The Standard - 2016 February 25 - Thursday

VOL. XXX NO. 15 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 THURSday : FEBRUaRy 25, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Roxas slams Grace, Chiz

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ChiNa: Ph CauSe of all teNSioN

By Vito Barcelo

CHINA insisted Wednesday that the Philippines was the instigator of heightened tensions in the South China Sea and that Manila had violated agreements on maritime conduct by abandoning direct dialogue with Beijing.

The Department of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the accusation by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the Philippines had reneged on the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of

Parties in the South China Sea between China and Southeast Asian nations.

Wang also branded the Philippines as the instigator of tension in the disputed South China Sea. “One country, and let me not avoid mentioning the name: that is, the Philippines, has violated the stipulation of Article 4 of DOC and has given up on the dialogue and negotiations with the direct concerned parties of China, which is regrettable and which is ill-advised,” Wang said in a statement.

The Philippines has filed an arbitration case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands. China has refused to participate in the proceedings.

Wang warned other claimant coun-

tries in the region from deploying naval power to enforce their claims.

“We don’t hope to see anymore closeup military reconnaissance or the dispatch of missile destroyers or strategic bombers to the South China Sea. This is something we have a responsibility for under our non-militarization commitment,” the Chinese foreign minister said.

But the Foreign Affairs Department said Wednesday it was trying to verify reports that China has deployed J-11 and JH-7 fighter jets on Woody Island, part of the Paracel island chain in the hotly disputed region.

In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman said it was not the first time China had sent fighter jets to Woody Island, but added the deployment of surface-to-air missiles on

the island was of greater concern.

China controls the Paracel chain, but Taiwan and Vietnam also claim it.

The Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia have conflicting claims with China as well over islands in the South China Sea. Taiwan military officials confirmed the deployment of missiles on Woody Island.

China said these were for defense and denied it was militarizing the island.

In Washington, Navy Capt. Darryn James, a spokesman for US Pacific Command, confirmed a Fox report on the deployment of planes but said the Chinese have done it before.

The movement of planes was reported as US Secretary of State John Kerry hosted his Chinese counterpart, Wang, in Washington.

Next page

Flyby. This file photo shows a Chinese Shenyang J-11 fighter making a flyby at the Anshan Airfield in China. The aircraft is similar to the ones reportedly deployed in the disputed sea.

Smuggling is PNoy’s legacy, say farmers

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100 jihadists sent on bombing missions

By Francisco Tuyay AT leAST 100 extremists have completed their training in bomb making from foreign jihadists and are being deployed on test missions in various areas of Mindanao, military sources said Wednesday.

The military issued the warning even as security forces contin-

ued their three-week long offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a splinter group from the Moro Islamic liberation Front.

The offensive has already killed an Indonesian jihadist and Omar Maute, the leader of a band of rebels that has been harboring foreign terrorists.

Maute, was killed by troops of the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion in Butig, lanao del Sur over the weekend, but his wife, an Indonesian jihadist, is still hiding somewhere in Mindanao, the source said.

Maute is believed to have harbored Indonesian terrorist Mohammad Muktar, who was killed in the clashes Next page at Butig.

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Lumad refugee camp set on fire China: ...

“We don’t hope to see any more close-up military reconnaissance or the disFrom A1 patch of missile destroyers or strategic bombers to the Wang had been scheduled South China Sea,” Wang to visit the Pentagon earlier said.

Tuesday but the visit was The US military sailed a canceled due to a “schedul- destroyer near the Subi Reef ing conflict,” officials said. in the Spratly Islands in On Monday, the Wash- October and another near ington-based Center for Triton Island in the Paracel Strategic and International chain in January. It also flew Studies released satellite a B-52 bomber near Cuarimagery showing what ap- teron Reef in December in peared to be a high-frequen- a flight it says was unintency radar installation under tional. construction on an artificial Washington says the island on Cuarteron Reef in maneuvers are part of a the Spratlys. so-called freedom of naviChina’s land reclama- gation operation aimed at tion and military buildup demonstrating that the US in the South China Sea have government does not recdrawn international con- ognize any territorial claim demnation and the United near submerged features in States has said it will con- the sea. tinue to sail through waters China has built artificial claimed by Beijing. islands on Subi, Cuarteron The United States and and other reefs through China remained apart reclamation work and conTuesday over Beijing’s al- structed large-scale facilities leged bid to use disputed ar- on them. eas in the South China Sea With tensions escalatfor military purposes. ing in the South China Sea, “There are missiles and the US Army is discussing fighter aircraft and guns, the possibility of sending artillery and other things mobile artillery units to the that have been placed into region. the South China Sea” in adOver the weekend, US dition to radars, Kerry told President Barack Obama a joint press conference with stated that his administraWang after their talks in tion would continue to chalWashington. lenge Beijing’s territorial “We want to halt the ex- claims in the South China pansion and the militariza- Sea. tion of occupied features,” “We think China is reKerry said. sorting to the old style of Wang challenged Wash- might makes right, as opington’s view, saying, “The posed to working through South China Sea islands international law and interhave historically been Chi- national norms to establish na’s territory.” He criticized claims and to resolve disthe US military for oper- putes,” Obama said in an inating inside what China terview with Channel News claims to be territorial wa- Asia. ters near contested areas The US and its Pacific since October last year. allies have accused China

of building artificial islands on top of sensitive marine habitats to establish an air defense zone in the highly contested waterway. China maintains it has every right to build within what it considers to be its own territory, and has stated that the islands will be used primarily for humanitarian purposes.

Beijing has accused Washington of stirring unrest in the region, and new information of additional behind-the-scenes machinations have come to light.

According to a senior US Army official, the US may soon deploy mobile artillery, the kind traditionally used in land-based offensives, to the South China Sea, as defensive units.

“We could use existing Howitzers and that type of munition to knock out incoming threats when people try to hit us from the air at long ranges using rockets and cruise missiles,” the official said.

Such a plan would require the cooperation of regional allies, who would have to approve the placement of the guns.

“A Howitzer can go where it has to go. It is a way of changing an offensive weapon and using it in dual capacity,” the anonymous military official said. “This opens the door to opportunities and options we have not had before with mobile defensive platforms and offensive capabilities.”

US Senator John McCain said the US should consider imposing sanctions on Chinese entities over its actions in the South China Sea. “I think it’s time for the United States government to explore the appropriateness

of sanctions against Chinese companies involved in the [land] reclamation that has destabilized the South China Sea and has caused massive environmental destruction across this maritime domain,” McCain said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday.

McCain said he was worried China would “attempt to expel another country” from the disputed maritime region such as the Second Thomas Shoal or build new infrastructure at locations like Scarborough Shoal.

In response to such a move, McCain urged Washington to “consider clarifying” how US or Philippine forces would respond to an attack on that territory.

“We should also consider further steps for enhancing posture, improving infrastructure, funding additional exercises, pre-positioning additional equipment and munitions and building partner capacity throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” McCain added.

The area of the Spratly Islands—a group of over 750 islands and reefs that are believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves—is disputed by China and a number of regional countries.

Countries laying claim to the islands say they serve as an important commercial shipping route.

In recent days, China has come under scrutiny for allegedly constructing radar installations on the Cuarteron Reef in the Spratly Islands, which is expected to boost the country’s surveillance capabilities. With PNA

100...

juan, alias Mike, spread in Sulu after they were seen roaming Jolo last month, prompting Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado to put his troops on alert.

The more than 100 land mines found in Datu, Salibo were laid by the recruits as part of their test missions, the source said.

The military has been clearing the area of land mines.

Muktar was the second Indonesian militant to have been killed after security forces launched a campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and BIFF in Central Mindanao.

Reports, meanwhile, indicated that members of the MILF’s 102nd Base Command under Abdullah Makapaar, alias commander Bravo,were responsible for the ambush of an Army mechanized brigade in Butig town that left four soldiers dead.

The MILF’s 102nd BC has been in an alliance with JI bomb expert Azahari, Dulmatin and Umar Patek, both masterminds of the 2002 Bali, Indonesia blast that left 202 people killed.

Dulmatin was killed in a firefight with Indonesian police in 2010 while Patek was captured by Pakistani security forces in Abbotabad on Jan. 25, 2011. Both were involved in a series of bombings in Mindanao during that period.

“Very significantly, there has been an alliance between MILF 102nd BC and foreign jihadists and it also appears that the MILF cannot control Bravo, the current MILF’s regional commander in the Western Front Command,” a source said.

“The MILF is avoiding the issue of Bravo’s actions, it’s like a good cop or bad cop tactic,” the source added.

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Muktar is believed to be part of a group of Indonesian and Malaysian jihadists who fled their homelands and sought refuge with extremists in Mindanao.

The foreign jihadists were the ones who trained the group of 100 extremists in bomb making somewhere in Liguasan Marsh near Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, the source said.

As part of their training, the local extremists planted explosive devices in the towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hofer and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao and in Pikit and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato, the source added.

The military had earlier reported that at least 18

government soldiers were injured by these bombs.

Five civilians, including the town treasurer of Datu Salibo, were also among the casualties of the bombs planted by the extremist group.

AFP spokesman Brig.

Gen. Restituto Padilla said they were “always on the alert” for terrorist attacks.

The recruits were trained by Salahudin Hassan, a member of the Al Khobar group supporting the Jemaah Islamiya and Mumanda Ali, alias Mauwiya, a former military officer from Singapore, who took part in the 2001 bomb attack in Bali, Indonesia.

He sought refuge in Mindanao in 2002.

The recruits include Jolobased militants and extremists from Central Mindanao.

Similar reports of bombing missions by at least six ASG recruits under terrorist sub-leader Majan Sajid-

By John Paolo Bencito, Sandy Araneta and Macon Ramos-Araneta

UNIDENTIFIED men torched a refugee camp for displaced indigenous people or lumad in a church compound in Davao City Tuesday, sending five people— including two children—to hospital.

Witnesses from the lumad organization Pasaka said unidentified men in motorcycles set fire to the camp and dormitories inside the Haran compound of the United Churches of Christ of the Philippines, the temporary home for lumad refugees who were driven from their homes by paramilitary groups in Davao del Norte and Bukidnon since last year.

The men poured gasoline on the canvas roofs of the refugees tents, the witnesses said.

Three persons were taken to hospital with injuries, including two children.

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Davao City said its initial investigation showed that arson was the cause of fires that broke out on opposite ends of the Haran Mission House.

Various groups condemned the torching of the refugee camp.

“Military attacks continue to haunt the lumad, even tormenting those who sought safe shelter.

This is an abominable act,” said Kharlo Manano of the group Salinlahi.

“The incident also underlines the Aquino government’s complete disregard of our indigenous peoples. Not one person of authority has been made accountable for the numerous human rights violations proliferating in indigenous communities—the very reason why over 700 lumad are currently displaced,” Manano added.

Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes added: “This latest incident is part of the continuing attacks against the lumad resistance. The perpetrators may have intended something more than just burning the compound. There also appears to be an intent to terrorize the lumad evacuees and their supporters.”

Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan called for an investigation to identify those responsible.

“The violations, harassment and killings continue and the lumad are being attacked without end,” she said.

Those behind the fire were “worse than animals,” said Anakpawis party-list

Rep. Fernando Hicap.

Anakpawis and several other militant groups have been supporting the lumad campaign against extrajudicial killings and harassment by armed groups associated with the military.

Hicap said President Benigno Aquino III should be held accountable for the incessant killings of the lumad.

“We hold the Aquino presidency ultimately responsible for this atrocity, when the whole country and world joined the call ‘Stop Lumad Killings,’ he just went on his way militarizing Mindanao and paved ways for mining and plantation operations,” Hicap said.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago also denounced the attack.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the alleged arson of the lumad evacuation center in Davao City, and I urge authorities to investigate the incident promptly,” the senator said.

“The indigenous peoples at the UCCP Haran compound were driven out of their homes by violence.

The lumads are now again rendered homeless. They deserved state protection, but were instead harassed by state agents, who once attempted to forcibly evict them,” Santiago said.

She was referring to an incident in June 2015, when the Davao police and other armed personnel reportedly attempted to forcibly evict the lumad evacuees from the church compound and back to their homes.

Santiago has earlier filed a resolution calling for a Senate inquiry on the June 2015 incident. She has also sought probes on the alleged militarization of indigenous communities and the reported closure of schools for lumad children.

“I urge the next Congress to fast-track the passage of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Act and to include in the bill specific provisions on the rights of indigenous peoples,” Santiago said.

“We have failed the lumad. Let us not renege further on our obligation,” she added.

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‘Smuggling a PNoy legacy’

By Christine F. Herrera and Macon Ramos-Araneta RAMPANT smuggling of rice more than doubled from P31 billion under the Arroyo administration to P83 billion under the stint of President Benigno Aquino III in the last five years to the detriment of local farmers, according to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura.

30-year-old stamps. Marielle Angela Galvez shows the commemorative stamps issued on May 25, 1986 to celebrate the People Power revolution of that year. DANNY PATA

Edsa revolt rued as ‘unfinished’

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE 1986 People Power revolt remains an unfinished business in the national agenda because it has not yet fulfilled its promise of transforming the nation, particularly from the oppression of poverty, several national leaders said Wednesday on the eve of the uprising’s 30th anniversary.

“I have said this before and it bears repeating: Democracy is nothing if it does not democratize wealth. Democracy cannot thrive in a society whose population groans in abject pover-

ty,” said Vice President Jejomar Binay, one of the leaders of the Edsa uprising.

“We restored freedom and democracy. But the revolution is far from complete,” Binay said. “We have achieved political freedom, yet economic freedom is still beyond our grasp.

The fight for freedom from poverty remains.”

He said poverty in the midst of plenty is the country’s greatest shame and it is also the greatest challenge for the next administration.

Binay, the presidential candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance, vowed to

work hard to restore the dignity of the poor by redistributing economic opportunity, saying “it is a fight that can be won.”

“As mayor of Makati, we reformed the bureaucracy and restored the trust of the business community and the people in their local government. More importantly, we addressed the poverty of our people,” he said.

“Makati teaches us that political will, transparency, compassion, and the unfettered support of the people can move a community forward. We have seen the fruits of People Power

Comelec eyes onscreen validation

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Commission on Elections insisted on Wednesday it will not activate the voter receipt printing feature of the vote-counting machines (VCMs) to be used in the May 9 election, but may allow voters to view their votes onscreen.

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista said the poll body decided with finality that they will not consider activating the tape receipt features because it will take up too much time and the issue of vote buying in the Philippine setting is very unique.

“The problem really is the fact that we are electing over 18,000 positions, synchronized national and local, [and] we will have to make anywhere from 25 to 35 marks per voter. And we have to do these all in one day. That is what makes it difficult,” Bautista said.

“And we have to take into account that the issue of vote buying is unique to the Philippine setting, and therefore we need to take this into account,” he added.

He also rejected the suggestion of Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Automated Election System chairman Senator Aquilino Pimentel III to extend the voting period from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“But even if we do that, we still can’t do it,” he said, adding activating the feature might require days of voting.

Bautista, however, said that they are looking into the possibility of activating the tape receipt feature during the election period for overseas absentee voters.

“We are talking about the possibility of allowing receipts to be given to overseas voters. Why? Because they’re given 30 days to vote. And there are fewer voters. So there is time,” he added.

But Bautista also said the Comelec is considering activating the on-screen verification features of the machine and the poll body will soon release a resolution pending time-and-motion studies on how long it will take for one voter to review his votes.

“But the problem with having a screen is the time and the privacy. People are able to see [the ballot cast],” he earlier said.

in Makati through a government that serves its people well.

We did it in Makati. We can do it for the entire country,” he said.

Binay’s main rival Senator Grace Poe agreed that the fight is not yet over and the enemy is still poverty.

“Thirty years after Edsa, we have a lot of things to do as a nation so that we can get freedom from hunger, poverty, lack of education, repression of our rights to information, and human rights violation,” Poe said.

“It will be a big challenge for the next leader to achieve this freedom.”

Smuggling of pork, chicken, sugar, onion, garlic and carrots in huge volumes also remained unabated under Aquino, said Sinag chairman Rosendo So. “From P94 billion of smuggled agricultural products under Arroyo, the illegal contraband that was dumped into the country amounted to P198 billion under Aquino during the same five-year period,” So said.

“The Aquino government is killing the farmers, local producers and growers.

Where is their heart and compassion?”

So said the 2.77 million metric tons of rice smuggled in from 2010 to 2014 is double the 1.06 million metric tons illegally imported from 2005-2009, the last five years of the Arroyo government.

Rice was the most smuggled commodity, at P94 billion, followed by pork (P40 billion) and sugar (P25 billion), Sinag said in a statement, adding that substantial amounts of chicken, garlic, onion and carrots were also shipped in illegally.

From 2005 to 2009 under Arroyo, the volume of smuggled pork was recorded at 106,092 metric tons amounting to P18.56 billion but from 2010 to 2014 under Aquino, pork smuggling increased to 202,936 metric tons for a total of P35.51 billion.

Sugar smuggling was recorded at 597,412 metric tons at P29.87 billion under Arroyo but the record slid slightly to 487,467 metric tons amounting to P24.37 billion under Aquino.

Smuggling of chicken also increased from 58,616 metric tons for a total of P7.32 billion under Arroyo to 91,151 metric tons or P11.39 billion under Aquino.

Onion smuggling decreased substantially from 143,382 metric tons or P7.17 billion under Arroyo to 38,660 metric tons or P1.93 billion under Aquino.

Smuggling of carrots increased dramatically from 1,076 metric tons worth P54 million under Arroyo to 6,114 metric tons amounting to P305 million under Aquino.

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Roxas criticizes rivals over cheating claims

In Bulacan. President Benigno Aquino III delivers a speech at the Ramona S. Trillana High School in Hagonoy, Bulacan, on Tuesday. Malacañang Photo Bureau

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija—Administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II on Wednesday slammed Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero after insinuating that President Benigno Aquino III’s campaigning for the ruling Liberal Party was the reason why many Filipinos believed there would be cheating in the May 9 elections.

“There’s a saying in politics here in the Philippines that there will be the ones who win and those who will say they were cheated,” Roxas told reporters.

“These are just ways to poison the minds of our countrymen.”

Presidential and vice presidential candidates Poe and Escudero claimed Tuesday that while they believed Aquino would not resort to cheating, people nonetheless believed cheating was possible as a result of Aquino’s endorsement of the ruling Liberal Party’s candidates.

Roxas insinuated that Poe didn’t even bother to say a word about the President’s endorsement when she was being wooed to run for a higher position.

“I just find it funny because, first of all, I know how it feels to be cheated,” Roxas said.

“When she was expecting that the President would choose her, [Poe] didn’t say a word.

“What have they done in their three or six years in Senate? If this issue is important to them, they should have done something.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Roxas raised the possibility that fraud could be initiated by the camp of Poe or Vice President Jejomar Binay after poll operator Virgilio Garcillano was spotted in the same hotel where Binay and Poe were billeted during the presidential debates in Cagayan de Oro City.

“It is indeed scary to think of cheating at the polls, especially since Garcillano was seen in CDO at the hotel where Senator Poe and VP Binay were staying,” Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez told reporters.

“Operators notorious for rigging elections are coming out of the woodwork. We don’t need to name these people and who they work for.”

Gutierrez also defended Aquino.

“It is not right to drag the President’s name through the mud with all these allegations of cheating because his own mother got cheated in the biggest electoral fraud in our country’s history,” he said.

On the eve of the Edsa anniversary, let’s all keep in mind that election fraud was the spark that started People Power.” John Paolo Bencito

Hilbay: Poe a natural-born citizen THE Solicitor General has insisted that Senator Grace Poe, a foundling, is a natural-born citizen who has satisfied the 10-year residency requirement and is therefore is qualified to run for president.

In a memorandum he filed before the Supreme Court on Monday, Solicitor General Florin Hilbay said the Commission on Elections erred when it canceled Poe’s Certificate of Candidacy over her citizenship and her supposed lack of residency.

Hilbay filed his memo even as Poe on Wednesday called administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II the “driver of a stalled vehicle.”

She took a swipe at Roxas after Roxas alluded to her as an inexperienced driver during the debate organized by the Comelec in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.

Hilbay said Poe was a natural-born citizen based on the 1935, 1973 and 1987 Constitutions.

“The inclusive policy to consider foundlings as natural-born Filipino citizens is carried over into the 1973 and 1987 Constitutions,” Hilbay said.

“As with the 1935 Constitution, the

deliberations of 1973 and 1987 Constitutions are bereft of any evidence to show any change in the policy begun in 1935.”

Hilbay said Poe was a natural-born Filipino based on her physical features and the place where she was found.

He said foundlings were a discrete and insular minority who should be accorded fundamental political rights.

He said Poe reacquired her natural-born Philippine citizenship when she availed herself of repatriation under Republic Act 9225.

“She executed an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines on 07 July 2006; and she filed with the Bureau of

Immigration a petition for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship on 10 July 2006, which was granted in an order dated 18 July 2006,” Hilbay said.

He said Poe had validly renounced her US citizenship and had been a resident in the country for at least 10 years before the elections in May. “The Comelec decision to shift the burden of evidence on petitioner places an undue burden on the exercise of a fundamental political right of a member of a discrete and insular minority that has a right to equal protection in general and a right to equal access to opportunities for public service,” Hilbay said. rey e. requejo and Macon ramos-araneta

Parties unite to support Binay THE political parties Nationalist People’s Coalition, PDP-Laban and the United Nationalist Alliance in Bohol have joined ranks to form the Bohol United Opposition or BUO to ensure the victory of Vice PresidenT Jejomar Binay in this year’s presidential elections.

The group, led by Rep. Erico Aumentado, said the new alliance was composed of board members, mayors, vice mayors and councilors and new congressional candidates for the first and third districts.

Meanwhile, administration bet Manuel Roxas II said Wednesday he once wrote Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte telling him of the proliferation of drugs in his city when he was head of the Interior Department.

Roxas made the statement after Duterte called him a protector of drug lords all over the country.

“Mayor Duterte may have forgotten that I wrote him a letter because the [Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency] themselves pointed out that 72 out of Davao’s 180 barangays are heavily drug infested that’s why we wrote a letter,” Roxas told reporters.

The Bohol United Opposition was formally launched at the Metro Center Hotel with JV Bautista, UNA secretary general, in attendance.

Bautista thanked the group for the early announcement of their declaration of support for Binay.

“Now it is Bohol standing in full force for Vice President Binay,” Bautista said.

“The Vice President appreciates deeply your kind support and he will ensure that your priority concerns will be given priority action once he is elected into office.’’ Vito Barcelo and John Paolo Bencito

concert. Shoppers walk near the Asia Arena mall where Madonna will have a concert on Feb. 24. Catholic bishops have called on the faithful to boycott her concert, calling it the devil’s work. aFP

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Romualdez calls for true reconciliation

By Maricel V. Cruz Senatorial candidate and leyte rep. Martin romualdez on Wednesday appealed to the electorate to elect a president who has a heart for true reconciliation process that would end all conflicts and heal the wounds of the past as “malasakit” (compassion) to the plight of many deprived and underprivileged Filipinos.

Stressing Filipinos should stand united as one race, romualdez said the full reconciliation process should reach all sectors of society, including opposing political sides and rebel groups to work for the common good of the country.

“We are not color yellow, blue, orange, or red, at the end of the day we are all Filipinos that should solidly stand as one race to fight corruption, criminality, poverty and other serious problems besetting the country,” romualdez said as the nation commemorates today [thursday] the 30th edsa People Power i anniversary. “the country needs a president who has a big heart for true reconciliation and has malasakit to immediately address the concerns of the poor people,” romualdez pointed out. romualdez, lawyer and president of Philippine Constitution association, stressed that “peace and reconciliation are very significant components of our political maturity as a nation.” For every misunderstanding or quarrel, never abandon or close the doors for reconciliation,” romualdez said. romualdez underscored that “reconciliation is necessary and healthy” for a country like the Philippines trying to overcome poverty that continue to affect the lives of many Filipinos. “reconciliation will help us make the Philippines a healthy and politically matured nation,” romualdez said. “true democracy is about reconciliation that would work and champion the interests of the people free of any hatred. let us fix the nation by extending our arms to reach out everybody,” romualdez pointed out. the leyte opposition leader reminded the elected and appointed public officials that their primary role or mandate is to serve the people and abandon personal internal bickering.

Compassion. Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (right) answers questions from TV5 hosts during the program Aplikante.

Romualdez stresses his ‘malasakit’ (compassion) advocacy in public service and expounds on his platform on free education, health, job creation, agriculture and compassion for persons with disabilities. Ver NoVeNo

Students protest against tuition hike

By Joel e. Zurbano Thousands of students from different colleges and universities on Wednesday walked out of their classes to call on the aquino administration to stop the continuing tuition and other fee increases.

Most of the students who took part in the nationwide protest action were from Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa; University of the Philippines in Manila and Diliman, and the University of Sto. tomas in Sampaloc.

Protest actions were also held at the UP Baguio in Baguio City, Colon Street in Cebu City, UP los Baños in laguna, and the Commission on Higher education regional office in Davao City.

