The Standard - 2016 March 18 - Friday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXX NO. 37 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 FRIday : MaRCH 18, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Church, PPCRV clash anew

aCCount foR P7-b fund, RoxaS told By Christine F. Herrera and Vito Barcelo

THE opposition United Nationalist Alliance demanded that administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II account for P7 billion in unliquidated fund transfers, including cash advances for foreign travel and typhoon rehabilitation funds that were incurred while he was Interior and Local Government secretary.

Citing a 2014 Commission on Audit report, UNA spokesman Mon Ilagan said the fund transfers also covered projects such as the Provision of Potable Water program (Salintubig), Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana), Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB), Rehabilitation Assistance on Yolanda (RAY), and the Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP). “This is an indication that the

DILG failed to monitor the implementation of the projects,” Ilagan said, quoting the CoA report. “The receivables accounts accumulated to a huge amount of P7.040 billion because management failed to monitor the liquidations of the fund transfers and submission of the corresponding financial reports contrary to CoA Circular No. 94-013,” the audit agency said in its report.

Aside from the unliquidated fund transfers, the same report revealed that some P17 million in cash advances also remain unliquidated, Ilagan said. In its 2013 annual financial report, CoA said the DILG under Roxas accrued P1.1 billion in unliquidated cash advances “granted for local and foreign travels and for special purpose/time-bound undertakings.” Next page

Oral arguments. The Supreme Court’s justices on Wednesday started the oral arguments on the petition of former senator Richard Gordon asking the Commission on Elections to implement the giving of vote receipts in this year’s elections. Danny Pata

Santiago to miss debate in Cebu

It’s final, SC tells Comelec: Give receipts By Rey E. Requejo and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea from the Commission on Elections to reverse its decision compelling the poll agency to issue printed receipts from 92,000 vote counting machines that will be used

during the May 9 elections. Court spokesman Theodore Te said the justices denied the Comelec’s motion for reconsideration after Solicitor General Florin Hilbay argued the poll agency’s case against activating the voter verified paper audit trail feature on the machines, saying it could lead to a failed election.

The Court ruled last week in favor of a petition filed by former senator Richard Gordon to compel the Comelec to issue printed receipts in line with the Automated Election Law. Te said 12 justices voted to dismiss the Comelec appeal. Senior Associate Justice Antonio Next page

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‘Kim Wong referred all accounts’ Account... From A1

“Mar Roxas’ track record as secretary of the Interior and secretary of Transportation and Communications speaks volumes of his executive abilities,” Ilagan said. “They even took on projects for which they had no technical knowledge, and now they are having a hard time monitoring these and liquidating the advances,” Ilagan said in Filipino. Ilagan said if Vice President Jejomar Binay became president, the administration would focus on the proper implementation and monitoring of government projects and programs. “When investors see that projects are properly implemented, this will help attract more capital, generate more jobs, and pro-

It’s... From A1

Carpio and Asssociate Justice Lucas Bersamin were on leave, while Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta had no vote. Gordon, who filed the petition before the high court, said the ruling showed that the people’s votes are important. “The Supreme Court did not fail the people. For the first time, voters can now breathe easy as they are assured their votes will be counted correctly. Thank you, Supreme Court, for upholding the Filipinos’ votes,” he said. “I’m sure the Comelec will be able to comply with the requirements of the law now that the Supreme Court has denied with finality their motion for reconsideration. As we have presented, there is enough time for the preparations. I know they can do it,” Gordon added. During oral arguments, the Comelec acknowledged that it is still possible to push through with the May 9 elections even if the ruling on printed receipts is upheld. “It is still possible to print the receipts,” Commissioner Christian Robert Lim said, in response to a question from Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. The Comelec was also allowed to conduct a demonstration of the vote counting machiness, with one that issued receipts and another that did not. Leonen, who wrote the decision, said the justices had carefully read the law and agreed that the printed receipts are mandated under the automated elections system. He said all the other operational problems were “managerial problems that are not supposed to be addressed to the Court but to the Comelec.” Lim told the Court that the Comelec would have to move the elections to May 23 to take into account the reconfiguration of the source code or the secure digital cards of the vote counting machines. Without changing the source code, however, the receipts would not carry security features such as the ballot ID and hash code, Lim said. Leonen said the Court did not direct the Comelec to reconfigure the source code, but only to issue vote receipts. He also said the time needed for adjustments would be cut if the

vide additional revenues to enable the state to take better care of our poor and marginalized countrymen,” he said. “The Vice President has vowed to appoint people with proven track record and experience to Cabinet positions so that they can hit the ground running and there will be no more learning curve,” he added. Of the P17 million in unliquidated cash advances, P5.54 million were from the DILG’s Central Office, which also houses the Office of the Secretary, the CoA report said. “We recommended and management [DILG] agreed to require the immediate liquidation and settlement of all the cash advances and initiate the filing of criminal and administrative charges against the accountable officers with unliquidated cash advances granted before Dec. 31, 2011,” CoA

auditors said. “The unliquidated cash advances of Roxas’ DILG in 2013 represented 10.85 percent of the total P10.14 billion unliquidated that year,” Ilagan said. The Roxas camp played down the UNA demand. “The entire amount has been downloaded to individual LGUs mainly as financial assistance for various BUB projects, and rehabilitation and reconstruction projects such as Bohol Earthquake Assistance and Recovery Assistance for Yolanda,” Rep. Barry Gutierrez, a Roxas spokesman, told The Standard. “Responsibility for liquidation is with now the LGUs. Many projects are still being implemented and have thus not been liquidated. All these funds are fully accounted for and the entire process is completely transparent,” he added. With John Paolo Bencito

source code does not need to be changed. Leonen also said it was not within the power of the Comelec to postpone elections in the entire country, but only in selected areas. Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista assured the justices the Comelec would do its best under the circumstances, but warned that there would be risks. “My reservation is what kind of election are we going to have... if we are going to force issues,” Bautista said. The Comelec chairman also told the Court that it is important that the source code is reconfigured for the purpose of issuing receipts as the current source code will not suffice. In arguing for the Comelec, Hilbay raised the possibility of a failure of election. “Every interpretation entails a cost. In this case this cost translates to a substantial and unanticipated burden on the preparations of the Comelec,” Hilbay said. Among the costs involved in enabling voter receipt feature, Hilbay said, were: a voting period that will stretch to an average of 20 hours; a degraded voter experience that results in voters leaving polling places; an increased incidence of machine malfunction and failure; new opportunities for cheating; an added burden on teachers serving as board of election inspectors; heightened risk of an election failure; and decreased overall confidence in the Comelec’s ability to conduct credible, honest and orderly elections. The chief state lawyer argued that the vote printing feature of the VCMs will have little impact on the credibility of the 2016 elections considering the last two automated elections turned out to be credible despite the non-issuance of the receipts. He said there was no need for the VVPAT because the Comelec had put other measures into place, including random manual audits of the polling precincts. Hilbay gave the Court three options: deny the motion for reconsideration and incur the costs; reconsider its decision and not incur the costs; or to declare that its decision was prospective in character. Gordon, the author of the Automated Election Law, welcomed the Court’s decision, saying it was time it was properly implemented. “Why cannot the Comelec do its

job? If they cannot do it, the course is to resign or take other jobs,” Gordon said. Election watchdog Kontra Daya also praised the Court for holding firm on its decision. “It is our hope that Comelec will now undertake all necessary efforts to implement this provision of the law. We call on the public to be vigilant. The vote receipt is just one of the safeguards watchdogs groups have long advocated.,” Kontra Daya convenor Rick Bahague said. It also called on the Comelec to conduct another round of mock elections, with the added feature of vote receipts and with the inclusion of transmission and canvassing in the tests. Following the decision, Bautista said the VCMs could already issue receipts even without changing the source code, but these would not have any safeguards to ascertain they were authentic. “In fact, receipts of voters in Quezon City can be interchanged with those in Cebu since the location of the precincts will not even be mentioned,” he said. He also said changing the source code would take time—and the result would have to again be reviewed by their international certifier and other stakeholders. “If we will be placing additional information in the receipts, like the precinct number and locations, we will need a new trusted build,” Bautista said, referring to the source code. House leaders said the Comelec must prepare for the May 9 elections as scheduled following the Supreme Court’s decision. House Majority Floor Leader and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said the Comelec must now refrain from making any pronouncements about not pushing through with the May 9 elections and instead comply with the Court’s decision. The camp of presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe also welcomed the decision, calling it a “victory for... democracy.” “This decision once again strengthens the transparency of our electoral system. We are now calling on Comelec to implement the... decision and to see to it that we conduct fair, timely and efficient elections,” said Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian. With Sandy Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz and Junex Doronio

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

RCBC branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Thursday that casino junket operator Kim Wong had referred all the accounts used to hold the $81 million that hackers stole from Bangladesh Bank that was then laundered through local casinos. Responding to a question from Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, she said in an executive session that Wong was a friend of Lorenzo Tan, president of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Deguito also said Tan had told her “to take care of that guy,” referring to Wong. She said she had gathered from that statement that Wong should be given preferential treatment. But Tan denied Deguito’s account, saying it was illogical. “Why would I tell her to take care of this guy when he was her client in the previous bank?” he said, referring to East West Bank, where Wong was Deguito’s client. Asked if he knew Wong, Tan said: “She [Deguito] knows him better. I have no business with him. I met him sometime in 2002 as a restaurant owner. Since then, we didn’t see each other for 12 to 14 years.” He also denied inviting Deguito to join RCBC when she left East West Bank. “We have an email trail that she was interviewed by three [people]. I never interviewed branch managers,” he said, noting there were five layers between him and branch managers. Earlier, at the public hearing, a former branch employee testified that he saw a paper bag stuffed with P20 million—believed to be part of the $81 million that hackers stole from the Bank of Bangladesh—loaded into Deguito’s car. The branch’s former customer service head Romualdo Agarrado said he remembered that on the day the $80 million arrived on Feb. 5, the branch’s senior customer relationship officer Angela Torres requested P20 million from the bank’s Cash Center. When an armored van arrived at 5:30 p.m., he and Torres counted the money and transferred it to the teller.

