The Standard - 2016 March 10 - Thursday

VOL. XXX NO. 29 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 THURSday : MaRCH 10, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Mar tells ‘butterflies’ in LP to go away

A3

ad-driven raCe

Poll: Contest for Senate shaken up by airtime buys

By Joyce Pangco Pañares and Macon Ramos-Araneta

POLITICAL advertisements are shaking up the senatorial race with candidates who were previously ranked low making it to the Magic 12, the latest The Standard Poll showed.

Three candidates—former senator Richard Gordon, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and former

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority head Joel Villanueva—joined the top 12 in

Marcos, Chiz now tied, new poll says

A2

the survey covering the period of Feb. 24 to March 1.

“The senatorial race has become very volatile. The ranking is fluid, owing to the political advertisements of the candidates,” said Junie Laylo, The Standard’s resident pollster.

For the survey period of Feb. 24 to March 1, Laylo said television advertisements, in particular, played a huge role in the ranking

of the senatorial aspirants.

“The ranking changes almost every week such that any survey will reflect the sentiment of the voters depending on the volume of political ads that they watched within the week that the survey was conducted,” Laylo added.

Re-electionist Senator Vicente Sotto III retained his lead with 50 percent of the respondents saying they will vote for him if the elec-

tions were held today.

Former senator Francis Pangilinan, who placed fourth in January, was now tied in second place with reelectionist Senator Ralph Recto with 43 percent each, followed by former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros who went up from sixth place to fourth with 39 percent.

Among the candidates who made it to the top 12, the biggest Next page

Comelec now wants to move elections

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Maricel V. Cruz STA. ROSA, Laguna—The Commission on Elections said Wednesday that it is considering postponing the national and local polls set for May 9 after the Supreme Court ordered it to issue printed receipts to voters.

In a press conference, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista called the Supreme Court decision “impractical” and said that with only 61 days before the elections, there might not be enough time to change their preparations for the polls.

“For me, if we need to postpone the elections, let’s postpone them,” Bautista

said in Filipino, during an interview over radio dzBB. A postponement, however, requires congressional approval, he said.

“The Supreme Court decision will affect our timeline, and this morning, this is what we will talk about and see if we need to recommend [to Congress] to postpone our Next page elections, he said.

A2

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Pulse Asia: Marcos, Chiz now tied

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

DESPITE a concerted Palacebacked campaign against him, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shared the No. 1 spot with Senator Francis Escudero in the vice presidential race, a new Pulse Asia survey said.

Campaigning in Quezon. Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero greet students of Enverga University in Candelaria, Quezon on

Wednesday. Ey ACAsio

Ad-driven...

From A1

gainers were Romualdez, who shot up from 16th place to 10th with 31 percent; Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who jumped to fifth place with 37 percent from 10th place in January; and Villanueva, who, from 13th place, is now tied with re-electionist Senator Franklin Drilon at seventh to eighth place with 36 percent.

Drilon, however, was the biggest loser, dropping six notches from second place in January.

Gordon, who was in 15th place in the previous survey, is now tied at the 11th to 14th place with former Justice secretary Leila de Lima, re-electionist Senator Teofisto Guingona III and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao with 30 percent each.

In the National Capital Region, where most candidates spread most of their television advertisements, the three new candidates who made it to the Magic 12 were actually ranked higher: Gordon is ranked fifth with 46 percent, Villanueva at the eight spot with 41 percent, and Romualdez securing the ninth place with 40 percent.

The survey has a national margin of error of +/- 1.8 percent, with 3,000 respondents—all of whom are registered voters with biometrics and who said they are sure to vote in the May elections—from 79 provinces and 40 highly urbanized cities across the country and the 17

Comelec...

From A1

On Wednesday morning, Comelec officials met in a closed-door emergency meeting with the agency’s IT service provider, SmartmaticTotal Information Management, in the agency’s Sta. Rosa, Laguna warehouse.

In a press briefing, Bautista confirmed that they discussed a possible postponement.

They also decided the Comelec would immediately file a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court.

“We were able to talk to Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and we have decided to file a motion for reconsideration [questioning the decision of the SC] as soon as possible,” Bautista said.

He said the Comelec wanted to demonstrate to the 15 justices of the Supreme Court how the voting machines work and why activating their ability to print receipts was impractical.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Comelec to activate the vote verification feature in response to a petition filed by former senator Richard Gordon, who argued that the receipts were a crucial security feature and should not be removed, as the Comelec planned to do.

The Court voted unanimously, 14-0, to

cities in the National Capital Region.

Presidential candidate Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Wednesday said the “scandalous” amounts being spent by her rivals should prompt graft and corruption investigations.

Santiago, author of the proposed AntiPremature Campaigning Law, questioned how other presidential aspirants can afford to spend way beyond the wealth declared in their statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth for their campaign.

“They spent at least five times the net worth they have declared for ads. One candidate even spent by 17 times his net worth,” Santiago said. “Where did they get the money?”

If the public is to speculate, she said they would think that these candidates have either stolen from public funds or peddled their influence.

Santiago issued the statement in the wake of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report that four of the five presidential candidates have collectively spent some P3.2 billion in ads from January 2015 to January 2016, or before the campaign period.

The PCIJ report also showed gaps between the candidates’ ad spending and their declared wealth. Vice President Jejomar Binay was allegedly the top spender, having placed P1.05 billion worth of ads, 17.4 times his net worth of P60.2 million in 2014.

He was followed by Senator Grace Poe,

who reportedly spent P1.016 billion on ads despite a net worth of only P89.5 million; Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas, who spent P969 million despite a net worth of only P202 million; and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who spent P146 million despite a net worth of P21.97 million.

“Almost all of these candidates are incumbent public officials, and have access to government funds,” said Santiago.

She said they are also prohibited by law from receiving gifts if the value of the gift is under the circumstances manifestly excessive,” Santiago said.

The senator added that although accepting campaign contributions is standard practice during elections, the candidates are nonetheless obliged to reveal their donors and to pay for taxes for contributions received outside of the campaign period.

“The people deserve to know who bankroll the campaigns of elective officials so that when a campaign contributor enjoys benefits to the detriment of the public under the official’s watch, the people would know who to hold accountable,” Santiago said.

Sought for her comment on campaign spending, Poe said the PCIJ figure was so big.

Admitting that the cost of advertisements is high, Poe said there was a difference between the rate card and the negotiated price.

But she said she would report her expenses and name financiers in her statement of campaign expenses.

grant Gordon’s petition.

But Bautista said this would certainly cause the poll body problems because activating the feature would entail practical, technical and operational changes in their preparations.

He said activating the feature would mean the Comelec must configure 92,500 SD cards of the vote counting machines, retrain and train more than 277,000 teachers who volunteered to serve as board of election inspectors.

“We were almost halfway done, and now it looks like we might have to go back and retrain those we’ve already certified,” Bautista said.

He added that the order would also affect overseas absentee voting.

Gregorio Larrazabal, a former Comelec commissioner who served during the first automated election in 2010, urged the poll body not to consider a postponement.

“I think postponing the elections should not even be discussed now. People should focus on making sure we have elections on the date set by the Constitution, May 9, 2016,” Larrazabal said in an interview.

“Comelec should focus all its effort now to make sure we have automated elections,” he added.

As a first step, he suggested the Comelec should reconsider its plan to activate on-screen verification, since printed receipts will be issued.

The poll watchdog group Kontra Daya welcomed the Supreme Court decision but said

the Comelec must still address “other outstanding issues,” such as a source code review and the testing of the transmission and canvassing systems.

The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections also welcomed the Court decision saying that this would be part of the audit process and could further enhance the transparency and ensure the credibility of the elections.

Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voters chairperson Henrietta de Villa said she did not think the Court would reconsider its 14-0 decision.

“We are running out of time to reconfigure machines,” she said.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, rejected Bautista’s idea to hold elections over two days instead of one.

Reps. Jonathan de la Cruz of Abakada partylist, Silvestre Bello III of 1-BAP party-list, Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela, Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, Jerry Trenas of Iloilo City and Gus Tambunting of Parañaque said holding of May elections for two days was deplorable.

The lawmakers added that the Comelec should be able to find the ways to comply with the Court order without affecting its timetable.

“The Comelec has to do what it needs to do within the bounds of the law. It has to heed the order of the SC,” De la Cruz said.

The ABS-CBN-commissioned survey conducted from Feb. 16 to 27, showed Marcos and Escudero both garnered 26 percent from 5,200 respondents aged 18 years and above with biometrics.

The survey was conducted exactly two months before the May elections or during the week of the 30th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, in which President Benigno Aquino III urged people not to vote for Marcos because of the abuses committed during martial law, which was declared by his father.

Aquino also demanded that Marcos acknowledge the sins of his father’s martial law regime.

Escudero was tied with Marcos following a 3-percent drop from this 29 percent showing during the survey period of Feb. 15 to 20.

Marcos’ 26 percent rating remained unchanged from the same survey.

In a news briefing at Hacienda Inn in Candelaria, Quezon, Escudero said they will continue to go around the country to convey their platform of government to the Filipino electorate.

“With regards to being statistically tied, how does it differ from being tied? Being tied or statistically tied are just the same. I am just a son of an employee of his father,” said Escudero, referring to his father who served as Agriculture minister under then President Marcos.

In the Pulse survey, Marcos and Escudero were followed by Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo at 18 percent, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano at 13 percent, Senator Gregorio Honasan II at 6 percent and Senator Antonio Trillanes at 5 percent.

In a statement, Marcos said while he is thankful for the positive response he has been getting, he remains focused on his getting message of national unity across the country.

“We are happy with the way things are going for us but our focus is really on the campaign and getting more people to hear what we have to say and our plans for the country.

Hopefully more people get to accept our message of national unity,” said Marcos.

Presidential aspirants Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay were statistically tied for first place, the Pulse survey said.

Virtually the same percentages of Filipino registered voters would elect either Poe (26 percent) or Binay (24 percent) as president if the May 2016 elections were held during the survey period.

Close behind them were Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (22 percent) and administration candidate Manuel Roxas II (19 percent).

Metro Manilans were most supportive of Poe (30 percent), Binay (26 percent), and Duterte (25 percent).

In the rest of Luzon, the top presidential contenders were Poe and Binay (32 percent and 30 percent, respectively).

Roxas was the first choice for president of Visayan registered voters (33 percent) while Duterte was the top pick for Mindanao (47 percent).

The leading candidates in Class ABC are Duterte (27 percent), Poe (21 percent), Binay (21 percent), and Roxas (17 percent).

In Class D, Poe and Binay posted the highest voter preferences (26 percent and 24 percent, respectively) and in Class E, Poe (27 percent), Binay (23 percent), and Roxas (23 percent) posted the highest figures.

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A3

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Grace says she will not exact revenge on her detractors

Zambales sortie. Presidential bet Jejomar Binay, his running mate Gregorio Honasan II and their senatorial candidates greet the people of Olongapo during their campaign in Zambales on Wednesday.

Roxas says allies free to move to Poe camp BATANGAS CITY—Following the high court’s decision allowing Senator Grace Poe to run for president, administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas on Wednesday said the political butterflies within the administration coalition should now move out rather than stab him in the back.

“If there are others who want to transfer, well, thank you very much. It’s better that they blatantly transfer [to other parties] than hide and stab me in the back,” Roxas said after distributing boats and releasing turtle hatchlings along the shoreline on Batangas Bay. Roxas and his running mate, Leni Robredo, dismissed speculation that some allies of the ruling Liberal Party will join Poe who is leading the pre-election surveys.

“That’s speculation,” Roxas said.

“Let’s see if there will be turncoats. How do you respond to speculation?”

Roxas said he was willing to fight for the top spot with or without Poe on the equation.

Voting 9-6, the Supreme Court on Tuesday declared Poe as a qualified candidate for president in the May 9 elections. It reversed the decision of the Commission on Elections canceling her Certificate of Candidacy over the questions on her citizenship and residency.

“It’s good that there is already a verdict,” Roxas said.

“We can now focus on the campaign.”

In the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from Feb. 16 to 27 with 5,200 respondents commissioned for ABSCBN, Roxas landed in fourth spot with 19 percent, behind Senator Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay who were statistically tied with 26 percent and 24 percent, respectively.

On third spot was Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte with 22 percent. John Paolo Bencito

CANDELARIA, Quezon—Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday she will not exact revenge on the people behind the moves to stop her from running for President after the Supreme Court rejected her disqualification by the Commission on Elections on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Hacienda Inn here, Poe called for magnanimity and reconciliation amid talks of possible impeachment moves against the Supreme Court justices who voted to allow her to run for president in this year’s elections.

“All of those legal rumblings and all of those legal questions I believe were already settled by the Supreme Court.

It’s up to them if they don’t believe it,” Poe said.

“In victory there should be magnanimity. I no longer want to get back at [the people who wanted to stop me from running for president].”

Poe’s running mate Francis Escudero praised the Supreme Court’s decision on her case.

“The Supreme Court said the Comelec was wrong; they abused their discretion. That’s why they granted the petition of Senator Grace,” Escudero said.

“If there was betrayal or violation of the law, those involved here were the Comelec commissioners who voted against Senator Grace.”

Poe said there were politicians from other parties who expressed their intention to support her candidacy or to join her team following the Supreme Court’s decision allowing her to run for president. She said she would name them in due time.

Poe said she understood the situation of the local candidates who earlier manifested the desire to support her but entertained doubts as a result of the disqualification cases filed against her.

Escudero said he could not thank the Supreme Court enough for removing all the legal obstacles placed before Poe. Months of uncertainty came to an end after the Supreme Court voted 9-6 to approve her plea to have the Comelec’s decision canceling her Certificate of Candidacy for president.

Escudero said the high court ruling allowed Poe and the Partido Galing at Puso to focus on the electoral campaign under the banner “Gobyernong may Puso.”

“We are hoping this will continue and we can effectively send our message to various parts of the country,” he said.

Poe and Escudero are both frontrunners in the various pre-election surveys.

They and their senatorial bets were in Quezon to woo voters and solidify support among local officials and candidates of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, which had recently endorsed them.

They visited the cities of Lucena, Tanauan and Tayabas as well as the towns of Lopez, Catanauan, Candelaria and Lucban. They also held meetings with officials and candidates from other towns.

Quezon has 1,124,090 registered voters for the coming general elections based on Commission on Elections’ data.

Macon Ramos-araneta

Binay promises to improve poor Filipinos’ quality of life PRESIDENTIAL bet Jejomar Binay will accomplish what the Aquino administration’s “Straight Path” failed to do: ease poverty and improve the quality of the lives of Filipinos, a spokesman said Wednesday.

“The Binay presidency will address poverty by focusing on three things: the creation of more stable jobs and livelihood opportunities, more meaningful income for our workers, and the availability of affordable food,” said former Finance secretary Margarito Teves.

Teves is the treasurer of Binay’s political party United Nationalist Alliance.

He said Binay’s presidency will create the most number of jobs in various sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and exportation, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

To ensure sufficient food on the table, Binay’s administration will increase farm productivity and raise farmers’ income as soon as possible, Teves said.

“Our policy will include reforming the

National Food Authority and ending its monopoly on rice importation so it can focus more on food security,” he said.

Binay has pledged not to wait till the end of his term to build more infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities to boost farmers’ production, and promote crop diversification.

Farmers should also be encouraged to switch from subsistence farming to agri-business, Teves said.

To create massive jobs, Binay’s presidency will make it easier for foreign investors to set up shop in the country.

“A policy environment that is more conducive to business will allow local and foreign firms to thrive in the Philippines,” Teves said.

“We need to continue making it easier for investors to do business in the Philippines. A Binay presidency will endeavor to shorten the business registration process from 16 steps in 34 days to six steps over eight days.” Vito Barcelo

Whistle stop. Administration bets Manuel Roxas II and Leni Robredo chat with a halo-halo vendor during a whistle stop in Batangas City. John Paolo Bencito

T h u r s D AY : M A r c h 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A4

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

German mariner first seen off Guam

Change of command. President Benigno Aquino III and newly minted Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina salute during the change of command ceremony at the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City on Wednesday. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

PNoy defends pick for DFA secretary

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III defended his appointment of former Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras as interim foreign affairs secretary amid concerns from ranking Filipino diplomats over possible midnight oil exploration deals in the West Philippine Sea. Aquino told reporters on Wednesday he appointed Almendras because of his role in repairing strained relations between Manila and Hong Kong following the 2010 Luneta hostage crisis that resulted in the killing of eight Hong Kongers.

“He has of course my utmost trust and confidence. He has prov-

en his skills in so many different fora. At the end of the day, I want to take full advantage of his assistance to me in my remaining 113 days in office,” Aquino said.

“It will be very difficult to get somebody to go through all of the hardship in this post with the expectation that he will only do it for

113 days,” he added.

But a ranking Department of Foreign Affairs official raised concern on the position of Almendras over the country’s South China Sea row with China because he was the one who proposed as energy secretary that the country pursue joint exploration deals in the West Philippine Sea. A foreign affairs official noted that when Almendras was energy secretary from 2010 to 2012, he proposed that 15 offshore territories, including two areas near Palawan province, be offered to foreign companies for joint exploration.

The official said it was also during Almendras stint at the DoE that the Aquino administration agreed to allow Chinese govern-

ment-owned firm Sino Petroleum Corp. to conduct oil exploration in the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea. The move, critics said, the Aquino administration gave China valuable intelligence and data on the location of our oil and natural gas reserves in the Spratlys.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares described the deal as “treasonous” and a “sell out” of Philippine national interests.

Moreover, the official said Almendras’ appointment amazed DFA officials since outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario already made a sound decision in turning over his duties to the able and career diplomat Undersecretary Laura del Rosario.

SAILORS on a round-the-world race found and left a dead German whose body was discovered on a yacht adrift off the southern Philippines, event organizers said.

The LMAX Exchange team saw the yacht about 870 kilometers west of Guam on Jan. 31 and a crew member discovered the decomposing body in the cabin, the Clipper Round the World Race said in a statement.

“In the spirit of the Clipper Race and the crew of team LMAX Exchange, we put the racing aside in the hope of assisting the stricken vessel and any fellow sailors marooned,” it said, quoting a statement put out by the team.

Organizers relayed the discovery to the US Coast Guard in Guam before instructing the team to carry on racing as it could provide no further assistance, it added.

The boat then drifted for 25 days across more than 1,200 kilometers of water before Filipino fishermen found the dismasted and listing white-hulled vessel off the east coast of Mindanao island.

Filipino police said the by-then mummified body found slumped over a table in the cabin was likely that of German national Manfred Fritz Bajorat, the presumed owner of the 13-meter (44-foot) yacht. “[I]t was out of respect that we chose not to publicize the full details of the finding. We hoped to avoid causing unnecessary alarm within the international sailing community by announcing the death of a then unknown sailor,” the race organizers said.

The Clipper race announcement, published on its website on Tuesday, appeared to put in doubt a Filipino police autopsy findings the man had died of a heart attack about a week before the fishermen found him.

The US Embassy in Manila referred AFP’s requests for comment to the US Coast Guard in Hawaii, which did not immediately reply to emailed questions.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo told AFP he was unaware of the case having been relayed by the US authorities. AFP

Duterte lashes at pal Binay

By Joel E. Zurbano AFTER saying three months ago that he favored Vice President Jejomar Binay over any other presidential candidate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is now singing a different tune and predicted a bleak future for the country if Binay is elected president.

“It’s okay if I lose,” Duterte said. “But it’s important for you to know what is at stake in our country and who can solve it.”

“Who can solve it? Binay? I can only say that I noticed Binay has large arms. Why, it’s not easy to count money. Count one million alone can keep you up until the morning,” he said.

He scoffed at the failure of Binay to include corruption in his political agenda and said “he [Binay] cannot talk about corruption because he has baggage.”

Duterte has avoided mentioning Binay in his previous speeches but lately trained his guns at the former Makati mayor. “Corruption in the government has to end,” he said.

Binay, a former member of Duterte’s PDP-Laban party, is running under the United Nationalist Coalition formed by him and former President Joseph Estrada.

Only last December, Duterte said he will support the candidacy of Binay, instead of administration bet Manuel Roxas II,

if he and Senator Grace Poe are disqualified to run by the Commission on Elections in the May 9 presidential elections.

“For me, it’d be okay if I am disqualified. I don’t care if I am disqualified but this much I can say: I do not have any respect for [Roxas]. If Grace is disqualified and I am disqualified, I will campaign for Binay,” Duterte said at that time.

But on Wednesday, Duterte said the misery of Filipinos is a consequence of having corrupt officials in the government and the Philippines is sinking in the pit of poverty and disorder because of corrupt government officials.

Sun watchers. A couple wear protective eye gear as they watch the partial solar eclipse that was visible at the Rizal Park in Manila on Wednesday. LINO SANTOS

T h u r s D AY : m A r c h 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A5

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

New PAF chief: Fly and fight

By Florante S. Solmerin On his first day as ‘top gun” of the Philippine Air Force, Lieutenant General Edgar Fallorina outlined his command guidance in connection with the“enormous challenges” the country is facing including territorial defense.

“Today, we must relearn to f ly and fight so that we won’t unnecessarily lose our force; where we use not to explain our actions, today we must know how to speak and share our values with the public,” Fallorina said in his assumption speech during the turnover of command at a PAF base in Lipa City, Batangas.

Fallorina, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class 1983, replaced retiring Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado. his assumption as PAF’s top gun was welcomed by the supersonic FA50 “Golden Eagle” lead-in jet fighters.

The jets are part of the 12 brand news units worth P18.9 billion purchased by the government from south Korea’s manufacturer Korean Aerospace inc. PAF will take complete delivery of the jets in 2017.

Without mentioning China, the Air Force chief emphasized the need for the Armed Forces to “retool for asymmetric challenges” and strive harder in order to have enough capability in “facing the overwhelming odds this year.” since 2012, China has been using its military might to grab more territories in the West Philippine sea and converting these reefs into artificial islands for military purposes. Beijing did not only violate the 1992 Code of Conduct of Parties not to militarize the disputed Paracels and spratly islands but also rejecting the United nations Convention on the Law of the sea by grabbing territories in the WPs that are well within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of Manila.

Cayetano’s bike tour. Senator Pia Cayetano leads the bicycle tour for the Duterte-Cayetano team in Intramuros as part of the nationwide ‘Ronda Bisikleta Para sa Pagbabago’ campaign. The lawmaker is the brother of vice presidential bet Alan Peter Cayetano. LINO SANTOS

Binay bashing meant to stop VP’s rating rise

By Christine F. Herrera IBA, ZAMBALES—Dismissed Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr. on Wednesday said the timing of the recent attacks against him and his family were “suspect” and meant to shame his father opposition United Nationalist Alliance presidential bet Vice President Jejomar Binay to stop his soaring ratings as these were being done during survey period and at the onset of the presidential debate.

Binay was reacting to the sandiganbayan move to issue a hold departure order against him while the Ombudsman has been pressuring the Commission on Audit to come out with its “special audit report” on the vice president.

At least 13 other Makati city officials were also issued an

hDO, preventing them from leaving the country.

“My father proves to have a good showing in the surveys. surveys are being held almost every week now,” Binay told reporters covering the Binay camp.

Binay was referring to the latest Pulse Asia survey that found the vice president and his op-

ponent senator Grace Poe sharing the lead at 26 percent and 25 percent, respectively, with Binay taking the top spot in Metro Manila at 33 percent as against Poe’s and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte at 23 percent.

Vice President Binay’s spokesman Rico Quicho said he would ask the Pulse Asia to explain how the rounding off of the results of the surveys was done. “senator Poe got 25.6 percent and they rounded it off to 26 while VP Binay obtained 25.5 percent but they rounded it off to 25 percent. so the difference is not 1 percent but 0.1 percent only,” Quicho insisted.

“There will be a second presidential debate that is focused on the issue of corruption and they wanted to portray the vice president as engaged

in such even if the administration’s accusations are baseless,” he added. he described as “desperate” the Aquino administration’s attempts to derail his father’s presidential bid.

Binay said he would respect the process in the case of his hold departure order but that he did not have any plans to go abroad anytime soon. he said if he needed to leave the country, he would just ask the court’s permission.

Binay said the Ombudsman’s putting pressure on the CoA was “highly questionable” considering that the audit was incomplete without the side of Makati City officials and the fact that the law provides that no audit can be done on politicians during election campaign period.

Say Chiz: VP bet surges in all polls

Change of command. Philippine Air Force jets fly in formation during the change of

command and retirement ceremony at the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas on Wednesday (March 9, 2016). The new PAF chief is Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, a member of the Philippine Military Academy ‘Matikas’ Class of 1983, replaces Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado.

MALACAñANg PHOTO BureAu

DEsPiTE spending only 0.6 percent of the amount spent by the top ad spender in the vice presidential race, independent vice presidential candidate senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has surged ahead in surveys because of his appeal to the youth, as well as the ordinary people.

This according to Youth for Chiz organizer and former student leader Jules Guiang, who said that he was not surprised that Escudero was leading surveys even with almost zero ads because he had seen first hand the “rock star” reception for Escudero in his sorties and received positive feedback from voters, young and old alike, who had seen the Bicolano senator up close. “students and ordinary people go crazy when they see Chiz. it’s obvious that many of them look up to him and are impressed by his grasp of issues, and how he’s able to

explain complex matters in a way that they can relate to,” said Guiang, the former Vice Chairman of the University of the Philippines University student Council.

A recent article by PCiJ revealed that Escudero had spent the least among all senators vying for the vice presidency. Quoting nielsen Media monitoring reports, as of Jan. 31, 2016, Escudero had only spent 2.7 million pesos, which is .6 percent of the 419 million pesos spent by senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the top as spender, and roughly 1 percent of the 273 million pesos spent by administration LP bet Leni Robredo and the 252 million pesos spent by sen. Bongbong Marcos, who ranked second and third among ad spenders, respectively.

Rounding out the list were Gregorio honasan, who spent 29.6 million pesos, and sonny Trillanes, who spent 8.9 million pesos.

t h u r s D AY : m A r c h 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Clean-up drive vs Zika pushed

By Maricel V. Cruz

Senatorial candidate and leyte rep.

Martin romualdez on Wednesday called on every Filipino family to show “malasakit” (compassion) by actively pushing for a massive clean-up campaign of their respective barangays to prevent a full-blown epidemic of the dreaded Zika, dengue, chikungunya, malaria and other mosquito-related diseases. romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association, made his appeal following the statement of Health secretary Janette Garin that a resident of the United states who was tested positive for the Zika virus following a four-week vacation in the country last January 2016

could have been infected here.