Militant youth group ana-

kbayan lambasted President Benigno aquino for allowing tuition rates to increase by more than double during his six-year reign, with tuition rates more than doubling from P30,000-P50,000 a year in 2010 to P60,000-P100,000 in 2015. “next school year over 400 universities and colleges nationwide will again increase tuition and other fees. Under aquino, Philippine education has become more commercialized,” said anakbayan chairman Vencer Crisostomo.

He said the annual profits of the country’s leading universities have also doubled, with the Far eastern University, the University of the east, Centro escolar University, and Sti College even making it to the top 1,000 corporations in 2015. anakbayan, along with hundreds of youth organizations under the rise for education alliance and Kabataan Partylist, is pressing the aquino administration to issue an executive order stopping tuition and other fee increases and the commercialization of education.

Student leaders denounced the Commission on Higher education for stating that it is the right of universities and colleges to raise tuition. they also called for the junking of all “other School Fees” which are not only exorbitant but

also redundant given the collection of tuition. anakbayan demanded the ending of the education deregulation policy through the immediate scrapping of the education act of 1982 which allows universities and colleges to set their own tuition rates without any government regulation. “the aquino government always say that nothing can be done to stop tuition hikes and the commercialization of education. What we are proposing is just and doable,” said Crisostomo. another big campus walkout would be held on March 11, the third year anniversary of the death of University of the Philippines student Kristel tejada who took to her own life after being forced to stop schooling after failing to pay her tuition.

Lawmaker’s suspension in effect

S&T agenda. Science experts, S&T workers and students call on national candidates to include a science and technology agenda in their electoral platform during a press conference in Quezon City. MANNY PALMero

HoUSe Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said on Wednesday that the 60-day suspension of South Cotabato rep. Pedro acharon Jr. who is facing graft charges has already been enforced.

“He is now under voluntary suspension. i have informed the Sandiganbayan,” Belmonte said in a text message.

Belmonte’s statement came in response to the office of the ombudsman’s motion Wednesday for acharon’s preventive suspension whose graft case is being tried before the second division of the Sandiganbayan. acharon and four other local officials were charged with violation of the anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices act over the alleged anomalous use of P2.5 million for the June 2006 Tambayayong Festival in California. the alleged illegal acts were committed when acharon was still mayor of General Santos City.

Disputing the defense of acharon, the Sandiganbayan said it found no merit to the

lawmaker’s argument that, as congressmen, “he no longer approves or implements disbursement of public funds, as he used to do as former city mayor of General Santos City in which capacity he was charged in this case, or that his constituents would be deprived of representation if he were to be suspended.”

“For as long as the accused occupies a public office, he can be suspended,” the anti-graft court said. in a Jan. 28 resolution, the anti-graft court granted the office of the ombudsman prosecutors’ motion for the preventive suspension of acharon. the ombudsman filed charges against acharon and four other local officials for violation of Section 3(e) of the antiGraft and Corrupt Practices act for the anomalous utilization of P2.5 million worth of funds spent during the June 2006 Tambayayong Festival in California, USa. acharon was arraigned in March 2014.

Maricel Cruz, rio Araja

t h u r s D AY : f e b r u A r Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

A6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Pasay City residents hopeful of change TAGGED by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as one of the cities in Manila with a 100-percent drug affectation rate, Pasay was the latest area to be visited by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, who are running under a strong anti-crime and anti-illegal drugs platform.

The tandem listened to the stories and concerns of city’s residents on Wednesday as part of their “Ronda-Serye” listening tour held at Barangay 188, Pasay City.

“Nakakalungkot at nakakabahala ang mga kwento nila. Sobra na ang hirap at gulo sa buhay nila. Si Aling Cynthia, 59 years old, naikwento niya na ang anak niya at asawa nito ay mga drug addicts mula bata. Hindi nakapagtapos, may 7 anak, natanggal sa trabaho dahil sa bisyo. Minsan, parttime drug courier pa para makalibre ng shabu. Ang mga anak napabayaan.

Walang makain. Walang pambayad sa renta ng bahay,” Cayetano said.

Several other women shared how the drug problem in their area has destroyed their families. But while they continue to suffer, they said they find hope in the tandem’s bold and swift solutions to fight crime and illegal drugs.

Duterte and Cayetano vowed to wage a 24/7 war against crime and illegal drugs by mobilizing the “best and brightest” of the military and police. Part of this is improving law enforcers’ salaries and imposing harsh punishment for “rotten cops” and abusive soldiers.

In the first presidential debate held at Cagayan de Oro, Duterte set a three- to six-month time period as a “restriction” for him to ensure that people will immediately feel the effects of his campaign against crime and drugs. “This is an imposed restriction from me, hindi ako nagpapabilib sa inyo,” Duterte said.

The duo also said they will establish a “bank of the poor” to provide people with access to capital and alternative livelihood to prevent them from engaging in criminal acts for a living.

“Ang pinapautang dapat ng gobyerno ay mahihirap, hindi lang mayayaman,” Cayetano said.

“Magagawa lang ang mga ito kung may lider na may matapang na solusyon, mabilis na aksyon, at tapang at tibay ng loob para tapusin ang gulo at hirap ng tao. Ito ang dala namin ni Mayor Duterte sa eleksyong ito,” Cayetano said.

Real change. Presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (right) and his running mate Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano visit residents of Barangay 188 in Pasay City to spread their message of creating real changes and restoring order in people’s lives. Residents here complain of suffering from the rampant drug problem in their community, which has destroyed many families. The tandem, in response, vowed that if they get elected, they will initiate bold solutions and swift action in order to win the war against crime and illegal drugs. EY ACASIO

2 Marine officers get 16 years for gun smuggling

By Rio Araja

THE Sandiganbayan on Wednesday sentenced two former Marine officers—Brigadier General Percival Subala and his assistant chief of staff Col. Cesar de la Peña—to a jail term of six years for illegal possession of firearms and gun smuggling 16 years ago.

Also convicted of gun smuggling were four other individuals —Edelbert Uybuco, Gerardo Vijandre, Manuel Ferdinand Trinidad and Michael Boregas—for illegal disposition of high-powered firearms in 2000.

In a 69-page ruling, the graft court found De la Peña, Subala, Uybuco, Gerardo Vijandre, Manuel Ferdinand Trinidad and Michael Boregas all guilty beyond reasonable doubt of illegal disposition of firearms.

The anti-graft court’s Fifth

Division sentenced them to a minimum of four years and two months to a maximum of six years and eight months of imprisonment, and were also ordered to pay a fine of P30,000 each.

“The elaborate and illegal scheme participated in by accused De la Peña, Subala, Trinidad, Boregas Uybuco and Vijandre would probably have gone unnoticed if not for the operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group which resulted in the chance recovery of five of

the 72 firearms which were about to be loaded into pump boats in Zambales,” the resolution read.

The decision was penned by Third Division chairman Association Justice Roland Jurado and was concurred by Associate Justices Alexander Gesmundo and Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta.

In 2007, the Ombudsman filed the charges against the accused for connivance to illegally dispose 72 units of 9mm-caliber submachine guns in June 2000 “by making it appear that the Philippine Marines Corps purchased the said firearms from Trimark Ventures Trading Corp.”

The high-powered guns were never delivered to the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City, but to the office of Trimark at Windsor Towers Condominium, Legaspi Village in Makati City.

The firearms were stored at the

Philippine National Police’s Firearms and Explosives Division armory at Camp Crame and released by the power of a Firearms License for Juridical Entity in the name of the Marines Corps as well as a purchase order approved by Subala. “[T]he application for firearms license, Permit to Transport Firearms and Ammunition and the Authority to Withdraw Firearms, all in the name of the Philippine Marines Corps were approved by the Firearms and Explosives Division,” the information read.

“And once in possession of the said documents and on the basis thereof, accused Michael Boregas, with the consent of accused Manuel Ferdinand Trinidad, withdrew the aforesaid firearms from the Firearms and Explosives Division which firearms were subsequently disposed to unauthorized persons or entities,” the charge sheet added.

Truckload of guns seized in Cebu searched at around 1:30 a.m. at a checkpoint along Quasi POLICEMEN intercepted Street in Barangay Poblacion, Tuesday a truck loaded with Tayaba said. guns and ammunition and “The operation stemmed seized the items for further from information given by a investigation as the couriers confidential agent that an Isuzu told the police these were sup- Elf with plate number GFZ-735 posed to be delivered to an would be transporting undeundisclosed place in Tabuelan, termined number of firearms Cebu, according to the Crimi- to Bacolod,” Tayaba said in his nal Investigation and Detection report.

Group.

While checking the docuSenior Superintendent Mar- ments of the vehicle and cargo, lon Tayaba, regional CIDG chief, one of the CDIG personnel saw said that those placed under tem- “a pistol placed beside the drivporary custody and investigation er” and that the driver could were Noel Menoza Abarquez, not produce a permit to carry Mario Sanillo Lamoste and Pa- the firearm. blo Mankit Biabado, all claimed “Further search of the cargo to be couriers for GDS Security revealed that more guns and Agency owned by a certain Ben- ammos were placed inside nujamin Sun. merous rain-boots inside large The truck was stopped and boxes,” Tayaba said.

By Florante S. Solmerin

Anti-terror. The Manila International Airport Authority has approved the request of the Saudi government to install X-ray machines at the departure area and near the boarding gate of Saudi flights as part of anti-terrorism measures.

ERIC APOLONIO

“The arrested persons claimed that they are employees of GDS Security Agency located at Port Area, Cebu City,” Tayaba said.

The confiscated items included three 12-gauge shotguns, 14 caliber 9mm pistols, 31 cal. .38 revolvers, 12 live ammunition for 12-gauge shotgun, 8 boxes containing 50 cal.

38 live ammunition for each box, 4 boxes containing rainboots and 2 boxes containing rain coats, 2 boxes containing logbook, 3 bundles of GDS patches, a plastic bag of whistle, 17 handcuffs, and XR200 Honda motorcycle.

Meanwhile, another Chinese national was arrested by the police in a separate buy-bust operation after the arrest of 3 Chinese nationals on Tuesday.

t h u r s D AY : f e b r u A r Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Create transition teams, DILG tells local leaders

By John Paolo Bencito MALOLOS, Bulacan—The Interior Department on Tuesday called on local chief executives to create their own Local Governance Transition Teams barely three months before the elections to ensure a smooth turnover to the incoming local officials who would win in the May 2016 national and local elections.

In a directive to provincial governors, and city and municipal mayors, the creation of transition teams is important for continuity in local governance.

“This early, the transition teams should already be pre-

paring and rolling out the carpet for the newly-elected or reelected local officials in June 2016,” Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said Tuesday.

Sarmiento said that each province, city and municipality

should create a transition team not later than April 8, 2016. The team would be chaired by the local chief executive, while the vice chairperson will be selected from among the members who are the department heads, and representatives from the DILG and non-government organizations or people’s organizations.

One of the principal tasks and responsibilities of the transition teams is the conduct of an inventory of all local government units’ real or immovable properties such as land, buildings, infrastructure facilities and improvements and machineries; and movable properties such as vehicles, office equipment, furni-

ture, fixtures and supply stocks.

The team will also assemble all documents or records such as the 2015 Commission on Audit Report, Contracts and Loan Agreements, Comprehensive Development Plan, Local Development Investment Plan, 2016 Annual Investment Plan, inventory of personnel by nature of appointment, Executive Orders, Full Disclosure Policy Documents and others.

It is also the teams’ responsibility to organize a turnover ceremony on June 30, to include a briefing on the Governance Assessment Report and key challenges to the incoming set of officials.

Sweetness. Carigara, Leyte, is known for small enterprises for sweets like pastillas, butter cookies, roscas, suman and ampaw. MEL CASPE

E. Visayas educ exec to speak at int’l summit

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—Dr. Luisa Bautista-Yu, education director in Eastern Visayas region, is set to speak at Asia Education Summit on Flexible Learning Strategies for Out-of-School Children in Bangkok, Thailand today upon the invitation of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-Bangkok.

“Dr. Yu will share on the strategies we have implemented to build back better after Yolanda. Her topic is Rebuilding Hope in Eastern Visayas,” said Jasmin Calzita, information officer of Department of Education in the region.

“We have made a significant progress in protecting our school children. And with the lessons we learned from Yolanda, we hope to inspire all educators around the world to never give up for the children,” Calzita said, adding that Dr. Yu is the only speaker from the country to speak for “education in emergencies.”

Representatives from Nepal and Japan who also have recovered from disasters will also speak on similar topics during the event.

According to Calzita, who joined Dr. Yu in the summit, there will be other representatives from the country but they will be speaking on different topics.

The Asia-Pacific region has 18 million out of school (primary school age) children, with the Philippines having 1.5 million while Pakistan has the highest out of school in Asia Pacific with 5.4 million, Calzita said.

This year’s Bangkok Unesco, summit, in partnership with South East Asian Minsters of Education Organization (SEAMEO Innotech) and Thailand government, brings together representatives and other stakeholders from 30 Asian member-states to discuss and share best practices in 21st century learning to solve the issues of most marginalized children who are out of school.

NBI recommends graft case against mayor of Butuan City THE National Bureau of Investigation has recommended the filing of graft charges against Butuan Mayor Ferdinand Amante for spending more than P15 million for a PET/CT scan machine that was only donated to the city.

In his recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman-Mindanao dated Dec. 8, 2015, NBI Caraga Regional Director Celso Ginga stressed that there was probable cause to pursue violation of Republic Act 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act charges against Amante.

The NBI report stemmed from a complaint filed by City Councilor Sergio Pascual regarding the anoma-

lous transfer of the PET/CT scan machine from World Medical Relief Inc. Ginga explained that Amante violated RA 3019 for giving undue benefits to a private party in his performance of duty.

“Although the PET/CT scan machine was acquired by way of donation by the Butuan City Government through Mayor Amante Jr. from World Medical Relief Inc., it has been found that said LGU had spent P15,485,084.12 as of Dec. 31, 2013 for the cost of customs duties, freight and handling and incidental expenses in the importation of said equipment,” said Ginga.

The PET/CT scan ma-

chine arrived on June 6, 2013 at the Butuan City Medical Center but before this, or on Sept. 28, 2012, Amante paid World Medical Relief Inc. P7.7 million for import duties and other expenses.

On Jan. 16, 2013, Amante withdrew P7.5 million from the account of Butuan LGU as cash advance for payment of import duties for the PET/ CT scan machine.

In total, Amante spent P15,485,084.12 for the PET/ CT scan, which was not utilized until now due to lack of software to run it.

Before this, Amante was also allegedly involved in the overpriced P120-million heavy equipment deal that the court stopped recently.

Cool ride. Some 3,000 units of e-trikes are parked outside a warehouse in Laguna. This project of the Department of Energy and Asian Development Bank will be launched this year.

DANNY PATA

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

THE FOUR DAYS OF FEBRUARY

[ EDI TORI A L ]

THE EDSA WE KNOW THIRTY years ago, the mention of Edsa evoked a feeling of love of country and hope for the future. Edsa symbolized changes big and small, and everybody who claimed discontent with the just-toppled administration believed everything would be better afterwards.

Today, the son of the main beneficiary of the so-called revolution on that main thoroughfare is wrapping up his six-year stint as president. And to those who cling to the fading memory of what it was like in 1986, it does not seem much of a revolution, after all.

Poverty is as pervasive as ever. While there have been gains in some aspects of economics and governance— increased participation of ordinary citizens, for instance, and improved conditions for small to medium sized enterprises —the inequality has widened and the resulting gap has been scandalous.

Worse, hypocrisy is at its worst, with those in power styling themselves as paragons of virtue even as they look the other way when their own friends commit the evils they vow to slay. Meanwhile, they go after their political enemies with unusual fervor.

Mention Edsa today and immediately, images of debilitating traffic and horrible public transportation would come to mind. These are the conditions that this Edsa-inspired administration has allowed under its watch. This is what would be picked up by the next generation of Filipinos who can only rely on what they see and experience every day.

Today is a holiday; we can at least hope Edsa traffic will be mercifully light.

THE PLAN B COMBO LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES WHO’S afraid of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.?

Well, only President Noynoy Aquino and his entire administration, that’s who.

One of my most reliable palace informants gave me a picture of just how panicked the Aquino administration has become over the surge of the younger Marcos in the polls, to the point where the former strongman’s son is now tied

with the longtime frontrunner in the vice presidential derby, Senator Chiz Escudero. He (or she) called me yesterday to relay the news: “You’ve heard about Plan B, right?” he (or she) asked, to which I said yes. “Well, it’s no longer limited to the presidential contest; because of the showing of BBM [Marcos], there’s a Plan B for the vice presidential race now, as well.”

I guess I can call it “Plan B.1” now, I said, only half-jokingly.

So the other shoe—or the other rubber slipper, if you will—will drop, then?

“That’s the plan, exactly,” my

source explained a bit impatiently, like I was just entering the K-12 program. “Leni [Robredo] is now as dead as Mar [Roxas].”

You’re pulling my once-broken leg, I said. But the President was just with Mar-Leni, campaigning for them in one of the sorties of the Liberal Party that finally pushed through just today, I said.

“So, you’ve heard of that also,” my source said, ratcheting the patronizing tone down one notch. “Then you already know that the LP has not been scheduling campaign sorties to the provinces of late?”

‘Don’t you even know how far back the President and Chiz go? Those two are even closer than the President and Grace.’

A9

Yes, I said. I’ve heard that even the LP candidates for the Senate are getting restless.

They’re not getting any funding support from Mar or his mom Judy anymore and the provincial sorties are cancelled as soon as they are scheduled.

At least that’s what I’ve heard.

“It’s worse, really,” he (or she) said. “The Balay is so quiet these days, like someone died.”

Well, in a sense, someone did, I quipped. But tell me about Plan B.1: It’s gotten that desperate?

“It’s not funny,” my palace source said. “Bongbong is surging even if we’ve practically tailor-made the Edsa celebration to bring him down, even if the friendly media is attacking him,

his father and his whole family every day.”

So, it’s Chiz? But why, apart from winnability?

My source shifted to haughty mode back again. You know, the studied haciendero “buhay pa naman kayo” tone that they know so well from watching the Boss.

“Are you stupid or are you just really, really slow?” the source said. “Don’t you even know how far back the President and Chiz go? Those two are even closer than the President and Grace.”

OK, OK, I said. Don’t get your yel-

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-

low panties—or boxer shorts or whatever you’re wearing—in a bunch, I advised him (or her).

“But I feel sorry for Leni, really,” my source said finally. “Now we have to tell her that she’s probably not really ready for the big time yet; maybe even promise her a Senate seat next time, if all goes well with our Plan B combo.”

Good luck with that, I said. Then the line went dead. *** So I PM’d a good friend in the Leni

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

camp to relay the news to him/her.

Only it wasn’t news to him—or her— anymore.

“We already know,” said the cardcarrying member of the Havaianas Chapter of the Tsinelas Gang. “And there’s nothing we can do about it.”

You mean there’s no way you can stop Aquino from publicly declaring his love for Leni while secretly backing Chiz? Is there anything that can be done, like demanding that Aquino not be so two-faced?

Continued on A11

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

THIRTY years on, we are still searching for the relevance of Edsa 1986. In fact, we have had two Edsas and the country is still looking for that elusive something that could translate what the people did during those four tumultuous days of February 1986 into something that could transform us into a better society.

After all, we introduced to the world a method of getting rid of despotic leaders peacefully called people power.

Alas, in many ways, we are back to square one.

The only difference is that we are at least choosing our own leaders in elections every three years.

Otherwise, the Filipino people are still poor, corruption is still rampant and has in fact gotten worse, and human rights violations, a major issue during the martial law years of the Marcos administration, is as prevalent as ever. It is as if we got rid of one bad apple to be replaced with a more rotten apple.

Despite these, we continue to celebrate the so-called spirit of Edsa.

They say that victory has many fathers and defeat is an orphan. This is true and because EDSA86 was successful, there are many claiming ownership to the franchise. We often hear of the many exploits of people who participated and took part in activities that eventually led to the resignation of Enrile and Ramos on Feb. 22 that ignited those dramatic events that we are so familiar with and led to the departure of President Marcos to Hawaii on the fourth day of the uprising.

These individual stories are growing as the years go by forgetting that no person or group can claim ownership of EDSA86. The people own EDSA86 and it should be that way.

We also often hear of terms like keepers of the Edsa flame or guardians of Edsa as if these people have the sole right to proclaim themselves to be such. This kind of attitude has only kept the society divided. And what did we expect, we have a President who puts a yellow ribbon on his chest wherever he goes and is the most divisive leader that this country has ever had in recent

Continued on A11

Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

THE FOUR DAYS OF FEBRUARY

[ EDI TORI A L ]

THE EDSA WE KNOW THIRTY years ago, the mention of Edsa evoked a feeling of love of country and hope for the future. Edsa symbolized changes big and small, and everybody who claimed discontent with the just-toppled administration believed everything would be better afterwards.

Today, the son of the main beneficiary of the so-called revolution on that main thoroughfare is wrapping up his six-year stint as president. And to those who cling to the fading memory of what it was like in 1986, it does not seem much of a revolution, after all.

Poverty is as pervasive as ever. While there have been gains in some aspects of economics and governance— increased participation of ordinary citizens, for instance, and improved conditions for small to medium sized enterprises —the inequality has widened and the resulting gap has been scandalous.

Worse, hypocrisy is at its worst, with those in power styling themselves as paragons of virtue even as they look the other way when their own friends commit the evils they vow to slay. Meanwhile, they go after their political enemies with unusual fervor.

Mention Edsa today and immediately, images of debilitating traffic and horrible public transportation would come to mind. These are the conditions that this Edsa-inspired administration has allowed under its watch. This is what would be picked up by the next generation of Filipinos who can only rely on what they see and experience every day.

Today is a holiday; we can at least hope Edsa traffic will be mercifully light.

THE PLAN B COMBO LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES WHO’S afraid of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.?

Well, only President Noynoy Aquino and his entire administration, that’s who.

One of my most reliable palace informants gave me a picture of just how panicked the Aquino administration has become over the surge of the younger Marcos in the polls, to the point where the former strongman’s son is now tied

with the longtime frontrunner in the vice presidential derby, Senator Chiz Escudero. He (or she) called me yesterday to relay the news: “You’ve heard about Plan B, right?” he (or she) asked, to which I said yes. “Well, it’s no longer limited to the presidential contest; because of the showing of BBM [Marcos], there’s a Plan B for the vice presidential race now, as well.”

I guess I can call it “Plan B.1” now, I said, only half-jokingly.

So the other shoe—or the other rubber slipper, if you will—will drop, then?

“That’s the plan, exactly,” my

source explained a bit impatiently, like I was just entering the K-12 program. “Leni [Robredo] is now as dead as Mar [Roxas].”

You’re pulling my once-broken leg, I said. But the President was just with Mar-Leni, campaigning for them in one of the sorties of the Liberal Party that finally pushed through just today, I said.

“So, you’ve heard of that also,” my source said, ratcheting the patronizing tone down one notch. “Then you already know that the LP has not been scheduling campaign sorties to the provinces of late?”

‘Don’t you even know how far back the President and Chiz go? Those two are even closer than the President and Grace.’

A9

Yes, I said. I’ve heard that even the LP candidates for the Senate are getting restless.

They’re not getting any funding support from Mar or his mom Judy anymore and the provincial sorties are cancelled as soon as they are scheduled.

At least that’s what I’ve heard.

“It’s worse, really,” he (or she) said. “The Balay is so quiet these days, like someone died.”

Well, in a sense, someone did, I quipped. But tell me about Plan B.1: It’s gotten that desperate?

“It’s not funny,” my palace source said. “Bongbong is surging even if we’ve practically tailor-made the Edsa celebration to bring him down, even if the friendly media is attacking him,

his father and his whole family every day.”

So, it’s Chiz? But why, apart from winnability?

My source shifted to haughty mode back again. You know, the studied haciendero “buhay pa naman kayo” tone that they know so well from watching the Boss.

“Are you stupid or are you just really, really slow?” the source said. “Don’t you even know how far back the President and Chiz go? Those two are even closer than the President and Grace.”

OK, OK, I said. Don’t get your yel-

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-

low panties—or boxer shorts or whatever you’re wearing—in a bunch, I advised him (or her).

“But I feel sorry for Leni, really,” my source said finally. “Now we have to tell her that she’s probably not really ready for the big time yet; maybe even promise her a Senate seat next time, if all goes well with our Plan B combo.”

Good luck with that, I said. Then the line went dead. *** So I PM’d a good friend in the Leni

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

camp to relay the news to him/her.

Only it wasn’t news to him—or her— anymore.

“We already know,” said the cardcarrying member of the Havaianas Chapter of the Tsinelas Gang. “And there’s nothing we can do about it.”

You mean there’s no way you can stop Aquino from publicly declaring his love for Leni while secretly backing Chiz? Is there anything that can be done, like demanding that Aquino not be so two-faced?

Continued on A11

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

THIRTY years on, we are still searching for the relevance of Edsa 1986. In fact, we have had two Edsas and the country is still looking for that elusive something that could translate what the people did during those four tumultuous days of February 1986 into something that could transform us into a better society.

After all, we introduced to the world a method of getting rid of despotic leaders peacefully called people power.

Alas, in many ways, we are back to square one.