“Between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m., the teller put the money in a box, counted it again and placed it inside the room of the branch manager, Maia Deguito,” he said. Deguito was out of the branch at the time, he said. He said the bank messenger, Jovy Morales, then transferred the money from the box into a paper bag and loaded it into Deguito’s car with Torres’ help. “I saw it clearly because I was sitting at my table fronting the main door of the branch. It was made of glass so it could be clearly seen outside, even though it was 6:30 or quarter to 7:00 p.m…. I saw it personally,” Agarrado told the Senate panel chaired by Senator Teofisto Guingona. On Feb. 9, when there was a recall of funds, he informed Deguito who Agarrado said gave him “a blank stare.” After that, a series of recall of funds instructions arrived. At the time, Agarrado said, he did not know that the accomplished deposit and withdrawal slips were already with the teller. He said he did not know who the signatories were. Later in the day, he said, Torres was called to Deguito’s room. “She said so many things. What stuck in my mind was.. she said ‘I would rather do this than have me [and my family] killed,” Agarrado testified. Frightened by what he heard, he returned to his table. On Feb. 12, the bank’s investigation began and some auditors interviewed Torres, Morales and Deguito. When Enrile asked Deguito about Agarrado’s testimony and asked if a threat had been made upon her life, she denied the statements and said she would disclose everything in an executive session. With Maricel V. Cruz

Senate hearing. Maia Santos-Deguito, manager of the RCBC branch in

Jupiter, Makati, covers her face on the second day of the Senate hearing on the alleged laundering of $81 million on Thursday. Lino SAntoS

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LP seeks support for its candidates Roxas, Robredo CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The ruling Liberal Party has sought the help of the incumbents in the vote-rich provinces of Pampanga and Isabela to ensure the victory of its standard bearers Manuel Roxas II and Leni Robredo. In Pampanga, Roxas, Robredo and President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday wooed the Pampangueños, including Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, a long-time ally of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. “Your unwavering walk through the straight path is the reason why corruption has ended in our country,” Pineda told Aquino. “Mr. President, expect all Kapampangan to support your anointed candidates.” Pineda is running unopposed for Pampanga’s gubernatorial post in the May 2016 elections. Conspicuously absent during the LP rally in the Pampanga provincial capitol was another Pineda rival, former Pampanga Gov. Mark Lapid, who is now running for senator under the Liberal Party’s ticket. Another incumbent, Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III, a ranking member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, has expressed his support for Roxas and Robredo. In a radio interview, Dy said he will campaign for the LP candidates in his province because the reforms started by Aquino should continue. He said the Aquino administration had done so much for the province. “Even if I’m an NPC member, I am supporting the LP candidates,” said Dy, chairman of the NPC in Isabela. Dy even joined Robredo in a radio interview before they attended an event celebrating International Women’s Month in Cauayan, Isabela, on Thursday. Dy is running against another former staunch ally of the LP in the province, former broadcaster and Isabela Gov. Maria Gracia Padaca, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee for public service in 2008. Padaca will be running as an independent candidate for the 2016 gubernatorial race in Isabela after the LP decided to ditch her. John Paolo Bencito

Santiago to miss debate in Cebu PRESIDENTIAL candidate Miriam Defensor Santiago, who earlier said she had licked her cancerous cells, on Thursday said she could not attend Sunday’s presidential debate in Cebu after she was accepted as fit to undergo a clinical trial for a new and unnamed anti-cancer pill. In June 2014, Santiago announced she had been diagnosed with Stage-4 lung cancer and then went on a medical leave from the Senate as she underwent treatment, which included the use of a “miracle drug.” And when she filed her Certificate of Candidacy for president in October last year the senator said she had gone over the hump, although she still had lingering “cancer symptoms.” In a statement she issued on Thursday, Santiago said she joined the international clinical trial to gain free access to the medication, which otherwise would have cost her half-a-million pesos every three weeks. She said the trial required her to report for outpatient radiation treatment at the hospital daily for a short period. The senator, whose term ends in June 2016, said she would try and participate in the third and last presidential debate if the ongoing treatments did not inhibit her. “I am very sorry to miss out on the debates, but it would be a disservice to the country if I forwent the opportunity to get rid of my cancer completely and strengthen myself further to serve the Filipino people,” Santiago said. Santiago attended the first presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City last month, where she said her only purpose in seeking the presidency was to spend the rest of her life running after the corrupt. Despite her cancer, the feisty senator has delivered speeches in several universities around the country, banking on her popularity among the youth to boost her presidential bid. In all her campus speeches, Santiago urged the voters to vote for candidates with academic, professional and moral excellence. She also asked the youth to campaign for her, recalling the massive impact of the youth volunteers in her 1992 run. Macon RamosAraneta and Joel E. Zurbano

Drilon, AMLC, Inquirer tagged in ‘conspiracy’ THE law firm of presidential candidate Jejomar Binay on Thursday tagged Senator Franklin Drilon, the AntiMoney Laundering Council and Philippine Daily Inquirer in a conspiracy behind the “smear campaign” against Binay in a bid to divert attention from the $81-million money-laundering scandal that was pulled off right under the Aquino administration officials’ noses. Binay’s law firm Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza Binay said Drilon and his party mates in the ruling Liberal Party were identified as the ones who dropped the casinos from being covered by the AMLC investigation. In a turnaround, Drilon and the AMLC officials now want to include the casinos in the AMLA coverage. “On its face, the smear campaign of the Philippine Daily Inquirer appears to be a malicious retaliation against the vice president and his law firm,” SPCMB partner Claro Certeza said. “It must be recalled that the vice president, through SPCMB Law, previously instituted a P200-million libel suit against the PDI, which the Court had already ruled as having basis to proceed to trial. “While this may still be an objective of the malicious article and extra-ordinary coverage being given to it by other media outfits, there appears to be a more sinister motive at play…. a possible cover-up to hide a scandal so big that it affects those in the current administration and its not-so- secret candidate.” Certeza said the following undisputed

facts should be considered in trying to unmask the real motive behind the latest smear campaign against Binay, the standard bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance. First, he said, the screaming headlines of the Inquirer were published on the days that the Senate were to conduct a hearing on the $81-million money laundering case. Second, Certeza said, the law firm that represents the chairman of the AMLC in the P200-million libel case filed by the vice president was also the same law firm representing the bank and its officials allegedly involved in the $81-million money laundering. Certeza did not name the law firm but the Senate records during the hearing this week showed the AMLC officials were represented by the Angara Abello, Concepcion Regala and Cruz law offices. He said a member of the AMLC, who may be held liable for being remiss in her duties on the $81-million moneylaundering case, was with the same law firm. “The Senate President [Drilon] is connected to this same law firm [ACCRA],” Certeza said in a three-page statement. “The members of the political party of the Senate president were the ones who changed the Senate version of the AMLA to exclude the casinos [from the investigation].” “[Deported Chinese national] Wang Bo was accused of being part of a purported bribery attempt involving members of the political party to which the Senate President belongs,” Certeza said, referring to the stories that came out in The Standard that Wang Bo allegedly paid off several lawmakers for the immediate passage of the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law, President Benigno Aquino III’s pet peace measure, in exchange for a release order from the custody of the Bureau of Immigration.

Clearly, Certeza said, the article of the Inquirer resurrecting the issues based allegedly on a purported AMLC report, which may have been issued more than five months ago and the subject of the gag order, was a desperate attempt to mislead the public. “Knowing the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s utter contempt for and its role in the demolition by public perception of Vice President Binay, this is not surprising anymore. Sadly, the newspaper has adopted the policy of sensationalism at the expense of truth,” he said. “Today’s screaming headline of the PDI was but a pathetic attempt to divert and diminish public attention from the most embarrassing scandal of all—the inefficiency and ineptitude of the AMLC and the present administration to prevent the $81-million money-laundering case involving the foreign reserve funds of the government of Bangladesh.” By allowing itself to be used as a political tool to harass and persecute those opposing the current administration, Certeza said, the AMLC ignored its mandate to address the serious moneylaundering cases being brazenly committed by international crime syndicates in the Philippines. “Aside from the $81-million embarrassment currently being investigated, the AMLC was also inutile in preventing Wang Bo from his alleged P91-billion money-laundering activities,” Certeza said. “Worse, the inefficiency and ineptitude of the AMLC are further manifested by its utter failure to keep confidential all reports and proceedings prepared and/or initiated under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. “AMLC allowed the Philippine Daily Inquirer to print several articles involving its dubious report that is replete with lies, half-truths, misleading statements and allegations that have since been retracted by the AMLC.” Christine F. Herrera

Known for supporting charitable institutions, the Wong Chu King Foundation (WCKF) recently completed its annual donation of various food, water and medical supplies for the 98 children aged 0 to 6 years old of White Cross, Inc. (WCI). in San Juan, Metro Manila. The White Cross was established in 1936 by a group of devout Catholic women headed by Mrs. Victoria Lopez de Araneta as a response to the tuberculosis plague where mostly marginalized children are affected. In photo are (L-R) WCI maintenance staff Runiel Alimo-on, WCI stock staff Marvin de Vera, WCKF coordinator Cristina Villanueva, WCI head Mary Pauline Tan, WCKF volunteers Napoleon Cordez, Sophia Gonzalo and Gen. Edilberto Adan (ret.), WCI social workers Donabelle Tahan and Glory Canillas, WCKF volunteers Jenevie Aglugub and Gretchen Mojica together with the Children of White Cross.