“We have to show malasakit [compassion] now that Zika virus felt its presence in the country. no less than secretary Garin said that the American resident may have been infected with Zika virus in the country. the doH should take all

precautions and the necessary preparations in dealing with it as part of what i call compassionate governance,” said romualdez.

Zika virus is considered the largest global publichealth crisis since ebola decimated eastern Africa in 2014. romualdez, the House independent Bloc leader, called on every family to extensively participate in a house-to-house “search and destroy” mission against Zika, dengue, and malariacarrying mosquitoes.

“We have to encourage more families to participate in the search and destroy mission. the people should be more aggressive now,” romualdez, who ran unopposed in the last polls and a former chair of the House committee on eth-

ics and privileges, said, adding that public school classrooms should also be prioritized in the fight against the dreaded diseases caused by mosquitoes.

“Among the safety measures to fight the Zika virus is for households to clean up their premises and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed,” said romualdez, a three-term congressman who is running for the senate under a platform anchored on compassionate governance, pointed out. the doH said a report from the Us-Centers for disease Control and Prevention indicated that a non-pregnant adult showed symptoms of fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, and muscle pain during her last week of stay in the Philippines, and was con-

firmed to have the Zika virus upon returning to the Us. Zika is a mild case of the flu transmitted by mosquito species usually found in tropical and sub-tropical regions while the dengue virus is being spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and thrives in clean and stagnant water and the victims experienced high fever; headaches; joint, bone or muscle pains; pain behind the eyes; nausea or vomiting; and has swollen glands and rashes. romualdez whose key platform of governance focuses on improving jobs, health, education, agriculture and disaster preparedness also underscored the need for the local government units and the country’s health officials to aggressively disseminate information to put in

place the necessary measures against Zika virus. “the vital information against the virus should be disseminated regularly and the public must be reminded all the time about its dangers as ignoring it could trigger serious problem. this should be our malasakit to Filipinos,” romualdez, shared senatorial candidate of Vice President Jejomar Binay, davao City Mayor rodrigo duterte and senator Miriam defensorsantiago who all running for president, said. “the government can’t do it alone. this big battle against this [Zika virus] needs the cooperation of each and every Filipino family,” romualdez said.

“We should not be caught flat-footed by this deadly disease.”

High court pressed to act on K-12

By John Paolo Bencito

Standard’s guest. Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau (fourth from left) in a dialog with The Standard editors expounds on the subject of strengthening relations between Manila and Tel-aviv. BOBBY CABRERA

PNoy packs judiciary with more appointees

By Rey E. Requejo President Benigno Aquino iii has approved the appointments of 11 new judges and 321 prosecutors two weeks before the election ban takes effect. in a transmittal letter dated March 7, 2016, Malacañang informed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes sereno of the appointment of the new judges that will be assigned in Metro Manila. the new judges are rosalia i.

Hipolito-Bunagan for Caloocan City regional trial Court Branch 232, rhoda Magdalene L. MapileOsinada for Malabon City rtC Branch 289, rosario G. ines-Pinzon for Malabon City rtC Branch 290, Ma. Antonia L. Largoza-Cantero for Malabon rtC Branch 291.

Other appointees are Judge Anthony B. Fama for Mandaluyong City rtC Branch 277, Judge Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal for Manda-

luyong rtC Branch 278, Judge Juliet M. Manalo-san Gaspar for Mandaluyong rtC Branch 279, Judge restituto V. Mangalindan Jr. for Mandaluyong rtC Branch 280, Judge J. ermin ernest Louie Miguel for Mandaluyong rtC Branch 281, Judge Juris s. dilinila-Callanta for Quezon City rtC Branch 85 and Judge Orven Kuan Ontalan for Valenzuela City rtC Branch 285.

Aside from the 11 court judges, President Aquino also appointed and promoted 321 state, regional, provincial and city prosecutors in regions 1-13, Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao and the national Capital region. the transmittal letter dated March 8 was sent by Malacañang to Justice secretary emmanuel Caparas. the appointments of new judges and prosecutors came 16 days before the start of the appointment ban on March 25, 2016.

Solar eclipse. Officials of the National Museum set up their

telescopes to watch the partial and total solar eclipse at the Rizal Park on Wednesday (March 9, 2016). LINO SANTOS

MAniLA Auxillary Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Wednesday urged the supreme Court to immediately rule with finality on the issue to strike down the enhanced Basic education Act or the law on K-12. “[the supreme Court] should decide because many teachers are worrying what will happen to them, including the students and parents,” Pabillo said in a television interview over GMA news tV. the clergyman is representing the Council of teachers and staff of Colleges and Universities of the Philippines that filed its complaint before the high court last year. similar complaints filed before the sC are awaiting the high court’s decision. in light of the upcoming full implementation of the K-12 program

by June 2016, the education department said that Grade 6 learners who will complete elementary education will now get their elementary certificate in a graduation ceremony. Grade 10 learners, meanwhile, who will complete junior high school will go through a moving up or completion ceremony and get their junior high school certificate instead.

Grade 12 learners from schools with deped-approved K to 12 transition plan; those who graduated from schools with a permit to operate senior High school in school year 2014; and those who graduated in international schools with K to 12 program will all get high school diploma in a graduation ceremony.

Pabillo said that the teachers and staff members are scared of losing their jobs and their tenure because the “safety net” that the government has offered is not enough.

Pabillo claimed that the government, through the department of Labor and employment promised the affected personnel they will be provided with dole for only six months.

He added that the Labor department promised to give scholarships to the children of the displaced teachers.

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Mayor orders dismissal of 2 Zamboanga assessors

By A. Perez Rimando

Endangered. The Strongylodon macrobotry or jade vine flower is considered an endangered species due to the destruction of its habitat and decrease of its natural pollinators. The plant only grows beside streams, in damp forests, or in ravines. DANNY PATA

MILF: No magic solution for peace in Mindanao

By Dexter A. See BAGUIO CITY—The leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has admitted there is no magic solution for the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao as it emphasized that the government must convince the people to follow the path of peace and maximize the development potentials of the region.

Speaking at a forum on Wednesday with Philippine Military Academy cadets and multi-sectoral groups from the Cordillera, MILF Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, who is also the chairperson of the Bangsamoro Transition Committee, said there is a need for both the MILF and the government to sustain the gains of the peace process in order to reach the final destination of lasting peace that would subsequently translate to the development of Mindanao.

“Everyone must follow the lone

path to peace since the realization of peace cannot be done overnight.

We must sustain the initial gains of the peace process for the benefit of the present and future generations of Filipinos,” Iqbal stressed.

He pointed out the enactment of the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law is just an integral part of the peace process and the putting in place of good leaders, good justice system, good peacekeeping initiatives would pave the way for the realization of peace because the people will be convinced to support the

process up to the end.

According to him, the people of Mindanao are already tired of the over four decades of conflict that has deprived them of development opportunities and the BBL is just one of the steps towards the putting in place of peace initiatives that would solve the age-old conflicts.

“All the things that happened in the past are just water under the bridge. Let us take them as food for thought in our quest for peace because we are also peace-loving people and we want to show the realization of peace through the BBL mechanism that will be put in place,” Iqbal added.

The MILF peace panel chairman also admitted the frustration of the Moros on the failure of government to deliver its commitment to pass the enabling law of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which is the BBL was at its height over the past several months but the MILF leadership waged an all-

out campaign for people to be sober and patient in awaiting the passage of the BBL even up to the next administration to show their commitment to the realization of lasting peace in Mindanao.

He cited what is important now is for the Moros to persevere in working out the passage of the BBL even beyond the Aquino administration because peace would mean the game changer of the current state of Mindanao and for the people to benefit from its rich resources translating to the improvement of the living condition of millions of people who are still living below the poverty line.

Iqbal claimed putting in place the right system and the right kind of leaders will convince the Moro people to embrace peace and contribute in consolidated efforts to improve the living condition of majority of the populace in the areas that will be included in the domain.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga Sibugay—Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar approved last week the order of dismissal from the service of two executives of the City Assessor’s Office and the suspension for six months of another for alleged irregularity in the tax assessment of a building owned by a couple at Barangay Guiwan here.

An administrative complaint received by Climaco-Salazar identified the two officials as engineer Vicente Pascua, local assessment operation officer II and chief of the appraisal division, and Arnold Santos, administrative aide II. Ordered suspended without pay was engineer Edward Estandian, local assessment officer I. Records show the case stemmed from a transaction on Jan. 22, 2014 when accused Estandian and Santos enforced Appraisal Division chief Pascua’s directive “by presenting to spouses Isabelo and Carmelita Galvez a prepared Field Appraisal and Assessment Sheet with a tax assessment of P90,000 per year for their building at Guiwan. The accused, however, allegedly demanded and received from the couple P15,000 in return for lowering their tax liability to P10,000 per year.”

Mayor Climaco-Salazar said the complaint submitted by an investigation panel against the three City Assessor’s Office personnel was based on record and in accordance with the law.

“The act of demanding and receiving P15,000 as a condition of lowering the tax liability of a real property owner constitutes a willful intent to violate rules of assessment of taxes,’’ the probe panel noted, adding that alleged “Respondents disregarded established rules by receiving the amount knowingly that they have no authority to receive payment relative to real properties, a function of the City Treasurer’s Office.”

Mayor Climaco-Salazar ordered the City Assessor’s Office to stop all negotiations to lower the tax liability of local real property owners, saying that ”any employee found violating the policy will be criminally and administratively prosecuted.”

Police arrest 39 for bearing firearms in Nueva Ecija

By Romeo Dizon CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga— Thirty-nine people were arrested and 70 loose firearms of different calibers and 1,200 ammunitions were seized as the police operatives raided several places in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday.

Chief Supt. Rudy G. Lacadin, director of Police Regional Office III, described the seized firearms as 45 caliber revolvers, automatic assault rifle, carbine and shot guns.

Lacadin said that the raid was based on the total of 123 search

warrants issued by courts and served by the Nueva Ecija Police office and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group based there.

Lacadin also said that raid was conducted in the different places in the area to prevent violence in the coming election wherein Nueva Ecija was under watchlists by police authorities and the Comelec officials.

The names of those arrested were not yet available; charges are being prepared against them while an inventory of the seized ammunition is being made.

Weaving. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorley tries traditional abaca

weaving with SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia during the opening of the trade fair and exhibit at the SM Aura in Taguig.

T h u R S D AY : M A R c h 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

DuTy CallS flOREnCIO fIanza

Playing it safe

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Stumbling blockS The Supreme Court has decided Senator Grace Poe is qualified to run for the presidency. Voting 9-6, the high Court justice overturned two decisions of the Commission on elections canceling Poe’s Certificate of Candidacy for material misrepresentation with regard to her citizenship and residency.

The text of the decision has not yet been released, but the mere announcement of the verdict appears enough to sway the race a particular way between now and May 9. Supporters of the senator rejoiced at the decision, and many believe that those who have been withholding financial support during the pendency of the disqualification case will now begin to act.

Poe was emotional upon hearing about the decision, just, according to reports, as her car was passing the Quiapo Church. She said the decision was a victory for the poor and the suffering, not just foundlings like herself.

People can argue no end on whether the justices should have stayed faithful to the letter of the law or interpreted the Constitution liberally as it eventually did. The petitioners to the case can file their motions for reconsideration. For now, however, the matter is settled, Ms. Poe can go full blast on her campaign and her opponents better think about how they can do better given this development.

In the end, it is completely within the control of the people to decide who they want to lead them for the next six years.

What is more worrisome is whether this decision would accurately be reflected in the results of the elections.

This week, as well, the Supreme Court ordered the Comelec to issue voter receipt on May 9, in keeping with election law. This ruling prompted an emergency meeting at the Comelec, because it would mean overhauling crucial processes.

In fact, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista raised the possibility of postponing the elections on May 9 or reverting to manual mode.

It might help temper the election circus if people stepped back and thought, not about the personalities vying for their attention but the process with which their vote will be counted. Given this, the Comelec must address the emergency as soon as possible.

Democracy hinges on bigger things than on whether this or that candidate will be allowed to run.

cPR muSt be cRying EvEn for a bumbling “student government” that relies so heavily on a very shallow bench of largely unaccomplished cronies and untested former classmates, it was a new low. And now, some people are wondering if the conglomerate that was the longtime employer of presidential confidante Jose Rene Almendras is eyeing juicy

contracts in the Department of Foreign Affairs, a mere 100 days before President noynoy Aquino steps down—because that is the only way his appointment would make any kind of sense.

Almendras, of course, was appointed secretary of foreign affairs this week by his chum and Ateneo classmate Aquino, to replace the aging and ailing Albert del Rosario. The nomination of Almendras, a former nondescript chief executive of an underperforming Ayala

Group subsidiary before he became the go-to guy of this administration, raised a lot of eyebrows at the Home Office on Roxas Boulevard.

It could have been worse, really. Before Almendras was named as replacement of Del Rosario, one newspaper columnist said that Aquino’s combative lightweight of a spokesman, Edwin Lacierda (whose only real credential is putting up a pro-Aquino blog before the 2010 elections), was being considered for the SFA position;

Somewhere, Carlos P. Romulo, Manuel Collantes and Blas Ople must be weeping inconsolably.

A9

what an unmitigated disaster that would have been.

But that doesn’t mean that Almendras, who served previously as energy secretary and secretary to the Cabinet, is suddenly such a great choice.

After all, the foreign service has any number of qualified veteran diplomats—or even junior, unseasoned diplomats— who can better serve the country’s interests compared to the new SFA. One of the most logical choices to replace Del Rosario would have been Undersecretary Laura del Rosario (no relation to Albert), a career DFA

bureaucrat who rose from the ranks of the foreign service to number Two at the strategic department. Laura del Rosario was so trusted by her now-resigned boss that he named her officerin-charge of the DFA when he left.

In fact, if Aquino weren’t so enamored with the supposed skills, experience and perspicacity of his elementary school classmate, he could have left the SFA post vacant, with Laura del Rosario as OIC, like Albert del

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-

Rosario wanted. And as far as I know, there aren’t any more important international conferences or state visits in the pipeline until Aquino steps down at the end of June that will require the unique talents of his most trusted exclassmate.

It’s not as if, in the short time that he will still serve as president, Aquino will no longer need a real foreign secretary. If, for example, the current tension in the South China Sea suddenly

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

escalates, will Almendras be able to draw on his experience as president of Manila Water to recommend the appropriate response?

Will Almendras’ sister Agnes Almendras-Magpale, who became acting governor of Cebu after Aquino’s avenging Ombudsman suspended Gov. Gwen Garcia, be consulted by her younger brother in matters like terrorism and the rights of migrant workers?

I don’t know.

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

IT IS now a go. After much deliberation, maneuvering and delay, the Supreme Court, in a 9-to-6 vote, has decided that Senator Grace Poe can run for president. Clearly, this decision was not based on the law alone but was arrived at looking at the case in its entirety. nine of the justices decided that the people are going to be better served if the senator is allowed to run. not everyone agrees, of course. Legal purists who believe that the case should have been decided based on the law alone feel betrayed because, as one of the petitioners (who is a lawyer) remarked: “The law is so clear.” But if that is the case, then there would be no need for lawyers and judges because everything is so clear and there is no longer any need for any legal interpretation.

The petitioner must realize that laws, as they are written, are not that simple.

Sometimes they are ambiguous. What is interesting is how the justices voted.

Four of the six Aquino appointees voted in favor while two voted against. The three members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal, being consistent with their earlier position, voted against.

Although this vote is perceived by many as a bold and independent vote by the Supreme Court, it did not start that way, according to a reliable source inside the Court. The Palace led by the President himself is said to have led the effort to disqualify Senator Poe. This effort was relentless at first and according to this insider, tens of millions of pesos were given to a certain justice to work for the disqualification of Senator Poe. When this justice went to work on the other justices, it became apparent that it was not so simple.

If it were going to be decided based on the law alone, it would have been a lot easier. But during the many meetings, other important considerations started to creep in. This may be one of the reasons why the other justices who were sympathetic to the Palace hesitated. Some of them went so far as to make their sentiments public instead of keeping their inclinations to themselves. One changed his position from disqualification to allowing the senator to run. This made the efforts of this justice complicated to the extent that this justice was beginning to be suspected of 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 : M A R c h 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

DuTy CallS flOREnCIO fIanza

Playing it safe

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Stumbling blockS The Supreme Court has decided Senator Grace Poe is qualified to run for the presidency. Voting 9-6, the high Court justice overturned two decisions of the Commission on elections canceling Poe’s Certificate of Candidacy for material misrepresentation with regard to her citizenship and residency.

The text of the decision has not yet been released, but the mere announcement of the verdict appears enough to sway the race a particular way between now and May 9. Supporters of the senator rejoiced at the decision, and many believe that those who have been withholding financial support during the pendency of the disqualification case will now begin to act.

Poe was emotional upon hearing about the decision, just, according to reports, as her car was passing the Quiapo Church. She said the decision was a victory for the poor and the suffering, not just foundlings like herself.

People can argue no end on whether the justices should have stayed faithful to the letter of the law or interpreted the Constitution liberally as it eventually did. The petitioners to the case can file their motions for reconsideration. For now, however, the matter is settled, Ms. Poe can go full blast on her campaign and her opponents better think about how they can do better given this development.

In the end, it is completely within the control of the people to decide who they want to lead them for the next six years.

What is more worrisome is whether this decision would accurately be reflected in the results of the elections.

This week, as well, the Supreme Court ordered the Comelec to issue voter receipt on May 9, in keeping with election law. This ruling prompted an emergency meeting at the Comelec, because it would mean overhauling crucial processes.

In fact, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista raised the possibility of postponing the elections on May 9 or reverting to manual mode.

It might help temper the election circus if people stepped back and thought, not about the personalities vying for their attention but the process with which their vote will be counted. Given this, the Comelec must address the emergency as soon as possible.

Democracy hinges on bigger things than on whether this or that candidate will be allowed to run.

cPR muSt be cRying EvEn for a bumbling “student government” that relies so heavily on a very shallow bench of largely unaccomplished cronies and untested former classmates, it was a new low. And now, some people are wondering if the conglomerate that was the longtime employer of presidential confidante Jose Rene Almendras is eyeing juicy

contracts in the Department of Foreign Affairs, a mere 100 days before President noynoy Aquino steps down—because that is the only way his appointment would make any kind of sense.

Almendras, of course, was appointed secretary of foreign affairs this week by his chum and Ateneo classmate Aquino, to replace the aging and ailing Albert del Rosario. The nomination of Almendras, a former nondescript chief executive of an underperforming Ayala

Group subsidiary before he became the go-to guy of this administration, raised a lot of eyebrows at the Home Office on Roxas Boulevard.

It could have been worse, really. Before Almendras was named as replacement of Del Rosario, one newspaper columnist said that Aquino’s combative lightweight of a spokesman, Edwin Lacierda (whose only real credential is putting up a pro-Aquino blog before the 2010 elections), was being considered for the SFA position;

Somewhere, Carlos P. Romulo, Manuel Collantes and Blas Ople must be weeping inconsolably.

A9

what an unmitigated disaster that would have been.

But that doesn’t mean that Almendras, who served previously as energy secretary and secretary to the Cabinet, is suddenly such a great choice.

After all, the foreign service has any number of qualified veteran diplomats—or even junior, unseasoned diplomats— who can better serve the country’s interests compared to the new SFA. One of the most logical choices to replace Del Rosario would have been Undersecretary Laura del Rosario (no relation to Albert), a career DFA

bureaucrat who rose from the ranks of the foreign service to number Two at the strategic department. Laura del Rosario was so trusted by her now-resigned boss that he named her officerin-charge of the DFA when he left.

In fact, if Aquino weren’t so enamored with the supposed skills, experience and perspicacity of his elementary school classmate, he could have left the SFA post vacant, with Laura del Rosario as OIC, like Albert del

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-

Rosario wanted. And as far as I know, there aren’t any more important international conferences or state visits in the pipeline until Aquino steps down at the end of June that will require the unique talents of his most trusted exclassmate.

It’s not as if, in the short time that he will still serve as president, Aquino will no longer need a real foreign secretary. If, for example, the current tension in the South China Sea suddenly

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

escalates, will Almendras be able to draw on his experience as president of Manila Water to recommend the appropriate response?

Will Almendras’ sister Agnes Almendras-Magpale, who became acting governor of Cebu after Aquino’s avenging Ombudsman suspended Gov. Gwen Garcia, be consulted by her younger brother in matters like terrorism and the rights of migrant workers?

I don’t know.

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

IT IS now a go. After much deliberation, maneuvering and delay, the Supreme Court, in a 9-to-6 vote, has decided that Senator Grace Poe can run for president. Clearly, this decision was not based on the law alone but was arrived at looking at the case in its entirety. nine of the justices decided that the people are going to be better served if the senator is allowed to run. not everyone agrees, of course. Legal purists who believe that the case should have been decided based on the law alone feel betrayed because, as one of the petitioners (who is a lawyer) remarked: “The law is so clear.” But if that is the case, then there would be no need for lawyers and judges because everything is so clear and there is no longer any need for any legal interpretation.

The petitioner must realize that laws, as they are written, are not that simple.

Sometimes they are ambiguous. What is interesting is how the justices voted.

Four of the six Aquino appointees voted in favor while two voted against. The three members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal, being consistent with their earlier position, voted against.

Although this vote is perceived by many as a bold and independent vote by the Supreme Court, it did not start that way, according to a reliable source inside the Court. The Palace led by the President himself is said to have led the effort to disqualify Senator Poe. This effort was relentless at first and according to this insider, tens of millions of pesos were given to a certain justice to work for the disqualification of Senator Poe. When this justice went to work on the other justices, it became apparent that it was not so simple.

If it were going to be decided based on the law alone, it would have been a lot easier. But during the many meetings, other important considerations started to creep in. This may be one of the reasons why the other justices who were sympathetic to the Palace hesitated. Some of them went so far as to make their sentiments public instead of keeping their inclinations to themselves. One changed his position from disqualification to allowing the senator to run. This made the efforts of this justice complicated to the extent that this justice was beginning to be suspected of 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 : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A questionAble AwArd A FEW days ago, I received a letter with several annexes from Architect E. Liquete Chan, senior associate of Concio Architect & Design Associates. I know the Concio group of architects and design associates since its founder was a good friend, and his son Cesar Concio Jr., married to former ABS-CBN president Charo Santos, is also very close to me.

The letter is in connection with the architectural consultancy service contracts for the refurbishment of Naia Terminal 1 worth P1.16 billion. This was during the time of then-Transportation and Communications Secre-

Presidential bet Roxas has a lot of explaining to do.

tary Mar Roxas, now BS Aquino’s candidate for president.

Architect Chan enclosed copies of his correspondence with Roxas himself, the DoTC and Naia general manager Jose Angel Honrado, all seeking explanations for the impropriety and even illegality of the award of consultancy services to a certain Edgardo L. Ledesma, who, Chan claimed “is identified with the secretary.”

Chan added that the project of the Secretary Roxas was awarded in violation of Executive Order 164.

Chan claimed that despite his many letters in connection with the project award, he never got

an answer, much more an explanation. “Ito ba ang Daan Matuwid; kung walang corrupt walang mahirap?” Chan asked.

Chan added that due to the non-response from then-DoTC Secretary Mar Roxas, “we were constrained to ask information from the CoA chairman on the said contract and as to the request for Obligation of Allotment (ROA) in favor of TOGI, Engineers and / or Leandro V. Locsin Partners, the name used by Edgardo Ledesma Jr. attached copy of the letter dated 16 December 2015 also without response.”

In his letter to Mar Roxas on May 6, 2012, he claimed that he had read a newspaper report that stated the DoTC secretary had awarded the contract for the “Design for the Refurbishing” of the Naia Terminal 1 to Leandro V. Locsin & Associates.

It was at that time when the DoTC also gave partners Kanneth Cobonpue, a well-known furniture designer, interior designer Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda a P1-billion deal to come up with a new design for the threedecades-old Terminal 1.

If we rewind a bit, when Terminal 1 of Naia was described as “the worst airport in the world,” DoTC reacted and in response awarded a contract to the Cobonpue-Layug-Pineda partners to redesign the terminal.

But, according to reports, Mar Roxas as DoTC head gave instead a P1.16billion award to LVL, which the DoTC under Roxas said “had a distinct advantage over any other architectural or engineering firm in the country because its founder, the late Leandro V. Locsin, was Terminal I’s original designer.

Roxas reportedly said that the DoTC had opted for LVL to redesign Terminal 1 because the Cobonpue, Layug, Pineda proposal focused more on the aesthetics rather than electro-mechanical and other technical aspects of the project. “These techni-

A question of Arithmetic WITH the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Senator Grace Poe to overturn the Commission on Elections’ cancellation of her Certificate of Candidacy, we potentially have now a dangerous precedent for the presidency.

Petitioners wanting to disqualify the wannabe president are said to be mulling over filing a motion for reconsideration as soon as the ruling becomes official. Manuelito Luna, counsel of former Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad, reportedly said that the SC ruling bastardized the Constitution. Dean Amado Valdez of the University of the East, who is also one of the petitioners on the side of Luna, reportedly said he would also file an appeal based on what he sees as an unconstitutional ruling that betrays the public trust.

Lawyer Estrella Elamparo was said to be shocked with the decision, as she was sure that the law was clear on the rules on the citizenship and residency requirements.

While the public is waiting to read the SC decision at length, everyone who saw the Comelec’s ruling to cancel Senator Poe’s Certificate of Candidacy which adhered to the letter of the law feels that the decision doesn’t seem to add up. Nine judges voted in favor versus six: the nine were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Justices Presbitero

cal areas of the terminal’s redevelopment were higher on the DoTC’s list of priorities then making the airport look nice,” Roxas said at that time.

But, according to reports, Cobonpue disputed the claim of Roxas since his group’s project would cost only P1 billion. He sought transparency because his group had already spent eight months working on the project. He asked: “Why did the government’s mind suddenly change?”

He also wanted the government to clarify if there was transparent bidding done before awarding the contract to LVL. Cobonpue said that his group felt slighted because they had agreed to work on the design of Naia 1 pro bono at the request of several cabinet officials: Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, former Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and former Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang.

We now go back on the big question: Who is Edgardo L. Ledesma who is said to be identified with then DoTC Secretary Mar Roxas? Did he represent the

Velasco Jr., Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Jose Perez, Jose Mendoza, Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardeleza and Benjamin Caguioa; the six were Justices Antonio Carpio, Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Mariano del Castillo, Arturo Brion, Estela PerlasBernabe, and Bienvenido Reyes.

