The Standard - 2016 February 19 - Friday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXX NO. 9 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 friday : fEBrUary 19, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Vitangcol implicates Roxas in MRT mess

us AiRs concERn on sino MissilEs WASHI NGTON—US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday slammed China for its increased militarization in the South China Sea, after Beijing deployed surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island there.

“There is every evidence, every day, that there has been an increase of militarization of one kind or another. It’s of a serious concern,” Kerry told reporters. A US official said China has deployed surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island, part of the Paracel Islands chain. The official said the missiles appeared to be HQ-9s, which have a range of about 125 miles (200 kilometers). Experts say they could be used

to target enemy aircraft. Fox News first reported missile launchers and a radar system had arrived on Woody Island in recent days, referring to satellite imagery. Taiwan’s defense ministry later confirmed the facility’s existence. “We believe the photos are accurate and that China has deployed SAMs to Woody Island,” the US official said. Beijing has controlled all of the Paracels, which are also claimed by Hanoi and Taipei, since seiz-

ing several from South Vietnam in a brief, bloody battle towards the end of the Vietnam War. But tensions in the sea—through which a third of the world’s oil passes—have mounted in recent months since China transformed contested reefs in the Spratly islands further south into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities. Washington says the move threatens free passage in a strategically vital area and has sent war-

US Secretary of State John Kerry

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Reds inked peace draft but PNoy junked it By Florante S. Solmerin and Joyce P. Pañares THE communist National Democratic Front had already signed a draft peace agreement in December 2014, but the Aquino administration rejected the pact purportedly because of the Mamasapano incident, NDF peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni said Thursday.

ships to sail close to the disputed islands to assert freedom of navigation, raising fears of escalation. “We have said repeatedly with respect to China that the standard that should be applied to all countries with respect to the South China Sea is no militarization,” Kerry said. The secretary of state recalled that during a state visit to Washington last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed not to militarize in the disputed waters. Next page

“The agreement contained provisions for long-term truce and cooperation as well as social economic reform and the release of NDF consultants,” Jalandoni said in a telephone interview from The Netherlands. The agreement was dated Dec. 8, 2014 and signed by former interior undersecretary Hernani Braganza for the government, Jalandoni for the NDF

and authenticated by Elisabeth Slattum, special envoy of the Royal Norwegian Government. “[But] It did not prosper. The draft agreement was apparently rebuffed by [presidential peace adviser Teresita] Deles,” Jalandoni said, adding that Aquino even “disauthorized” Braganza to pursue talks with the communist Next page leaders.

Athletes of the Year featured in Main Event

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Nike of US parts ways with Pacquiao LOS ANGELES—US sports equipment giant Nike on Wednesday axed Manny Pacquiao after he described gay couples as “worse than animals,” slamming the Filipino boxer’s remarks as “abhorrent.” A Nike statement said the company had severed its ties with Pacquiao, who triggered a firestorm of controversy with his comments to a Filipino broadcaster earlier this week. “We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” a Nike statement said. “Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community... we no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.” Nike’s move was welcomed by gay rights campaigners in the PhilippinesThursday. “Philippine LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender]and allied groups plus Nike’s enlightened stand has struck down the fundamentalist posturing of a bigot who wants to be a senator of the land,” said Danton Remoto, head of Ang Ladlad, a gay rights political party. Devout Christian Pacquiao, 37, who is running for a seat in his country’s Senate, had issued an apology soon after the controversy erupted. “I’m sorry for comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt,” Pacquiao said in a video post on Instagram, his arms crossed. Pacquiao said he was not condemning homosexuals but was standing by his conservative Christian faith. “I love you all with the love of the Lord. I am praying for you.” Pacquiao told television station TV5 earlier this week: “It’s common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female.” “If men mate with men and women mate with women, they are worse than animals.” Pacquiao’s comments were greeted with revulsion in the United States, where same-sex marriage is enshrined in law following a historic Supreme Court

Reds... From A1

“At first we thought Deles only elbowed Nani [Braganza] out of the way so she could take credit, but she did nothing to follow it up,” said CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, who was also contacted in The Netherlands where he and Jalandoni have been in exile since 1987. Both Sison and Jalandoni surmised that Deles may not have wanted to deal with Braganza on a possible peace pact with the NDF because of some unspecified “misunderstanding.” Jalandoni said they expected the resumption of peace talks in January 2015, but it was put in the backburner after the uproar over the Jan. 25, 2015 killing of 44 police commandos in an operation to neutralize Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. After the public condemnation of the incident, the NDF again tried to resume talks because they believed it was “doable” even in the last six months of the Aquino administration. “We talked to them again and told them we are willing to try even if there were only a few months left

ruling. Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in the NBA, dismissed Pacquiao as “bigoted.” “I lost all respect for you,” Collins wrote on Twitter. “Bigoted people like you [& yes you are one] should never hold an office in politics.” Pacquiao’s long-time rival Floyd Mayweather—who outclassed the Filipino in their money-spinning megafight last year—also took aim at the remarks. “We should let people live their lives the way they want to live their lives. To each his own,” Mayweather was quoted by TMZ Sports as saying. While homosexuality is not criminalized in the Philippines, gay marriage is outlawed due to strong opposition from the Catholic Church. But Pacquiao’s remarks angered some of his compatriots. Singer Aiza Seguerra, who recently married her actress-girlfriend in the US, called on Filipino voters to boycott Pacquiao, who is preparing for his last boxing fight with Timothy Bradley in April, calling him an “ignorant, bigoted hypocrite.” “You just showed the whole country why we shouldn’t vote for you,” Seguerra said in a post on Instagram. Filipino sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz said there was a genuine risk Pacquiao would lose other international endorsement deals following Nike’s action. “It will hit him in the pocket for sure,” Nathanielsz said. The Nike endorsement, whose terms were not disclosed, was Pacquiao’s most prominent sponsorship deal. Forbes.com magazine put his earnings for 2015 at $160 million including $12 million from endorsements. Pacquiao on Thursday said he respects Nike’s decision to cut ties with him after his remarks on gays. But he also said his contract with Nike had ended two years ago, and that he was just contracted for clothing sponsorships from time to time. Pacquiao, who represents Sarangani province in the House of Representatives, topped the list of absentee congressmen. The 38-year-old boxing champion is also involved in basketball, singing and acting. He is running for senator under the opposition United Nationalist Alliance. Maricel V. Cruz, AFP

in the Aquino administration. We said maybe we could pursue the truce agreement and the agreement on social economic reforms,” Jalandoni said. “But the camp of Deles told us, ‘the runway is already short’,” Jalandoni quoted Deles as saying. So the Aquino administration should not blame the NDF and say that the communist movement does not want peace because it is the Aquino administration who did not want peace when it was offered to them. Jalandoni accused Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda of twisting facts when the latter accused the rebel movement of refusing to come to the negotiating table. “The Aquino regime’s spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, should check the facts before pronouncing the false claim that ‘they (the National Democratic Front of the Philippines [NDFP]) refused to come to the table’,” Jalandoni said. Jalandoni made the remark after Malacañang condemned the bloody attack of more than 100 NPA fighters against a convoy of more than 60 policemen in the mountainous town of Baggao, Cagayan that resulted in the death of six cops and injury to 16 others. “His answer, in contradiction to the facts, tries to put the blame on

the revolutionary movement,” Jalandoni said. “The facts are: 1) in October, December 2014 and February 2015, the NDFP Negotiating Panel received a delegation from the Aquino regime which was led by former DAR Secretary, Hernani Braganza, close associate of then DILG Secretary Mar Roxas,” Jalandoni recalled. “On Dec. 8, 2014, a Draft Peace Agreement was signed by both sides, authenticated by Royal Norwegian Government Special Envoy, Ms. Elisabeth Slattum, proposing truce and cooperation within the term of the Aquino government,” he said. “On Feb. 18, 19 and 20, 2015, the team of Mr. Braganza returned and a proposal for truce and cooperation was drafted by both sides to be presented to the Aquino regime, then beleaguered with the Mamasapano fiasco,” Jalandoni said. “These efforts were rebuffed and set aside by [Peace Process] Secretary Teresita Deles and not acted on by President Aquino. The Braganza team was disauthorized. “The combined peace initiatives of the Braganza team, the NDFP Negotiating Panel and the Royal Norwegian Government Special Envoy thus have come to naught. The responsibiilty lies squarely on Secretary Deles and President Aquino,” he added.

US...

From A1

“We had these conversations with the Chinese and I’m confident that over the next days, we will have further very serious conversations on this,” Kerry said. The top US diplomat expressed hope that Beijing would work to resolve the maritime disputes “not through unilateral action, not through force, not through militarization but through diplomacy and by working with other countries and claimants.” On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama called for “tangible steps” to lower tensions in the South China Sea. Beijing, meanwhile, has insisted it has the right to build self-defense systems in the region. The Philippines on Thursday threw its support behind a US and European Union call to China to respect the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on Manila’s territorial dispute with Beijing. “The Philippines has always maintained the position that all claimant-states to the resource-rich waters should adhere to the rule of law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS], and must not use force or intimidation and adhere to the principles of a non-binding and nonaggression pact on the South China Sea that was signed in 2002 by China and Southeast Asian states,” the Foreign Affairs Department said in a statement. The DFA said that is has exhausted almost all political and diplomatic avenues for a peaceful negotiated settlement of its maritime dispute with China. The US and EU also warned China to respect the Netherland-based tribunal’s ruling, which is expected later this year. The Philippine filed a case against China before the The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, where it is seeking interpretation of its maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, which is being claimed nearly in its entirety by China. “A final decision may be rendered by the court in May,” the DFA said. China rejects the authority of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague hearing the dispute, even though Beijing has ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on which the case is based. According to a report, Amy Searight, US deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia, said the United States, the European Union, and allies like Australia, Japan and South Korea must be ready to make clear that the court’s ruling must be binding and that there would be costs to China for

not respecting it if it lost the case. “We need to be ready to be very loud and vocal, in harmony together, standing behind the Philippines and the rest of the Asean claimants to say that this is international law, this is incredibly important, it is binding on all parties,” she told a seminar at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies. Searight said the message to China, if it did not respect a negative ruling, should be, “we will hold you accountable.” “Certainly, reputational cost is at stake, but we can think of other creative ways to perhaps impose costs as well,” she said without elaborating. The Hague tribunal has no powers of enforcement and its rulings have been ignored before. China disputes South China Sea territory with several other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as the Philippines. Klaus Botzet, head of the political section of the EU Delegation in Washington, said it was difficult to oppose world opinion. “A joint Western, a joint world opinion, matters also for Beijing,” he said. “If we unanimously support that international law as formulated by the international tribunal in the Hague ... needs to be upheld, that’s a very strong message and will be very difficult to ignore,” he said. In unusually forthright language, Botzet said China’s policy of military buildup was not in its interest. “It’s investing much more in its military relative to its economic growth; it’s forcing its neighbors into alliances against itself; positions its neighbors otherwise wouldn’t take and the return on investment on this policy is negative,” he said. The United States had exceptional military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific, Botzet said, adding that the European Union “strongly supports the American guarantee of international law in Asia.” A leftist lawmaker on Thursday sounded the alarm over the reported Chinese missile deployments. “We are very much alarmed with China’s aggressive efforts to assert its claim in the disputed seas,” said Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon. “While the Paracel Islands are not part of the Philippines’ claimed territory, the presence of Chinese military armaments in a location dangerously near the boundaries of the West Philippine Sea is a cause for alarm for our country. We are concerned that in no time, Beijing will also treacherously build missile launchers in Philippine territory,” Ridon added. Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz, AFP

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Santiago: Explain why PRP excluded THE camp of presidential candidate Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Thursday demanded that the Commission on Elections explain why the name of her People’s Reform Party was not included in the ballots that were printed for the May 9 elections. PRP counsel Fatima Lipp Panontongan asked Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista to invalidate all the ballots that did not carry the party’s name. She also sought a commitment from the Comelec to include the PRP in all the ballots as the political party of Santiago. “The photographs posted in various media channels during the press briefing last 15 February 2016 showed that the NPO [National Printing Office] clearly showed the PRP was omitted from the official ballot,” Panontongan said in her letter to Bautista. “Upon discovery of this inexplicable incident, our legal team immediately raised the issue with the Commission’s Law Department which assured us that “PRP” is included in the Official Ballot as the political party of candidate Miriam Defensor-Santiago.” PRP said the Comelec’s Law Department instructed them to wait for the list that would be released on Tuesday, but it was never carried on the commission’s website. “Since we are aware that thousands of ballots are being printed by the hour at the expense of the Filipino people, we decided to verify with the Comelec’s Education and Information Department the authenticity of official ballots shown to the press,” the letter read. Macon Ramos-araneta

Ready. Workers at the National Printing Office wait for instructions to start the printing of the ballots for this year’s elections. Manny PalMeRo

UNA says Liberal Party will resort to cheating THE ruling Liberal Party will resort to election manipulation and political harassment in the May elections because the only way for it to win is by cheating, the United Nationalist Alliance said Thursday. “The administration political party has the capability to manipulate the elections to cheat because they have the resources,” UNA secretary-general JV Bautista said during the launching of the group ANIB or Abogado ni Binay, which is

composed of more than 500 lawyers nationwide. “ANIB was formed to support the candidacy of Vice President Jejomar Binay who believes he is the most qualified president among the presidential candidates,” said former Integrated Bar of the Philippines national president Vicente Joyas. He made his statement even as a Binay spokesman said Binay would allocate P65 billion a year to provide free uniforms, books and school supplies to 20 million public school students nationwide if he was elected President. “A Binay administration will complete the construction of at least 50,000 new classrooms in 2016 because education is the key compo-

nent in addressing poverty,” Joey Salgado said. He said Binay’s education program would include scholarships, student loans, subsidies and other incentives to underprivileged students. Joyas said ANIB would also act as Binay’s poll watchdog during the elections to make sure no cheating took place in all the voting places. Bautista said the LP had already started to cheat in the form of votebuying through the use of the 4Ps or the government’s dole to the poor by spreading the lie that Binay would stop the dole should he be elected president. “They have the capability to cheat by manipulating the vote-counting

machines or exploiting the Commission on Elections,” Bautista said. “It’s always a possibility that the Liberal Party will exploit the flaws of the electronic elections. It is not far-fetched the party will be using the VCM to manipulate the results of the election.” Lawyer Nasser Maharomsalik said the LP would also use the ARMM to cheat because the “ARMM is the cheating capital of the Philippines.” He said the widespread blackouts in Mindanao would be employed in time for the elections. The media and other poll watchdogs should focus on Mindanao because it was notorious for election cheating. Vito Barcelo

‘Give opposition chance to serve’ INDEPENDENT presidential candidate Grace Poe said Thursday the candidates from the opposition should be given the chance to serve the country if they were intelligent, competent and had no pending cases. But the senator did not elaborate if she was referring to any of her rivals for the presidency in the May elections. Speaking to reporters after attending the 8th GoNegosyo Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Poe said the next administration should be the unifying force. She made her statement after she and her running mate, Senator Francis Escudero, were said to have been prevented from holding consultation meetings with students in a school in Roxas City on Wednesday. She did not confirm the report but said it should not have been allowed under the Aquino administration’s “straight path” policy.

She didn’t want to talk about the matter anymore, but she renewed her appeal for the students in all parts of the country be given a chance to listen to candidates so they could make the right choices in the coming elections. “Just because they already have a candidate doesn’t mean we won’t visit the area,” Poe said. She reiterated the need for a leader that would unify the country after she made her promises in a speech in Pasay City. Her promises include lowering the income tax rates, putting up CCTV cameras in the villages to prevent crimes and faster Wi-Fi connection in all parts of the country. “I think I can deliver all those promises and I think the Filipinos should really have a leader that unifies,” Poe said. “I always take a stand but the important thing is to submit to the will of the people.” Macon Ramos-araneta

Summit. Presidential candidate Grace Poe confers with Maria Luisa Orosa, wife of RFM Corp. chief executive Jose Maria Concepcion III, during the 8th Negosyo Filipina summit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Thursday. Danny Pata

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Roxas, Abaya hit for ‘gross neglect’ By Rey E. Requejo

Cultural exchange. The Shenzhen Art Troupe, a group

composed of top performing artists from Shenzhen City in Guangdong, China will perform in Manila for the ‘16th Philippines-China Traditional Cultural Festival’ and ‘2016 Happy Chinese New Year Program’ on Feb. 22 and 23, 2016. The troupe’s performances are made possible through the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, City of Manila, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., National Parks Development Committee, and The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino.

THE former manager of the Metro Rail Transit has asked the Supreme Court to stop the Sandiganbayan from trying him for graft, saying it was administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya who should be prosecuted for “gross and inexcusable neglect.” In a sworn statement submitted to the Court, Al Vitangcol said Roxas, Abaya and other officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications were

Manila

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Republic of the Philippines TODAY QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY Diffun, Quirino Region II

responsible for the mess at the MRT, including dilapidated stations and train and frequent breakdowns. “I am the only DoTC official charged by the Ombuds-

man despite the unmistakable knowledge, involvement, participation and instruction of my superiors in the DoTC headed by former Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, current DoTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Atty. Jose Perpetuo Lotilla and Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco,” Vitangcol said in his sworn statement. The four DoTC officials “should have been the ones brought to justice for gross and inexcusable inaction if not willful and deliberate manipulation of the events and processes related to the maintenance of MRT-3,”

Republic of the Philippines QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY Diffun, Quirino Region II

TB No.: QSU – BAC-B -03-2015

ITB No.: QSU – BAC-B -05-2016

INVITATION TO BID

“CONSTRUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING BUILDING”

“CONSTRUCTION OF DORMITORY – PHASE 1”

The QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY (QSU) at Andres Bonifacio, Diffun, Quirino, through its Trust Fund intends to apply the sum of Pesos: Nine million, Eight Hundred Thousand only (P 9,800,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment under the contract for the hereunder project. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid Opening:

The QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY (QSU) at Andres Bonifacio, Diffun, Quirino, through its Trust Fund intends to apply the sum of Pesos: Five million, Four Hundred Sixty Five Thousand Three Hundred Thirty One & 16/100 (P 5,465,331.16) only, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment under the contract for the hereunder project. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid Opening:

CONTRACT PACKAGE

Approved Budget for the Contract ( ABC ) PhP

Duration of Contract (Calendar Days)

9,800,000.00

240

“CONSTRUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING BUILDING”

CONTRACT PACKAGE

Approved Budget for the Contract ( ABC )PhP

Duration of Contract (Calendar Days)

“CONSTRUCTION OF DORMITORY-PHASE 1”

5,465,331.16

240

The QSU now invites bids for “CONSTRUCTION OF DORMITORY–PHASE 1”.

The QSU now invites bids for “CONSTRUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING BUILDING”

Completion of the project is required within two hundred forty (240) calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed .

Bidders should have completed within the last five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project with an amount of at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of PESOS: Ten Thousand (P10,000.00) only. Bidding Documents maybe downloaded and reprinted from the website of the QSU and website of Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS). However, prospective bidder/s who obtained the bid documents online, shall only be allowed to participate in the bidding upon payment of the nonrefundable bidding fee . The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: 1 2 3 4 5

ACTIVITIES Issuance of Bid Documents Pre-Bid Conference Submission and Opening of Bids Post Evaluation Award of Contract

SCHEDULE

February 26, 2016

TIME/PLACE 8:00AM TO 5:00PM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino 1:30PM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino

March 9, 2016

1:30PM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino

March 10, 2016

8:00AM-5:00PM

Feb 17- March 14, 2016

March 11, 2016

9:00AM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of PESOS: Ten Thousand (P10,000.00) only. Bidding Documents maybe downloaded and reprinted from the website of the QSU and website of Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS). However, prospective bidder/s who obtained the bid documents online, shall only be allowed to participate in the bidding upon payment of the nonrefundable bidding fee. The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: SCHEDULE

TIME/PLACE

Issuance of Bid Documents

ACTIVITIES

Feb 19- March 10, 2016

8:00AM TO 5:00PM/ QSU, Diffun, Quirino

Pre-Bid Conference

February 29, 2016

March 10, 2016

Submission and Opening of Bids Post Evaluation

Award of Contract

March 14, 2016

1:30PM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino 1:30PM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino 8:00AM-5:00PM 9:00AM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino

March 11, 2016

All Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder or his/her duly authorized representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The QSU reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Bids, declare a failure of bidding, waive any defects or informalities therein and/or accept the offer/s most advantageous and beneficial to the government. Further, QSU has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify the prospective bidders for any expenses incurred in the processing of their eligibility to bid and/or in the preparation of the bid, if the fund/allotment for said program/project/activity has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own (GPPB Circular No. 01-2009, dated January 20, 2009).

For further information, please refer to:

DR. ANGELINA D. AMBONON QSU BAC Chairperson Andres Bonifacio, Diffun, Quirino E-mail Adress : quirinostateuniversity@yahoo.com.ph

DR. ANGELINA D. AMBONON QSU BAC Chairperson Andres Bonifacio, Diffun, Quirino E-mail Adress : quirinostateuniversity@yahoo.com.ph (SGD)ANGELINA D. AMBONON, DPA BAC Chairperson

(SGD)ANGELINA D. AMBONON, DPA BAC Chairperson (TS-FEB. 15, 2016)

(TS-FEB. 15, 2016)

Vitangcol said. The Roxas camp denounced Vitangcol’s charges as a “political vendetta.” “It’s very obvious that it’s just squid tactics on the part of Vitangcol,” Roxas spokesperson, Rep. Barry Gutierrez said. “Now that [Vitangcol’s] being charged by the Ombudsman for his mistakes [in the MRT], he would now pin blame on [Roxas] to lessen his liabilities. Obviously, he’s just finding a scapegoat... and he found an easy target in [Roxas] because he’s in the middle of a presidential campaign,” Gutierrez added. CYAN MAGENTA YELL

Mayoral bet slain in Lanao By Francisco Tuyay A MAYORALTY candidate in North Cotabato was shot and killed by a still unidentified assailant past noon in Lanao del Sur, police reported on Thursday. Chief Inspector Ericson Baniaga, police chief of Wao town in Lanao del Sur, identified the victim as Floro Allado, a candidate for mayor in Banisilan, North Cotabato. Baniaga said Allado was aboard his Ford Everest and was filling gasoline at a station in Barangay Eastern when he was fired upon by a masked gunman on board a motorcycle at 12:40 p.m. “Three shots were heard by civilian bystanders, two hitting the hood of his car and one hitting him in the left side of his face,” Baniaga said in an interview. Though wounded, Allado was able to run for cover but he fell in a creek beside the gasoline station where the suspect caught up with him and fired another shot, Baniaga said. “Actually he was able to run but he unfortunately fell in the creek and the suspect fired another shot killing him on the spot,” Baniaga said. Four empty shells from a .45 cal. pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

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Romualdez upbeat on PWDs bill okay By Maricel V. Cruz senAtOriAl candidate and leyte rep. Ferdinand Martin romualdez on thursday welcomed President Aquino iii’s imminent signing into law of his measure exempting persons with disabilities from the payment of 12-percent value added tax on certain goods and services. Attending the national Consultation on PWds on House Bill 1039 expressed high hopes that the President will be able to show his “malasakit” to an estimated three million PWds nationwide by affixing his signature to the measure, giving the green light to its implementation as soon as possible.`` “i am confident that the President will show his malasakit to our PWds by signing

Malasakit to PWDs. Senatorial candidate Rep. Martin Romualdez of Leyte shows a copy of the ratified version of House bill 1039 giving tax exemption to people with disabilities that is awaiting the approval of President Benigno Aquino III during a press conference held at Anabel’s Restaurant in Quezon City. MANNY PALMERO

‘Supplier liable for ballot error’

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista on Thursday said that the supplier of ballots for the may elections may be held liable for an error that forced the Comelec to stop the printing of ballots. Although Bautista is not keen on pursuing a case, he told reporters on thursday that the supplier may be brought to court if it fails to meet the April 25 deadline for the printing of ballots. the supplier allegedly failed to include the name of the political party of presidential aspirant senator

Miriam defensor-santiago—People’s reform Party—beside her name on the ballot. But Bautista said that the Comelec has made provision for errors to be corrected. Bautista added that despite any errors committed, what’s important to him is the supplier is able to meet the April 25

deadline. the supplier turned out to be smartmatic–total information Management, according to the Administrative services department of the Comelec. Both Bautista and head of the printing committee Genevieve Vel ic a r ia- Gueva r ra confirmed that the printing of the official ballots was halted on tuesday, a day after it began. “no party was written beside the name of santiago,” Bautista said in Filipino. Guevarra said the national Printing Office was able to print 39 ballots for final testing and sealing for

overseas ballots for Japan when they found the error. she said as soon as they learned of the error, they alerted the Comelec to correct and change the ballot face. Bautista said they will proceed with the printing of the 1,189,350 official ballots for overseas absentee voters. earlier, VelicariaGuevarra said that during the first week of the printing operation, they will be able to print 100,000 to 200,000 ballots per day. nPO can produce more than one-million ballots per day, she said.