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Church, PPCRV clash again By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan A CAtholiC prelate again slammed the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting on Thursday for its supposedly continued subservience to the Commission on Elections instead of working to protect the vote of the Filipino people.

Team Digong. Supporters of presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodolfo ‘Digong’ Duterte light candles at Burnham Park in Baguio City simultaneously with those from other parts of the country. DAVID CHAN

US jet pilots to train Pinoys By Florante S. Solmerin AMERICAN fighter pilots will be training Filipino jet pilots beginning with the annual Balikatan military exercises next month, the military said Thursday. For the first time, the two FA50 “Golden Eagle” jets that the country purchased from South Korea will be used in air maneuvers exercises with US Air Force A10 “Thunderbolts” and British Hawker Hunter, said Philippine Air Force spokesman Colonel Enrico Canaya. “But first our pilots will be trained inside the classroom. This is definitely a good opportunity for us to increase and enhance our training, especially with our counterparts. This will further increase our training experience. This is a good

development on our side,” Canaya said. “They will also do the theoretical aspect and the practical exercises,” Canaya said, noting that the training will involve air interceptions, combat manuevers and close air support. Canaya also said all the country’s Aermacchi S211 trainer jets will also participate in the maneuvers with the Golden Eagle, Thunderbolt and Hawker Hunter. He said the jet fighter training will be in Luzon, but he declined to specify the areas. Traditionally, however, air strike exercises have usually been held in Crow Valley in Tarlac. Another air force source part of the maneuvers may also be held in the northern part of the West Philippine Sea, but “I don’t know if it includes the vicinity of the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Masin-

loc, Zambales.” This is the first time the PAF will be fielding supersonic aircraft to the Balikatan exercises since the decommissioning of its Northrop F-5 “Tiger” jet fighter fleet in 2005. The Philippines and the US have been holding the Balikatan exercises since 2002. Prior to the delivery of the first two FA50PHs last Nov. 28, PAF presence in Balikatan air maneuvers consist of its subsonic Marchetti-SIAI S-211 jet trainers along with its Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” attack aircraft and various models of the UH-IH “Huey” combat utility helicopters and MG-520 attack choppers. The Philippines has a 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries worth PHP18.9 billion. Deliveries of the remaining 10 aircraft are expected by 2017.

Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said the PPCRV has repeatedly contradicted the Catholic Church’s position on key election matters and his archdiocese is glad they decided to withdraw support for the poll watchdog in 2013. “Once again, the PPCRV under the leadership of [Henrrietta] de Villa and her lawyers defends the Comelec instead of being the citizen’s watchdog,” Arguelles said in a radio interview after it was reported that De Villa opposed the issuance of vote receipts because of possible vote buying. “This declaration contradicts the CBCP stand,” said Arguelles, noting that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines had already issued a pastoral letter last Jan. 31 urging the Comelec to activate the voter verified paper audit trail required by the automated election law. “We pray and urge Comelec to be strict and scrupulous in following the safeguards provided by law towards this goal,” CBCP president Socrates Villegas said in the pastoral letter. Aside from the VPPAT, Villegas said the CBCP also wants the Comelec to use ultraviolet lamps to verify official ballots, use digital signatures, hold trustworthy a source code review that is not hampered by restrictive conditionalities, a true random manual audit immediately after the voting exercises; and reports on the Comelec website on the election results by precinct. “We commend the Comelec for working towards a truly credible election: one that is not only honest, orderly and peaceful but is also perceived as such,” Villegas said. But De Villa contradicted the position of the church and echoed the Comelec position saying that vote receipts will only encourage vote buying because a voter will have proof that he voted for a certain candidate. De Villa also repeated the Comelec argument that it does not have enough time to reactivate the VVPAT feature because the agency has less than two months to prepare for the automated polls.

Tribal poll places tested By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Commission on Elections said on Thursday it will create special polling places for indigenous people in Mindoro Occidental and Oriental that will serve as the pilot test of similar polling places in other parts of the country. Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10080, dated March 14, the commission ordered the creation of 18 separate polling places and five accessible voting centers in a total of 21 barangays in the two neighboring provinces. “The Comelec has approved the establishment of pilot SPPs and AVCs in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro for the 2016 elections in line with the request of the IP communities to address their issues on access and discrimination on Election Day,” the resolution said. SPPs refer to the polling places established in existing voting centers, where qualified IP voters shall cast their votes. AVCs, meanwhile, refer to the newly established voting centers located near the communities of the qualified IP voters, where they shall cast their votes.

Data from the Comelec Committee on IPs indicate that there are a total of 2,884 IP voters, who are included in the Election Day Computerized Voters’ List for IP, that stand to benefit from the establishment of SPPs and AVCs. Oriental Mindoro voting centers, where SPPs will be established, are in Cassillon Minority School in Brgy. Pinagturilan, Baco; Villa PagAsa Elementary School in Brgy. Villa Pag-Asa, Bansud; Malo Elementary School in Brgy. Malo, Bansud; Rosacarra Elementary School in Brgy. Rosacarra, Bansud; Lisap Elementary School in Brgy. Lisap, Bongabong; Siange Elementary School in Brgy. Lisap, Bongabong; San Roque Elementary School in Brgy. San Roque, Bulalacao; Dangcalan Elementary School in Brgy. Dangcalan, Bulalacao; Manguyang Elementary School in Brgy. Manguyang, Gloria; Budburan Elementary School in Brgy. Budburan, Mansalay; Sabang Elementary School in Brgy. Sabang, Pinamalayan; Matulatula Elementary School in Brgy. Matulatula, Pola; Bugtong na Tuog Elementary School in Brgy. Bugtong na Tuog, Socorro; and So. Centro Multi-Purpose Hall in Brgy. Concepcion, Victoria.

Revolutionary spirit. Supporters of the New People’s Army hold a lighting rally in

Binondo, Manila on Thursday for the rebel group’s 47th founding anniversary on March 29. DANNY PATA

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Romualdez hopeful on PWD bill By Maricel V. Cruz

Cavite crowd. Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez delivers his message to more than 15,000 supporters during the Bacoor Youth Summit at Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor City, Cavite. Romualdez bares his Malasakit platform on free education, health, job creation, livelihood, agriculture, and disaster preparedness. Ver NoVeNo

Binay shortens Ilocos trip, prepares for Cebu debate By Christine F. Herrera FOR the first time, opposition United Nationalist Alliance standard bearer Vice President Binay, cut short his Ilocos sorties Thursday, not to rest, but to prepare for Sunday’s second round of presidential debate in Cebu. But the debate preparation was again cut short because Binay decided to barnstorm Cebu starting Friday, or two days ahead of the debate and the day after. as the Visayas leg of campaign sorties begin, Binay will proceed to Siquijor and Dumaguete after Cebu. Binay skipped barnstorming ilocos norte to meet its governor, imee Marcos, the

sister of independent vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Binay had visited the provinces of Pangasinan, la Union, Benguet and ilocos Sur from March 11 to March 16. He was supposed to visit la Union on March 17 to cap the ilocos region sorties but had to fly back to Manila. on thursday, Binay was “incommunicado” from journal-

ists, who wanted to know what the vice president was up to. Binay would again make a public appearance from March 18 to 21 in Cebu, then March 22 to 23 in Siquijor and Dumaguete. Binay will be meeting and debating with his four opponents on Palm Sunday during the debate in UP-Cebu on March 20. But Binay was able to attend to motorcades and whistlestops in ilocos Sur, with Gov. ryan Singson, the son of former ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson. “Don’t i have the right to go back to Manila on an emergency? i have to set my priorities. that’s what you call management. You know how to handle your priorities,” Binay said before he left for Manila.

Binay said he need not prepare for the debate because the truth is on his side. “i don’t need to prepare because i would tell the truth. We have to distinguish that what my opponents are doing to me now are all baseless. Panay bintang, bintang. only the courts can say which is the truth or not or that you had done something wrong. the courts have yet to rule on that,” Binay said. Binay said among the issues to be tackled in the presidential debate is corruption and that he was not intimidated by it, even if it carries criminal liability because the allegations against him were false and were meant only to demolish his credibility and undermine his chances of winning the presidency.