Curiously, four of the nine were President BS Aquino appointees: Sereno, Leonen, Jardeleza, and Caguioa. Of course we should always assume that the judges, regardless of which President appointed them, would maintain impartiality for any party and loyalty to the Constitution. If they would be impartial, they would only be so for their adherence to the laws of the land. But one cannot deny that the voting pattern invites curiosity enough to kill all the cats on Taft Avenue.

Another thing that doesn’t seem to add up is how the judges ruled on the residency issue, which, again, would only be revealed once the decision is made available. According to Senator Poe’s 2013 CoC for senator, she would be resident for six and a half years as of the 2013 elections, and therefore should only be a resident for nine and a half years by the

late Leandro V. Locsin firm that originally designed Naia Terminal 1?

According to Chan, the firm referred to as L.V. Locsin & Partners is owned and managed by Edgardo L. Ledesma Jr. and that Leandro V. Locsin, from that design and built Naia Terminal 1 30 years ago “has absolutely nothing to do nor has any interest therein.”

Chan claimed that the firm Leandro V. Locsin & Associates or Leandro V. Locsin & Partners referred to and attributed herein for the project was dissolved on Nov. 15, 1994 upon the demise of its principal managing partner, Leandro Locsin.

Chan cited Article VII of the firm’s registration specifically providing; “In case of vacancy of the position of managing partner by reason of death, disabilities or retirement of the incumbent, the vacancy should be filled by the partner elected...” No election process, however, ensued that the partnership was allowed to be dissolved, Chan added.

Chan added that in his letter to then-DoTC Secretary Roxas, which was

2016 elections. The requirement for a Philippine president is residency in the country for at least 10 years immediately preceding the election.

Rounding up Senator Poe’s numbers would be a distortion of this rule, something that should never be seen nor even thought of in the country’s legal history.

While we cannot question the intellectual capacity of our judges when it comes to their profession, we might have to start asking if their lessons in basic arithmetic are still intact. It appears that some justices do not know how to count from one to 10, but they know how to count from one to millions.

As we wait with bated breath to read the SC decision at length, I cannot help but be saddened with this development setting a bad precedent for those who will pervert the rule of law for political aspirations. I dread the prospect of a president who abandoned her citizenship, only to return when it is economically and politically convenient. I dread the prospect of a First Family that is made up mostly of non-Filipinos. I dread the prospect of the Supreme Court weakening the spirit of the Constitution, not just because of possible flawed arithmetic, but with inconsistencies following its decisions on the de Leon and Arnado cases. Again, things just don’t add up.

never answered, the “use of the name Leandro V. Locsin

by Edgardo L. Ledesma Jr. is decidedly illegal and unlawful, that for him [Ledesma] to continue the practice of the profession using the name of the dissolved partnership is a manifest misrepresentation amounting to deception.’’

Since Mar Roxas is BS Aquino’s anointed one representing that straight path, he should explain all these. He owes it to the people since he wants to be president. *** The Comelec is in a quandary after the Supreme Court required it to provide all voters vote verification receipts in compliance with the Automated Election Law to ensure the transparency and integrity of the May 9 elections.

This is the law and the Comelec must comply.

Comelec’s problem now is how to comply. This will add 10 more hours to the voting. For the Comelec to comply this would mean voting until three o’clock the next morning.

As for the argument of the Comelec that compliance with the Supreme

Court decision would encourage vote-buying—for me, it’s far-fetched.

Just how the Comelec will enforce the need to issue vote verification receipts to every voter is now its problem. And we have nobody else to blame but the commissioners themselves. *** Supporters of Mrs. Mary Grace Natividad Kelly Poe Llamanzares are ecstatic with the decision of the Supreme Court, voting 9-6, to deem her qualified to run for president. And I can’t blame them.

Still, there is a lot of time between now and May 9 and many things can still happen.

Those who know Philippine elections too well will tell you that popularity is not everything. The senator may now be leading in surveys, but she needs a wellfunded grassroots machinery to ensure her victory.

The masa will end up voting into office who they know will provide them jobs and food on the table. This is the D and E crowd, not the businessmen holding office on Ayala Avenue!

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A11

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A lAndmArk ruling SuPPORTeRS of presidential candidate Grace Poe erupted in joy yesterday after it was announced that the Supreme Court voted to junk the Commission on elections decision to disqualify Poe. The Comelec canceled Poe’s Certificate of Candidacy after ruling that she missed meeting the 10-year residency requirement by six months.

Poe explained that her declaration in her CoC that she was a 10-year resident of the Philippines “was an honest mistake,” a claim that the Comelec Second Division, which handled one of the disqualification cases against her, dismissed as “self-serving,” with the First Division calling it “a material misrepresentation.”

As a foundling, Poe’s citizenship was also called into question, some saying that the law on the matter is vague and open to interpretation.

Poe and her team then elevated her case to the SC. The SC only authorized the release of the vote, their spokesman Theodore Te say-

ing “it may not be safe to report which ground the Court ruled upon and used as basis for the vote, i.e, between citizenship and residence.

“Thus it may be best to simply say, the SC grants Senator Poe’s petitions, 9-6, allowing her to run for the presidency.”

The finest legal minds have crunched and continue to crunch the matter, subjecting pertinent laws and rules to microscopic scrutiny and interpretation. The decision was not unanimous, meaning this was no open-and-shut case.

But the SC has spoken, and in so doing has created a landmark ruling that sets a precedent that will reverberate into the future.

Some of Poe’s detractors and those against the ruling on matters of principle are said to be intending to file an appeal of the verdict.

For a regular person like myself, the legal wrangling is confusing. It seems simple enough on the surface.

On the foundling rule, how

playing... From A9 working for the Palace.

What is not known at this time is why, in the end, the Palace eased up on the effort to disqualify Senator Poe. Maybe the Palace saw the writing on the wall and simply gave up. even the boyhood friend and classmate of the President voted for Senator Poe. What of the justice who received millions to work for the disqualification? The court insider would not or cannot say how that person voted. Maybe we will find out in the future and who that justice is.

What the vote tells me is that the justices decided to play it safe. Maybe they were thinking that since the President will be history in about 90 days, prudence is the better part of valor. And judging from the initial reaction of the

cpr... From A9 But I suspect that somewhere, Carlos P. Romulo, Manuel Collantes and Blas Ople must be weeping inconsolably. “The best president this country ever had” could only pick his old school buddy—who probably cannot tell the difference between a note verbale and Verbal Kint—to succeed them as head of that most sensitive and revered of departments.

I don’t know about you, but I really can’t wait for this six-year nightmare to

can she not be a Filipino, because what are the odds of one or both of her birth parents being foreign? It’s only common sense.

On the residency rule, it was not met. That is an undisputed fact, as far as I can tell. What happened to that?

Isn’t that an incontrovertible requirement?

This is a question of law. It has nothing to do with Poe’s qualifications or credentials.

This has nothing to do with her potential to sustain and increase economic vibrancy, to lift the quarter of the population below the poverty line, to quell insurgency and terrorism. This has nothing to do with her ascending to the top office in the land from relatively quiet stints in a government agency and as senator.

An effect of the ruling is that now that Poe’s candidacy has

been confirmed by the highest court in the land, voters have a clear look at the field in this race.

At least one survey puts her as the favorite, early odds that could be cemented now that the uncertainty of her running has been set aside and the publicity machine can fully roar to life.

Voters should now carefully probe qualifications, credentials, and the potential to perform, not just Poe’s but of all the candidates. At this point they are all making promises to provide solutions to the country’s most pressing problems. What is the likelihood of their being able to actually deliver?

Look not only at the candidates, but the people behind their thrones. Who stands to benefit if they are elected?

Are any special interests going to be served that may be detrimental to the nation as a whole and on a specific level?

The SC, for better or worse, has married the nation to this situation by virtue of their decision. In the future, we might

see more cases like this cropping up and elections will be even more of a free-for-all. either a requirement is required, or it is not. Any exceptions to the law should be clearly stated.

I’ve always believed that lawmakers should be good writers so as to create laws that are clear and unambiguous, and not subject to eitheror interpretation. Far-sighted thinking should foresee scenarios that might crop up in relation to the law and these should be considered, and the law written accordingly.

But all this, of course, is obvious to the intelligent ladies and gentlemen of the legislative. It just makes you wonder if some loopholes are intentional.

On the SC ruling again, at the moment this is our reality.

We have to deal with it. Let our votes this May 9 count toward a change for the better. Our country and our people need a break.

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

public so far, it would appear that it is a popular decision. Is the country better off with Senator Poe on the ballot?

My take on this is yes not because I am going to vote for her since I am not a registered voter and also because of my experiences in the 2010 elections. At that time, Mr PCOS Machine reigned supreme.

Going back to the electoral contest, having Senator Poe on the ballot will give the people a deeper bench from where to elect the person they want to lead them for the next six years. I have a deep and abiding respect for the collective wisdom of the people to be able to choose the kind of leader they want.

If there were leadership failures in the past, it was because these leaders betrayed the trust given to them by the people.

There really are clear differences between the five candidates in many respects: upbringing, temperament, education, experiences, abilities and many more. And since the Supreme Court decision came on Tuesday which was Women’s Day, it highlighted the fact that in this upcoming presidential election, both genders are represented. The country should be proud of this.

This country is the best country in Asia, and for that matter anywhere in the world, to be a woman.

For now, the Supreme Court can take a bow for showing (at least outwardly) that it can make a decision regardless of the pressure coming from the gods.

Meanwhile, the reaction of the Comelec on the Supreme Court decision is neither here nor there. Although Commissioner Arthur Lim

took pains to congratulate Senator Poe, he was actually the most aggressive of the Comelec commissioners in the move to disqualify her. He simply could not hide his disappointment—and that is saying it mildly.

His demeanor in that short TV interview said it all. He almost castigated the Supreme Court. The truth of the matter is that the disqualification of Grace Poe by the Comelec was a wellorchestrated operation with Chairman Andres Bautista seemingly against the disqualification. In reality, we saw that the verdict was not unanimous.

This is a good ploy but it was obvious. I still maintain that the whole Comelec is operating under the direction and guidance of the Palace and that is one reason for the public to remain vigilant.

end. Then all of the Almendrases, Lacierdas and the rest of Aquino’s gang of amateurs can go back to the oblivion and anonymity from whence they all came.

Aquino can join them as they reminisce about the good old days, when they all didn’t know what they were doing but, by God, they never strayed from the straight path. Assuming they allow Aquino to hold such a reunion in the jail cell where he will eventually end up, of course. *** Speaking of the Ayalas, who have

never had it as good as they have under this administration, the scuttlebutt in the business community has that most favored conglomerate eyeing a revival of the joint exploration projects with their Chinese counterparts in the South China Sea (excuse me, I meant West Philippine Sea, of course). These business rivals of the Ayalas are insinuating that Almendras was made SOF in order to push for those mothballed plans, this late in Aquino’s term.

These gossipy traders say that the Ayalas want to succeed where Albert

del Rosario’s old patron, himself a highflying businessman, failed. I don’t know, but all of this talk about joint exploration in the disputed sea, which never got off the ground because of the political tension in the area, sounds a lot like sour grapes.

My advice to them is just to wait until they, too, become the most influential businessmen in some future administration. It’s still the Ayalas’ “term,” after all—and they will not be denied all the returns on their wise investment for the whole six years.

T HURS DAY : M A RC H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A12

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TARIFF COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE EXTENSION OF SAFEGUARD MEASURE AGAINST THE IMPORTATION OF TESTLINER BOARDS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES 2012 AHTN Sub-heading Nos. 4805.24.00 4805.25.10 4805.25.90

Aldridge lifts Spurs past Timberwolves

Fo r : SA FEG UA R D M E ASU R E (R . A . N o. 8 8 0 0) S.G . Inve st i g at i o n N o. 01-2 010 PHILIPPINE PAPER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC. (PPMAI) x------------------------------- x

NOTICE OF FORMAL INVESTIGATION Pursuant to Section 19 (Extension and Re-application of Safeguard Measure) of R.A. 8800 (Safeguard Measures Act), notice is hereby given that the petition of Philippine Paper Manufacturers Association, Inc. (PPMAI) for the extension of safeguard measure against the importation of testliner boards from various countries (2012 AHTN Sub-heading Nos. 4805.24.00, 4805.25.10, 4805.25.90) is now under formal investigation by the Tariff Commission. The formal investigation commenced after the Secretary of Trade and Industry referred the petition to the Commission on 4 March 2016.

A preliminary conference will be held on 17 March 2016, 9:00 a.m. at the Conference Room of the Tariff Commission, 5/F Medical Arts Building, Philippine Heart Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Matters for discussion include the schedule and procedure of the public hearing, the nature of administrative and fact-finding proceedings, the nonapplicability of the technical rules of procedures under the Rules of Court, the submission of parties’ evidence and position papers, non-availability of confidential information, period of formal investigation and other related matters necessary for the speedy disposition of the case.

For particulars, please inquire from the Safeguard Measures Task Force on Testliner Boards at Telephone Nos. (632) 928-8419 and 926-8731 or email at info@tariffcommission.gov.ph.

Issued this 8th day of March, 2016 at Quezon City, Metro Manila.

EDGARDO B. ABON Chairman

(TS MAR. 10, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PROVISION OF MANPOWER SERVICES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE FOR CY 2016 1.

The DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE (DOF), through the Government of the Philippines under the General Appropriations Act for FY 2016, intends to apply the sum of THIRTY EIGHT MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php38,800,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments for the Provision of Manpower Services for CY 2016 (the “Project”). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The DOF, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) registered contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for the Provision of Manpower Services for CY 2016. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project which is equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the ABC for the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. However, only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

4.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens, sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA No. 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act No. 138.

5.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on March 10, 2016 at the General Services Division, 7th Floor, EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Roxas Blvd., Manila, upon payment of a nonrefundable fee in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php 25,000.00), not later than the submission of their bids.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the PhilGEPS and the website of the DOF, provided that the Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The schedule of bidding activities is as follows: ACTIVITIES

SCHEDULE

Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid

March 10, 2016

Issuance and Availability of Bid Documents

starting March 10, 2016

Pre-Bid Conference

March 17, 2016, 10:00 am

Request for Clarification

March 19, 2016 (by email)

Issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletin

March 22, 2016

Deadline for Submission of Bids

March 29, 2016, 9:45 am

Opening of Bids

March 29, 2016, 10:00 am

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address provided above on or before March 29, 2016, 9:45 am. The Bidders shall drop their duly accomplished eligibility requirements, technical and financial proposals in two (2) separate envelopes in the bid box located at the abovementioned address. All the Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on the date indicated above at the DFG Conference Room, 4th Floor DOF Building. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.

“LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED”

8.

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

(SGD)GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and DOF-BAC Chairman

(TS-MAR. 10, 2016)

Nonito starts sparring for fight with Bedak

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Republic of the Philippines

6.

LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. AFP

WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire began sparring on Monday in preparation for his title defense against Hungarian Olympian Zsolt Bedak 23 at the Cebu City Sports Center on April 23.

Donaire went four rounds with unbeaten Michigan featherweight, 25-year-old Raeese Aleem on his first day of sparring “Nonito did well. We need more sparring and Nonito needs to throw more punches not just depend on his power,” said Nonito’s trainer/ father Dodong Donaire, who added they picked Aleem because “he is faster than previous sparring partner Fredrick Bowen, who is kind of slow for Nonito.”

Aleem’s most impressive win was against super featherweight Jose Silveria, a veteran of 31 fights in August of 2015, when he scored a shutout over four rounds.

Donaire will spar again today at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas.

In a recent interview with The Standard, Donaire described his opponent Bedak as “a fighter, who has speed and pretty decent power if he wants to, but is more of a technical fighter than anything else.

They want to beat you on points, but we won’t allow this. We know what we have to do.”

Donaire committed he would be 100 percent ready for this fight.

“No excuses. I am looking for people to see my potential. We are coming out with all the weapons. We are going to bring it out,” he said.

F2 Logistics attempts to boost Superliga bid Games Today 4 p.m. - F2 Logistics vs Petron 6 p.m. - New San Jose Builders vs Cignal 6 p.m. - New San Jose Builders vs Cignal

F2 Logistics tries to bolster its chances at the final round when it battles powerhouse Petron in the 2016 PLDT Home Ultera Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference women’s volleyball tournament today at The Arena in San Juan.

Game is at 4 p.m., while Cignal will shoot for its first win against a winless New San Jose Builders in the 6 p.m. second game of this prestigious interclub tourney bankrolled by Asics, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller and Grand Sports, with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

Toting a 3-1 win-loss mark, the Cargo Movers are billed as the league’s hottest team.

In their previous game against

the Victorias late Tuesday, the Cargo Movers hardly showed any rust brought by a two-week hiatus as they waged searing rallies in the crucial stretch of the deciding set to pocket a 25-18, 23-25, 25-17, 25-23 victory.

“We were working hard even during the break,” said F2 Logistics coach Rosemarie Prochina, whose wards need to sweep their remaining games against Petron and Cignal to advance to the final round, where a topnotch Thai team is set to compete against the top three finishers for the crown.

“This is a very short tournament and every game is important. I told the team that we have to go hard each time because all teams here are very competitive and capable of winning the title.”

But overcoming Petron seems easier said than done.

LOS ANGELES—With their three veteran stars sidelined and coach Gregg Popovich absent, the San Antonio Spurs had a dominating effort from LaMarcus Aldridge in a 116-91 victory Tuesday at Minnesota.

Aldridge scored 29 points on 11-of-13 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, blocked four shots and passed out four assists as the Spurs, 54-10, won for the ninth time in 10 games.

“I thought guys were focused,” Aldridge said. “Guys came back understanding where to be better on both ends of the floor. I thought guys competed well.”

The Spurs rested forward Tim Duncan and guard Manu Ginobili while French guard Tony Parker sat out with a bruised left toe and Popovich was gone because of a family health issue.

So it was left for Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina to explain how San Antonio rolled ahead by half-time with an all-star group missing.

“The machine is a welloiled machine,” Messina said. “It goes on. You try to sit at the wheel and steer and try not to mess it up.

Keep it straight.”

The Spurs, three games behind defending NBA champion Golden State for the best record in the league, bounced back from a 99-91 loss Monday to Indiana.

They have not dropped two games in a row all season.

David West scored 18 points for San Antonio and Kawhi Leonard added 15.

Ex-Timberwolf guard Andre Miller, who signed with the Spurs last week, had 13 points and five assists in place of Parker.

“When he was on the floor, the team was playing with poise,” Messina said. “We had the patience to throw the ball inside and take advantage of that, start throwing the ball out and finding shots.”

Andrew Wiggins had 23 points and eight rebounds for the Timberwolves (20-45), who lost for the second time in as many nights. Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and nine rebounds.

At Toronto, the host Raptors erased a 16-point third-quarter deficit and held on to beat the Brooklyn Nets 104-99.

DeMar DeRozan led Toronto with 25 points while Kyle Lowry added 23 points and nine assists and Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson each added 11 points for the Raptors (42-20), who pulled within two games of Eastern Conference leader Cleveland.

T HURS day : M a Rc H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

A13

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Phoenix Slalom kicks off Sunday EVERYTHING is all set as RACE Motorsports Club opens the 2016 Phoenix National Slalom Series on Sunday at Robinsons Novaliches.

The event is a 12-leg national series slalom tournament powered by Phoenix Premuim 98 and Phoenix Accelerate Fully Synthetic Oil. Registration starts from 8 a.m. onwards, while open practice runs are set from 8 to 10 a.m. There will be a free slalom clinic from 9 to 10 a.m.

Official practice runs will begin from 11 a.m., wherein each driver will only be given one official practice run regardless of how many classes or cars a participant is entered.

Each participating driver will receive 4 liters (1 gallon) of Phoenix Accelerate Full Synthetic Oil. To accumulate points for the overall and class champions, contenders must use the specified Federal Tyres for at least nine legs of 75% of the series and must possess the Automobile Association of the Philippines Clubman license.

All drivers will be charged an additional fee of P300 per leg for the AAP Clubman License.

The National Slalom events are affiliated with the AAP and FIA and is the longest-running motorsport discipline in the country.

Expected to participate are past champions, headed by Milo, Noel and Estefano Rivera of Tough Gear Racing, Dr. Peewee Mendiola of Team Big Chill, MSM Motorsports, AF Racing Team and Orthodox Racing, among others.

The 2016 National Slalom Grand Series Series is presented by Phoenix Premium 98 and Phoenix Accelerate Full Synthetic Oil, and major sponsors Federal Tyres, Outlast Battery and Robinsons Novaliches, with support from Starbright Body Kits and Auto Transporter, and media partners Stoplight TV, C! Magazine, Auto Industriya, Ride and Drive Philippines and Targa Philippines.

For details, contact Bing Bang Dulce at tel. nos 928-6951, 0922-8165344 or 09178119337; e-mail racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com or like the event’s Facebook page.

San Beda cage camps slated this summer THE San Beda basketball camps are now on its 11th season this coming summer.

It will start again this summer with clinics for boys and girls.

Interested parties may contact Oliver Quiambao at 735-6011, local 2104, or 09478221544, and through program head, coach Edmundo “Ato” Badolato, at 09088624543.

Registration is now open for classes in the Mendiola campus, which will begin on April 5.

It will be held every Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In the Taytay campus, classes will commence on April 7, and every Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Coaches of the multi-titled San Beda Red Cubs, as well as prominent instructors from other schools are also in the camp, which is supported by Gatorade and Molten Balls.

Registration fee is P3,500, inclusive of a t-shirt and a brand new Molten ball.

A package deal of P6,000 is also being offered to those who will enroll in both sessions.

Top triathlete. The country’s undisputed long distance triathlon queen Monica Torres of Standard Insurance became the first “Filipina Elite Winner” for Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Philippines 2016 in Subic Bay, Zambales over the weekend. Torres won in the distaff side with plenty to spare, clocking a 4:39:25 against Maria Hodges (5:16:20). She was also seventh overall female in a very tough field of international athletes.

Thai golfers set pace TAGAYTAY—Mookharin Ladgratok bucked a late start with a late burst at the front, firing a three-under 69 in tough condition to move on top of the stellar field, one stroke ahead of Kanpahnitnan Muanghkumaskul as the Thais took charge and the local bets faltered in the opener of the ICTSI Champion Tour presented by Champion and Taiwan LPGA at Splendido Taal Golf Club here yesterday.

Ladgratok checked a roller-coaster ride with two birdies in the last four holes at the frontside of the windswept layout and came out of the grueling stint in scorching heat with a 33-36 card in the last of the 22 flights that teed off in the $75,000 tournament serving as the kickoff leg of this year’s ICTSI Ladies Philippine Golf Tour and the fifth stage of the Taiwan LPGA Tour sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. “I didn’t expect to lead. I just played my game and tried to make the most of my chances,” said the 21-yearold Ladgratok, out to atone for her second round meltdown in last year’s LPGT final leg at Southwoods where she fumbled with a 75 after a leadgrabbing 66 in the first round and ended up joint third.

But the four-year pro, who mixed three birdies with the same number of bogeys at the back before hitting two birdies against a bogey in five holes at the front, expects the going to get tougher and the chase for the top $15,000 purse to get tighter in the last two days with Muanghkumaskul, winner of this year’s Taiwan LPGA Tour first leg, launching her bid for No. 2 with a 70 that featured five birdies and marred by a double-bogey and a bogey.

Taiwanese Chen Yu-ju actually set the pace with an impressive 33 at the front and a four-under card at 13 holes. But the No. 10 player in the current TLPGA Order of Merit ranking reeled back with a double-bogey on the next, hit a birdie on No. 15 but bogeyed two of the last three for a 38 for solo third at 71.

Thai Mookharin Ladgratok hits a fairway shot on No. 9 Thai Mookharin Ladgratok pumps her fist after holing out with a birdie on No. 9 Dottie Ardina chips onto the 18th green en route to a 72 Princess Superal reacts after falling short of her chip-in birdie bid on No. 18.

Molina, Trillanes are fancied bets KURT Molina and Jan Harold Trillanes set out as the top favorites while a wide-open battle for top honors looms in the girls’ side as the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala age-group regional tennis circuit resumes today at the University of Saint Anthony in Iriga City.

Molina, from Daet, Camarines Norte, guns for a two-title romp in the 16- and 18-andunder sections where he is the top seed while Trillanes, one of the top junior players of the host city, headlines the 14-U field in the Group 5 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

Top seed Nica Alanis, No. 2 Patricia Corporal, third ranked Jasmin Prima and No. 4 Katrina Salvadora, meanwhile, are expected to slug it out for the girls’ premier 18-U crown with Corporal and Salvadora also vying the 16-U side that also features Angelica Alanis and Ianne Contreras.

Keen competition is also seen in the rest of the categories with Glydel Guevara, Rafa Mae Taller, Carla Andrada and Andrika Idioma leading the chase in the girls’ 14-U play of the five-day tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Asso-

ciation headed by president and Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez and backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusively distributor of Slazenger, the official ball, “It is our commitment to hold tournaments nationwide as part of our grassroots program and we thank Iriga for hosting one of our events that has become the spawning ground of tennis talents in the country,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Meanwhile, list for the next leg in Lucena City on March 17-21 is ongoing. For details, call tournament organizer and supervisor Bobby Man-

gunay, also the PPS-PEPP sports program development director, at 0915-4046464 or log on to www.palawanpawnshoptennis.com.

JC Gonzales, Marlon Korea, Harry Bonavente and Mark Ejipto head the cast in the boys’ 12-U side while Guevara, JB Aguilar, Ryan Taller and Joshua Pante are tipped to dispute the 10-unisex crown in the circuit which is coming off successful staging in the Iloilo for the age-group dominated

by Jacob Martin and Char Cuizon and the Open championship topped by perennial champion Johnny Arcilla.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

19.4.

20.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY SERVICE IN BALUT ISLAND, SARANGANI, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL, AS QUALIFIED THIRD PARTY (QTP) AND FOR ISSUANCE OF THE CORRESPONDING AUTHORITY TO OPERATE (ATO) AND FOR APPROVAL OF THE QTP SERVICE AND SUBSIDY CONTRACT (QSSC) WITH NATIONAL POWER CORPORATION (NPC), WITH PRAYER FOR ISSUANCE OF A PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

21.