The only difference is that we are at least choosing our own leaders in elections every three years.

Otherwise, the Filipino people are still poor, corruption is still rampant and has in fact gotten worse, and human rights violations, a major issue during the martial law years of the Marcos administration, is as prevalent as ever. It is as if we got rid of one bad apple to be replaced with a more rotten apple.

Despite these, we continue to celebrate the so-called spirit of Edsa.

They say that victory has many fathers and defeat is an orphan. This is true and because EDSA86 was successful, there are many claiming ownership to the franchise. We often hear of the many exploits of people who participated and took part in activities that eventually led to the resignation of Enrile and Ramos on Feb. 22 that ignited those dramatic events that we are so familiar with and led to the departure of President Marcos to Hawaii on the fourth day of the uprising.

These individual stories are growing as the years go by forgetting that no person or group can claim ownership of EDSA86. The people own EDSA86 and it should be that way.

We also often hear of terms like keepers of the Edsa flame or guardians of Edsa as if these people have the sole right to proclaim themselves to be such. This kind of attitude has only kept the society divided. And what did we expect, we have a President who puts a yellow ribbon on his chest wherever he goes and is the most divisive leader that this country has ever had in recent

Continued on A11

Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

THE EDSA TRAGEDY TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

JOKE OF THE WEEK: Administration candidate Mar Roxas claimed that Vice President Jojo Binay cheated him in 2013. But, Mar did not say when and how.

I really don’t know what Mar is up to. Is he preparing for his claim that after the May 9 elections, he would also be cheated by whoever wins?

I say this since he is a sure loser to me. *** The Filipino people now realize, although late in coming—after three decades, to be sure —that Edsa 1, or the so-called People Power Revolution is not what many think it to be.

Some are not heroes, just beneficiaries.

It was the breakaway military group led by then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and then-Col. Gringo Honasan, later on joined by then-PC/INP Chief Fidel V. Ramos, and backed by Reform the Armed Forces Movement that started everything. The late President Corazon Aquino was a mere beneficiary of this event.

Sadly, after three decades, corruption has become endemic. The son of Aquino is now in power, but the people continue to be poor and helpless.

I cannot but recall the “Dark Ages” of the late Cory Aquino administration after she mothballed the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in an attempt to erase from the face of the earth everything that reminded her the Marcoses.

In the case of BS Aquino III, it’s an era of vindictiveness, incompetence, lack of sensitivity and compassion for the poor, and selective justice.

Thank God he is stepping down soon.

But he has the temerity to ask us to allow his anointed one, former Secretary Manuel Roxas II, to continue his straight path. It’s not the Daang Matuwid, actually, but the road to perdition.

To me, the real tragedy of Edsa 1 is that the people who were not there at Edsa risking their lives are the one benefitting from it.

My gulay, when I see photos in newspapers raising their hands as we celebrate the so-called People Power Revolution, I want to puke.

The only ones I can say were true heroes of Edsa 1 are JPE, Honasan, the RAM members and former President Ramos.

In fact, I would say that we should stop celebrating Edsa 1 because it has become meaningless to the people who should have benefitted from it. *** BS Aquino III claims he has been able to reduce poverty by at least four million with his Conditional Cash Transfer program—a nice name for dole to the poor.

This is a program started by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo not to solve poverty, but only to help the impoverished sector of the economy to be able to send their children to school and get help for health care.

The Aquino administration instead has made the CCT program, now called Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a tool to eradicate poverty. But no less than the World Bank that lends the government funds to continue the program has said that the CCT is not intended to lift the people out of poverty, but to allow them

DURA LEX SED LEX LAST November, the Senate Electoral Tribunal voted to junk the petition to disqualify Senator Grace Poe from her Senate post on the grounds that she did not meet the constitutional requirement of being a natural-born Filipino. The vote went down to five SET members winning over four.

It was a shallow victory, as how the SET voted was very telling: the five who voted against the petition were all senators, and only one of them is a lawyer. Those who voted for Poe’s disqualification were Senior Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Associate Justice Arturo Brion, and Senator Nancy Binay. The three justices agreed with the petition, and people were given a preview of how the Supreme Court would decide once any complaint against the qualifications of Senator Poe as a presidential candidate is raised to the highest tribunal in the land.

Last December, the Comelec en banc decided to cancel Senator Poe’s Certificate of Candidacy since she did not meet the required number of years as a resident in the Philippines and that there are doubts about her citizenship.

Again, it was a decision made by a group, a majority of which are lawyers whose field of expertise is election law.

It would then be no surprise for the Supreme Court to rule against Senator Poe. As a non-lawyer having the experience of being surrounded by lawyers of different stripes, I’d always find myself siding with the experts. If the experts say that Senator Poe misrepresented her citizenship, I’d accept it. If the experts say that Senator Poe erred in computing how long she had been a resident of the Philippines, I’d subscribe to how the experts came to that conclusion.

These law experts have both the

to send their children to school and attend to their hospital needs.

That’s why the numbers don’t add up.

Under the program, each family is entitled to P6,000 a year in medical assistance for pregnant mothers and another P3,000 in educational assistance for poor children. For the past five years of the BS Aquino III administration, the cost of the CCT program has ballooned to almost P63 billion ($1.3 billion) in the more than P3 trillion 2016 national budget.

In other words, contrary to the claims of BS Aquino III that he has done so much to reduce poverty by the CCT dole program, he was lying through his teeth.

Then again, the bigger problem is that we

MINORITY REPORT DANILO SUAREZ letter of the law and jurisprudence on their side.

Speaking of jurisprudence, it shows that Senator Poe does not have history on her side—and that history is too recent for her comfort. Last January, the SC disqualified Manolito S. de Leon from being a mayoral candidate in Basista, Pangasinan, for being an American citizen. The High Court held that De Leon technically retracted his renunciation of his American citizenship when he used his American passport on Sept. 10, 2011 and June 26, 2012. Similarly, the SC disqualified Rommel Arnado last year from his proclamation as mayor of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, because he used his US passport even if he had renounced his US citizenship. As for Senator Poe, her camp admitted that she used her American passport four times after acquiring dual citizenship in 2009, and did not even secure a Philippine immigration requirement for permanent residency for returning citizens.

The discussion on whether Senator Poe is a natural-born Filipino based on her foundling status is a redherring. The framing of the issue in this manner allows partisan players to introduce non-issues such as the negative effect on other foundlings should a contrary decision is arrived at. That issue has kept the public’s attention away from the most basic of facts, which is Poe’s failure to acquire the required 10year residency, found in the Constitution no less, because of her use of her American passport in 2009.

Yes, the issue can be elaborated to esoteric heights and philosophical highs, but it should be grounded on

Filipinos are in effect made hostage to the government loans from the World Bank. Remember: Government still has to pay the loans. *** The Comelec claims, in answer to the petition of returning former Senator Richard Gordon, that the Comelec should comply with the provisions of the Automated Election Systems Law on the use of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail to prevent cheating during the May 9 polls, that such will instead encourage vote-buying.

Fear of vote-buying is speculative, while the law mandates the issuance of an audit-trail receipt. In other words, what’s more important: compliance with the law or Comelec’s fears of vote-buying?

whether Senator Poe properly acquired her residency according to what the law requires, and whether her use of her American passport indeed puts her in the position as Arnado and De Leon.

It is understandable that highprofile cases raised to the Supreme Court would allow for academic elucidations of our laws, especially if the case involves a potential leader of the country. But should a wannabe president, presently a senator, dismiss the lessons of history? Should not the law, applied strictly and sternly to mayors, apply also to an aspirant to the most powerful position in the land? Senator Poe’s case should not be exceptional because she is a presidential candidate; it should be an example of following the due course of law, decided according to its spirit of justice and equality.

We should be fearful of an aspiring president at the infant stages of her life in government with no proof of merit or achievement, and in these infantile stages have tried to bend the law to whatever is convenient to her. The case of Senator Grace Poe should not be treated as sui generis. The Constitutional provision on residency is clear and there is no room for interpretation.

It was strictly enforced before by the Supreme Court, and its decision has already become part of jurisprudence. For her to challenge the Comelec with claims similar to those of De Leon and Arnaldo is not heroic, but a laughable attempt to poke a stick against a steadfast institution that is the Supreme Court, hoping it would budge just because she bears her father’s name.

Dura lex, sed lex is a nifty term I learned from my friends from the law profession. I hope Senator Poe learns it when the Supreme Court rules against her.

The people themselves, four out of 10 in fact, are already saying that there will be cheating in the coming polls. Thus, the Comelec is mandated to do everything possible to assure the people of a credible, clean and honest election.

We have already heard a lot about the cheating during the 2010 and 2013 elections. Thus, it’s imperative for the Comelec to comply with safeguards and remove the thought among the people that cheating will surely take place. *** There is one presidential candidate who I think should withdraw now, simply because she won’t make it. I am referring to Senator Miriam Santiago, who is the tailender in poll survey ratings.

Aside from this, she

is a very sick woman, suffering Stage 4 cancer, and chronic fatigue syndrome that prevents her from attending Senate sessions.

Another candidate who does not have any chance of winning is vice presidential bet Antonio Trillanes, that pathetic figure.

I say these not because I don’t believe Miriam does not deserve to be president. It’s her health condition I am worried about. Note that even during the presidential debate she had to sit down on her chair.

In the case of Trillanes, I believe he will never make it not even in his wildest dreams. For the sake of his friends who contribute to his campaign, he should just withdraw.

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE WHEN Umberto Eco died last week, the world lost an innovative novelist, insightful essayist, and erudite cultural critic.

He was also a renowned academic, one of the few working in the discipline of semiotics. Eco founded and developed the approach called interpretative semiotics.

Simply put, semiotics looks at signs and symbols as a significant part of communication; it is no less than the study of meaning-making.

How relevant is this to our daily lives? Signs, symbols, language, artifacts, and context permeate our landscape and are an integral part of communication systems; they have meanings that influence the viewer consciously and subconsciously.

Take the election advertising campaigns. The symbols in Grace Poe’s Gamma Penumbra ad link her to current issues and emphasize her suitability for president.

Trees sprout (care for the environment), lovers entwine (individual rights, care for the family), elderly people flourish (senior care), and so on. The shadow Poe roll-

The four... From A9 memory. One of the primary duties of a leader is to try to unite his or her people. That leader must try to heal any societal wound that is dividing the people instead of being the promoter of divisiveness.

Unfortunately for us, we have a President who cannot rise above personal pettiness in order to be truly the leader of all Filipinos instead of a segment of the population who belong to the “yellow army.”

People of countries that he has visited must be asking the question whether that yellow ribbon on his chest is the national symbol of our country.

On this score President Aquino is an utter failure and it’s a pity. If there is any one big beneficiary of EDSA86, it is his family and if he has any worth at all as a leader, he should be promoting unity during these trying times instead of fostering disunity.

The Edsa... From A10 *** Supreme Court insiders tell me that the Supreme Court may come out with its decision on the disqualification cases

SEMIOTICS AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION ing up her sleeves shows she’s going to get work done. That image is pure genius.

Looking at her other ads and photos, the white shirts she wears signify cleanliness, innocence, and purity, and these virtues are further reinforced by her personal appearance—minimal makeup, hair tied back.

In contrast, Mar Roxas’ ubiquitous yellow shirts connect him to the Aquino legacy and denote his continuing commitment to the Daang Matuwid. The additional baggage of this symbol, however, are both the achievements and the failures of the current administration.

This is something that all the publicity teams must realize—that symbols have complex layers of meanings, and they do make an impression on the viewer. Also, in crafting messages the symbols used cannot be too far-fetched, otherwise dissonance ensues and the message will be rejected.

This can be seen in the disjointed Roxas imagery. There are photos of him hefting a string of garlic or some other bag of produce, directing traffic, and the latest, chew-

ing on sugar cane. These symbols say: regular guy, one of the common folk, a Juan dela Cruz.

At the same time he and his team trumpet his political pedigree (relationships to late great statesmen, past achievements in public service) and educational attainments (Wharton). These symbols point to elite status.

These two personas—one actual, the other constructed —do not jive. Thus the public finds his messages inconsistent.

Symbols are also open to interpretation, especially when the phenomenon is not commonly encountered.

Rodrigo Duterte’s public profanity is the first for a presidential candidate, and the public is skewed how to translate this on a conceptual level. Is the cursing the mark of an honest and sincere person, or someone rude and mannerless?

To reduce the risk of misunderstanding, the election campaign teams should focus on creating consistent messages rather than focusing on frequency of exposure, such as in flooding mass media with television and radio

commercials. Credibility will suffer even more if the wrong message is reinforced.

Viewers should remember that as good a show as any particular advertisement may be, there isn’t enough time to convey all that needs to be said in 30 seconds or one minute. That is why ads rely heavily on symbols to get their point across, because we are more influenced by them and their meanings than we may realize.

Neither are ads an assurance or an indicator of the actual performance of the candidate when in office, because promises are not always translated into reality.

Umberto Eco proposed that every cultural phenomenon may be studied as communication. Politics and its attendant activities should be scrutinized as to their intended and unintended meanings; take nothing for granted. Discernment is necessary to sift facts from fantasy. *** The Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, and Novelists) in collaboration with the University of Santo

Is it any surprise therefore, that key participants from the military in the Edsa revolt led by Senator Enrile have never attended any Edsa celebration?

To them, the events that led to EDSA86 are viewed differently. They do not agree with that narrative that has been propagated by the “yellow army” that minimizes the participation of the military and emphasizes the participation of those that are aligned and sympathetic with the Aquino administration. Although there are some books written about EDSA86, the whole story is still waiting to be written.

We need to have a definitive and objective book about EDSA86. Otherwise, two versions depending on where one stands will be the only ones out there to be read and digested. There is also this ongoing debate albeit not openly about which effort was responsible in toppling

the Marcos regime. Was it the civilians who mobilized to help the beleaguered military of Enrile and Ramos at the instigation of the late Cardinal Sin, or was it the military who broke away from President Marcos that was responsible for ending Martial Law? Coups de etat have many models. In Thailand, Burma, and other countries, the military can mount a coup without the help or assistance of the people or civil society.

We have seen this recently in Thailand.

For our country, however, the model is different. The people or public on its own cannot force a president to resign. This was demonstrated during the time of President Arroyo when there was a very strong demand by the civil society for her to step down but this did not happen because the military establishment did not join.

The success of the Marcos

and Estrada ousters was because the military and civil society groups joined hands because of convergence of interests to force the ouster of both. So, the debate as to who was the preponderant group is pointless. The more important discussion should be about what happened afterwards.

Are we a better society because of EDSA86 and EDSA2001 or has anything changed at all?

In the many years that the anniversary of EDSA86 has been celebrated, the recurring theme has always been to dwell into the past instead of trying to move on.

If we as people have been able to set aside the brutality of the Japanese occupation and make friends with Japan, then we should also be able to move beyond the painful experiences of the Martial Law years for a better country.

Only then can we truly celebrate the true meaning and relevance of EDSA86.

of Mrs. Mary Grace Natividad Kelly Poe Llamanzares this coming Tuesday, March 1.

My inside sources say that there has been a delay on the promulgation of the decision on the Grace Poe case because

Supreme Court Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno has been reportedly campaign in favor of Mrs. Llamanzares among the justices, even among those who are against her.

Just why the Chief Justice is

so interested in favoring Mrs. Llamanzares is speculative.

Some say she is afraid of being impeached if somebody else becomes president. Don’t ask me why.

Tomas Publishing House launches Marne Kilates’ latest poetry collection on Saturday (Feb. 27).

Lyrical Objects: New and Selected Poems reflect the poet’s daily encounters with reality and memory. The book contains 60 pieces written over a three-month period before the poet’s 60th birthday, with the addition of some revisited from previous collections.

Among the accolades that Kilates has received for his services to Philippine letters as poet and translator are several Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, the Manila Critics Circle National Book Award, the Southeast Asia Write Award, the “Outstanding Albayanon” honor awarded by his home province, and Philippines Graphic magazine Poet of the Year.

The book launch will start 5 p.m. at Solidaridad Bookshop, 531 Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila. It is open to the public and admission is free. E-mail: philippinepen@ yahoo.com.

Facebook: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste, Instagram:@jensdecember

The Plan B... From A9 “Can you jack up our ratings to at least 20 percent?” he (or she) said.

“We’ve been basically told to go up that high, double-quick, or we can’t count on Malacanang’s support anymore.”

Oh, so you’ve been presented with the Roxas Challenge, too. If Mar can do it, so can you, I said, encouragingly.

“We could if we had more support, so it’s really a chicken-and-egg deal,” my Leni backer said. “But how can we go as high and as fast as BBM, who doesn’t even have any television commercials and who was in single-digits just late last year?”

I don’t know, I confessed. But that’s why they pay you the big bucks, heh heh.

I got a “seen” on my message screen.

But no smiley, and that was the end of that.

So I texted my friend Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz (a name, at last!) and congratulated him not only for the panic his candidate Marcos was causing in the palace but also for being recently appointed the senator’s campaign manager. I was corrected yet again.

“I’m just a campaign adviser to BBM,” Jonat said. “If I became campaign manager, people might start asking me for money.”

OK, I said. But what about Plan B.1?

“Magandang pag-usapan yan,” he said. I can’t wait.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Cage hopefuls. The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA hopefuls pose with their coaches, headed by Craig Brown (back row, fourth from left), after topping the first Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Presented

by Alaska Regional Selection Camp at the Benguet State University gym in Baguio City recently. They are (front row, from left) Jan Zyrus De Ayre, Ric Ozner Gatuz, Vincent Madiwo, Rae Jemima Caba and Katreena Areola from Baguio, Wrench Mason Roquid from Laguna, Emmanuel Macaramas and Sergz Quitales, also from Baguio, who all advanced to the National Training Camp in Manila on April 22-24.

8 gold medals at stake in NCAA athletics A TOTAL of eight gold medals, four in seniors and the same number in juniors, will be staked when the 91st NCAA athletics’ competition unfolds today at the Philsports track and field oval in Pasig City.

The first gold medallist will come from senior pole vault followed by juniors’ discus throw and long jump and seniors’ long jump in the morning events.

The other four will be contested in the afternoon in seniors’ discus throw, seniors’ and juniors’ 100 meters and juniors’ 2000 m.

Jose Rizal will be eyeing to extend its reign to six after topping the last five editions of this annual event.

The Bombers though will be without some of their mainstays, including Mark Harry Diones, who dominated triple jump in the last five years that helped the Kalentong-based school keep its stranglehold of the sport.

Elegant Houses-Pampanga bags Pacquiao chess crown

By Arman Armero FINAL Standings: Elegant Houses in Pampanga, NICA Team Ilonggo, Pacman Team A, 12 points; Novelty Chess Club – Bulacan,Tagaytay City, Novelty Chess Club-QC, 11; SLVP Chess Team, Gensan Omicrons, Pacman Negros Slasher 10; Guevarra Law Defenders, Tagaytay City Chess Club, Babablacksheep, Property Expert Realty-A, BATT, Bobby Pacquiao C, Elman Team A 9; Team Larry Dumadag, Novelty School of Quezon City, Property Expert Realty-B, Pangasinan CHess League, TARAKA Chess Team – Lanao Sur, Cotabato Province, Dimachintucan Team, Aton Brothers, Roel Pacquiao Team. Gold Crest MArketing Corp 8.

GRANDMASTER Darwin Laylo outwitted fellow GM Jayson Gonzales in a tense battle at Board 1, as the Daylo-led Elegant Houses in Pampanga swept past top seed Bobby Pacquiao C, 4-0, in the 7th and final round to bring its total to 12 points and pocket the team championship

late Tuesday in the Bobby D. Pacquiao Random Chess Festival 2016 at the Trade Hall of the SM Mall here.

Laylo’s teammates, who like Laylo were assigned the black pieces, also prevailed over their opponents to complete the team’s fightback in the final two rounds.

Board 3’s Norman Longias and Board 4 Gerry Milan fashioned out hard-earned victories over Kevin Mirano and Elnathan Emilio, respectively, for the decisive win.

Laylo’s squad actually ended tied with Team NICA Ilonggo and Pacman Team A at 12, but

won the title via a superior tiebreak.

Team NICA Team Ilonggo edged Gensan Omicrons, 2.5-1.5, while 13th seed Pacman Team A toppled no. 3 and erstwhile solo leader Novelty Chess ClubBulacan, 2.5-1.5 to likewise bring their total to 12.

But as per tournament rules, the top three teams had to split the combined first to third place prizes of P960,000. They took home P330,000 each.

Novelty Chess Club-Bulacan, which held the lead from the second round to the sixth, dropped into a tie for fourth to sixth places with Tagaytay City and Novelty Chess Club-Quezon with 11 points apiece, while SLVP Chess Team, Gensan Omicrons and Pacman Negros Slasher ended up seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively with 10 points each.

Martin, Llamas banner record Castillejo Garcia wins age-group title Palawan Pawnshop net cast By Ronnie Nathanielsz JACOB Martin and Tracy Llamas brace for a tough challenge in their respective sides as they head the record field in the Iloilo leg of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional tennis circuit unfolding today at the Iloilo City Tennis Center.

Over 300 entries are seeing action in the Group 2 tournament, the biggest thus far after eight legs of the annual, nationwide age-grouper put up by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger with top players and rising stars from San Carlos, La Carlota, Bacolod, Negros, Panay Island and Manila in the fold.

“We thank the organizers and host Iloilo for drawing such a huge field and we also recognize these young players’ desire to hone up and raise the level of their games by competing in this top-ranking tournament,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/ CEO Bobby Castro. “Rest assured that the PPS-PEPP will provide them the kind of tournaments they need to improve and become members of future national pool.”

Martin banners the full-packed 64-player cast in the boys’ 16-and-under class but the top-seeded bet from Xavier School will have his hands full against the likes of Karl Baran, Troy Llamas, Matthew Flores, Fernando Po, Rewel Justiniani, Reynan Mahusay and Prince Dimate in the five-day tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association headed by president

and Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

Llamas, on the other hand, tries to atone for a series of setbacks in the last three legs of the circuit backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusively distributor of Slazenger, the official ball, with the top La Carlota, Negros Occidental bet eyeing the girls’ 16- and 18-U plums against Keana de Asis, Averille Sacapano, Bliss Bayking, Avril Suace, Erica Sevilla, Jewel Milliam, Claire Clavaton and Grace Zapanta.

Baran, meanwhile, gains the top seeding in the boys’ 18-U section with Mark Crisosto, Matthew Flores, Troy Llamas, Justiniani, Reynile Marcellana, Mahusay and Ryle Singson out to foil his bid while Justiniani and Po lead the 64-player 14-U cast that includes Pete Rodriguez, Nikhel Nowlakha, Alekzander Po, Joshua Raymundo, Earl Mosquera and Raphael Seballos.

De Asis and Sacapano, on the other hand, spearhead the girls’ 14-U category while Alexa Milliam and Abigail Sacapano are the players to watch in the 12-U side of the event, which also serves as a prelude to the first PPS-PEPP Men’s Open, featuring the country’s leading and upcoming players on Feb. 29-March 5.

For details, call tournament organizer and supervisor Bobby Mangunay, also the PPS-PEPP sports program development director, at 0915-4046464 or log on to www.palawanpawnshoptennis.com.

Matthew beat three seeded players in the Group 3 Philta tournament, but fell to Nio Picache Tria, the No. 1 seed in the finals in three grueling sets, with Tria, the son of movie and TV star Cherry Pie Picache, winning, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4.

Matthew idolizes Spain’s lefty Rafael Nadal for his forehand and footwork, Roger Federer for his serve and Novak Djokovic for his backhand.

THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD Matthew Castillejo Garcia, son of multi-titled former national ladies’ champion Dyan Castillejo Garcia and businessman Anton Garcia, has won the 14-and-under Palawan Pawnshop National Age-Group Championship at the GSIS Tennis Club in Davao City.

In the three-day, Group 2 Philippine Tennis Association-sanctioned tournament, Matthew had an amazing run on the fastpaced hard-court, beating young Lhuillier, 6-2, 6-1, in the semi-finals before cruising past Djondi Velez in the finals, also in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1.

His mother, ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo Garcia, said her son who plays tennis and football, beat players who were seeded higher than him in a long and tiring day, but showed “stamina, resilience and power” to come through handily.

In the previous weekend, Matthew lost in three sets in the finals of the 6th Anthony Tordesillas National Age-Group Championships at the Manila Polo Club.

Matthew Castillejo Garcia and his mother Dyan.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Wizards bring Pelicans, Davis down WASHINGTON —The Washington Wizards weren’t about to grant New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis another sensational scoring night in the NBA on Tuesday.

Talavera vows to KO Pagara in 6 rounds

By Ronnie Nathanielsz NICARAGUA’S bantamweight champion Yesner “Cuajadita” Talavera promises to take unbeaten Prince Albert Pagara out in six rounds when they clash in the main event of “Pinoy Pride 35” at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu on Saturday.

Despite the fact that he is moving up in weight to face Prince Albert Pagara, who has a record of 25-0 with 18 knockouts, the Nicaraguan champion, who is trained by former two-division world champion Rosendo Alvarez, said he isn’t awed by the Filipino’s reputation and came here to shock Filipino fight fans, while making a name for himself.