Senatorial candidate and leyte rep. Martin romualdez on thursday expressed high hopes that President Benigno aquino iii will soon sign the measure exempting persons with disabilities from the payment of 12 percent value-added tax on certain goods and services as a gesture of ‘malasakit’ to the Filipino. romualdez said his House Bill 1039 has been transmitted to the office of the President in Malacañang March 2 and that an estimated three million PWDs all over the country await for the President’s action on the measure. “We should not lose hope. We do believe that our measure that promotes and upholds the rights and welfare of the PWDs will soon be signed into law by the President, we are positive about the President’s ‘malasakit’ to PWDs,” romualdez, lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution association, said. romualdez said his bill, once enacted into law, will be an equalizing measure that would accord PWDs exactly the same privilege being enjoyed by senior citizens who are exempted from Vat payment. to expedite the process of making the bill a law, the regular route is for the House Bills and index Service transmitting the measure to the Presidential legislative liaison office. HB 1039 was ratified by the House of representatives and the Senate before Congress adjourned for the Christmas break last December, and was signed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon last February. the proposed law grants 12-percent Vat exemption to PWDs on certain goods and services. “My bill will put PWDs on equal footing with senior citizens who are already exempted from Vat payment on top of their 20 percent discount,” romualdez, head of the House independent Bloc, said. romualdez’s measure seeks to amend republic act 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability as amended by ra 9442 giving PWDs 20-percent discount. earlier, various organizations of PWD demanded the House leadership headed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to transmit the bill to the Palace for immediate action. once enacted, the PWD bill would also allow the relatives, up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, taking care of handicapped measures to claim a tax deduction of P25,000 in their annual income tax.

35 solons going for Grace FreSH from a fruitful Cavite swing where she obtained the support of the revilla clan, independent presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe is set to win over 35 lawmakers from the Visayas region headed by a former liberal Party chairman in negros occidental rep alfredo “albee” Bantug Benitez. according to the Benitez camp, the number of lawmakers who will be pledging their support to Poe does not include the lawmakers of the so-called Visayan bloc Benitez is leading at the House of representatives. the lawmakers will make their formal declaration of support to Poe, during the campaign rally of the Partido Galing at Puso at Bacolod City Plaza, today Friday, March 18, 2016. More than 20 party-list representatives and lawmaker from ilocos region and other provinces are expected to be present in the event. thousands of supporters are expected to attend the rally to listen to the message of Poe, her running mate Senator Francis escudero and the senatorial candidates of PGP.

Benitez, a former member of lP, left the party last year after having misunderstanding with administration party bet Manuel roxas ii who according to the local leaders of the province have reportedly supporting candidates who are not members of lP. the decision of Benitez to leave the party is a big lost to lP because he is known to have strong influence among lawmakers particularly those from the Visayas region. ako Bicol Partylist rep. rodel Batocabe, who is expected to join the rally, is one of the many local officials who believe in Poe’ capability to lead the country. Poe, frontrunner in the pre-election presidential surveys, on thursday got the support of revilla, one of vote-rich Cavite’s most powerful clans. Cavite Vice Governor Jolo revilla, his mother, Bacoor rep. lani Mercado revilla, and Bacoor Mayor Strike revilla brother of Senator ramon “Bong” revilla, have thrown their support to the Poe-escudero tandem during i the visit to the province.

Pressure. Protesters troop to the Supreme Court building along Padre Faura in Manila on Thursday March 17 asking the justices to affirm their decision ordering the Commission on Elections to issue voters’ receipts. DANNY PATA

F ri day : M a rc h 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Customs sets new meat rules By Vito Barcelo

The Bureau of Customs has adopted a new measure to ensure that only properly documented imported meat are able to get through Customs gates, Commissioner Alberto Lina said on Thursday.

Biking for change. Senator Pia Cayetano greets a big crowd in Laguna to continue her Ronda Bisikleta aimed at bringing

the platform of Tunay na Pagbabago (real change) of the Duterte-Cayetano tandem to a bigger number of people across the archipelago. Her fellow senator and brother Alan has teamed up with Rodrigo Duterte to pursue a resolute anti-crime and anticorruption drive if given the mandate by the people in the May elections.

ERRORS & OMISSIONS In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LEONARDO C. NADAL was extrajudicially settled among his heirs as per Doc. No. 159, Page No. 33, Book No. 5, Series of 2016 under Notary Public Atty. Ramon V. Villaflor.

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

Request foR expRession of inteRest foR the pRocuRement of consultancy seRvices to manaGe the KfW-funded dof technical assistance foR sustainaBle Revenue opeRations and leGal affaiRs (phase ii of the capacity development suppoRt pRoJect) 1.

( T S - M A R . 11,18 , 2 3 , 2 016

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, with office address at 3/F Cityland Condominium 10, Tower 1, 156 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an expanding developer of economic and low-cost housing project (Pines Peak Tower II) with a capacity of 767 economic and low-cost housing units on a nonpioneer status, with project site at Union corner Pines St., Brgy. Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City.

The BAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted eligibility documents and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 (RA No. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The short list shall consist of at least one (1) prospective bidder who will be entitled to submit bids. The criteria and rating system for short listing are: Applicable Experience Quality of Personnel to be Assigned Capacity to Execute the Consultancy Project Total

– 30% – 20% – 50% – 100%

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of RA No. 9184. 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.

(TS-MAR. 18, 2016)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that CEBU AIR, INC, with office address at Cebu Pacific Building, Domestic Road, Barangay 191, Zone 20, Pasay City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Operator of Air Transport Services (A320 # 42) with a capacity of 180 passenger seats on a non-pioneer status, with project site located at Manila Domestic Airport, Pasay City. Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) RAFAELITO H. TARUC Director (TS-MAR. 18, 2016)

The Procuring Entity’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the procurement of consulting services for the Project. Interested consultants must submit their eligibility documents on or before March 31, 2016, 9:45 am at the BAC Secretariat, 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

I. II. III.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) RAFAELITO H. TARUC Director

The Government of the Philippines through the Department of Finance (hereinafter referred to as “DOF” or the “Procuring Entity”), has received a Grant (hereinafter called “funds”) from the Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbu (KfW) of the German Government toward the cost of hiring Consultancy Services to Manage the KFW-Funded DOF technical Assistance for Sustainable Revenue Operations and Legal Affairs (Phase II of the Capacity Development Support Project). The DOF intends to apply a portion of the funds in the amount of Twenty Million Pesos (Php20,000,000.00), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), to eligible payments under the contract for Consultancy Services to Manage the KFWFunded DOF technical Assistance for Sustainable Revenue Operations and Legal Affairs (Phase II of the Capacity Development Support Project) (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”). Bids received in excess of Twenty Million Pesos (PhP20,000,000.00) shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposals.

The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality Cost Based Evaluation (QCBE) procedure. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

The contract shall be completed within a period of nine (9) months from issuance of Notice to Proceed.

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

For further information, please refer to: Lilia R. Tan, Head - BAC Secretariat Department of Finance BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo, Sr. Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila Telephone No.: 526-8475 Telefax No.: 525-4227 Email Address: ltan@dof.gov.ph

(TS-MAR. 18, 2016)

(SGD) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

Lina said the BoC has come out with various issuances on valuation, which aims to establish and impose uniform reference value on imported poultry, pork and beef products. The BoC chief said all importations of poultry, pork and beef products should first secure clearance from the Office of the Commissioner prior to their release. Lina also issued a memorandum requiring examination of all shipments in refrigerated container vans (reefer vans) in the presence of Samahang Industriya sa Agrikultura and Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. “The BoC is now in the process of procuring reefer facilities to facilitate the inspection requirement as mandated by the Food Security Law and to avoid unnecessary delays and expenses which may be incurred not only by the government but also by the stakeholders,” Lina said. The local hog raisers have blamed the unabated smuggling of meat products for their predicament saying that the oversupply and dumping of cheaper imported meat in the local market is killing the country’s hog raising industry. The BoC earlier seized more than three million kilograms of frozen meat at the Manila International Container Port abandoned by its importer since January 2015 for lack of import permit. MICP Auction and Cargo Disposal Division chief Gerry Macatangay said the 147 container vans of meat were consigned to Jcore Enterprises, Lucky Sisters and Lean Pasture Inc., which arrived in separate dates between January and June 2015. Lina ordered the frozen meat destroyed. “We would like to make the local hog and poultry raisers understand the measures we have already put in place to contain meat smuggling, especially at this time of the year when attempts to sneak illegally imported meat into the country happen the most,” Lina added.

5 candidates get UP ‘think paper’ By Rio N. Araja THE University of the Philippines has called on presidential bets to invest in “knowledge capital,” saying that “higher education is the key to inclusive growth.” UP president Alfredo Pascual said the university has already presented a “think paper” on Knowledge-Based Development and Governance to the five presidential aspirants—Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senators Grace Poe and Miriam Santiago, former Interior and Local Government secretary Manuel Roxas II and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte “for their consideration.” The study, which Pascual called “a road map to inclusive growth, can form the basis for a comprehensive review of the country’s educational and human resource development policy, particularly in research and development, he said, adding the adoption of the right set of policies could enable the country to catch up with its Asian neighboring countries in producing a high-level human resource. “We hope that all our presidential candidates will read this paper and respond to its findings and recommendations in their platforms,” the University president said. “We will welcome their ideas, and are inviting them to share those ideas with the University community and our people at large.” On March 20, UP-Cebu will host the second presidential debate, of which education is one of the key topics.