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 11 November 2015, Power Source Philippines, Inc. (PSPI) filed an Application for authorization to provide electricity service in Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental as a Qualified Third Party (QTP), with request for the issuance of the corresponding Authority to Operate (ATO), and for approval of the QTP Service and Subsidy Contract (QSSC) with the National Power Corporation (NPC), with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

20.1.

Project Cost. The total capital cost is Thirty-Three Million Sixty-Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Seventeen Pesos (PhP33,068,517.00), consisting of the costs of the plant equipment, buildings, capitalized expenses and working capital for initial stocks of fuels and lubes and mobilization during plant trials and personnel training. A summary of the project cost components is contained in Annex “N”;

20.2.

Debt/Equity Ratio. The debt-equity ratio for the capital cost of the Generation Facilities shall be 67:33;

20.3.

Computation of Return on Investment/Weighted Average Cost of Capital. The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for the project is 11% p.a. This was obtained considering an interest of 9.5% p.a. on debt capital;

20.4.

The minimum desired return for equity capital for the project and the cost of debt capital are placed at 14.3% p.a. and 9.5% p.a., respectively, to reflect the significantly higher risks associated with providing electricity service in a remote and unelectrified rural community without an offtake guaranteed by a contractual counter-party. A computation of the above WACC is contained in Annex “0”;

1.

2.

This is an Application for authorization to provide electricity service with request for the issuance of the corresponding Authority to Operate (AT0) as a Qualified Third Party (QTP) in Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, filed before this Commission pursuant to and by virtue of the Rules for the Regulation of the Qualified Third Parties Performing Missionary Electrification in Areas Declared Unviable by the Department of Energy (ERC QTP Guidelines) approved in ERC Resolution No. 22, Series of 2006;

22.

PSPI is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with its principal office at the 10th Floor, The Athenaeum Building, 160 Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila. Copies of Applicant’s relevant corporate documentation such as the Certificate of Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Articles of Incorporation, latest Audited Financial Statements and latest General Information Sheet are attached to the Application as Annexes “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E” respectively;

4.

Applicant has the full legal, financial and technical capacity to operate as a QTP. At present, the Department of Energy (DOE) still has to issue the Certificate of Endorsement stating that Applicant was prequalified in accordance with DOE Circular No. 2004-06-006 and DOE Circular 2005-12-011. A copy of the Certificate of Endorsement stating will be attached to the Application as Annex “F” once it is released by the DOE;

5.

PSPI may be served with orders or .other legal processes through the undersigned counsel;

6.

In compliance with Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, approved by the Commission on 22 June 2006 as Resolution No. 38, Series of 2005, PSPI has furnished the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Municipality of Sarangani with copies of the Application with all its annexes. Copies of the certifications from the Presiding Officer or Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Municipality of Sarangani, or their duly authorized representatives, attesting to the fact of such service, are attached as Annex “G” of the Application; Furthermore, PSPI has caused the publication of the present Application in its entirety in a newspaper of general circulation within the Municipality of Sarangani. Copies of the corresponding Affidavit of Publication and the newspaper are attached to the Application as Annexes “H” and “H-1”, respectively;

8.

Under Section 59 of Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) and Rule 14 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the provision of electric service in remote and unviable areas that a distribution utility is unable to service shall be opened to QTP;

9.

As stable and reliable supply of power is essential to economic growth and sustain ability, the electricity service provided by a QTP is envisaged to spur development in an economically unviable area and, in the long term; elevate such area to a level of viability. However, the provision of electricity service in unviable areas is expectedly costly and not economically feasible. It would not be reasonable to charge consumers in rural and remote areas high cost of providing such service;

10.

In accordance with Section 70 of the EPIRA, the entry of QTPs to stimulate economic growth in unviable areas is made feasible by a subsidy sourced from the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UC-ME). This enables a QTP to operate viably while charging its consumers at rates that are reasonably acceptable in the area, as may be determined by the Commission;

11.

Pursuant to Sections 59 and 70 of the EPlRA and its IRR, the DOE issued Department Circular No. 2004-06-006, which prescribes the qualification criteria for QTPs, and Department Circular 2005-12-011, which prescribes the guidelines for the participation of QTPs for provision of electric service in remote and unviable areas;

12.

At the time when the regulatory and administrative framework for QTP projects, including mechanisms for the availment of UCME subsidy by QTPs, were still being developed, Applicant already commenced its operations as a QTP in Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan (Rio Tuba) and was about to begin its operations in Malapascua Island, Barangay Logon, Daan Bantayan, Cebu;

13.

PSPI is a pioneer QTP having been issued the very first Authority to Operate as a QTP in the entire country for its Rio Tuba electrification project. This exemplifies the successful economic upliftment of a remote and unviable area through the entry of a QTP;

14.

The QTP Service Area. Balut Island, located in the Municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental (QTP Service Area) is a remote and unviable area within the franchise area of Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO);

Initial Costs, Operating and Maintenance Expenses. The initial capital cost for the project consists of diesel plant costs amounting to Thirty-Three Million Sixty-Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Seventeen Pesos (PhP33,068,517.00). The capital costs for the first five (5) years, as well as the breakdown of the operating and maintenance expenses for the twenty (20) year term of the QSSC are shown in Annex “R”;

23.

Projected Demand. Considering the nature of the project, there is no mininum energy off-take, as the sale ofpower is based on actual energy consumed by each end-user consumer. The FCRR is determined based on an assumed annual increase in actual energy demand of four percent (3.5%). A detailed discussion on the projected demand is contained in Annex “S.” A survey study was commissioned· by PSPI on the QTP Service Area. The results of the survey were considered as and used as the assumption for the load demand and load growth in the Financial Model. The survey summary report is attached to the Application as Annex “T”;

24.

Procurement of Fuel. Applicant is sourcing and will source its future diesel fuel supply from potential suppliers willing to deliver fuel to the site. Applicant will procure fuel from the least expensive supplier should additional suppliers become available. Applicant will source its biomass fuel from local farmers and will develop its own plantation to produce such fuel.

25.

The grant of an Authority to Operate and the approval of the QSSC, along with the corresponding subsidy support, will enable PSPI to operate viably and, at the same time, charge a lower tariff on its customers in the QTP Service Area. In the absence of an ERC-approved SARR, the tariff to be charged by it shall be equivalent to the ERC-approved retail rate of DASURECO, in accordance with Section II, Article IV of the ERC QTP Guidelines.

RATE IMPLICATIONS OF THE QTP SERVICE AND SUBSIDY CONTRACT

COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS

7.

Breakdown of the FCRR. The FCRR reflects twenty (20) years of operations and use of the WACC of 11% as discounting factor for all costs and generated electricity. A sample computation of the FCRR and the ME Subsidy requirement is attached to the Application as Annex “Q”;

Cash Flow.

22.1.

The instant Application likewise seeks the approval of the QTP Service and Subsidy Contract (QSSC)1 dated 09 October 2015, executed by and between PSPI and the NPC, including the Full Cost Recovery Rate (FCRR) provided therein. A copy of the QSSC is attached to the Application as Annex “A”;

3.

Purchased Power Rate. The Full Cost Recovery Rate (“FCRR”) consists of a levelized base rate of 37.14/kWh, which shall be automatically adjusted for each billing period based on Philippine and US consumer price indices as well as actual fuel costs, in accordance with the adjustment mechanisms in the QSSC. In accordance with the ERC QTP Guidelines, Applicant shall charge and collect from the end-users SARR. Should the FCRR be higher than the SARR, Applicant shall be entitled to recover the difference from the UC-ME Subsidy. A detailed discussion on the FCRR, including its breakdown and the rationale supporting the indexation, is attached to the Application as Annex “P”; 21.1.

In support of said Application, PSPI alleged, among others, the following:

The following table shows the impact of the QSSC on the electricity rates:

STATEMENT OF FACTS

14.1.

The QTP Service Area is located about 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) from mainland Mindanao, separated by the Sarangani Strait. Balut, Sarangani and Olanivan Islands make up the island group known as the Sarangani Islands. The group comprises the Municipality of Sarangani of Davao Occidental. For Balut island, the total land area is 6,604 hectares;

26.

The subsidy component necessary for the continued provision of electricity supply that will sustain the economic growth of the QTP Service Area will have a reduction of Php1.6861/kWh on the Universal Charge;

27.

Applicant respectfully submits that the aforementioned amount is more than reasonable considering the 24-hour, enterprise level service provided under the QSSC that directly results in the significant economic upliftment and improvement in the quality of life in the QTP Service Area beyond anything possible in the traditional 6 to 12 hour rural electrification systems;

The Island is composed of eight barangays namely; Mabila - 1,160 HH, Tinina - 385 HH, Tucal - 209 HH, Gomtago - 167 HH, Batuganding - 431 HH, Konel - 446 HH, Lipol - 455 HH, and Tagen - 317 HH and the total potential HH is 3,570. Mabila is the town’s center for commerce and the local government; 14.2.

15.

16.

17.

28.

Rule 14 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure authorizes the issuance of a PA and/or an interim relief prior to a final decision, provided that the facts and circumstances warrant the issuance thereof;

29.

Selection of Applicant as Service Provider. DASURECO sought the participation of the private sector to improve the quality, operating hours of the electricity· service and extend electrification in said barangays. ·On 9 June 2014, Applicant submitted to DOE its Expression of Interest to be the QTP in Balut Island;

In the case of PSPI, it must be noted that the PA is necessary for the execution of its agreement with NPC which will embody the seamless phase-in of its operation, and the eventual phase-out of NPC’s generating function, in the QTP area;

30.

Furthermore, the PA will be submitted by PSPI to its prospective lenders as a requirement for the grant of loans, necessary to finance the project;

16.1.

Having met the qualification criteria, the DOE informed the Applicant on 26 June 2014 to submit its proposal within forty-five (45) days or no later than 22 August 2014. In accordance with DOE’s instruction, Applicant submitted its proposal on 20 August 2014;

31.

Moreover, it must be emphasized that PSPI has already secured offers from third parties for the lease of the rights to the generation and distribution facilities for the project. Aplicant is, therefore, constrained to request for the issuance of the A before the expiration of the aforesaid offers;

16.2.

Subsequently, the DOE issued Publication Notice No. 2014-10-0003 dated 25 September 2014 to inform interested parties to submit their counter-proposals for Balut Island on or before 25 October 2014. Since no entity submitted a counter-proposal, DOE selected Applicant as the QTP to provide electricity service in Balut Island;

32.

In the matter of interim relief, PSPI is seeking to collect a lower rate through the Subsidized Approved Retail Rate (SARR ) instead of the Full Cost Recovery Rate (FCRR) as ordered by the ERC in consideration of the liluited paying capacity of its consumers. The electrification of the QTP Service Area will not be possible if consumers were charged at true cost;

Declaration of QTP Service Area as a Remote & Unviable Area. On 7 April 2014, the DOE issued Publication No. 2014-04-0001, declaring as remote and unviable and thus open for QTP Program the following barangays in Balut and Sarangani Islands: Mabila, Batuganding, Tucal, Konel, Lipol, Gomtago, Tinina, Tagen, Laker Island, Camahual, Patuco and Camalig. A copy of said DOE Publication is attached hereto as Annex “J” of the Application;

33.

Finally, the success of this project with the regulatory imprimatur of this Commission will pave way for further investment by PSPI in more projects designed to spur economic growth in remote and unviable areas through the provision of a 24-hour reliable electricity service. Applicant‘s interest in other project sites will be dependent on the success of the present Application, particularly on the availmenl of the necessary subsidy support under the QTP program. With such support, PSPI looks forward to replicating the success of this project in other areas;

34.

PSPI prays that, at the soonest possible time, the Commission grants it provisional and interim relief as follows :

17.1.

17.2.

18.

1.1.

1.2.

On 27 May 2015, DASURECO and Applicant executed a Waiver Agreement, whereby DASURECO waived in favor of Applicant the right to provide electricity service in th aforesaid area. A copy of the Waiver Agreement is attached to the Application as Annex “L”;

QTP Operations. Currently, three (3) of the eight (8) barangays located on Balut Island are served at least in part by power generated by NPC-SPUG’s diesel generating plant through distribution lines and metering operated by DASURECO. Electricity is currently available for eight (8) hours only from 4pm to 12 midnight. The power plant is in good condition with a total capacity of 320 kW (2 x 160 kW) commissioned in 1997. Presently, however, DASURECO does not have plans of extending additional lines to the remaining five (5) barangays nor electrify the other island, Sarangani; 18.1.

Applicant will provide twenty four hour electricity service to at least five (5) barangays and solar home systems to the remaining three (3) isolated and dispersed barangays. The community population of an estimated 2,701 households will initially represent significant sales of around 638,581 kWh;

18.2.

QTP operations shall be for a period of twenty (20) years in accordance with the Waiver Agreement with DASURECO and the QTP Service and Subsidy Agreement with NPC;

18.3.

Applicant’s project has been a realization of the goal of the QTP program to stimulate economic progress in remote and unviable areas through electrification. The beneficial impact of stable and reliable electricity service to the economy. of the local community in the QTP Service Area as well as the daily lives of the consumers cannot be overstated;

Under the QSSC, PSPI shall provide 24-hour electricity service in the QTP Service Area for a term of twenty (20) years. In order to ensure that PSPI will be able to viably serve the QTP Service Area, it may be allowed to avail of the UC-ME Subsidy; 19.1.

PRAYER

As a result of said declaration, DASURECO issued Resolution No. 50, Series of 2014, dated 8 March 2014, formally waiving its right to provide service in the QTP Service Area. A copy of the said Resolution is attached to the Application as Annex “K”;

SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT AND THE QTP SERVICE AND SUBSIDY CONTRACT 19.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF REQUEST FOR INTERIM RELIEF & PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY (PA) TO OPERATE IN THE QTP AREA

Balut is served by NPC-SPUG under DASURECO franchise. Electricity is currently available for 8 hours only from 4 pm to 12 midnight. The power plant is in good condition with a total capacity of 320 kW (2 X 160 kW). Mabila, Batuganding and Tucal are electrified barangays while the residents of the other barangays are using solar panels and small generators for their electricity. There is an existing distribution system in Mabila, Tucal and Batuganding. The distribution lines are still in good condition and can be extended for the electrification of Konel and Lipol. The Electric Cooperative has no plans of extending additional lines to the remaining 5 barangays nor electrify Sarangani;

The Generation Facilities. Due to small loads in off-peak hours, Applicant will install a modular, flexible and highly redundant diesel generating plant based on three (3) units of small high speed gensets, 1 x 100 kW and 2 x 120 kW. This ensures modest capital cost and maximum flexibility in the early years of operations. As the load on the island grows, Applicant may add 1 x 350 kW to the installed capacity on the third year;

19.2.

The relevant Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) to be issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Certificate of Compliance (COC) to be issued by the Commission covering the diesel generating units will be obtained prior to Commercial Operations Date;

19.3.

Applicant intends to comply with Renewable Portfolio Standards and source a certain percentage of its power supply from Solar Home Systems for the three (3) barangays in the QTP Service Area as indicated in the QSSC;

1.3.

1.4.

1.5.

Authority to Operate as a Qualified Third Party under the ERC QTP Guidelines; A Provisional Authority to Operate in the QTP Area e immediately issued in its favor pending ERC Resolution; The QTP Service Contract, including the Full Cost Recovery Rate therein, be approved; Authority to charge its customers a tariff equivalent to the ERC-approved retail rate of DASURECO, in accordance with Section II, Article IV of the ERC QTP Guidelides; and Permission to recover from the UC-ME Subsidy the difference between the FCRR and rate charged by it to its consumers; and to this end, NPC be directed to release to PSPI such subsidy in accordance with the terms of the QTP Service Contract.

The Commission has set the Application for jurisdictional hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference and evidentiary hearing on 29 March 2016 (Tuesday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at the Municipal Gymnasium, Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by filing, at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verified petition with the Commission giving the docket number and title of the proceeding and stating: 1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of petitioner‘s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and (3) a statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the proceeding may file their opposition to the Application or comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before the Applicant concludes the presentation of its evidence. No particular form of opposition comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from the Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. The Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs.

Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman, JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR,, and the Honorable Commissioners, ALFREDO J. NON, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission Commission, this 22nd day of February 2016 at Pasig City.

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staf Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO 1

T H U R S DAY : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 16

Financial Plans/Sources of Funds. As QTP, this project shall be funded by the subsidy drawn from the UCME as disbursed by the NPC and the SARR collected from the end-users. A detailed discussion of the funding/ financial aspects of the project is attached as Annex “M” of the Application;

ERC CASE NO. 2015-199 RC POWERSOURCE PHILIPPINES, INC. (PSPI), Applicant. x-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -x

Availment of UG-ME Subsidy. The QSSC provides the terms and conditions governing Applicant’s availment of the UC-ME Subsidy. For the provision of electricity service, Applicant shall charge and collect from its end users the SARR. Should the FCRR be higher than the SARR, Applicant spall be entitled to recover the difference from the UC-ME Subsidy through the mechanism provided in the QSSC;

The QTP Service and Subsidy Contract (QSSC) is the resulting legal document after combining the provisions of the QTP Service Contract (QSC) and Subsidy Disbursement Agreement (SDA).

(TS-MAR 10/17, 2016)

All set for 2016 Palaro in Albay

By Mavelle P. Durian ASSISTANT Secretary Tonisito Umali of the Department of Education on Tuesday said that everything is set for this year’s Palarong Pambansa to be hosted for the first time by the province of Albay from April 10 to 16.

Appearing in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum, Umali said a total of 21 events, including four demonstration sports, will offer a little over 200 gold medals in seven days of competition featuring the best student athletes from the country’s 18 regions.

Umali represented Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro in Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate, where he was joined by Cesar Abalon, head of DepEd’s sports events and activity unit, and Milo-Nestle Philippines officials Andrew Neri and Robie de Vera.

“We expect records to be broken this year.

But more than the medals at stake, the Palaro is also about discipline among the participants and cleanliness in our environment,” said Umali in the session presented

by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

Events to be disputed are archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, chess, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball.

Demonstration sports such as billiards, futsal, wrestling and wushu, which are on the calendar for the third straight year, will be discussed by the Palaro board to determine whether these can be included as regular events starting next year.

Abalon said the province of Albay, through the leadership of Gov. Joey Salceda, is putting its best foot forward, making sure that all athletes and officials will be taken care of, particularly their safety and convenience.

Neri said Milo and Nestle are very thankful to be part of this year’s Palaro.

T H U R S DAY : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 16

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Ateneo scores twin-kill in UAAP volleyball meet THE defending champion Ateneo Lady Eagles rallied from a 3-point deficit, charging back with a big run in the third set to put away the National University Lady Bulldogs, 26-24, 25-17, 25-19, in the 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

They were 10-13 when Jhoanna Maraguinot struck with three attack points and Kassandra Gequillana hit two of her four aces to push the Lady Eagles ahead, 20-14.

The Lady Eagles arrested a two-game losing skid and stayed in the solo lead of the women’s division with their seventh triumph in nine outings after their

76-minute game.

“We just played and focused in the game, just as coach (Tai Bundit) wanted us to do,” said Maraguinot, who had 12 points behind Alyssa Valdez’s 20 points. Gequillana made nine.

It was a twin-kill for Ateneo after the Blue Eagles needed only 78 minutes to get past University

of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in three sets, 25-9, 27-25, 25-15, and remain firmly at the top of the standings.

The Blue Eagles stretched their winning run to six and 8-1 overall as Ysay Marasigan and reigning back-to-back Most Valuable Player awardee Marck Espejo led the way.

Marasigan and Espejo finished with 16 and 15 points, respectively, for the Blue Eagles as they scored 12 attacks points each in Ateneo’s 46 attack points.

UP dropped to 4-5.

In the only other seniors’ game, National University, working behind Madzlan Gampong’s 21 points, likewise posted

a straight-sets victory, 25-20, 1825, 25-21, 27-26, over the University of the East.

The Bulldogs upped their record to 6-3, while handing the Red Warriors their ninth straight loss.

In the women’s side, Far Eastern University clinched its first win in the second round behind a straight-sets win over the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-13, 25-18, 25-21.

The Lady Tamaraws, who drew big plays from Bernadeth Pons and Toni Basas, moved up to fourth spot with a 5-4 win-loss record.

Pons had 19 points from 18 kills and a service ace, while Basas added nine. Peter Atencio

Altas Perps Squad bags crown. The Perpetual Help Altas Perps Squad celebrates after winning the 9th National collegiate Athletics Association Cheerleading Championship crown on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Highlights of 2015 Vanderbilt tournament THE report on the Bourbon Street Vanderbilt, IV by SYLVIA LOPEZ Bart Bramley gives us a good account ALEJANDRO of the half of the 2015 Vanderbilt final: Action started immediately (Board 31): North dealer Neither side vulnerable North ♠AQJ852 ♥AK106 ♦♣K103 West East ♠K764 ♠109 ♥32 ♥9854 ♦AJ10843 ♦KQ95 ♣8 ♣AQ2 South ♠3 ♥QJ7 ♦762 ♣J97654 OPEN ROOM South West North East Wold Duboin Jacobus Zia __ __ 1♣* 1♦ Pass+ 4♦ 4♠ (All Pass) CLOSED ROOM South West North East Madala Hampson Bocchi Greco __ __ 1♠ Double Pass 3♦ Double Pass

4♣ Pass Pass Pass *16-plus HCP + 0-5 HCP In the Open Room, Zia picked a good time for a four-card suit overcall. Preempted, Jacobus preferred the security of his strong six-card suit rather than risk reaching the wrong strain (or, perhaps even worse, defending). Zia’s diamond lead started the tap. Jacobus led trumps from the top. Ten-nine doubleton was friendly but insufficient. Duboin didn’t need a club ruff to set the contract: he saw that a second tap, reducing declarer to equal length, would always succeed when success was possible.

Jacobus drew trumps and cashed his hearts; Zia claimed the balance: down one, minus 50.

In the Closed Room, Bocchi having shown spades, could afford a takeout double next. His side could make game in clubs, but finding the suit at all was enough to earn a swing. Hampson led a heart to Madala’s queen. Madala played spade ace, spade ruff, trump to the eight, ten and queen. With sufficient entries to bring in the spades, declarer took 11 tricks: plus 150; 5 imps to Lavazza.

The next few boards produced little scoring: An easy slam, a part score push on which Duboin-Zia and Greco-Hampson did well to find the best fit at the three-level, an overtrick imp to Lavazza, a normal game set by a bad trump break, and then (Board 36): East dealer East-West vulnerable North ♠Q10 ♥A10432 ♦K10 ♣9653

West ♠75 ♥QJ87 ♦J98742 ♣A

East ♠96432 ♥K5 ♦Q6 ♣J1042

South ♠AKJ8 ♥96 ♦A53 ♣KQ87 OPEN ROOM South West North East Wold Duboin Jacobus Zia __ __ __ Pass 1♣ a Pass 1♥b Pass 1NTc Pass 2♦d Pass 2♥ Pass 3NT (All Pass) CLOSED ROOM South West North East Madala Hampson Bocchi Greco __ __ __ Pass 2♣c Pass 3♠f Pass 3NT Pass Pass Pass a 16-plus HCP b 8-11HCP,game-force, any shape except fiveplus spades c17-18HCP dfive-plus hearts ebalanced hand; 18-19 HCP fchoice of games with five hearts The auctions were equivalent. Against Wold in the Open Room. Duboin led the diamond nine, standard European style from an interior sequence headed by the nine. Wold knew that Zia had at least one honor, so he rose with dummy’s king, on which Zia played the six. Wold led the

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

Oconer, Morales marked riders in Ronda Pilipinas BAGO CITY—George Oconer of LBCMVP Sports Foundation developmental team and Mindanao Leg champion Jan Paul Morales of Navy-Standard Insurance will be the cyclists to watch out for when the Visayas Leg of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2016 holds the Visayas Leg unfolds tomorrow here.

The 22-year-old Oconer and his young but talented LBC-MVPSF squad and the main Ronda delegation arrived here last night and is expected to challenge Morales and the seasoned Navymen for the title.

Oconer and his team didn’t participate in the Mindanao Leg held a month ago in Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro and Manolo Fortich and Malaybalay, Bukidnon after joining another race in Bicol.

“We’re eager to race,” said Oconer, who finished second to last year’s winner Santy Barnachea, fourth two years ago and third in the first-ever edition of this race.

Rustom Lim, Ronald Lomotos, Mark Julius Bonzo, and Jerry Aquino, Jr. are the other members of the team coached by former Olympian Norberto Oconer.

Morales topped the Mindanao Leg with relative ease, while seven of his Navy teammates including skipper Lloyd Lucien Reynante and Ronald Oranza wound up in the Top 10.

And Reynante knows they will have their hands full against Oconer and the other young guns.

“We knew all along it will be a different race come the Visayas Leg and we’re ready for whatever challenge we will face,” said Reynante, whose fellow Navymen arrived as early as two days ago. club nine (couldn’t hurt) to the four, queen and ace. Dubion, sensing no future in diamonds, shifted to a spade.

Wold won with dummy’s tent and led a club to his eight, assuring the contract, win or lose: plus 400.

Against Madala in the Closed Room, Hampson led the diamond seven, fourth-highest. At this table, dummy’s ten might have won the trick, so Madala played it, then ducked Greco’s queen. A second diamond went to dummy’s king for the club three to the deuce, queen and ace. Hampson, without a late entry, shifted to a spade, with the same outcome as in the other room. Madala won with dummy’s ten for a club to his seven and a push at 400.

Both Wests missed a chance to pressure declarer. In the Open Room, Duboin could have a led a second diamond to Zia’s queen, which Wold would surely have ducked. Then, a shift to the heart king would have forced declarer to play double-dummy to bring home the contract: He would need to duck, win the second heart, and lead a club to a spot. Zia contributed to the weak defense by not playing his diamond queen at trick one; declarer was unlikely to hold the jack, since he handn’t let the lead run to his hand (and he couldn’t assume that the queen was onside). If Duboin had known that only one stop remained, he could have punded diamonds to put declarer on the horns of a dilemma.

In the Closed Room, Hampson did know that he could set up diamonds. Had he done so, the only winning play for declarer would have been a club to a spot. But, knowing that West had a fistful of winning diamonds, declarer would very likely have played the club king next, catering to any doubleton on his left. Best technique is to lead the second club from dummy, in case East plays the jack. Even a heart shift would have been awkward for declarer. Both West hope instead for partner to hold strong spades and a club entry.

Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yahoo

A16

T H U R S DAY : M A R C H 1 0 , 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

Phoenix’s JC Intal is hounded by Mahindra’s John Pinto in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game won by the Fuel Masters, 114-99.

Phoenix five rises from 3 straight losses with a win

By Jeric Lopez

PHOENIX stepped up just in time to turn back Mahindra, 114-99, snapping a threegame slide and listing a much-needed win in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Willie Wilson remained steady for Phoenix, carving a double-double of 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting and pulling down 10 rebounds to lead his squad on both ends, while Kevinn Pinkney topscored for the Fuel Masters with 23 markers and nine boards. RR Garcia had 22.

The win proved vital for Phoenix as it moved up the ladder and out of the cellar for a triple-tie with NLEX and Rain or Shine for spots 7 to 9, where they now hold similar 2-3 marks. Mahindra, meanwhile, dropped to 3-3, still good for fifth though.

Phoenix coach Koy Banal

was happy with how his wards rose to the occasion.

“I’m happy the players were ready. They came out prepared,” said Banal.

“It started on the defensive end and I’m happy everyone responded well.

They were challenged and they responded well.”

A solid first-period barrage allowed the Fuel Masters to dictate the tempo of the game and grab early control.

And they never looked back.

Phoenix started out blazing, taking a double-digit lead right away, 34-23, at the end of the first quarter following a methodical

start. It continued rolling in the second quarter, where it extended its lead at the half, taking a bigger 61-47 advantage following a buzzerbeating fadeaway jumper from Wilson to end the first 24 minutes of action.

The pounding continued in the second half as the Fuel Masters never took their foot off the gas pedal. By the end of the third, their lead stood at an insurmountable 20 points, 92-72.

Mahindra, which was never in the game, eventually succumbed.

It was total domination from Phoenix right from the get-go until the

Spurs crush Wolves

Thai golfers set pace

TURN TO A12

TURN TO A13

final horn. Its largest lead was 21, 102-82, with 5:30 remaining after a Wilson putback.

JC Intal added 16 points for Phoenix.

The scores: PHOENIX 114— Pinkney 23, Garcia 22, Wilson 21, Intal 16, Pennisi 10, Urbiztondo 7, Brondial 5, Lanete 5, Monfort 5, Baracael 0.

MAHINDRA 99— Gilchrist 21, Canaleta 18, Dehesa 14, Digregorio 8, Pascual 8, Ramos 7, Yee 7, Pinto 6, Jaime 4, Revilla 4, Guinto 2, Alvarez 0, Hubalde 0, Webb 0.

Quarters: 34-23, 61-47, 92-72, 114-99

Last-minute goal lifts Kaya past Radiant

By Peter Atencio KAYA FC pulled off a hardearned 1-0 squaker past Radiant SC of Maldives Tuesday night in the 2016 Asian Football Confederation Cup Group Stage at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

A final-minute goal from OJ Porteria on the fourth minute of injury time at game’s end sealed the deal for Kaya, which posted its first win in two games in Group F. Junior Munoz came charging from the right flank and threw a cross pass inside the box to Porteria, who volleyed in a goal from 10 meters.

“We proved ourselves today. The good thing is, they never give up. Sometimes, plans never work out. But, the best thing is, they never gave up until the last minute,” said Kaya FC coach Joel Villarino.

The win allowed Kaya FC to improve to third place.

Over in Dhaka, Ceres downed Sheikh Jahmal Dhanmondi Club of Bangladesh, 2-0, at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Goals from Adrian Gallardo in the 25th and 29th minutes handed Ceres its first win against a draw in two matches in Group E for second spot and move closer to the round of 16.

It was a scoreless first half for Kaya and New Radiant, but the home team had more attempts.

B1

THURSDAY: MARCH 10, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Govt tightens GMO guidelines

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

THE government issued more stringent regulations on the propagation and sale of biotechnology seeds in the country in a bid to lift the Supreme Court ban on field trials of genetically modified organisms.

Agriculture Undersecretary Dennis Guerrero said in a statement government agencies led

by Science, Agriculture, Environment, Health and Interior Departments had finalized and signed a joint department circular to address the issues raised by the Supreme Court in December

2015.

The high tribunal ordered a ban on field trials of GMOs, including Bt eggplant.

The Supreme Court also ordered a temporary ban on the use, import, commercialization and propagation of GMO crops, saying DA’s Administrative Order

No. 8 lacked minimum safety requirements.

AO No. 8, issued in 2002, set the rules and regulations for the importation and release into the environment of plants and plant products derived from the use of modern biotechnology.

Guerrero said the new GMO guidelines had been made stringent and transparent as environment safety assessment procedures would be cross-checked by the five agencies before the local cultivation of GM crops.

The Philippines was the first country in Asia which allowed the propagation and commercialization of GM crops, including Bacillus thuringiensis corn, which

is now a highly cultivated crop in the country.

Philippine Maize Federation Inc. president Roger Navarro welcomed the new set of guidelines, saying they would be helpful to the country’s corn industry.

“I haven’t read the full context of the new order yet, but I think this will be a good development for the corn industry and the total livestock sector,” Navarro said.

Navarro earlier warned that the Supreme Court’s decision would greatly effect the country’s corn and livestock industry.

Guerrero, the Agriculture undersecretary, said the new GM guidelines would strengthen biotechnology’s role in the country’s

agriculture sector and address food security concerns while ensuring that the environment and the health of people plants and animals were protected.

“The new rules have tightened environmental scrutiny before biosafety permits are issued, addressing one of the loopholes the Supreme Court cited when it voided the old rules, in place since 2002,” Guerrero said.

The new guidelines call for the formation of biosafety committees to review applications for field testing and cultivation of GM crops. The DOST-biosafety committee shall evaluate applications for contained use and confined test of regulated articles.

PSe comPoSite index Closing March 9, 2016

8000 8340 7880 7420 6960 6500

6,948.18 32.67

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing March 9, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P46.860

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P46.840 LOW P47.025 AVERAGE P46.860 VOLUME 503.500M

First Metro’s award. First Metro Investment Corp., the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, receives four awards at the 11th PDS Annual Awards Night. First Metro ranks first in the top 5 corporate securities market makers, second in the top 5 fixed-income brokering participants and third in both the top corporate issue managers/arrangers and top 5 fixed-income dealing participants. Shown are (from left) PDEx president Antonino Nakpil, First Metro vice president Melissa Dimayuga, First Metro vice president Maria Teresa de Vera, Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Teresita Herbosa, First Metro executive vice president Justino Juan Ocampo, First Metro president Rabboni Francis Arjonillo and PDS Group president and chief executive Cesar Crisol.

RCBC to cooperate with money laundering probe

By Julito G. Rada RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp., one of the country’s largest lenders, said Wednesday it will cooperate with regulators in an investigation into alleged international money laundering involving Philippine banks and casinos.

Reports said suspected Chinese hackers stole nearly $100 million from Bangladesh’s foreign exchange account managed by Federal Reserve Bank of New York and illegally transferred the stolen money online to the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The money was reportedly transferred to Philippine banks and casinos before it was moved outside the country.

One of the banks mentioned in

the reports is RCBC. “I condemn as malicious and actionable insinuations that the top management of the bank knew of and tolerated alleged money laundering activities in one branch. I will fully cooperate with all ongoing inquiries and believe that I and consequently the bank’s management will be fully vindicated,” RCBC president and chief executive Lorenzo Tan said in an e-mailed statement.

“I have been in the Philippine banking industry for 18 years rebuilding banks, instituting reforms in Philippine and Asian banking, creating products for the unbanked and providing capital to small entrepreneurs,” Tan said.

RCBC corporate vice chairman Cesar Virata said the bank was in-

vestigating the deposit of $81 million in its Jupiter branch and the subsequent transactions thereon.

Virata assured the bank was cognizant of its bank secrecy obligations and would at all times maintain confidentiality of its accounts.

“RCBC and its principal shareholders – the Yuchengco family, Cathay Life, the largest life insurance company in Taiwan, and IFC, the investment arm of the World Bank – are fully committed to comply with all banking laws and regulations, in particular those on money laundering,” the bank said.

Virata said the bank “will issue subsequent reports and statements as the investigation progresses.”

Bangladesh’s government said it was planning to sue the Federal Reserve Bank of New York after hackers allegedly stole nearly $100 million from a reserve account.

Suspected Chinese hackers stole the money from Bangladesh’s foreign exchange account on Feb. 5, according to a Dhaka central bank official and media reports.

But the US reserve bank, which manages the Bangladesh Bank reserve account, denied its systems were breached.

“We’ve heard that Federal Reserve Bank of New York has completely denied their responsibility. They don’t have any right,” Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith told reporters in Dhaka.

P400.00-P620.00 LPG/11-kg tank P30.00-P39.32 Unleaded Gasoline

oPriceS il P today

P19.25-P22.75 Diesel P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, March 9, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.9780

Japan

Yen

0.008880

0.4172

UK

Pound

1.421800

66.7933

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128796

6.0506

Switzerland

Franc

1.004722

47.1998

Canada

Dollar

0.745879

35.0399

Singapore

Dollar

0.722230

33.9289

Australia

Dollar

0.743800

34.9422

Bahrain

Dinar

2.658797

124.9050

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266731

12.5305

Brunei

Dollar

0.719632

33.8069

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.028257

1.3275

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.7915

Euro

Euro

1.101300

51.7369

Korea

Won

0.000827

0.0389

China

Yuan

0.153737

7.2223

India

Rupee

0.014858

0.6980

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.243309

11.4302

New Zealand

Dollar

0.674200

31.6726

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030509

1.4333 Source: PDS Bridge

THURSDAY: MARCH 10, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Wednesday, March 9, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 4.2 17 30.45 2.6 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.68 12.02 19.6 1.02 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 59 2.65

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

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

3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.34 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

2.3 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.87 8.45 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 5.9 161 4.1 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 3.68 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 1.15 2.26 0.152 837 5.3

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

10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201

6.74 12 0.65 1.2 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.4 2.96 45.15 44.55 102.30 100.50 84.00 83.35 36.5 36.5 1.44 1.40 14.18 13.9 15.28 15.02 1.78 1.72 581.50 581.50 0.610 0.570 80.6 77.5 0.94 0.94 14.90 14.80 52.40 51.60 102 96.5 275 269 33.5 32.55 147.6 143.2 58.00 57.00 1.55 1.54 INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp.

43.95 44 43.75 Agrinurture Inc. 5.2 5.33 5.03 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.71 0.72 0.7 Alsons Cons.

1.5 1.53 1.5 Asiabest Group 10.5 10.58 10.08 C. Azuc De Tarlac 170.00 171.00 170.00 Century Food 17.62 17.9 17.62 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 52 60 59.5 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 18.68 18.98 18.8 Concepcion 40 40 40 Crown Asia 2.26 2.4 2.25 Da Vinci Capital 5.13 5.63 4.85 Del Monte 12.1 12 11.6 DNL Industries Inc. 8.650 8.710 8.550 Emperador 7.68 7.95 7.60 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 6.10 6.22 6.10 EEI 7.00 7.10 6.90 First Gen Corp.

19.68 20.15 19.68 First Holdings ‘A’ 61.45 61.9 61.4 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.86 13.88 13.82 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.5 5.53 5.46 Ionics Inc 2.690 2.530 2.650 Jollibee Foods Corp.

225.00 228.00 223.40 LBC Express 9.68 10.28 9.68 LMG Chemicals 1.95 1.91 1.91 Mabuhay Vinyl 2.91 2.76 2.6 Manila Water Co. Inc. 26.7 26.5 26.25 Maxs Group 17.18 17.16 17.04 Megawide 5.86 5.95 5.9 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 329.00 329.20 325.20 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.27 3.3 3.22 Petron Corporation 10.30 10.54 10.14 Phinma Corporation 11.70 11.60 11.52 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 4.07 4.16 4.09 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.60 1.61 1.54 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.85 2.85 2.71 RFM Corporation 3.95 4.00 3.92 Roxas Holdings 4.84 4.55 4.55 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 165 165 155 SPC Power Corp.

4 3.9 3.9 Splash Corporation 2.4 2.45 2.4 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.153 0.159 0.154 TKC Steel Corp.

1.18 1.20 1.10 Trans-Asia Oil 2.37 2.48 2.35 Universal Robina 203 204 201 Victorias Milling 4.65 4.72 4.61 Vitarich Corp.

0.89 0.94 0.86 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.12 1.15 1.13 HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.335 0.380 0.335 Aboitiz Equity 60.10 60.30 60.05 Alliance Global Inc. 15.28 15.40 15.24 Anscor `A’ 6.20 6.20 6.10 ATN Holdings A 0.255 0.255 0.255 ATN Holdings B 0.255 0.255 0.250 Ayala Corp `A’ 725 744 725 Cosco Capital 7.64 7.62 7.5 DMCI Holdings 12.98 13.00 12.86 F&J Prince ‘A’ 5.1 5 5 F&J Prince ‘B’ 4.36 4.99 4.99 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

4.71 4.90 4.71 Forum Pacific 0.211 0.208 0.208 GT Capital 1350 1360 1350 House of Inv. 5.95 5.95 5.90 IPM Holdings 9.79 9.80 9.66 JG Summit Holdings 73.00 74.25 73.00 Lopez Holdings Corp.

5.49 5.47 5.37 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.68 0.69 0.67 LT Group 15.58 15.78 15.38 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.485 0.510 0.485 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.76 5.77 5.72 Pacifica `A’ 0.0310 0.0320 0.0300 Prime Orion 1.990 1.990 1.950 San Miguel Corp `A’ 77.00 79.20 76.10 SM Investments Inc. 927.00 924.00 917.00 Solid Group Inc. 1.16 1.17 1.15 South China Res. Inc. 0.75 0.77 0.77 Top Frontier 168.000 171.000 165.800 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3100 0.3250 0.3100 Wellex Industries 0.2030 0.2070 0.1990 Zeus Holdings 0.285 0.295 0.295 PROPERTY 8990 HLDG 7.270 7.270 7.240 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 6.90 7.80 7.80 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.88 0.94 0.88 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.460 1.570 1.460 Ayala Land `B’ 33.700 34.350 33.650 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.29 3.21 3.16 Cebu Holdings 5.26 5.26 5.12 Century Property 0.540 0.55 0.530 City & Land Dev. 1.08 1.08 0.96 Cityland Dev. `A’ 1.000 1.000 1.000 Crown Equities Inc. 0.119 0.127 0.119 AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Union Bank Vantage Equities

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

Close

SHARES 19,705,055 115,419,784 122,289,983 278,931,712 318,452,099 465,983,351 1,332,465,334

3.23 45.1 100.50 83.75 36.75 1.36 13.9 15.28 1.72 585.00 0.580 77.5 0.95 14.80 52.10 97.95 275 33.5 142.8 56.50 1.57

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.04 45.15 101.00 83.80 36.5 1.44 14.14 15.18 1.78 581.50 0.590 80 0.94 14.90 52.10 98 275 32.85 146.8 57.45 1.55

-5.88 0.11 0.50 0.06 -0.68 5.88 1.73 -0.65 3.49 -0.60 1.72 3.23 -1.05 0.68 0.00 0.05 0.00 -1.94 2.80 1.68 -1.27

988,000 18,900 3,111,390 950,490 75,600 48,000 8,700 84,100 74,000 20 2,378,000 3,613,730 33,000 8,800 17,660 3,700 2,510 67,500 1,152,290 47,250 129,000

43.95 5.3 0.7 1.51 10.5 171.00 17.8 59.5 18.82 40 2.35 5.55 11.94 8.690 7.86 6.18 6.90 19.9 61.75 13.82 5.5 2.630 226.00 10.28 1.91 2.6 26.45 17.06 5.93 327.00 3.28 10.44 11.54 4.10 1.59 2.71 3.95 4.55 155 3.9 2.41 0.157 1.20 2.43 204 4.72 0.86 1.14

0.00 1.92 -1.41 0.67 0.00 0.59 1.02 14.42 0.75 0.00 3.98 8.19 -1.32 0.46 2.34 1.31 -1.43 1.12 0.49 -0.29 0.00 -0.75 0.44 6.20 -2.05 -10.65 -0.94 -0.70 1.19 -0.61 0.31 1.36 -1.37 0.74 -0.63 -4.91 0.00 -5.99 -6.06 -2.50 0.42 2.61 1.69 2.53 0.49 1.51 -3.37 1.79

2,129,000 1,043,100 92,000 214,000 800 1,020 461,000 310 78,000 346,000 1,057,000 5,705,100 86,300 4,046,400 2,453,200 19,128,100 987,000 4,314,400 203,640 19,100 1,082,500 4,366,000 1,638,640 94,900 5,000 22,000 491,000 178,200 60,600 124,420 160,000 12,451,800 25,400 1,059,000 215,000 434,000 2,626,000 1,000 18,640 4,000 131,000 7,150,000 214,000 9,898,000 862,760 10,402,000 19,240,000 82,000

0.380 60.20 15.40 6.10 0.255 0.255 738 7.5 12.88 5 4.99 4.90 0.208 1356 5.95 9.80 74.20 5.45 0.68 15.48 0.485 5.74 0.0310 1.960 78.60 920.00 1.16 0.77 169.500 0.3150 0.2060 0.295

13.43 0.17 0.79 -1.61 0.00 0.00 1.79 -1.83 -0.77 -1.96 14.45 4.03 -1.42 0.44 0.00 0.10 1.64 -0.73 0.00 -0.64 0.00 -0.35 0.00 -1.51 2.08 -0.76 0.00 2.67 0.89 1.61 1.48 3.51

3,770,000 1,429,880 14,788,800 89,700 80,000 290,000 483,490 1,128,700 3,796,900 9,000 1,000 499,000 180,000 279,580 127,100 2,910,300 1,924,400 1,620,400 43,000 3,482,900 310,000 33,778,000 44,600,000 908,000 825,310 183,950 885,000 8,000 86,780 2,490,000 1,000,000 20,000

7.270 7.80 0.92 1.550 34.200 3.19 5.12 0.540 0.96 1.000 0.127

0.00 13.04 4.55 6.16 1.48 -3.04 -2.66 0.00 -11.11 0.00 6.72

260,200 400 2,616,000 472,000 12,983,600 913,000 45,000 2,985,000 36,000 39,000 1,250,000

2,770.00 699,190.00 -57,521,020 -14,856,401.00 -10,950.00 -398,798.00 60.00 -11,630.00 57,000.00 -25,405,999.00 -226,587.00 -153,480.00 7,734.00 176,470 59,272,815.00 -17,145.00 28,526,225.00 227,900.00 -1,440.00

3,864,482.00 36,000 23,900.00 -398,715.00 -529,200.00 2,563,728.00 -1,578,850.00 8,830,692.00 -2,614,340.00 -7,418,526.00 6,195,262.00 -236,988.00 -47,472.00 -16,610.00 37,278,828.00

575,400.00 2,286,542.00 -31,474,948.00 94,420.00 -3,973,914.00 -19,618.00 -1,831,780.00 15,900.00 -976,230.00 -293,364.00 -15,600.00 -19,280.00 -8,450.00 27,869,502.00 -31,430,980.00 -65,100.00

11,767,630.50 -135,613,890.00

-184,305,225.00 2,756,973.00 -16,101,836.00 1,020,740.00 70,706,230.00 267,750.00 40,854,164.50 -2,214,762.00 -2,506,364.00 -44,754,023.00 49,000.00 -13,101,755.50 48,552,735.00 -11,500.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 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

0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 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

Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Keppel Properties 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 2.6 7.67 4 2720 8.41 70.5 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 1 2.46 15.2

1.97 35.2 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 2.58 1600 5.95 17.02 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 0.650 1.8 6

0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.335 0.37 14.54 3 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.

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. 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 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

0.0043 1.72 6.47 0.236 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67

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’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

TA Petroleum

70 553 525 120 515 8.21 1047 84.8

33 490 500 101.5 480 5.88 1011 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F

450,950.00 -92,450.00 -49,457,915.00 431,970.00 -18,240.00 -10,000.00

Close

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

15

3.5

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

VALUE 1,117,788,497.11 1,301,460,790.77 1,865,878,806.401 1738962,625.58 1,952,282,123.914 211,163,966.86 8,315,271,298.635

FINANCIAL 1,531.71 (up) 15.73 INDUSTRIAL 11,494.16 (up) 45.43 HOLDING FIRMS 6,818.45 (up) 23.22 PROPERTY 2,871.99 (up) 42.34 SERVICES 1,377.05 (down) 12.08 MINING & OIL 11,242.06 (down) 152.88 PSEI 6,948.18 (up) 32.67 All Shares Index 4,022.37 (up) 17.94 Gainers: 105; Losers: 86; Unchanged: 31; Total: 222

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.480 34.65 0.830 0.165 0.94 1.57 1.25 3.73 3.87 0.090 0.2250 0.425 8.49 27.50 1.5 3.12 21.20 0.86 5.7 1.010 4.500

0.540 0.460 0.520 35.3 33 33.85 0.890 0.830 0.860 0.160 0.142 0.159 0.97 0.94 0.95 1.64 1.57 1.63 1.27 1.25 1.27 3.74 3.73 3.74 4.11 3.81 4.07 0.096 0.090 0.096 0.2340 0.2300 0.2300 0.445 0.425 0.425 8.48 8.48 8.48 28.55 27.50 28.00 1.5 1.49 1.49 3.14 3.08 3.14 21.45 20.80 21.45 0.86 0.82 0.82 5.52 5.5 5.5 1.040 0.970 1.030 4.500 4.440 4.460 SERVICES 6.75 6.88 6.76 6.85 54.6 55.45 54.55 54.65 0.485 0.520 0.490 0.500 10.6 10.22 10.22 10.22 4.79 4.75 4.55 4.60 0.0610 0.0630 0.0570 0.0580 3.15 3.16 3.1 3.14 86.85 86.9 85.95 86.45 9.9 9.9 9.6 9.6 1.51 1.51 1.49 1.49 6.26 6.38 6.30 6.36 3.00 3.20 3.19 3.20 1710 1750 1700 1719 6.59 6.65 6.58 6.65 18.26 18.26 18.26 18.26 1.20 1.28 1.25 1.25 61 62.5 59.55 61.00 0.0100 0.0090 0.0090 0.0090 0.207 0.228 0.205 0.211 1.2700 1.4500 1.2500 1.3800 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 7.70 7.72 7.62 7.72 4.19 4.42 4.19 4.40 1.12 1.13 1.05 1.13 2.65 2.72 2.64 2.72 0.520 0.570 0.540 0.570 1.91 1.86 1.86 1.86 2.35 2.41 2.23 2.32 3.65 3.84 3.60 3.76 0.275 0.280 0.260 0.280 0.890 0.890 0.820 0.830 17.12 17.12 17.02 17.12 4.70 4.80 4.60 4.80 100.00 104.00 99.00 99.00 21.75 22.00 21.75 21.95 1750.00 1748.00 1675.00 1690.00 0.440 0.435 0.435 0.435 0.870 0.890 0.840 0.870 34.00 35.20 33.85 35.00 64.95 68.15 64.85 68.00 6.11 6.60 6.12 6.30 3.23 3.51 3.25 3.46 0.510 0.520 0.500 0.510 3.8 3.83 3.8 3.8 0.320 0.330 0.320 0.320 4.920 4.890 4.570 4.590 MINING & OIL 0.0046 0.0046 0.0044 0.0046 2.16 2.26 2.17 2.18 4.53 4.53 4.42 4.44 0.236 0.240 0.236 0.240 5.0000 5.2000 5.1900 5.2000 0.65 0.66 0.61 0.64 0.430 0.440 0.430 0.440 7.38 7.68 7.20 7.20 0.790 0.770 0.730 0.760 0.295 0.300 0.285 0.295 0.305 0.305 0.300 0.300 0.330 0.325 0.315 0.320 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0120 0.014 0.013 0.013 0.013 2.25 2.2 2.05 2.18 5.85 5.72 5.53 5.64 2.79 2.78 2.65 2.71 0.5400 0.5500 0.5500 0.5500 1.2800 1.2800 1.2500 1.2500 0.0094 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 3.54 3.50 3.50 3.50 6.50 6.57 6.29 6.33 1.85 1.87 1.72 1.78 0.0120 0.0120 0.0110 0.0120 128.00 130.00 128.00 129.00 2.43 2.47 2.4 2.4 PREFERRED 54.05 54.75 53.8 53.8 526 526 526 526 530 529 529 529 118 114 113.9 114 527 527 521 521 6.49 6.5 6.5 6.5 1017 1020 1018 1018 81 81.5 80 80 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.7 76.5 76.15 76.15 77 77 76.5 76.5 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.560 2.680 2.490 2.490 SME 3.7 3.66 3.5 3.66 3.1 3.05 3.05 3.05 3.08 3.45 3.1 3.12 16 17.5 16.5 17.04 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 112.8 113.5 113 113.5

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

8.33 -2.31 3.61 -3.64 1.06 3.82 1.60 0.27 5.17 6.67 2.22 0.00 -0.12 1.82 -0.67 0.64 1.18 -4.65 -3.51 1.98 -0.89

64,700,000 3,787,900 11,894,000 210,000 4,771,000 42,603,000 98,000 11,000 69,719,000 13,580,000 100,000 110,000 6,000 3,918,600 786,000 43,000 9,745,300 3,186,000 12,900 1,381,000 7,712,000

-195,600.00 6,281,960.00 -239,160.00

1.48 0.09 3.09 -3.58 -3.97 -4.92 -0.32 -0.46 -3.03 -1.32 1.60 6.67 0.53 0.91 0.00 4.17 0.00 -10.00 1.93 8.66 0.00 0.26 5.01 0.89 2.64 9.62 -2.62 -1.28 3.01 1.82 -6.74 0.00 2.13 -1.00 0.92 -3.43 -1.14 0.00 2.94 4.70 3.11 7.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 -6.71

71,100 121,970.00 204,280 1,680,000 1,400 -14,308.00 5,920,000 3,136,050.00 118,060,000 182,480.00 120,000 3,150.00 311,810 -12,348,716.00 7,100 -5,760.00 6,000 336,700 3,000 95,745 -20,991,395.00 54,800 100 76,000 1,108,020 23,848,775.00 200,000 77,420,000 -336,990.00 17,458,000 -338,530.00 5,000 21,900 7,702.00 854,000 -110,100.00 42,000 195,000 13,500.00 174,000 2,000 14,688,000 -1,658,800.00 2,016,000 690,140.00 380,000 15,638,000 567,780.00 2,700 4,000 90,890 -1,990.00 379,700 947,980.00 174,915 -29,136,595.00 100,000 19,288,000 -395,810.00 7,279,000 -15,201,290.00 7,693,310 53,249,313.50 3,424,900 587,390.00 13,837,000 -5,658,880.00 633,000 1,872,000 -726,780.00 230,000 33,000

0.00 0.93 -1.99 1.69 4.00 -1.54 2.33 -2.44 -3.80 0.00 -1.64 -3.03 -7.69 -7.14 -3.11 -3.59 -2.87 1.85 -2.34 -1.06 -1.13 -2.62 -3.78 0.00 0.78 -1.23

115,000,000 203,000 384,000 -31,100.00 250,000 117,400 -600,073.00 1,996,000 800,000 48,400 10,220.00 63,414,000 -1,738,660.00 140,000 41,220,000 4,070,000 494,250.00 109,600,000 102,800,000 592,000 -64,200.00 7,001,900 -9,938,916.00 939,000 26,700.00 10,000 85,000 1,000,000 166,000 4,812,600 2,125,630.00 1,977,000 -18,000.00 8,800,000 -8,800.00 491,490 -3,436,684.00 53,000

-0.46 0.00 -0.19 -3.39 -1.14 0.15 0.10 -1.23 0.00 -0.72 -0.65

444,040 4,330 6,000 11,500 6,100 7,000 2,950 25,300 14,100 27,000 115,610

-2.73

390,000

-1.08 -1.61 1.30 6.50

7,000 20,000 5,205,000 6,444,300

0.62

6,170

-95,000.00 -2,333,360.00 56,250.00 -12,734,740.00 -27,300.00

1,702,020.00 -315,040.00 -18,540.00 27,441,115.00 -8,910.00 -7,913,040.00

-12,500,402.00

-814,200.00 480,000.00 76,200.00 153,800.00

267,090.00 30,738,836.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

F&J Prince 'B'

4.99

14.45

City & Land Dev.