Veterans’ commish, firm abolished President Benigno Aquino iii has ordered the abolition of the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission and the Philippine Veterans investment development Corp. because of the irreversible losses incurred by the two agencies, making themselves “no longer financially viable.” in Memorandum Order no. 87, Aquino said the abolition of the two agencies shall be undertaken by the Governance Commission for GovernmentOwned or -Controlled Corporations, which is the central advisory, monitoring, and oversight body authorized to formulate, implement, and coordinate policies for government-owned and -controlled corporations. the abolition will be done in coordination with the de-

partment of national defense, Aquino said. PVAC will be be absorbed by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office while the commercial functions of Phividec and PVAC shall be assumed by the Phividec industrial Authority. dnd/PVAO and the Privatization and Management Office will dispose of Phividec assets. Aquino said provisions for the immediate and adequate care, benefits and assistance to veterans and retirees, in line with national development plans, may be efficiently carried out by fewer agencies maximizing their capabilities and assets. the commercial functions and provision of services to veterans by PVAC and Phividec have since been performed by

the PiA and PVAO. On the other hand, sec. 5(a) of republic Act (rA) no. 10149, otherwise known as the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, empowers the GCG, in consultation with the department or agency to which a GOCC is attached, to determine whether a GOCC should be reorganized, merged, streamlined, abolished, or privatized. the GCG, in line with sections 6(d) and 8(e) of e.O. no. 43 (s.2011) and the Philippine development Plan 2011-2016, finds the abolition of PVAC and Phividec to be in the best interest of the state in order to improve national productivity and reduce ineffective and inefficient spending of public funds, said Aquino in his M.O. no. 87. Sandy Araneta

into law HB 1039. We do not want to entertain the idea that this bill will be vetoed by the President because we believe the President has a good heart for our PWds,” romualdez told before the crowd attended by some members of the PWd community. romualdez, president of Philippine Constitution Association said he believes the enactment of the measure will level the playing field among “marginalized” sectors of society. romualdez also thanked the mass media for helping him advance his advocacy for the PWds. “this measure has already been on the desk of Malacañang and will soon become a law. let us unite and work together to make the enactment of this measure possible,” the leyte lawmaker said.

Republic of the Philippines QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY Diffun, Quirino Region II

ITB No.: QSU – BAC-B -02-2015

INVITATION TO BID “CONSTRUCTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION LABORATORY BUILDING” The QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY (QSU) at Andres Bonifacio, Diffun, Quirino, through its Trust Fund intends to apply the sum of Pesos: Ten million, Seven Hundred Eighty Thousand only (P 10,780,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment under the contract for the hereunder project. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid Opening: CONTRACT PACKAGE

Approved Budget for the Contract ( ABC )PhP

Duration of Contract (Calendar Days)

“CONSTRUCTION OF TECHNOLOGY & LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION (TLE) LABORATORY BUILDING”

10,780,000.00

240

The QSU now invites bids for “CONSTRUCTION OF TECHNOLOGY & LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION (TLE) LABORATORY BUILDING” Completion of the project is required within two hundred forty (240) calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed . Bidders should have completed within the last five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project with an amount of at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of PESOS: Twenty Five Thousand (P25,000.00) only. Bidding Documents maybe downloaded and reprinted from the website of the QSU and website of Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS). However, prospective bidder/s who obtained the bid documents online, shall only be allowed to participate in the bidding upon payment of the nonrefundable bidding fee . The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: 1

ACTIVITIES Issuance of Bid Documents

SCHEDULE

Pre-Bid Conference

March 1, 2016

TIME/PLACE 8:00AM TO 5:00PM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino 9:00AM /QSU, Diffun, Quirino

March 14, 2016

9:00AM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino

Submission and Opening of Bids Post Evaluation

March 14, 2015

1:30PM-5:00PM

Award of Contract

March 15, 2015

9:00AM/QSU, Diffun, Quirino

Feb 17- March 14, 2016

All Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder or his/her duly authorized representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The QSU reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Bids, declare a failure of bidding, waive any defects or informalities therein and/or accept the offer/s most advantageous and beneficial to the government. Further, QSU has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify the prospective bidders for any expenses incurred in the processing of their eligibility to bid and/or in the preparation of the bid, if the fund/allotment for said program/project/activity has been withheld or reduced through no fault of its own (GPPB Circular No. 01-2009, dated January 20, 2009). For further information, please refer to: DR. ANGELINA D. AMBONON QSU BAC Chairperson Andres Bonifacio, Diffun, Quirino E-mail Adress : quirinostateuniversity@yahoo.com.ph

(TS-FEB. 19, 2016)

(SGD)ANGELINA D. AMBONON, DPA BAC Chairperson

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

2,050 cops, soldiers to Masbate By Francisco Tuyay Republic of the Philippines Office of the President National Irrigation Administration

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) UPPER PAMPANGA RIVER INTEGRATED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS OFFICE ADDRESS : Bayanihan, Gapan City Telehone Nos. : (044) 486-0308/0307 Website : www.nia.gov.ph

TELEFAX No..: (044) 486-0308 TIN No. : 916-415-027

INVITATION TO BID NO. UPRIIS-D4-UPRIIS-0P1-OP6-2016 1.

The National Irrigation Administration - Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (NIA-UPRllS), Division I, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, through the CY 2016 projects intends to apply the hereunder Approved Budget for the Contract to payment of the corresponding contract packages below. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. a.

1. Contract Package No: 2. Contract Name:

3. Contract Location: 4. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): 5. Contract Duration: b.

1. Contract Package No: 2. Contract Name:

3. Contract Location: 4. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): 5. Contract Duration: c.

Php 7,760,000.00 90 Calendar Days OP-D4-002 Improvement of Canal Roadways @. Lateral G(L-3.000 kms.). Lateral H(L-1.900 kms.), Lateral I( L-4.100 kms.), Lateral J(L-7.500 kms), Lateral L(L-3.000 kms.), Lateral ,J-1 (L-4.000 kms.), Lateral J-2( L-4 .000 kms.) Lateral J-3(L-2,500 kms.), Lateral J-4(L-1.980 kms), & Lateral C-I (L-6.000 kms) Gapan City, San Isid ro. Cabiao Nueva Ecija

Contract Package No: Contract Name: Contract Location: Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): 5. Contract Duration:

OP-D4-003 Dredging of Kalawitan Creek, Sta. 0+000-9+500 Candaba, Pampanga

1. Contract Package No: 2. Contract Name:

OP-D4-004 Dredging of Mandile Creek, Sta. 0+000-5+000 & Barangka Creek, Sta. 0+000-3+800 Candaba, Pampanga

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE

Php 9,036,667.08 90 Calendar Days OP-D4-005 Upgrading/Improvement of Lateral C -Extension, San Miguel, Bulacan

1. 2. 3. 4.

OP-D4-006 Desilting/Re-Gravelling of Lateral C -Extension San Miguel, Bulacan

Contract Package No: Contract Name: Contract Location: Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): 5. Contract Duration:

Php 7,792,285 .43 75 Calendar Days

The National Irrigation Administration - Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems Division IV, now invites bids for above-named project. Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

Interested bidders. may obtain further information from National Irrigation Administration Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems Division IV, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below on February 18,2016 to March 10,2016 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M..

A complete set of Bidding Documents (BD’s) may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount shown below. CONTRACT PACKAGE NO. OP-D4-001 OP-D4-002 OP-D4-003 OP-D4-004 OP-D4-005 OP-D4-006

AMOUNT 10,000.00 15,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhiIGEPS) www.philgepsgov.ph provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The Pre-Bid Conference to be held at the Conference Room of the National Irrigation Administration - Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems, Division IV, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija at 2:00 P.M., February 26,2016 shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below: ACTIVITIES

DATE AND TIME

1. Issuance of Bidding Documents

February 18-March 10, 2016 @ 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

2. Deadline for payment of Bid Docs, Receipt and submission of Bids

March 10, 2016 @ 12:00 Noon

3. Opening of Bids

March 10, 2016 @ 1:00 P.M.

Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, including the eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and post-qualification. 8.

The National Irrigation Administration - Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems Division IV (NIA-UPRIIS, Division IV), reserves the right to accept or reject any bids, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to Contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. Submit your bids and for further information refer to:

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

Improvement of Morong Mabayo Road Morong Bataan Upgrading of Road Leading to Limutan Falls Barangay Binukawan, Bagac, Bataan

=P=67,999,927.25 =P=53,999,907.87

The Provincial Government of Bataannow invites bids for the above listedProjects. Completion of works is requiredon or before the maturity date stipulated on contract. Bidders should have completed, at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Office of Bataan Bids & Awards Committeeand inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the same office. Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 04-2012 listed below. Approved Budget for the Contract

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso)

500,000 and below More than 500,000 up to 1 Million More than 1 Million up to 5 Million More than 5 Million up to 10 Million More than 10 Million up to 50 Million More than 50 Million up to 500 Million More than 500 Million

500.00 1,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00 75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataanwill hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall beopen only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Bids must be delivered on or before March 10, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 and Bid Securing Declaration in standard form. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted. In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days. Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Activities Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Eligibility Check Issuance and availability of bidding Documents Request for Clarification Opening of Bids

Schedule February 18 – 24, 2016 Refer to date of Opening of Bids February 18 – March 10, 2016 February 29, 2016 March 10, 2016

For further information, please refer to:

Noted:

(TS-FEB. 19, 2016)

Name of Project

The Provincial Government of Bataanreserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

MAGNO A. PATIAG BAC Chairman Operations & Maintenance Section Gapan City, Nueva (044) 486-0308/0307 d4upriis_nia@yahoo.com

(SGD) MAGNO A. PATIAG Chairman, BAC Division IV

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund intends to apply the below listed project w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected a bid opening.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/ sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

INVITATION TO BID NO. INFRA -029-2016

Php 9,167,526.54 75 Calendar Days

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga

Php 9,036,573.84 90 Calendar Days

Contract Package No: Contract Name: Contract Location: Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): 5. Contract Duration:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Southern Luzon Command Chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said the continued existence of local insurgents and private armed groups in the island province is a primary security concern for authorities. Masbate is also under the Comelec watch list of potential flash points. “We appeal to the candidates not to use PAGs,” Visaya said in a recent dialogue among stakeholders in Masbate, including local politicians led by Vicente Hommer Revil, Chief Supt. Augusto Marquez Jr., director of Police Regional Office-5. Visaya solicited the commitment of all candidates to make the elections peaceful and orderly in Masbate. A total of 2,050 police and military personnel will be deployed to render election duties in Masbate, said Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman.

Php 13,705,128.84 45 Calend ar Days

1. 2. 3. 4.

3. Contract Location: 4. Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): 5. Contract Duration: e.

OP-D4-001 Repair/Supply & Fabrication of Steelgates @ Salangan Dam Salangan Dam Intake. Supply Fabrication & Installation of Steelgates @ Lateral C-Extension, Sta. 14+500, Lateral CX-9 Headgate. Barangka Dam & Manaul Dam San Miguel. Bulacan , Candaba.Pampanga

TWO battalions of combined military and police troops will be mobilized in Masbate to contain the threat posed by New People’s Army and criminal syndicates to the May 2016 elections.

De Guzman said 100 troops from the Reconnaisance Company of the 9th Infantry Division will be reassigned to Masbate to beef up the 500-strong personnel of the 9th Infantry Battalion. Guzman said the additional deployment of troops would help contain the threat pose by the rebels and PAGs currently operating in Masbate. Despite attempts by the military and police to free the province from NPA presence, Masbate remained a rebel-infested area for years. Politicians keep the NPAs or PAGs under their employ to intimidate or defeat their opponents. For his part, Marquez noted the presence of NPAs is a serious threat to the electoral contest as NPAs collects permit to campaign and permits to win from political candidates. “Giving in to their demands for PTC and PTW will allow the NPAs to increase their finances and resources and that will create another and bigger problem for the AFP and PNP,” Marquez noted. Visaya was elated by the attendance of local candidates during a recent dialogue. “I am happy that despite their differences in political affiliations, they are one with the AFP and PNP in our common goal for a peaceful Masbate not only during the election period but more importantly for the greater future ahead,” said Visaya.

(SGD) EUGENIO O. CONDE, JR. Division Manager

(SGD) ENGR. FLORENTINO R. DAVID, CESE Department Manager A, UPRIIS

Engr. Josephine R. Valenzuela Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, BalangaCity, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph

(TS-FEB. 19, 2016)

(SGD) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC Chairman

Ecowaste to recycle campaign materials By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority has donated to the Ecowaste Coalition the illegal election campaign tarpaulins which will be reproduced as seat covers, tents and other useable items. MMDA, led by general manager Corazon Jimenez and Metro Parkway Clearing Group chief Francis Martinez, turned over 250 tarpaulins to the environmental group, which is working with the government to promote “Trash-Free Elections.” The tarpaulins were among the truckloads of illegal campaign or “epal” materials removed by the MMDA from foot bridges, lamp posts, cable wires and trees during their operation “Operation Baklas.” “The seized campaign materials are valuable resources that should be put to good use,” said Aileen Lucero, Ecowaste coordinator. “It will be such a huge waste if these illegal election paraphernalia are buried in landfills. We can and we should find appropriate uses for them.” The tarpaulins can also be repurposed into coin purses, pouch bags, grocery bags and beach bags, and also be sewn into mail and shoe organizers, worker’s aprons, tool belts, laundry baskets and even as receptacles for office or household recyclables. Ecowaste will collaborate with communitybased organizations in making prototypes that can inspire others to reuse and recycle election campaign tarpaulins.

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Damage from El Niño hits P20m in Zambo—agri exec By A. Perez Rimando

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga Sibugay—The prolonged drought in the rural communities of this highly urbanized city has destroyed close to P20 million worth of agricultural and fishery crops since late 2015, an agricultural official said. City agriculture office chief Diosdado Palacat said some 1,000 hectares of rice, corn, assorted vegetables, and fishponds “have withered and dried up from November 2015 to the middle of February 2016 with no chance of recovery in the farmlands of Curuan, Vitali, Mercedes, San Ramon, Taluksangay, Sangali, Labuan, Culainan, Malaguatay, Labuan, Sacol and several mountain sitios. The long dry spell has

adversely affected the food supply of some 900 farming families, Palacat said, adding that the El Niño has hit over 900 farming families who now resort to eating root crops. Palacat noted that over 780 hectares of newly planted rice fields have dried up. The cracked soil has also destroyed some 200 corn fields, as well as areas on which camote, cassava, papaya, banana, peanut, papaya, ginger,

eggplant, tomato and squash are planted. The city agriculture office said it “continues to monitor the dry spell even as it

provides necessary assistance and support to as many affected farmers as possible, including the planting of alternative crops that

Mechanic Training Center Region 8 show their newfound skills. MEL CASPE

Republic of the Phillippines Department of Health National Capital Regional Office VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER BIDS AND AWARD COMMITTEE

INVITATION TO BID

Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625 Email addressvmc_bac@yahoo.com

The Municipality of Binmaley, through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) invites Contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to apply for eligibility and if found eligible, to bid for the hereunder project: : :

CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC MARKET POBLACION, BINMALEY, PANGASINAN

: : :

Php 49,733,000.00 LOAN (DBP) 543 CD

Prospective bidders should possess a valid PCAB License ( Category Medium A) which is applicable to the contract, have completed a similar contract with a value of at least 50% of the ABC, and have key personnel and equipment ( listed in the Eligibility Forms) available for the prosecution of the contract. The BAC will use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria in the Eligibility Check Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids. The BAC will conduct postqualification of the lowest calculated bid. Prospective Bidders are also advised to be guided on the following conditions, to wit: −

The Implementation of the project is subject to the condition for the approval and release of loan being secured with the Deveopment Bank of the Philippines.

−

Billing of Project will be based on Progress of Work/Completion;

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID XRAY SUPPLIES CY 2016 PUBLIC BIDDING NO. 2016-004 Dated March 14, 2016 1.

FUNDING SOURCE: The Valenzuela Medical Center (VMC) through INCOME/GAA/GOP intends to apply the amount of One Million Four Hundred Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty Six Pesos and 86/100 Only (Php 1, 408,866.86), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the provision of public bidding for XRAY SUPPLIES CY 2016 . Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid Opening.

The Valenzuela Medical Center now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for xray supplies. The description of an eligible Bidder is contained in Section II of the Bidding Documents’ ITB.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criteria as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations Parts A (IRR-A) of Republic Act No. 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, and is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws and regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to Republic Act 5183 (RA 5183) and subject to Commonwealth Act 138 (CA 138). Only Bids from bidders who pass the eligibility check will be opened. The process for the eligibility check is described in Section II of the Bidding Documents, ITB. The Bidder with the lowest calculated bid (LCB) shall advance to the postqualification stage in order to finally determine his responsiveness of the bid to the technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during the postqualification procedure.

Interested Bidders may obtain further information from Valenzuela Medical Center and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00AM-4:00PM starting February 19, 2016 to March 14, 2016.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of 1 Million up-5 Million/ Five Thousand Pesos Only (P5,000.00). The method of payment will be in cash. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective bidder or his authorized representative. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Valenzuela Medical Center will hold a Pre-Bid Conference open to all interested parties on February 29, 2016 @ 10:00 AM at 4th Floor, Conference Room of Valenzuela Medical Center, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Eligibility Check and Bid Opening will be on March 14, 2016. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered to the address below on or before, March 14, 2016 10:00 AM, 4th Floor, Conference Room of Valenzuela Medical Center, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the form of Cash, Manager’s Check or Cashier’s Check Bank Draft or Bank Guarantee of two (2%) percent, 5% Surety Bond and Securing Declaration (notarized) of the total amount to bid. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

The Valenzuela Medical Center reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid, and to annul the bidding process and reject all Bids at any time prior to the contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Screening , Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The complete schedule of activities is listed as follows: B AC A c t i v i t i e s 1. Pre-Procurement

Conference

Schedule Feb.9, 2016 - 10AM/Conference Rm., Municipal Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan

2.Issuance of Bid Documents

Feb. 12, 2016 - March 3, 2016/BAC OFFICE Municipal Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan Monday to Friday/8AM-5PM

3. Pre - bid Conference

Feb. 22, 2016 -10am/Conference Rm., Municipal Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan

4. Opening of Bids

March 4, 2016- 10AM/Conference Rm., Municipal Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan Deadline for the Submission of Bids is 9:30AM

5. Bid Evaluation

March 7, 2016

6. Post-Qualification

March 8, 2016- 10AM/Conference Rm. Mun. Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan

7. Notice of Award

March 10, 2016

8. Notice to Proceed

March 14, 2016

Bid Documents will be available only to prospective bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of Php 25,000.00 at the Office of the Treasurer, Binmaley, Pangasinan. The Municipal Government of Binmaley assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bids and reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any formality, informality, and/or defect and to make an award to the bidder whose proposal is most advantageous to the government. CONTACT PERSON: (SGD.) CATALINA R. FLORES BAC Secretariat Poblacion, Binmaley, Pangasinan Tel. No. (075)681-3881

( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

Japanese experts who arrived here recently said they expect the local drought to last until the end of summer 2016.

Heavy lifting. Graduates from the Isuzu-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Auto

Republic of the Philippines O FFI CE O F TH E M AYO R B I DS A N D AWA R DS CO M M IT TEE Binmaley, Pangasinan

Name of Project Location Approved Budget For the Contract (ABC) Source of Fund Contract Duration

withstand the effect of El Niño. Meanwhile, cloud seeding operations undertaken by the PagasaDoST started on Feb. 16.

APPROVED BY: (SGD) FERNANDO B. FERRER BAC Chairman

(SGD) DONA D. SALMOS, RN, MAN BAC Chairperson (TS-FEB. 19, 2016)

Lawyers’ group cries connivance in P120-m Butuan deal A GROUP of lawyers expressed serious doubts on the legitimacy of the bidding process for the P120million heavy equipment project contract entered into by Butuan City government, claiming there was connivance between the city and the winning bidder, Conequip Phils. Inc. The lawyers allege the deal was overpriced. In their petition for a temporary restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction against the project, the lawyers, led by Clint Dabalos, said the Approved Budget of the Contracts and the bid amounts submitted by the winning bidder were “strikingly similar if not identical figures.” “The data provided would readily show the strikingly similar, if not identical figures of the ABC and the bid amounts submitted by the winning bidder, Conequip Phils. Inc,” the lawyers said in their petition. The lawyers cited the similar ABC (P25,845,798) and the bid amount (P25,845,798) of Conequip Phils. for the purchase of four 10-wheeler dump truck. The ABC and bid price of Conequip for the purchase of vibratory compactor were also the same. Earlier, the lawyers asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction against the project. The petition was raffled off to the sala of Judge Augustus Calo of Branch 5 of the Regional Trial Court of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City. It was docketed as Civil Case No. 7263. Aside from Mayor Ferdinand Amante, the lawyers also included private contractor Conequip Phils. Inc. and members of the Bids and Awards Committee as respondents. ( T S - J U N E 5 , 2 015 )

F R I D AY: F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

RUSHED AUCTION

[ EDI TORI A L ] THE Transportation Department seems to be in a hurry to hold the bidding for the P65.09-billion Light Rail Transit Line 6 project that seeks to further extend the LRT Line 1 to Dasmariñas from Bacoor, Cavite. The private sector is wary that conducting the auction and awarding the project to the winning bidder before the May elections will be fraught with controversy and risks. Prospective bidders want the government to delay the auction of the project by six months, or after the election period.

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

One interested company— Metro Pacific Investments Corp.—wants the auction on the new rail line held after the election period, or once new officials are sworn in, from the original deadline of April 5. “Our country is not good in continuity of government. When the new government comes, there’s always changes,” says a Metro Pacific official during the pre-qualification conference. “It feels that they are really rushing it. We want to look at and understand the project.” The official’s comment best

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describes the bad reputation of the government in honoring contracts with the private sector. The government time and again has earned the ire of local and foreign investors after reneging on the terms of contracts earlier agreed with project proponents. Maynilad Water Services Inc., for instance, sued the government before the international arbitration court in Singapore for not complying with the terms of the west zone service contract, after the water regulator refused to implement a rate increase. Maynilad’s case and other busi-

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

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

ness disputes have raised questions on the integrity of contracts under the public-private partnership program of the Aquino administration. The bidding for the Light Rail Transit Line 6 project, meanwhile, will be a closely-watched affair due to the presence of other notable bidders like San Miguel Corp. and Egis International of France. Another misstep from the government will greatly reduce the state’s credibility in honoring contracts and cast serious doubt on the PPP program. Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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F R I D AY: F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

RUSHED AUCTION

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

F R I D AY: F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WE NEED A SCALIA PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO RUTH Ginsberg and Antonin Scalia gave life to the Supreme Court of the United States precisely because they did not agree with each other on so many issues “of transcendental importance.” Even so, that did not prevent Madame Justice Ginsberg from being effusive in her praise of the intellectual integrity of her departed colleague, Mr. Justice Scalia. “The Constitution is a legal document, and it says what it says, as it does not say what it does not say.” That is a dictum attributed to the late Justice Scalia, hated and derided by many because he had very strongly held convictions. This is a sad world, indeed.

More damning, however, were the conclusions that the elderly statesman drew from the ‘silence’ of the President.

Obviously, the “originalism” of Mr. Scalia was the polar opposite of the “living document” theory: the view that the Constitution has to be a document for our time, and therefore more responsive to present-day realities than faithful to the intent of its authors. Both are theories of hermeneutics, not only legal hermeneutics, but the whole gamut of interpretation. It is an enterprise that goes back, at least in significant form, to Aristotle’s Peri Hermeneias, the Stagirite’s treatise on hermeneutics. Hans Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur are theorists of hermeneutics by whose precepts much of interpretation goes today. One of these is the important thesis that to understand a text, one does not

have to be engaged in “mental archaeology,” the often futile—and really useless— attempt at divining what author was thinking when he wrote what he wrote. The text, Ricoeur maintains, has a life of its own, independent of the author, the moment it is written. Interpretation then does not consist in getting into the mind of the author to be able to understand the document. But before “living document” theorists prematurely invoke the philosophic authority of Gadamer and Ricoeur, it will be well to remember that for both, there can be no arbitrariness in respect to the text. The latter is an objective fact against which all arbitrary interpretation runs, and Gadamer usefully points out that no matter what we project to be the meaning of the text, not every projection will succeed because some of it will run against the text itself. Interpretation is interpretation of a text, not free from the text. Equally instructive is Gadamer’s explanation of what happens when we read and interpret a document like the Scriptures or the Constitution: the horizon of the text and the horizon of the reader fuse, and only when there is a fusion of horizons can interpretation be truly the “reading” and not the “writing” of a text. I do not read Antonin Scalia as an advocate of that kind of “mental archaeology” that Ricoeur deems pointless. He was rather the sagely voice against exuberance and arbitrariness in respect to the interpretation of the Constitution. He was the sage who was not going to betray the horizon of the framers of the Constitution, and everything that the document stood—and stands—for. But why was the opposition between Scalia and Ginsberg respectable? It is as respectable as every confrontation between philosophies is respectable. That is what makes all the difference. When one’s reading of the Constitution arises from a consistent political philosophy, or juridical theory, or hermeneutic theory, one is offering a principled interpretation, no matter that it may not be popular. It is complete-

CORY’S LA NIÑA YEARS OF PENSION INCREASES THE observance of the 30th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution of 1986 on Feb. 25 as a special nonworking holiday is making us pensioners recall—and long for—those happy six years of La Niña pension increases that it ushered thereafter. At that time, the Social Security System has already developed into a stable national pension scheme after being run by Administrator Gilberto Teodoro for 20 uninterrupted years, starting when it was barely nine years old. The SSS had been managed by GT for two-thirds of its existence since its establishment on Sept. 1, 1957. GT’s turnover of SSS to our present Ambassador to the US Joey Cuisia was simple but it was cordial, respectful and filled with gratitude. The successor clearly acknowledged his predecessor’s role in handing to him an institution that was loved and relied upon by its members, and manned by a lean team of disciplined and hardworking workforce. Most importantly, its funds were intact. In fact, earlier that Jan. 1, SSS granted a 20-percent pension increase without needing congressional agreement or additional contributions. It only needed FM’s approval. SSS could very well afford to grant that increase. The year before in 1985, it collected P1.854 billion in contributions and paid out P1.267 billion in benefits. Incredibly, it also earned P4.871 billion from the investments of its assets of P24.724 billion. Throughout the next six years, President Cory Aquino would be casting her magic spell on SSS to continuously recommend and pour those La Niña pension increases. But perhaps due to the recent GT and FM pension increase, Administrator Cuisia started his non-stop recommendations with modest proposals of increasing the minimum monthly pension from P120 to P200, funeral expense benefit from P1,000 to P1,500, and sickness benefit from 85 to 90 percent of the daily salary credit. Coincidentally, he submitted these recommendations ly different when there is no discernible philosophy that supports a proffered reading of the Constitution, but

FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO on his 42nd birthday on July 16, which Cory promptly approved as if her approval were her birthday gift to him. Of course, it was also timed for the forthcoming SSS anniversary that Sept. 1. Imagine—if the P120 minimum pension was never increased because it was all that poor pensioners were entitled to out of their past contributions, what could it buy now? Not even a kilo of galunggong! He followed these up, however, with a 20-percent increase in pensions and significant enhancements of the funeral expense, maternity, and sickness programs. Boldly, he recommended a threefold increase in the maximum monthly salary credit from P1,000 to P3,000. These were all approved by Cory on Christmas Eve of 1986. In the next SSS anniversary in 1987, she again approved a 20-percent pension increase and doubled the minimum pension to P400. SSS increased further funeral expense benefits and enhanced the salary and housing loan programs in 1988. But by Christmas Day that year, Administrator Cuisia had the first ever 13th month pension paid. It was an unlegislated new benefit which has become since then a traditional Christmas offering of SSS. Come Sept. 1 of 1989, SSS increased again pensions by 15 percent and raised the minimum amount to P500. These were Administrator Cuisia’s parting pension enhancements before moving to Central Bank as its governor on Feb. 20, 1990. Administrator Rene Valencia—then Union Bank’s president—was tapped to replace him at SSS. Right away on Labor Day, he added as new benefit a monthly supplemental pension of P300 for totally disabled members. On its anniversary, SSS granted a 15-percent pension increase aside from increas-

ing other benefits. For the first time, it scheduled annual increases of P1,000 in the maximum salary credit until it would double to P6,000. During Labor Day in 1991, SSS again granted a 15-percent pension increase. It also raised the minimum monthly pension to P600 for death and disability pensioners and to P800 for retirement pensioners. Then, on its anniversary that same year, SSS increased by another 10 percent pensions and made the minimum pension P800 for death and disability pensioners and P1,000 for retirement pensioners. In the last year of Cory’s administration, SSS enhanced the maternity benefits program on April 23, 1992 and increased to P8,000 the funeral expense benefit on May 1. Not one program enhancement needed any congressional approval during Cory’s six years of presidency, which, undoubtedly was a La Niña period of pension increases. There should be no question either that these were prudently granted on the basis of sound financial and actuarial grounds. Among other reasons, they were recommended by Administrators Cuisia and Valencia who were known and trusted bankers in tandem with Chairman Dodo Roa Jr. of the Social Security Commission, who was a professional actuary and whose father Emeterio Sr. once served also as SSS administrator from 1958 to 1959. Cory and her SSS officials had the heart and mind to deliver a relevant and responsive social security program. Strangely, Cory’s son and his “Daang Matuwid” buddies did the opposite by subjecting us to a six-year El Niño period of pension increases. Still, he wants us to continue treading his chosen path in the next six years. LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES Mr. Robles’ column will resume next week.

an unadulterated and bare- ranni e _ a qu i n o @ s anb e d a . ly concealed concession to edu.ph partisanship and patronage. rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

F R I D AY: F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

A11

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO THERE’S a new disturbing development in the simmering South China Sea territorial dispute. China, according to Taiwan, has deployed surfaceto-air missiles system in one of the disputed islands in the area. This, even as the United States and members of the Southeast Asian Nations held a summit this week in California hosted by President Barack Obama to defuse tension in the region. The US and the European Union have warned Beijing to obey The Hague international arbitration court’s ruling on the case filed by the Philippines contesting China’s sweeping SCS claim. “Obey the court’s decision, or else...” came the stern US and EU warning, without any specific consequence or action to be taken in case of an adverse ruling against China which refused to participate in The Hague hearings. Taiwan, considered a renegade province by China,

A SCARY SCENARIO has an overlapping claim with Vietnam over Woody Island in the Paracels where the Chinese had deployed the SAMs Satellite images showed launchers with missiles estimated to have a range of 350 miles. The Chinese SAM deployment is seen as its response to deter US spy planes, and lately also Australian aircraft, from carrying out surveillance flights over the artificial islands made into military installations. Speaking with one voice, the US-Asean Summit held in Sunnylands, California issued a joint declaration calling on all claimants to parts of the South China Sea to settle disputes through diplomacy, maintain freedom of navigation and overflights in international airspace. Although China was never mentioned in the Sunnylands Summit, it was the proverbial elephant in the room that has everyone concerned. The militarization of the South China Sea is continuing despite Beijing’s claim that the installations in the artificial islands they reclaimed with sand and rocks

from the sea were for peaceful purposes. Purportedly to build a lighthouse and a refuge for fishermen caught in a storm, the islands instead have been converted into military garrisons complete with an airstrip and a naval base for Chinese warships. How far will Beijing push the envelope and how long will the US allow China to consolidate its military strength in the region are vexing questions unsettling the peace and security of the entire Asia-Pacific. Tension has come close to tipping point when two US warships sailed by close to the Chinese-made islands and carried out surveillance flights over air space China claims. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, just before an official visit to Beijing, stated that Canberra recognizes Manila’s right to file an international arbitration case in The Hague court contesting China’s claim of nearly the entire South China Sea. Bishop’s statement did not sit well with her Chinese counterpart.

Last month, an Australian surveillance plane had flown over the artificial islands to see the extent of the Chinese militarization of the disputed area. The specter of war in the region is a scary scenario because it could involve superpower, US against a rising China. It won’t be the traditional ground war seen between North and South Korea in the 50s and the conflict between North and South Vietnam in the 60s. In both instances, the US fought North Korean and North Vietnamese troops backed by China. A shooting war, if it does erupt over the South China Sea, could unleash rockets, missiles plus the battleships and war planes of the two major protagonists. Can US treaty allies— Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines—just stand by and watch? It’s a frightening scenario that must be avoided at all costs. We have yet to hear from the United Nations and its overstaying Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on how the UN is planning to avert the situation from getting out of hand.

How rogue state North Korea with the unhinged Kim JongUn and his nuclear arsenal will figure in the equation adds to the nightmare China has created. But then the UN and major international players US, Russia, UK, Germany and France are busy finding a solution to the bloody two-year civil war in Syria. How to remove Syrian strongman Basser al Assad who is supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin is the stumbling block to a peace settlement. Meanwhile, Syrian rebel forces are losing ground from Russian air strike targeting them on the pretext of dislodging ISIS extremists from their strongholds. Civilians fleeing the fighting in Syria, together with other refugees from strife-torn Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan, continue to cross into Turkey, Greece and ultimately to settle in Western Europe. Unless a coalition of UN forces stamp out the problem from the source, there will be no end to the human wave of migrants flooding into Europe.

BACOOR STRIKES GOLD WITH MAYOR REVILLA VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ STRIKE Bautista Revilla (aka Edwin Mortel Bautista), 45, comes from a family of actors and politicians. His father, Jose Acuña Bautista, is the venerable movie entrepreneur and former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. Strike’s elder brother, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., is a hugely popular incumbent senator of the land. Immensely popular, he topped the senatorial elections in 2010. This year, Bong could have been running for either president or vice president and given his rivals, not exactly an ideal batch, a run for their money, but President Benigno S. Aquino III had him arrested on trumpedup charges of corruption. Strike has walked under huge shadows. Yet, he has managed, magnificently, to capture his own place in the sun. After serving for three consecutive three-year terms (from 2007 to 2016), Strike is now considered by many as the best mayor Bacoor City ever had. He is not done yet. He is running for congressman in Bacoor’s lone congressional district, to replace his sister-in-law, Lani Mercado Revilla, who intends to succeed him as mayor. “A Congress seat gives you a national perspective,” explains Mayor Strike. There, the politics is actually national, not local.”

He intends to pursue environmental laws or climate change reform. “If you make a law that for instance, bans tricycles on national roads, usually your constituents in Cavite will complain, but not when it is for the good of the country,” he explains. He sees possibilities on legislation concerning education, health, and the environment. Mayor Strike’s biggest achievement is in the field of infrastructure. In nine years, the city’s hizzoner spent more than P800 million on infra, an average of P100 million per year. The feat is epitomized by the iconic new Bacoor City Government Center. Mayor Strike actually has three major achievements: one, the Bacoor Government Center; two, nurturing the old historic town into a city on July 25, 2011; and his STRIKE program. “I achieved all my goals under the STRIKE program,” he asserts. STRIKE stands for: S – social housing and health services; Ttraffic and peace and order; R – Responsible and accountable governance; I – Industry and economic growth; K – Knowledge, education, sports and youth development; and E – Ecoagro tourism and environmental protection and development. Bacoor will be missing Mayor Strike. The Constitution has a three-strike rule for local officials like city mayors and provincial governors and congressmen. They can serve for only three consecutive terms. So Mayor Strike must pause and try legislation again, at the

national level. Legislation is not new to him. He used to be a member of the Bacoor legislative council as a councilor, and Cavite’s provincial legislative council as a provincial board member. Strike’s spanking new Bacoor Government Center has eight buildings including a brand new City Hall, SBR Health Center, Barangay Affairs Center and terminal, a Command Center Bldg. that houses the police and fire stations, DepEd Bldg., the air-conditioned Strike Gymnasium cum Fitness Center Building, the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs and Persons with Disabilities Center, and National Agencies Center building. Aside from being the new seat of the city government, BGC also is home to satellite offices of various national agencies (such as National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Trade and Industry, National Statistics Office, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, and Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration. Says Mayor Strike of his BGC: “Every father dreams of providing a decent and comfortable home for his family. Bilang ama ng Lungsod ng Bacoor, it has been my fervent wish to give our fellow Bacooreños a home we truly deserve, one which will become instrumental as we continue to deliver quality and efficient services to our constituents.” Additionally, Mayor Strike built the Bacoor District Hospital, and an Intel Clubhouse

Computer Center, as well as a number of elementary and high schools and day care centers. So good was the mayor that Bacoor has been awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping (Good Governance) by the Department of Interior and Local Government, not once but thrice. Bacoor is the only LGU in the whole Cavite province to win the coveted plum three times. Managing Bacoor is no mean feat. Strike has been equal to the challenge. He combines his popularity (He was the No. 1 councilor when he first entered politics), leadership (he headed the Cavite mayors’ league and was national league of municipalities and national president of league of provincial board members), and management expertise. Revilla went to a Catholic school for elementary schooling, to California for his high school, and to La Salle Manila for his commerce degree. He finished courses in MBA and has a doctorate degree, honoris causa, from the Cavite State University. Before entering politics at age 25 and early into his political career, Strike was managing the family business, mainly movie-making. Bacoor is larger in population (510,000 in 2010) than all the cities and towns of Metro Manila, the national capital region, after Quezon City (2.761 million in 2010), Manila (1.652 million), and Kaloocan (1.378 million). Bacoor, in fact, is the Philippines’ 17th largest city (in population) and the second largest component city (cities attached to a

province when voting). Nationwide though, Bacoor is the fastest-growing major city (cities with population of 400,000 and above). Bacoor’s population is exploding exponentially, to use a cliché, expanding at a mind-boggling 17.9 percent per year, meaning every five and a half years, the number of its residents doubles. Today, Mayor Strike estimates, “Bacoor has now more than one million people.” In growth potential, the city’s future is bright. Its land area, 46.17 square kilometers, is more than double that of Makati, 21.57 sq. km., the Philippines’ business district, and is almost the same size as Taguig (45.21 sq km), the country’s emerging business center. Mayor Strike thus must cope both with a challenge (Bacoor’s rapidly expanding population) and an opportunity (the city’s emergence business hub just outside the national capital. Bacoor is strategically located at the gateway to Metro Manila. A major suburb, the city is located 15 kilometers southwest of Manila, on the southeastern shore of Manila Bay, at the northwest portion of the province. On the east is Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, to the south is Dasmariñas, to the west is Kawit and Imus, and to the north is Bacoor Bay an inlet of Manila Bay. Bacoor is surrounded by large tracts of industrial estates housing major multinational locators. biznewsasia@gmail.com

Republic of the Philippines PROV I NCE OF M A R I NDUQUE Capitol Boac, Mar induque

O FFICE O F BI DS A N D AWA R DS CO M M IT TEE

Invitation to Bid

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BAYAKBAKIN-PAYANAS PROV’L. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Torrijos, Marinduque

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./ Conc. of LIBAS-BICAS-BICAS ROADS w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Buenavista, Marinduque

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of TWELVE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php12,890,500.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./ Improv./Conc. of BAYAKBAKIN-PAYANAS PROV’L. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Torrijos, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of TWELVE MILLION THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (Php12,375,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./ Improv./Conc. of LIBAS-BICAS-BICAS ROADS w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Buenavista, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BAYAKBAKIN-PAYANAS PROV’L. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Torrijos, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 54 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/ fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of LIBAS-BICAS-BICAS ROADS w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Buenavista, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 112 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/ fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: (SGD) EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph

(SGD) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman (TS-F E B . 19 , 2016 )

(SGD) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

( TS- F E B . 19 , 2 0 1 6 )

Republic of the Philippines PROV I NCE OF M A R I NDUQUE Capitol Boac, Mar induque

O FFICE O F BI DS A N D AWA R DS CO M M IT TEE

Invitation to Bid

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BITIK-BUYABOD PROVINCIAL ROAD w/ Intermittent Section /FMR Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./ Conc. of NAPO-MASALUKOT-PULONG PARANG ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of FOURTEEN MILLION FOUR HUNDRED FORTY THREE THOUSAND PESOS (Php14,443,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BITIK-BUYABOD PROVINCIAL ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/ FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of FOURTEEN MILLION ONE HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND PESOS (Php14,190,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of NAPO-MASALUKOT-PULONG PARANG ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BITIK-BUYABOD PROVINCIAL ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 50 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of NAPO-MASALUKOT-PULONG PARANG ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 40 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the PreBid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00.

The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: (SGD)EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph

For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph

(TS-F E B . 19 , 2016 )

(SGD) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

(SGD) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman ( TS- F E B . 19 , 2 0 1 6 )

Thorpe reveals mental issues SYDNEY— Swimming great Ian Thorpe Thursday revealed he has battled mental health issues since his teenage years as he opened up about his struggle with depression. Australia’s most decorated Olympian, with five gold medals at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Games, was admitted to a rehabilitation facility for the condition in 2014 after being found disoriented on a Sydney street. The 33-year-old has said previously that he kept the problem secret from his loved ones, but is now part of Young Minds Matter, a campaign designed to raise awareness of children’s mental health issues backed by Prince William’s wife Kate Middleton. “I am someone who has struggled with mental health issues since I was a teen,” Thorpe wrote in a blog post for news website Huffington Post Australia. “From the outside, many would not see my pain nor be able to relate to the sometimes-daily struggle I was facing. “This is part of the deception of depression and also mental illness: what may appear at face value is a stark difference from the agony that lies within.” Thorpe, still hugely popular in many parts of the world, became the first person to win six gold medals at one world championships, in 2001, among 11 world titles overall -- along with 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals. But the demands of a celebrity lifestyle and grinding training saw him quit in 2006. He was unable to find a direction, dabbling in jewelry design and television while attempting a number of university courses before a comeback in 2012 in which he failed to qualify for the London Olympics. In 2014, several months after treatment for depression, he received widespread praise by revealing he was gay in a move advocates said helped remove the stigma of homophobia in sport. AFP

F RI DAY : F E B RUA RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6

A13

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

All set for Ronda PH on Saturday

Members of the Philippine Navy/Standard Insurance team practice in Butuan City for the Ronda Pilipinas 2016.

BUTUAN CITY—A hometown hero, a group of seasoned veterans and some new faces are expected to battle it out for pride and supremacy when the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2016 unfolds on Saturday here. Local bet Reimon Lapaza is expected to carry the fight for the host city as he tries to recapture the Ronda Pilipinas title he last won two years ago when he came out of nowhere to beat the an internationally flavored field. And Lapaza, who will spearhead an 11-man team entered by the host known as the “Timber City of the South,” knows they need to use their familiarity advantage of the course to have a chance of achieving the feat. “Our familiarity of the course will surely help us. We need to take advantage of it to have a chance here,” said La-

paza in Filipino. Navy-Standard Insurance is another team that is fielding a strong set of riders, headed by captain Lloyd Lucien Reynante, Joel Calderon, Ronald Oranza and Jan Paul Morales while an LBC squad skippered by Ronnel Hualda should also contend. “We came here to win,” said Reynante, whose team has trained and raced in Hong Kong recently. “This is what we prepared for,” said Hualda. LBC Ronda sports development head Moe Chulani, in contrast, thinks there will be lots of surprises in Ronda’s sixth edition presented by LBC and LBC Express, sanctioned by PhilCycling and sponsored by Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation, Petron and Versa Radio-Tech 1 Corp. with Maynilad and NLEX as minor sponsors.

Aces plunge back into PBA action By Jeric Lopez FOLLOWING their heartbreaking setback in the Philippine Cup Finals two weeks ago, the Alaska Aces are determined to set aside the disappointment and move forward. The Aces plunge back to action as their road to redemption starts with their initial assignment in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. Alaska battles the Blackwater Elite (1-1) at 4:15 p.m. in the first game at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City today, while an interesting encounter between the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (1-1) and the GlobalPort Batang Pier (1-1) takes place in the 7 p.m. main game. After Alaska lost the Philippine Cup championship to rival San Miguel Beer in heartbreaking fashion, many are wonder-

ing how the Aces can recover from something like that, especially after leading the bestof-seven title series 3-0 before crumbling. No less than Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu bared the feelings of the Aces as they enter the import-laden second conference. ‘’Am I disappointed? Of course, I am, but I’m not deterred. I still believe our franchise is very capable due to our work ethic and our desire. They say you are measured by what you accomplished, but you are defined with by what you attempt. I am proud of the Alaska Aces and how they

Games Friday (Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City): 4:15 p.m. - Alaska vs. Blackwater 7 p.m. - Talk ‘N Text vs. GlobalPort

are defined, and we will be back,’’ were the words of Uytengsu when he received the Executive of the Year Award in last weekend’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night. One thing that Alaska can look forward to is that it will have a familiar face to reinforce its campaign. Former Best Import Rob Dozier, who helped Alaska win its last crown in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup, is back at the helm for his third tour of duty with the team. He will go up against Elite import MJ Rhett, who has been a disappointment in his two games with Blackwater. The Elite posted a 110-102 victory last Sunday against Mahi-

ndra in its last game, thanks to the high-scoring efforts of Carlo Lastimosa and Reil Cervantes. In the second game, the Tropang Texters and the Batang Pier both eye a second win after splitting their first two games. As of this writing, it is not known whether the Tropang Texters will play All-Filipino for the second time or if they can bring in a replacement import in time for the game. The Texters’ returning import Ivan Johnson was handed a season-long suspension following his antics against league commissioner Chito Narvasa last Saturday in Talk ‘N Text’s 84-88 setback at the hands of early leader Meralco. On the other hand, GlobalPort powered its way to an impressive 89-85 conquest of still winless Barangay Ginebra last Sunday with superstar Terrence Romeo continuing his hot scoring ways.

Athletes of the Year featured at The Main Event By Ronnie Nathanielsz AT THE well-attended Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards, PSA president Riera Mallari of The Standard and the members of the organization paid tribute to Filipino athletes for their achievements in 2015. Two of the country’s world boxing champions were named “Athletes of the Year,” alongside young Asian golfing star Miguel Tabuena. World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire made an impassioned plea to Filipino athletes to help inspire each other and to show the world what kind of people Filipinos are. Following Donaire’s wellapplauded remarks, “The Main Event” spoke to the former five-division world champion about the recognition and his April 23 showdown against former Hungarian Olympian and No. 4-ranked Zsolt Bedak in an informative interview that will air on the show.

Also appearing on the show is the longest-reigning Filipino world champion Donnie Nietes, who was also named “Athlete of the Year” and has been directed by WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel to face Mexico’s Moises Fuentes in another mandatory title defense. Also on “The Main Event” is the feature on the World Boxing Association Oceania super bantamweight championship bout between two unbeaten young fighters, 19-year-old Marquil Salvana of the Sanman Gym in General Santos City, who entered the ring with a record of 9 wins with 3 knockouts and Australian knockout artist Jason Moloney who figured in a fierce battle. Winding up the top-rated Viva Sports weekly show, is the Oriental Boxing Federation title fight between champion Ardin Diale and challenger Jonathan Francisco of the Rex “Wakee” Salud stable and the WBC International light flyweight showdown between Richard Claveras and Jonathan Refugio.

PSA Athletes of the Year Nonito Donaire Jr. and Donnie Nietes

Local riders grab ICTSI kiteboard spotlight JING Gajisan bested a tough international field to snare the women’s Twin Tip Race crown while Doque delos Santos foiled Julius Non’s back-to-back title drive in the men’s Twin Tip side in the third leg of the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour Season 3 in Anguib, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley last weekend. Gajisan put on a dazzling show to earn the nod of the judges, scoring 4.0 nett to beat Boracay leg winner Lisa Nikitina of Russia, who finished with 11.0 with Slovenian Sabrina Savnik placing third with 12.0. Julia Castro struggled and turned in a 15.0 nett effort but the ace Spanish rider made up for this by winning the Freestyle crown, edging Nikitina in a thrilling duel with Savnik and Gajisan finishing third and fourth, respectively. Slovenian Jaka Komocar reigned in the men’s Freestyle, foiling local bets Dong Manuel and Bong Fernando and MJ Cahilig of Kingfisher Pagudpud in the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and organized by the Philippine Kiteboarding Association. A former winner, Delos Santos recalled his fierce form and churned out a 4.0 nett score, nipping Boracay stage champion Non in the Twin Tip race. Sassan Moscoso had 10.0 nett for third while MJ Cahilig and Jessie Bernardino took the next two places with 14.0 and 15.0 nett, respectively.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE FEED-IN TARIFF ALLOWANCE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016 PURSUANT TO THE GUIDELINES FOR THE COLLECTION OF THE FEEDIN TARIFF ALLOWANCE AND DISBURSEMENT OF THE FEED-IN TARIFF ALLOWANCE FUND, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

19. The Commission, in its letter dated 20 July 2015, favorably acted upon said request and gave TransCo until the end of October 2015 to file the said Application. 20. On 15 October 2015, TransCo, anticipating some delays in approval process – both internal and external, which will render it unable to file the application by end of October, requested for another fifteen(15)-day period within which to file the same or until 15 November 2015. 21. On 11 November 2015, TransCo again requested an additional fifteen (15) days from 15 November 2015 to file the application or for such longer period which the Commission deems sufficient for the purpose of completing all the pre-filing requirements. 22. On 10 December 2015, the ERC, in ERC Case No. 2014-109 RC, issued a Decision approving with finality the amount of Php0.0406/kWh as the 2015 FIT-All rate.

ERC CASE NO. 2015-216RC NATIONAL TRANSMISSION CORPORATION, Applicant. x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: On 22 December 2015, Applicant National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) filed an Application for approval of the feed-in tariff allowance for calendar year 2016 pursuant to the guidelines for the collection of the feed-in tariff allowance and disbursement of the feed-in tariff allowance fund, with prayer for provisional authority. In the said Application, TransCo alleged, among others, the following:

23. Therefore, by and pursuant to the RE Law, Resolution No. 16 Series of 2010 (FIT Rules), as amended by Resolution No. 15 Series of 2012, in connection with the Guidelines and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations, this Application is submitted to the Commission for its due consideration of the herein applied for FIT-All Rate for the year 2016. FEED-IN TARIFF ALLOWANCE 24. Applicant TransCo has computed a FIT-All Rate of PhP/kWh 0.1470 for 2016, determined using the formula provided in Section 1.3 of the Guidelines, as follows:

Where:

is the estimated Total FIT Differential required for Year t+1 in PhP, and as further described in Section 1.4.1 of the Guidelines.

WCA

is the estimated Working Capital Allowance required for Year t+1 in PhP, and as further described in Section 1.4.2 of the Guidelines.

NATURE OF THE APPLICATION

is the Administration Allowance to be implemented in Year t+1 in PhP, and as further described in Section 1.4.3 of the Guidelines.

2. TransCo filed the Application in its capacity as FIT-All Fund Administrator tasked with the establishment, management/administration and disbursement/settlement (thru the Trustee Bank) of the FIT-All Fund pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 15, Series of 2012 issued on 19 November 2012 and on the bases of relevant laws, rules and regulations.

is the Disbursement Allowance to be implemented in Year t+1 in PhP, and as further described in Section 1.4.3 of the Guidelines.

5. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) formulated the FIT System rules, which include: (a) priority connection to the grid for electricity generated from emerging renewable energy resources within the territory of the Philippines; (b) priority purchase and transmission of, and payment for, such electricity; (c) determination of the fixed tariff to be paid to electricity produced from each type of emerging renewable energy and the mandated number of years for the application of these rates; (d) the FIT to be set shall be applied to the emerging renewable energy to be used in compliance with the renewable portfolio standard. 6. On 25 May 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued the “Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 9513” (RE-IRR) in compliance with Section 33 of the RE Law. Section 5 of the RE-IRR defines the FIT System as a “scheme that involves the obligation on the part of electric power industry participants to source electricity from RE generation at a guaranteed fixed price applicable for a given period of time, which shall in no case be less than twelve (12) years, to be determined by the ERC.” The same provision directed the promulgation of the FIT Rules by the ERC in consultation with the NREB. 7. On 12 July 2010, the Commission issued “Resolution No. 16, Series of 2010” entitled “Resolution Adopting the Feed-in Tariff Rules” (FIT Rules) pursuant to Section 7 of the RE Law and Section 5 of the RE-IRR. 8. The FIT Rules established the FIT System and is intended to regulate the method of establishing and approving the FIT and the Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FIT-All).

and

FNS

is the Forecast National Sales, in kWh, to be applied for Year as further described in Section 1.4.4.2 of the Guidelines.

is the year the application for setting the FIT-All is filed with the ERC.

t+1

is the year following t

t+1

25. Whenever Yeart+1(implementation year) is used in any formula in the present Application, the same shall refer to the year 2016. Correlatively, the Yeart+2 whenever used in any formula in this Application shall refer to the year 2017. COMPONENTS OF THE FIT-ALL I. Forecast National Sales 26. The Forecast National Sales (FNS) is the denominator in the FITAll formula. The proposed level for 2016 is discussed first since it is best to present the determined value of the other FIT-All components in terms of PhP/ kWh, where this FNS is the kilowatt-hours (kWh) denominator.