F R I D AY : M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

NEWS

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Region 1’s 2nd most wanted man falls By Dexter A. See CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union—The No. 2 most wanted person in Region 1, involved in robberies of schools in La Union, Cordillera and Metro Manila, was collared Monday at Barangay Sayangan, Atok, Benguet. Senior Superintendent Angelito Dumangeng, La Union police director, revealed that the suspect identified as Murphy Suarez As-il, has three pending cases of robberies in La Union, one in Balaoan town and two in San Fernando City, and illegal possession of explosives in Quezon City. Dumangeng said witnesses also pointed the suspect as involved in the robbery of two schools in Bacnotan town wherein a total of 29 computers and LCD projectors were stolen. The suspect, believed to be the leader of a school robbery gang, was also charged in a school robbery in Rosario town where at least P800,000 worth of computer equipments and TV sets were taken. Dumangeng said the warrants of arrest against the suspect were issued by Judge Manuel Aquino of the Regional Trial Court in Balaoan town; Judge Asuncion Fikingas-Mandia and Judge Caroline Jaucian, both in San Fernando City; and Judge Maria Rita Bascos-Sarabia of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 215 in Quezon City. “Other cases would be filed against him because some witnesses have surfaced identifying him as the culprit behind the theft that happened in their schools,” Dumangeng said. A source said that the suspect was seen on a close circuit camera while doing the illegal activity.

Panels. The 22.325-MW Clark Solar Project, with 78,000 solar panels, is the first renewable energy project in the Clark Freeport Zone. DANNY PATA

Nomadic tribes in Leyte push for basic education By Ronald O. Reyes

BATO, Leyte—Jesus Menjani Esmani, 48, surveys his classroom and finds it in order. The Badjao native from Jolo, Sulu has been teaching high school students for 17 years since his parents migrated to Leyte province when he was still a child. “We are known for our nomadic life. Because of the education I got, I was able to find my permanent place here in Leyte,” says Esmani, who also happened to be the first professional among the over 600 Badjaos residing in barangay Dolho, in Bato, Leyte. At present, he is a regular permanent teacher at Bato National High School in the town.

“My life was very difficult then. Most of my childhood days were spent at the sea, going fishing with my father. I soon realized that I have to study so I can lift myself from poverty,” Esmani adds. “Education helps me overcome discrimination and hopelessness,” he says. Salvador Lampinigan, 38, the second Badjao who got a college degree in Dolho, also shares the sentiment of Esmani, believing that “education will save our tribe.” While still reviewing to get his pro-

fessional teacher’s license, Lampinigan also finds time advocating the importance of education to his fellow Badjaos in their community. “They are now more inclined to go to school instead of roaming around begging or doing nothing,” he adds. Meanwhile, education officials in Leyte have pushed for various literacy programs for Badjaos and other indigenous people like Mamanwa and Manobo who are not able to enter formal schooling in the province. “From Bato to Isabel and Burauen in Leyte, we have opened alternative learning system to bring education at their doorstep,” says Roberto Mangaliman, chief of the Alternative Learning System in the province. “We have 302 teachers both permanent and volunteers working for

their education,” says Mangaliman, adding that their literacy program is a step to preserve and promote the tribes’ culture and tradition. Mangaliman says he is happy that their programs got all the support from Leyte division schools superintendent Ronelo Al Firmo. “In Bato alone, there are 69 Badjaos attending classes,” says Maria Rita Salilin, ALS teacher. “We also made them sign a covenant that they will fully support the program,” adds Rosemarie Guino, focal person for indigenous peoples in Eastern Visayas. While tribal elders and parents are enrolled in ALS to learn basic literacy and numeracy, their children and grandchildren are also attending formal schooling in their villages.

European envoys visit Mindanao, affirm support to peace efforts By Vito Barcelo

Shop talk. Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Andrea Reichlin (center) talks to businessmen from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao about investments in the region. OMAR MANGORSI

A GROUP of European ambassadors visited Cotabato City this week to reiterate their support to the peace process and development in Mindanao. The group was composed of Ambassadors Maria Christina Theresia Derckx (Netherlands), Franz Jessen (EU), Thomas Ossowski (Germany), Chargés d’Affaires Mihai Sion (Romania), Nigel Boud (United Kingdom), Deputy Ambassadors Fabio Schina (Italy), Xavier Leblanc

(Belgium), Gabrielle ZoblKratschmann (Austria), Maria del Carmen BarciaBustelo (Spain), Laurent Legodec (France), Attachés Riccardo Dell’Aquila (Italy), Diego Sanchez (EU Delegation), Program Manager Edoardo Manfredini (EU Delegation). They met with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, ARMM officials and other stakeholders. They will also check the implementation of EUfunded projects in the area. “Our visit to Cotabato City highlights the EU and

its member states’ continuing support for the Mindanao peace process and development in the region. Our hopes remain high that the positive gains achieved in the peace process will be sustained despite some challenges, especially as the parties remained engaged and committed to continue their journey to peace,” the diplomats said. The ambassadors said they will continue to support the efforts of the parties that recently have been reconfirmed in Kuala Lumpur.

F R I D AY, M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

SERENO, MAJORITY, PLURALITY

[ EDI TORI A L ]

RECORD TOURIST NUMBERS FOREIGN tourist arrivals topped the 500,000 mark in January, the first time it breached the level in a single month. The record number suggests that airports in the Philippines will be hard put to accommodate the influx, given the poor state of infrastructure in the country. The Department of Tourism early this week reported that foreign tourist arrivals rose 13 percent to a record 542,258 in January this year from 479,149 year-on-year. The figure put the government on track of meeting the six million goal this year. Rising tourist numbers are a boon to the Philippine economy. Foreign visitors instantly boost the local economy by creating jobs. They move hotels, restaurants and related facilities to expand their offerings to meet increased demand. The expansion of these establishments, in turn, will create additional job opportunities and boost the overall economy. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. was upbeat on the January tourism figure. “This rapid growth is allowing creation of decent jobs and livelihood for many Filipinos,” he says. “For 2015, tourism employment was estimated at 4.99 million with a share of 12.7 percent to national employment, already representing 4.8 percent growth from 2014.” The tourism sector is already one of the major dollar earners in the country, along with exports, migrant Filipino workers and revenues from business process outsourcing companies. But its sustainability as a major contributor to the economy is suspect because of inadequate support facilities. The government’s record in repairing and establishing worldclass airports is poor. The country’s premier airport—Ninoy Aquino International Airport—for one, is not at par with its counterparts in Asia. Secondary roads leading to pristine beaches and other major tourist destinations are poorly maintained and do not provide comfort to foreign visitors. Security is also a problem. The government still cannot ensure the safety of tourists in some secluded getaways. The Philippines will take several years yet to match the tourism strides of Thailand and Malaysia, until the government has the resolve to prioritize airport expansion and make the stay of tourists safer and more comfortable.

AWASH WITH CASH BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO WHY does Maia Santos Deguito’s testimony have to be in executive session? And why does she want Anti-Money Laundering Council officials excluded from the closed-door hearing? It had to take Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to reject Deguito’s request for executive session to give full disclosure. But in the end he was outvoted by the majority in the Senate banking committee inquiring into the $81 million

hacked from the Bangladesh bank account in New York. “Who are you to ask for an executive session? You can tell all at this hearing, and if you have a death threat, tell us,” fumed an exasperated Enrile who threatened to cite Deguito for contempt. Enrile’s motion to cite Deguito for contempt prompted committee chairman Teofisto Guingona III to call for a recess. Senators Tito Sotto, Alan Cayetano, and Guingona favored an executive session for Deguito’s testimony and convinced the committee to hold the executive session. The RCBC Jupiter branch

manager is a major player and her role in this whole sordid affair has to be unraveled. The guilty have to be punished. This is a transnational crime that has sent shock waves to the banking world. It has given the Philippines a black eye—from a transshipment point for drug trafficking to the world’s money laundering capital, how can it get any worse? This is a country awash with cash but sadly nothing trickles down to the downtrodden. This latest caper is an intricate web of conspiracy involving bank officials and the suspect beneficiaries who opened a pal-

There is no shortage of corruption cases that lie in wait for this supposedly incorruptible government.

try $500 account, left it dormant for a year until the huge $81 million hacked from the Bank of Bangladesh account came in. There must also have been collusion at the other end of the Bangladesh bank in Dhaka. The Bangladesh bank’s printer was not working during the four days the bank could have received instructions to stop payment of the siphoned $81 million. The RCBC Jupiter branch’s CCTV camera was also not working on Feb. 5 when some P20 million was withdrawn by Deguito.The withdrawal slip allegedly signed by depositor William Go was placed in a bag and taken to Deguito’s car which immediately took off. This was according to branch

official Romualdo Agarrado who said he witnessed the whole proceedings. When off-loaded from a PAL flight about to take off, Maia Deguito said she and her husband were taking their son to Disneyworld in Tokyo. Was she fleeing when the whole thing blew up and made news headlines? The senators should have asked for the Deguitos’ plane tickets to determine whether there was no onward flight from Tokyo. Their booking and flight itinerary can be easily secured from the airline. It would lend credence to Deguito’s claim

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-

if she can show they only bought and booked a Manila-Tokyo-Manila roundtrip ticket without any onward flight to the US. Her claim she acted with the full knowledge of bank higher-ups was disputed by RCBC president Lorenzo Tan who said he does not know and has never met his branch manager. “She [Deguito] is five layers below me,” said Tan as he dismissed her claim like saying he does not get involved with the household help. We thought all along that hands-on bank presidents meet with branch managers at least

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once a year to see how business is doing. Raul Tan, RCBC treasurer, however, testified Jason Go, a valued bank client and close friend of Lorenzo Tan, had a hand in the assignment of Maia Deguito to RCBC Jupiter branch which was approved by the board. Philrem head Salud Bautista, on the other hand, smiled, made faces and stalled for time when answering questions. She claimed Philrem earned a pittance in the handling of the $81-million remittance converted to pesos Continued on A10