0.96

Conc. Aggr. 'A'

59.5

14.42

Mabuhay Vinyl

2.6

-11.11 -10.65

Abacus Cons. `A'

0.380

13.43

IP E-Game Ventures Inc.

0.0090

-10.00

Anchor Land Holdings Inc.

7.80

13.04

Manila Mining `A'

0.0120

-7.69

Manila Bulletin

0.570

9.62

Manila Mining `B'

0.013

-7.14

ISM Communications

1.3800

8.66

NOW Corp.

0.830

-6.74

Cyber Bay Corp.

0.520

8.33

Yehey

4.590

-6.71

Da Vinci Capital

5.55

8.19

San Miguel'Pure Foods `B'

155

-6.06

SSI Group

3.46

7.12

Roxas Holdings

4.55

-5.99

Crown Equities Inc.

0.127

6.72

AG Finance

3.04

-5.88

THURSDAY: MARCH 10, 2016

B3

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

Roxas unveils P3.5-b capex

By Jenniffer B. Austria

7 awards for Jollibee. Jollibee Foods Corp. wins seven awards, including three Gold Anvils for programs under its Jollibee Group

Foundation, in the recently-concluded Anvil Awards. Jollibee is recognized for promoting positive social values across the country. Receiving the awards are (from left) Jollibee Group Foundation program manager Leo Cortez, Jollibee PR manager Dennis Reyes, Jollibee PR director Arline Adeva, JGF executive director Gisela Tiongson, JGF vice president Belen Rillo, JGF program manager Joanna La’O, Greenwich marketing head Pam Reyes, JGF program manager LA Abalos-Cruzat, JGF program specialist Zoe Villanueva, Greenwich PR assistant Mary Jane Chen, Greenwich PR manager Cristina Cabrera and Greenwich marketing assistant Carla Salvador.

Aboitiz Power books net income of P17.6b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ABOITIZ Power Corp. said Wednesday net income in 2015 climbed 5 percent to P17.6 billion from P16.7 billion in 2014 on higher sales volume.

The company’s core net income in 2015 amounted to P18.4 billion, up 9 percent from a year ago.

Aboitiz Power said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the power generation business booked revenues of P14.8 billion during the period, up 9 percent from 2014.

It attributed the growth to higher sales volume from the coal and large hydro groups that offset the decrease in revenues from the geothermal group due to steam decline. The impact of Magat,

Binga, and Therma Marine plants’ income tax holiday expiration, meanwhile, was offset by the large hydro group’s lower financing cost and the geothermal group’s and oil business unit’s lower operating expenses.

Parent Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., meanwhile, said net income in 2015 declined four percent to P17.7 billion from P18.4 billion in 2014.

The company said in a separate disclosure the 2015 income without a one-time loss amounted to

P18.3 billion, up 2 percent from a year ago.

The company incurred a nonrecurring loss of P602 million in 2015 against a gain of P436 million in 2014, mainly from the mark-tomarket revaluation of the power business unit’s consolidated dollardenominated assets and liabilities.

Power accounted for 73 percent of the company’s bottom line, followed by the banking and financial services, food, land, and infrastructure strategic business units with income contributions of 14 percent, 9 percent, 3 percent, and 1 percent, respectively.

Aboitiz Power’s attributable net generation rose 11 percentfrom 11,272 GWh to 12,550 GWh, as electricity sold through bilateral contracts, which made up 91 percent of total energy sold during the period, expanded 18 percent to

11,383 GWh. “We remain on track with our project pipeline as we welcomed new capacity from a number of power plants last year. This puts us well on the path to hitting 4,000 MW in national capacity by 2020 to meet the country’s energy needs,” Aboitiz Power president and chief operating officer Antonio Moraza said.

“Our portfolio of power plants composed of a right mix of renewable and non-renewable technology is a testament to our commitment to provide reliable, ample, and reasonably priced power with the least impact on our environment and our host communities,” he said.

The power distribution group’s earnings share for full year 2015 increased 19 percenmt to P3.8 billion from P3.2 billion.

ROXAS & Co Inc., the listed holding company of the Roxas Group, plans to spend P3.5 billion over the next 18 months to purse new ventures, especially in the renewable energy and agri-export businesses.

RCI president Pedro de Roxas in an interview at the sidelines of the annual stockholders’ meeting said the company was laying the groundwork for its renewable energy business. The company plans to build a portfolio of 100 megawatts of solar over the long-term period.

Slated for completion by the middle of 2016 is the company’s first 30-MW solar power in Nasugbu, Batangas. Roxas said the company would start construction of another 20-MW plant for completion by late 2017.

“After the first 50 MW and depending on the demand, ideally we would like bring our solar energy capacity up to 100 MW,” Roxas said.

Roxas said the increase in the demand for additional energy capacity in the country would continue amid the world-wide consciousness for clean energy.

Roxas said the company, meanwhile, was building a coconut farming and processing plant in Tupi South Cotabato.

The plant, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, has a capacity of 200 metric tons per day of coconuts to produce coconut water concentrate, coconut milk, coconut cream and virgin coconut oil, mostly for export.

“With the rapidly increasing worldwide consciousness of health benefits derived from coconut water, coconut cream and milk and virgin coconut oil complemented by other key business factors... we are confident we have the ingredients needed to reap the benefits soon after our facility becomes operational in 2017,” Roxas said.

Roxas expects the solar business to account for 50 percent of the group’s revenues, with 20 percent coming from the coconut processing business.

The balance will come from its real estate business, which is pursuing real estate opportunities for mixed-use residential projects within greater Metro Manila.

Stock market rallies; Metrobank, Ayala issues lead gainers THE stock market climbed Wednesday, ignoring the retreat in the rest of Asian markets and a drop in heavyweight index Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 32.67 points, or 0.5 percent, to 6,948.18 on a value turnover of P8.3 billion. Gainers beat losers, 105 to 86, with 31 issues unchanged.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender, advanced 3.2 percent to P80, while Megaworld Corp., the third-largest property developer, rallied 5.2 percent to P4.07.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. gained 1.8 percent to P738, while unit Ayala Land Inc., the second-biggest builder, added 1.5 percent to P34.20.

PLDT, the largest telecommunications firm, tumbled 3.,4 percent to P1,690.

Nervous Asian investors, meanwhile, resumed selling on Wednesday as the optimism that had fueled this month’s rally was broken by another round of weak Chinese data that rekindled fears about the global economy.

With traders moving back into investments considered safer, the

losses also saw emerging market currencies turning lower.

The losses come as the International Monetary Fund urged governments to take action to prevent another global recession, warning there was an increasingly “dangerous” view that policymakers were out of ideas or had lost the will.

Shanghai’s stock market ended 1.3 percent lower, breaking a sixday winning streak, while Hong Kong lost 0.1 percent and Tokyo fell 0.8 percent. However, Sydney rallied almost one percent and Seoul recovered from early losses

to end 0.4 percent higher.

Energy firms fell into the red after oil prices turned lower Tuesday owing to long-running worries about a global oversupply.

Sydney-listed BHP Billiton was 1.9 percent down, while rival Rio Tinto lost 2.1 percent.

In Tokyo Inpex was down 2.6 percent and Hong Kong listing CNOOC slipped 2.5 percent while PetroChina shed 2.1 percent.

After a string of gains in recent weeks, confidence took a hit on Tuesday when China released data showing exports from the

world’s number two economy had plunged by the most since the financial crisis.

The news refocused attention on the slowdown in China—one of the key reasons global markets suffered a bloodbath at the start of the year—sending markets tumbling from Asia to the Americas.

“China trade data has become the seismic center for concerns over the global economy,” Chihiro Ohta, general manager of investment information at SMBC Nikko Securities in Tokyo, told Bloomberg News.

With AFP

B4

Unilever’s awards. Unilever Philippines takes home a record 12 awards in the Anvil Awards for successfully fulfilling its commitment to the consumers and communities. Shown

are representatives from Unilever Philippines headed by public relations head Apples Aberin (first row, sixth from left) and sustainable business and communications manager Fadilah AmirHamzah (second row, fifth from right).

Meralco announces rate cut

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Manila Electric Co. said Wednesday the average power rate will go down by P0.19 per kilowatt-hour in March, on lower generation charges.

The power retailer said this would translate into a reduction of around P38 in the monthly bill of a typical household consumer kWh. Meralco said on a year-onyear basis, the average power rate in March dropped by P1.79 per kWh to P8.63 per kWh from P10.42 per kWh in March 2014.

Meralco attributed the decrease in the overall rates due to the lower generation charge which declined by P0.17 per kWh

from February.

“This reduction in the generation charge is primarily due to the higher dispatch of the plants, and to a lesser extent, the slightly lower fuel cost,” Meralco said in a statement.

Charges from power plants under the power supply agreements or PSAs of Meralco registered a reduction of P0.26 per kWh. Meralco said the dispatch level of the power plants increased to

Ombudsman dismisses DBP case on bond trade STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines said Wednesday the Ombudsman dismissed a case filed by the labor union against the management on alleged “wash sales,” or illegal bond trading.

DBP said the Ombudsman issued the resolution on Dec. 15, 2015, but the bank received its copy only on March 8 this year.

It said the Ombudsman dismissed both the criminal and administrative charges filed against DBP officers and members of the board by the DBP Employees Union represented by Rudelito Tirado Jr. and the Association of DBP Career Officials represented

by Francis Romulo Badilla Jr. The case stemmed from the alleged series of illegal bond-trading activity at DBP in 2014 that allegedly resulted in the government bank losing more than P700 million. Bank officials claimed these were done to avoid further losses.

DBPEU and ADCO filed criminal charges against the management on May 29, 2015 for alleged

violation of the Anti-Graft Law, the Securities Regulation Code and Article 244 of the Revised Penal Code and an administrative case for alleged violations of the GOCC Governance Act and the Administrative Code.

The joint resolution of the Ombudsman ruled there was insufficient evidence to establish probable cause against the respondents.

“In this case, it is still not sufficiently established that there was a violation of a rule or regulation or an offense, an element required in Section 3(a) of RA No. 3019. Complainant failed to show manifest partiality, evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence and undue injury as the questioned transactions have not been established to be ‘wash sales,’ Moreover, the transactions were not also shown to have been grossly and manifestly disadvantageous to the government with the issue of the alleged ‘wash sales’ pending with the SEC,” the Ombudsman said in the resolution.

72 percent from an overall average dispatch level of 66 percent in January.

Meralco said charges from independent power producers or IPPs also decreased by P0.17 per kWh. The dispatch of First Gas natural gas plants Sta. Rita and San Lorenzo in Batangas improved to 80 percent from 75 percent and to 89 percent from 80 percent, respectively.

Rates at the wholesale electricity spot market, however, increased by P0.63 per kWh, as market prices began to reflect the higher system demand. WESM is the country’s trading floor of electricity.

Meralco sourced bulk of its power requirements from PSAs at 49.1, percent followed by IPPs

at 45.6 percent. It sourced only 5.3 percent of its requirements from WESM in February.

The transmission charge registered an increase of P0.03 per kWh, as higher ancillary charges more than offset a reduction in the power delivery service charge of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

Government taxes decreased by P0.02 per kWh, following the reduction in generation charge. Other charges also went down by P0.03 per kWh, primarily driven by the reduction in system loss charge.

Meralco’s distribution, supply and metering charges, however, remained unchanged.

Meralco also recently reported an-all time system loss performance of 6.47 percent and given

the system loss cap of 8.5 percent for Meralco, the difference translated into more than P4.5 billion worth of savings for customers, or a reduction of P0.12 per kWh in 2015.

“Meralco’s continuous investments in and upgrading of its facilities, coupled with its intensified efforts to curb power pilferage, have significantly contributed to this constant reduction in the system loss level over the past many years. In fact, savings due to lower system loss levels from 2008 to 2015 is equivalent to more than P22 billion or P0.09 per kWh,”it said.

Meralco is the country’s biggest power distributor with over 5.8 million customers in its franchise area.

Liwayway to build new factory in India

By Othel V. Campos LIWAYWAY Marketing Corp., a snack food maker that started in the Philippines, plans to build a new factory in India as a part of its overseas expansion.

Liwayway Marketing corporate affairs officer Heinrich Cochien told a visiting Indian trade delegation the company was confident of sustaining its success, after penetrating the Indian market.

Liwayway Marketing is one of several Philippine companies with operations in India invited to speak at the Philippines-India trade promotions activity at the City Club Alphaland in Makati City Wednesday.

The company set up its first plant in Bangalore in 2013 that generated revenues of at least 20 million rupees in 2014, which increased to 50 million

rupees in 2015.

Liwayway Marketing and Indian retail and hospitality group Blue Hill formed a joint venture company called Ceaars Liwayway to create the new snack brand Oishi Ceaars for the Indian market.

An Indian official compared the Oishi snacks brand to the salty snacks of India, making the product appealing to Indian consumers.

Liwayway Marketing has over 100 stock keeping units of snacks under the Oishi brand alongside ready-to-drink beverages.

It has 28 manufacturing plants in strategic locations in the Philippines, China, Vietnam and India. It also has distribution channels in the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and India.

Liwayway Marketing start-

ed as a repacking business of the Chan family, involving starch and coffee and other commodities in 1946.

The company recently ventured into non-core businesses such as hotel service, managing hotel Jinjiang in Ortigas and Hotel 101 in Pasay City.

It also has mining rights in Tawi-Tawi and Samar and brought in the famous JCo Donuts to the Philippines.

The forum highlighted India’s expertise in many business sectors. The Embassy of India and the Philippine-India Business Council, in coordination with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, worked together to bring in a new set of Indian companies interested to team up with Philippine companies in agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, BPO, real estate and management and consultancy services.

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

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

Filipino officials woo US investors

By Gabrielle H. Binaday FILIPINO economic managers assured American investors of long-term sustainability of the Philippines’ economic growth.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima led a Philippine delegation to woo American investors by showing the long-term sustainability the country’s economic gains despite the uncertainty brought by the national elections.

Filipino officials met US executives from 18 asset management companies in a non-deal roadshow in New York, Boston and Los Angeles on March 4 to 9, with the goal of sharing the Philippines’ positive economic story.

“The Philippines used to suffer from stubborn speculative credit ratings. But under the Aquino administration, the economy finally has secured investmentgrade sovereign credit ratings in 2013 from the three major international credit rating agencies—Fitch, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s—which cited significant improvement in its macroeconomic fundamentals and governance standards,” Bangko Sentral’s Investment Relations Office said.

This was followed by another upgrade in 2014 by S&P and Moody’s to BBB and Baa2, respectively, which are both a notch above the minimum investment grade. These ratings are assigned a “stable” outlook.

IRO said the turnaround in the Philippines credit story had led to lower interest rates on debt papers of the Philippine government, thereby reducing borrowing cost.

The investment grade ratings also influenced a decline in commercial lending rates, allowing businesses and consumers in the country to more easily access financing.

The pending May elections, however, may raise questions on sustainability of the country’s economic achievements.

Purisima led the team in the New York leg, while National Treasurer Roberto Tan took the lead in the Boston and LA legs. Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. joined the team in New York and Boston.

The United States is one of the key markets for Philippine debt securities. “Restoring confidence in the Philippines is a large part of why we are riding this virtuous cycle today. As we work towards sustaining reforms to continue being Asia’s resilient bright spot, the work endures,” Purisima said.

“In the fiscal sector, including the area of liability management, both legislative and administrative reforms instituted over the years will help see to it that the Philippines stays on the path of a declining debt burden,” Tan said.

B5

Taiwan company opens P1.8-b plant

By Othel V. Campos

KINPO Electronics (Philippines) Inc., a unit of Taiwan’s New Kinpo Group of Companies, on Wednesday inaugurated a P1.816-billion manufacturing facility at Carmelray Industrial Park in Calamba, Laguna.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima said with the opening of the new factory, the New Kinpo Group’s total investments in the Philippines reached P2.5 billion.

“Kinpo, so far, has the biggest investment among Taiwanese investors, so we’re expecting

that other Taiwanese suppliers will follow,” said de Lima.

Kinpo Electronics’ new facility will produce consumer electronics products such as calculators and electronic keyboard for a known Japanese brand.

Taiwan is currently one of the Philippine’s top trading partners and investment sources.

Kinpo Electronics set up the new factory through the assistance of the Trade Department, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Taipei and Peza.

The group’s previous investments in the country included the P293-million expenditures of AcBel Polytech Inc. and P377 million of CalComp Electronics and Communications Co. AcBel produces light-emitting diode lighting and smart grid solutions while CalComp manufactures handsets, printers and liquid-crystal-display televisions.

New Kinpo’s another other subsidiary is contract notebook PC maker Compal Electronics

Inc. New Kinpo Group is a leading global original design manufacturer and electronics manufacturing services partner.

The group has 96,000 employees worldwide in over 23 subsidiaries, including seven publicly listed corporations.

New Kinpo is one of the major subsidiaries of the Kinpo Group.

The group produces a wide range of consumer electronics products such calculators, printers, 3D printers, external hard disc drives, modems and motherboards for brands such as HP, Toshiba, Western Digital and Casio.

Top taxpayer.

DMCI Homes earns the 5th spot in Mandaluyong City’s top ten taxpayers for 2015 and is recognized by the local government led by mayor Benhur Abalos for generous commitment of time, support and inspiration to the city government. Shown are DMCI Homes representatives led by officer-in-charge for project development, landscape and concept Dennis Yap (second from left) and corporate communications manager Josephine Cruz (center), as they receive the award from Abalos (left).

Thrift banks eye double-digit growth in loans, deposits

By Julito G. Rada THRIFT banks expect a doubledigit growth in loans and deposits this year amid the sustained robust economic outlook, a highranking executive of the Chamber of Thrift Banks said Wednesday.

“We hope to grow [our loans and deposits] by double-digit this year… We remain optimistic of the growth prospects especially in the countryside,” CTB president Rommel Latinazo said in a news briefing in Makati City.

“We hope to continue to expand in numbers with the high confidence of our clients in thrift banking. The stability of our economy gleans the solid economic gains achieved in recent

years,” Latinazo said.

Latinazo said earlier robust demand for loans would continue to come from housing; micro, small and medium enterprises; and consumer loans.

Gross loans last year jumped 20 percent to P687.27 billion from P572.31 billion in 2014, reflecting sustained lending activity of the sector to its niche operations.

Total deposits climbed 13.9 percent to P797.607 billion in 2015 from P699.874 billion in 2014.

Thrift banks’ deposits accounted for 8.6 percent of the entire banking system. In terms of currency mix, bulk of deposit liabilities remained toward peso deposits which had a 93-percent share while the balance of 7 percent was

filled in by dollar deposits.

Thrift banks had over 6.2 million deposit accounts as of September 2015. About 70 percent were deposit accounts of P5,000 and below.

Total assets last year reached P995.17 billion, up by 12.9 percent from P880.97 billion in 2014.

Total capital rose 17.8 percent to P128.11 billion as of end-December 2015 from P108.789 billion a year earlier.

Latinazo said the industry would continue to be challenged by the stiffer competition, but the sector remained optimistic of its established foothold in the countryside.

There were 68 thrift or savings banks nationwide as of end-

December 2015. These included 28 savings and mortgage banks, 18 private development banks, 18 stock savings and loan associations and four micro financeoriented banks.

Thrift banks had a total of 2,086 offices nationwide. In terms of location, 74 percent were located in Luzon, 14 percent in Visayas and 12 percent in Mindanao.

The chamber will hold its annual convention in Makati City on March 18 in a bid to solidify its role as conduits of growth between the financing industry and micro, small and medium enterprises, socialized and low-cost housing sector and countryside businesses.

THURSDAY: MARCH 10, 2016

B6

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

Xurpas acquires 23% of HK firm

By Jenniffer B. Austria XURPAS Inc. said it acquired a 23.53-percent interest in Micro Benefits Ltd., a Hong Kong-based company providing mobile human resource solutions to top Chinese firms, for $10 million.

Xurpas said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the investment into Micro Benefits was in line with the company’s thrust to expand across Asia.

Micro Benefits, through wholly-owned subsidiary Micro Benefits Financial Consulting Co. Ltd., began operations in 2013, focusing on using mobile technology to address the growing problem of worker turnover at large manufacturing facilities in China.

Today, the company’s proprietary “Company Link” platform is used by close to 700,000 of its clients’ employees, and by improving worker engagement, has been proven to reduce turnover by as much as 15 percent.

Micro Benefits’ current roster of clients includes Fortune 500 companies engaged in technology and consumer electronics, athletic footwear and sports equipment and other large companies with manufacturing facilities in China.

Xurpas said the investments in Micro Benefits would complement the operations of unit Storm Flex Systems Inc., whose platform allows employees to exchange their standard benefits with a wide range of products and services, from gadgets, travel packages and insurance.

Storm Flex’s current roster of clients include the Philippines’ leading local conglomerates, financial services and business process outsourcing companies and fast-moving consumer good firms.

“Combining the platforms of Micro Benefits and Storm Flex Systems Inc. creates a more compelling business solution fully intended to optimize their HR technology platforms which they could both offer to their clients,” said Xurpas chief executive officer Nix Nolledo.

Sun Life awards. Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc., the number one and longest standing life insurance company in the Philippines, win four Anvil Awards for the initiatives it launched in line with its 120th anniversary in 2015. Organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, the Anvil Awards is an annual recognition program for exceptional public relations and tools.

CVC plans to sell stake in SPi Global

By Joyce Koh and Jonathan Browning

CVC Capital Partners, Europe’s largest private-equity firm, is exploring a sale of its controlling stake in Philippine outsourcing provider SPi Global Holdings Inc., people with knowledge of the matter said.

The buyout firm is working with Bank of America Corp. to gauge interest in the 80-percent holding it acquired from Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. in 2013, according to the people. A deal could value SPi Global at about $500 million, two of the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.

CVC has participated in about $1.5 billion of Southeast Asia deals over the past five years, in-

cluding the saleof its stake in Singapore’s Interplex Holdings Ltd. to Baring Private Equity Asia last year, according to data compiled

by Bloomberg. There were $6.5 billion of private-equity deals involving Southeast Asian targets last year, down from $8.6 billion in 2014, the data show.

Philippine Long Distance, which owns the remaining 20 percent of SPi Global, intends to “tag along” with any potential sale by

CVC, chairman Manuel Pangilinan said Tuesday in a mobilephone text message. The country’s biggest phone company will make a decision depending on the price and terms, Pangilinan said.

The process is at an early stage, and details such as valuation could change, the people said. A

London-based representative for CVC didn’t immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment outside regular business hours.

Philippine Long Distance sold control of SPi Global to CVC for more than $300 million in 2013.

Manila-based SPi Global has annual revenue of about $214 million, according to CVC’s Web site. It employs more than 20,000 workers in the Philippines, India, the US, China, Vietnam and Nicaragua serving customers in the US and Europe.

The company, led by chief executive officer Maulik Parekh, has helped German academic publisher Springer Science & Business Media GmbH digitize 70,000 books dating back to the 1840s, SPi’s Web site shows. It also runs the call center for Singapore Airlines Ltd.’s low-cost carrier, Scoot Pte. Bloomberg

Two Metro Manila contests to watch THERE are numerous interesting contests for mayor in the seventeen local government units—16 cities and one municipality—that compose Metro Manila, but undoubtedly the ones that are generating the greatest interest are the contests to capture the city halls of two of the metropolis’s three most important cities, to wit, Manila and Makati.

The contest in Manila is a replay of the 2013 movie that saw former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada challenging the incumbent, former Senator Alfredo Lim. The 2013 contest appears to have been a grudge fight between the two erstwhile friends, with the former president alleging that Lim fired or treated badly a number of Estrada loyalists in city administration. Lim has denied the allegation.

Manila’s older voters are bound to be torn, when they cast their ballots, between giving and not giving vent to their sentimental attachment to the movie icon who was removed from Malacañang by an alleged “Edsa Revolution II” despite his impeachment trial’s not having been completed. For

them, not voting for the man called Erap is bound to be a wrenching decision. After all, was it not only six years ago that they almost re-elected to the Presidency—he placed second to the son of the then-newlydeceased Cory Aquino—and eighteen years ago that they elected him president with the largest winning margin in the history of the Philippine Presidency?

For Manila’s younger voters Mayor Estrada is not without something to offer. Did not Estrada, in typically forthright fashion, act to declog Manila’s traffic by limiting the access of cargo trucks to the city streets, clear Divisorias streets, remove street vendors and act to modernize Manila’s public markets?

All these steps were controversial, but they showed that the man in the Mayor’s chair was not asleep at his post.