42. At the same time, the principle of commercial and technical indivisibility of projects was observed, hence, the installation target could be exceeded if the last plant to complete the same renders the total beyond the target. This happened in the case of Solar.

Technology Biomass

30. TransCo computed the projected 2015 level by increasing the historical 2014 level by the computed CAGR (2011-2014). Then, TransCo again computed for the rolling 3-year CAGR and so on.4 TransCo came up with the following Forecast National Electricity Sales for 2015-2016: Table 1. Forecast National Electricity Sales, kWh 2015 65,962,899,825

2016 68,380,633,362

31. The Total FIT Differential represents the difference between: (1) the forecast applicable FIT Rate for Yeart+1 that each Eligible RE Plant is forecasted to receive for each kWh delivered, and (2) the forecast applicable cost recovery rate as determined under the Guidelines, multiplied by the projected annual energy generation from Eligible RE Plant for yeart+1. In setting the FIT-All for Yeart+1, the FIT Differential is represented by the following formula:

2017 761,454

108,271 158,580 875,169 1,451,859

187,342 632,686 977,205 2,479,639

492,222 707,963 977,477 2,939,116

Forecast Applicable FIT Rate and Forecast FIT Revenue

45. Currently, the prevailing FIT Rates are based on the ERC Decision dated 27 July 2012 in ERC Case No. 2011-006 RM, ERC Resolution No. 6, series of 2016 for Solar FIT 2 and ERC Resolution No. 14, series of 2015 for Wind FIT 2. 46. Following the FIT Rules, the prevailing FIT Rates for 2015 are adjusted for inflation and foreign exchange for the adjusted 2016 rates, as shown in Table 3 below.9 However, inasmuch as the ERC has not issued FIT-eligible Certificate of Compliance under Solar FIT 2 and Wind FIT 2 as of October 2015, TransCo did not consider any adjustment of said rates for 2016. Table 3. 2016 Adjusted FIT Rates, PhP/kWh Technology Biomass Hydro Solar FIT 1 FIT 2 Wind FIT 1 FIT 2

47. FIT rates.

V(t0) = start value V(tn) = finish value tn-to =number of years

2016 682,407

44. Forecast Applicable FIT Rate refers to the prevailing ERCapproved and published schedule of rates in PhP/kWh for each emerging renewable energy technology, as degressed by the relevant degression rates, if applicable, and adjusted for Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Foreign Exchange (FOREX), in accordance with Section 2.10 of the FIT Rules.8

29. From the historical data sourced from the Philippine Power Statistics until 2014,3 TransCo computed for the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of Electricity Sales for a 3-year period using the formula:

Where:

2014-2015 309,839

Hydropower Solar Wind Total

28. The FNS, in kWh, shall be equal to the latest available Electricity Sales as stated in the Philippine Power Statistics, excluding Utilities Own Use and Power Losses, or as otherwise certified by the DOE, and as adjusted by the historical growth rate published for the immediately preceding three (3) years.

11. Further, Section 2.2 of the FIT Rules provides that the Commission shall approve technology-specific FITs based on such FITs to be recommended by the NREB. Accordingly, on 16 May 2011, the NREB filed before the Commission its “Petition to Initiate Rule-Making for the Adoption of Feed-in Tariff” docketed as ERC Case No. 2011-006. 12. On 27 July 2012, the Commission issued its “Decision” in ERC Case No. 2011-006 and “Resolution No. 10, Series of 2012” entitled “Resolution Approving the Feed-in Tariff Rates”. In said Decision and Resolution, the Commission approved the following initial FIT Rates:

41. TransCo limited the determination of the FIT-All rate to include only Eligible RE capacities up to the installation targets set by the DOE as follows: 500 MW for Solar up to March 2016, 400 MW for Wind, 250 MW for Hydropower and 250 MW for Biomass.

27. The FNS refers to an estimated total kilowatt-hours of electricity billed to consumers who are supplied with electricity in all On-Grid areas in the Philippines for a given year.

9. Under the FIT Rules, the FIT System guarantees all eligible renewable energy plants an entitlement to the applicable FITs for a period of twenty (20) years.1 10. The FIT-All is a uniform charge (in PhP/kWh) billed to all on-grid electricity consumers who are supplied with electricity through the distribution or transmission network. The FIT-All shall be established and set by the Commission on an annual basis and taking into account the following: the forecasted annual required revenue of the Eligible RE Plants; previous year’s over or under recoveries; administration costs; forecasted annual electricity sales and such other relevant factors to ensure that no stakeholder is allocated with additional risks in the implementation of the FITs.2

40. The 2017 projects were also considered, but only in the computation of the WCA, which requires the payout for year t+2, which in this case is 2017.

Table 2. Forecast Annual Renewable Energy Generation, MWh

is the Feed-in Tariff Allowance to be implemented in Year t+1 in PhP/ kWh, as provided for in the FIT Rules and the Guidelines.

4. To achieve these state policies, Section 7 of the RE Law mandates the establishment of a Feed-in Tariff System (FIT System) for electricity produced from wind, solar, ocean, run-of-river hydropower, and biomass.

39. For Solar and Hydro plants, TransCo generally followed the projection of the RE Developers. For those without submission, the annual projection from DOE was used and the same seasonality indices as in the 2014-2015 Application were applied. (See Annexes “D” and “D-1” to “D-6, “D-11” to D-14”.)

DESCRIPTION FIT-All

3. On 16 December 2008, R.A. No. 9513 entitled “An Act Promoting the Development, Utilization and Commercialization of Renewable Energy Resources and for other purposes” (RE Law) was enacted to (1) accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources to achieve energy self-reliance by reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and thereby minimize the country’s exposure to price fluctuations in the international markets; (2) increase the utilization of renewable energy by providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives; (3) encourage the development and utilization of renewable energy resources as tools to effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions and thereby balance the goals of economic growth and development with the protection of health and the environment; and (4)establish the necessary infrastructure and mechanism to carry out the mandates specified in the Act and other existing laws.

38. On the other hand, for some Biomass projects, TransCo noted some very high resulting annual capacity factor in the DOE projection. With the knowledge that most of these biomass plants do not have year round generation capability because of the availability of fuel, TransCo adjusted some of the forecast, more or less pegging the annual capacity factor to around 70%-72% for those that were shown to have very high levels. (See Annexes “D” and “D-15” to “D-19”.)

43. Based on the foregoing, the applicable Forecast Annual Renewable Energy Generation of Eligible RE Plants (kWh) for the years 2014-2015 (lumped),7 2016 and 2017 are as follows:

THE APPLICANT 1. Applicant TransCo is a government instrumentality created pursuant to Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), with principal office address at TransCo Main Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City, where it may be served with summons and other processes of this Honorable Commission.

projects, provided energy generation forecast that differed from the forecast presented by DOE, TransCo generally used the DOE data but followed the monthly seasonality culled from the forecast submission of the RE Developers. (See Annexes “D” and “D-7” to “D-10”.)

2015 Base FIT Rate 6.6300 5.9000

2016 Adjusted FIT-Rate 2014-2015 Entrant 2016 Entrant 7.0508 7.0508 6.4601 6.4601

9.6800 8.6900

9.9067 8.6900

8.5300 7.4000

8.9006 7.4000

8.6900

In addition, TransCo did not apply any degression for 2016 for all

48. The Total FIT Revenue appearing in the formula in Paragraph 32 is obtained by multiplying the Eligible RE generation per technology as in Table 2 by the corresponding appropriate FIT rates in Table 3. For 2017, which is required only for the computation of the Working Capital Allowance, the same Adjusted FIT-rates as 2016 were used. The resulting levels are given as follows: Table 4. Total FIT Revenue by Technology, in Pesos Technology Biomass Hydropower Solar Wind Total

2014-2015 2,047,346,764 636,276,137 1,517,805,602 6,983,753,305 11,185,181,807

2016 4,811,520,857 1,210,251,660 5,685,348,771 7,969,444,430 19,676,565,718

2017 5,368,864,647 3,179,822,244 6,340,512,072 7,971,873,033 22,861,071,996

Forecast Cost Recovery Rate

49. The Forecast Cost Recovery Rate (FCRR) is the projected generation rate that the Eligible RE Plant would likely receive had it not been under the FIT System. 50. Under Section 1.4.1.2 of the Guidelines, the manner by which the FCRR is forecasted and applied to a particular Eligible RE Plant shall be based on whether or not the Eligible RE Plant operates in a Grid where the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) is operational or not. 51. Where WESM is operational, the FCRR for the Eligible RE Plant shall be equivalent to the average of the monthly system Ex-Ante Load Weighted Average Price (LWAP) of the WESM for the Luzon and Visayas Grids for the thirty-six (36) months immediately preceding the filing of the application for the setting of the FIT-All.

Where: DESCRIPTION

52. The FCRR to be applied for Eligible RE Plants where WESM is non-operational (Mindanao) shall be the weighted average of the generation cost of the Host Distribution Utility (Host DU) from all its other generation sources, excluding generation from any Eligible RE Plant-Non-WESM with a Renewable Energy Supply Agreement (RESA) with the Host DU, for the nearest twelve (12) months preceding the filing of the application for the setting of the FIT-All.

TECHNOLOGY

ERCAPPROVED FIT RATES (PhP/kWh)

ERC-APPROVED DEGRESSION RATES

Forecast RE Genx,t+1

is the Forecast RE Generation of Eligible RE Plantx (in kWh).

WIND

8.53

0.5% after year 2 from effectivity of FIT

BIOMASS

6.63

0.5% after year 2 from effectivity of FIT

Forecast FIT Ratex,t+1

SOLAR

9.68

6% after year 1 from effectivity of FIT

is FIT Rate, as degressed (if applicable) and adjusted for local inflation and foreign exchange (FOREX) as forecasted for year t+1, in PhP/kWh, that Eligible RE Plantxis forecasted to receive for each kWh delivered.

HYDRO

5.90

0.5% after year 2 from effectivity of FIT

Forecast Cost Recovery

is the applicable Forecast Cost Recovery Rate to be implemented in Year t+1 for Eligible RE Plantx, in PhP kWh.

54. TransCo further updated said submission by appending the May 2015 to August 2015 data sourced from the PEMC website.11

FDt-1 (over)/under

is the variance between the actual FIT Differential for year t-1 (Actual FD t-1) and the FIT Differential collected for year t-1 (Collected FDt-1). There is over recovery if Collected FD t-1> Actual FDt-1 and under recovery if Collected FD t-1 is < Actual FD t-1.

55. Consequently, TransCo came up with the following averages for Luzon and Visayas:

13. On 27 March 2015, the Commission issued Resolution No. 06, series of 2015 entitled “Resolution Adopting the New Solar Feed-In Tariff Rate” setting a new Solar FIT Rate of PhP8.69/kWh (herein referred to as “Solar FIT 2”). The Solar FIT 2 was issued as a result of the revised installation target for solar energy generation from 50 MW to 500 MW and shall be applied to new Solar Plants that have been commissioned after the effectivity of said Resolution and until 15 March 2016. 14. On 06 October 2015, the Commission likewise issued Resolution No. 14, series of 2015 also known as “Resolution Adopting the Wind Feed-in Tariff (Wind-FIT2) Rate” setting a new Wind FIT Rate of P7.40/kWh (herein referred to as “Wind FIT 2”). The Wind FIT 2 shall only be applied to three (3) wind power projects namely: San Lorenzo, Nabas and Pililia Power Projects which have already commenced commercial operations as certified by the DOE. 15. On 19 November 2012, the Commission issued “Resolution No. 15, Series of 2012” designating TransCo as the FIT-All Fund Administrator tasked with the establishment, management/ administration and disbursement/settlement (thru the Trustee Bank) of the FIT-All Fund. 16. The imposition, collection and disbursement of the FIT-All is further covered by the “Guidelines on the Collection of the Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FIT-All) and the Disbursement of the FIT-All Fund” (Guidelines) issued and approved by the Commission in its Resolution No. 24 dated 16 December 2013. 17. Under the FIT-All Guidelines, TransCo has to make an annual determination of the FIT-All rate and file its application with the Commissionnot later than end of July of each year for the FIT-All rate that will be implemented for the following year. 18. On 02 July 2015, TransCo, in its letter to the Commission, requested for an extension of ninety (90) days within which to file the application for the 2016 FIT-All Rate.

53. TransCo requested the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) for an update on the Load Weighted Average Price (LWAP) for the period January 2012 to April 201510 which the latter provided on 1 June 2015.

Table 5. Average LWAP, PhP/kWh

32. Alternatively, the formula in Paragraph 31 can be viewed or rewritten as:

Luzon

Visayas

5.5028

4.5278

56. For Mindanao, additional Host DUs were identified from the lineup of projects: Host DU

Forecast Annual Renewable Energy Generation 33. TransCo primarily used the most updated list of RE Projects that are projected to be eligible/already eligible under the FIT System in 2014-2017 onwards as provided by the DOE.5 34. With the list from DOE providing the best estimate of the entry of Eligible RE Plants, TransCo aims to be able to adequately provide for the corresponding payout requirements. However, the list does not in any way give preemptive right to the identified projects to be counted under the final FIT-eligible projects. Neither does it limit the payment of FITs to these projects once implemented. 35. The list includes projects that have already gone into Commercial Operation even prior to the January 2015 implementation of the FIT-All and are assumed to be Eligible RE Plants for the purpose of herein computation. 36. Where data were available from RE Developers/PEMC submissions, TransCo already put in the actual generation levels of operational RE plants.6 37.

Where the concerned RE Developers, particularly under the Wind

Plant Name

RE Developer

DASURECO

Tudaya 2 Hydroelectric Power Project

Hedcor Tudaya, Inc.

DASURECO

Digos Solar PV Power Project Phase 1

Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources, Inc.

DASURECO

Digos Solar PV Power Project Phase 2

Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources, Inc.

ZAMCELCO

Pasonanca Hydroelectric Power Project

Philcarbon, Inc.

MAGELCO

3.5 GEEC MW Biomass Cogeneration System

Green Earth Enersource Corporation

BUSECO

Manolo Fortich 1 HEP

Hedcor Bukidnon, Inc.

BUSECO

Manolo Fortich 2 HEP

Hedcor Bukidnon, Inc.

BUSECO

Kibawe Solar Power Project

Asian Green Energy Corporation

MORESCO II

Limbatangon Hydroelectric Power Project

Turbines Resources & Development Corp.

SOCOTECO II

Centrala Solar Power Project

NV Vogt Philippines Solar Energy One, Inc.

SOCOTECO II

GenSan Solar Power Project Phase II

Del Sol CGS, Inc.

57. TransCo adopted the Weighted Average Generation Charge of DASURECO in the amount of P4.7592 as determined by the Commission in ERC Case No. 2014-109 RC 58. For the other Host DUs, on 20 October 2015, TransCo requested the ERC for the weighted average generation cost data. In the meantime that said information has not been received, TransCo used figures from www. kuryente.org (save for DASURECO) as follows:12

at the 2016 level of PhP 1,054,099.95 from Paragraph 81.

Table 6. FCRR for Host DUs, PhP/kWh

71. Combining the results and assumptions given in Paragraphs 68 to 70, the Forecast Annual Payout for 2017 is as follows:

Weighted Average Generation Cost DASURECO 4.7592 ZAMCELCO 3.9706 MAGELCO 2.7801 BUSECO 3.7339 MORESCO II 3.3684 SOCOTECO II 4.7054 Host DU

Table 11. 2017 Forecast Annual Payout, in Pesos

59. Multiplying the Forecast Annual Eligible RE Generation in Table 2 by the appropriate Forecast Cost Recovery Rates gives the following total FCRR in pesos: Table 7. Total Forecast Cost Revenue by Technology, in Pesos

Technology Biomass Hydropower Solar Wind Total

2014-2015 1,547,479,452 556,426,786 844,922,109 3,940,870,272 6,889,698,621

2016 3,548,498,598 927,734,772 3,093,934,257 5,180,613,653 12,750,781,280

2017 3,983,476,564 2,183,491,016 3,454,756,715 5,182,115,181 14,803,839,476

Similarly as in the FIT rate, the 2016 Forecast Cost Recovery Rate was used for 2017 since the same is merely intended for the determination of the Working Capital Allowance as discussed below. 60. 2015 Under-recoveries. The last term in the formula for FIT Differential is the amount of under-recovery or over-recovery of the FIT Differential. 61. By the end of 2015, it is estimated that the FIT-All Fund will have a deficit in terms of collection vis-à-vis payables of Php1,835,907,894.0813, hence, an under-recovery. 62. FIT Differential. Following the formula for FD in Paragraph 32 (first two terms), the total FCRR in Table 7 is subtracted from the FIT Revenue in Table 4 and yields the following for 2014-2017: Table 8. FIT Differential (without Under-recovery), in Pesos Technology Biomass Hydropower Solar Wind Total

2014-2015 499,867,312 79,849,350 672,883,492 3,042,883,032 4,295,483,186

2016 1,263,022,259 282,516,888 2,591,414,514 2,788,830,778 6,925,784,439

2017 1,385,388,084 996,331,227 2,885,755,357 2,789,757,852 8,057,232,521

The 2017 levels are shown only for the purpose of computing the WCA which is discussed below. 63. The final FIT Differential for 2016 in P/kWh, inclusive of the under-recovery for 2015, is as follows: Table 9. FIT Differential (with Under-recovery), in Pesos

Particulars 2016 FD 2015 FD over(under) Total

Amount 6,925,784,439 1,835,907,894 8,761,692,333

P/kWh 0.1013 0.0268 0.1281

III. Working Capital Allowance 64. The WCA is part of the FIT-All and serves as buffer to address any default or delay in the collection and/or remittance of the FIT-All and/or Actual Cost Recovery Revenue (ACRR) including, but not limited to, the following: i.

ii. iii. 65.

Variations between the actual and forecasted (a) RE Generation from Eligible RE Plants resulting from overand under- generation, (b) Annual National Sales and (c) applicable Forecast Cost Recovery Rates and Actual Cost Recovery Revenues; The timing difference of the collection and billing cycle for the FIT-All and Actual Cost Recovery Revenue; and Any other collection or payment shortfall.

The WCA amount for collection is expressed as:

2017 14,803,839,476 8,057,232,521 1,054,100 22,862,126,096

72. The Guidelines further provide the use of a Factor Rate that will be multiplied to the Forecast Annual Payout for 2016. 73. Pursuant to the Guidelines, the NREB recommended a formula for the Factor Rate in the 2014-2015 FIT-All Application. Using the same formula for this Application but with updated inputs yielded a factor rate of 5.5145%.14 74. Further, the Guidelines define the WCA Ending Balance to be the balance of the WCA component account for the immediately preceding month prior to the month of filing. Given the deficiency in the fund balance to address even the FD, the WCA in fact has no balance. Truth to tell, the amounts TransCo used to augment the ACRR remittance of PEMC and the Disbursement Allowance it actually paid to LBP as trustee fee, given there was no specified amount in the 2014-2015 Application for the Disbursement Allowance, constitute negative fund balance. Thus, TransCo considered a WCA Ending Balance of –PhP 28,599,294.54, which represents the estimated deficiency for ACRR and DA by the end of 2015.

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 87. TransCorepleads the foregoing allegations insofar as they may be applicable. 88. It is respectfully submitted that the computation of, as well as the data used by, TransCo are all in accordance with the FIT Rules and the Guidelines issued by the ERC. 89. On this basis, TransCo most respectfully moves for the immediate issuance of a “Provisional Authority” pursuant to Rule 14, Section 17 3 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedures to allow applicant TransCo to timely implement the FIT-All Rate of PhP/kWh 0.1025 effective January 2016 without prejudice to the final and actual rate pending the final disposition of its present Application. 90. The grant of a Provisional Authority will allow TransCo to perform its duties to make a timely payment of the FIT Rate to RE Developers to which they are entitled thereby allowing their continued operations. 91. In support of the foregoing allegations in this Application, including those for the issuance of the provisional authority, TransCohereby submits the Judicial Affidavit of Ms. Dinna O. Dizon, Manager of Compliance Monitoring Department (CMD).18 92.

Applicant Transco prays for the Commission to: a.

Pending hearing on the merits of the present Application, provisional authority to collect the FIT-ALL of PhP/kWh 0.1025 effective January 2016 billing period be issued;

The Collection Agents – DUs, RES and NGCP be directed to bill, collect and remit the FIT-All to the FIT-All Fund as provided in the FIT-All Guidelines;

PEMC and the Host DUs be directed to remit the CRR to the FIT-All Fund as provided in the FIT-All Guidelines;

The Factor Rate resulting from an updating of inputs in the recommended formula by the NREB under the 20142015 FIT-All Application (ERC Case No. 2014-109RC) be approved and applied in the computation of the WCA and the FIT-All Rate for 2016;

After due notice and hearing, a permanent approval for Applicant TransCo be granted to implement the FIT-All Rate for 2016 of PhP/kWh 0.1025, computed for RE Projects with at least nomination from DOE for eligibility under the FIT system, or in the alternative, such other amount as may be found by the Commission to be consistent with the FIT-All Guidelines and on the basis of new and updated information not heretofore available to the Applicant at the time of the filing of the present application;

TransCo be exempt from payment of permit/supervision fees, if any.

Other reliefs as may be just and equitable under the premises are likewise most respectfully prayed for.

Table 12. Determination of the WCA Ending Balance, in Pesos Forecast CRR Receivable (Sept 2015-Dec 2015)

3,837,875,248.49

Expected CRR Collection (99.27% Collection Efficiency)

3,810,015,943.94 27,859,304.54

Estimated Uncollected CRR Add: 2015 Disbursement Allowance

739,990.00 28,599,294.54

WCA Deficiency

75. From the given information, the combined buffer required for 2016, which is equivalent to the 2017 requirement multiplied by the Factor Rate less the WCA ending balance, is PhP1,289,339,613 derived as: Table 13. Determination of WCA, in Pesos

Technology Forecast Annual Payout x Factor Rate Equals: Portion of Annual Payout Less: WCA Ending Balance (Year n) Working Capital Allowance WCA PhP/kWh

2016 19,677,619,818 5.5145% 1,085,129,553 (28,599,295) 1,289,339,613 0.0189

2017 22,862,126,096 5.5145% 1,260,740,318

76. The table provides the corresponding PhP/kWh level of the WCA for 2016, which is PhP/kWh 0.0189. IV. Administration and Disbursement Allowance

The Commission has set the application for jurisdictional hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference and evidentiary hearing on the following dates and venues:

77. As provided for in Section 2.5 of the FIT Rules, the FIT- All shall also take into account the Applicant’s administration costs, to defray expenses of the Administrator in connection with the performance of its functions as FIT All Fund Administrator (Administration Allowance). 78. For the year 2016, TransCo again proposes an Administration Allowance of zero (0). 79. A similar fee may be imposed by the designated Trustee of the FIT-All Fund in accordance with the Trust Agreement approved by the ERC, to defray standard administrative costs in establishing and managing the actual collection and disbursements of the FIT-All Fund and all other monetary collections authorized by the FIT Rules (Disbursement Allowance). 80. From the Trust Agreement entered into by Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)-Trust and TransCo on 03 March 201515 and approved by the ERC, TransCo shall pay a fixed fee of P720,000 per annum plus some variable components. 81. Based on TransCo’s estimates of fund balances which will be the major basis of the variable component that is the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas supervision fee, the Disbursement Allowance or the service fee of LBP for 2016 is PhP1,054,099.95.16

DATE

TIME

VENUE

08 March 2016 (Tuesday)

Two o’ clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.)

ERC Hearing Room 15th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

Jurisdictional Hearing and Expository Presentation

15 March 2016 (Tuesday)

Two o’ clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.)

ERC Visayas Field Office, St. Mary’s Drive, Banilad, Cebu City

Expository Presentation

5 April 2016 (Tuesday)

Ten o’ clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.)

ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mintrade Building, Monteverde Avenue corner Sales Street, Davao City

Expository Presentation

20 April 2016 (Wednesday)

Ten o’ clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.)

ERC Hearing Room 15th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

V. FIT-ALL RATE FOR 2016 82. Applying the above components to the formula for FIT-All, we have the following, in PhP/kWh:

Where: WCAt+1

Is the Working Capital Allowance to be funded during Year t+1

Forecast Annual Payout t+2

Is the projected amount of payables out of the FIT-All Fund for year t+2 consisting of forecasted Total FIT Revenues, forecasted Administration Allowance and forecasted Disbursement Allowance for Year t+2. The forecasted Total FIT Revenues for Year t+2is the sum of the product of the Forecast RE Generation of Eligible RE Plant x for Year t+2 multiplied by the appropriate FIT Ratex for Year t+2. The forecasted Administration Allowance for Year t+2is the Administration Allowance for Year t+1, less any non-recurring expenditures such as those relating to the initial filing of the FIT-All, adjusted for forecast CPI for Year t+2. The forecasted Disbursement Allowance for Year t+2 is the projected level of payment to the Trustee Bank in Year t+2.

WCA Ending Balance t

Is the ending balance of the Working Capital Allowance account in Year t including any interest income earned in the WCA account and all other component accounts of the FIT-All Fund; if this is not available at the time of filing, the ending balance for the month immediately preceding the month of filing, subject to updating by the ERC of the actual ending balance of the WCA account in Year t if it shall become available prior to the issuance of its Decision on the FIT-All application. Is the factor rate approved by the ERC, upon recommendation of the NREB, reflective of funding requirements of the FIT-All Fund, adjusted by (i) a period factor based on the billing and collection cycle of the Collection Agents as described in the Guidelines; and (ii) the collection efficiencies of Collection Agents. Data for the initial year shall be sourced from PSALM for its collection of the Universal Charge. Data for succeeding years shall be based on FIT-All historical collection efficiency rate.