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

IN MORE than 66,200 words and 200 pages (as a journalist who used to be paid by the word, both in pesos and in dollars, I know the value of verbiage), the reply to Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio’s dissenting opinion on the Grace Poe vs. Comelec case was actually made by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno who penned a concurring opinion to the entire court’s 9-6 decision on March 8. The ruling allowed the senator to run in the May 2016 presidential elections while glossing over questions on whether she is a natural-born Filipino and that she has lived in the Philippines for at least 10 years prior to this year’s election. Carpio does not believe Poe meets both minimum qualifications for president— a natural-born Filipino and a resident of this country in the last ten years. He also contends there is no majority SC decision from among the court’s 15 jurists, as to Poe’s being natural born. His math shows seven in favor, five against, and three having no opinion. Sereno’s math reckons 13 justices who voted on the issue and seven is majority of 13, and majority, in law, and in plain arithmetic, is one half plus one. Half of 13 is 6.5, you add one and you get 13.5. Since human bodies cannot be physically divided without being dead, seven is, to use Sereno’s language “a clear majority.” The chief cites the Court’s internal rule which says “All decisions and actions in Court en banc cases shall be made up upon the concurrence of the majority of the Members of the Court who actually took part in the deliberation on the issues or issues involved and voted on them.” Now, did the three justices who had no opinion, take part in the deliberations? If you say they did, it will confuse your math. Using my Rule No. 1 that the “Boss is Always Right” and my Rule No. 2 that says “When the Boss is Wrong, Refer to Rule No. 1,” I clearly say Chief Sereno is right. It is basic in business, in management and in any major organization, that you cannot undercut the boss. Otherwise, you are ousted, or else, put up your own organization. Note that the Supreme Court is not just a major organization. It thinks of itself, often, as a separate republic of the Philippines. What the Supreme Court says is the law of the land, even if it is wrong, which unfortunately, is sometimes, often. So why did the Supreme Court favor Poe and allow her to run for president? We are indifferent, Sereno says in effect. She pontificates: 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

F R I D AY, M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

SERENO, MAJORITY, PLURALITY

[ EDI TORI A L ]

There is no shortage of corruption cases that lie in wait for this supposedly incorruptible government.

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

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

F R I D AY, M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

MERGING SSS AND GSIS FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO WE HAVE heard Mayor Rodrigo Duterte threaten, in several occasions, that if he is elected president, he would abolish the Social Security System because of its inefficiency, uselessness, and corruption. Many of us pensioners have taken his threat seriously. After all, wasn’t he “The Punisher” that Time Magazine featured in its July 1, 2002 Asia edition? Besides, SSS has lately acquired a bad reputation. While its board members award themselves millions of undeserved bonuses, they refuse to grant pensioners a single centavo of pension increase. They just leave members to suffer in long lines when they file their applications for benefits and loans.

We always commit to vote for the one who promises us the most.

But having SSS is better than nothing. We don’t want it abolished. We thus heaved a big sigh of relief when Mayor Digong declared, during a campaign sortie in Dagupan City last March 3, that he would just merge SSS with the Government Service Insurance System. Describing the two agencies’ separate operations as “deficient” and “not working well,” he has realized that a merged institution would serve better all Filipinos whether they work in the private or public sector. Gullible people, we love to hear all presidential candidates promise us anything sweet, especially the moon and the stars. And for us poor pensioners, nothing could be more enticing than the promise of a generous increase in our social protection benefits—PhilHealth hospitalization benefits, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4 Ps, social pensions for indigent senior citizens, and pensions for retired, disabled, and deceased SSS members. We then commit to vote for the one who promises us the most. We don’t question anymore our chosen candidate’s ability to deliver on his or her promises,

Awash... From A9 which purportedly ended at the casinos. Because they boost tourism and earn foreign currency revenue, casinos are ex-

always assuming that his or her sincerity is enough, especially if he or she is the son or daughter of someone we used to love and respect. The more perceptive among us doubted PNoy’s ability to lead us—and even his sanity— but most of us set our doubts aside. In fact, it was us who pushed PNoy to run in 2010. We carelessly took for granted his sincerity to lead us and didn’t require from him proven ability. After all, he was the solo son of then recently deceased President Cory whom her loyal followers now consider a saint. He was even intimidated by his more accomplished and talented rivals—former President Erap Estrada, Senate President Manny Villar, and Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro. Thus, he avoided engaging them in public debates about national issues that plagued the country then. The list of PNoy’s failed performances is now long—hostage-taking debacle that killed eight of 20 Hong Kong tourists at Luneta while he and his cabinet members ate supper in a nearby Chinese restaurant; billions of pesos of Disbursement Acceleration Program funds that were illegally released through Janet Napoles by his government budget officers; massacre of 44 Special Action Force commandoes at Mamasapano; and many others. At this very moment, PNoy still has to convince the international community that his administration is not maintaining a useless and “just for show” anti-money laundering system. He still has to resolve —and return, at the least—that $81-million Bangladesh Central Bank’s money, hacked and laundered through our local banking system and recently opened casinos. Believing that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, we consequently erred when we elected Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III. PNoy has failed to give us pensioners anything. PNoy must have taken seriously his economic propagandists’ usual big joke that his administration has kept inflation at zero with prices of basic goods and services not moving up a single centavo. Thus, despite the clamor for increases, he never adjusted pensions except for that lone five percent SSS pension increase in 2014. The 4Ps cash payments got stuck at P500 per family and P300 per child; the social pension remained at P500; and SSS pensions stagnated at an average of P3,200 and minimum of P1,200. Worse, after Congress approved a P2,000-increase in SSS empted from the purview of the AMLC’s prying eyes. The Senate inquiry supposed to be in aid of legislation is considering including casinos financial operations under the scope of the

APPRECIATING FVR @ 88 from the Almighty and from FVR himself who has served as a constant guide, inspiration, editor and prime mover of said book projects. The past 15 years and the several book teams formed have been a great journey of rediscovering FVR and RPDEV. Together, we now form part of a new group called Fidelistas, ardent students of Fidel V. Ramos. Working with him has allowed my team to experience some core values such as CSW (Completed Staff Work), CSD (Caring, Sharing and Daring), and UST (Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork)—all advocated by FVR. FVR has also become my loving mentor and my second father. I had earlier lost my own when he succumbed to cancer in 1994. He scolds me when he needs to especially when coming in late for our appointed meetings; reprimands me when I am not up to his standards; and pats my back to show his appreciation for the work that I have done. During regular visits to his office, he personally sees to it that my team is served with his “coffee royale” laced with virgin coconut oil because according to him, it does well for the health and vitality. We all have to agree. After coffee, he treats us either with a glass of red wine or his special “FVR cocktail drink” invariably laced with soda, rum, cognac, whiskey or brandy while watching some documentaries or FVR taped interviews showcasing his milestone presidency and continuing work as senior statesman. As for his many sorties overseas, he continues to be admired, respected and adulated as former President and head of state. But there’s one unforgettable experience I had with him that showed the stuff he is really made of. I remember one incident in June 2013 when we staged the Pilipinas Roadshow with my co-book authors former DILG Secretary Rafael M. Alunan III and Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco featuring our book “Silver Linings: 25 Years of the 1986 People Power Revolution,” and “Tagaligtas: A Documentary on the Special Action Force” (long before the Mamasapano massacre happened) in eight key cities in the United States to promote Filipino values and instill patriotism to the Fil-Ams in time for the Independence Day celebration. In spite of the debilitating pain on his back and leg when he injured himself in San Diego, California while doing his usual crunch with some Fil-Ams, FVR, endured the pain and committed to continue the eight-city tour to Atlanta, Georgia, Washington D.C., Virginia, New Jersey and New York without any complaints or grievance. Beyond the pain, the show must go on. Such a kindred and brave soul and he thought the Pilipinas Roadshow Team a lesson on pain management, mind over matter, professionalism and honoring one’s commitment. Through the years that I’ve known him, the many young and not-so-old writers that have been involved with

the book projects have also seen the other human side of FVR—comical, witty and a tad bit serious when needed. I recall when he shook the hands of one female writer and FVR feigned sickness to the lady’s great concern. Such incidents would make most of them wonder how at his age, he still continues to work and contribute to nation building with his wealth of ideas, wisdom and experience. Unfortunately, for the many national leaders who came after him both in the executive and legislative, they didn’t seem to take the golden opportunity of tapping his vast reservoir of wisdom and experience, particularly in the areas of good governance and global diplomacy. I believe that FVR is one of the greatest Philippine Presidents this country ever had. Having served as 12th President of the Philippines from 1992-1998, FVR is best remembered for promoting the principles of people empowerment, a culture of excellence, and global competitiveness, focusing on programs to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos. This is evident in the 229 structural/reform laws enacted by the 9th and 10th Congress during his term, achieved principally by building unity, solidarity and teamwork among government and civil society leaders. As a soldier who served 42 years, including stints in Korea, Vietnam and in the counter-insurgency campaign, FVR retired as a 4-star General and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. He served as Defense Secretary from 1988 to 1991. As President and thereafter, he is better known as a peace builder with the forging of the peace agreement with the rebelsoldiers in 1995 and with the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996. The former President who has been in public service since beginning his career as a cadet in the US Military Academy in 1946, continues to practice his distinct brand of public service through the non-government RPDEV Foundation which he and key members of his former Presidential family organized only months after they left office. And it’s quite unfair to lump him among the underachievers in the last 30 years owing to his legacy of service before, during and after his six-year presidency: West Point honor graduate, Korea and Vietnam War veteran, AFP Vice Chief of Staff, PC-INP Chief, EDSA 1 hero, AFP Chief, Defense Secretary, Philippine President, RPDEV and Boao Forum Chairman, EDSA 2 hero and Senior Statesman. My only prayer for him is that he lives longer and at 88, I know he still can do more for the country. Truly, Fidel V. Ramos has left an endearing legacy and continues to give his imprints on patriotism that celebrate a milestone of life, love, learning for his people and service to our beloved Philippines. Happy birthday, Mr. President!