Talavera isn’t considering the fact that Pagara knocked out the highly touted Nicaraguan southpaw William Gonzalez in the sixth round in ALA Promotions’ initial venture at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California to win the vacant WBO Youth Intercontinental title after earlier scoring a spectacular first-round knockout of Mexico’s Hugo Partida to win the vacant IBF Intercontinental title.

Alvarez warned that Talavera is a fine all-around fighter and that Pagara should be ready for a tough, close fight with the Nicaraguan champion, whom he described as “a bell-to-bell fighter well respected in Nicaragua.”

Prior to leaving Nicaragua for the Philippines, Talavera put on a brave front and said he was “not afraid to fight unbeaten Filipino super bantamweight Prince Albert Pagara despite being a huge underdog.”

Talavera told Nicaraguan media he is “not afraid as I look for recognition.”

An excited Talavera told reporter Ruben Murillo Haxel: “I’m motivated. I took this challenge thinking that my opponent is very tough, but for this we are to fight the best.”

His fight against Pagara will be the star of an eightfight card of ALA Promotions, in cooperation with ABS-CBN. Pagara is regarded as unbeatable and as media reports from Nicaragua said, while Talavera “is happy, in theory they are putting bait to augment the record of a monster.”

John Wall (2) of the Washington Wizards finds an opening in the New Orleans Pelicans’ defense and soars for a layup at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. AFP

PSL to form team for Super League WITH the 2016 PLDT Home Bro Ultera Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference taking a twoweek break, the country’s premier inter-club tournament shifts its focus on the formation of a selection team that will see action in the Thai-Denmark Super League women’s volleyball tournament in Bangkok next month.

PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara yesterday said the PSL Selection has kicked off its buildup under the mentorship of Petron coach George Pascua -- one of the country’s brightest young coaches who steered the Tri-Activ Spikers to a pair of titles, including an impressive 13-0 sweep of the All-Filipino Conference, last year.

Pascua is set to bare his final lineup on Sunday.

“I have no idea on who he will select, but rest assured that it’s going to be a fighting team,” said Suzara, a prominent figure in international volley heading the powerful marketing and

development committee of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

A total of eight teams -- six from Thailand and two foreign teams -- have already confirmed participation in this prestigious one-week tourney bankrolled by SMM TV, which also serves as the official broadcaster of AVC tournaments.

Set to see action are club teams from Hong Kong and the Philippines as well as Thai squads King-Bangkok, Idea Khonkaen, 3BB Nokhonnont, Nakhon Ratchasima, Supreme Chonburi and reigning champion Bangkok Glass, which is expected to parade a powerhouse team consisting of national team mainstays Pornpun Geudpard, Wanida Kotruang, Wiravan Sattayanuchit and skipper Pleumjit Thinkaow.

Suzara added that the success of the Thailand Super League will lead to the creation of a Southeast Asian club tourna-

ment with a home-and-away format before the year ends.

The Philippines and Thailand are the prime movers behind this endeavor while Vietnam and Indonesia already vouched their full support.

The PSL, in fact, had already completed its part as it invited a club team from Thailand to grace the ongoing Invitational Cup. The Thai team, probably Bangkok Glass, will arrive on April 7 to contend with three local teams for the Invitational Conference crown.

“The success of this tournament will open a lot of doors for women’s volleyball in the region,” Suzara said. “We are thankful to the organizers for inviting us and believing in our ability to compete against other top teams in Southeast Asia.

We’re looking forward to having a strong representation that will not only grow the sport in the country, but will also make the country proud.”

World bikefest.

Christian Tan (left), Vice President of the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, formalizes with a handshake the appointment of Leonardo “Ding” Andres as FESSAP Local Government Unit coordinator for the 2016 World University Cycling Championship to be held in Tagaytay City, Batangas and Cavite from March 16 to 20. The world championship will see the participation of teams from at least 17 countries.

Wizards guard John Wall notched his second triple-double of the season and Washington smothered Davis in a 109-89 triumph over the Pelicans.

In Davis’s first game since he dropped 59 points on the Detroit Pistons in a win on Sunday, he was held to just nine points on three-of-nine shooting.

“I just think they tried to double-team me, deny me the ball -- a lot,” Davis said.

“They did a great job on him,” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry added of the Wizards defense on Davis. “A guy gets 59, I guarantee you game-plan for him the next game.”

With Davis wrapped up, none of his teammates were able to step up. No Pelicans starter scored in double figures as New Orleans shot a season-low 34.9 percent.

Wall, meanwhile, finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the Wizards, who have won three of four games since the All-Star break.

Washington outscored the Pelicans 31-14 in the third quarter for an 85-65 lead, and led by 23 points in the fourth.

Wizards center Marcin Gortat had 21 points, and forward Jared Dudley sank six three-pointers for 18 points. The effort on the other end of the court fueled the victory.

“I think we came out and got some defensive stops, held them from scoring, and (Dudley) got hot,” Wall said.

Davis did pull down 20 rebounds for the second straight game. But the Wizards won the rebounding battle 55-48.

Davis wasn’t surprised by the extra defensive attention he received after his big game against the Pistons.

“That’s why we tried to prepare for it in practice yesterday and then shoot-around,” he said. “We worked on it, but we missed shots early, and they just stayed with their coverage.”

- Jazz down Rockets in overtime The Utah Jazz withstood a 42-point performance from Houston guard James Harden to post a much-needed 117-114 overtime victory over the Rockets.

Gordon Hayward scored 28 points with seven rebounds and five assists and forward Derrick Favors added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Jazz.

Favors produced a put-back basket late in overtime and Houston missed two potential game-tying three-pointers in the final seconds.

The Jazz, who had lost three of their last four games, improved to 28-28 and moved past 28-29 Houston for eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

Harden connected on 16 of 30 shots from the floor, but the Rockets couldn’t get the lead in overtime after forcing the extra session with a fourth-quarter comeback. Veteran Jason Terry hit a game-tying three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining in regulation for the Rockets. AFP

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

T H U R S DAY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Morales tries to break away from pack Republic of the Philippines Office of the President NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT OFFICE Office Address: Website:

Biliran-Leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur

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

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

INVITATION TO BID No. 08-2016 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Region 8, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contracts. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Approved Budget for Item/Description Duration Contract (Php) 1. BIGRIS Contract #09-2016– Construction of Protection Works & 25,756,670.72 300 cd Desilting of Ibawon Dam, Ibawon RIS, MacArthur, Leyte 2. BIGRIS Contract #10-2016– Construction of Canal Lining with 9,409,330.79 280 cd Protection Works at Lateral A 3. BHHDRIS Contract #28-2016– Repair of Embankment Protection Dike of Das-ay RIS Dam, Hinunangan, Southern 10,584,685.89 280 cd Leyte 4. BHHDRIS Contract #34-2016– Construction & Repair of Canal 1,722,928.40 180 cd Lining, Das-ay RIS, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government procurement Reform Act”.

Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm. The pre-bid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the Bid documents.

The schedule of BAC activities are as follows: 1.

BAC Activities Issuance of Bid Documents

Schedule Starting February 12, 2016

Time 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2.

Pre-bid Conference

February 19, 2016

10:00a.m.

3.

Receipt and Opening of Bids

March 3, 2016

2:00 p.m.

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

(SGD.) GLORIA A. SEVILLA BAC Chairman Noted:

Republic of the Philippines CITY OF SAN PEDRO Province of Laguna BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE The City Government of San Pedro Laguna through the 2016LSBBudget Approved

by Sangguniang Panglungsodintends to apply the sum of Php 8,906,356.10being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the hereunder project: NAME OF PROJECT: LOCATION: ABC: SOURCE OF FUND: CONTRACT DURATION:

(SGD.) ROMEO G. QUIZA Regional Manager

(TS-FEB. 25, 2016)

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT OFFICE Website:

The 31-year-old Morales came through with his first lap victory in the Stage 3 criterium in Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro Tuesday to put more distance between him and the chase pack, headed by fellow Navymen Lloyd Lucien Reynante and Ronald Oranza.

Morales said he will need a smooth and solid performance in Stage 4 to finally secure the title.

“I just try to make it a smooth ride as much as possible,” said Morales, who will be flagged off last for being the wearer of the red LBC jersey, which symbolic for the race leader, in Filipino.

Entering today’s lap, Morales has accumulated 39 points, including a whopping 28 points from reigning supreme in Stage 3 and finishing second

Biliran-Leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur

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

behind Oranza in Stages 1 and 2 in Butuan City over the weekend.

He got eight points from ending up second behind eventual King of the Mountain winner Reynante and another three points for ruling the intermediate sprint both in the opening stage.

Reynante is at a distant second with 29 points, while Oranza, who reigned supreme in the first two stages, is at third with 27.

Morales said he’ll just try to keep it a troublefree ride in the last two stages to secure victory.

“I’ll just try to avoid trouble,” he said.

The Daniel Ven Carino and Rudy Roque were at joint No. 4 overall with 25 points apiece, while Joel Calderon is in sixth with 14 points followed by another Navyman John Mark Camingao (11).

Navy’s El Joshua Carino, the elder brother of Daniel Ven, was at No. 8 with nine points while LBCMVPSF’s Arnold Marco (7) and Team LCC Lutayan’s James Paolo Ferfas (6) rounded up the top 10.

The race, 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, will close out with a 158.32-km Stage Five in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Saturday.

INVITATION TO BID

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents to eligible bidders from the address above and upon payment of non-refundable amount of P25,000.00 for package #1, P15,000.00 for package #3, P10,000.00 for package #2, P5,000.00 for package #4to the Cashier.

Office Address:

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon— Jan Paul Morales of Navy-Standard Insurance tries to further widen the gap as the Mindanao Leg of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2016 goes to this municipality Thursday with the 21.7-kilometer Stage Four in Brgy.

San Miguel here.

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

INVITATION TO BID No. 09-2016 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Region 8, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contracts. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Approved Budget for Item/Description Duration Contract (Php) 1. MPBRIS Contract #12-2016- Rehabilitation of Mainit Diversion 7,765,315.41 280 cd Dam, Mainit RIS, Alangalang, Leyte 2. MPBRIS Contract #13-2016- Construction of Canal Lining and 7,278,754.63 280 cd Structures, Mainit RIS, Alangalang, Leyte 3. MPBRIS Contract #14-2016- Construction of Canal Lining and 19,028,831.19 300 cd Structures, Mainit RIS, Alangalang, Leyte 4. MPBRIS Contract #15-2016- Construction of Canal Lining and 7,001,640.72 280 cd Structures, Mainit RIS, Alangalang, Leyte 5. MPBRIS Contract #16-2016- Construction of Canal Lining at 5,530,019.02 280 cd East Main Canal, Mainit RIS, Alangalang, Leyte

Proposed Two Storey School Building (2 classroom) Proposed Two Storey School Building (4 classroom) Proposed School Stage Brgy. Estrella Elementary School Php 8,906,356.10 LSBBudget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod 240Calendar Days

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now 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 above-mentioned projects. Completion of the Works is required on or before the contract duration.Bidders should have completed, two (2) calendar 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. Instructions to Bidders. Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget for the Contract shall be automatically rejected at bid opening Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary 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, unless otherwise stated, 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, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or 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 eligible bidders will be opened. In accordance with the IRR-A of R.A 9184, the contract/project shall only be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder who was determined as such during post-qualification.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the City Government of San Pedro, Laguna and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:30AM to 9:30 AM only.

Office of BAC Secretariat 4/F Conf.Rm. City Administrator’s Office San Pedro City Hall A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of PESOS: 10,000.00.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 11, 2016at 10:00AM:

The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government procurement Reform Act”.

Pre-Bid Conference: February 29, 2016 at 10:00am

Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm. The pre-bid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the Bid documents.

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 above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The schedule of BAC activities are as follows: 1.

BAC Activities Issuance of Bid Documents

Schedule Starting February 19, 2016

Time 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2.

Pre-bid Conference

February 24, 2016

10:00a.m.

3.

Receipt and Opening of Bids

March 8, 2016

2:00 p.m.

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents to eligible bidders from the address above and upon payment of non-refundable amount of P25,000.00 for package #1, P15,000.00 for package #3, P10,000.00 for package #2, P5,000.00 for package #4to the Cashier.

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

(SGD.) GLORIA A. SEVILLA BAC Chairman

All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Awards of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The City Government of San Pedro, Lagunareserves 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: Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat San Pedro City Hall San Pedro, Laguna Telefax No. 808.2020 loc.320 (sgd.) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

Noted: (SGD.) ROMEO G. QUIZA Regional Manager

Office of BAC Secretariat 4/F Conf.Rm. City Administrator’s Office San Pedro City Hall

(TS-FEB. 25, 2016)

(TS-FEB. 25, 2016)

Luisita, Canlubang rivalry heats up CLARK, Angeles—Defending champion Canlubang and arch rival Luisita renew their storied rivalry at the start of the Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf team championships Thursday at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club.

The two rivals have divided the titles evenly since 2000, each winning eight. This year won’t be an exception.

Tommy Manotoc and Eddie Bagtas, who figured in a tie for the individual title last year in Cebu City, will sit out the first round to be played at the tougher Mountainview layout.

Canlubang is fielding national seniors champion Abraham Avena, Rene Unson, Mari Hechanova and Dave Hernandez.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia and Pepot Inigo will team up with fresh recruits Jingy Tuason and Chito Laureta for Luisita.

The 19-time champion Luisita made a minor revamp of its lineup by recruiting three new players, an addition not lost on Manotoc.

“They’re young,” exclaimed Manotoc. “Luisita is definitely stronger.

If you take a look at our team, we’re older.”

Avena, the national seniors champion, is returning for Canlubang following a car accident last year that prevented him from playing in Cebu.

If Avena plays according to form, Canlubang can match up with Luisita’s first round lineup.

Aside from the championship division, the Founders and Aviator will be played at the Mountainview. Action in the Sportswriters and Friendship classes gets going at the Acacia and Lakeview.

T H U R S DAY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

No. 2 Thompson seeks title shot

The deal was formalized between Smart Broadband Marketing Head Pam Santiago and UFC executive vice president Kenneth Berger.

At UFC 195 last Jan. 2, Lawler defended his title and defeated Carlos Condit via a split decision in a very close fight.

On the other hand, McDonald had a rematch with Lawler on July 11 last year at UFC 189, and lost the fight via technical knockout in the fifth round.

Smart will also be a provider of UFC Fight Pass, a digital platform which will give fans with exclusive content and access to fighters.

Thompson is currently undefeated through 37 amateur and 20 professional kickboxing matches, 28 wins of which coming by knockout.

By Peter Atencio

STEPHEN Thompson, who just climbed to no. 2 in the welterweight division, is looking forward to having a title shot in the coming months.

Thompson, also known as “The Wonder Boy,” is coming off the biggest win of his career after knocking out former Ultimate Fighting Championship titlist Johny Hendricks three weeks ago.

He is now setting his sights on a possible showdown with either top-ranked welterweight fighter Robbie Lawler or no. 1 contender Rory McDonald.

“I just moved up to no. 2. If it’s not Lawler, there’s one guy ahead of me, and that’s McDonald,” said the 33-year-old Thompson during a meet-and-

greet Wednesday at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig.

At the meet-and-greet, Thompson talked about his exploits, in which he brought down Hendricks in just a little over 3 minutes in the first round.

His latest outing gave him a 12-1 win-loss record in a sixyear stint with UFC. In the same event, UFC announced a multi-year partnership with Smart, which will be the official and exclusive mobile carrier of UFC through Smart Bro.

A glorious triumph by Sylvia Alejandro, Albert Quiogue MESSAGE from the Administrator, Philippine Tournament Bridge Association: Congratulations to the pair of Albert Quiogue and Sylvia Alejandro who SYLVIA LOPEZ emerged victorious in this year Ike Belo National Mixed Pairs Championship.

ALEJANDRO This Championship is the first of five national championships PTBA conducts annually.

Last week I had written that we picked the number seven which proved lucky for us. I might also add the game calls for skill. At 79 years of age, the age that Justice Scalia died, I am able, despite being a senior citizen, to sustain my bridge skills with the help of the internet.

Players Albert Quiogue Sylvia Alejandro Allen Tan Gemma Tan Joli Kansil Nena Ramirez

Session 1 Match points 118 95 87

Session 1 Rank 1 2 3

The following results is the proof that our victory was not a fluke.

Last week I demonstrated the offensive skills of Alejandro and Quiogue. I will now feature the defensive skills when we put down the contracts by our opponents.

Board 22 North E Deals ♠K1054 E-W Vul ♥A106 ♦KJ2 ♣QJ7 West East ♠AQ96 ♠J832 ♥♥KJ953 ♦A10876 ♦94 ♣K862 ♣103 South ♠7 ♥Q8742 ♦Q53 ♣A954 West

North

1♣ Pass

Dbl Pass

East Pass 2♥

South Pass Pass

On the play.

I sat South lead. I led my singleton spade.

Declarer East played the queen and won by Albert’s King. He returned the small spade followed small spade from East which I trumped.

I played the small diamond which East played the ten and Albert’s king won. Another spade played

by Albert which I trumped. When the smoke cleared the opponents were down five tricks.

The following deals illustrate the principle

Session 2 Match points 57 52 50

Session 2 Rank 1 2 4

Total Match points 175 147 137

Final Rank 1 2 3

Overall Percentage 66.29% 55.68% 51.89%

when you are facing opponents who are vulnerable you can stretch a little to derail opponents’ ice cold contract.

Board 19 North S Deals ♠J862 E-W Vul ♥653 ♦AQ654 ♣9 West East ♠K9743 ♠A105 ♥KJ10 ♥984 ♦J ♦K3 ♣A1074 ♣KJ652 South ♠Q ♥AQ72 ♦109872 ♣Q83 West

North

East

1♠ Pass

Pass Pass

3NT 4♠

South Pass 4♦

When East jumped bid to three notrump after partner’s opening bid of one spade, sitting South it was my turn to bid, I decided, after all we were not vulnerable (a doubled against us may cost 500 imps as against their 600 imps for their contract), to bid four diamonds. Our opponents bid four spades. Taking them out at their comfort level paid off for us.

Four spades was cold however declarer forgot his king of diamonds was good because the Ace was led earlier by Albert.

Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yahoo

UFC Welterweight Stephen “Wonder Boy” Thompson (left) visits Manila on a whirlwind tour dubbed “UFC & Cignal Present: On the Rise, Stephen Thompson” to highlight the brand’s expansion and growth in Asia, especially in the Philippines where mixed-martial arts has gained a loyal and rapidly growing fanbase. Thompson is joined here by his father Ray. TEDDY PELAEZ

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGION IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Cainta, Rizal

INVITATION TO BID

February 24, 2016

The Department of Education Regional Office of Region IV-A (CALABARZON), through its Bids and Award Committee (BAC) invites contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to bid for the following projects at DepEd Regional Office IV-A (CALABARZON), Gate 2-Karangalan Drive, Cainta, Rizal : Cluster Name of Project Recipient Schools Location Cost of Bid Docs Contract Duration Amount (Php)

1 Rehabilitation of Gebaldon Building Gumaca National High School Gumaca Quezon 23,000.00 150 13,625,723.47

Cluster Name of Project Recipient Schools Location Cost of Bid Docs Contract Duration Amount (Php)

2 Rehabilitation of Gebaldon Building Guinayangan Elementary School Guinayangan Quezon 23,000.00 150 10,413,810.00

Cluster Name of Project Recipient Schools Location Cost of Bid Docs Contract Duration Amount (Php)

3 Rehabilitation of Gebaldon Building Sta. Cruz Elementary School San Pablo City 1,000.00 60 950,400.00

TOTAL

24,039,533.47

Prospective biders must be PHILGEPS registered with a valid PCAB License applicable to the contract. Have completed a similar contract with value of atleast 50% of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), and with key personnel and equipment available for the execution of the contract. The BAC will use nondiscretionary pass/fail criteria in the Preliminary Examination of Bids and conduct post-qualification of the lowest calculated bid.

All particulars relative to the Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post-qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR).

T h e s c h e d u l e o f B AC a c t i v i t i e s i s a s f o l l o w s: No.

BAC Activities

SCHEDULE

VENUE

1

Advertisement

February 26,2016MARCH 4, 2016

2

Issuance of Bid Documents

February 29, 2016MARCH 15, 2016

ESSD

3

Pre-bid Conference

MARCH 3, 2016,9:00 AM

DepED RO IV-A Conference Room

4

Receipt and Opening of Bids

MARCH 15, 2016,9:00AM

DepED RO IV-A Conference Room

The BAC will issue bidding documents to prospective bidders at Education Support Services Division (ESSD), DepED Regional Ofice-IV-A, Gate 2, Karangalan Drive, Cainta, Rizal upon payment of a non-refundable amount to the Regional Office Cashier.

T h e D e p E D R e g i o n a l O f f i c e I V- A r e s e r ve s t h e r i g h t t o a c c e p t o r r e j e c t a ny b i d , a n d t o a n n u l t h e b i d d i n g p r o c e s s a n d r e j e c t a l l b i d s p r i o r t o c o n t r a c t a w a r d , w i t h o u t t h e r e by i n c u r r i n g a ny l i a b i l i t y t o the af fected bidder or bidders.

(SGD) ANN GERALYN T. PELIAS Chief Administrative Officer RBAC Chairman ( T S - F E B . 2 5 , 2 016)

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T H U R S DAY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 16 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

Star’s Justin Melton is trapped by a double-team put up by Blackwater’s Mike Cortez and Carlo Lastimosa in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game won by the Hotshots, 122-103.

Hotshots notch 1st win, send Elite back to earth

By Jeric Lopez

IT’S about time.

Star finally broke its dry spell as it vented its ire on Blackwater, sending the sophomore franchise back to earth with a resounding 122-103 rout to finally list a win in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Denzel Bowles was his usual productive self, tallying team-highs 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while James Yap set the tone early for Star on his way to scoring 15 points and four rebounds.

With an improved 1-3 slate, Star, though still at the bottom

of the pack, is back in the thick of things, but it would still need to rack up more wins to improve its standing.

On the other hand, the Elite saw their two-game winning streak snapped as they fell to an even 2-2 card.

Aware that they need to step it up as it was a must-win situ-

ation, the Hotshots turned in their finest performance so far to finally break into the win column and avoid a deeper hole.

“I thought our defense held up and it was really good, that’s why we got that good lead in the first half,” said Star coach Jason Webb.

“We’re just happy that we finally got our first win,” added Bowles Playing with a lot of urgency, Star came out with guns blazing, starting the first five minutes of the game with a 17-4 spurt after Yap scored eight quick points in that stretch to lead the team.

It was in the second pe-

riod, where the Hotshots broke the game wide open when they continued their juggernaut and built an even more sizeable 19-point lead, 53-34, with just over three minutes left before halftime after a Jake Pascual jumper. At the half, Star’s lead stood at 17 points, 58-41.

The veteran squad never looked back from there.

The win-hungry Star pounced harder in the second half and kept its safe distance until it formalized the victory.

Showing no mercy at all, the Hotshots increased their lead up to 28 points, 109-81, after a monster slam from Bowles with

Wizards bring Pelicans down

Castillejo Garcia wins U-14 title

TURN TO A13

TURN TO A12

less than seven minutes to go in the game.

Blackwater was never in the game at all.

Its improved play in its last two games was nowhere to be found as Star completely blew them out of the building from start to finish.

The only positive that the Elite got from the loss was the unleashing of import MJ Rhett, who finally had a breakout game with monster game-highs of 30 points and 21 rebounds in a losing effort.

Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:15 p.m. • Mahindra vs. NLEX 7 p.m. • San Miguel vs. GlobalPort

Adamson rips FEU, ends slide PLAYING with a sense of urgency, Adamson University hacked out a 21Games Saturday 25, 17-25, (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 25-19, 25- 8 a.m. – UST vs AdU (Men) 10 a.m. – ADMU vs 23, 15-10 NU (Men) victor y 12:30 p.m. – UE vs AdU (Women) over Far 4:30 p.m. – DLSU vs Eastern ADMU (Women) Un i versity and arrest a four-game slide in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at The Arena.

Rookie May Roque came through with a career-high 23 points, including three service aces, while Jema Galanza chipped in 16 points and nine digs as the Lady Falcons booked their second win in six matches in seventh spot. “’Yung nga (slow start) ang nagiging problema namin sa mga previous games namin. Pero ‘yung mga napag-usapan namin, maglaro lang ng tama, makakabawi at makakabawi din,” said Adamson coach Sherwin Meneses. “Importante ‘yung pagkapanalo namin kasi magkaka-dikit dikit na ulit ang standings.”

Mylene Paat hit all of her three service aces in the Lady Falcons’ stirring 10-2 start in the fifth set.

The Lady Tamaraws were able to cut down the deficit to 10-14 before a reception error did the Morayta-based spikers in.

It was a double celebration for Adamson, as its men’s squad extended its winning run to five with a narrow 25-18, 25-23, 18-25, 18-15, 15-13 victory over University of the Philippines.

B1

THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 25, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

business@thestandardtoday.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

December imports dived 26%

By Gabriele H. Binaday

MERCHANDISE imports dived 25.8 percent in December 2015 from a year ago, the steepest drop in more than six years, on lower shipment of raw materials and drastic slump in petroleum prices, data from Philippine Statistics Authority showed Wednesday.