Factor Rate

66. From the foregoing, it may be gleaned that an initial Forecast Annual Payout for the year 2017 needs to be determined since it is envisioned that buffer requirements for the following year should be collected and built up during the current year. Hence, aside from the 2016 levels for Forecast Cost Recovery Revenue, FD, AA and DA, the 2017 projected levels were also established. 67. For the purpose of computing the WCA, the Forecast Cost Recovery Rates used by TransCo for 2017 are the same level as the 2016. The same holds for the FIT Rates. 68. Summarizing Table7 and Table 8, we have the following inputs in computing the Forecast Annual Payout for 2017: Table 10. 2017 Forecast Cost Recovery Revenue and FIT Differential, in Pesos

Technology

Biomass Hydropower Solar Wind Total

FORECAST COST RECOVERY REVENUE

3,983,476,564 2,183,491,016 3,454,756,715 5,182,115,181 14,803,839,476

FIT DIFFERENTIAL

1,385,388,084 996,331,227 2,885,755,357 2,789,757,852 8,057,232,521

69. The projected AA for 2016 in the meantime is set to zero (0) for the purpose of computing the WCA. 70.

Particulars Forecast Cost Recovery Revenue FIT Differential Administration Allowance Disbursement Allowance Total Annual Payout

balance. Hence, TransCo submits that a separate application would no longer be necessary.

The proposed trustee fee/ Disbursement Allowance is estimated

83. In more detail, the components and result of the FIT-All calculation may be summarized in the following table: Table 14. Summary of 2016 FIT-All Rate Computation

COMPONENTS FD WCA AA DA Total FNS, kWh FIT-All, Php/kWh

Amount (Php) Rate (P/kWh) Share 8,761,692,333 0.1281 87.16% 1,289,339,613 0.0189 12.83% 0.0000 0.00% 1,054,100 0.0000 0.01% 10,052,086,045 68,380,633,362 0.1470

84. However, TransCo would like to present some additional computations that show the 2016 FIT-All at different categories of FIT-eligible/candidate RE Projects: Table15. Incremental Movement of the 2016 FIT-All for Different RE Plant/Project Categories With FIT COC With Payment As of October Increase/ Total (Decrease) 5, 2015

With COE Increase/ (Decrease)

With Nomination

Pre-trial Conference and Evidentiary Hearing

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by filing, at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verified petition with the Commission giving the docket number and title of the proceeding and stating: (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and (3) a statement of the relief desired. All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the proceeding may file their opposition to the application or comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before the applicant concludes the presentation of its evidence. No particular form of opposition or comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon. All such persons who wish to have a copy of the application may request from the applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. The applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during standard office hours. WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman, JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners, ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 2nd day of February, 2016 at Pasig City.

DOE List

Total

Increase/ (Decrease)

Total

Increase/ (Decrease)

MW MWH

345.92 807,951

69.64 172,651

415.56 980,602

259.00 626,073

674.56 1,606,675

32.00 153,032

706.56 1,759,707

463.84 719,933

1,170.39 2,479,639

FIT-ALL Rate, P/kWh

0.0566

0.0038

0.0605

0.0373

0.0978

0.0047

0.1025

0.0445

0.1470

Total

FIT COC - Certificate of Compliance Issued by the ERC COE - Certificate of Endorsement issued by the DOE Nomination (for FIT Eligibility) - Issued by the DOE

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO LS: ICG/ARG/APV NPH 2015-216RC

A more detailed table of the FIT-All calculation above and a listing of RE Plants/Projects per category are provided in Annexes “Q” and “R”, respectively. 85. In view of the Commission’s Decision in ERC Case No. 2014109 RC limiting the forecast RE generation included in the computation of the FIT-All to those RE plants with COEs, TransCo opted to recommend and seek the Honorable Commission’s approval of a FIT-All rate lower than the total computed level of PhP/kWh 0.1470. As can be gleaned from Table 15, the computed 2016 FIT-All rate covering RE Projects with at least nomination from DOE as of end of October 2015 for the FIT system is PhP/kWh 0.1025. These projects already have ongoing construction and have reached at least 80% electromechanical completion, thus, are almost sure to operate within the period under consideration, if not already operating to date. It is TransCo’s judgment that the two (2) additional plants on top of RE projects with COE will likely complete the requirement for FIT eligibility within the period, thus, qualify to be counted in the instant Application. 86. Finally, TransCo wishes to manifest that while it was directed by the Honorable Commission in ERC Case No. 2014-109 RC to file a separate application for a revised FIT-All to cover the 2015 under-recoveries, the same have been incorporated in the instant Application, consistent with the Guidelines. As discussed in item II. Total FIT Differential above, (over)/under recovery is already incorporated in the formula of the FIT Differential and as such is already captured in the determination of the FIT-All Rate for 2016. Further, the estimated under-recovery for the Actual Cost Recovery Revenue and provision for Disbursement Allowance are made part of the WCA ending

2 3 4 5

7 8 9 10

11 12

13 14 15 16 17

Section 4, FIT Rules. Section 2.5, FIT Rules. T h e D O E M e m o r a n d u m d a t e d 21 J u l y 2 015 p r o v i d i n g f o r t h e E l e c t r i c i t y a n d S a l e s C o n s u m p t i o n , i n M W h (2 0 0 3 t o 2 014) i s a t t a c h e d h e r e t o a s A n n e x “A” t o “A - 1” t o f o r m a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. T h e F N S c o m p u t a t i o n f o r 2 015 - 2 016 i s a t t a c h e d h e r e t o a s A n n e x “ B ” t o f o r m a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. T h e D O E l e t t e r d a t e d 2 3 S e p t e m b e r 2 015 p r o v i d i n g “A d d i t i o n a l I n p u t s f o r t h e F i l i n g o f t h e 2 016 F I TA l l A p p l i c a t i o n ”, i n c l u d i n g i t s a t t a c h m e n t s , a r e a t t a c h e d h e r e t o a s A n n e x e s “ C ” t o “ C - 12 ”, t o f o r m i n t e g r a l p a r t s h e r e o f. The table on the summar y of actual generation, forecast generation and capacity factor per RE developer with heading “ List of FIT Eligible Renewable Energy Developer with Submission on Actual & U p d a t e d G e n e r a t i o n (2 014 t o 2 016) ” (a n d i t s a t t a c h m e n t s) i s a t t a c h e d h e r e t o a s A n n e x “ D ” t o “ D 19 ” t o f o r m a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. T h e 2 014 a n d 2 015 l e v e l s a r e a m i x o f a c t u a l a n d f o r e c a s t v a l u e s . S e c t i o n 1. 4 .1.1, G u i d e l i n e s . D e t a i l s o f c o m p u t a t i o n o f t h e 2 016 a d j u s t e d F I T r a t e s i s h e r e t o a t t a c h e d a s A n n e x “ E ” a n d m a d e a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. T h e P E M C l e t t e r d a t e d 01 J u n e 2 015 o n t h e “ D a t a o n L o a d W e i g h t e d Av e r a g e P r i c e ( LWA P) f o r L u z o n a n d V i s a y a s ”, i n c l u d i n g a c o m p u t e r p r i n t o u t o f t h e d a t a i n t h e C D s u b m i t t e d i s a t t a c h e d h e r e t o a s A n n e x e s “ F ” t o “ F - 1” t o f o r m a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. P r i n t - o u t s o f t h e M o n t h l y S u m m a r y R e p o r t f o r M a y, J u n e , J u l y a n d A u g u s t 2 015 f r o m P E M C w e b s i t e (w w w.w e s m . p h ) a r e h e r e t o a t t a c h e d a s A n n e x e s “ G ” t o “ G - 3 ” t o f o r m a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f P r i n t o u t s o f M A G E LC O E f f e c t i v e R a t e f o r R e s i d e n t i a l C u s t o m e r f o r t h e p e r i o d A p r i l 2 013 t o M a r c h 2 014 , Z A M C E LC O E f f e c t i v e R a t e f o r R e s i d e n t i a l C u s t o m e r f o r t h e p e r i o d M a r c h 2 013 t o F e b r u a r y 2 014 , B U S E C O E f f e c t i v e R a t e f o r R e s i d e n t i a l C u s t o m e r f o r t h e p e r i o d M a r c h 2 014 t o F e b r u a r y 2 015 , M O R E S C O I I E f f e c t i v e R a t e f o r R e s i d e n t i a l C u s t o m e r f o r t h e p e r i o d F e b r u a r y 2 012 t o D e c e m b e r 2 013 a n d S O C OT E C O I I E f f e c t i v e R a t e f o r R e s i d e n t i a l C u s t o m e r f o r t h e p e r i o d M a y 2 013 t o J u n e 2 014 f r o m t h e w e b s i t e w w w. k u r y e n t e . o r g a r e a t t a c h e d h e r e t o a s A n n e x e s “ H ” t o “ H - 11”, “ I ” t o “ I - 11”, “J ” t o “J - 11”, “ K ” t o “ K- 11”, a n d “ L” t o “ L - 11”, r e s p e c t i v e l y, t o f o r m i n t e g r a l p a r t s h e r e o f. Ta b l e s h o w i n g t h e d e t a i l s o f c o m p u t a t i o n o f t h e 2 015 F I T D i f f e r e n t i a l d e f i c i e n c y i s h e r e t o a t t a c h e d a s A n n e x “ M ” a n d m a d e a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. Fa c t o r R a t e c o m p u t a t i o n u s i n g t h e f o r m u l a r e c o m m e n d e d b y N R E B i n i t s R e s o l u t i o n N o . 3 S e r i e s o f 2 014 i s a t t a c h e d h e r e t o a s A n n e x “ N ” t o f o r m a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. C o p y o f t h e Tr u s t A g r e e m e n t d a t e d 0 3 M a r c h 2 015 i s h e r e t o a t t a c h e d a s A n n e x “ O ” t o “ O - 2 3 ” a n d m a d e a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. Details of computation of the proposed DA is hereto at tached as Annex “P” and made an integral p a r t h e r e o f. “ Section 3. Action on the Motion. - Motions for provisional authorit y or interim relief may be acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations o f t h e a p p l i c a t i o n o r p e t i t i o n a n d s u p p o r t i n g d o c u m e n t s a n d o t h e r e v i d e n c e s (s i c) t h a t a p p l i c a n t o r petitioner has submit ted and the c omments or opposition f iled by any interested person, if there be a n y.” A c o p y o f t h e J u d i c i a l A f f i d a v i t o f M s . D i n n a O. D i z o n i s a t t a c h e d h e r e t o a s A n n e x “ S ” t o f o r m a n i n t e g r a l p a r t h e r e o f. ( T S - F E B 19 / 2 6 , 2 016)

F R I DAY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 16

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

RC Cola brings down Foton team Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola Army scores against Foton’s Patty Jane Orendain and Maika Ortiz (10) in a 2016 Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference game won by the Lady Troopers, 25-17, 25-9, 25-22. ROMAN PROSPERO

Road repairs shorten 1st stage of Le Tour PH By Peter Atencio

LUCENA CITY—Cebuano rider Jaybop Pagnanawon was among four local riders who had high hopes in coming up with a podium finish in the chaotic opening stage of the 2016 Le Tour de Filipinas. But road repairs, which caused a big traffic jam in the last 32 kilometers going to the finish line at the old Lucena City hall ended everyone’s quest to claim Stage 1’s yellow jersey honors after organizers were forced to stop the race. Pagnanawon, racing under the Team Kopiko-Cebu banner, was among 10 riders who formed a breakaway group, which sped down a downhill stretch at the 84-kilometer

mark in Mabitac, Laguna. Pagnanawon’s group became a 31-man pack the moment traffic slowed them down along the busy Pan-Philippine highway going outside of San Pablo City which allowed others to catch up. More riders began catching up to the lead pack when they reached Lalig bridge in Tiaong, Quezon. Road repairs along a 400 meter stretch of the Pan Philippine highway allowed the

riders to catch up. The repairs, which were not coordinated by local officials with the tour organizers, left International Commissaire Peter Tomlinson no recourse but to stop the opening stage before noon. Chaos ensued as race marshals were unable to take note of the riders who were converging and slowing down along Lalig bridge. The race started smoothly when 74 riders left the Antipolo City Hall Plaza and traversed several towns in Laguna before they slowed down at Lalig bridge. Team manager Ednalyn Hualda expressed her disappointment at the outcome of the opening day. “Nanghihinayang kami dahil nandu’n na sila,” said Hualda, who added that they may pull off a sur-

prise in Day 2, which is a 204.82 km ride from Lucena City to Daet, Camarines Norte. Pagnanawon was able to join an early group composed of Japanese rider Ryu Suzuki, Korean Jang Sun Jae, Taiwanese Lu Shao Hsuan, Australian Jai Crawford, Mongolian Mars-erdene Batmunkh, Nor Umardi Rosdi, Kota Sumiyoshi and Bizhigitov of Kazakhstan. Bizhgitov, who overcame a bum stomach he suffered with another teammate and the team mechanic caused by unfamiliarity with local dishes, took the top honors in the first sprint stage. This was after he went aggressive at the 41.43 km mark between Pangil and Siniloan and the King of Mountain section at the 26.52 km mark in Pililla, Rizal.

Unbeaten Bullpups, Junior Archers start title series RANGED against undefeated National University in the UAAP Season 78 juniors’ basketball Finals, De La Salle-Zobel coach Boris Aldeguer knows what miracles do happen. “It’s going to be a David and Goliath situation,” said Aldeguer. “But you know what, with the heart they displayed (against the Blue Eaglets), who knows? Anything is possible. Bilog ang bola” Aldeguer cited two improbable situations in college women’s

volleyball, where The Arena. The rest today (The Arena) UAAP’s Ateneo and 2 p.m.Game of the Finals series – NU vs DLSZ (Finals, Game 1) NCAA’s College of will be aired live on Saint Benilde overcame thrice-to- ABS-CBN Sports+Action. beat disadvantages to win the title, Only one school in the league’s as well as in PBA’s San Miguel Beer high school sports have overwhere it became the first team to turned the tremendous thricecapture the championship after to-beat disadvantage to claim the going 0-3 down. crown—University of the East’s He believes that the Junior Arch- juniors table tennis squad, which ers can do it as they take on the defeated NU two years ago. thrice-to-beat Bullpups in the chamDe La Salle-Zobel clinched the pionship opener at 2 p.m. today at remaining slot in the title round af-

ter dethroning Ateneo, 75-67, in the second step-ladder last Monday. The Junior Archers have a Herculean task to neutralize the Bullpups’ slotman Justine Baltazar, who tallied 11 double-doubles in the elimination round, as well as Rhayyan Amsali. Baltazar is averaging 13.4 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game this season, while Amsali had a 8.4-point and 4.4-rebound clip in the elims.

RC COLAGames Tomorrow Sports and ARMY hard- (Malolos Convention Center) ly slowed 1 p.m. • F2 Logistics vs Cola-Army down after a 3 p.m.RC• San Jose Builders long hiatus vs Foton as it crushed Foton, 25-17, 25-9, 25-22, to kick off its campaign on a high note in the 2016 Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference women’s volleyball tournament last night at The Arena in San Juan. Despite sitting out for three conferences, the Lady Troopers still played like real champions as they pounded hard on the Toplander’s anemic defense to gain a headstart in this prestigious inter-club tourney backed by Asics, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller and Grand Sports and was aired live over TV5. Honey Royse Tubino spearheaded the team with 10 points on attacks and a block for a game-high 11 points, while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis delivered nine and eight markers, respectively, for the Lady Troopers, who dominated the league in the 2013 All-Filipino, 2013 Grand Prix and 2014 All-Filipino conferences. “It’s good to be back. Parang kahapon lang ‘yung huling laro namin dito,” said RC Cola-Army coach Kungfu Reyes shortly after their 44-minute domination of their foes. “We are very excited to play our first game after a three-conference absence. Everything looks familiar. It really feels good to be home.” Also making a homecoming is Daquis, who towed Petron to a pair of titles before going back to Army. “There was really no adjustment,” she said. “I spent a total nine years with Army right after college. So, I played more relaxed and more comfortable in my first game with them after a long while.” The Lady Troopers jumped the gun early and raced to an 11-0 start in the second set. With Foton struggling on both ends, Tubino and Gonzaga imposed their might as the Lady Troopers completely smothered the Toplander to enter the deciding set overflowing with confidence.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: FEBRUARY 19, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

IN BRIEF

Tan ups stake in VMC TYCOON Lucio Tan acquired P660 million worth of shares in sugar milling and refining company Victorias Milling Co. Inc. from Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd. First Pacific said in a statement it agreed to dispose of its 14.8-percent shareholding in VMC in two transactions totaling P2.16 billion. First Pacific said VMC acquired 300 million shares while the second buyer, the LT Group, through its subsidiary, acquired 131.9 million shares. Both transactions valued the sugar milling firm at P5 per share. The deal will boost LT Group’s stake in VMC by 4.5 percent to 28.1 percent. Prior to the deal, LT Group through liquor unit Tanduay Holdings Inc. owned a 23.6-percent interest in the sugar miller. Jennifer B. Austria

IT jobs earn most

LRT 1 gets P24-b loan. Light Rail Manila Corp. signs a P24-billion loan agreement for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension with lender banks Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, Security Bank Corp. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in a ceremony at Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Shown during the signing are (top row, from left) Metrobank’s Antonio Ocampo Jr. and Mary Mylene Caparas; Metro Paciﬁc Light Rail Corp.’s David Nicol; LRMC’s Fatima Agbayani and Jesus Francisco; Light Rail Manila Holdings Inc.’s Karim Manuel Garcia and Noel Eli Kintanar; Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings Pte. Limited’s Michael Rodriguez; and Metrobank Trust’s Joseﬁna Tuplano and Lalaine Sta. Ana.

SMC wrests control of port from Romero By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. has taken majority control of Manila North Harbor Port Inc., a company that operates the country’s largest domestic port in Tondo, Manila. San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, during an investors’ briefing on the company’s P30-billion preferred shares offering, the group subscribed additional shares in the port terminal, bringing its total stake in MNHPI to nearly 80 percent. “We just completed the increase in capitalization and acquired some shares in Mania North Harbor Port. We are now about 80 percent of the company,” Ang said. San Miguel’s unit San Miguel Holdings Corp. said in a regulatory filing it subscribed to and fully paid for 13 million common shares of MNPHI at a price of P100 apiece. “Subscription of SMHC to the shares of

MNHPI resulted in SMHC owning 43.33-percent equity interest in MNHPI,” San Miguel said. Prior to the transaction, MNHPI was 65-percent owned by Romero-led Harbor Center Port Terminal Inc. and 35 percent by San Miguel-owned Petron Corp. With San Miguel’s acquisition of additional 43.44-percent stake, the conglomerate as a group now controls a 78.33-percent interest in the port terminal firm. HCPTI ownership is currently being disputed by businessman Reghis Romero and his son Michael. San Miguel also owns two grain terminals in Mariveles, Bataan and Mabini, Batangas. MNHPI won the 25-year contract to manage, develop and operate the 52-hectare seaport terminal. The company earlier committed to invest P14.5 billion to develop the port facility. Aside from developing passenger port terminal with capacity to serve two million to three passengers per year, the company plans to build a container yard. Meanwhile, Ang said he expected the conglomerate’s infrastructure business, includ-

ing airport, tollways and road projects, to be bigger than its oil and power businesses combined by 2020 in terms of market valuation. Among the ongoing infrastructure projects of the conglomerate are the North and South Connector Road, the MRT Line 7 project, South Luzon Expressway, Tarlac-La Union Pangasinan Tollway project, NAIA Expressway, Boracay Caticlan Airport and the Southern Luzon Arterial Road Project. Petron is also expected to post P18 billion in net income this year despite continued decline in world fuel prices. Ang said Petron would be able to deliver $650 million in cash-flow for the year, as the recently expanded oil refinery in Bataan achieved maximum economic liquid yield of 93 percent, up from 60 percent before the refinery was expanded. “We are quite lucky that the technology we have chosen in the upgrading the refinery in Philippines is really very successful. Can you imagine at $30 per barrel, we are tracking $650 million in cash-flow? So for this year 2016, Petron should [earn] P18 billion net income at $30 per barrel. So that was a very successful expansion,” Ang said.

BIR collection rose 8.6%, but missed 2015 target By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE Bureau of Internal Revenue said Thursday tax collection rose 8.6 percent in 2015 to P1.45 trillion, but fell short of the target for the year. BIR commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares said preliminary figures showed collection in 2015 increased from P1.335 trillion recorded in 2014. The figures, however, showed the 2015 collection was 13.4 per-

cent short of the P1.674-trillion programmed collection. BIR is the largest revenue-collecting agency of the government, followed by the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Treasury. Meanwhile, Henares said the P2.025-trillion target for 2016 set by the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee was “unrealistic” and “ridiculous”. The agency’s expected collection this year was 21 percent

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

higher than P1.674-trillion target collection last year. “The 40-percent plus goal, it’s unrealistic. So I don’t argue about it already. I mean it is so ridiculous that I don’t have even to explain why,” she said. The DBCC revised downward the growth target for 2016 to 6.8 percent to 7.8 percent from the previous estimate of 7 percent to 8 percent. The interagency committee, however, maintained the

revenue collection target. Henares said despite the tall order, the BIR would continue to work hard to grow its collection. “We should always grow from the previous year, we should always grow above the nominal gross domestic product.Assuming there is no change in our tax system, then I would say we should be collecting. We should not go lower but in fact we should go higher,” Henares said.

SUPERVISORY and junior managerial positions in the information technology dominate the list of ten highest paying jobs in the Philippines. Online job site Jobstreet.com said in its latest salary report software specialists such as web developer, software design and system administration were earning P38,149 a month. “Jobstreet.com findings show that information technology continued its three-year trend of providing the highest paying jobs across all position levels,” Jobstreet country manager Philip Garcia said in a news briefing Thursday. Completing the ten highest-paying jobs are law/legal services, actuarial/statistics, customer services-related, training and development, public relations/communications, banking/financial services, arts/ creative/graphics, finance-related, and marketing/business development. Meanwhile, the most in-demand jobs are those in call center/BPO, retail/merchandise, manufacturing/production, property/real estate, construction/building/engineering, food and beverage/catering/restaurants, banking and finance, computer/ IT software, advertising/marketing/promotions and general wholesale trading. Othel V. Campos

Hot money exits PH FOREIGN Funds exited the domestic financial markets in January amid economic slowdown in China, geopolitical concerns overseas and declining oil prices, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday. Data showed that registered foreign portfolio investments or “hot money” posted a net outflow of $129.85 million last month, a reversal of the $592-million net inflow a year ago. It was, however, lower than the net outflow of $171 million in December 2015. Bangko Sentral said this was “mainly due to lingering concerns on China’s economic slowdown and the plunging global oil prices.” Foreign portfolio investments are overseas funds that are temporarily invested in local stocks, government securities and money market. These are also called “hot money” because of the ease they are invested in and taken out of the local markets. Julito G. Rada

New Cebu flights AIRPORT operator GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. said Thursday four new international flights will commence operations in Mactan Cebu International Airport next month. GMCAC said it would launch a number of pioneering direct-to-Cebu flights as part of efforts to increase Cebu’s connectivity to international destinations. It said the four new international flight services would commence in March, including Cebu-Los Angeles with Philippine Airlines; Cebu-Taipei with Eva Air; Cebu-Xiamen with XiamenAir; and Cebu-Dubai flights with Emirates. “Providing airline and route innovations for the traveling public are keystones of MCIA’s transformation. Many of these flights are a first for Cebu, which will draw inbound tourism and give strong support for export services,” GMCAC president Louie Ferrer said. Darwin G. Amojelar

EDC wins arbitration CONTRACTOR Weir Engineering Services Ltd.

has withdrawn its request for arbitration with the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission, after Bac-Man Geothermal Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Development Corp., received a favorable ruling from the International Chamber of Commerce. “We now advise that Weir has withdrawn its request for arbitration with the CIAC and the CIAC has dismissed the proceedings before it on that basis,” EDC said in a disclosure Thursday. EDC said that on Feb. 2, Bac-Man Geothermal received the ICC tribunal’s phase 1 award where the ICC tribunal declared that the company had exclusive jurisdiction to hear and ﬁnally determine the parties’ disputes. The tribunal also said “Weir is permanently restrained from pursuing proceedings in any other dispute resolution forum, including the CIAC, in connection with disputes arising under the contract that have validly been referred by BGI to arbitration under the ICC rules.” Bac-Man received a favorable regarding its arbitration case against Weir early this month wherein ICC ordered Weir to pay $4.404 million within seven days of the date of the partial award. The amount relates to the sums owned by Weir to Bac-Man Geothermal under the contract, together with post-award simple interest calculated at the rate of 5.33 percent per annum. Alena Mae S. Flores

FRIDAY: FEBRUARY 19, 2016

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, February 18, 2016

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 890 1.01 100 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 625 0.225 78 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

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. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 148 20.6 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 0.98 241

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 32 15.32 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 20.2 71.5 13.24 5.34 0.395 173

79 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.34 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

34.1 2.3 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 5.9 161 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 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp. LBC Express Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3

76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 0.0670 2.31 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

49.55 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 0.030 1.23 0.550 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

Abacus Cons. À’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor À’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp À’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. IPM Holdings JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp. Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. LT Group Mabuhay Holdings À’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Pacifica À’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion 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

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.48

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 0.97

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop À’ Arthaland Corp. Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. À’ Cebu Holdings Century Property Cityland Dev. À’