Manila’s voters will have to consider, by way of contrast, what significant improvements former Mayor Lim introduced into Manila during his nine years in office.

Fred Lim can argue forcefully with Erap

on the issue of accomplishments. But sentimental feelings for a movie icon are another matter altogether. These feelings are Lim’s nightmare. And they may well give the election to Mayor Estrada.

Apart from Makati’s being the nation’s financial capital, the reason why the contest for that city’s mayorship is generating much interest is obvious: it involves Vice President Binay and two of his children.

The Binay family has controlled Makati politics since 1986, and presidential candidate Jejomar Binay was the city’s chief executive for most of those 30 years. The family’s candidate in the 2016 race is three-term Representative Abigail Binay, who filed her certificate of candidacy for mayor upon the dismissal of her brother Jejomar Jr. in 2015 by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Abigail Binay’s opponent is Romulo Peña, the Liberal Party’s candidate. Peña was chosen by the opposition as vice mayoral candidate in 2013 on the strength of his popularity as president of Makati’s Liga ng mga Barangay.

Considering the Binay family’s 30-year stranglehold on Makati’s politics and the fact that he has had less than a year to firm up his political hold on the city, Romulo Peña is facing a decidedly uphill fight. A 30-yearold political state of affairs cannot be turned around overnight.

But, who knows, after 30 years of Nognog and his clan—and all the publicized allegations of big-scale wrongdoing by them—Makati’s politics may be on the verge of change. The city’s voters may well think that the corruption-related discomfiture of Makati’s First Family, and the 2016 election, represent an excellent opportunity to throw out the Binays at last.

A famous contemporary statesman once said that “one week is a long time in politics.”

Thirty years is a whole lot longer. Kid Peña is bearing that in mind and giving the May 9 contest his best.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

t H u r s D aY : M a r c H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

Two neighbors ban transit of migrants LJUBLJANA, Slovenia—Slovenia and neighboring Croatia will from Wednesday refuse the transit of most migrants through their territory in a bid to seal off the Balkan route used by hundreds of thousands of people seeking a new life in Europe, officials said.

The latest twist in Europe’s migrant crisis could set off a domino effect among the Balkan states, with Serbia indicating it would follow Ljubljana’s lead and Macedonia apparently set to do the same.

The moves to shut down the main route used by the vast influx of migrants hoping to find asylum or better economic prospects in northern Europe come barely a day after the EU and Turkey agreed a proposal aimed at easing the crisis.

EU officials hailed Monday’s deal with Ankara as an important breakthrough, but the head of the UN refugee agency cast doubt on its legality, while Amnesty International said the plan “dealt a death blow to the right to seek asylum”.

Slovenia’s interior ministry said late Tuesday that from midnight (2300 GMT), access would only be granted to “foreigners meeting the requirements to enter the country”, those wishing to claim asylum, and migrants selected “on a case by case basis on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with the rules of the Schengen zone”.

Fellow EU member Croatia, which is not part of the passport-free Schengen zone, said it would follow Slovenia’s lead and refuse transit to most migrants as of midnight.

“Apparently Europe has decided to start a new phase in resolving the migrant crisis.

It was concluded that on the Schengen zone borders the Schengen rules would be applied,” Interior Minister Vlaho Orepic told RTL commercial television.

Croatia, which had already limited the number allowed to enter, would now only allow in migrants with proper visas.

“The border of Europe will be on the Macedonia-Greek frontier and we will respect the decisions which were

made,” he said.

More than a million people have crossed the Aegean Sea into Greece since the start of 2015, many from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq and most aiming to reach wealthy Germany and Scandinavia, caus-

ing deep divisions among EU members about how to deal with Europe’s worst migration crisis since World War II. Serbia said that following Slovenia’s move, it would “align all measures with the European Union” and impose the same restrictions at its borders with Macedonia and Bulgaria.

Slovenia and Serbia, along with Austria, Croatia and Macedonia, have dramatically restricted entry to migrants in recent weeks, leaving a bottleneck of some 36,000 stuck at the

Greek-Macedonian border, unable to continue their journey.

Macedonia said it would only grant entry to the number of migrants that will be allowed to transit through neighboring Serbia and on towards Europe.

Turkey, currently hosting 2.7 million Syrian refugees, is the key springboard for migrants making the perilous sea crossing to Greece.

Efforts to stem the flow have failed, with nearly 2,000 migrants landing on the overstretched Greek islands every day in February. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Depar tment of Education Region V (Bicol) DIVISION OF CATANDUNES BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC) San Roque, Virac Catanduanes, Philippines

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan Municipality of Dinalupihan Invitation to Bid for the “Rehabilitation of Municipal Building at Brgy. San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan” 1.

The LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan, through its Municipal Fund for the contract approved by the Municipality of Dinalupihan for 2016 intends to apply the sum of Eight Million Pesos (Php 8,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract Rehabilitation of Municipal Building at Brgy.

San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan now invites bids for Rehabilitation of Municipal Building in accordance with the attached drawings and technical specifications. The said project shall include the provision of labor, materials, equipment, application and securing of all permits and other incidentals necessary to complete the works for, but not limited to: excavation clearing and grubbing, and general/other requirements as identified in the official documents for the Rehabilitation of Municipal Building. Completion of the Works is required by One Hundred (100) calendar days. Bidders should have completed at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, and whose value, adjusted to current prices using the NSO consumer price indices, must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC to be bid.

The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

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

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on February 26-March 11, 2016 from BAC office LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (Php 10,000.00)

6.

Prebid, March 3, 2016 at 11:00 in the morning.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 11, 2016 at 4:00 pm at LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan Executive Hall. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Relevant Requirement: PCAB License Small B

9.

The LGU Dinalupihan, 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.

10. For further information, please refer to: Engr. ROMMEL M. SAPASAP VICE CHAIRMAN, BAC LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan Tel. No. 0998-989-0686

INVITATION TO BID CY 2015 Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) PROVISION OF SCHOOL FURNITURE 1.

The DepEd, Division of Catanduanes, through the General Appropriation Act (GAA) CY 2015 intends to apply the sum of Three Million Eight Hundred Seventeen Thousand Five Hundred Pesos Only (Php3,817,500.00), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment under the contract for the procurement of CY 2015 Basic Educational Facilities Fund - PROVISION OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The DepEd, Division of Catanduanes now invites bids for CY 2015 Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) Provision of School Furniture. Delivery of the Goods is required 120 days. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instruction to Bidders.

Name of Project: Approved Budget for the Contract: Location/Recipient School:

Brief Description: Delivery Site: Contract Duration: 3.

CY 2015 Basic Educational Fund (BEFF)-Provision of School Furniture Php3,817,500.00 Antipolo NHS, Bagamanoc RDHS, Catanduanes NHS, Gigmoto RDHS, Mabato NHS, Manambrag NHS, Palta NHS, PSAT, Panganiban NHS (CAIC Compound), SAVS, San Jose NHS, San Miguel RDHS, Sicmil IS, Supang-Datag NHS, Tabugoc NHS, Tambongon NHS, Tubli NHS, Dororian ES, JMAMES, Lictin IS, Mayngaway NHS

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan Municipality of Dinalupihan Invitation to Bid for the “Construction of RHU - III at Brgy. New San Jose, Dinalupihan, Bataan” 1.

The LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan, through its Municipal Fund for the contract approved by the Municipality of Dinalupihan for 2016 intends to apply the sum of Seven Million Pesos (Php 7,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract Construction of RHU - III at Brgy. New San Jose, Dinalupihan, Bataan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan now invites bids for Construction of RHU - III in accordance with the attached drawings and technical specifications. The said project shall include the provision of labor, materials, equipment, application and securing of all permits and other incidentals necessary to complete the works for, but not limited to: excavation clearing and grubbing, and general/other requirements as identified in the official documents for the Construction of RHU - III. Completion of the Works is required by One Hundred Fifty (150) calendar days. Bidders should have completed at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, and whose value, adjusted to current prices using the NSO consumer price indices, must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

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”.

Elementary Armchair , Secondary Armchair and Teacher’s table and Chair- Set (STEEL & WOOD COMBINATION) Door to Door delivery to recipient schools 120 calendar days from the date of acceptance of Notice to Proceed

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 (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

(SGD) EMILIA V. CARPIO BAC CHAIRMAN LGU DINALUPIHAN

( TS- M A R , 10 , 2 0 1 6 )

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

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from DepEd, Division of Catanduanes and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

4.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from March 9, 2016 to March 29, 2016 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos Only (Php5,000.00).

Interested bidders may obtain further information from LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

5.

6.

The DepEd, Division of Catanduanes will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on March 16, 2016 at 9:00 AM_ at CID Office, which shall be open to all interested parties.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on February 26-March 11, 2016 from BAC office LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (Php 10,000.00)

6.

Prebid, March 3, 2016 at 10:00 in the morning.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 29, 2016 at 9:00 AM at BAC Office, DepEd, Division Office. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 11, 2016 at 3:00 pm at LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan Executive Hall. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on March 29, 2016 at 9:00 AM at BAC Office. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

9.

Prior to Bid Opening, representative of bidders should present and submit to the BAC a Special Power of Attorney stating the detailed activities which he/she will perform relative to the bidding at hand.

The DepEd, Division of Catanduanes 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.

Mr. Miguel C. Ogalinola Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee DepEd, Division Office, Virac, Catanduanes CP No. 09214701435

( T S - M A R . 10 , 2 016)

8.

Relevant Requirement: PCAB License Small B

9.

The LGU Dinalupihan, 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.

10. For further information, please refer to: Engr. ROMMEL M. SAPASAP VICE CHAIRMAN, BAC LGU Dinalupihan, Bataan San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan Tel. No. 0998-989-0686

10. For further information, please refer to:

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

(SGD) MIGUEL C. OGALINOLA BAC Chairman

( TS- M A R , 10 , 2 0 1 6 )

(SGD) EMILIA V. CARPIO BAC CHAIRMAN LGU DINALUPIHAN

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

B8

CeSAR bARRioqUinTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

Stabbing spree as Biden visits

TEL AVIV—A Palestinian went on a stabbing spree along the Tel Aviv waterfront Tuesday, leaving an American tourist dead and 12 people wounded, police said, as US Vice President Joe Biden arrived in the city.

The attacker, around 21 years old, was from the town of Qalqilya in the occupied West Bank and was shot dead by police, Israeli authorities said.

Video showed a man running down a road and lunging at someone through a car window while being chased.

The attack caused panic, and one witness told Israeli television he hit the assailant with his guitar, with a hole visible in the wood of his instrument.

Police said the attacker wounded a number of people in the Jaffa port area, a tourist zone of Israel’s commercial capital, before going on toward a restaurant and stabbing others.

Around a 15-minute walk from where the stabbings occurred, Biden met former Israeli president Shimon Peres.

Biden “condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal attack which occurred in Jaffa during his meeting with president Peres, and commented that there is no justification for such acts of terror,” his office said.

“He expressed his sorrow at the tragic loss of American life and offered his condolences to the family of the American citizen murdered in the attack, as well as his wishes for a full and quick recovery for the wounded.”

One woman at the scene said “I heard two guys screaming that there was an attack.”

“I ran in the opposite direction and ran into a man who was on the ground in his blood,” said the woman, who gave her name as Emily. AFP

Visit. Belgian King Phillipe (2R) and Queen Mathlide (L) welcome German President Joachim Gauck (2L) and his partner Daniela

Schadt during an official welcoming ceremony at the Royal Palace in Brussels on March 8, 2016. Gauck is in Belgium on a three-day state visit. AFP

Iran fires missiles in new tests TEHERAN—Iran said its armed forces had fired two more ballistic missiles on Wednesday as it continued tests in defiance of US warnings.

“Long-range Qadr-H and Qadr-F precision missiles were fired today... which destroyed targets” some 1,400 kilometers away, official media quoted the deputy head of the Revolutionary Guards, General Hossein Salami, as saying.

The tests were aimed at demonstrating Teheran’s “deterrent power” as the missiles “will bring security, peace, support and authority for all Islamic

countries”, he said.

“We have massive stockpiles of ballistic missiles waiting for orders and ready to hit targets at any moment from various points across the country.”

State television broadcast video of two missiles being fired from a site in the Alborz mountain range in northern Iran.

Targets on land in the southeastern Makran area were destroyed, the Guards said.

The Islamic republic also carried out multiple ballistic missile tests on Tuesday, defying US sanctions imposed earlier this year aimed at disrupting its missile program.

The missile sanctions were imposed a day after nuclear-related sanctions on Iran were lifted.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday he could not confirm Teheran’s multiple tests, but warned that Washington might take unilateral or international action in response.

“The more our enemies increase the sanctions the more intense the Guards’ reaction” will be, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh

who heads the Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace wing said on Wednesday.

“Yesterday we saw missiles fired from silos and platforms and today the launches are taking place from the heart of our Islamic land,” he added.

“The reason we have designed these missiles with such a range—2,000 kilometers—is to be able to hit our remote enemies, the Zionist regime,” Tasnim news agency quoted Hajizadeh as saying, referring to Israel.

“But there is no need to fire missiles to destroy the Zionist regime as it will gradually collapse. Our main enemy is the US

and we believe in this enmity.”

The series of tests included short-, medium- and long-range precision guided missiles, with ranges of 300 kilometers, 500 kilometers, 800 kilometers and 2,000 kilometers, state media reported.

Fars and Tasnim, news agencies close to the Guards, said the phrase “Israel must be wiped off the face of earth” was inscribed on the missiles, recalling a famous quote by the late founder of the Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

However, no writing was visible on the missiles shown in video footage or pictures published by local media. AFP

‘Fifth Beatle’ George Martin, 90

Eclipse. A solar eclipse is pictured from Banda Aceh on March 9, 2016,

when a total solar eclipse swept across the vast Indonesian archipelago and was witnessed by tens of thousands of sky gazers and marked by parties, Muslim prayers and tribal rituals. AFP

LONDON-Legendary British music producer George Martin, who turned the Beatles into the best-selling band in history, has died at the age of 90, his family said Wednesday.

Martin’s family confirmed that the producer, who helped revolutionize the sound of pop music, died at home on Tuesday, and thanked “everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support”.

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr earlier broke the news, writing on Twitter: “God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family... George will be missed,” alongside a black-andwhite picture of the band with

Martin.

British Prime Minister David Cameron led the tributes to the producer, who signed up the Beatles when he was the head of the Parlophone label after hearing their demo record in 1962.

“Sir George Martin was a giant of music—working with the Fab Four to create the world’s most enduring pop music,” Cameron wrote on Twitter.

Martin’s innovative recording techniques and role as authoritarian figure and mentor was so essential to the band’s success that he was nicknamed the “Fifth Beatle”.

“R.I.P. George Martin. I’m so gutted I don’t have many words.

Thinking of Judy and Giles and family,” late band member John Lennon’s son Sean wrote on Instagram, referring to Martin’s wife and one of his four children.

Martin was born on January 3, 1926, a carpenter’s son from north London.

After serving in the Second World War, he studied at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and began playing the oboe in bars and clubs around London.

His first job was in the BBC’s music library.

He then joined the record label Parlophone, a division of EMI, and rose to become its head by 1955 at the age of just 29. AFP

T H U R S D AY : m A R c H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

TATUm ANcHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

w EL L BEING

LIFE

C1

10 ThIngS I WISh I knEW BEfORE I gOT InTO RunnIng Post race high! This group of seasoned tri-athletes adopted us newbies and have been inspiring and motivating us everyday

FINE FEttlE

By BuBBlES pARAISO

R

unning has been around for ages. If you really think about it, technically all you really need is to get up, wear your sneakers and get started. Honestly speaking, I never really liked running. I didn’t see the point of running on a treadmill – I felt like I kept running but was getting nowhere anyway.

“Running” outdoors for me usually meant mostly walking, with little spurts of jogs here and there. But it wasn’t really running per se. I didn’t understand it yet.

It was only seven months ago when one morning, a friend invited me to go join his group for a run instead of doing our yoga session. I decided to give it a try and the rest, I wish I could say, is history. But no – it’s not quite like that just yet. Three months into it, I slowly progressed my once a week runs to twice a week. And last January, after hitting a personal record while running around the neighborhood, I got “dragged” into my first ever 10-kilometer race. And that was the start of my love affair with running. Now seven months into this newfound love, every run makes me realize and discover new things that I wish I had known before getting into it. The aches and pains, the mental games – I wish I had known all of these.

Blisters and dead toenails. Wearing the wrong pair of shoes cost me a painful blister and a dead nail after one of my races.

Thank goodness for nail polish (to cover the nail) and apple cider vinegar (to treat and dry out the blister). Acquiring them are not fun at all.

Chafing. What’s good about chafing is, you won’t really feel it until you hit the shower. I wish I had known that the band of my sports bra is one of the things that cause these. I later on discovered that there are special lubricants that you may apply on areas that chafe before you start running. If you’ve already chafed, Lucas’ Papaw ointment is the best medicine for it.

Energy gels. The amino acid, sodium and caffeine content of these amazing gels are essential while you are in the middle of your race or long distance training. I am guilty of hoarding these gels as they are great in refueling your tank once you feel like you’re almost empty but still have about five or more kilometers to run.

Getting on a bike is the best way to complement your run. As a general rule, I didn’t know that you’re not supposed to run everyday BUT you can bike/spin on the days in between. Biking works on a different muscle group on your legs and the action of your legs spinning help in your speed training.

Monster appetite. I used to only eat 2-3 times a day but because of running, my appetite has multiplied, and I have been ingesting meals at least five times a day. What I discovered, though, was that when I started eating rice (I was never a fan of it), I started increasing in size. But when I would eat a lot but eat SMART (complex carbs and clean food notwithstanding the volume), I maintained or even shredded down.

Kinetic tapes. After suffering from a knee injury when I first got into running, (the injury was non-running related), I had to learn how to put kinetic tapes around my knees just to make sure they won’t get aggravated or injured.

Recovery is as important as training.

Respecting rest days are hard because sometimes you just want to get up and go. But without proper recovery, one will get injured. This also includes active stretching BEFORE the run, and static stretching AFTER. It takes A LOT of DISCIPLINE. To stick to your training schedule and run at a certain time of day, at a certain pace and stay at a certain distance takes a lot of discipline. No matter how lazy you are, you have to hit your mileage if you want to do good. Waking up early to run is sometimes harder than running itself.

Endorphin high. No words will suffice to convey the happiness you feel once you hit that finish line. It is euphoric, a sort of high that you can only get once you do it. It’s a feeling you want to have over and over again. And you can’t help but talk about it because it just makes you so darn happy.

To call a 10 km run 'easy' was something I never thought I'd say

Kinesiology tape, when applied properly, can delay whatever pain or discomfort your muscles may feel while in a run

The endorphin high you get upon crossing the finish line is the main reason why race weekends have now become part of my itinerary with my run group

It is ADDICTING. Hitting your PRs (personal records) and breaking them every chance you get is one of the best feelings in the world. It makes your endorphin high, higher even, and the feeling is short of indescribable.

There are days when you wake up and all you want to do is run, but feel sad because it’s not a run day. Trust me, I once drove out from

the beach at 4:00 a.m. just so I could join my group’s 7:00 a.m. run in the city.

I used to say I hate running. Now I am completely, and utterly in love with it. It's true what they say – never say never.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @bubblesparaiso

C2

T H U R S D AY : m A R c H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

how to prepare for a marathon

Seasoned runners and medical experts strongly suggest knowing the proper training and taking precautions before running your first marathon

H

ave you been running 10k or 21k races in the past and thinking it’s about time to up the ante and test your limits by finishing your first full marathon this year? Seasoned runners know that the secret to making through a 26.2-mile (or 42.2 kilometers) run safely is proper training.

Health experts likewise strongly suggest to make sure you’re prepared physically, mentally and emotionally.

“Running a 26.2 mile race is a fulfilling achievement, especially for runners. However, runners should take precautions before and during their runs such as

getting proper training, eating protein and carbohydraterich foods before the race, and familiarizing themselves with the race course,” advises MediCard Philippines president Dr. Nicky Montoya.

“If they ignore these guidelines, they might suffer from injuries and jeopardize their lives,” warns Dr. Montoya.

MediCard Philippines shares these tips to ensure your 26.2-mile run is not only fulfilling but safe as well.

Increase mIleage slowly and taper two weeks before race

Aiming to run 42 kilometers in the first week of your training is not a sound a decision. Instead, experts suggest increasing your mileage slowly, preferably by 10 percent each week. Do your last long run three weeks before race day and taper or cut back on mileage two weeks before the marathon.

Two weeks before the race, cut mileage to about 50 to 75 percent of what you have been running. A week before the marathon, cut mileage to about one-third of normal mileage and for the most part, keep your

normal pace. It is also advisable to skip your strength-training routine to give your muscles a chance to rest, and try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

practIce the course

Since marathons are usually done on an established road, if possible, learn the race course: the start and finish locations, the turns, any steep climbs, and the aid stations, as this will help you prepare and finish the race safely and more quickly.

warm up before runnIng

Whether before training or before the race itself, warm up before running.

Warming up prepares your muscles for peak performance by increasing your core body temperature, which then speeds the oxygen flow throughout the body. It also triggers the neural pathways between your brain and your muscles, improving muscle contraction and power.

The suggested set of warm up includes 10 minutes of light jogging and five minutes of lunges and leg swings.

wear proper clothIng

Considering your running wardrobe is a must before the marathon. Wear nylon or running clothes instead of cotton because the latter traps sweat rather than allows it to evaporate. It’s also advisable

to wear the same shoes that you use during training since wearing familiar shoes will make you more comfortable while running.

eat before, durIng and after the race

Two to four hours before the race, eat food rich in protein and simple carbohydrates and drink water or low-calorie sports drink.

Good choices for pre-race foods include bread, cereal, fruit, and small amounts of low-fat cheese and low-fat milk. You must avoid taking in fiber and eating fatty food and foods you are trying for the first time as these may cause digestion problems.

During the race, snack on energy foods such as bananas and granola bars. After the marathon, fuel up with a mix of high carbohydrates and protein foods to replenish your body as well as repair and rebuild any muscle damage.

hydrate

Drinking water during the marathon is a must as it helps with the flow of blood and oxygen in your muscles thus enabling them to contract properly. Add a pinch of sea salt to your water and drink it before the race to avoid muscle cramps, as sodium is said to help regulate the body’s fluid balance and supports muscle function.

You may also opt for sports drinks and other beverages containing electrolytes and other essential nutrients.

do not run consecutIve marathons

Running for 26.2 miles is enough to strain your muscles. Running consecutive marathons without taking a break and training might cause severe injuries. Hence it is advisable to give your body enough time to recover before running another marathon.

Take enough time to recover after running a 42k race

T H U R S D AY : m A R c H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

C3

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

A little Stormtrooper got a kick out of posing with her grown-up counterparts

@LIFEatStandard

MakatiMed’s Marketing and Sales Services team members pose with some of the Star Wars characters who made the rounds in the hospital

501 Legion joins forces with MakatiMed st

P

Star WarS characterS viSit premiere hoSpital

atients and visitors of Makati Medical Center were pleasantly surprised to see Rey, Princess Leia Organa, Darth Vader, and the Stormtroopers walking the halls of the premier hospital.

The characters straight out of Star Wars: The Force Awakens were actually members of the Philippine Garrison of the 501st Legion, a local chapter of an international organization of Star Wars fans who the creation and wearing of “movie-quality, screen-accurate” Star Wars costumes. The members, who have become a familiar sight in toy conventions, film screenings, fan-driven parties, and any Star Warsrelated event, also raise funds for charity.

“No matter how old you are, no matter where in the world you are, it’s no fun being sick,” said 501st Legion’s Regina Layug Rosero, who dressed up as Rey. “Most people don’t even like going to the doctor!

So if Stormtroopers can make a hospital stay or check-up more bearable – even fun – we’re happy to do it,” she added.

The 501st Legion invited Makati Medical Center’s patients and hospital guests to “Join the Force” in the special Star Wars event, and they were not disappointed as more than 300 hospital guests, some of whom dressed up as their favorite characters from the space epic, posed with the 501st Legion at MakatiMed’s Main Lobby in Tower 1. Spotted were little Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, Sith Lords and Princess Leias, who got a kick out of posing with their grown-up counterparts.

The Star Wars characters also visited pediatric patients and met with the parents and caregivers, with the kids visibly awestruck to see Darth Vader, Princess Leia and Stormtroopers, all of whom wished the children a speedy recovery.

MakatiMed employees squeeze in for a photo with Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers

Pediatric patients received a special visit from Princess Leia and the Stormtroopers (patient faces are blurred to respect their privacy)

MakatiMed also distributed special loot bags to the children. “This is MakatiMed’s special treat for Star Wars fans, kids and adults alike,” said Arlyn Songco, vice president for Marketing & Sales Services, who attended the event with her children. “We set up this special

event to bring fun and warmth to our hospital, which can feel like a frightening and intimidating environment, especially for our young patients. We hope to do more in-hospital events like this, in addition to our regular lay forums and conferences,” she added.

QUALITY bUT PRAcTIcAL APPRoAcH To ExEcUTIvE cHEck-UPS AT cEnTURIA mEDIcAL mAkATI’S ExEcUTIvE ScREEnIng cEnTER More and more Filipinos are becoming health conscious, and an increasing number are flocking to doctors’ clinics for regular check ups. Timely and

comprehensive medical examinations have been known to avert potentially debilitating or even fatal conditions, like an impending heart attack for instance.

The Executive Screening Center at the 8th Floor of Centuria Medical Makati

The rising cost of medical services however is also one of the reasons why people only seek medical attention when their condition or symptoms have deteriorated or have gone worse. This is one of the reasons why Centuria Medical Makati, a 28-storey, 74,000-squaremeter facility seeks to revolutionize preventive health and outpatient care, aiming to make healthcare and wellness services accessible and affordable by forging a partnership with the Executive Screening Center (ESC) that promises a practical and sensible approach to quality preventive health care with strategically packaged wellness services.

The team of Dr. Oscar Cabahug has come up with wellness packages that will help patients do away with unnecessary expenses as there are diffferent packages targeted for particular patient groups .