Data showed monthly imports fell to $4 billion in December, the lowest in years, from $5.47 billion recorded in the same month in 2014.

The 25.8-percent drop in December 2015 was the steepest in

six years, or since the 37.1-percent contraction in April 2009, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.

It halted six consecutive months of growth in imported

merchandise. Imports grew 10.1 year-on-year percent in November.

Total imports in 2015 hit $66.7 billion, up 2 percent from $65.4 billion in 2014, while total exports dropped 6 percent to $58.6 billion from $62.1 billion in the same period. This resulted in a trade deficit of $8 billion in 2015, wider than the $3.3-billion deficit in 2014.

Neda said imports were expected to rebound this year. “Despite this decline in December, strong domestic demand will prop up imports growth in the near term, as we expect continued expansion in inward shipments of power-

generating machines, office and electronic data processing machines and telecommunications equipment,” said Neda deputy director-general Margarita Songco.

“Investor confidence in the country is still growing and is seen to increase investments. This will in turn boost demand for imports of capital goods as well as raw materials and intermediate goods,” Songco said.

Inbound shipment of raw materials and intermediate goods pulled down total imports bill in December, as it fell 53.2 percent, followed by the 20.3-percent decline in consumer goods.

Neda said imports of materials and accessories for the manufacture of electrical equipment, sourced mainly from Taiwan, Japan and Singapore, dipped 74 percent yearon-year.

This partly mirrors the decline in global electronic and semiconductors sales in December 2015 due to softening global demand which declined 30.3 percent year-on-year to $1.280 billion, Neda said.

ING Bank lead economist Joey Cuyegkeng said the drop in oil prices was another major reason for the steep decline of imports in December.

PSe comPoSite index Closing February 24, 2016

8000 8340 7880 7420 6960 6500

6,769.26 50.06

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing February 24, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P47.620

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P47.610 LOW P47.715 AVERAGE P47.677 VOLUME 529.800M

P417.00-P627.00 LPG/11-kg tank

Sun Life-Voyager partnership. Insurance provider Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. and Voyager Innovations, the digital innovations arm of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Smart Communications Inc., sign a strategic partnership for the development of financial technology or ‘fintech’ services for emerging markets, starting with the Philippines. Shown during the announcement of the collaboration at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona are (from left) Sun Life chief business development officer Michael Manuel, Sun Life senior advisor Greg Martin, Voyager president and chief executive Orlando Vea, Voyager managing director for fintech, digital inclusion and alliances Lito Villanueva and Voyager chief operating officer Benjie Fernandez.

Jollibee buys out Chinese partner for $10.4m

By Jenniffer B. Austria RESTAURANT chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. said Wednesday it signed a $10.4-million deal to buy out its partner and take full ownership of Yonghe King chain in China.

Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange wholly-owned unit Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. signed an agreement with Hua Xia Harvest Holdings Pte. Ltd. to acquire the latter’s 30-percent equity shareholding in the joint venture entity Happy Bee Foods Processing Pte. Ltd. Prior to the acquisition, JWPL owned a 70-percent interest in Happy Bee, which operates a

manufacturing facility in Anhui, China that currently services the requirements of Yonghe King, its flagship restaurant in China, as well as other business institutions other than JFC’s brands.

Yonghe King is currently Jollibee’s largest business in China comprising 321 stores and contributing 10 percent of its systemwide sales worldwide.

Under the agreement, Hua Xia will sell and convey to JWPL its 30-percent equity interests in Happy Bee. In exchange, Happy Bee shall sell and convey to Hua Xia’s nominees entity the assets and contracts related to the thirdparty supply business.

“The objectives of the acquisition of the 30 percent ownership of Happy Bee, essentially an equity share and asset swap, are for Jollibee to concentrate on supporting growth of its Yonghe King business an on further improving its food quality and increasing assurance on food safety,” the fastfood giant in a disclosure said.

Jollibee said Yonghe King planned to accelerate its store network growth in 2016 and in the years ahead.

The transfer of shares and assets shall be subject to appropriate governmental and regulatory approvals which are expected to be completed within 2016.

Jollibee operates 20 commissaries worldwide, including 13 in the Philippines, 3 in China and 1 each in the United States and Vietnam.

It builds and operates its own commissary to supply food products to its restaurants. This supply chain strategy aims to achieve superiority in product quality and a very high level of assurance in food safety.

Aside from Yonghe King, Jollibee also owns several brands in China, including Hong Zhuang Yuan with has 42 stores and San Pin Wang with 59 outlets.

In 2015, Jollibee’s net income fell 10.4 percent to P4.8 billion from P5.3 billion posted in 2014 due to extraordinary costs.

P33.30-P40.75 Unleaded Gasoline

oPriceS il P today

P20.40-P23.80 Diesel P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, February 24, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

47.6230

Japan

Yen

0.008923

0.4249

UK

Pound

1.401400

66.7389

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128705

6.1293

Switzerland

Franc

1.008369

48.0216

Canada

Dollar

0.726639

34.6047

Singapore

Dollar

0.711491

33.8833

Australia

Dollar

0.720877

34.3303

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656748

126.5223

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266702

12.7011

Brunei

Dollar

0.708968

33.7632

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.027997

1.3333

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

12.9660

Euro

Euro

1.101800

52.4710

Korea

Won

0.000813

0.0387

China

Yuan

0.153224

7.2970

India

Rupee

0.014587

0.6947

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.238209

11.3442

New Zealand

Dollar

0.665912

31.7127

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030066

1.4318 Source: PDS Bridge

THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 25, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Wednesday, February 24, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 4 17 30.45 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 8.7 12.02 19.6 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 Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank 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 89 148 20.6 85 36 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3 32 15.32 20.2 10.08 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173

4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 6.75 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.87 8.45 3 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 161 4.1 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Century Food Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

LBC Express Mabuhay Vinyl Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ SPC Power Corp.

Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 0.66 1455

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 0.152 837

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

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

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anscor `A’ Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Forum Pacific GT Capital IPM Holdings JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Orion San Miguel Corp `A’ 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 1.97

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev.

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

SHARES 12,493,684 81,522,052 206,104,120 195,016,096 216,794,602 308,467,773 1,020,873,474

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.98 2.9 44.95 44.5 100.00 97.75 87.10 84.00 36 35.5 3.20 2.80 1.35 1.30 9.5 9.5 14.04 14 16.4 16.2 1.74 1.67 580.00 560.00 0.500 0.490 76.25 71.9 15.02 15.00 52.90 52.05 102.9 97 275 274 34.4 33.5 144 140.7 1330.00 1299.00 56.00 55.00 1.55 1.54 INDUSTRIAL 43 43.25 42.75 5.45 5.5 5.24 0.66 0.66 0.65 1.41 1.45 1.4 10.3 10.5 10.2 39.1 48.7 48.7 188.00 190.00 190.00 17.5 17.58 17.4 79 74.95 68 18 18.42 17.7 2.25 2.4 2.24 2.3 2.55 2.27 11.4 11.48 11.4 8.600 8.590 8.280 7.30 7.30 7.28 5.80 5.80 5.55 7.18 7.20 6.89 1.79 1.95 1.79 20.5 20.75 20.15 60.2 60.5 59 11.02 12.40 11.04 13.80 13.84 13.64 5.5 5.58 5.49 2.300 2.330 2.280 220.00 220.00 218.80 8.69 8.64 7.81 3.37 3.1 3.09 27.4 27.45 26.85 16.4 16.4 16.18 5.8 5.85 5.8 319.00 319.20 316.00 3.31 3.3 3.15 9.30 9.25 8.86 2.7 2.91 2.91 3.69 3.69 3.69 1.83 1.80 1.75 2.76 2.78 2.74 3.80 3.84 3.70 142 145 142 3.9 4.05 4.05 2.4 2.4 2.4 0.152 0.154 0.150 1.25 1.44 1.29 2.15 2.17 2.16 196 195.8 190.5 4.6 4.7 4.6 0.64 0.64 0.62 1.04 1.08 1.05 HOLDING FIRMS 0.325 0.335 0.320 57.9500 58.0500 57.5500 14.58 14.58 14.44 6.00 6.05 6.04 699.5 699.5 690 7.23 7.24 7.19 12.58 12.5 12.30 4.51 4.5 4.5 0.231 0.228 0.227 1273 1293 1268 9.80 9.50 9.50 70.00 69.95 67.50 5.44 5.42 5.28 0.67 0.68 0.65 16.2 16.12 16.04 0.49 0.5 0.5 5.78 5.85 5.7 0.0310 0.0330 0.0310 2.150 2.190 2.140 69.00 70.00 67.05 827.00 838.00 806.00 1.06 1.10 1.06 0.78 0.77 0.77 150.000 151.000 147.000 0.3100 0.3100 0.3000 0.2000 0.2100 0.2000 0.285 0.295 0.285 PROPERTY 6.900 6.900 6.830 0.86 0.87 0.83 1.400 1.410 1.340 0.217 0.219 0.218 33.000 32.850 32.200 3.14 3.16 3.07 5 5.2 4.65 0.570 0.58 0.560 0.99 0.98 0.91 2.9 45 100.00 87.80 36 2.80 1.30 10 14.1 16.32 1.75 566.00 0.490 76.4 15.00 53.00 97 270 34.3 142.5 1280.00 55.10 1.58

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.95 44.8 98.95 85.25 36 2.95 1.35 9.5 14.04 16.2 1.74 560.00 0.500 75.3 15.02 52.20 102.9 274 34 141.3 1330.00 55.30 1.54

1.72 -0.44 -1.05 -2.90 0.00 5.36 3.85 -5.00 -0.43 -0.74 -0.57 -1.06 2.04 -1.44 0.13 -1.51 6.08 1.48 -0.87 -0.84 3.91 0.36 -2.53

60,000 19,900 683,550 3,808,820 57,100 140,000 283,000 300 3,200 135,100 58,000 200 830,000 4,173,450 21,900 3,670 1,000 110 15,400 259,620 15 2,770 8,000

42.95 5.4 0.65 1.45 10.5 48.7 190.00 17.5 68 18 2.27 2.55 11.4 8.300 7.29 5.65 7.01 1.84 20.25 59.3 12.00 13.64 5.58 2.300 220.00 8.02 3.09 26.9 16.18 5.8 319.00 3.27 9.02 2.91 3.69 1.77 2.76 3.82 142 4.05 2.4 0.154 1.35 2.17 194 4.7 0.62 1.08

-0.12 -0.92 -1.52 2.84 1.94 24.55 1.06 0.00 -13.92 0.00 0.89 10.87 0.00 -3.49 -0.14 -2.59 -2.37 2.79 -1.22 -1.50 8.89 -1.16 1.45 0.00 0.00 -7.71 -8.31 -1.82 -1.34 0.00 0.00 -1.21 -3.01 7.78 0.00 -3.28 0.00 0.53 0.00 3.85 0.00 1.32 8.00 0.93 -1.02 2.17 3.85

414,900 1,515,300 12,000 76,000 700 200 10 813,100 270 400,400 2,601,000 14,075,000 27,700 3,070,800 1,768,000 12,718,300 819,500 72,000 200,900 132,670 28,400 46,100 161,100 897,000 803,330 46,500 34,000 623,600 283,700 210,300 80,660 567,000 17,231,300 1,000 125,000 562,000 117,000 8,215,000 3,000 5,000 65,000 2,560,000 1,899,000 3,436,000 1,693,770 12,000 529,000 74,000

0.320 58.0000 14.58 6.05 695 7.19 12.48 4.5 0.227 1280 9.50 68.50 5.28 0.68 16.06 0.5 5.74 0.0330 2.170 70.00 838.00 1.06 0.77 151.000 0.3000 0.2000 0.295

-1.54 0.09 0.00 0.83 -0.64 -0.55 -0.79 -0.22 -1.73 0.55 -3.06 -2.14 -2.94 1.49 -0.86 3.09 -0.69 6.45 0.93 1.45 1.33 0.00 -1.28 0.67 -3.23 0.00 3.51

730,000 733,480 11,945,425.50 3,520,500 1,396,658.00 9,000 385,170 45,702,410.00 252,000 697,156.00 1,842,000 -3,314,360.00 3,000 500,000 105,575 109,919,900.00 2,190,300 1,602,180 -59,861,897.00 9,259,400 -9,223,330.00 6,000 1,442,100 -4,538,764.00 60,000 26,870,700 -43,323,976.00 145,600,000 -12,800.00 723,000 727,410 -14,302,721.00 325,370 77,151,890.00 6,355,000 10,000 134,350 760,000 1,280,000 370,000

6.900 0.85 1.380 0.219 32.500 3.12 5.2 0.570 0.97

0.00 -1.16 -1.43 0.92 -1.52 -0.64 4.00 0.00 -2.02

1,321,800 625,000 434,000 170,000 6,006,000 2,748,000 1,112,300 3,570,000 60,338,000

797,260.00 -11,653,929 -130,340,320.00

14,040.00 -1,085,950.00 1,740.00 -50,000.00 -43,225,664.50 105,196.50 54,650 -7,495,033.00 -130,442.00 -552,445.00 386,931.00

11,478,006.00 339,040.00 169,800.00 6,328,760.00 -292,288.00 -11,634,875.00 -7,242,943.00 -13,073,576.00 319,958.00 -13,689,020.00 1,106,074.50 -613,800.00 545,600.00 -99,290.00 99,011,490.00 5,838,110.00 108,778.00 35,467.00 -1,419,636.00 1,298,100.00 -16,264,492.00

-15,832,560.00 -207,360.00

-3,180.00 -434,000.00 -27,269,432.00 9,200.00

88,320.00

88,424,695.00 -988,550.00 150,000.00 -28,500.00 -37,012,960.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

0.201 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.083 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

Crown Equities Inc. Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

10.5 66 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 15.2

1.97 35.2 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 6

0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 18 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.335 0.37 14.54 3 8.8 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp.

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Melco Crown Metro Retail MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 0.236 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Oriental Peninsula Res. Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 120 515 111 1060

33 490 500 101.5 480 101 997

1047

1011

84.8

75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15

3.5

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

High 0.119 24.35 0.840 0.160 0.92 1.52 1.25 3.55 0.089 0.2300 0.395 8.47 25.85 1.48 3.05 20.80 0.78 5.87 0.960 4.450

VALUE 898,627,359.774 1,159,287,307.6952 1,262,961,049.01 974,905,046.80 775,271,989.891 63,822,245.625 5,138,931,114.9292

FINANCIAL 1,505.07 (DOWN) 22.65 INDUSTRIAL 11,015.21 (DOWN) 99.45 HOLDING FIRMS 6,413.90 (DOWN) 8.68 PROPERTY 2,708.96 (DOWN) 40.65 SERVICES 1,538.92 (DOWN) 6.91 MINING & OIL 10,593.78 (DOWN) 42.43 PSEI 6,769.26 (DOWN) 50.08 All Shares Index 3,901.58 (DOWN) 24.63 Gainers: 71; Losers: 103; Unchanged: 37; Total: 211

Close

0.130 24.4 0.840 0.161 0.92

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.114 0.128 24 24.4 0.830 0.840 0.161 0.161 0.91 0.91 1.53 1.50 1.52 1.25 1.25 1.25 3.55 3.45 3.47 0.087 0.086 0.086 0.2350 0.2300 0.2300 0.440 0.400 0.440 8.47 8.47 8.47 25.90 25.00 25.20 1.5 1.48 1.49 3.08 3.06 3.06 20.75 20.15 20.50 0.79 0.77 0.78 5.85 5.59 5.85 0.970 0.930 0.950 4.400 4.320 4.400 SERVICES 6.8 7.14 6.81 6.84 54.25 54.3 54.1 54.2 0.495 .52 0.500 0.500 10.5 10.3 10.06 10.06 4.30 4.37 4.25 4.30 0.0540 0.0550 0.0530 0.0530 3.2 3.18 3.15 3.15 81.5 81.95 81.5 81.8 10 10 10 10 5.95 5.94 5.93 5.93 1820 1820 1813 1816 6.65 6.68 6.60 6.68 1.20 1.21 1.21 1.21 62 62 60 60.95 0.186 0.208 0.186 0.206 1.1800 1.1800 1.1500 1.1800 2.06 2.2 2.12 2.2 7.69 7.60 7.45 7.50 3.97 4.04 3.96 4.04 1.10 1.04 1.04 1.04 2.45 2.47 2.40 2.47 1.98 2.07 1.95 2.07 3.59 3.59 3.45 3.50 0.280 0.280 0.280 0.280 0.760 0.770 0.730 0.750 18.08 18 18 18 4.50 4.60 4.50 4.50 9 8.95 8.95 8.95 101.00 101.00 101.00 101.00 26.50 26.70 24.80 24.80 2224.00 2230.00 2206.00 2230.00 0.400 0.410 0.400 0.400 0.830 0.820 0.820 0.880 34.20 34.30 33.60 33.60 62.70 62.50 60.35 60.50 5.00 5.00 4.90 4.98 3.69 3.79 3.54 3.71 0.470 0.500 0.475 0.495 3.77 3.86 3.74 3.75 0.320 0.325 0.320 0.325 4.700 4.650 4.650 4.650 MINING & OIL 0.0044 0.0044 0.0043 0.0043 2.01 2.15 2.05 2.10 4.49 4.45 4.36 4.36 0.255 0.270 0.245 0.245 5.5000 4.8400 4.8400 4.8400 0.6 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.435 0.435 0.430 0.430 7.42 7.42 7.26 7.26 0.730 0.740 0.700 0.720 0.290 0.300 0.280 0.285 0.300 0.310 0.295 0.295 0.310 0.315 0.305 0.305 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 1.84 1.86 1.84 1.85 4.98 5.1 4.89 4.97 2.47 2.51 2.35 2.46 1.2500 1.2500 1.2400 1.2500 3.49 3.42 3.38 3.39 5.65 5.80 5.68 5.70 1.88 1.87 1.81 1.84 0.0120 0.0120 0.0110 0.0110 122.30 124.00 122.40 122.70 2.49 2.4 2.33 2.38 0.0077 0.0076 0.0076 0.0076 PREFERRED 54 54 53.55 54 530 535 529.5 535 531 539 531 535 118 118 114.2 117.8 525 529 525 529 112 112.8 111 112.8 1035 1080 1064 1080 1090 1100 1090 1090 1028 1040 1025 1040 103.7 103.8 103.5 103.5 82.3 82.2 82 82 78 79 78 79 77 77 76.7 77 78.3 78.35 78 78 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.370 2.400 2.330 2.400 SME 2.85 2.94 2.82 2.82 2.57 2.57 2.5 2.5 13.5 13.5 13.3 13.3 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 111 111.3 109.4 110.7

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

7.56 0.21 0.00 0.63 -1.09 0.00 0.00 -2.25 -3.37 0.00 11.39 0.00 -2.51 0.68 0.33 -1.44 0.00 -0.34 -1.04 -1.12

46,350,000 1,092,200 252,000 70,000 950,000 6,031,000 98,000 30,877,000 610,000 910,000 180,000 4,800 1,282,800 526,000 96,000 15,227,400 1,105,000 20,100 457,000 3,837,000

124,950.00 -3,892,115.00

0.59 -0.09 1.01 -4.19 0.00 -1.85 -1.56 0.37 0.00 -0.34 -0.22 0.45 0.83 -1.69 10.75 0.00 6.80 -2.47 1.76 -5.45 0.82 4.55 -2.51 0.00 -1.32 -0.44 0.00 -0.56 0.00 -6.42 0.27 0.00 6.02 -1.75 -3.51 -0.40 0.54 5.32 -0.53 1.56 -1.06

85,700 17,480 3,680,000 6,800 1,972,000 23,570,000 15,000 77,510 3,700 2,000 102,295 15,400 3,000 976,360 88,700,000 1,611,000 5,000 261,000 222,000 5,000 7,000 18,417,000 1,124,000 10,000 2,396,000 700 21,000 1,000 200 151,300 71,120 1,250,000 43,501,000 3,723,500 860,850 399,200 12,213,000 10,110,000 690,000 20,000 43,000

-2.27 4.48 -2.90 -3.92 -12.00 -1.67 -1.15 -2.16 -1.37 -1.72 -1.67 -1.61 0.00 0.54 -0.20 -0.40 0.00 -2.87 0.88 -2.13 -8.33 0.33 -4.42 -1.30

151,000,000 103,000 93,000 26,790.00 5,050,000 -21,200.00 2,000 318,000 1,270,000 8,900 14,655,000 -176,960.00 90,000 72,450,000 12,490,000 6,200.00 27,500,000 333,000 2,573,000 3,407,320.00 92,000 48,900.00 54,000 37,000 948,500 -77,096.00 1,450,000 36,700.00 11,500,000 8,000 -758,356.00 367,000 6,000,000

0.00 0.94 0.75 -0.17 0.76 0.71 4.35 0.00 1.17 -0.19 -0.36 1.28 0.00 -0.38

80,570 10,100 13,030 90,800 12,300 55,140 10,000 2,565 15,300 2,400 13,000 32,750 44,100 194,310

1.27

191,000

-1.05 -2.72 -1.48

8,000 223,000 241,200

-0.27

2,320

147,050.00 32,399,000.00

295,940.00 141,410.00 -147,064,220.00 78,000.00 -12,516,750.00 43,218.00 250,000.00 -4,208,270.00 1,539,808.00 -27,149,760.00 -5,184,248.50 -82,540.00 58,000.00 112,250.00

4,896,910.00 195,680.00 -214,460.00 -13,500.00 -1,819,015.00 -28,295,620.00 -54,900.00 -7,390,360.00 -1,425,720.00 -35,546,796.00 -2,422,840.00 824,500.00 -1,546,440.00

131,691.00

-10,767,600.00 -309,000.00 -221,200.00

10,240.00 855,610.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Bogo Medelin

48.7

24.55

Conc. Aggr. 'A'

68

-13.92

Phil. Realty `A'

0.440

11.39

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0110

-8.33

Da Vinci Capital

2.55

10.87

Mabuhay Vinyl

3.09

-8.31

Island Info

0.206

10.75

LBC Express

8.02

-7.71

Ginebra San Miguel Inc.

12.00

8.89

Philweb.Com Inc.

24.80

-6.42

TKC Steel Corp.

1.35

8.00

Lorenzo Shipping

1.04

-5.45

Phil H2O

2.91

7.78

Citystate Savings

9.5

-5.00

Crown Equities Inc.

0.128

7.56

TA Petroleum

2.38

-4.42

Jackstones

2.2

6.80

Asian Terminals Inc.

10.06

-4.19

Pacifica `A'

0.0330

6.45

Basic Energy Corp.

0.245

-3.92

THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 25, 2016

B3

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

Stocks retreat; banks decline

E-Commerce Club. The Philippine E-Commerce Roadmap launched this month receives support from the private sector, initiating talks towards its effective implementation and the establishment of the Philippine’s First E-Commerce Club. Zalora Philippines in a recent meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry-E-Commerce Office expressed interest in the formation of an E-Commerce Club to assist the government in the upscale of e-commerce in the country—one that is conducive to needs of the consumers and the global market. Shown during the meeting are (from left) Constantin Robertz, Zalora managing director; Paulo Campos III, Zalora-co-founder and chief executive; Undersecretary Prudencio Reyes, DTI-Special Concerns; and Tolian Gjika, Marketing Director.

Manila Water posts net income of P5.9b

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

MANILA Water Company Inc. said Wednesday net income in 2015 rose 2 percent to P5.9 billion from P5.81 billion in 2014 on slightly higher water volume.

The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange revenues climbed 4 percent to P16.93 billion from P16.35 billion in 2014.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization amounted to P 11.67 billion from P11.56 billion in 2014.

Manila Water said total billed volume across all units grew 2 percent to 687.9 million cubic meters from 671.3 mcm.

Billed volume in the East zone rose 3 percent from 449 mcm in 2014 to 461.4 mcm last year.

Boracy Water’s billed volume also grew 8 percent to 4.3 mcm from 4 mcm in 2014 year,

while Laguna Water’s billed volume increased 14 percent to 36.2 mcm from 31.8 mcm in 2014.

Clark Water’s billed volume climbed 10 percent to 12.8 mcm last year from 11.6 mcm in 2014, while that of Cebu Manila Water Development reached 8.1 mcm.

The company’s Kenh Dong Water in Vietnam reported that billed volume reached 55.1 mcm from 55.2 mcm, while that of other unit in Vietnam, Thu Duc Water, decreased 8 percent to 110 mcm from 119.7 mcm in 2014.

Manila Water said service connections in the East zone increased 3 percent to 976,321 from 949,230 in 2014.

Service connections in Boracay Island Water rose 4 percent to 6,379 from 6,125, while those of Clark Water remained at 1,978.

The company said service connections in Laguna Water junmped 19 percent to 107,263 from 90,016.

Manila Water, a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., is the east zone concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System that provides water and wastewater ser-

vices to over 6.2 million residents of eastern Metro Manila and Rizal province.

Manila Water last year secured a 40-billion yen (P15.7 billion), seven year-term loan from three Japanese banks to finance the construction of sewerage treatment plants and rehabilitation of sewer lines.