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

SHARES 10274285 558391084 166853996 130498587 292248528 1210533786 2370116976

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.98 2.8 44.9 44.8 101.50 99.65 90.65 89.95 36.1 35.95 2.52 2.51 1.56 1.48 14.38 14 16.6 16.4 6.62 6.62 1.7 1.65 570.60 560.00 0.500 0.445 79.5 76 15.00 15.00 51.20 51.00 96.9 96.9 272 270 34.15 33.65 143.5 142 1350.00 1325.00 55.50 54.50 1.46 1.46 INDUSTRIAL 42.4 42.6 42.35 4.52 4.8 4.56 0.69 0.7 0.67 1.44 1.47 1.44 10.5 10.52 9.95 190.00 200.00 189.90 17.34 17.4 17.3 33.1 42.2 38 17.9 18.6 18 39.55 39.6 39.4 2.06 2.09 2.05 2.26 2.33 2.25 11.28 11.52 11.2 8.420 8.620 8.480 7.28 7.48 7.27 5.68 5.76 5.67 6.40 6.93 6.44 18.7 20.3 18.8 57.6 58.6 58 13.58 13.96 13.60 5.66 5.56 5.4 2.430 2.300 2.390 214.20 220.00 214.80 8.2 8.9 8 27.15 27.15 27.15 1.85 1.8 1.8 3 3 3 26.15 26.9 26 15.6 15.96 15.6 5.8 5.84 5.8 322.00 322.00 320.40 3.98 4.00 4.00 3.1 3.14 3.07 8.57 9.08 8.58 3.75 3.75 3.73 1.44 1.50 1.44 2.77 2.98 2.8 3.78 3.83 3.77 4.7 4.7 4.7 135 135 134 2.39 2.45 2.38 0.153 0.159 0.152 1.01 1.07 1.01 2.11 2.13 2.10 187 190.6 187.6 4.8 4.71 4.7 0.65 0.65 0.64 1.03 1.04 1.00 HOLDING FIRMS 0.330 0.340 0.330 57.8500 57.9500 57.8000 14.48 14.68 14.50 1.05 1.05 1.05 6.01 6.05 6.00 0.240 0.240 0.231 0.239 0.240 0.240 699.5 702 695 7.35 7.42 7.35 11.90 12.26 11.90 4.86 4.85 4.85 4.60 4.70 4.60 0.217 0.234 0.217 1215 1265 1240 5.62 5.63 5.61 9.77 9.77 9.53 68.20 69.90 68.05 5.2 5.49 5.2 0.67 0.68 0.66 16.18 16.5 16.18 0.5 0.49 0.49 5.68 5.87 5.63 0.0310 0.0310 0.0300 1.400 1.470 1.400 2.130 2.220 2.120 72.50 73.10 71.05 2.45 2.43 2.30 821.00 845.00 819.00 1.04 1.06 1.05 0.75 0.83 0.77 143.900 148.000 141.000 0.2850 0.3100 0.2900 0.2100 0.2250 0.2090 0.300 0.315 0.300 PROPERTY 6.870 7.130 6.900 0.82 0.85 0.82 1.390 1.530 1.360 0.219 0.218 0.218 31.450 32.050 31.500 2.84 3.05 2.82 4.45 4.46 4.45 0.560 0.57 0.550 1.000 1.040 0.960 2.95 44.8 99.50 89.98 35.75 2.51 1.53 14 16.56 6.62 1.75 565.00 0.450 76 15.30 51.00 96.9 274 34.1 141 1325.00 55.00 1.45

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.9 44.9 101.50 90.60 36 2.51 1.48 14.18 16.6 6.62 1.7 560.00 0.480 79.5 15.00 51.20 96.9 272 33.65 142.8 1325.00 55.30 1.46

-1.69 0.22 2.01 0.69 0.70 0.00 -3.27 1.29 0.24 0.00 -2.86 -0.88 6.67 4.61 -1.96 0.39 0.00 -0.73 -1.32 1.28 0.00 0.55 0.69

309,000 28,200 2,363,090 2,284,280 43,900 140,000 276,000 2,600 14,100 1,000 37,000 210 1,500,000 2,819,810 2,100 18,170 5,000 2,140 32,800 317,180 200 62,920 14,000

42.55 4.77 0.69 1.46 10.3 190.00 17.36 40 18.52 39.55 2.06 2.27 11.52 8.600 7.30 5.70 6.50 20.3 58 13.96 5.56 2.350 220.00 8.8 27.15 1.8 3 26.5 15.76 5.8 322.00 4.00 3.11 8.95 3.75 1.47 2.82 3.78 4.7 134.5 2.45 0.153 1.07 2.10 190 4.71 0.64 1.03

0.35 5.53 0.00 1.39 -1.90 0.00 0.12 20.85 3.46 0.00 0.00 0.44 2.13 2.14 0.27 0.35 1.56 8.56 0.69 2.80 -1.77 -1.67 2.71 7.32 0.00 -2.70 0.00 1.34 1.03 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.32 4.43 0.00 2.08 1.81 0.00 0.00 -0.37 2.51 0.00 5.94 -0.47 1.60 -1.88 -1.54 0.00

2,263,200 2,797,000 77,000 576,000 4,700 150 42,700 700 1,368,600 8,600 525,000 2,302,000 33,100 7,217,200 2,960,900 40,586,000 1,935,400 15,899,200 250,630 20,500 299,600 2,175,000 2,156,810 27,100 300 20,000 2,000 4,876,600 897,100 254,700 66,020 52,000 219,000 19,255,300 1,566,000 302,000 2,178,000 245,000 13,000 700 1,606,000 5,100,000 7,000 599,000 3,293,700 7,000 1,213,000 38,000

0.330 57.9000 14.62 1.05 6.00 0.240 0.240 695 7.35 12.00 4.85 4.70 0.225 1265 5.62 9.60 69.90 5.3 0.67 16.46 0.49 5.85 0.0300 1.470 2.210 73.10 2.3 845.00 1.06 0.81 148.000 0.2950 0.2150 0.310

0.00 0.09 0.97 0.00 -0.17 0.00 0.42 -0.64 0.00 0.84 -0.21 2.17 3.69 4.12 0.00 -1.74 2.49 1.92 0.00 1.73 -2.02 2.99 -3.23 5.00 3.76 0.83 -6.12 2.92 1.92 8.00 2.85 3.51 2.38 3.33

710,000 1,716,590 2,964,400 11,000 726,000 190,000 490,000 397,610 848,700 11,826,500 1,000 5,000 2,780,000 106,505 6,300 2,020,000 1,868,780 34,322,500 44,000 5,242,900 20,000 64,023,000 8,400,000 5,000 11,719,000 830,630 28,000 260,620 19,000 196,000 138,960 11,150,000 2,960,000 620,000

7.000 0.84 1.400 0.218 32.000 3.05 4.45 0.550 1.040

1.89 2.44 0.72 -0.46 1.75 7.39 0.00 -1.79 4.00

109,900 2,554,000 3,016,000 10,000 8,579,200 8,147,000 280,000 3,015,000 23,000

1,218,935.00 25,001,047 17,226,893.00 -43,220.00

-9,990.00 -44,800.00 33,600.00 -189,200.00 107,189,425.50 -460,334.50 -484,500.00 -468,260 -32,785,638.00 -53,120.00 -2,268,417.00 61,068,870.00 140,650.00 -113,760.00 321,182.00 39,560 -253,080.00 6,518,829.00 -13,989,235.00 47,468,904.00 -2,704,146.00 -47,750,599.00 -3,243,683.50 -276,188.00 -555.00 -1,192,240.00 216,072,042.00

-19,765,620.00 4,792,002.00 -601,664.00 220,890.00 16,137,544.00 -5,343,750.00 16,170.00 -679,460.00 -94,135.00 -105,160.00 46,200.00 -27,200.00 -55,415,612.00

-53,075,654.00 -1,686,452.00

-19,200.00 -60,199,065.00 -736,380.00 -9,296,312.00 13,800.00 33,647,395.00 91,857,876.00 4,497,677.00 -23,795,504.00 110,137,099.00 93,000.00 -3,408,720.00 5,783,526.00 126,217,270.00 -241,429.00 17,000.00

597,113.00 110,700.00 0.00 20,048,460.00 -901,150.00

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

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

10.5 66 1.09 14.88 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 7.67 4 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 3.2 1 2.46 15.2

1.97 35.2 0.63 10.5 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 4.8 2.58 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.95 0.650 1.8 6

0.62 1.040 6.41 18 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.335 0.37 3 8.8 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 1.71 5 0.315 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Macroasia Corp. Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail MG Holdings NOW Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Racing Club Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils. Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 0.330 12.7 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

0.0043 1.72 6.47 9.43 0.236 6.5 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67

Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Atok-Big Wedge À’ Basic Energy Corp. Benguet Corp À’ 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 Oriental Peninsula Res. Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum

70 553

33 490

1.34

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ BC Pref A 101.5 First Gen G 480 GLOBE PREF P 5.88 GMA Holdings Inc. 6.5 Leisure and Resort 101 MWIDE PREF 997 PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B 1011 PF Pref 2 74.5 SMC Preferred B 75 SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F 1 Swift Pref

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

120 515 8.21 12.28 111 1060 1047 78.95 84.8

3.5

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp. Italpinas Xurpas

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

VALUE 724687067.00 4653993676.646 1842695616.02 843334808.43 1590218779.29 195880757.334 9877218317.716

FINANCIAL 1,558.17 (up) 27.28 INDUSTRIAL 10,937.56 (up) 165.68 HOLDING FIRMS 6,452.05 (up) 111.32 PROPERTY 2,735.68 (up) 35.31 SERVICES 1,564.56 (down) 5.29 MINING & OIL 10,800.95 (up) 152.79 PSEI 6,848.87 (up) 92.05 All Shares Index 3,939.03 (up) 45.88 Gainers: 126; Losers: 47; Unchanged: 52; Total: 225

0.115 0.415 23.55 0.860 0.140 0.92 1.54 1.24 3.47 0.081 0.2300 0.370 25.40 1.48 3.05 21.35 0.76 5.9 0.950 4.310

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.115 0.114 0.115 0.445 0.415 0.435 24 23.2 24 0.860 0.830 0.830 0.154 0.150 0.153 0.94 0.92 0.92 1.55 1.53 1.54 1.24 1.24 1.24 3.53 3.46 3.5 0.091 0.082 0.091 0.2400 0.2300 0.2300 0.420 0.375 0.400 26.00 25.35 26.00 1.5 1.48 1.5 3.05 3.04 3.05 21.50 21.05 21.40 0.77 0.76 0.76 5.9 5.74 5.9 0.980 0.950 0.970 4.500 4.300 4.400 SERVICES 6.34 6.5 6.36 6.45 54.5 54.8 54.3 54.5 0.475 0.510 0.480 0.495 10.1 10.5 10.14 10.5 28.5 28.5 28.5 28.5 4.44 4.60 4.45 4.52 0.0510 0.0550 0.0500 0.0510 3.11 3.18 3.09 3.18 81 83 81 83 5.99 5.96 5.83 5.96 2.48 2.65 2.65 2.65 1871 1895 1895 1879 6.75 6.82 6.74 6.81 1.15 1.15 1.14 1.14 57.8 59.1 57.85 58.9 0.0092 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 0.166 0.165 0.161 0.165 1.1400 1.2400 1.1400 1.2200 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 7.45 7.66 7.45 7.65 3.99 4.05 3.96 4.02 2.33 2.33 2.33 2.33 0.500 0.580 0.550 0.560 1.81 1.96 1.96 1.96 2.13 2.22 2.15 2.17 3.45 3.57 3.44 3.54 0.260 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.730 0.750 0.730 0.730 4.45 4.50 4.46 4.46 9 9 9 9 27.50 27.90 27.00 27.00 2326.00 2360.00 2264.00 2278.00 0.400 0.395 0.390 0.395 0.820 0.850 0.820 0.840 34.20 34.70 34.30 34.50 61.50 62.70 61.50 62.50 5.17 5.29 5.07 5.20 3.30 3.60 3.35 3.60 0.465 0.475 0.455 0.460 1.51 1.51 1.51 1.51 3.89 3.97 3.88 3.88 0.315 0.335 0.325 0.335 4.850 4.990 4.850 4.930 MINING & OIL 0.0044 0.0045 0.0044 0.0044 2.00 2.20 2.07 2.07 4.35 4.55 4.40 4.45 12.00 13.00 11.30 11.30 0.212 0.220 0.214 0.219 4.8400 5.3 5.2 5.2000 0.61 0.61 0.6 0.6 0.430 0.440 0.440 0.440 7.04 7.50 7.05 7.39 0.710 0.740 0.710 0.710 0.290 0.300 0.285 0.285 0.305 0.325 0.305 0.315 0.320 0.335 0.310 0.320 0.0120 0.0130 0.0120 0.0120 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.013 1.89 2.06 1.9 1.91 5.08 5.3 5.1 5.15 2.43 2.56 2.42 2.46 1.3300 1.3600 1.2500 1.2500 3.45 3.58 3.46 3.58 5.42 5.83 5.44 5.79 1.72 1.92 1.83 1.88 0.0110 0.0120 0.0110 0.0120 123.30 123.50 123.00 123.50 2.25 2.5 2.4 2.45 PREFERRED 53.45 54 53.5 53.5 525.5 525.5 525.5 525.5 18.5 18.48 18.48 18.48 118 118 118 118 520 522 522 522 6.75 6.85 6.52 6.52 1.09 1.1 1.08 1.1 112.5 112.4 112 112 1035 1035 1035 1035 1090 1090 1090 1090 1028 1028 1028 1028 80.5 80.5 80.5 80.5 82.2 82.3 82.2 82.2 78.2 78.2 78 78 77 77.5 76.5 76.5 79 79 78.75 78.75 2.1 2.3 2.3 2.3 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.450 2.500 2.360 2.490 SME 3.55 3.55 3.48 3.48 2.93 2.91 2.91 2.91 2.5 2.56 2.48 2.5 13.26 13.94 13.3 13.8 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 110.1 111 110.8 110.8

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

0.00 4.82 1.91 -3.49 9.29 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.86 12.35 0.00 8.11 2.36 1.35 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.00 2.11 2.09

1,070,000 2,440,000 837,500 2,015,000 130,000 2,349,000 12,162,000 61,000 49,723,000 3,690,000 730,000 3,050,000 973,400 214,000 5,000 10,927,100 735,000 58,700 438,000 13,147,000

1.74 0.00 4.21 3.96 0.00 1.80 0.00 2.25 2.47 -0.50 6.85 0.43 0.89 -0.87 1.90 1.09 -0.60 7.02 -4.55 2.68 0.75 0.00 12.00 8.29 1.88 2.61 5.77 0.00 0.22 0.00 -1.82 -2.06 -1.25 2.44 0.88 1.63 0.58 9.09 -1.08 0.00 -0.26 6.35 1.65

73,900 35,220 3,820,000 46,000 100 6,811,000 1,228,330.00 195,280,000 -71,200.00 45,000 473,430 3,914,281.00 18,200 2,000 92,390 40,255,195.00 60,200 107,000 81,490.00 1,149,920 6,905,261.50 2,000,000 18,600.00 3,530,000 -101,370.00 5,246,000 -4,640.00 6,000 374,800 75,765.00 105,000 4,170.00 11,000 71,000 1,000 13,701,000 -5,591,320.00 2,083,000 1,472,610.00 10,000 1,703,000 43,400.00 31,000 900 -8,100.00 200,600 2,278,460.00 406,500 -304,474,540.00 170,000 21,557,000 -4,046,670.00 3,381,600 -5,886,960.00 431,130 5,271,646.50 1,453,200 23,856,000 -5,090,830.00 2,230,000 -47,000.00 4,000 382,000 -468,790.00 240,000 137,000 68,880.00

0.00 3.50 2.30 -5.83 3.30 7.44 -1.64 2.33 4.97 0.00 -1.72 3.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.06 1.38 1.23 -6.02 3.77 6.83 9.30 9.09 0.16 8.89

747,000,000 -4,400.00 20,000 242,000 -13,320.00 4,000 900,000 48,000 226,000 260,000 12,200 13,926,000 -4,525,600.00 440,000 116,030,000 21,050,000 100,100.00 66,400,000 108,900,000 1,455,000 -116,420.00 10,285,700 14,250,586.00 58,000 92,000 -6,600.00 20,000 5,517,800 -6,452,825.00 9,721,000 -171,450.00 106,800,000 202,160 -8,191,541.00 868,000 -39,900.00

0.09 0.00 -0.11 0.00 0.38 -3.41 0.92 -0.44 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.26 -0.65 -0.32 9.52

194,760 2,000 200 50,000 2,000 41,300 404,000 51,130 3,500 610 12,825 3,000 13,880 66,700 95,000 14,400 1,000

1.63

256,000

-1.97 -0.68 0.00 4.07

13,000 10,000 141,000 1,047,000

0.64

105,310

13,013,235.00 -1,423,260.00 -2,562,140.00 2,716,000.00 133,000.00 -20,750.00 3,070,375.00 -224,500.00 -48,023,460.00

7,199,710.00

4,444,914.50

1,044,000.00

30,800.00 417,625.00

4,474,562.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Conc. Aggr. 'A'

20.85

Seafront `A'

2.3

-6.12

MRC Allied Ind.

0.091

12.35

Oriental Peninsula Res.

1.2500

-6.02

Manila Bulletin

0.560

12.00

Atok-Big Wedge `A'

11.30

-5.83

Swift Pref

2.3

9.52

Jackstones

2.1

-4.55

PhilexPetroleum

1.88

9.30

Empire East Land

0.830

-3.49

Ever Gotesco

0.153

9.29

GMA Holdings Inc.

6.52

-3.41

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0120

9.09

Bright Kindle Resources

1.48

-3.27

SSI Group

3.60

9.09

Pacifica `A'

0.0300

-3.23

TA Petroleum

2.45

8.89

I-Remit Inc.

1.7

-2.86

First Gen Corp.

20.3

8.56

LMG Chemicals

1.8

-2.70

FRIDAY: FEBRUARY 19, 2016

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

The dollar-denominated securities due March 2041 were priced to yield 3.70 percent, the lowest ever for a Philippine global bond, the government said in a statement. The rate is less than the initially indicated 4 per-

cent and eclipses last year’s unprecedented3.95 percent yield for 25-year foreign debt. “This is a fantastic result for the Republic. Although market volatility has made capital markets funding more

challenging, the pricing for the new transaction makes clear that investors continue to have strong demand for the Philippines’ credit given its resilient and improving credit story,” HSBC Philippines president and chief executive Jose Arnulfo Veloso said. “We have been closely monitoring market conditions to ensure we can navigate against a challenging and volatile environment,” Treasurer Roberto Tan said in the statement. “The strong support that

O FFICE O F BI DS A N D AWA R DS CO M M IT TEE Invitation to Bid

PH sells $2-b bonds, pays record low rate THE government raised $2 billion from a sale of 25-year bonds to repay maturing debt and retire some other notes to improve the fiscal outlook before a leadership change.

Republic of the Philippines PROV I NCE OF M A R I NDUQUE Capitol Boac, Mar induque

we received from our investors in this transaction is a sign of confidence on the reforms and strategies that the republic has institutionalized.” “By leveraging on these opportunities to reduce high-coupon debt and to extend the maturity of our debt portfolio, the country achieves valuable savings that we can use to target broad-based and inclusive growth and development,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said. Gabrielle H. Binaday, Bloomberg

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BUANGAN-BAYAKBAKIN PROV’L. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Torrijos, Marinduque The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of TWELVE MILLION TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN THOUSAND PESOS (Php12,214,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BUANGANBAYAKBAKIN PROV’L. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Torrijos, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BUANGAN-BAYAKBAKIN PROV’L. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR, Torrijos, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 122 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/ fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph (SGD) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

47th outlet. Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., the retail unit of the Gaisano Group of Cebu, opens

a Super Metro Hypermarket in Calbayog City, Samar—the first store to be inaugurated in line with the company’s strategy to double its nationwide presence in the next five years. Shown during the inaugural of the retail chain’s 47th store nationwide are (from left) Bro. Roderick Danila of Christ the King College Calbayog, Metro Retail president and chief operating officer Arthur Emmanuel, Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, Metro Retail chairman and chief executive Frank Gaisano and barangay chairman Francisco Cano of East Awang.

Stupid is as stupid does WELL, Nike Just Did It—dropped wannabe senator Manny Pacquiao like a hot potato following the latter’s tactless comments, calling LGBTQ people “worse than animals” for their sexual preferences. It would have sufficed for Pacquiao to air his opinion regarding same sex-marriage and gay relationships but was there a call for him to be insulting and appear high and mighty? Like, hello, cast the first stone, will you? Nike said it found Manny Pacquiao’s comments “abhorrent” in light of the brand’s known support for the gay community. We won’t be surprised if Nike finds its share prices going up given the approval from Netizens and the LGBTQ community after the American company announced that it was cutting ties with the boxing champ. We’re not sure though if the #droppacman petition will gain traction among Filipino voters who, according to recent surveys, has Pacquiao in their list of 12 (senatorial candidates they will vote for), with the Sarangani Congressman currently at the Number 8 spot. As a congressman, Manny has gained notoriety for his absence, only showing up four times in Congress. But who knows, maybe as a senator, his performance will level up and maybe his attendance sheet will show a total of six—or a 50-percent improvement over his record in Congress. Given the fanaticism that some people have, it’s not unlikely that some Pacman supporters would also start their own online petition to Boycott Nike for dropping their idol. (Shades of celebrity chef Laura Deen, who was dropped by Food Network, Walmart, Novo Nordisk etc. which also found themselves at the receiving end of a boycott movement from Deen’s followers.) As Forrest Gump famously said, “Stupid is as stupid does.”

But if it were left to Walden Bello, the former Akbayan Party List congressman (who resigned in disgust because of the chummy-chummy kind of leadership shown by President BS Aquino that Bello’s erstwhile party mates didn’t seem to mind) who is also running for the Senate this May, Pacquaio should be dropped from the list of senatoriables should the boxer continue with his bout with Bradley in April – a full month before the May 9 elections. According to Bello, Pacquiao’s bout is tantamount to advertising which would give him undue advantage over the other candidates because of the media mileage. Invoking the Commission on Elections’ 2013 Resolution 9615, Bello explained that political ads also come in the form of spots and appearances on TV shows and radio programs and for sure, the fight with Bradley will be carried by at least one major network and radio station. Comelec’s Resolution 10049’s implementing rules for the 2016 elections also provide the same definition of what constitutes political advertisements. Pacquiao of all people should understand and espouse the concept of fair play and sportsmanship, Bello commented, reiterating that no one should be allowed to have undue advantage over others. We are not also sure if Pacquiao is aware of the dissonant message that he is giving people—spewing Bible passages and talking about Christianity and love for fellowmen yet he does not seem to see anything wrong with the sport he continues to engage in —for megabucks naturally. It is rather discomfiting to see him in his boxing trunks, ready to smash his opponent’s face to pieces but wait—can we pray first? For what – that God would give him the punching power to pound his opponent to submission? Lucky for Pacquiao no one has gone under in all those fights he had. But then again, isn’t it all about the money? We wonder though if, after this “animalistic” flak, Pacquiao would get the same number of endorsements for his last (really?) fight, or if people will knock themselves over trying to get a ringside ticket. Bradley, did you say? Ho-hum… ••• For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may email to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com. You may also visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/happyhourmanilastandard. We’d be very happy to hear from you. Cheers!

( TS- F E B . 19 , 2 0 1 6 )

Republic of the Philippines PROV I NCE OF M A R I NDUQUE Capitol Boac, Mar induque O FFICE O F BI DS A N D AWA R DS CO M M IT TEE Invitation to Bid Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./ Conc. of PAYE-SAYAO ROAD w/ Intermittent Sections/FMR, Mogpog, Marinduque The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of TWELVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php12,500,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of PAYE-SAYAO ROAD w/ Intermittent Sections/FMR, Mogpog, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of PAYE-SAYAO ROAD w/ Intermittent Sections/FMR, Mogpog, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 50 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/ fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph (SG D) BA RO N J O S E L . L AG R A N B AC C h a i r m a n (T S-F E B . 19 , 2016 )

Re p ub li c of t h e Phi li p p i n e s PROV I N CE O F M A R I N D U Q U E C a p i to l B o ac , M a r i n du qu e

O FFI CE O F B I D S A N D AWA R D S CO M M I T T E E

Invitation to Bid

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./ Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov’l. Road/ FMR, Boac, Marinduque (Package 2)

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./ Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov’l. Road/ FMR, Mogpog & Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (Package 1)

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of THIRTEEN MILLION THREE HUNDRED ONE THOUSAND THIRTY THREE PESOS & 96/100 (Php13,301,033.96) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov’l. Road/ FMR, Boac, Marinduque (Package 2). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of THIRTEEN MILLION SIX HUNDRED ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php13,601,500.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov’l. Road/ FMR, Mogpog & Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (Package 1). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov’l. Road/ FMR, Boac, Marinduque (Package 2). Completion of the Works is required 91 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the PreBid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph (SGD.) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov’l. Road/ FMR, Mogpog & Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (Package 1). Completion of the Works is required 120 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the PreBid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph

(SGD.) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

Re p ub li c of t h e Phi li p p i n e s PROV I N CE O F M A R I N D U Q U E C a p i to l B o ac , M a r i n du qu e

O FFI CE O F B I D S A N D AWA R D S CO M M I T T E E

Invitation to Bid

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./ Improvement/Concreting of Various Road/ FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (Package 4)

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./ Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov'l. Road/ FMR, Boac & Gasan, Marinduque (Package 3)

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of THIRTEEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php13,722,500.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improvement/Concreting of Various Road/ FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (Package 4). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of EIGHT MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php8,893,500.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov'l. Road/ FMR, Boac & Gasan, Marinduque (Package 3). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improvement/Concreting of Various Road/ FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (Package 4). Completion of the Works is required 116 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph

( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

(SGD.) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improvement/Concreting of Various Prov'l. Road/ FMR, Boac & Gasan, Marinduque (Package 3). Completion of the Works is required 76 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php10,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph ( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

(SGD.) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

FRIDAY: FEBRUARY 19, 2016

Maynilad spent P1b last year to fix pipes WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. said Thursday it spent P1.1 billion in 2015 to replace 235 kilometers of old, leaky pipes in its service area. The completed projects were located in various parts of the cities of Quezon, Caloocan, Manila and Parañaque and the province of Cavite. The pipe replacement projects allowed Maynilad to recover 58 million liters per day of potable water, which was enough to supply around 411,800 customers. “When we took over Maynilad in 2007, the pipe network we inherited included the oldest water system in Asia,” said Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez. “Maynilad has since replaced around 1,520 km. of damaged pipes in the west zone. We are committed to upgrading our network for the benefit of our customers,” Fernandez said. Maynilad generated around 3,300 jobs from its pipe replacement projects. The company said these jobs included those generated by contractors and suppliers. Anna Leah E. Gonzales

600-MW solar sites vying for FIT rates

MORE than a dozen solar power projects, with a combined capacity of 600 megawatts, are in the race to get endorsement from the Energy Department to avail of the feed-in tariff rates. The Energy Department has so far endorsed nearly 200 MW of solar power projects to the Energy Regulatory Commission for FIT availment under the second wave of solar installation targets. “Right now, based on those who asked for inspection, [the solar installation target] is still not fully subscribed, but I know there there still a lot of companies that want to comply [with the deadline],” Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada told reporters. The site verification will determine whether the solar power projects are now fully operational and are connected to the transmission grid. The department set the deadline for compliance on March 16. The companies are hoping to avail of an FIT rate of P8.69 per kilowatt-hour under the second wave of approved installation targets, accounting for 450 MW of solar capacity.ASF

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Trucks bring supplies to 4 besieged Syrian towns DAMASCUS—Trucks carrying aid entered four besieged towns in Syria on Wednesday, in what the United Nations described as a test for the country’s warring sides ahead of a hoped-for ceasefire. The Red Crescent said trucks laden with supplies entered Moadimayet al-Sham, near Damascus, the first delivery of aid since world powers agreed on an ambitious plan to cease hostilities by Friday and dramatically ramp up humanitarian access. The agency’s Muhannad al-Asadi told AFP that 35 trucks entered the town, “carrying 8,800 sacks of flour, 4,400 food parcels, highenergy foods and medical equipment”. An AFP journalist said three trucks also entered Madaya, a town besieged by Syrian forces in Damascus province. And the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Yacoub El Hillo, said aid trucks had reached the Shiite towns of Fuaa and Kafraya, in northwestern Idlib province, which are surrounded by rebels. “Dozens of trucks will follow” for Madaya, Fuaa and Kafraya, he said. “We are about the finish the process.” He said that aid dispatched Wednesday to towns, including Zabadani, under government-imposed siege in Damascus province, was enough for 93,000 people. Almost half a million people in Syria are in areas under siege, according to the UN. The prospects for the ceasefire— announced by top diplomats in Munich last week—have been fading as violence continues to shake Syria, including air strikes on hospitals and repeated Turkish shelling of Kurdish militia. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said aid deliveries would provide a “test” for Syria’s warring sides ahead of Friday’s planned truce. “It is the duty of the government of Syria to want to reach every Syrian person, wherever they are, and allow the UN to bring humanitarian aid,” he said in Damascus. A senior aide to President Bashar al-Assad accused the envoy of deviating from his role as a mediator. AFP

WORLD More US troops to join military drills in Korea SEOUL—Four times as many US troops as originally planned are to take part in a joint military exercise with South Korea next month following the nuclear and missile tests by the North, Seoul said Thursday.