pensions, PNoy vetoed it fearing that the increase would bankrupt the program by year 2029. Didn’t he know that the Social Security Law mandates SSS to “provide for feasible increases in benefits every four years?” He probably didn’t know that the P500 initial amount of social pension was set way back on Feb. 15, 2010 when the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” was approved into law by Presi-

dent Gloria. As usual, he could blame Congress for its failure to review the social pension every two years. All presidential candidates have promised to increase our social protection benefits, except for Secretary Mar Roxas who is adopting the “no money, no pension increases” policy of PNoy’s Daang Matuwid administration. As in past elections, no one is laying out his or her plan on

how those promises would be delivered. Only Mayor Digong is providing a structural reform that would improve our pension system. Sticking out his neck, he is championing what has been long repeatedly proposed, studied and recommended by local and international pension experts since the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos—the merger of SSS and GSIS.

anti-money laundering law to plug this loophole. Questions are also being raised as to the effectiveness of the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. and its role in reg-

ulating casino operations. The senators also did not ask the lawyer representing suspect Kam Sin Wong a.k.a Kim Wong for a doctor’s certificate to prove his client was unable to attend

the hearing because he was in Singapore for medical treatment. How convenient. The senators left it that without asking when Wong would be able to attend the next hearing.

By Melandrew T. Velasco

NOT all are privileged to work with a former Philippine president. For over 15 years now, I’ve had the blessing of serving alongside former President Fidel V. Ramos, who turns 88 today (March 18), whose love for our country and heart for good governance still ring a bell. FVR, as fondly called by his peers and constituents, is known not just for his thumbs-up sign, “Kaya Natin Ito” slogan, his ears or his tobacco but also for his push-ups and crunches and his programs of his administration especially with Philippines 2000. At a very ripe age of 88, he still plays golf and proudly displays his pacemaker that, he declares, makes him live longer by 25 more years. Even in his 80s, he has never failed to carry on what he has started. He has always been a good soldier who likes to say that he would rather die serving his country with his boots on than sit idly to enjoy his retirement. He continues to inspire and stimulate, stir and enthuse, define and redefine, challenge and defy. Sixteen years after he finished his term as President, Fidel V. Ramos, FVR or Eddie, the private citizen, refuses to be “tired even while retired.” He continues to be “a reformer despite being a former President,” and “ex”—but not in excess and certainly not yet expired. Other former chiefs of state write their memoirs and then fade into the sunset. He has written close to 30 books while in retirement and through keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, university convocations, etc., keeps reminding his successors and other leaders of the urgent things that need to be done for our country and people to achieve a better future. Our relationship can be described as a wonderful journey that transcends the books we have done together. Since 2000, FVR has commissioned me to write on the biographies of his loved ones: “Enduring Legacy,” on his father Foreign Affairs Secretary Narciso Ramos; “ IN A Class of Her Own,” on his mother Angela Valdez Ramos; “Mommy: The Pillar of Social Work” on mother-in-law Josefa Jara Martinez; “Simply Ming,” on First Lady Amelita “Ming” M. Ramos; “Uncle Sim” on Simeon Marcos Valdez; and, “Colors of Light” on his artist, poetess auntie Lucia Mangapit Valdez. Among the best book projects we worked and produced together are Silver Linings, a story on the 25 Years of the 1986 Revolution, and Teamwork for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development chronicling 10 years of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV), a non-profit, non-political, non-partisan non-government organization where he acts as chair, and then several books later. It not only a singular honor and privilege writing books but I always consider it is a gift and a blessing

F R I D AY, M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

MAIL MATTERS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SHOW SSS IS MANAGED WELL

THIS refers to the three columns published in The Standard, particularly: the column of Ms. Elizabeth Angsioco entitled, “Social insecurity” published on January 23, 2016; the editorial entitled, “Our own countdown” published on January 25, 2016; and the column of Mr. Jojo Robles entitled, “Beauty and beastliness” published on January 26, 2016. We would like to inform you that since Rep. Neri Colmenares proposed the pension increase in 2014, SSS has conveyed its position on his proposal. Attached as Annex A is the Chronology of Events of SSS Actions on House Bill 5842 for your reference. We would also like to clarify that the grant of Performance-Based Bonuses to SSS officials and employees are authorized by the Governance Commission for GOCCs, the oversight body which religiously monitors the performance of GOCCs and grants authority to give the PBB. The grant of PBB is based on the accomplishments of SSS which is being evaluated annually by the GCG. The PBB is a merit-based incentive being given not only to SSS but to other GOCCs as well. The amount of PBB depends on the performance of the institution and subject to the guidelines of the GCG. SSS is evaluated through a scorecard which contains performance targets for the year. In order to qualify for the PBB, SSS must accomplish at least 90 percent of its GCG-approved performance targets. Our performance scorecard is open to public scrutiny and can be accessed at the SSS website under the transparency seal. On the other hand, the salary received by SSS officials and employees are in accordance with the SSS Compensation Structure im-

plemented by the Social Security Commission in July 1997. The SSS Compensation Structure was the result of Job Evaluation and Compensation Study conducted by Andersen Consulting which set the SSS salaries in line with the salary levels in the banking and insurance industries which came closest to the kind of services being provided by SSS to its members. We admit that SSS pensions are low because member contributions are low as well. As a comparison, the SSS contribution rate is only 11 percent of the P16,000 maximum monthly salary credit as against the 21 percent contribution rate based on actual salary in the Government Service Insurance System. Even if we compare the SSS contribution rate with our neighboring countries, the SSS contribution rate is much lower compared with the contribution rate in Malaysia (26.25 percent) and Vietnam (30.50 percent) based on total monthly salary. We reject the claim that our collection efficiency is only 40 percent which is based on the calculation of Rep. Colmenares and not by SSS. His simple calculation is unreasonable because it did not consider SSS members who have lost their jobs and those who no longer have the capacity to pay. The alleged collection efficiency is what we call coverage ratio, computed as the number of actively paying members at 12 million over the total members of SSS at 33 million. The 12 million refers to the members who regularly pay their contributions, majority of them in the formal sector while the 33 million comprise the total membership of SSS, which includes those who only paid once and those who pay intermittently, but are qualified for cer-

Sereno... From A9

“the principles that Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez evoked in her concurring opinion in Tecson v. COMELEC, the landmark case involving as respondent a presidential candidate for 2014, the late Ronald Allan Kelly-Poe: “Let it not be forgotten that the historic core of our democratic system is political liberty, which is the right and opportunity to choose those who will lead the governed with their consent. This right to choose cannot be subtly interfered with through the elimination of the electoral choice. The present bid to disqualify respondent Poe from the presidential race is a clear attempt to eliminate him as one of the choices. This Court should resist such attempt. The right to choose is the single factor that controls the ambitions of

“It is important for every member of this Court to be and to remain professionally indifferent to the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Whether it turns out to be for a candidate who best represents one’s personal aspirations for the country or who raises one’s fears, is a future event we must be blind to while we sit as magistrates. We are not the electorate, and at this particular juncture of history, our only role is to adjudicate as our unfettered conscience dictates. We have no master but the law, no drumbeater but reason, and in our hearts must lie only the love for truth and for justice. This is what the Constitution requires of us.” She then cites a precedent—