Manila Water said it obtained the loan from The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., Mizuho Bank Ltd. and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

Manila Water said the loan was the single largest capital raising activity of Manila Water following the approval of the company’s rate rebasing business plan in April this year.

The loan is also the longest-tenured nonguaranteed yen facility extended by Japanese banks to a Philippine corporation.

“This transaction signifies the strong support by the banking industry to the company,” Manila Water said.

The company said it would use proceeds of the term loan facility to partly finance capital expenditures, including the construction of treatment plants and rehabilitation of sewer lines.

STOCKS retreated Wednesday dragged down by a renewed drop in oil prices and lack of fresh leads.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 50.08 points, or 0.7 percent, to 6,769.26 on a value turnover of P5.1 billion. Losers beat gainers, 103 to 71, with 37 issues unchanged.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, declined 1.4 percent to P75.30, while Bank of the Philippine Islands, the thirdlargest bank, dropped 2.9 percent to P85.25.

Petron Corp., the bigger of the two oil refiners, tumbled 3 percent to P9.02, while Megaworld Corp., the third-biggest property developer, fell 2.2 percent to P3.47.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks mostly slumped Wednesday, while a resurgent yen sucked the air out of the Japanese market.

Hong Kong was down more than one percent in late trade, on the day its financial secretary John Tsang described the economic outlook as “far from promising.”

He forecast growth for 2016 at between one and two percent, down from last year’s 2.4 percent.

Seoul fell 0.09 percent while Sydney plummeted more than two percent.

Crude weakened after Iran’s oil minister called a proposal by Saudi Arabia and Russia to freeze production “ridiculous”, as it seeks to boost output after years of sanctions-constrained sales.

Saudi Arabia ruled out a production cut.

Analysts warned that current market turmoil was unlikely to ease in the short term. “It will take some time before market sentiment does turn,” Kerry Craig, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management, told Bloomberg TV in Melbourne.

“It’s still very pessimistic. Most investors are very risk-averse. You need catalysts or triggers such as an oil price stabilization, clarity about what the Fed is actually going to do and what we see happening with the Chinese currency and economic data.”

The pound touched a sevenyear low on worries that Britain may vote to leave the European Union, as Prime Minister David Cameron ramps up his bid to stay inside the 28-nation bloc.

With AFP

RCBC Savings expects loans to increase 20% this year

By Julito G. Rada RCBC Savings Bank, the thrift bank arm of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said it expects a 20-percent growth in loans this year, on robust demand for both housing and auto loans.

“We expect a 20-percent growth for loans. It can be derived from auto, housing and also SMEs [small and medium enterprises]. SMEs are expected to grow faster this year. To achieve this target, we must focus on our core competence,”

RCBC Savings president Rommel Latinazo said in a news briefing in Makati Tuesday evening.

He said the prospects were bright for auto loans as the domestic automotive industry had grown more than 20 percent annually over the past few years.

“The auto industry continues growing and it is good for us. We see the growth to be sustained for 2016 and in 2017 for the auto industry,” Latinazo said.

Latinazo said there would be a continuous demand for housing

loans in the provinces, mainly for horizontal projects. He said the OFW market remained a strong segment as far as borrowers were concerned especially for housing.

Latinazo said deposits were also expected to grow by around 20 percent this year.

RCBC Savings Bank posted a 21-percent increase in net income to P1.249 billion in 2015, as loans grew 20 percent to P63 billion and deposits increased 15 percent to P80 billion.

Assets stood at P93 billion, up

15 percent year-on-year, enough to remain the third biggest thrift bank in the country behind BPI Family Savings Bank and PSBank of the Metrobank Group.

Housing accounted for 54 percent of the total loan portfolio while auto loans represented 37 percent.

The bank’s non-performing loan ratio improved to 1.9 percent from 2.6 percent in 2014. Capital adequacy ratio, a measure of bank stability, remained healthy at 13.5 percent, above the

regulatory limit of 10 percent.

RCBC Savings had 150 branches as of end-December 2015.

Latinazo said the bank planned to open seven to eight branches this year mostly in the provinces. The bank’s automated teller machines stood at 436.

“There remains a very strong potential in areas outside Metro Manila. From a lending standpoint, what we are doing is we follow where [housing] developers are putting their presence,” Latinazo said.

B4

Chinabank says 2015 earnings hit P5.63b CHINA Banking Corp., one of the largest banks controlled by tycoon Henry Sy, said Wednesday net income in 2015 climbed 10 percent to P5.63 billion from a year ago, on the back of sustained growth in core businesses.

Chinabank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 2015 performance translated into a return on equity of 9.69 percent and return on assets of 1.18 percent.

“Net interest income grew 7 percent to P15.08 billion, largely due to earnings from loans and receivables that grew 8 percent to P15.90 billion while interest expenses dropped by 2 percent to P4.24 billion. This led to an improved net interest margin of 3.37 percent from 3.30 percent,” the bank said.

Net loans rose 7 percent to P309.81 billion, driven by the strong growth of consumer and commercial loans, up 24 percent and 11 percent, respectively, which offset the flat growth in corporate loans.

Non-interest income fell 4 percent to P4.56 billion as trading gains and income from sale of investment properties declined 9 percent to P486.92 million and 27 percent to P258.71 million, respectively.

“This was offset by the 25-percent increase to P1.95 billion in earnings from service charges, fees, and commissions from the bigger network and contribution from the remittance and investment banking businesses,” it said.

Total operating income increased 4 percent to P19.64 billion. Consolidated operating expenses, excluding provision for losses, grew 5 percent to P12.30 billion which resulted in a costto-income ratio of 62.62 percent.

Total assets expanded 12 percent to P526.54 billion, driven by loans and investments supported by deposit growth. Total deposits went up 10 percent to P439.10 billion, led by the 18-percent growth in low-cost deposits. Julito G. Rada

Rice seed distribution. Jardine Distribution Inc. signs a five-year distributorship agreement with SeedWorks for its US Agriseeds hybrid rice seeds. JDI currently has in its portfolio quality hybrid rice seeds such as TH-82, US-88 and Quadro Alas – all aimed at boosting the government’s efforts to make the Philippines a top rice exporter in the world. Shown are (from left) SeedWorks Philippines general manager Carlos Saplala, SeedWorks International Pvt. Ltd. managing director Balaji Nukal, JEC chief executive Wilson Kwong, JDI president Edwin Hernandez and JDI marketing manager Roberto Luis Littaua.

Metrobank’s profit drops 7% to P18.6b

By Julito G. Rada

METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest bank in terms of assets, said net income in 2015 fell 7 percent to P18.6 billion from P20.1 billion in 2014, on lower trading gains.

“We expected 2015 to be another challenging year for the banking industry. Both loans and deposits growth showed a slowdown, while market conditions limited trading opportunities.

Under this scenario, our priority was to continue supporting our clients in their commercial and retail needs, as well as generating low cost deposits and fee-based

income” Metrobank president Fabian Dee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday.

“Our investments in improving client coverage, automation and system enhancements coupled with better internal synergy helped mitigate industry challenges. We also increased capital early last year to ensure we had the financial strength to take on

growth opportunities and to help us withstand potential external and market shocks” Dee said.

Total resources hit a record P1.8 trillion last year. Following the P32-billion stock rights offer in April 2015, Metrobank’s Basel 3 total capital adequacy ratio, a measure of financial strength, remained above the regulatory limit at 17.75 percent, with common equity Tier 1 at 14.25 percent.

“Metrobank was able to execute on its strategy and as a result, produced double-digit growth in loans and current and savings account and maintained relatively stable spreads despite the persistent strong competitive pressure,” the bank said.

The bank said current and savings accounts rose 18 percent and

continued to provide the bank with stable low cost funding to fuel its sustained loan expansion. Total deposits stood at P1.3 trillion, with a Casa ratio of 56 percent.

Meanwhile, Philippine Savings Bank, the thrift bank arm of the Metrobank Group, reported a full-year net income of P2.35 billion in 2015, buoyed by the growth of core businesses. This translated into a return-on-average equity of 12.7 percent.

“2015 proved to be a challenging year for the bank, but we continued to gain momentum in our core businesses as our net interest margins and fees from our consumer loans demonstrated double-digit growth,” said PSBank president Vicente Cuna Jr.

Farmers group asks candidates to uplift agriculture

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales FARMERS’ groups on Wednesday called on the five presidential candidates to create concrete action plans to uplift the agriculture sector.

Alyansa Agrikultura, Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc., Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines, Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan and the Agriculture Fisheries 2025 also challenged the five presidential aspirants to present their plans for the agriculture sector in a public forum.

“Agriculture is intimately connected to so many things-from the livelihoods of the 55 million Filipinos living in rural areas; to the food industry, which is the largest sector in manufacturing; and to peace in war-torn Mindanao,” CAMP chairman Emil Javier said in a news briefing in Quezon City.

“It’s high time that our presidential candidates offer actual plans that Filipinos can find hope in. We owe our farmers nothing less,” said Javier.

The five coalitions said the presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro had offered little of

the much-needed clarity of the next administration’s plans to uplift the agriculture sector.

They said while each candidate acknowledged the crucial role of agriculture in national development, the time constraints of the presidential debate did not allow them to offer concrete, workable platforms for addressing the state of Philippine culture.

“Agriculture remains our most neglected sector, even as it employs millions of Filipinos across the country,” coalition convenor and Alyansa Agrikultura chairman Ernesto Ordoñez said.

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

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

B5

Blacklisted printer harassing NPO execs SIX executives of the National Printing Office are feeling the wrath of what appears to be a disgruntled contractor of the agency.

The six, led by director Emmanuel C. Andaya, up to this day cannot comprehend the motives of the blacklisted printer. The NPO officials are ignoring the bedevilment, but the persistent harassment is sullying their reputation at a time when they are overseeing the printing of election ballots.

Media reports about the legal cases filed with the Ombudsman against the six NPO officials are also getting overblown, especially their sensitive role in the printing of election ballots.

The timing of the story is suspect because it implies that the government has plans to subvert the elections by making sure its trusted lieutenants are in place once the ballots are printed.

A misleading report said the six NPO officials had “assigned” the delicate task to themselves by creating an executive committee. There is nothing irregular about the supposed assignment at all. As a practice, top officials of private as well as public sector companies regularly create ad hoc committees to make sure nothing goes wrong in very important projects.

Andaya and the other five officials were actually ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman, but the order is not immediately executory pending appeal in higher courts. There have been previous cases where dismissal orders have been reversed after new evidence is presented, or when the complete picture has been revealed.

Besides, the suspension of Andaya, chief administrative officer Sylvia Banda, supervising administrative officer Bernadette Lagumen, printing operations assistant chief Ma. Zita Gracia Enriquez, printing operations chief Josefina Samson and printing operations chief Antonio Sillona, was caused by an individual, who owns and operates a printing company.

Ready Forms Inc. had been a top supplier of the NPO, before it was blacklisted for acts inimical to the recognized government printer. Its president and general manager, Guillermo Sylianteng Jr., has sued the NPO officials and harassed them more than 60 times, but only one case received an initial judgment from the Ombudsman.

For a 12-year period, or from 1996 to 2008, Sylianteng’s company was the biggest supplier of the NPO, cornering no less than 25 percent of the printing contracts farmed out to the private sector. NPO has its own printing equipment and machinery, but it is not always capable of delivering bulk orders. In such cases, NPO is allowed by law to farm out the printing jobs.

Sylianteng’s company in 2009 was blacklisted for five years after it was discovered that RFI had been submitting falsified financial statements.

Dismissed cases By his own admission, Sylianteng filed no less than 60 cases against NPO officials, the overwhelming number of which have been dismissed as being frivolous and lacking legal basis. He continues to file cases, and believes that he has hit a gold mine when the Ombudsman initially believed there was reason enough to dismiss Andaya and company.

A closer look at the case, however, shows that it was part of an orchestrated attempt to remove the officials deemed responsible for the blacklisting of RFI, and to embarrass the administration.

Sylianteng apparently wants the NPO permanently closed to open the door to the private sector to handle all the government’s printing requirements. With its long history of sub-contracting printing contracts, the dissolution of the NPO puts RFI in the best position of winning the largest chunk of all government printing contracts, resulting in revenues in hundreds of millions of pesos per month.

The dismissal of the NPO officials, meanwhile, stems from a measly P1.9-million contract with the National Bureau of Investigation. The agency had agreed to pay the NPO for the printing of 1,000 boxes of Travel Clearance Certificates, after the NBI ran low on supply of the document needed by Filipinos traveling abroad.

Claims that the NBI could resort to the use of alternate certificates for the time being border on the ridiculous, as all foreign embassies only recognize the TCCs issued by the bureau. A Local Clearance issued by the NBI applies only for local employment and is not valid for travel.

Sylianteng, however, claimed the NPO officials had committed “grave misconduct,” although the NBI considered the procurement of the documents as being in the nature of an emergency.

The absence of TCCs is not an acceptable option, as tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of business travelers as well as migrant Filipino workers would not be able to leave the country without the document.

Sylianteng’s claim that the NBI “could issue an ordinary TCC in case of non-availability of the specialized form” does not make sense, as there is no such document. There is no such thing as an ordinary as opposed to a regular TCC. There is only one TCC, which is precisely what the NBI received from the NPO. With the May 9 elections only three months away, stopping the NPO from printing the ballots must be avoided at all cost to prevent chaos.

The case cited by Sylianteng dates back to 2010. Since that time and by all accounts, the six NPO officials have been performing their work to the best of their ability with no serious accusations of graft and corruption against them. Only Sylianteng has sued them.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com or business@thestandard.com.ph

Inclusive business. The Trade Department and the Board of Investments organize a forum on mainstreaming inclusive business in government policies at Makati Diamond Residences. Shown are (from left) Trade assistant secretary Felicitas Reyes, assistant secretary Rafaelita Aldaba, International Finance Corp. director Toshiya Masuoka, IFC global head for inclusive business Eriko Ishikawa, United Nations Development Programme team manager Marcos Neto, Trade undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya, BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo, Trade undersecretary Nora Terrado, ASEI Inc. founding partner Markus Dietrich and Philippine Institute for Development Studies senior research fellow Roehlano Briones.

Semirara’s income jumps 23% to P8.5b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. said Wednesday net income in 2015 climbed 23 percent to P8.45 billion from P6.86 billion in 2014, on higher contribution of the power business.

Semirara, a company controlled by the Consunji Group, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated earnings per share also improved to P7.91 in 2015 from P6.42 a year earlier.

Production and coal sales were recorded at 7.98 million metric tons and 8.4 million MT, respectively. “Despite the two-month suspension of operations due to the Panian mine accident in July, production targets were still met as favorable weather conditions enabled operations to achieve higher operating days in four quarters compared to budget,” it said.

The average price of coal was registered at P1,945 per MT in 2015, down by 9 percent from P2,127 per

MT in 2014 as a result of continuous softening of global coal prices.

Meanwhile, the power segment posted a net income after tax of P3.32 billion, up by 28 percent from P2.59 billion in 2014.

The company attributed the improvement to the good performance of the 600-megawatt Calaca coal-fired facility in Batangas, with a record gross energy generation of 3,959 gigawatthours, up 39 percent from 2014.

“Thus, despite the expiration of the power plant’s income tax holiday in 2014, it was still able to register a higher net income,” Semirara said.

“The net contribution to the bottom line by the coal, Sem-

Calaca Power Corp., and Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corp., after eliminations, are P2.87 billion, P5.50 billion, and P86 million, respectively,” it said.

The company’s subsidiary Sem-Calaca Power Corp. operates the existing 600-megawatt Calaca coal-fired facility in Batangas while South Luzon Power is the the project vehicle for the 300-MW expansion.

Before eliminations, the coal segment’s net income after tax dropped 13 percent to P6.72 billion from P7.76 billion in 2014, on lower dividend income from its power subsidiary.

Sem-Calaca Power posted a dividend income of P1.5 billion last year, down from P3.5 billion in 2014.

Total energy sold reached 3,754 Gwh, or 11 percent higher than 2014’s 3,383 Gwh. Unit 1 and Unit 2 of the 600-MW coal plant registered higher availability at 91 percent and 84 percent, respectively from 84 percent and 50 percent in 2014.

Philex Mining’s net profit increases 10%

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales PHILEX Mining Corp. said it booked a net income of P776 million in 2015, up 10 percent from P703 million in 2014, as it contained its expenses to offset lower revenues.

Philex said in a statement the strict implementation of cost reduction programs and tight expense management had enabled the company to mitigate the impact of low metal prices.

Core net income fell to P905

million from P1.122 billion in 2014 while net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company declined to P896 million from P1.006 billion a year earlier.

Consolidated revenues amounted to P9.362 billion in 2015, down from P10.898 billion in 2014.

Philex said its Padcal mine milled 9.2 million tons of ore last year, down from 9.5 million tons in 2014.

This translated into 107,887

ounces of gold produced, compared to 105,008 ounces produced in the previous year while copper output reached 34.1 million pounds, down from 35.4 million pounds.

The mining company said the average realized prices of gold went down by 10 percent to $1,147 per ounce from $1,270 an ounce in 2014.

The average copper prices also dropped 23 percent to $2.29 per pound in 2015 from $2.98 per pound in 2014.

THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 25, 2016

B6

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

Euro-Med buys water trade name for P50m

E-jeepneys.

Senators Cynthia Villar (second from right) and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units lead the inauguration of two e-Jeepneys operated

by MetroExpress Connect Inc., a transport operator in Las Pinas.

The vehicles served the Zapote River Drive, a new alternate route from Las Piñas to Cavite. The three-kilometer road spans from Lundos and Pamplona I and transverses the Zapote River Drive.

By Jenniffer B. Austria EURO-MED Laboratories Philippines Inc. said its board approved the acquisition of the Dr. Edwards brand, a well-know trade name for sterilized drinking water from Antech Nutritional Technologies for P50 million.

Euro-Med said in a disclosure to stock exchange it would acquire the Dr. Edwards brand as well as the entire inventory of products being manufactured, sold and distributed under the trade name, including bottled water, purified water, fortified water and sterilized water.

The company said it was interested in acquiring a product that already had a good market presence.

It also noted that Dr. Edwards’ product achieved its acceptance as a safe and reliable product for infants.

“We see an enormous potential to cover other market areas, more specifically in hospitals nationwide with whom we keep continuous business relations,” EuroMed said.

“We also intend to capitalize on the Dr. Edwards brand name by coming out with other baby products bearing the Dr. Edwards brand name. We based our market goals from having an eye for a good product and our known market presence,” it added.

Euro-Med also plans to bring Dr. Edwards’ products overseas.

“Given these, we are optimistic that we will significantly increase the sales and income for this product,” Euro-Med said.

The company would pay the P50 million acquisition price for the trade name and products in full by partially offsetting the total receivables due from Antech worth P98.4 million.

Standard & Poor’s bullish on PH banks

By Julito G. Rada

THE economy’s robust outlook this year will be good for the domestic banking industry, global debt watcher Standard & Poor’s Rating Services said Wednesday.

S&P said in a report titled “The Philippines’ Supportive Economy Underpins a Stable Outlook for its Banking Sector in 2016” that banks were likely to benefit from the economy’s good growth prospects, and the healthy capitalization and asset quality.

“The Philippines’ robust economy will likely continue to drive expansion in domestic credit at about 2 times to 3 times GDP

growth,” it said.

“We forecast 8 percent to 12 percent loan growth for the Philippines for 2015 and 2016, which is slower than in 2014 but remains high by regional standards,” it said.

The report, however, said the increasing exposure of Philippine banks to consumer loans could weaken their asset quality and push up credit costs, given the inherently high risk in this segment

in a growing economy.

Standard & Poor’s expects the net interest margins of Philippine banks to strengthen as the proportion of higher-yielding consumer loans in total loans rises. However, it said the increase was from a low base, and the impact on margins would likely be gradual.

Also, increasing competition and the high cost-to-income ratio of these banks are likely to limit profitability gains.

“We also anticipate that domestic interest rates in the Philippines will trend upward, which may cause banks to book marked-tomarket losses on their significant holdings of fixed-rate government bonds,” it said.

It said the combination of

sound capital and funding profiles was an “enduring strength” of the Philippine banking system and would continue to underpin bank ratings in 2016.

The report also said active capital-raising by Philippine banks in recent years had more than covered the gap between internal capital generation and growth in risk-weighted assets.

Combined net profit of the country’s universal and commercial banks in 2015 declined from a year ago due to higher non-interest expenses.

Latest data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that bigger banks realized a net profit of P120.275 billion, one percent lower than the P121.661 billion in 2014.

The nation in 1996, 2006 and 2016 THE usual way of looking at the 30-year period following the success of the Edsa Revolution, which the nation observes today, is the from-there-tohere approach: comparing how this country was on the day the Marcos family was flown to Hawaii with how it is on February 25, 2016. I think that that is not the most useful approach. I prefer the disaggregative approach, i.e., the approach that divides 1986-2016 into three 10-year periods and examines each of the periods from all standpoints.

First, the decade 1986-1996. This 10-year period encompassed the entire Presidency—first under the Freedom Constitution (1986-1988) and later under the 1987 Constitution (19881992)—of Corazon C. Aquino and two-thirds of the Presidency of Fidel V. Ramos. Cory Aquino’s Presidency was rendered very difficult by two sets of pressures. One set emanated from the need to replace an administrative structure and political system that has been in existence since September 21, 1972, when President Ferdinand E. Marcos placed this country under martial law. The other set of pressures stemmed from the feeling of the rebels against the Marcos military establishment, who called themselves RAM (Reform the Armed Forces of the Philippines Movement), that as the military component of the EDSA Revolution, they were entitled to share in the fruits of its victory.

The transition from martial law to a restored democracy involved sweeping and fractious changes in personnel and policy at all levels of the bureaucracy and the political system. Nothing could be

more illustrative of this fact than the forced resignation of all the members of the Supreme Court, except two. The firm belief of the Aquino revolutionary government that the time had come to uncouple the military establishment from the nation’s politics and to send the generals and their troops back to the barracks gave rise to no less than seven—two major and five minor—attempts against the life of the Cory Aquino government.

These pressures, coupled with the onset of an energy crisis caused in part by the downgrading of the martial-law Ministry of Energy, made the Aquino administration’s life a six-year period fraught with strife and instability.

In 1996, Fidel V. Ramos was two-thirds into his term as President. The head of the martial-law Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police had won the 1992 election with only close to almost 24 percent of the vote, but, using his long exposure to politics and his long experience as a soldier, he managed to cobble together a government under the banner of his Lakas-NUCD Party.

Senator Joseph Ejercito Estrada, the former mayor of San Juan, had won election as Vice-President.

FVR, as he came to be known, had promised the electorate that he would hit the ground running, and that he did. The Ramos Presidency quickly solved the energy shortages—though not always on terms that were considered advantageous to the government and the consumers—and he got his administration launched on an otherinfrastructure program based on the BoT (buildoperate-transfer) program. Thanks to his military

style of doing things—staff work, strict deadlines etc.—Fidel Ramos managed to get many things done during his six years in office. In time, given the Philippine political culture, FVR made Lakas the most powerful political party. All in all, the period 1992-1996 was a period of political stability and economic accomplishment.

In the 1998 election Vice-President Estrada won over the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jose de Venecia, by the biggest winning margin ever achieved by a Presidential candidate in the Philippines. The idol of the masa, President Estrada resolutely went against the Muslim rebels and effectively destroyed their military infrastructure. Unfortunately, Estrada was impeached on the basis of a charge of betrayal of public trust and, following a judicial coup d’etat, was driven from office. The remainder of his term was served by Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who ran for President in 2004. Doubts about the constitutionality of her assumption of the Presidency rendered unstable Gloria Arroyo’s first years in Malacañang.

In 2006, Gloria Arroyo was into the third year of a Presidency that most Filipinos believed to have been won in the 2004 election by her main opponent, the movie idol Fernando Poe Jr. Among other indications, her taped conversations with a Mindanao-assigned Commission on Elections official, Virgilio “Garci” Garcillano—for which she issued a nationally televised “I am sorry” statement—virtually put an end to the credibility of Gloria Arroyo’s Presidency. There were extra-legal attempts to remove her from office before the

end of her disputed term, but her departure from Malacañang had to await the May 2010 election.

Manuel Roxas II was widely expected to be the Liberal Party standard bearer in May 2010, but the former Secretary of Trade and Industry was prevailed upon to give way to President Cory Aquino’s son, Senator Noy Aquino, because of his persistent low poll-survey rating. Aquino was not the clear leader in the three-way race—the other candidates were former President Estrada and Senator Manuel Villar—but the outpouring of public sentiment over the August 2009 demise of his mother put Noy Aquino over the top.

The five and a half years since the 2010 election is, as the cliché goes, a matter of history. On Day One, Noy Aquino declared that he would run his Presidency on the basis of a daang matuwid. The Philippine economy has done comparatively well under his watch, GDP having grown at an average annual rate of 5.8 percent.

On February 25, 2016, exactly 30 years after that glorious day on Edsa, the nation is nearly in the homestretch of the 2016 election. Roxas and four other candidates are vying for the Presidency of the Republic.

