a fun loving kind of spirit. Teddy is a little different to most of the people in Dungatar because he has a little more ambition and wants to get out and see what the rest of the world looks like. I felt like I knew this guy really well and I felt like I knew exactly how it should be played.” Kate Winslet says, “Teddy is a sincere man, he has no airs and no graces, he looks like a right scruff pot most of the time but in many ways, he’s exactly what Tilly needs. He’s what she’s never experienced - someone who really appreciates her and sees her for who she is. He’s truthful and pure. It’s a very sweet endearing relationship.” The Dressmaker opens Nov. 4 in theaters from Axinite Digicinema.

JLo hosts the AMA in November

Jennifer Lopez hosts ‘2015 AmeriCAn musiC AwArds®’ Dick lark Productions and ABC announced international music superstar Jennifer Lopez will host and perform at the 2015 American Music Awards. JLo is one of the most influential artists in music history, and the triple-threat will take on the role as host of a live broadcast award show. Lopez will also dazzle viewers with a live performance in support of her recently announced Las Vegas show, “All I Have,” which will premiere Jan. 2016 at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The “2015 American Music Awards” will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 23 at 9 a.m. on RTL CBS Entertainment HD. The show will feature the hottest performances from today’s biggest artists and present fan-voted awards in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/ R&B, Alternative Rock, Adult Contemporary, Latin, Contemporary Inspirational, Electronic Dance Music, as well as categories for New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Top Soundtrack. Music stars Joe Jonas and Charlie Puth announced nominees in six categories on Oct. 13 for the 2015 American Music Awards. Immediately following the broadcast, five additional categories will be announced exclusively via Snapchat (TheAMAs) in real time. American Music Awards nominees are based on key fan interactions as reflected in Billboard Magazine and on Billboard.com, including album and digital singles sales, radio airplay, streaming, social activity and touring. These measurements are tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Entertainment and Next Big Sound.

T UES DAY : OC OT BER 27 : 2015

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ ‘Legendary doctor’ is in the country ISAH V. RED Legendary Doctor (Hur Jun) is a South Korean television series about the life of Joseon -era doctor, Heo-Jun. This period drama was broadcasted by MBC from 1999 to 2000, and reached record-breaking viewership ratings of 64 percent. It was also aired in Taiwan Television in 2002 and Hong Kong’s TVB in 2005, after the finale of Daer Jang Geum (which was also directed by Hur Jun Lee-Byung Hoon). In 2011-2012, the broadcast of the series in Kurdistan led to the naming of a hospital after the historical Hur Jun and a 2012 visit by the series’ lead actor, Jun Kwangryul, to the country. The story is set in Joseon, primarily during the reign of King Seonio, 50 years after the death of Jang Geum (reputedly the first female doctor in Joseon). Hur Jun was the son of a devon (untouchable) mother. Due to his mother’s social position, he was also considered sangnom under Joseon law at the time, even though his father was from the ruling caste and held office as a local magistrate. As a result, he faced much discrimination, which caused him to lose focus and direction, and eventually led him to participate in smuggling operations. At this time, Hur Jun became familiar with Da-hee, an upper-class lady who was in exile. Her father was branded a traitor and died in exile. Hur Jun sympathized with her and handled ail of her father’s funeral affairs. Not long after that, Hur Jun’s smuggling activities were discovered, and his life was saved by his erstwhile uncaring father, who also rescued his mother and Da-hee, and smuggled them out of their town. Hur Jun and Da- hee eventually got married and moved to Saneum, in Gveongsang Province. Once, Hur Jun’s mother fell ill, and he sought the help of a famous local physician, Yoo Ui-

tae. Hur Jun became interested in medicine and became Yoo Uitae’s pupil to study it. He proved to have an aptitude for medicine, and being very studious, he progressed very quickly. His studies attracted the attention of Ye-jin, an orphaned lady who lived with Yoo Ui-tae, began to mentor Hur Jun in the area of medicinal usage. Hur Jun’s medicinal prowess continued to grow, but he still had no chance to practice. He received his first patient when an elderly couple brought their unconscious daughter to his house. Apparently, she tried to hang herself and had almost died. Hur Jun, with some innovative remedies, managed to revive her, but refused to accept payment for his services. The couple decided instead to spread news of their benefactor’s deeds to their friends and neighbors. This unwittingly brought Hur Jun many impoverished patients who had heard he was both skilled and offering free examinations. Yoo Ui-tae was initially angry because he thought Hur Jun had not acquired sufficient medical knowledge to treat patients in the first place and was only making use of his own name to earn some money quickly. Nonetheless, Yoo Ui-tae investigated Hur Jun’s diagnoses and prescriptions for each of the poor patients he treated, and realized Hur Jun was indeed competent and correct in his practice. He was further pleased that Hur Jun had not profited at all from the poor patients. To reward Hur Jun, Yoo Ui-tae placed him in charge of the local drug store. Later, Hur Jun received the opportunity to treat the wife of a high-ranking gentry. She had suffered a stroke, which rendered her paralyzed and bedridden. All of the physicians who had examined her had concluded that her condition was hopeless, but Hur Jun managed to cure her completely.. To follow the saga of the Legendary Doctor, watch its exciting episodes this November to be aired every Saturdays and Sundays on PTV-4. ➜ continued on c7

Scenes from the Korean drama Legendary Doctor aired on PTV 4, Saturdays and Sundays. The drama is one of the highest rating series in Korea when it was shown several years ago