Fashion show. Models walk the runway at the Rocky Gathercole-Art Hearts Fashion NYFW Fall/ Winter 2016 at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on February 17, 2016, in New York City. AFP

The US will send 15,000 troops to the annual computer-simulated “Key Resolve” exercise, the Yonhap news agency quoted Defense Minister Han Min-Goo as saying, up from 3,700 last year. South Korea would also increase the number of troops it sends, he said. Key Resolve, which ran for 10 days last year, usually kicks off simultaneously with a field exercise known as Foal Eagle, another joint military drill that lasts around 50 days. Foal Eagle is also expected to be the largest ever this year, attracting key US strategic assets such as an air force combat brigade, marines, a naval fleet led by an aircraft carrier and nuclear-powered submarines, Yonhap said. North Korea regularly ratchets up its hostile rhetoric around the time of the joint US-South Korea military exercises, which usually spark a sharp surge in tensions on the divided peninsula. As the double exercises began last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un urged his army to prepare for war with the United States and its allies. The reclusive state also fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea at the start of the exercises. Last month, North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test despite international condemnation and followed it with a long-range rocket launch on February 7. The launch was widely condemned as a ballistic missile test banned under UN resolutions. The United States and South Korea have responded with a series of military muscle-flexing activities. On Monday, the USS North Carolina attack submarine arrived at the southern port of Busan for joint training with the South Korean navy. And four US F-22 stealth fighters were deployed to an air base near Seoul on Wednesday. South Korea and the US are also set to begin talks this week on the possible deployment of an advanced US missile defense system, despite opposition from China. The US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System would fire anti-ballistic missiles into the sky to smash into enemy rockets during their final flight phase. AFP

At least 28 killed in bomb attack on Turkish military ANKARA—At least 28 people were killed and 61 wounded Wednesday by a car bomb targeting the Turkish military in the heart of the capital Ankara, the latest in a string of attacks to shake the country. The blast struck a convoy of military vehicles, said Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus, confirming the latest toll. It was unclear who had carried out the bombing.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed retaliation against the perpetrators of the attack, which came on the heels of a spate of deadly strikes in Turkey blamed on jihadists and also Kurdish rebels. The car bomb detonated when a convoy of military buses carrying dozens of soldiers stopped at traffic lights in central Ankara, sparking panic and chaos. “This attack has very clearly targeted our esteemed nation as a

whole and was carried out in a vile, dishonorable, treacherous and insidious way,” said Kurtulmus. Plumes of smoke could be seen from all over the city rising from the scene, close to the headquarters of the Turkish military and the parliament. The powerful blast was heard throughout Ankara, sending alarmed residents rushing to their balconies. “I saw a huge fireball growing,”

25-year-old witness Gurkan, who said he was standing 500 meters from the scene, told AFP. “People started to run in all directions in panic as soon as we heard a strong explosion.” The army said the attack took place at 1631 GMT and had targeted “service vehicles carrying army personnel”. Without specifying what the retaliation could entail, Erdogan warned that “Turkey will not shy

away from using its right to selfdefence at any time, any place or any occasion”. “We will never take a step back in our rightful struggle against all terrorist organizations,” said a statement from his office. The bombing prompted Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to scrap a planned trip to Brussels on Thursday to discuss Europe’s migrant crisis. Erdogan also shelved a trip to Azerbaijan. AFP

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

WORLD

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

Francis decries migrant ‘tragedy’ CIUDAD JUAREZ—Pope Francis on Wednesday decried the “human tragedy” of migrants fleeing violence worldwide during a huge mass on Mexico’s border with the United States, where thousands have died while crossing the desert. In a highly symbolic gesture, the pope climbed a ramp facing the Rio Grande that separates Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas, laid flowers under a black cross and blessed hundreds of migrants on the American side who waved at him. Francis then celebrated mass with more than 300,000 Catholic faithful on the Juarez side of the border, with tens of thousands more watching it on a giant screen in an El Paso stadium. Immigration is a hotbutton issue on the US presidential campaign trail and Republican White House hopeful Donald trump criticized the pope’s decision to hold such a mass. But the first Latin American pontiff did not directly address the politics across the border, focusing instead on the plight of migrants. “We cannot deny the humanitarian crisis which in recent years has meant the migration of thousands of people, whether by train or highway or on foot, crossing hundreds of kilometers through mountains, deserts and inhospitable zones,” Francis said. “The human tragedy that is forced migration is a global phenomenon today.” Central Americans have been leaving their poor and gang-infested countries in droves, crossing Mexico’s porous southern border with Guatemala on their way to the United States. The trek across Mexico is filled with dangers -- from gangs that steal, kill or seek to forcibly recruit them. Thousands have died while crossing the scorching US-Mexico desert in the past two decades, according to official figures. “Injustice is radicalized in the young; they are cannon fodder, persecuted and threatened when they try to flee the spiral of violence and the hell of drugs. Then there are the many women unjustly robbed of their lives,” Francis said in a city that has been scarred by gang wars and unexplained murders of women. AFP

“ tion is st imp

Re p ub li c of t h e Phi li p p i n e s PROV I N CE O F M A R I N D U Q U E C a p i to l B o ac , M a r i n du qu e

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

MOTORING mst.daydesk@gmail.com

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

O FFI CE O F B I D S A N D AWA R D S CO M M I T T E E

Invitation to Bid

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./ Conc. of HUPI-BALOGO-KASILY PROVINCIAL ROAD/FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./ Improv./Conc. of LAMESA-PUNONG SAN ISIDRO ROAD w/ Interm. Section/FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of NINE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (Php9,465,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./ Conc. of HUPI-BALOGO-KASILY PROVINCIAL ROAD/FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of SEVEN MILLION FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (Php7,425,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./ Improv./Conc. of LAMESA-PUNONG SAN ISIDRO ROAD w/ Interm. Section/FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of HUPI-BALOGO-KASILY PROVINCIAL ROAD/ FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 42 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of LAMESA-PUNONG SAN ISIDRO ROAD w/ Interm. Section/FMR, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 37 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the PreBid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph

( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

(SGD.) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

(SGD.) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

Re p ub li c of t h e Phi li p p i n e s PROV I N CE O F M A R I N D U Q U E C a p i to l B o ac , M a r i n du qu e

O FFI CE O F B I D S A N D AWA R D S CO M M I T T E E

Invitation to Bid

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./ Conc. of MATALABA-PANTAYIN ROAD/FMR Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./ Conc. of BAGACAY-BICAS-BICAS BRGY. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR Buenavista, Marinduque

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of ELEVEN MILLION PESOS (Php11,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of MATALABA-PANTAYIN ROAD/FMR Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of MATALABA-PANTAYIN ROAD/FMR Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 52 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph

( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

(SGD.) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the _General Fund CY 2016, DBP Loan Proceeds intends to apply the sum of TEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php10,565,500.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BAGACAY-BICAS-BICAS BRGY. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR Buenavista, Marinduque. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for the Rehab./Improv./Conc. of BAGACAY-BICAS-BICAS BRGY. ROAD w/ Intermittent Section/FMR Buenavista, Marinduque. Completion of the Works is required 122 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids. The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on February 26, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 09, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: EUFROCINA N. RAMENTO BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-1498 www.marinduque.gov.ph ( T S - F E B . 19 , 2 016)

(SGD.) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

New Civic gets turbo charged Honda Cars Philippines sets itself up for the upcoming launch of the much-anticipated 10th generation Civic. The new Civic carries forward innovations to deliver powerful driving performance and advanced technologies that complement its premium sporty design. The Civic boasts an aerodynamic styling with its low and wide stance, shortened front overhang, sharply defined character lines, and aggressive new face. The premium sporty exterior of the all-new Civic is further amplified by its signature LEd headlights, LEd daytime running lights, and LEd tail lamps. Under the hood, the new Civic is powered by either a 1.8-liter engine or Honda’s firstever turbocharged engine that produces a power output of 172 ps and 220 nm of torque for high cruise efficiency and robust performance. new to the 10th generation Civic is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Honda’s Earth dreams Technology. To represent a true essence of the Civic’s sporty heritage, the new Civic is the second vehicle among HCPI’s line up to be integrated with the Road Sailing (RS) design, Honda’s sporty grade designed to embody Honda’s aggressive approach on unique exterior styling. With these key developments and innovation, the new Civic has earned its prestige by garnering the “2016 north american Car of the Year” and “2016 Canadian Car of the Year” awards for its new aggressive styling, excellent driving performance, and advanced technology and safety features that truly add value that characterizes the allnew Civic. It has also been recognized as the “overall Best Buy of the Year” by experts at Kelley Blue Book for delivering great value, and an all-new customer experience and ownership, and as “autoguide.com 2016 Car of the Year” for its upscale styling, and powerful turbocharged engine.

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

motoring

Fortuner takes to the track

A shakedown cruise aboard the new Fortuner enabled the gear heads to realize their rallydriving fantasies.

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

A few days after the launching of its best selling SUV, the country’s largest automotive player gave the new fortuner a shakedown cruise at the Clark International Speedway in Clark, Pampanga. In attendance were Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) Executives led by Sherwin Chua Lim, TMP VP for Sales and Marketing. “This is a great way to experience what the Fortuner is capable of on and off the road. This will provide you with an accurate feedback on how the SUV performs given the exercises line-up for the day,” explains Lim. JP Tuason of the famed Tuason Racing School set up the whole track of the Clark Speedway where participants were able to test the acceleration, braking, and handling capabilities of the SUV. Ad-

jacent to the track was an off-road route where the media realized their WRC fantasies driving the Fortuner along the dry river bed. First introduced in 2005, the new Fortuner is geared up to lock horns with the Mitsubishi Montero, Ford Everest, Hyundai Sta Fe, Chevrolet Colorado and the Isuzu MU-X in the highly competitive SUV market. “Our concept was to build a true SUV that has style and confidence. The all-new Fortuner is the outcome of our continuous efforts to redefine toughness,” says Hiroki Nakajima, executive chief engineer of the all-new Fortuner.

“This latest variant looks more sophisticated and dynamic,” adds TMP president Satoru Suzuki, during a formal presentation before the Fortuner track day held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Clark. The Fortuner carved its niche in the domestic market by way of its quality, durability, reliability and a tough suspension system that can take on any kind of terrain. The iconic name originates from the word “fortunate,” specifically chosen to symbolize a new type of model designed for customers who long to own a prestigious SUV. Under the hood of this Fortuner is a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 130kW of power and 450Nm of torque and paired to a six-speed transmission. The G grade comes in sporty 17 inch alloy wheels while the V grade flashes a stylish set of 18 inch alloy wheels.

As you step inside the vehicle, you would be in awe with a bolder and more elegant interior. Its V grade comes in hues of dark brown, black and wood trim details while the G grade boasts colors of chamois, black and dark wood trim details. The 2016 version is bolder and has a longer and wider stance which is an improvement of the previous generation. With a body-on -rame design that can accommodate seven individuals and powerful diesel engine and a nameplate that spells rock solid reliability and toughness, Toyota’s counterparts have their work cut out for them. The new Fortuner is offered in five variants with a starting price of P1,386,000. Toyota dealers across the country are currently accepting reservations and delivery of units will commence middle of March, according to Lim.

HARI’s new crown jewel Text and photo by Dino Ray V. Directo HyUNDAI Asia Resources Inc. has fortified its hold on the Korean marquee in the domestic market by firming up its appointment as the official distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles in the country. In simple ceremonies held in Makati City, Kim It Tae, director of commercial vehicles of Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea, recognized HARI as the Korean firm's official representative in the Philippines. “We are very satisfied with the way HARI has been pushing the brand here in the Philippines, and it is only fitting that HARI be made our local partner in your country,” says Tae. Also in attendance during the formal turnover of the distributorship were Richard Lee, HARI chairman emeritus, and Maria Fe Perez Agudo, HARI president and CEO.

“The timing is just perfect. All the essential ingredients that favor our new venture are in place: a stable economy to support the demand; industries on a steady growth track; upbeat consumer confidence; a vibrant new market that welcomes new players; and an enabling policy environment characterized by the implementation of the ASEAN Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) and new landmark policies designed to boost the competitiveness of Philippine business in the ASEAN Economic Community,” says Agudo. “We are experiencing the third wave of motorization, meaning that from year 2015 to 2022, more and more Filipinos can easily own a motor vehicle. Outlook all in all is indeed bright. Hyundai’s strategic investment in the Philippine commercial vehicle sector is spot-on, and nothing short of brilliant. We are in the best position to bring new value to a new market and to drive the ascent of the economy, in alignment with the national roadmap to advance

With a handshake, officers of Hyundai Motor and HARI clinch the deal giving their local partners the exclusive rights to distribute Hyundai commercial vehicles in the Philippines.

the competitive advantage of Philippine businesses in the ASEAN,” says Agudo. Since its incorporation as official distributor of Hyundai passenger vehicles in 2001, HARI has established itself as a challenger brand in the Philippine automotive industry in less than a decade of operations. Now on its 15th year of consistently introducing customer-driven innovation to the Filipino motoring public, HARI is poised to drive the business further into CV importation and distribution.

Hyundai is one of world’s biggest producers of commercial vehicles. Through the years, it has carved out a reputation for Hyundai trucks and buses in terms of performance, quality, and reliability. More than 150 different models are sold in over a hundred countries. Hyundai expressed confidence that, with HARI and its strong dealership network driving sales in the country, Hyundai commercial vhicles will become a name to reckon with in the Philippine and the ASEAN CV market.

Suzuki car clubs celebrate a milestone Dedicated enthusiasts of various bestselling Suzuki cars finally came together under one umbrella to celebrate the Suzuki Way of Life. The six accredited Suzuki car clubs in the country; Team Alto Pilipinas, Team Celerio Philippines, Swift 1.2 Philippines, Team APV Philippines, Club Ertiga Philippines, and Vitara Club of the Philippines are now collectively called Team Suzuki Philippines (TSP), a non-profit organization which convened to foster camaraderie and support one other. They marked the milestone by holding the first get together last December 2015. A total of 76 members from the accredited clubs participated in the event held in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna with fun games and activities that created camaraderie across the car clubs. Starting with the Suzuki Liberty Walk which stretched from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Sta. Rosa to Nuvali, the half-day event also included giving recognition and handing of certificates to the clubs by Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), exciting raffles, and a sumptuous lunch. It has always been the dream of SPH--the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the Philippines-to gather all Suzuki car clubs wherein they can share goals, ideas and experiences, as well as strengthen and promote the Suzuki Way of Life. Shuzo Hoshikura, SPH General Manager for Automobile, shared, “We have proven time and again that it is in the relationship that we build with automobile owners that we find the strength and motivation to improve our products. These are the consumers who candidly share their first-hand experience on owning a Suzuki product, and how they feel towards our products will always be important to us. “This is a great way for us to reach out to them, and to create a network of members who share a common goal: to improve the driving experience. That is the goal of SPH, as well, and we have a better chance of achieving this if we are one team - interacting, exchanging opinions, criticizing, suggesting, and probably even just being friends with one another,” Hoshikura added. SPH, which posted a huge 2015 sales growth, has a positive business outlook for 2016 as well as big plans for Team Suzuki Philippines. Aside from the first six accredited clubs, other Suzuki car clubs are encouraged to join the TSP family.

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE

YAYA DUB'S 'MAINE' SKIN CONCERN BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

Maine Mendoza doesn't consider herself 'too young' to start worrying about skin aging

early eight months ago, Nicomaine “Maine” Mendoza was a relatively regular 20-year-old whose claim to fame was her Dubsmash (a video messaging application) compilation that went viral with over a million views. Fast forward to today, Maine has appeared on the cover of several magazines, has done dozens of product endorsements, and has starred in her first movie and subsequently bagged an acting award, among many other things. Mendoza (center) shares the stage with Avon Philippines director for marketing Jean Reyes and director for communications for Philippines and Asia Pacific Faith Fernandez-Mondejar

Maine’s rise to fame is considered improved clarity, evened-out skin phenomenal, unprecedented even. tone, repaired skin, increased cell And with a consistently hectic renewal, and restored firmness. schedule like hers (which presumably The new product would seem involves long hours of taping, “too good to be true” considering its shooting, and guesting in various promising effects for an affordable locations) comes great stress. price, but Reyes clarifies the apple Despite only being 20, the young stem cells, which their researchers TV personality doesn’t consider in New York were able to find and herself “too young” to begin worrying develop, give the same effects and about skin aging. benefits comparable to other more “Being in your twenties doesn’t expensive sources of stem cells. mean na hindi pa natin kailangang Reyes adds, “What makes Avon pangalagaan ang ating skin (that we Skin So Soft different is that, aside shouldn’t start taking care of our from giving off [a] whitening effect, skin),” she declares. “I think it makes skin look so we should start being aware porcelain, glowing and of the stress factors that younger looking.” cause skin aging like UV Knowing that skin rays and pollution.” aging starts in one’s The breakthrough early twenties, Maine star, whose daily grind expresses excitement exposes her to all kinds at being part of Avon of skin stressors, is Philippines’ roster of now the face of Avon’s celebrity endorsers and breakthrough product being the face of a skin Skin So Soft Advance care product that her White with Stem Essence lifestyle needs. Hand and Body Lotion. “I believe Avon Skin Promising to cater to So Soft Advance White both whitening and antiwith Stem Essence is the aging needs of women ultimate skin solution (and men, too), the latest for me. I’m always out addition to Avon’s Skin and about, taping or So Soft brand harnesses shooting, so it’s important the self-renewing power that I use a product that of apple stem cells. The not only whitens, but also product’s technology, rejuvenates my skin at the Avon's Skin So Soft which according to Avon cellular level,” she enthuses. Philippines director for Advance White with Stem The new product was Essence Whitening lotion marketing Jean Reyes harnesses the power of recently launched during apple stem cells is a result of a threethe second installment of year development in a Avon’s Best of Beauty Series laboratory in New York, in celebration of the 130th works deep within to improve the anniversary of Avon. Avon director for communications for Philippines regenerating process of skin cells. The combination of Avon Skin and Asia Pacific Faith FernandezSo Soft Advance White with Stem Mondejar told The Standard Life that Essence lotion’s two technologies, there will be concurrent product namely Avon-patented Skin and celebrity endorser launches Whitening Technology and Avon’s happening every quarter this 2016. Superior Apple Stem Essence To order Skin So Soft Advance White Complex, claims eight ultimate with Stem Essence Hand & Body skin benefits: deeper whitening Lotion, contact an Avon Representative in three days, porcelain white or visit www.avonshop.ph efficacy, reduced dark spots,

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

POND’S INSTITUTE OPENS ITS DOORS IN MANILA

Pond’s Girl and Unilever’s head of PR Apples Aberin, Pond’s senior brand manager Mar Corazo, Unilever vice president for Personal Care Gina Lorenzana, Pond’s Girls Toni Gonzaga-Soriano, Laureen Uy, Tricia Gosingtian, Iza Calzado, Nicole Andersson, Patricia Prieto, Agoo Bengzon, Rissa Trillo, Cheska Kramer with Pond’s assistant brand manager Carla Garcia

Pond’s Institute’s Skin Analyzer assesses women’s skin concerns

Pond’s Institute’s unique offering of Skin Analyzers and skin consultation areas where Filipinas can get their customized Pond’s products regimen

rom Tokyo, Madrid, New York, to Shanghai, Pond’s Institute brings its breakthrough and personalized skincare solutions to Manila this February. Located at the heart of Bonifacio Global City, Pond’s Institute opens with a slew of services for skin care needs as well as an array of Pond’s products for every Filipina. The Pond’s Institute is a haven for women who want to learn about their skin and get customized skincare regimen from Pond’s Beauty Advisers. The space provides a Skin Analyzer to determine the conditions of your skin where results are assessed for recommendations of products that fit your particular need. They also offer free dermatologist consultations every Saturday. “We want Filipinas to get the expert skin care and beauty they deserve,” explains Mian Datu-David, Unilever Philippines’ marketing director for Skin.

Pond’s Girls Tricia Gosingtian, Laureen Uy and Patricia Prieto

“We invite every Filipina to discover what’s behind the doors of the Pond’s Institute, because we believe that the beautiful stories of your lives should leave a mark in the world, not on your face.” The number one face care brand in the Philippines is backed by a global network of 700 researchers and scientists, with over 200 patented skincare innovations developed for women around the world. For Filipinas, Pond's Institute has a wide range of products that can help protect, maintain, or improve any skin type and help fight against the harmful effects of environment stresses especially the the sun’s UV rays. Pond’s Institute is located at 5th Avenue Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (in front of Fully Booked and Serendra). Watch out for the grand opening of the pop-up expert skincare center this February.

Toni Gonzaga-Soriano checks out the facility

BRAZILIAN FLIP FLOP BRAND STEPS INSIDE SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU

he stunning destinations and rich history and culture of Cebu have earned it thousands of tourists every year. The southern island province offers a complete package for travelers itching to try delicious local delicacies, visit centuries-old churches and frolic in world-class beaches. And what hours of walking around this beautiful province requires is a pair of comfortable footwear.

The Ipanema concept store at SM Seaside City Cebu features a vibrant and modern design that gives a glimpse of Brazilian beach lifestyle

The store offers Ipanema's wide range of footwear selections

Premium Brazilian footwear brand Ipanema is known for its snug fit and comfortable feel, thanks to its signature buttery-soft padded sole and durable Flexpand 100 percent recyclable plastic material. Today, more local and foreign tourists visiting Cebu can get their feet on a pair or two of this flip flop label as Ipanema opens its newest concept store at SM Seaside City Cebu.

Located on the 2nd floor Seaside View, the Ipanema store features a vibrant and modern design that gives customers a glimpse of the laidback and sensual Brazilian beach lifestyle. It also offers the brand’s latest footwear collections. “We are very happy to open our newest branch that will cater to young, active individuals who are looking for footwear products that can provide both style and comfort,” says ELRO Retail Corporation marketing manager Cecille Loretizo. ELRO is the exclusive distributor of Ipanema here in the Philippines. “Cebuanos will never run out of choices from our boutique’s wide selection of products on full display,” she enthuses. To know more about Ipanema’s stores and latest products, visit its Facebook account Ipanema Philippines.