How this country will be on February 25, 2026 will largely depend on who the Filipino people will place in Malacañang on May 9.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

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WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

Korean market resists change

Europe rifts widen as migrant arrivals top 110,000 this year

SEOUL—Seoul’s oldest and largest fish market—a city landmark and tourist hot-spot— is fighting a move to a futuristic, half-billiondollar facility, with vendors insisting they prefer the sprawling, run-down site they have called home for 45 years.

The dispute mirrors others in the vibrant South Korean capital, where the design upgrades of some traditional locations and neighborhoods are being fiercely resisted.

Nestled between densely packed highrises in the southern part of the city, Noryangjin Wholesale Fisheries Market is a 24hour sensory overload that sells pretty much every seafood imaginable much of it still alive.

The Suhyup corporation that manages the market wants it moved into a shiny, steel and glass, state-of-the-art facility that it built next door—in the shape of a dolphin—at significant expense.

The management argues that the current site is outdated, inefficient and structurally dangerous, while the vendors say the stalls they are being offered in the new building are too small and overpriced.

Moving would “completely scrap the Noryangjin brand,� said Lee Seung-Ki, who represents a vendors’ committee pushing for the refurbishment of the current site.

The plans echo the situation in Tokyo, home to the famed Tsukiji market, the world’s biggest fish emporium that authorities are planning to move to a new, more modern facility this year at an estimated cost of $3.8 billion.

Advocates say the new site, which is 40 percent larger with state-of-the-art refrigeration, will give the popular tourist draw a badly-needed technological update, but some vendors feel they are being shunted away from a prime location.

Noryangjin snoozes but never sleeps, with some sort of wholesale or retail activity going on round the clock.

In the main retail section, banks of fish tanks, swarming with sea bream, halibut,

ATHENS—Tensions reached boiling point between European states worst affected by the migrant crisis ahead of a meeting of Balkan states on Wednesday, as new figures showed no let-up in the influx of people.

With migrant and refugee arrivals in Europe surpassing 110,000 in the first two months of the year alone, the United Nations warned the border restrictions being imposed by some states could cause chaos.

A diplomatic spat broke out between Greece and Austria, while Vienna lashed out at Germany’s “contradictory� refugee policy.

The European Union voiced concerns about the risk of a “humanitarian crisis,� particularly in Greece, which lies on the front line of Europe’s greatest migration challenge since World War II. Thousands of people

have been left stranded in Greece after Macedonia abruptly closed its border to Afghans, creating a fresh bottleneck on the Balkans route to northern Europe.

Athens also hit out at Vienna for failing to invite Greek representatives to a meeting on the crisis with ministers from western Balkan states on Wednesday.

Greece’s foreign ministry blasted the meeting as “one-sided and not at all friendly�, and has accused Austria of undermining efforts to reach a joint European response to the crisis.

Austria retorted that it was a “fixed� meeting

Notice of Loss Stock Cer tificate N otic e is hereby given that R ic a rd o S. Pa scua loss his sto c k c er t i f ic at e numb er 0 0 0 0 0 0 02 0 9 rep re sent ing 1, 9 6 0,770 p ref er red sha re s in Pr im e M edia Hol ding I nc . (PM H I). Please t ake f ur ther notic e that af ter the expiration of one (1) year from the date of last public ation, if no c ontest has been presented to PM HI regarding said c er tif ic ate of stoc k, the r ight to make suc h c ontest shall be bar red and said c or poration shall c anc el in its books the c er tif ic ate of stoc k whic h has been loss and issue in lieu thereof a new c er tif ic ate of stoc k unless a bond for issuanc e of new c er tif ic ate before the expiration of one (1) year is sec ured. ( F E B . 18 , 2 5 & M A R . 3 , 2 016)

format and its summary would be available to EU interior and justice ministers when they meet on Thursday.

Austria lashed out at Germany’s “contradictory� refugee policy after Berlin sharply criticized a daily limit introduced by Vienna on migrants registering and passing through the Alpine country. “Germany should decide which number is acceptable to it,�

Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann told reporters. A statement added that he wished for a “respectful treatment of Austria’s political decisions�.

New figures published by the International Organization for Migration showed 102,547 people had arrived in Greece and another 7,507 in Italy so far this year.

Another 413 lost their lives trying, in-

ERRORS & OMISSIONS In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

cluding 321 who perished on the journey to Greece, the IOM said.

The Mediterranean was the scene of another tragedy on Tuesday, with Italy saying it had found four bodies off the coast of Libya and rescued more than 700 migrants.

Amnesty International on Wednesday hit out at Europe’s “shameful� response to the crisis, saying most EU countries had “simply decided that the protection of their borders is more important than the protection of the rights of refugees�.

In the latest in a series of measures

by European states, Macedonia closed its border to Afghans and introduced more stringent document checks for Syrians and Iraqis seeking to travel to northern and western Europe.

The move caused a bottleneck at the GreekMacedonian border— where nearly 4,000 people were waiting to get through on Tuesday— and forced Greek police to keep hundreds of others from traveling to the frontier.

On the Greek side,

Afghan families boarded nearly a dozen buses for the long trip back to the capital, where they will be temporarily housed in relocation camps, local police said.

- ‘What Europe have we built?’ -�We are concerned about the developments along the Balkan route and the humanitarian crisis that might unfold in certain countries, especially in Greece,� EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos and Dutch Migration Minister Klaas Dijkhoff said in a statement. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE InvItatIon to BId no. Goods-019-2016 The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund intends to apply the below listed procurement w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected a bid opening.

Name of Project 1.

Supply & Delivery of Radio Communication Equipment for the use of PNP and Bureau of Fire Protection

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) =P=2,569,800.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Procurement.

Delivery of goods is required on 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

SECURITY PLANT COMPLEX (SPC) DISPOSAL COMMITTEE

NOTICE OF SPECIAL PUBLIC AUCTION The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through its Disposal Committee, invites bidders to participate in the auction for the sale of the following: Description I te m N o.

1 1 Lot Assorted Dismantled Building Materials The schedule of activities is as follows: 1. Issuance of Bid Documents Starting date: 24 February 2016 Room 405, 4th Floor, Building A, BSP-SPC, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 2. Inspection of Items for Auction Date/Time: 24 February 2016, 26 February 2016 and 29 February 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

3. Opening of Bids Date/Time: 01 March 2016 3/F Staff Dining Room at 2:00 p.m.

The BSP reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to declare the bidding a failure, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any given time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the bidders.

Furthermore, the BSP reserves the right to waive any minor defect or formality and to accept the proposal most advantageous to the Bank.

22 February 2016

(SGD) ROUENA L. ROSAL Chairperson ( T S - F E B . 2 4 , 2 5 & 2 6 , 2 016)

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

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents(in Philippine Peso) 500.00 1,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00 75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on March 02, 2016 at 11:00 A.M atProvincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered on or before March 16, 2016 at 2:00 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.

The winning bidder has the option to deliver the items requested by the end-user with higher technical specification & better technology provided it will be beneficial to the government & will not incur additional expenses on the part of the procuring entity.

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 Activities 1. Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid 2.Eligibility Check 3.Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents 4.Request for Clarification 5.Opening of Bids

Schedule February 24 – March 01, 2016 Refer to date of Opening of Bids February 24 – March 16, 2016 March 07, 2016 March 16, 2016

The Provincial Government of Bataan 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: 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. 25, 2016)

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

B8

cESAR BARRioqUinTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

Suit filed over Flight MH370 SYDNEY—The widow and sons of a passenger on missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 are suing the carrier in an Australian court, saying they have suffered “nervous shock”, a document showed Wednesday.

Just days before the second anniversary of the plane’s disappearance, Yen Li Chong, along with her sons Justin Jia Tian Tan and Javier Jia He Tan, are claiming unspecified damages from the airline.

Her husband Chong Ling Tan was in the business class cabin of the jet when it disappeared on a Kuala Lumpur to Beijing flight on March 8, 2014.

The family are suing Malaysia Airlines under the 1999 Montreal Convention, which establishes airline liability for accidents.

“The defendant is liable for such nervous shock sustained by the first, sec-

ond and third plaintiffs as a result of the death of the deceased,” the writ filed in the Victorian Supreme Court states.

The document alleges the “aircraft would not have disappeared” if not for the carrier’s negligence, which it said included failing to ensure the safety of the flight, that reasonable or adequate precautions were taken, and that the flight was “monitored and tracked at all times”.

It added that the nervous shock suffered by the 49-year-old widow and sons, now aged 19 and 15, was a “direct and foreseeable consequence of the disappearance of the defendant’s aircraft”.

The writ, filed on Friday and obtained from the court by AFP on Wednesday, does not state the nationality of the plaintiffs, but the family live in the Australian state of Victoria. AFP

Aftermath. This handout photograph taken on February 23, 2016, and provided by Mai Life Magazine shows a nine-year-old girl standing among the ruins of their destroyed home in the village of Ra after Cyclone Winston swept through the area. The death toll from the super cyclone jumped to 42 on February 24 as concerns grew for the remote Fijian villages still waiting for help after the onslaught of the most powerful storm in the Pacific nation’s history. AFP

Fears hang over Balkan talks VIENNA—Austria hosts talks Wednesday with the countries along the well-trodden migrant path through the western Balkans to northern Europe, as tighter border controls raise fears of a humanitarian crisis, particularly in Greece.

But Athens has angrily protested at being excluded from the ministerial meeting in Vienna, underscoring the rifts in Europe over how to tackle the crisis.

The talks come after figures showed that Europe’s migrant headache was continuing to

rage, with over 110,000 people arriving in Greece and Italy so far this year alone, following more than one million in 2015.

According to the International Organization for Migration, 31,000 of this year’s arrivals were

fleeing the Syrian civil war. A total of 413 people lost their lives on the journey, including 321 on the way to Greece.

The influx has fueled unease in Europe, boosted populist parties, driven a wedge among many of the 28 members of the European Union and thrown into doubt the continent’s cherished passport-free Schengen Zone that is crucial for commerce.

Amnesty International hit out Wednesday at Europe’s “shameful” response, saying most EU countries had “simply decided that the protection of their borders is more important than the protection of the rights of refugees”.

With all EU attempts so

far failing to halt the influx, countries through the western Balkans from Greece, as well as Austria, have begun unilaterally to impose border restrictions.

In the latest such move, Macedonia has closed its frontier to Afghans and introduced more stringent document checks for Syrians and Iraqis seeking to travel to northern and western Europe.

The move caused a bottleneck at the Greek-Macedonian border―where nearly 4,000 people were waiting to get through on Tuesday―and forced Greek police to keep hundreds of others from traveling to the frontier.

On the Greek side, Afghan

families boarded nearly a dozen buses for the long trip back to the capital, where they will be temporarily housed in relocation camps, police said.

Skopje said its move followed decisions by countries further up the western Balkan migrant route to turn back groups of Afghans, while Serbia announced a similar stance.

“There is no sense in expecting Serbia to agree to receive migrants about whom we receive clear signals from Austria, Slovenia and Croatia that they will not be allowed in these countries,” Serbian Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said.

EU migration commis-

sioner Dimitris Avramopoulos and Dutch Migration Minister Klaas Dijkhoff said they were “concerned” by developments in the Balkans and by the “humanitarian crisis that might unfold”.

Their fears were echoed by Filippo Grandi, the new head of the UN refugee agency UNHCR on a visit Tuesday to the Greek island of Lesbos, a main landing point after the perilous sea crossing for migrants from Turkey.

“I am very worried about the news that we are getting about increasing closures of European borders along the Balkans route because that will create further chaos and confusion,” Grandi said. AFP

Seoul rejects warning on missiles

Precaution. Health authorities with the help of the Cuban army fumigate against the Aedes aegypti mosquito to prevent the spread of zika, chikungunya and dengue in a street of Havana on February 23, 2016. Cuban President Raul Castro announced that 9,200 troops and police had been mobilized in a campaign to eliminate mosquitoes and protect the country against the Zika virus. AFP

SEOUL—South Korea Wednesday dismissed China’s warning that the planned deployment of a US missile defense system could damage ties, stressing that it was to counter the “growing threats” from North Korea.

“The deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system is a measure of self-defense against growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea,” presidential spokesman Jeong Yeon-Guk said.

Jeong said the issue would be “decided in accordance with security and national interests,” adding that “China will have to recognize the point.”

The remarks came after Chinese ambassador Qiu Guohong

Tuesday warned that installation of the THAAD system on the Korean Peninsula could “destroy” relations between Beijing and Seoul.

China has repeatedly protested since Washington and Seoul announced plans to deploy the missile defense in the South, in response to North Korea’s recent nuclear test and rocket launch.

But Tuesday was the first time that a Chinese diplomat or official had warned of the effect on diplomatic ties with Seoul.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said it was taking “necessary measures” about Qiu’s comments without elaborating further.

“Before raising an issue about the THAAD deployment, it will be

reasonable to consider the root of the problem,” the ministry said.

The THAAD system fires antiballistic missiles to smash into enemy missiles either inside or outside the Earth’s atmosphere during their final flight phase.

The interceptor missiles carry no warheads, instead relying on kinetic energy to destroy their targets.

The allies announced their intention to begin talks on its deployment following Pyongyang’s longrange rocket launch on February 7, which was seen by the US and its allies as a covert ballistic missile test.

South Korea’s defense ministry said it expects official talks on THAAD to begin next week. AFP

T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

W EL L BEING

LIFE

Participants of the Shell FuelSave Fueled to Do More challenge race against time to complete a series of tasks related to fuel efficiency

STUDY REVEALS 91% OF FILIPINOS GET ANXIOUS WHEN STUCK IN TRAFFIC

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

W

hen you’re driving or commuting on the roads of the country recently tagged as having “the worst traffic in the world” by a GPSbased navigation app and sixth among 58 countries with the most time spent being stuck in a congested thoroughfare, going from one place to another can be extremely stressful.

Traffic jams in the Philippines, particularly in high density and highly urbanized areas like Metro Manila, are a regular experience commuters and motorists have to put up with.

Most likely, everyone has other more productive, gratifying and important things they would rather do than being stuck in an idle vehicle, but sadly, the traveling situation makes them impossible to be accomplished.

In a bid to find out the emotional impacts of traffic in the Philippines, petroleum company Shell commissioned Edelman

Berland, an independent global market research firm, to survey 1000 Filipino motorists nationwide.

The study, dubbed “Shell FuelSave Do More,” revealed that 91 percent of respondents between ages 18 to 50 “get anxious when stuck in traffic.”

“Many Filipinos feel they have less time to do the things they enjoy, which causes them to end up missing out on a lot of important life moments such as spending time with their families, having dinner with friends, or even watching their favorite television shows,” explains Pilipinas Shell vice president for retail Anthony Lawrence Yam. The anxiety motorists feel, according to Shell FuelSave brand manager Maan Abas, primarily stems from their not being able to spend time with their family; significant considering that 96 percent of those polled cited that “spending time with their family is very important to them.”

Furthermore, Filipino motorists also feel anxious about saving on fuel.

“They feel that it’s important to be efficient when they drive, but they are not very sure on how to be fuel-efficient and that’s causing them anxiety,” posits Shell Fuels scientist Mae Ascan.

The study even compared the anxiety motorists feel when they see the red light on their fuel gauge as higher than going for a job interview or making a public speech.

That being said, the survey also discovered that nearly 2/3 or roughly 67 percent of respondents agreed that changing the way they drive could give them more time to enjoy more things in life, and almost all said that “their lives would be positively impacted if they could make their fuel last longer and had to fill up less.”

“Filipino motorists believe that if they can start changing their habits in driving, combined with Shell FuelSave, they will be able to achieve efficiency, which then translates to them being able to do more in a day,” expounds Abas.

Aside from providing fuels that promise efficiency

– such as Shell FuelSave – Shell also provides basic and ingenious tips on how drivers can make their fuel last longer. Some of the ways to make the most out of every drop of fuel include (1) checking the tire pressure, (2) checking the fuel cap to prevent fuel evaporation, (3) driving smoothly, (4) using higher gears, (5) planning trips, and (6) avoiding excess idling.

Ascan suggests, “If you feel that you’re already stuck in traffic for more than 10 seconds, the best thing to do is turn off your engine.”

Starting them young Believing that education about smart driving should start with the youth, Pilipinas Shell recently staged the “Fueled to Do More” challenge for college students who would be representing the country at the upcoming Shell EcoMarathon Asia 2016 on March 3 to 6.

Each participating team raced against the clock as they completed a series of tasks related to fuel efficiency.

The various Shell fuel saving tips were integrated

The various Shell fuel saving tips are integrated in each of the seven challenges which include scavenger hunt, puzzle solving and other mini games

Shell FuelSave brand manager Maan Abas and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal (center) join the students from different Philippine schools who will represent the country at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2016 on March 3 to 6

Each team goes through different obstacles while learning about fuel efficiency

in the challenges, which included scavenger hunt, obstacle course, puzzle solving and other mini games. Meanwhile, one station challenged the participants to figure out which common fuel efficiency methods many

Filipino motorists believe were facts or myths.

Bagging the top prize was the Dark Blue team composed of students from De La Salle University and Don Bosco Technical College in Mandaluyong.

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T H U R S D AY : F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Herbalife Philippines general manager Rosalio Valenzuela during the launch of the Herbal Concentrate Aloe Mango

Your digestive system has a lot to say about what you put in it, how often and how much

7 HABITS FOR HEALTHY DIGESTION I f you have been experiencing digestive disturbances such as bloating, gas or irregularity of bowel movement, chances are, you may not be eating the right food at the right time – and these disturbances are your digestive system’s way of speaking up.

According to US-based nutrition expert and dietitian Susan Bowerman, the digestive system has a lot to say about not only what you put in it but also how much and how often. Some people eat too much, some wolf down their food so fast. Others don’t get enough fiber, while some wreak havoc on their system by taking in a giant plate of food after skipping a regular meal.

As explained by Bowerman, who is also a consultant for global nutrition company Herbalife, gas production is a normal part of the digestive process and indicates a healthy intake of fiber and a well-functioning digestive tract. The average person passes gas about 14 times a day, but if gas becomes excessive, that’s another story. Bloating is the result of air that gets trapped in the digestive tract. It happens when a lot of air is swallowed while eating too fast or talking while chewing. Irregularity of bowel movement is also one of the most common digestive complaints, but people should not be stressed if they don’t do it everyday.

Just recently, Herbalife launched a new variant to its original Herbal Aloe infused with lemon – the Herbal Concentrate Aloe Mango, which is made from raw and certified organic aloe barbadensis leaves grown in Mexico. Including the Aloe Mango in one’s daily regimen can support healthy digestion. Preparation is easy; just mix 15ml of Herbal Aloe Concentrate with ½ cup (120ml) of water.

Bowerman also suggests these seven healthy tips to address common digestive problems and promote healthy digestion: 1. Get enough fiber Fiber is the structural portion of a plant, so it’s found in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Adults should be eating about 30 grams of fiber a day which can be obtained by having a fruit or vegetable with every meal or snack.

Also choose whole grains over refined “white” breads, cereals, rice and pasta.

2. Get some “good” bacteria The digestive system is home to thousands of strains of beneficial bacteria that help to break down foods that are resistant to normal digestion. While the idea of consuming bacteria in the diet may not sound appealing, the probiotic bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods like soy products can promote digestive health.

3. Get regular exercise Exercise is also good for the smooth muscles of your digestive tract. Exercise stimulates the muscles to contract, which keeps things “moving along”. Exercise is also a great way to relieve your body of stress, which makes it particularly good for those whose digestive systems act up when they get stressed out.

4. Don’t go too long without eating When you go too long without eating, you’ll either eat quickly because you’re so hungry, or eat too much because you’re starving. Either way, this could trigger some kind of indigestion, so it’s better to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day.

5. Take your time when making dietary changes When people are bothered by gas, they think eliminating “gassy” foods like beans or broccoli will solve the problem. It’s much better to try eating small amounts over several days to give your system time to adjust. If you’re trying to add more fiber to your diet, work your way up to the recommended 25-30 grams of fiber gradually.

6. Take your time eating and eliminating Chowing down too fast takes away the enjoyment of eating and will likely cause you to swallow air – which can lead to gas buildup and bloating. Eating too quickly could also make you overeat since it takes 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain that it’s full. When nature calls, act on it immediately; don’t put off the bathroom visit. If you put it off, you’re more likely to have difficulty getting the job done.

Herbal Concentrate Aloe Mango is the newest digestive health product from Herbalife

7. Meet your fluid needs Fluid helps the fibers in foods to “swell” and helps to add more bulk to the material passing through the lower digestive tract, which keeps things running smoothly. Watery fruits and vegetables go a long way in meeting fluid needs, but it’s still important to drink fluid throughout the day.

For more information on Herbalife and its product solutions, visit ww.herbalife.com.ph

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

SURPRISING REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GET THOSE ZZZS

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f you have been feeling lethargic, bad tempered, slow witted, skin breaking out and looking like a panda with those dark circles around your eyes, chances are, you haven’t been getting enough sleep.

Not many however realize that the lack of sleep also affects the heart, mind, body and even their sex life – as disclosed by the Neurophysiology & Sleep Disorders Laboratory of the Philippines’ premier health institution Makati Medical Center.

Here are some of the best reasons why you should turn off the lights and go to bed earlier tonight: You’ll be in a better mood. “Sleeping poorly is one of the most stated reasons that people give for having a less than stellar day,” says sleep specialist Dr. Rosalina P. Espiritu-Picar, co-director of MakatiMed’s Sleep Laboratory. “When your body lacks sleep, it goes into a state of stress, putting your body functions on high alert and driving an increase in blood pressure and the production of stress hormones,” she continues.

Being sleep-deficient can also affect your judgment, problem-solving ability and creativity, so make sure you

get enough to face the day ahead.

It helps keep your heart healthy. Did you know that heart attacks and strokes more commonly occur during the early morning hours? Dr. Picar says that this is due to the way sleep interacts with blood vessels. “Lack of sleep has been associated with heart disease and stroke risk factors, like worsening blood pressure and cholesterol.

The recommended 6-8 hours daily will definitely be healthier for your heart.” It is also important to pay attention to sleep quality and not just sleep length. Many conditions that affect sleep quality such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea have been linked to a multitude of diseases.

Sleep makes you smarter. Getting the appropriate amount and quality of sleep has some pretty awesome effects on how you learn and focus – it even improves memory, and cognitive function. “We aren’t yet at the point of fully understanding why we sleep and dream, but the process called memory consolidation occurs during sleep,” Dr. Picar explains. “While your body is resting, your brain, on the other hand, is busy processing, making

connections between events, and taking on sensory input, feelings and memories.”

It can improve your sex life. Yes, not getting enough sleep may also mean not getting any. Looks like the lack of zzz’s lowers libido and can increase the possibility of encountering sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.

“Being tired and fatigued all the time results in decreased libido. In a recent study that we conducted at the Makati Medical Center, depressive symptoms and sexual dysfunction scores improved upon the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP therapy, the treatment of choice for sleep apnea,” Dr. Picar says.

Sleep contributes to skin health. Your skin can be damaged not just by harmful UV rays, but also by lack of sleep since it can trigger acne breakouts and lead to premature skin aging. “Don’t limit your skin care routine to creams and lotions; getting enough sleep is just as important.”

Sleep can make you sexy. Shedding those pounds can be as simple as getting a good night’s sleep. “There’s a reason why health and fitness experts keep telling us about the importance of sleep. Your metabolism can drastically slow down and you can’t build muscle when you lack sleep,” says Dr. Picar. “Your body also uses this time to recover and heal cell and tissue damage. Recent studies have also shown that the time in which we get our sleep is as important. A reversal of sleep patterns as we see in most shift workers and call center workers results in a tendency to indulge in high calorie food such as chips and fries contributing to unwanted pounds and overall poor health.”

For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at 8888.999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.

Poor sleep is one of the reasons why people feel stressed or irritable

CENTURY TUNA’S ‘SUPERBODS: THE UNDERPANTS RUN’ FUNDRAISER KICKS OFF 2ND IRONMAN 70.3

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ot quite your usual run but soon keeping pace among the world’s top-ranked Ironmen will be the country’s Superbods finalists – all for a cause. Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run will kick off Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 this March in Subic Bay, gathering the world’s top athletes to one of the region’s desired triathlon destinations for the second year.

Inspired by the tradition at Kona, home of the renowned Ironman World Championship, Century Tuna is continuing the Superbods Underpants Run that it started last year to cultivate a fun local tradition that also gives back to the community.

This exciting pre-race activity, which made last year’s headlines, is open to all participants of this year’s Ironman 70.3. Adding to the thrill of the 2016 Underpants Run are the 18 Century Superbods finalists who will be running alongside the triathletes.

The Underpants Run participants will run, race, and raise over $2,000 to support the National Greening Program of the SBMA Ecology Center.

Two pairs of winners, foreign and local, will be selected and will bring home the coveted Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Superbods Awards with a prize of $500 each. This amount will be matched by Century Tuna for the donation.

This year’s Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run will kick off on

March 5 at 9:30 a.m. from Subic Bay Yacht Club and will take participants through a scenic route along the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“We are all excited about the return of this year’s Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 triathlon as it further strengthens our vision to help Filipinos live healthy. We also hope to cement new traditions like the Century Tuna Superbods: The Underpants Run that people will anticipate for years to come,” said Greg Banzon, general manager at Century Canning Corporation.