“What we want to do is to tailor-fit imaging and laboratory tests according to the individual needs of particular patients. It does not make sense to advise patients to do the entire range of imaging and laboratory tests if he or she will probably not benefit from majority of

Dr. Oscar Cabahug, medical director of the Executive Screening Center

those tests. Aside from being impractical, such blanket screening tests will result in prohibitive healthcare costs,” said Dr. Cabahug, medical director of the ESC. Patients under the age of 50 will be recommended to avail of the Basic Health Package that covers all necessary basic imaging and laboratory screening tests including a chest x-ray, an upper abdominal ultrasound, an electrocardiogram and basic laboratory tests. Other tests may be recommended continued on c4

T H U R S D AY : m A R c H 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

C4

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

The white colorway KD8 will be available globally on April 14

The gray colorway KD8 will be available on May 5

KD8 ElitE:

KEvIn DURAnT’S EIgHTH SIgnATURE SHoE AvAILAbLE Soon

The black colorway KD8 will be available on May 26

Move over KD7 – KD8 is here, and its technological advancements will make any shoe fanatic drool

A

ttention shoe fanatics! Nike is giving you another reason to add something to your ever-growing shoe collection.

Top-scoring American professional basketball player Kevin Durant will be preparing for the season’s ball game with his all new KD8 Elite – a technically advanced, provocative new version of his eighth signature shoe.

The breakthrough basketball shoe is created in collaboration with designer Leo Chang.

“Transitioning from a low to high is a decision we made with confidence based on our ongoing feedback from Durant to always push the limit on innovative design,” says Chang.

The shoe features a built-in, crewlength compression sock for enhanced support, full-length visible Nike Zoom Air cushioning and Flywire technology with Kevlar aramid fiber for superior lockdown. The shoe transitions from a low-top to high-cut silhouette with the compression sock rising from shoe. “The KD8 Elite is conceptually designed to blur

The three key features of KD8: Crew-length compression sock for enhanced support, full-length visible Nike Zoom Air cushioning and Flywire technology with Kevlar aramid fiber for superior lockdown

the lines between the shoe, sock and tight; seamlessly transitioning between each so you can’t differentiate where one begins and the other ends,” Chang adds.

The innovative new design is employed specifically for Durant’s movement in his

cEnTURIA mEDIcAL mAKATI...

From C3

Centuria Medical Makati in Century City

which will rely heavily on the result of the initial consultation and assessment. All these basic and additional tests are evidencebased, avoiding tests and consequent treatments which are unnecessary, expensive and potentially dangerous. “A test will only be recommended if there is enough evidence to reasonably detect conditions which are reversible, preventable or curable.” Dr. Cabahug explained.

The Golden Health Package for Males meanwhile is recommended for males 50 years or above which includes ultrasound, a blood test and examination by a urologist to detect prostate conditions. Females 50 and

games. A Flyweave upper and a full-length Nike Zoom air unit ensures a snug and secure fit as well as protection and comfort.

Globally, the KD8 Elite white colorway will be available on April 14 at nike.com and select retail locations. Gray and black

above are advised to avail of the Golden Health Package for Females that include breast and gynecologic imaging and examination by a gynecologist to detect breast and gynecologic conditions relatively more common among women in this age bracket. Additional addons may also be recommended after the initial consultation and assessment, including gastrointestinal endoscopy, ophthalmology, ENT and dermatologic consultations.

The partnership with Advanced Lab Solutions of Hi-precision Diagnostics also boosts ESC’s practical approach to wellness as imaging and laboratory tests are offered at competitive rates. The center will also be working in partnership with other specialty centers like The Surgery Center, ENT Specialists and Hearing Center, various dental groups, a breast clinic, and an eye and vision center to allow for a greater degree of convenience for patients who may

additional colorways will be available on May 5 and May 26. In the Philippines, The KD8 Elite will be available at Nike Park Fort, Nike Forum Greenhills, Nike Stadium Rockwell, and all Titan shops, and will retail for P10,495.

be in need of other specific consultations and/or treatments.

“With the wide network of specialists available within Centuria Medical Makati, we will definitely be able to offer comprehensive specialty services that can be made accessible to the patients availing of the wellness packages,” Dr. Cabahug said.

With the presence of such facilities as the Executive Screening Center at Centuria Medical Makati, waiting for medical conditions to become symptomatic or serious and irreversible has become needless as preventive health care and wellness services has now been made available in a place that offers the convenience of a hospital in a home-like atmosphere. With such an innovative medical facility, coupled with a smart and sensible approach to preventive health care, wellness is now definitely within reach.

t HuR S DAy : m A RcH 10, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Pagsanjan Arch also known as Puerto Real or Arco Real is a historic town gate of Pagsanjan, laguna built from 1878 to 1880

O

C5

Participating river floats at Bangkero Festival Fluvial Parade

EjERcITO sETs Pagsanjan BangkERO FEsT

ne of the country’s pioneer attractions, Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most memorable images of Philippine tourism dating back to the 1970s, and has appeared in countless posters and postcards.

“Shooting the rapids” on the way to the fabled waterfall also known as Magdapio Falls is among the must-do countryside day trips among foreign and local tourists. This adrenaline-pumping activity remains on top of the bucket list of travelers more than four decades later.

To relive its old glory, the quaint town of Pagsanjan is welcoming summer with a refreshing treat with the Bangkero Festival from today mayor maita JavierEjercito

till March19 with the theme “Pagkakaisa at Saya Tungo sa Tagumpay”.

Now on its 18th staging, the weeklong festivity is a tribute to the bangkeros or the boatmen who skillfully maneuver the boat and shoot the rapids all the way to the picture-perfect falls.

Mayor Maita Javier-Ejercito said the festival showcases the town’s march to progress as a result of its tourism and investment promotional efforts.

The lady mayor said the Bangkero Festival has won a string of awards from tourism bodies, most notably the Pearl Award of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines from 2012 to 2014.

Activities kick off today and tomorrow is the fluvial parade at the Bumbungan River with gaily-decorated floats made out of dug-out canoes, and the Ginoong Bangkero Male Pageant.

Spicing up the celebration are a sagwan (paddle) painting contest, local “kakanin” cooking contest, entertainment shows, native games, Zumba sessions, brass band parades, dragonboat race, and a pageant for boatmen.

Festivities draw to a close on March 19 with a river regatta where boatmen will showcase their paddling prowess, and the Lakan and Binibining Pagsanjan pageant coronation in the evening with celebrity guests led by Dawn Chang of Pinoy Big Brother fame.

The Bangkero Festival was nurtured by then Mayor Emilio Ramon Ejercito, a champion of tourism among local chief executives.

Pagsanjan also takes pride in its

A “bangkero” is also a tour guide

Spanish-era Royal Arch built when it was made the provincial capital from 1878 to 1880. Other heritage spots include the Diocesan Shrine of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the well-preserved ancestral mansion of Don Telesforo Ejercito.

It also has colonial-era houses now turned into restaurants and shops, the most notable of which is Calle Arco Restaurant frequented by celebrity guests of the municipal government.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared Pagsanjan as the “Tourist Capital of Laguna” more than a decade ago because of the volume of its visitor arrivals. In the past two years, it had some 140,000 tourists who availed of the Pagsanjan rapids tours.

The municipality government was also conferred a Seal of Good Housekeeping (Silver Grade) by the Department of the Interior and Local Government in 2014 for its stewardship and sound fiscal management.

tHE mARcO POlO muSIcAl GAlA NIGHt

East meets West as Marco Polo Ortigas Manila brings its guests to a journey to remember for its first grand affair, Silken Voices…

Silken Roads: The Marco Polo Musical Gala Night on April 18 at the Grand Ballroom.

Celebrate The Food, The Music, and The Experience commemorating Marco Polo’s 24year journey along the Silk Road for the hotel’s second anniversary festivity.

Consisting of three elements, music, culinary, and fashion, the musical gala night will highlight crafted-to-perfection pieces, dishes, and creations. Featuring the grand voices of Francisco Aseniero, and Asia’s Got Tal-

ent runner-up, Gerphil Flores, the night will be a night full of discovery as the artists serenade the guests with selections from Western to Eastern music. Together with these talented musical artists is the Philippine Opera Company, led by renowned musical director, Floy Quintos, bringing the guests to different places in one night.

Marco Polo’s journey to the Silk Road would not be complete without a indulging in a feast.

Savory dishes will be served featuring Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s own rendition of the set menu based on Marco Polo’s journey. Partnering with prominent fashion designer, Renee

Salud, elegant and intricately designed pieces will be showcased highlighting cultural interaction between the regions that were part of the Silk Route.

These musical pieces, signature dishes, and sewn-to-perfection dresses will fill the halls of the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. At P3,500.00 to P5,000.00 a seat, guests can be part of this cultural journey in one delightful evening.

For more information contact (632) 720 7777 or email: communication.mnl@marcop olohotels.com. Visit facebook.com/ MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or follow @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram.

Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls and major tourist attractions in the country

Online shopping counts 4 Lazada Philippines, the country’s One Stop Shopping and Selling Destination, celebrates its 4th Birthday Sale.

Enjoy a wide assortment of products, exciting social media games, glaring flash sales and huge discounts up to 90 percent, March 15 - 18.

Shop at www.lazada.com.ph or download the Lazada Mobile App now.

C6

t HuR S DAy : m A RcH 10, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Paul BETTany TakEs DIREcTOR’s chaIR

b

est known to worldwide audience as Jarvis/Vision in the blockbuster Marvel movies The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War, Paul Bettany, who has also rendered an unforgettable performance in A Beautiful Mind, takes the director’s chair in his (directorial) debut in the movie Shelter, which he also wrote. It is about two homeless people and their harrowing plight to survive.

Shelter stars Bettany’s wife, Jennifer Connelly opposite Anthony Mackie, who has also appeared in Avengers movies as Sam Wilson aka Falcon.

In Shelter Connelly takes on the character of Hannah while Mackie stars as Tahir. Both come from two different worlds. But when their lives intersect, they’re at the same place: homeless on the streets of New York.

Bettany’s directorial debut is a love letter to the great New York dramas of the 1970s. Shelter is an unmerciful story of loss, love, sacrifice, redemption and, ultimately, hope.

“The germ of the idea for Shelter came from two seemingly unrelated places. First, I wanted to explore the concept of loss. And how we respond to it. Someone you love is there one day, and then

MARCH 10, 2016 Anthony mackie and Jennifer connelly in a scene from the American drama film

they’re gone,” introduces Bettany of his concept for the film.

At the backdrop of New York, Connelly as Hanna is a heroin addict and wanders the streets day in, day out begging for money while holding out a sign that says ‘I used to be someone.” Nigerian immigrant Tahir whose visa has already expired performs on the streets drumming on plastic buckets to draw people in to drop in coins and bills. Their lives began to intertwine when Tahir spies his stolen jacket around her waist and In a review from The List (UK), Eddie Harrison notes that the role of Connelly is happening in

real life. “Connelly’s captivating work elevates the material several notches; radiating both desperation and hope in equal measure, Hannah’s situation is heartbreaking and real, and a scene where she cleans herself up after a degrading act of sexual violence is utterly indelible,” he states.

Bettany further notes that the movie’s theme also touches on the brutal part of being human. “So I wanted to write a film that spoke to loss, and I wanted to focus on two characters, from as different backgrounds as possible—there is conflict inherent in that—whose back- stories are slowly revealed

English actor Paul bettany makes his debut as writer-director with “Shelter”

over the course of the film. Two characters whose present is so complicated by past loss, that their future is always in doubt.”

Shelter opens March 26 in cin-

In “Shelter,” Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer connelly is a homeless heroin addict on the streets of new york city

emas nationwide from CrystalSky Multimedia. Check out the film’s trailer here: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=47GgCoIU3Ak&fe ature=youtu.be

LuxuRy bRAnDS RuLE tHIS wEEk’S ‘wHEELS’ Autophiles with the finer tastes in life are in for a special on this week’s episode of Wheels, the premier motoring TV show.

Luxury cars from brands like Ford, Honda, Aston Martin and Mercedez-Benz will dominate the show’s lineup for its third episode of Season Three.

Wheels host, actor Matteo Guidicelli, will test-drive the muscle car of sports utility vehicles (SUVs), the Ford Explorer Sport. Matteo will examine all the powerful features packed inside the beast masquerading as a full-size crossover SUV, including its 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine, Intelligent four-wheel drive with Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). Will

Actor and car racer matteo Guidicelli test-drives a muscle car

the Explorer Sport withstand the crucible?

Watch and find out.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Neck annoyance 6 Strauss of jeans 10 Den habitue 14 Man in a mask 15 Pizzeria need 16 Jazzy Fitzgerald 17 UFO pilot 18 Five, to Pierre 19 Shades 20 Adjusts, as a timer 22 Botched (2 wds.)

24 Harry’s successor 26 Birdseed 27 Trunk item (2 wds.)

31 Eliminate 32 Where to celebrate Tet 33 More than asked 36 Dry goods meas.

39 Spark coil outputs 40 Notions

41 Crooked 42 Mao — -tung 43 Skunk’s trademark 44 Cuzco founder 45 Sporty truck 46 In the limelight (2 wds.)

48 Cut in half 51 Outback jumper 52 Side by side 54 Played loudly 59 007 60 Fair-hiring org.

62 Town near Madrid 63 Huff 64 Be grouchy 65 Barely warm 66 Pancho Villa’s coin 67 Rookie 68 Slalom runs DOWN 1 Industry magnate 2 Cameo, maybe 3 Orchid-like flower 4 Canada tribe 5 Heyerdahl’s raft (2 wds.)

6 Rapper Tone — 7 Harmful 8 Snake toxin 9 Questions 10 Saw 11 Give the slip 12 Walrus hunter 13 Say hoarsely

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

21 Tackle a slope 23 Lost traction 25 Chopin opus 27 — does it!

28 Bireme movers 29 Almost never 30 Part of LAX 34 Toon pooch 35 Swamp critter 36 Youth org.

37 Wearisome task 38 Nostalgic song ending 40 Beer holder, maybe (2 wds.)

41 Formic acid producer 43 Proofer’s word 44 Pinpoint 45 Familiar with (2 wds.)

47 San Francisco hill 48 Fess Parker played him 49 — fatuus 50 Bopper lead-in 52 Cough syrup meas.

53 Jungle warning 55 St. crossers 56 Turbulent currents 57 Journalist — Ducommun 58 Family men 61 Navy noncom

Meanwhile, with summer just around the corner, Wheels host, motoring editor Manny Delos Reyes, will try some of the best family cars on offer these days, particularly the new Honda Odyssey. Find out what makes this seven-seater minivan, powered by a 2.4-L i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams Technology, one of the safest and most comfortable family cars in the market today.

But if you don’t have a family yet and is comfortably enjoying the unattached life, the Aston Martin Vantage might be the car for you. Wheels host Ulysses Ang takes the luxury coupe for a spin to find

out why this sleek yet powerful car represents your well-appointed lifestyle.

Finally, accompanying Wheels host Kap Maceda-Aguila this week is no other than Nico “Tolyts” Antonio of On The Wings of Love fame. Together, they’ll take the Mercedez-Benz GLA for a joyride to find out what surprises this luxury compact crossover has in store, while Tolyts shares more of his personality, career and his taste for cars.

It’s all these and more on Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane. Catch its third season on its new timeslot: Thursdays, 10:30 p.m. on the ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel.

t HuR S DAy : m A RcH 10, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Bea Alonzo in Kapamilya’s summer station ID “Ipanalo ang Pamilyang Pilipino”

A

C7

Noli De castro, Bernadette Sembrano and ted Failon join the fun while filming the Halalan-themed station ID

ABS-cBN’S NEw SummER StAtIoN ID

BS-CBN launched its much-anticipated summer station ID with the theme “Ipanalo ang Pamilyang Pilipino.” It calls on the people to elect the leaders who will champion the Filipino family -- leaders who are trustworthy and who will take action on the important issues of the Filipino families.

The summer station ID, which airs after TV Patrol encapsulates the very urgent and timely message for Filipinos who are faced with the important task of electing the leaders on May 9.

The campaign sends the strong message that we cannot just sit and watch election mistakes to happen. The station ID hopes to help Filipinos to make the right moves if we want to never again experience graft and corruption, among other political wrongdoings.

The Halalan-inspired summer

Kapamilya A-list actors John Lloyd cruz and Piolo Pascual

tV Patrol achors Noli De castro, Bernadette Sembrano and ted Failon

station ID features Kapamilya stars, ABS-CBN News anchors, and executives, like Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Noli “Kabayan” De Castro, Bernadette Sembrano, and Ted Failon of TV Patrol, and ABS-CBN chief content officer, executive adviser to the chairman, and ABSCBN University President Charo Santos-Concio. They are seen rallying on the streets, markets,

schools, and depressed areas, calling for change and talking to the people about their views on what kind of leader the country needs.

Kapamilya stars running for office and those who are endorsing or are related to a candidate were not included in the station ID. Pascual and Sarah Geronimo sang the theme song together with Ebe Dancel and Elmo Magalona with Erik Santos,

Angeline Quinto, Yeng Constantino, Jed Madela, KZ Tandingan, Richard Poon, Morissette, Bradley Holmes, Jason Fernandez, and Daryl Ong. The ABS-CBN Creative Communication Management Division (CCM) produced the “Ipanalo ang Pamilyang Pilipino” station ID. Inspired by the musical composition of Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana, the station ID theme song was given a special musical arrangement by Marcus Davis and Jan Duran with lyric

cHERRy PIE PIcAcHE Now HANDS oN IN ALAB REStAuRANt

Actress Cherry Pie Picache invited a group of entertainment editors, including The Standard’s, for lunch at Alab Restaurat near the corner of Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

The restaurant, said Picache, is under the umbrella of Moderne Group of Restos Inc. and is one of two branches, the other is at UP Town Center on Katipunan. It will have a third that will open on the first week of April in Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill.

Picache also announced that three more branches will be opened in the South Area by the end of 2016.

In the lunch get together, the editors learned that the restaurant’s chef, Chef Tatung, had left for good. And so, Picache said, the new direction of Alab Restaurant and its tin deli are directed towards being the melting pot of the best flavors and different dishes from across the regions.

She added, “To find the best, the group wants to find and invite chefs from various places, whether in this bustling city or the far flung barrio, in which these heirloom recipes can be featured in Alab’s events.”

The guys behind Moderne Group Inc. apart from Cherry Pie Picache, are her partners Joe Fernando of JB Music and JB Sports and Christine del Castillo of Moderne Culinaire academy.

UP Town Center just got hot-

Seasoned actress cherry Pie Picache is now a restaurateur

ter with the opening of Alab Restaurant on Feb. 11.

“We envisioned putting up a restaurant where anyone who visits can have a taste of the best food across the regions without having to set foot on a plane to do so,” explained Picache.

Atc providing affordable healthcare

Statistics show that only 3.6 million Filipinos are covered by health insurance, leaving around 90 million without access to health services.

While the government exerts efforts to make health care affordable, ATC Healthcare believes there are many opportunities to reduce cost without compromising care. After all, looking after our health should not be limited to the privileged members of the society.

Healthcare is for people from all walks of life.

Recognizing this need, ATC Healthcare is on hand to provide a range of supplements that are more accessible to the Filipino people through the “buy one, take one promo,” available until March 15.

ATC Healthcare was established in 2005 offering a wide range of food supplements, from

slimming, brain enhancing to diabetes management. Over the years, ATC Healthcare was able to win the trust of its consumers as it was able to bag awards such as Gold Brand, Gold Seal of Quality and the Consumers’ Choice Award in 2013.

Moreover, ATC Healthcare set another milestone in their story, celebrating their 10th anniversary with an enormous success in 2015. ATC Healthcare is your trusted life ally.

The following ATC Healthcare products are included in the ongoing “buy one, take one promo”: FatOut (slimming supplement), RedoXfat (weight management), Reducin (anti-obesity), BitterGo (diabetes/blood sugar control), LiverMarin (liver health), ATC Evening Primrose (premenstrual syndrome), ATC Garlic Oil (hy-

pertension), ATC Fish Oil (stroke and heart attack), ATC Coenzyme Q10 (heart energizer), ATC Vitamins (overall bodily functions), ATC Ginseng (energy and endurance), Robust (energy and endurance), PowerUp Xtreme (energy and endurance), ATC Spirulina (muscle building), ATC Ginkgo Biloba (cognitive function), ATC Grape Seed Oil (anti-aging and skin enhancement), ATC Squalene (anti-aging and skin enhancement), ATC Vitamin E (anti-aging and skin enhancement), ATC Vita-E (anti-aging and skin enhancement), ATC Calcium with Vitamin D3 (bone health), Nocaf (cough and asthma). Plus Strike Multi-Insect Killer Spray, Strike Coil Mosquito Repellent, Strike Liquid Electric Mosquito Repellent, Strike Mat and Strike Patch for Kids.

by Lloyd Oliver Corpuz and Christian Abuel.

ABS-CBN, through its Integrated News Division, has mounted a comprehensive, in-depth, and upto-the-minute news coverage of the 2016 national elections via its year-long Halalan 2016: Ipanalo Ang Pamilyang Pilipino campaign, which includes series of electionrelated special reports in “KampanyaSerye,” debates and forums, mobile application, and citizen journalism and engagement via “Bayan Mo, i-Patrol Mo.”

Heart counts 18 years in show business On Feb. 26, Heart Evangelista celebrated her 18th year as a showbiz personality.

“Wow...today I turn 18 years in showbiz,” she tweeted to her 1.19 million followers on Twitter.

From a teen-aged star in G-mik, the youthoriented show on ABS-CBN, Heart has grown into a serious actress and eventually a wife to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Apart from appearing in movies and on television, Heart is now recognized as an artist whose work are easily marketable among collectors and hobbyists. She signs her paintings with her own birth name, Love Marie.

It is evident that Heart as a married woman is inspired as her talent in the arts has also grown especially after she and Chiz got married.

At a recent fashion gala with designer Mark Bumgarner, dresses hand painted by Heart were among those worn by models.

Apart from hand-painting gowns, Heart also hand-paints designer bags.

Heart also launched her beauty book and not to mention her second exhibition, Oceans Apart, at ArtistSpace of the Ayala Museum.

She also stars in a new culinary show for Star World Asia, making her an international TV personality now.

t HuR S DAy : m A RcH 10, 2016

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

From left to right: chris Living, Group marketing Director, Lycamobile Group; Joseph t. Francia, Head, GmA International; G.t. Jeyaseelan, Group chief Operating Officer, Lycamobile Group; Solenn Heussaff, tV and movie Actress, Author, Artist; Subaskaran Allirajah, Group chairman and Founder, Lycamobile Group; Premananthan Sivasamy, Deputy chairman, Lycamobile Group; Bob Sangaran, Head of Sales and marketing, Lyca tV; Lilibeth Bautista, Segment marketing manager, Lyca tV

SOlEnn aROunD EuROpE wITh GMa pInOy TV ISAH V. RED

K

apuso actress and host Solenn Heussaff went on a transcontinental road show to celebrate Kapuso Month, delighting fans in London, Rome, Paris, and Copenhagen last month.

The series of events spanning four countries was organized by GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV, in partnership with Prismworks Productions and Lyca TV, the world’s largest ethnic content online entertainment provider that allows Kapuso viewers to enjoy their favorite programs not just at home, but also on their mobile devices. GMA’s three international channels, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International were launched in over 16 countries in Europe in September last year.

The GMA contingent, headed by GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia along with Solenn were at the United Kingdom on Feb.12. It was the tour’s first stop. Solenn and Francia paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Enrique Manalo. Receiving the Kapuso visitors were Lyca Mobile Group Chairman Subaskaran Allirajah and Deputy Chairman Premananthan Sivasamy, Global Head of Sales Bob Sarangan and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Living at the Lyca Mobile Headquarters in Poplar, London.

As evening set in, attendees at ENFiD-UK’s “Fab @ Four” event saw Solenn perform during the GMA Pinoy TV segment at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury. The striking star also stunned on the runway as the finale in designer Jackie Peñalosa’s fashion show.

Heading over to Italy on Feb. 13, Solenn gave a rousing performance for overseas Filipino workers in “Ciao, Rome!” arranged

by Dreamers Productions. Spreading the Kapuso spirit on the eve of Valentine’s Day, Jeffrey cadayong of Prismworks Productions, Bob Sangaran of Lyca tV, tom meyer and Susan meyer from the Filipino Danish center, Daymond Nicolson of Lycamobile, Joseph Francia of GmA International and Poul Krogh, Honorary consul of the Philippine Embassy in Denmark.

she performed alongside local performers and thrilled the crowd at the Sala Ouverture Roma with her sexy, vibrant energy.

Jetting off to France on Feb. 14, Solenn celebrated the day of love with her fellow FrenchFilipinos as she graced the “Handog 2015: Philippine-Paris Ball” held at the Club Haussmann in Paris. The venue was filled to capacity with Filipinos from all over the country applauding Solenn’s performance, which included a classic French song. French singer Candice did a special performance with “Handog,” originally performed by Filipino singer- songwriter Florante.

The evening’s festivities recognized exceptional Filipinos, as well as Filipino community organizations and business in France.

Before heading back to Manila, Solenn went to Denmark on Feb. 16 for “Hej, Copenhagen!” held at the Sankt Annæ Kiŗke, in cooperation with the Filipino Danish Center. Solenn’s presence was the highlight of the night, which also recognized the community works of the Filipino Danish Center and the launch of GMA PinoyTV in the country. Honorary Consul Poul Krogh was among the specials guests.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming response we received from Filipinos in our recent European caravan and we assure them that GMA International will continue to provide quality news, entertainment and services,” says Francia. “Following the recent launch of our channels through Lyca TV, we are positive that we will continue to gain ground in Europe, essentially serving as a bridge between our fellowmen and our home country.”

The Kapuso caravan in Europe was also staged in partnership with local community organisers European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) UK Dreamers Productions and the Filipino Danish Center .

Catch the latest news and entertainment from the Philippines by subscribing to GMA’s three international channels – GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International – which are available across various platforms in over 16 countries across Europe through Lyca TV. To subscribe, you may visit the website www. lycatv.tv for details.

Solenn had a courtesy call with His Excellency Enrique manalo, Philippine Ambassador to the court of St. James

Solenn packed her bags to tour Europe in celebration of GmA International’s launch in Europe through Lyca tV.

Solenn, along with other Filipino models, walked the runway for Filipino designer Jackie Peñalosa’s (4th from right) fashion show in London

the amiable actress-host poses with her fellow hosts at GmA Pinoy tV’s “ciao, Rome!” show.

Solenn poses with kids while doing her show in Rome, Italy.

Solenn was welcomed by a full house at “Handog: Philippine-Paris Ball” in club Haussmann in France. (photo by: Dick Villanueva)

GmA International’s presence is felt around London as a Lyca tV taxicab is spotted in the streets