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

HIGHLIGHTING AND CONTOURING MADE EASY WITH HAPPY SKIN POP-UP BEAUTY BY JIGS MAYUGA

omegrown brands Happy Skin, the country’s favorite skin-caring makeup and Plains and Prints, local fashion retail giant, recently launched a collaboration with an original line of makeup and clothes that truly exude the fun and friendly vibe of both companies. The event, held at Mango Tree

Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo of Happy Skin

restaurant in BGC, celebrated all things fun, feminine and forward thinking with the launch of a capsule fashion collection by Plains and Prints that centers around five exclusive and distinct prints. “We were inspired by Happy Skin’s newest products, so we took our collection to the next level by infusing prints and colors that exude a fun, young vibe into our clothes,” explains Roxanne Farillas, co-founder of Plains and Prints. The brand has been collaborating with local designers, celebrities, and reputable skincare brands in the past decade so it’s no surprise that it decided to team up with local cosmetics brand Happy Skin to create a product that represents the friendly and playful nature of both brands. Young personalities – MTV VJ Aryanna Epperson and upcoming model Sabina Gonzalez – were chosen to represent this groundbreaking beauty and fashion collection, following the footsteps of their respective mothers, fashion icon Jenni Epperson and Supermodel Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez. Happy Skin’s newest product range in collaboration with Plains and Prints is something that makeup fanatics have been searching for. The Glisten Up! Cheek Sticks includes three cheek sticks available for purchase in two kinds of limited edition strobing kits. The collection includes a

Glisten Up! Contour Cheek Stick in Taupe

Sabina Gonzalez shows us how to highlight and contour

highlighter, blush and contour cheek stick. Rissa Mananquil-Trillo of Happy Skin says, “Glowing skin is the newest fashion accessory. You can achieve it with strobing, the latest beauty trend that highlights features you want to brighten up, but at the same time, make you look like you have little to no makeup on.” I’ve had the chance to work with these products on the set and I have to say the texture and color payoff is amazing. The Highlighter Stick in Champagne shimmers with a golden pink iridescence that gives the skin an instant glow every time. The Contour Stick in

Glisten Up! Highlighter Cheek Stick in Champagne

Taupe is a cool brown slate shade that gives dramatic results that is easily blended into the skin to create a slimming effect on the face, mimicking the effect of shadows. Happy Skin co-founder Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez explains the popularity of makeup sticks. “More and more women are leaning toward them, because they give the ultimate beauty payoff by being so convenient – you don’t need tools to use them, just apply directly on your face and blend with the warmth of your fingers.” The kit even includes its very own “Strobing Cheat Sheet” so

everyone can get that photo-ready look effortlessly. Position yourself in front of an adequate light source like a window or a vanity mirror with lights. Begin by applying the blush stick on the apples of your cheeks. Next, swipe the highlighter stick on the bridge of the nose, the center of the forehead, high on the cheekbones, above the upper lip and a little on the center of the chin. You can even use the highlighter to emphasize your shoulders and collarbones. Finish by applying the contour stick on the hollows of the cheeks, around the forehead, on the sides of the nose toward the eyebrows, along the jawline and on the corners of the chin. Remember to blend everything with your fingers or with a damp sponge to soften any hard edges and make the look as natural as possible. Apply sparingly in the beginning especially if you are not used to working with creams. It’s easier to add more product than to erase a big mess when working with creamy products. Once you are happy with your results, set your makeup with a dusting of loose or press powder. It’s that simple! Get the Plains Made Pretty Collection at zalora.com.ph and at Happy Skin’s stores and beauty counters, and Plains & Prints’ stores. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @jigsmayuga

Kérastase reinvents its Elixir Ultime line

ince 1964, Kérastase has been offering antidotes for different hair types to beautify and keep them healthy and luscious. This year, the trusted brand updates its magic leavein antidote Kérastase Elixir Ultime and extended a menu of reformulations that targets specific hair types. Kérastase Elixir Ultime contains precious oils, like Maize, Argan, Camellia, and Pracaxi – ingredients that deliver way beyond the original formulation. The new bottle gives off 71 percent more shine, coupled with a 24-hour antihumidity ability for hair that looks alive all day. And not only does it beautify the hair’s aesthetic from the outside, it also provides nourishment that makes the hair resistant to breakage. The new line is now available in only three variants instead of the original four, with the reformulation more targeted for different hair solutions. For all types of hair, Elixir Ultime Oil Original provides shinier, softer and thicker

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Original

results. Elixir Ultime Oil for Colour Radiance significantly emphasizes vibrancy while protecting and nourishing the hair. The last product from the range is Elixir Ultime Oil Mist which carries Intra-Cylane molecules and a bi-phase formula that makes hair soft and shiny while keeping it volumized and radiant. It’s the only bottle that has a spray diffuser, making the formulation easy to spread within the hair. Use of the products need not be confined to salons as they can be used at home as a hair enhancer pre- and post- shower, a hair primer before shampooing, and as intense leave-in conditioner. The products’ capabilities make each bottle a perfect partner for styling. For more information about the Kérastase Elixir Ultime line, follow Kérastase Philippines on Facebook, and @kerastaseph on Instagram and Twitter.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil for Colour Radiance

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Mist for Fine Hair

F R I D AY : F E B R U A R Y 1 9, 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

LET BEAUTY BLOOM WITH THE BODY SHOP’S BRITISH ROSE COLLECTION Exfoliating Soap with real rose petals Instant Glow Body Butter with glow enhancing rose essence

S Lip & Cheek Stain give a healthy look and 12 hours of hydration for all skin tones

The British Rose bath and body range: Petal-Soft Hand Cream; Shower Gel; and Instant Glow Body Essence

pring is almost upon us and with summer just a few months away, everything seems to be coming up roses, with sunshine making everything blossom all around. Ladies, too can revel and see their beauty bloom with The Body Shop’s new British Rose range, a brilliantly British interpretation of a timeless icon of femininity – the rose. Beautiful bespoke blooms grown organically in a farm from Herefordshire, England is the source of this body and bath collection that makes use of handpicked and air-dried roses that are infused in fresh mountain water to create a pure rose essence. This careful extraction Eye & Cheek Palette process is what gives the most exceptional quality rose essence for the British Rose products. What’s more, Gel Body Scrub with real rose petals, as well as the the environmental, award-winning farm enriches the British Rose Shower Gel, Petal-Soft Hand Cream, and biodiversity of the local area, providing a welcome Exfoliating Soap. habitat for a variety of plants, insects, and small animals. “Roses have been revered for centuries for their The rose, Britain’s national flower, also comes into full fragrance and beauty and are inextricably intertwined bloom with The British Rose Eau de Toilette, a sparkling with the British identity,” says Jennifer Hirsch, beauty scent containing the essence of handpicked British roses British Rose Eau botanist for The Body Shop. “The unique British Rose and Community Trade organic alcohol. And if you want de toilette is a blend by The Body Shop is extracted from English roses sparkling scent that perfect British Rose stain on your lips and cheeks, as well selected for their complexity of fragrance, perfectly with bergamot as petal-perfect eye and cheek palette, these new essentials capturing the experience of sinking your nose into one of and tangerine will give you that daintily elegant finish to your look. top notes these fragrant flowers.” The British Rose body and bath collection can help you The Body Shop now accepts SM Advantage Card for points acquire that petal-soft, healthy glowing skin. There’s the earning and redemption, SM and Sodexo premium pass Instant Glow Body Butter with its glow enhancing rose essence in all The Body Shop stores nationwide. For more exciting tiems, and the Instant Glow Body Essence, with its lightweight texture check out www.thebodyshop.com.ph or visit The Body Shop, and dewy moisture. There is also the British Rose Exfoliating Philippines on Facebook.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE HEAT OF SUMMER?

Watsons has the widest range of sunscreen lines to suit any sun care need

s early as now, people can already feel the heat of summer. Pinoys from all walks of life have started to book their vacays and getaways. Some have already hit the beach to surf, sail, snorkel, dive, or just tan and bum. With a lot of outdoor activities that summer brings, the skin will be extremely exposed to direct sunlight. However, direct sun exposure after 8:00 a.m. and before 5:00 p.m. is no longer healthy, so this means that if you go bare under the rays between these specified hours, you risk sun damage that can result in premature aging, sun spots, uneven skin tone and in extreme cases, skin cancer. Ouch! To prevent all of the aforementioned problems, it is suggested to wear protection such as cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, and of course, sunblock. At the recent Watsons SunWarrior event held at The Palace Pool Club,

the brand launched its best-selling collection of sunscreen arsenals fit for “sunwarriors” getting ready to shield the skin from harmful UV rays and conquer the outdoors. The brand’s campaign targets “sunwarriors” who are not afraid to go out and enjoy the sun but at the same time are ready for battle and armed with protection against the harmful damage of direct sun exposure. From sunblock to BB creams, Watsons has everything you need for your skin’s armor for the outdoors, whether you need it for your everyday routine or for an active day out. So before you march out, head directly to Watsons and get your summer protection. If you’re a cardholder of SM Advantage, SM Prestige and BDO Rewards, check out the stores’ exclusive summer promo. During the launch, the brand also introduced the newest ambassadors

and sunwarriors – Filipino-British model and television personality Yassi Pressman and model/actor Dominique Roque. As part of its summer campaign, Watsons teamed up with Color Manila to start an early outdoor activity for a colorful and vibrant fun run with exciting obstacles and a party rolled into one. Watsons SunWarrior Challenge will be held on March 6, 2016 in SM Mall of Asia Grounds. Get your gang together and register for a 3k, 5k or 10k run for P950. SunWarrior kit for the challenge includes a singlet, head wear, sunglasses, finisher's medal, color packet and a whole lot more. To register for the run challenge visit www.colormanilarun.com. For more information on the products available for summer, you may visit any Watsons store near you.

Register for a colorful and vibrant Watsons SunWarrior Challenge and enjoy the run with exciting obstacles and surprises in store

F RIDAY : F EbRuA RY 19, 2016

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Rapper Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Photo credits: AFP

TAylOR SwIFT’S ‘1989’ wInS

Taylor Swift poses in the press room at the The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Album OF ThE yEAR

aylor Swift made history Monday as the first woman to win the top Gtrammy twice, but rapper Kendrick Lamar took home five awards and delivered an electrifying, politically charged performance that rocked the gala. The top prizes on the music industry’s biggest night mainly went to mainstream chart-toppers, with Swift taking the Album of the Year prize for “1989” and the retro party anthem “Uptown Funk” winning Record of the Year. Swift, who has transformed from country prodigy to pop superstar, won three prizes on the night, all for work off 1989, which was one of the bestselling US albums of the past decade. The 26-year-old, who has fashioned herself as a feminist campaigner, spoke to her legions of girl fans as she accepted her second Album of the Year award. “I want to say to all the young women out there — there are going to be people along the way who will try to

undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame,” Swift said. “But if you just focus on the work and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you are going, you will look around, and you will know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there,” she said. While Swift won the top award, the most Grammys went to Lamar, whose album To Pimp a Butterfly offered an innovative meditation on race relations with infusions of jazz and spoken word. Lamar, whose song “Alright” has become an unofficial anthem for protesters against police abuse, took five awards out of 11 nominations — the most nods for a single artist in one night since Michael Jackson earned 12 following his massive “Thriller.” Record of the Year went to “Uptown Funk,” a dance track with echoes of early Prince by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Ronson, a longtime pro-

lIST OF GRAmmyS 2016 (PARTIAl) Record of the Year: Mark Ronson feat. bruno Mars, “uptown Funk” Album of the Year: Taylor Swift, 1989 best New Artist: Meghan Trainor best Rock Performance: Alabama Shakes, “Don’t Wanna Fight” best Musical Theater Album: Hamilton Song of the Year: Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud” best Country Album: Chris Stapleton, Traveller best Rap Album: Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a butterfly best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Mark Ronson feat. bruno Mars, “uptown Funk” best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Kendrick Lamar feat. bilal, Anna Wise & Thundercat, “These Walls” best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Tony bennett & bill Charlap, The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern

ducer from Britain who has notably worked with superstar Adele, found unprecedented success in his own right with “Uptown Funk,” which spent a near record 14 weeks at the top of the US Billboard singles chart. The 40-year-old Ronson, who also put on a well-received performance at last week’s Super Bowl, said he was still getting used to his success. “I would be just as happy and proud if I produced it,” he said of the song, which also won the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. “I’m a record producer, not a pop star,” he said. English singer and guitarist Ed Sheeran won for Song of the Year, which recognizes songwriting whereas Record of the Year looks at overall singles, for “Thinking Out Loud” — a bare love ballad that has become a favorite at weddings. Meghan Trainor, 22, won another key award, Best New Artist, after the breakthrough success of “All About That Bass,” her tongue-in-cheek doo wop take on weight struggles and self-acceptance.

Trainor broke down in tears as she accepted the award, thanking Epic Records executive L.A. Reid who signed her after hearing her perform “All About That Bass” on ukulele. - AFP

Pop and R&b superstar bruno Mars holds up the award for the Record of the Year

Johnny Depp (L) and Alice Cooper of the Hollywood Vampires perform onstage English singer Adele

best Pop Solo Performance: Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud” best Rap Song: Kendrick Lamar, “Alright” best Alternative Music Album: Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color best Rock Album: Muse, Drones best Rap Performance: Kendrick Lamar, “Alright” best Rock Song: Alabama Shakes, “Don’t Wanna Fight” best R&b Album: D’Angelo and the Vanguard, black Messiah best urban Contemporary Album: The Weeknd, beauty behind the Madness best R&b Performance: The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” best R&b Song: D’Angelo and The Vanguard, “Really Love” best Traditional R&b Performance: Lalah Hathaway, “Little Ghetto boy” best Dance/Electronic Album: Skrillex and Diplo, Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü

Young diva Ariana Grande

best Dance Recording: Skrillex and Diplo With Justin bieber, “Where Are Ü Now” best Music Video: Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar, “bad blood” best Country Duo/Group Performance: Little big Town, “Girl Crush” best Country Song: Little big Town, “Girl Crush” best Music Film: Amy Winehouse, Amy best Rap/Song Collaboration: Common & John Legend, “Glory” best Pop Vocal Album: Taylor Swift, 1989 best Country Solo Performance: Chris Stapleton, “Traveller” best Contemporary Christian Music Album: Tobymac, This Is Not a Test best Roots Gospel Album: The Fairfield Four, Still Rockin’ My Soul best Latin Rock, urban or Alternative Album: Pitbull, Dale best Latin Pop Album: Ricky Martin, A Quien Quiera Escuchar (Deluxe Edition)

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

PEOPLE ¼

are talking about

MANNY PACQUIAO

are not talking about

MAINE MENDOZA

What if one of his children ended up in a same sex relationship? We guess, the entire LGBT community would neither judge nor throw hateful message towards the kid. Unlike his or her father, who recently apologized for the hateful, bigoted, and homophobic comment he made wherein he called gay people “worse than animals,” members of the LGBT community will embrace the idea with open mind and utmost understanding, which Manny obviously lacks.

Has fame got into her head already? That’s the question of most people who have observed how she acts off cam. Of course, the entire AlDub fandom that fervently and blindly supports the power onscreen couple will deny such observation. In fact, they will flood those people that say anything negative about AlDub with ifwords-could-kill comments until they just rest their case. We just hope it’s worth their effort.

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 JADINE

James Reid and Nadine Lustre have just renewed their contract with ABS-CBN. Included in the new contract is new series, which will start taping sometime in June. It’s great news for all OTWOListas, who are no longer based in the Philippines because the OTWOL fever has just hit the shores of Vietnam where JaDine’s top-rating series will soon be seen.

TITO SOTTO

He name-dropped AlDub and Eat Bulaga in one of his campaign sorties. This is actually against what he said before that he will never use AlDub to further his political ambition and that no one will also be given any opportunity to exploit AlDub and its massive popularity. Well, in times like these, when politicos are desperate to secure votes, Tito Sotto must eat his own words and just pretend he didn’t give such statement.

PANGAKO SA ‘YO

Some people were disappointed with how the romantic drama ended. Yet, they still expressed their support to the series that they religiously followed for almost nine months. The finale of the Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla starrer series set a record (for a TV series) for the number of tweets it generated when it trended worldwide. It just goes to show that KathNiel is definitely and still a force to reckon

MICHAEL PANGILINAN

The singer fearlessly admitted that the lewd photos (and videos) of him circulating online are actually genuine. He’s the first to do that among those other celebrities who are allegedly the subject of video scandals that flooded the Internet. If we know, some of them were actually the ones who allowed those vulgar material to spread online. It makes them more desirable (they think).

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016

11 Deli loaves 38 Mardi — 12 Mournful wail 39 Grassy field 13 Sturdy lock 40 Bandleader — 21 Kind of cow Miller 22 Major-leaguers 41 Whodunit start 24 Isak’s real name 42 Auto extras 44 Kudrow and Bonet 25 Strike callers 26 Whimpers 45 Honest ones? 46 Europe-Asia range 27 Farewell 28 La Scala city 48 Pueblo people 29 Woodland deities 51 Increasing 300% 30 Mumbai wraps 55 Camelot lady 31 Andes ruminant 56 Ear inserts 58 Disney CEO Bob — 32 Oui and ja 34 Musical symbols 59 Prong 37 Wild plum 60 Jibe with 38 Cross-examining 61 1899 Gold Rush 40 Lots town ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE 41 Friendly whack 62 Pink-slipped 43 Attacked 63 Rents out money ACROSS Oscar-winner 46 Pushed hard 64 Hot rum drink 1 Lois of 20 Nail parts 47 Floats to the top DOWN “Lois & Clark” 22 Not chic 48 Frat Z 1 Bath powder 5 Google rival 23 Two-timers 49 PC system 2 Hairy twin 10 Penetrating look? 24 Northern Iraqi 50 Prime-time hour 3 Tirade (hyph.) 26 Female parents 51 Go left or right 4 Point to 14 Strong-ox middle 29 In a well-known 52 Composer — 5 Bond return (2 wds.) manner Stravinsky 6 Queen — lace 15 Desensitize 33 Mrs. Bunker 53 Verne skipper 7 Rough shelters 16 Auel heroine 34 Goldfish 54 LeMond or 8 Miners dig it 17 Bring in a fish 35 Andy Capp’s quaff 9 Above, in verse Louganis 18 Break in 36 Ruse 56 Crony 10 “Kubla Khan” 19 “Hud” 37 Swings around 57 Not sm. or med. setting

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MCA MusIC ARTIsTs nOMInATED In MYX MusIC AwARDs 2016

n Feb. 9, the annual MYX nominations night for the music awards was held at 12 Monkey Music Hall& Pub in Makati. Artists, musicians, and celebrities gathered around to show support and celebrate this glorious event for artists alike. Meanwhile, MCA Music was already on a good spot with a roster that dominated the nominations night for being nominated in different categories. Darren Espanto was the most nominated for being included in five categories – Favorite Music Video (Directed by Ian Galsim), Favorite Song for “Stuck”, Favorite Artist, Favorite Male Artist, and Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ. Next to Darren is The Voice Kids season 1 finalist, Juan KarlosLabajo who was nominated for Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Mellow Video for “Para Sa ‘Yo” (Directed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril), and Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ. Jason Dy the haranista heartthrob was nominated for Favorite New Artist. The veteran rockers Pupil is nominated for Favorite Rock Video for “Why” (Directed by Mike Talampas& Nick Santiago). Lastly on the local roster of MCA Music, rapper Ron Henley was nominated for Favorite Urban Video for “Langit” (Directed by Jasper Salimbangon). MCA Music International artists were all nominated in the same category for Favorite International Video; Taylor Swift for “Bad Blood,” the kings of the new broken scene, 5 Seconds Of Summer was also nominated for the song “She’s Kinda Hot”, and lastly Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time”. To vote, visit myxph.com/myxmusicawards! You can vote ONCE per IP address, per category, per day. Voting ends at 11”P69 p.m. on March 31. It’s evident that MCA Music is having a busy and fruitful start of the year with the number of nominations! For inquiries and bookings on MCA Music artists, contact SokiMunar at +639209682991 or +632 9162504 or email mcabookings@umusic.com. For more information on MCA Music artistslog on to the following sites: Facebook- MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Instagram- mca_music, Twitter- @mca_music.

‘House of Cards’ seasons 1 to 3 weekend watChathons

o prepare the audience for the upcoming fourth season of House Of Cards on March 5, RTL CBS Asia Entertainment HD airs seasons 1 to 3 in three consecutive weekend watchathons beginning with season 1 on Feb. 13. Season 2 follows on Feb. 20 and season 3 on Feb. 27. All 13 episodes of each season will air during the watchathons, starting at 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The weekly watchathons will have encores 8 a.m. on Sundays. The fourth and brand new season of House Of Cards will air first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment HD on March 5, the same day as the release of the series in the U.S. Similarly, all 13 episodes will be aired back-to-back in a weekend watchathon starting at 4 p.m. and willencore 8 a.m.the next day. RTL CBS Entertainment HD is the channel that brought House Of Cards to audiences in the region. It is the only place to place to watch the series and the highly-anticipated brand new season. House Of Cards follows the ruthless and cunning, Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire (Robin Wright) as they stop at nothing to conquer everything. Underwood has risen from House Majority Whip to President of the United States of America. His wife Claire plays the dutiful wife with her own political ambitions. This wicked political drama penetrates the shadowy world of greed, sex and corruption in modern Washington D.C.

kevin spacey as Francis Underwood in house of cards

mCA roster of local and international music artists including Darren Espanto and Juan Karlos labajo

SuSAn OplE mOST SHARED SEnATORIAl bET In the world of politics, the closest thing to a Miss Congeniality award in a beauty pageant goes to the “most shared” senatorial bet. This title goes to the candidate picked by the most number of presidential candidates as part of their senatorial slate. And the winner is ... Susan Ople. The youngest daughter of the late Senate Preside and Labor and Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople is included in four senatorial tickets. Ople, fondly called “Toots” by her friends in the media, is endorsed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Senator Grace Poe, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Because of this, she is dubbed as the “most shared” senatorial candidate. This is a testament to the high regard given to his father, Ka Blas. During the Marcos era, Bias Ople was the longest serving Minister of Labor in Asia. Ka Blas is acknowledged as the Father of the Philippine Overseas Employment Program and the Philippine Labor Code. It is just natural that the youngest daughter follows in his footsteps. “I was with him from the Senate up to his last days as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. He is my idol - in his writing, his intelligence and integrity as Senator, and his love for OFWs when he was the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Secretary of Labor. Many are not aware that Toots has 16 years of government service tucked under her belt. “My first job when I was only 23 was as a researcher in the Office of Senator Ernesto “Boy” Herrera in 1987. My father became a Senator in 1992. “If you think about it, I was in the Senate before Ka Blas,” jokes Toots. How wasKa Blas as a boss to his youngest daughter? “If we were in the office, whether the Senate or the DFA, he was always serious.

No special treatment. We were always the last to leave the office because of the many things that we had to accomplish. I learned how to write fast from my father. I also learned from him that we always have to be humble because we are all created equal.” When Ka Blas passed away, Susan Ople decided to continue the pro-worker and pro-

In 2013 Susan Ople was honored as a Hero to End modern-Day Slavery by us Department State Secretary John F. Kerry

OFW stance and advocacies of her father. “I feel most happy and contented when I am able to help an OFW. It is as if I was able to plant a flower in my father’s garden of memories. If I win as a Senator, I would be able to help more people, and I would be able to change the system and bring back dignity to our workers.” Because of her work in helping OFWs, especially in rescuing victims of human trafficking and slavery of Filipinos abroad, Susan Ople was recognized by US Department of

State Secretary John Kerry as “Hero Against Modern Day Slavery” in 2013. She was also awarded the Alumni Achievement Award from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. Susan Ople became the voice of OFWs. She led the opposition to the illegal charging of terminal fees to OFWs at the international airports. She fought against the opening of Balikbayan Boxes and the levying of additional fees. She worked to stop the laglag-bala scam and helped victim Gloria Ortinez in having all charges dropped against her and in getting back her job. She helped save Filipinos in death row such as in the case of Ferdinand Tibay and Junard Langgarnin. She was there to support the family of JoselitoZapanta during and after his execution. According to Ople, she seeks to end contractualization of workers, fight age discrimination in the workplace, establish a hospital for OFWs, and strengthen services for the victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment. “The problems of OFWs are also the problems of every Filipino - very low wages, very high prices ofcommodities, worries about the security of their loved ones, not enough money to take care of the health needs of loved ones. Slow Internet service is also a problem in the Philippines. “Ang hirap mag-emote ang isang mag-asawa over Skype tapos biglang mawawalan ng signal yung nasa Pilipinas habang yung nasa Saudi o Qatar o Hong Kong ay walang patidang daloy ng Internet service. Bitin tuloy ang lambingan!” Susan Ople filed a Certificate of Candidacy as the lone senator for the Nacionalista Party. She is grateful for the support of her partymates especially the Villar family. “Congressman Villar is my guardian angel. He is my number one adviser and his parents are my inspiration and-role models in public service.”

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

The cast of Panday (from left): Ara Mina, bangs Garcia, Christopher de Leon (as Lizardo), CJ Caparas and Epy Quizon

‘PanDay’ REbOOT sTaRs

RIchaRD GuTIERREz

erhaps it is the most popular of Carlo J. Caparas komiks series that has been brought to the big screen…from the first Ang Panday with action king Fernando Poe, Jr. It even had three more installments later, and all of which became boxoffice hits, not to mention making FPJ’s stature in the movies non pareil, as the French would say. At the end of this month, Ang Panday surfaces back on screen, albeit the TV screen, when it premieres on the last Monday of the month with new stars and a retooled plot and storyline. Original fantaserye king Richard Gutierrezreturns on primetime television as Flavio in the newest, grandest and modernized version of the classic and iconic komiks series. TheCaparasclassic airs on Feb. 29 on TV5. This is in collaboration between Viva Entertainment Group and TV5 in the network’s goal to draw in a bigger audience share on primetime. Richard plays the popular character of the Pinoy superhero Fiavio, a blacksmith and who became familiar with many Filipino movie fans after four blockbuster movies headlined by the late King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe, Jr. FPJ’s Pandayemerged as top grosser in the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival. Da King followed it with three more highly successful installments in successive years. Senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada had their own versions, Dugong Panday in 1993 and Hiwagang Panday in 1998, respectively. Revilla did two more Panday projects, Ang Panday (2009) and Ang Panday 2 (2011 Metro Manila Film Festival) for GMA Films. Other TV remakes followed suit in two different stations. This year’s TV remake on the Kapatid network, however, will have multi-awarded Mac Alejandre at the helm with k Carlo himself acting as creative consultant of the project. VIVA and TV5’s Panday will trace Flavio’s tale from birth to his adventures as a blacksmith who goes up against arch nemesis Lizardo and his evil cohorts with the use of his sword that has supernatural powers. Carlo says that in the modernized version, the audience will discover that Fiavio is a foundling and that he has a brother. His sibling is raised by bad elements while Flavio is taken care of a priest. Joining Richard as chief nemesis Lizardo in the 2016 Ang Panday TV remake is Christopher “Boyet” de Leon in a role originally portrayed on the big screen by late character actor Max Alvarado. Also in the cast include the new child wonder Alonzo Muhlach, MTV Pinoy VJ Sam Pinto, Jasmine Curtis, Bangs Garcia, Empoy, Chicser’s Ranz Kyle, CJ Caparas, and Ara Mina to name a few. The adventures of Flavio in Ang Panday, now on TV, begins on Feb. 29. p.m. on Kapatid network , TV5.

The new Panday: Richard Gutierrez plays the iconic role in TV5’s revival of the action fantasy