For more details, visit www.centurypacific.com.ph or www.ironman703subicbay.com.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

PREHAB NOT REHAB FINE FETTLE

BY BUBBLES PARAISO

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revention is better than cure” or “proactive medicine” is a mantra that Francis Diano DPT, MCMT, COMT, OCS, SCS (talk about multiple sports medicine accreditations, huh?) strongly believes, that’s why he would rather see his clients in between or after trainings, games and/or races rather than when they are down and out with an injury. However, he is also the doctor on call for minor to major injuries – I should know, I met him because I injured my knee a few months back – but as stated earlier, he would rather not.

As the name says, Pace Prehab and Recovery specializes on prehab, not rehab. They perform recovery procedures and tests on their clients who are

injury, but by doing prehab, these injuries can be prevented by highlighting deficiencies that could become a major problem later down the road.

Take the test they perform on you on the treadmill, for example.

They analyze your running while at your healthy state and not during your injured state so that, with the help of some DorsaVi wearable sensors (the most accurate in the market, and they’re the only one that carries them in Asia), they can observe your natural tendencies as you run for a few minutes. Do you favor or put more pressure on one side when you run? Do you turn in too much or turn out when you run? Which muscle groups are working while you’re hitting the ground? Or if you already have a tight hamstring issue and have a slight pain on your back while running, these issues and deficits will be addressed and thus improve your performance and limit your downtime.

These tests, thanks to the sensors, take out a lot of the guesswork when trying

issues on the fly before the athlete gets hurt.

Of the countless prehab and recovery services they offer though, would perhaps be the recovery boots. I was still semi-waddling like a penguin when I tried them out, thanks to my first ever 21-kilometer race on the skyway with my legs feeling like logs and my quads feeling like they were made of iron and steel combined.

A recovery run and a soak on a hot tub may have helped ease the soreness for a little bit, but it was only the recovery boots that made my legs feel fresh and good as new.

The recovery boots act like a massage on your legs but they give nomadic sequential pressure from the bottom to the top, then deflate over and over again to release lactic acid on your legs and speed up recovery on your legs by 70 percent. The pressure on your legs as the boots “massage” and release lactic acid is more consistent and less intrusive than a massage, hence making the boots a lot better than a regular massage. Wearing

I ran on the treadmill while wearing DorsaVi sensors on my shin to detect deficiencies or bias when I run

These recovery boots give out nomadic sequential pressure to your legs which release lactic acid build up and increase your recovery faster by 70 percent

This bike is hooked into a computer and as the athlete spins, enough information is obtained to assess how much power one gives out while spinning, if it favors only one side, etc.

mostly marathon runners, cyclists, swimmers, those who do all three (triathletes), basketball and football players, and other athletes, but also cater to the regular Joe who simply wants to address some physical issues. These tests identify inefficiencies and tendencies that could potentially lead to an injury and address them before it becomes a more serious issue. According to Doc Francis, it’s harder to bounce back from an

to identify issues that your body is trying to tell you.

Another test they do in the clinic is for the cyclists (or triathletes) on the bike. As the athlete spins, Doc Francis can see how much power and power distribution one is putting out thanks to the computer hooked up to that bike. (P.S. -- If you can, bring in and hook up your own bike, for more accuracy in size and fit.) Again, this technology takes out all the guesswork and so that they can correct

the boots will make you feel like the marshmallow man, and there may be a ticklish feeling at first but you will get used to it and the pressure. These boots are perfect for athletes who use their legs or lower extremities a lot, like people who squat or run a lot. They also have two other versions of these for two other parts of your body. One is the recovery core, which focuses more on your core – from above your knees till under your

chest. And the last piece is the Recovery Arms which are perfect for swimmers or anyone who does a lot of upper extremities work.

You might feel rather lethargic while in the recovery lounge as your deoxygenated blood is being pushed up, but once you take the boots off, you’ll be rejuvenated, reenergized and ready to train again.

It was my first time to come across the whole concept of prehab because of Pace and I like it. It makes a

Proactive medicine or prevention before cure is the belief behind ‘prehab not rehab’

lot of sense, as they just want to help you avoid having downtime during an injury and instead just be able to give optimal performance in every game or race. Whether you are as active as I am or not, I think everyone should check this place out and get analyzed before any injury strikes them down.

Pace Prehab and Recovery is on the 16th Floor, MDI building, 39th cor 9th Street, Uptown BGC, Taguig.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @bubblesparaiso PHOTOS BY STAR SABROSO

T HUR S DAY : F EBRUA RY 25, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, ARTS, LIGHTS AND DANCE

Premium Brazilian footwear brand Ipanema partners with the highly-anticipated musical event Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival set in the beautiful island of Puerto Galera

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From left: Miro Grgic, Malasimbo Festival Director and Co-Founder; Cecille Loretizo, ELRO Retail Corporation Marketing Manager and Hubert d’Aboville, President and Co-Founder of Malasimbo Festival

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or a comfortable music and arts festival experience, premium Brazilian footwear brand Ipanema is partnering with the highly-anticipated musical event Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2016, an international event that celebrates music, arts, lights and dance, all set in the beautiful island of Puerto Galera on March 4 to 6.

“It is a privilege to partner with Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival,”says ELRO Retail Corporation Marketing Head Cecille Loretizo. “This festival promotes world-class arts and culture and we want to take part in this global vision. This year, Malasimbo Festival 2016 features back-to-back activities and we want every festival goer to experience the ‘Malasimbo Magic’ comfortably.”

Ipanema is designed with a special flexpand material that makes it durable and flexible.

Made from 100 percent recyclable PVC, the footwear offers a wide range of flip flops, sandals and wedges available in a spectrum of colours and finishes.

With this, Ipanema is your go-to footwear for the Malasimbo festival because it provides unique comfort to your feet and concern for the environment.

Apart from the celebration of music, arts, lights and dance, Malasimbo amplifies the festivities with the adrenaline-pumping Rider Malasimbo Kiteboarding Exhibition that will coincide the music and arts festival on March 5.

“Our participation in the festival becomes bigger and more exciting as Rider takes part in the

Kiteboarding Exhibition. This activity strongly showcases the brand’s active and outdoor lifestyle,” adds Loretizo.

Headlining the three-day event is Quincy Jones Presents Jacob Collier, one the world’s most distinctive, inventive and prodigious young musicians of today. Joining him is Brisbanebased soul, jazz musician Jordan Rakei, together with Malasimbo crowd favorite, Australian beatboxer Tom Thum featuring our very own, The Manila Symphony Orchestra. Also included in the line up are veteran and emerging musicians Sinosikat, The Reo Brothers, Brat Pack, Brigada, Crwn, Lustbass, Kristian Hernandez, BadKiss, Mark Zero, and Miro.

The back-to-back weekend fes-

tivities don’t end there. Happening on March 24-26, Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival will rock the island of Puerto Galera with a collection of beats and dance hits from some of the finest DJs in the country and across the globe.

Millenials are in for a three-day festivity filled with state-of-the-art light shows, contemporary and traditional dance, hip hop, house music, drum and bass, futuristic, immersive and electronically inspire entertainment, all embedded within the breathtaking Malasimbo amphitheater.

Experience the ‘Malasimbo Magic’ with Ipanema and Rider. For more information about the latest products, check out their Facebook accounts: Ipanema Philippines and Rider Philippines.

SM YOUTH SIGNS NEW AMBASSADORS

M Youth has benchmarked the standard for boys and teens wear, serving a variety of the best clothing choices in town. The brand has also been recognized to have the freshest brands under its arm through the unique collaborations available in stores, as promoted by outstanding personalities Tommy Esguerra, Richard Juan, Janna Tee, L.A. Aguinaldo and Carlo Atendido.

All blessed with good looks and undeniable charms, PBB alumni Tommy and Richard, stunner Janna and adventure seeker L.A. will frontline fresh, hip brand SM Youth after renewing their contract with the brand. Meanwhile, new recruit DJ Carlo marks his first year with SM Youth.

As the SM Youth Ambassadors, Tommy, Richard, Janna, L.A. and Carlo will serve the latest in youth fashion and lifestyle to teens across the country. Not only are they fashionable, but these ambassadors will also seek to inspire millions to speak out their style language.

Present during the contract signing are SM Assistant VicePresident for Marketing Marielle Ardiente and SM Senior Assistant Vice-President for Merchandising Silvestre Bayle.

“We have chosen outstanding youth who embody what the brand stands for. Their individual styles speak clearly about stylish youth empowerment and together, they can help influence the youth to stand out through their impressive wardrobe choices – without splurging too much. We are very happy to have Richard, Tommy, Janna and L.A. representing SM Youth again. The four of them perfectly fits into the youth profile. Their stories have also inspired many teens to go after their dreams. As for life of the party

The SM Youth Ambassadors: Tommy Esguerra, Janna Tee, DJ Carlo Atendido, LA Aguinaldo, and Richard Juan

Carlo, he is the perfect addition to the team,” said Ardiente.

SM Youth, along with the other brands under its arm, is available at all The SM Stores nationwide.

Get up close and personal with our SM Youth Ambassa-

dors Tommy Esguerra, Richard Juan, Janna Tee, L.A. Aguinaldo and Carlo Atendido when you visit facebook.com/ SMyouthlifestyle, or drop a note @SM_Youth on Twitter and Instagram.

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T HUR S DAY : F EBRUA RY 25, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PHILIPPINES: IMPORTANT MARKET FOR TURNER

By Jao Gavino

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urner Broadcasting’s Phil Nelson revealed, in an exclusive interview with The Standard, that the Philippines is one of the most important markets in the region. In addition, the executive unveiled the media company’s new and exciting plans for the year.

Nelson, Turner’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Southeast Asia, talked about Cartoon Network and its top -rating shows.

The leading kids channel in the Philippines for four years straight, Cartoon Network finished the year 2015 with more than 31 percent relative share, according to data from Kantar Media Philippines. With 2016, a reimagining of beloved series The Powerpuff Girls “is coming very soon,” in addition to “a younger, more comedic” reboot of Ben 10 coming “later in the year,” according to Nelson.

Building on top of Cartoon Network’s success, Toonami, its more action-oriented counterpart, will also be airing the brand-new, much-awaited show, Dragon Ball Super, for the first time outside of Japan.

Also, Boomerang, a network cater-

ing to kids, will also be more widely distributed across the nation’s various cable TV services, with new shows such as Bunnicula, featuring the titular vampire rabbit, as well as various other shows featuring the good ol’ Looney Tunes characters providing a healthy dose of comedy for kids, as well as nostalgia for the kids-at-heart.

For the teens and adults who seek something different from the kidcentric shows of the aforementioned channels, enter Warner TV, one of the hottest newcomers on Filipino cable TV. An all-too-different beast after its rebranding last year, Warner TV ended the previous year on a high note, powering forward from a relative nobody into an 8 percent market share by the end of 2015.

This year, Warner TV doesn’t show any signs of letting up, opening 2016 with double-digit ratings, spearheaded by one of the hottest shows on TV, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

According to Nelson, Turner prioritizes the Philippine market “above the rest of Southeast Asia … due to an emerging middle class,” in addition to other factors. This is evidenced by Warner TV Philippines being separated from the rest of

Southeast Asia, having a different, specialized type of programming crafted specifically for Filipinos.

And the benefits for the Filipino viewers are obvious: highly-rated shows such as Gotham and the aforementioned Legends of Tomorrow are simultaneously aired here and in the US. No more getting spoiled via social media, no more downloading the shows on questionable websites on the Internet – Filipinos get the same shows, at the same times, as Americans do.

The entertainment train doesn’t end there – Warner TV, according to Nelson, prides itself in “having something for everyone,” with criticallyacclaimed comedies such as Angie Tribeca, dramas such as The Last Ship, and movies such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, balancing out the DC heavyweights.

With 2016 opening so strongly for Warner TV, Nelson says that “there’s plenty more to come,” and that they’re “cooking plenty of interesting shows and movies up,” and, much to our delight, that “[the Philippines] will be one of the first ones to get ‘em.”

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Phil Nelson, Turner’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Southeast Asia

GMA NETWORK BRINGS BACK ‘MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH’

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GMA. It is a story of three junior high school girls, Hikaru, Umi and Fuu, who were destined to become the legendary Magic Knights in the hopes of saving the magical world called Cephiro.

Japanese anime Magic Knight Rayearth

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE

ACROSS 23 Consumer lures 1 Warming drink 25 Least 6 — 1 (speed of experienced sound) 26 Forenoon hrs.

10 Iffy attempt 27 Outlet inserts 14 Sky blue 29 Safe experts?

15 Melville novel 32 Ghostly noises 16 Actual 33 Unseal, to Blake 17 Unusual sighting 36 Wheel connector 18 Weaver’s device 37 Suppose 19 Pro — 38 Swanky 20 Cartridge fillers 39 Meadow plaint 21 Bonnie and Clyde, e.g. 40 1040 and W-2

ast Saturday, anime lovers had the chance to watch the famous and much-loved fantasy series Magic Knight Rayearth on

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

11 Barter 41 Pith helmets 12 Jam ingredients 42 Searches for 13 Beauty’s swain 43 Aloha token 21 AMA members 44 Farming majors 22 Tatters 47 Banquets 24 911 responder 51 Worked for 27 Sonnets and odes oneself 28 Highland girl 54 Trolley 29 Edible root 55 Antarctic sea 30 Outer, in combos 56 Polite bark 57 Toulouse-Lautrec 31 Day- — paint 32 Gloom 58 Give the boot 33 Dinny’s rider 59 Boorish 34 Air-pump meas.

60 Movie mermaid 35 Codgers’ queries 61 Ancient 37 Gets fouled up (2 colonnade wds.)

62 Belgian river 38 Helpful hints 63 It flows past 40 Intuit Grenoble 41 Decade number DOWN 42 Nap 1 Implied 2 Endangered layer 43 Kitchen topper 44 Bushy hairdos 3 Slavic folk song 45 Crack filler 4 Lipizzaner’s 46 Fresco base routine 47 Shelve 5 Up till now 48 Comedian — 6 Double agents Kovacs 7 Major — Hoople 49 Harder to find 8 Hen hangout 50 Look pleasant 9 Four-baggers 52 We, in Le Havre (2 wds.)

53 Secret message 10 Fast-food 57 “Bali —” freebies

Monsters and chaos begin to invade Cephiro when Princess Emeraude, the leader who maintains peace and order, was imprisoned.

Will the three girls be able to bring back the peace in Cephiro and save Princess Emeraude?

Find out on Magic Knight Rayearth which airs every Saturday morning, 9:10 a.m. after Cross Fight B-Daman.

T HUR S DAY : F EBRUA RY 25, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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‘DOLCE AMORE’ CAPTIVATES VIEWERS Viewers nationwide were immediately fascinated by ABSCBN’s newest primetime teleserye Dolce Amore starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. Its pilot episode on Feb. 15 won in the ratings game.

According to data from Kantar Media, Dolce Amore registered a national TV rating of 35.6 percent, or more than double than that of GMA’s That’s My Amboy, which only managed to score 15.8 percent.

The teleserye’s sweet beginning gave a peek into the young life of Serena (Liza) after she was adopted by Italian socialites Roberto (Ruben Maria Soriquez) and Luciana (Cherie Gil). As a baby, Serena was separated from her real parents Alice and Uge (Sunshine Cruz and Andrew E) who were caught in a war in Askovia.

There is also Tenten, this time

Young Serena and young Tenten in Dolce Amore

Liza Soberano as Serena in Dolce Amore

known as Simon (Enrique Gil), who grows up in an orphanage with the desire to be adopted so

Andrew E and Sunshine Cruz as Uge and Alice

Rio Locsin and Bobot Mortiz as Taps and Dodoy

Cherie Gil and Ruben Maria Soriquez as Luciana and Roberto

‘WHEELS’ REVS UP FOR THIRD SEASON

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he could have a family. There, she meets cook Taps (Rio Locsin), her husband Dodoy (BobotMortiz), and their son Binggoy.

Now that Serena has found out that she is adopted, she is drawn to helping orphaned kids and decides to donate to an orphanage in Manila where Simon lives.

There begins their correspondence through letters as they find a friend in each other by being pen pals.

Dolce Amore airs weeknights on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

For exclusive updates, follow @ StarCreativesTV on Twitter and Instagram, or like www.facebook. com/DolceAmoreABSCBN2016.

heels will return to ABS-CBN Sports + Action channel for a much anticipated third season.

First aired in March 2015 and had a successful second run in August 2015, for the third season, host Matteo Guidicelli and motoring team, topbilled by motoring editor Manny De Los Reyes, Kap Maceda Aguila, Angel Rivero and Ulysses Ang, will return on t 10:30 p.m. tonight.

For the first episode of Wheels’ third season, Matteo and Manny will put the spotlight on Ford’s EcoBoost technology, which powers some of its cars like the Fiesta, Focus and Mustang.

Also front and center of the season premiere is the recent issue of sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) that’s been plaguing several cars. Ulysses will give drivers some safety tips on how to prevent sudden unintended acceleration and what to do when it happens.

Wheels will also take a ride on the new Polaris ATV, which Angel will take to a test drive in a wild off-road course. See what this baby can do as it makes its way through mud, bumps, and inclines in the outdoors.

For the finale, Wheels has saved the best for last, as Kap will take a ride with the one and only Jessy Mendiola. Learn how this sultry and sexy celebrity goddess spends her time behind the wheel and what makes her tick on the road.

Wheels is your guide to life on the fast lane.

Wheels is now on its new timeslot,Thursdays, 10:30 p.m. on the ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel.

Jessy Mendiola and Kap Maceda Aguila

WILL COCO FIND LOVE WITH ANNE? I Love OPM and It’s Showtime host Anne Curtis adds kilig to the evening viewing habit as she joins the cast of the no. 1 teleserye on primetime, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

Anne plays the role of Trina Trinidad, a rich fashion designer who has a bitter relationship with his stepfather Michael Alonzo played by veteran actor Christopher De Leon.

As potential harm threatens their family, Michael taps Cardo (Coco Martin) to be their bodyguard and asks help to find out who is the person behind the threats they are receiving. As he faces his new mission, how can Cardo protect Trina and Michael from danger?

Anne Curtis

Coco Martn

Will Cardo fall in love to Trina as while on duty as her bodyguard?

Don’t miss the action-packed scenes in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, weeknights on ABS-CBN. For more information about the program, visit the official social networking site of Dreamscape Entertainment Television at Facebook.com/DreamscapePH, Twitter.com/DreamscapePH, and Instagram.com/DreamscapePH.

SHINAGAWA PHILIPPINES OPENS SATELLITE BRANCH Top-notch service, high-end facilities and equipment, reliable team of medical experts, customer-friendly staff, reasonable price and credibility are what make up the present success of Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics Philippines.

Regarded as the leading aesthetics center in Japan and the world’s largest Lasik eye surgery provider, Shinagawa boasts of more than 26 years of experience. To date, it has 44 branches scattered all over the Land of the Rising Sun. Its Lasik surgery procedures alone is put at 1.2 million, the highest number of successful procedures in the world. Due to its maintenance of high standards and efficient

utilization of the latest medical technology and techniques over the years, it has captured the loyal patronage of a massive clientèle that reaches more than three million.

Shinagawa Philippines is actually the company’s maiden major operation outside Japan. Since it opened its doors in Manila in 2010, it has gradually established its niche’ in the market as the only aesthetic clinic that also offers Lasik. Its steady rise can be attributed to its consistent advancement through the the fusion of Japanese and Filipino expertise while keeping and maintaining the principles and standards of Shi-

nagawa in rendering world-class medical and aesthetic services.

Now, apart from its head office located at the Mezzanine, Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Avenue, Dela Rosa St., Makati City, Shinagawa Philippines has a satellite branch at the 21st Floor of the Hanston Square Bldg., San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City. A proof of its wider reach at present, it would give the same exceptional quality service to its prospective clientèle in nearby areas.

Interestingly, this satellite branch offers the following premium services sure to delight and satisfy the customers: Z Lasik - the fastest, safest and

most advanced blade less Lasik Procedure Dermlift PRP rejuvenation. Triderm Ultra - for a total Skin. Repair; rejuvenation, restoration, regeneration.

Fractional laser C02 - revolutionary technology in laser skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, SycrodermPlus - a laser treatment for facial rejuvenation that minimizes, shrink pores and gives a rosy white glow. Ultima Laser - the ultimate laser in removing unwanted hair permanenly.

Six years in the Philippines and definitely, still counting. Truly, the best is yet to come for Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics Philippines.

T HUR S DAY : F EBRUA RY 25, 2016

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ FILIPINOS IN NEW JERSEY MOUNT BIG TRADE AND CULTURAL FAIR

Hernando “Nanding” Perez, founder and current president and CEO of Fiesta in America, Inc.

ISAH V. RED

A

nd we think Filipinos who migrated to the land of milk and honey are merely amassing the dollars they earn as either professionals or blue-collar workers.

How about thinking that they are also trying to help Filipino American entrepreneurs across the US and Filipino small and medium businessmen get their products into the American market?

Fiesta In America, known to thousands of Filipino Americans in seven U.S. states, as the biggest indoor consumer expo of its kind on America’s east coast, could be “the Philippine export and tourism industries’ best overseas direct marketing tool ever.”

This prediction was made at a Business Mixer and presentation at Annabel’s Quezon City on Feb. 18 by Arlen Manansala, Fiesta In America’s vice president for Marketing and Communications.

New York-based Manansala has been in the Philippines since Feb. 4 on a mission to promote the two-day, indoor expo as an effective sales, branding and awareness vehicle for small and medium-sized manufacturers of export products; for real estate companies wishing to position the Philippines as the ideal investment and retirement haven; operators of hotels, casinos, and resorts; as well as travel professionals

and government agencies involved in trade and tourism market development.

“Demographics speak volumes about the economic power of Filipinos in New York and New Jersey that can fuel the influx of artisanal goods to the affluent northeast market and, conversely, drive the flow of FilAm as well as multicultural tourists into the Philippines,” Manansala emphasized at the presentation. He pointed to the median family income of Filipinos in New York and New Jersey, which, at more than $92,000 a year, is nearly twice the U.S. median household income. The US Census reports that a large proportion of Filipinos in the U.S. are college-educated and engaged in white-collar occupations; many belong to two- and three-income households. Along with the Vietnamese, Filipino Americans have the highest rate of home-ownership among all population groups in America. Those are eye-opening data that paint a rosy picture for homegrown exports and inbound tourism.

“In fact,” Fiesta In America’s spokesperson asserted, “the median household income of Filipinos in all 50 U.S. states exceeds $75,000 a year, well ahead of other groups and even Whites. But perhaps more important, Filipino immigrants crave for Philippine-made products that are not easily found in U.S. stores.

Being well-travelled, they are keen on discovering new travel hot spots aside from their own hometowns and well-known tourist magnets, like Palawan and Boracay.”

Indeed, tens of thousands of FilAms in the U.S. northeast region

Maxene Magalona, Edgar Allan Guzmanand Vina Morales during last year’s Fiesta in America

The cultural show and expo at Fiesta in America

are baby boomers on the lookout for retirement, vacation, and investment properties close to the families and friends they left behind when they pursued the American dream.

Indoor consumer expositions such as Fiesta In America present unique opportunities for Philippine businesses to carve a slice of the lucrative North American market, with a focus on high-income consumers in Fiesta In America’s seven-state visitor footprint. Based on data supplied by Fiesta In America’s New York City main office, visitors to the annual expo average anywhere from 10,000 to 14,000

over its two-day run in the summer. More than 200,000 individuals have been to the event since 1998 when the expo was launched as the Philippine Trade and Cultural Show. The expo’s 18th anniversary will be celebrated on Aug. 13 and 14 at its home-venue for the last 14 years, the Meadowlands Expo Center (MEC) in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Some 30 minutes by car from New York, the 61,000 sq. ft. MEC boasts 5,000 free indoor parking spaces, and easy accessibility by public transport. It is one of the premier exhibition and conference sites in the U.S. mid-Atlantic corridor.

Fiesta In America’s marquee of-

Kapamilya star Piolo Pascual with some FilAm performers

fering is a Trade and Travel Pavilion that occupies nearly 70 percent of the MEC. It can accommodate more than 150 piped and draped exhibitor booths, each measuring 3.33m X 3.33M (10 ft. X 10 ft.). A large native Food Court, four 50seat seminar rooms, a 20,000-copy magazine (Fiesta Talks), and two nights of live musical concerts starring A-List performers from The Filipino Channel round-up the expo’s direct-marketing and salesactivating features for businesses.

In previous Fiesta in America, the organizers were able to invite the likes of PioloPascual, MaxeneMagalona, Vina Morales, and Edgar Allan Guzman to grace the two- day trade and cultural fair.

This year, the organizers are hoping they could invite Kapamilya’s popular love teams and other stars that are familiar with Filipinos in the US. Fiesta in America is a brainchild of Filipino immigrant to the US Fernando Mendez who had the vision to help fellow Filipino entrepreneurs sell their products in the American market.

For more information on how to take part as sponsors, exhibitors or advertisers, email info@fiestainamerica.com or visit www.fiestainamerica.com. For phone inquiries, please call Fiesta In America’s New York office at 212-682-6610.