#FAILOCRACY

tain benefits so we have to ensure that they could depend on SSS in times of need. Contrary to Colmenares’ computation, collection efficiency is defined as the amount of contributions that SSS has collected versus the collectible amount. This is computed by dividing contributions by the collectible amount. In the 2013 CoA report, SSS contribution collections stood at P103.1 billion against the collectibles of P116.6 billion. Therefore, SSS collection efficiency in 2013 was at 88 percent. This ratio improved in 2014, as contribution further increased to P120.65 billion from P103.1 billion which resulted to almost 90 percent collection efficiency. This shows that SSS has improved its contribution collections from members in the last several years. We would like to clarify that information on the P325-billion uncollected revenues of SSS was based on the 2008 data in a letter from former SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Romulo Neri sent to former Congressman Lorenzo R. Tanada III as basis for the contribution penalty condonation implemented in 2010. Based on the 2013 CoA report, contribution delinquency was down to P13.5 billion. Even if we collect the P13.5 billion contribution delinquency, this would not be sufficient to fund the P2,000 pension in-

crease since for 2016 alone, we will be needing P56 billion to fund the pension increase. We are in the process of disposing assets through public bidding such as the Manila North Harbour center lots, HK Sun Plaza, Marilao and Villa Josefina properties.From 2006 to 2015, the SSS has sold over 2,100 acquired properties with a total selling price of P 1.2 billion through the annual Housing Fair organized by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. On the other hand, about P1 billion worth of assets are already up for bidding such as the HK Sun Plaza which was offered for long-term lease last November 2015. The rest of SSS assets are either for sale, or are retained as SSS property due to their expected increase in value. The SSS financial statements show that it is managed well. In the past five years, the SSS fund showed tremendous growth and increased the fund life by four years from the previous valuation of 2039. SSS has improved its contribution collections from members particularly those in the formal sector. After 12 years, when benefit payments outpaced contributions collected, SSS once more experienced contribution surplus starting in 2012. In October 2015, the contribution surplus amounted to P9.9 billion. This indicates that members’ contributions are more than enough to pay out benefits and operating expenses without dipping into the investment income. Prior to 2012, contribution collection alone was not sufficient to pay benefits, and the SSS had to dip into the investment income to cover the deficit. In terms of revenue, SSS gained P44.5 billion in net revenue in 2014. The average net revenue of SSS qua-

drupled from P8 billion (2000 to 2009) to P33 billion (2010 to 2014). For the same period, total assets grew by 50 percent from P298 billion in 2010 to P447 billion in October 2015. On the other hand, total investment and other income generated by SSS has reached P34.5 billion in 2014. The investment income yielded a Return on Investment of 8.74 percent in 2014, outperforming market benchmark indicators like the 10-Year Treasury Bond and the 364day Treasury Bill which averaged 4.3 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively. It is unfair to compare SSS to the Home Development Mutual Fund since we have different mandates. The HDMF provides a national savings program and affordable shelter financing for the Filipino worker while SSS primarily administers pension fund for workers in the private sector and provides social security benefits such as sickness, retirement, maternity, disability, death, funeral, and employee’s compensation. Notably, SSS provides more benefits to its members as compared to which primarily finance housing loans. Aside from pensions, SSS also provides cash assistance for childbirth or maternity, sickness, disability, and death. Even members’ beneficiaries are also taken care of with death benefits or survivorship pension, as well as the funeral grant. Thus, any proposed changes in the benefit structure, or in the amount of pensions must be carefully evaluated to ensure the fund viability of SSS for the benefit of all its members.

those who would impose through force or stealth their will on the majority of citizens. We should not only welcome electoral competition, we should cherish it. Disqualifying a candidate, particularly the popular one, on the basis of doubtful claims does not result to a genuine, free and fair election. It results to violence. x x x. We have seen Edsa I and Edsa II, thus, we know that when democracy operates as intended, an aroused public can replace those who govern in a manner beyond the parameters established by public consent.” In effect, the highest court of the land is saying that in this year’s presidential election, the more the merrier, especially given the choices—who are described by critics as, and not necessarily in order of quality or popular-

ity—an alien, a thief, a killer, an incompetent lackey, and one not necessarily in the pink of health who declares God refuses to let her die. Thus, asserts my chief, Sereno: “When the people vote on May 10 (wrong date–asl) and cast their ballots for President, they will be exercising a sovereign right. They may vote for respondent Poe, or they may not. When they vote, they will consider a myriad of issues, some relevant, others trivial, including the eligibility of the candidates, their qualities of leadership, their honesty and sincerity, perhaps including their legitimacy. That is their prerogative. After the election, and only after, and that is what the Constitution mandates, the election of whoever is proclaimed winner may be chal-

lenged in an election contest or a petition for quo warranto. Where the challenge is because of ineligibility, he will be ousted only if this Court exerts utmost effort to resolve the issue in a manner that would give effect to the will of the majority, for it is merely sound public policy to cause elective offices to be filled by those who are the choice of the majority.” It still boils down to plain arithmetic. Majority. The will of the majority. Or something less than that—a plurality. A clear plurality. With five candidates for president, the 2016 winner is not expected to score a clear majority on election day. Not even the Supreme Court can make that as clear as day. biznewsasia@gmail.com

MARISSU G. BUGANTE Vice President Public Affairs and Special Events Division

CHONG ARDIVILLA

friday : m arch 18, 2016

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world

sports@thestandard.com.ph

‘Trump victory a major global risk’ LONDON—The prospect of Donald Trump winning the US presidency represents a global threat on a par with the jihadist militancy destabilizing the world economy, according to British research group EIU.

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

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

Tel. No. (053) 323-6210 TIN 000-916-415

INVITATION TO BID No. 13-2016 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Region 8, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contracts. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Approved Budget for Contract (Php)

Duration

20,972,993.92

300 cd

2. Calbiga IP Contract #02-2016 – Construction of Canal and Canal Structures, Calbiga Irrigation Project, Calbiga Samar

22,948,863.14

300 cd

3. Calbiga IP Contract #03-2016 – Construction of Canal and Canal Structures, Calbiga Irrigation Project, Calbiga Samar

25,767,794.64

300 cd

4. Calbiga IP Contract #04-2016 – Construction of Canal and Canal Structures, Calbiga Irrigation Project, Calbiga Samar

20,030,652.47

300 cd

Item/Description 1. Calbiga IP Contract #01-2016 – Construction of Main Canal, Calbiga Irrigation Project, Calbiga Samar

The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government procurement Reform Act”. Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm. The pre-bid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the Bid documents. The schedule of BAC activities are as follows: BAC Activities Issuance of Bid Documents

Schedule Starting March 3, 2016

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

Pre-bid Conference

March 10, 2016

10:00a.m.

Receipt and Opening of Bids

March 21, 2016

2:00 p.m.

In the latest version of its Global Risk assessment, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked victory for the Republican front-runner at 12 on an index where the current top threat is a Chinese economic “hard landing” rated 20. Justifying the threat level, the EIU highlighted the tycoon’s alienation towards China as well as his comments on Islamist extremism, saying a proposal to stop Muslims from entering the United States would be a “potent recruitment tool for jihadi groups”.

It also raised the specter of a trade war under a Trump presidency and pointed out that his policies “tend to be prone to constant revision”. “He has been exceptionally hostile towards free trade, including notably NAFTA [the North American Free Trade Agreement], and has repeatedly labeled China as a ‘currency manipulator’.” it said. “He has also taken an exceptionally rightwing stance on the Middle East and jiadhi terrorism, including, among other things, advocating the killing

of families of terrorists and launching a land incursion into Syria to wipe out IS [and acquire its oil].” By comparison, the group gave a possible armed clash in the South China Sea an eight—the same as the threat posed by Britain leaving the European Union—and ranked an emerging market debt crisis at 16. A Trump victory, it said, would at least scupper the TransPacific Partnership between the US and 11 other American and Asian states signed in February, while “his hostile attitude to free trade, and alienation of Mexico and China in particular, could escalate rapidly into a trade war.” “There are risks to this forecast, especially in the event of a terrorist attack on US soil

or a sudden economic downturn,” it added. However, the organization said it did not expect Trump to defeat his most likely Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, in an election and pointed out that Congress would likely block some of his more radical proposals if he won November’s election. Rated at 12 alongside the prospect of a Trump presidency was the threat of Islamic State, which the EIU said risked ending a five-year bull run on US and European stock markets if the terrorist attacks escalated. The break-up of the eurozone following a Greek exit from the bloc was rated 15, while the prospect of a new “cold war” fueled by Russian interventions in Ukraine and Syria was put at 16. AFP

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

Noted: (SGD) ROMEO G. QUIZA Regional Manager

(TS-MAR. 18, 2016)

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

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

Tel. No. (053) 323-6210 TIN 000-916-415

INVITATION TO BID No. 12-2016 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Region 8, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contracts. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Item/Description 1. Basey IP Contract #01-2016 – Construction of Main Canal, Canal Structures & Service Road of Basey IP, Basey Samar 2. Basey IP Contract #02-2016 – Construction of Main Canal, Canal Structures & Service Road of Basey IP, Basey Samar 3. Basey IP Contract #03-2016 – Construction of Main Canal, Canal Structures & Service Road of Basey IP, Basey Samar 4. Basey IP Contract #04-2016 – Construction of Main Canal, Canal Structures & Service Road of Basey IP, Basey Samar

Approved Budget for Contract (Php)

Duration

22,051,523.44

300 cd

22,212,149.14

300 cd

22,211,246.42

300 cd

Laidback life. A young koala sits on a tree at the zoo in Duisburg, western Germany, on March 16. AFP

25,666,245.44

300 cd

Danes the happiest people on earth

The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government procurement Reform Act”. Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm. The prebid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the Bid documents. The schedule of BAC activities are as follows: BAC Activities Issuance of Bid Documents Pre-bid Conference Receipt and Opening of Bids

1. 2. 3.

Schedule Starting March 3, 2016 March 10, 2016 March 22, 2016

Time 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 10:00a.m. 2:00 p.m.

Noted:

(SGD) GLORIA A. SEVILLA BAC Chairman

(SGD) ROMEO G. QUIZA Regional Manager (TS-MAR. 18, 2016)

NEW YORK—Denmark, closely followed by Switzerland, is again the happiest country in the world while crisis-torn Syria and Burundi are the most miserable, according to a global ranking released Wednesday. The 2016 World Happiness Report seeks to quantify happiness as a means of making societies healthier and more efficient. The United Nations published the first such study in 2012. As with last year, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia and Sweden round out the top 10, making small or mediumsized countries in Western Europe seven of the top 10 happiest countries. Denmark, which was ranked

first in the 2012 and 2013 versions of the report but lost that honor to Switzerland in 2015, now reclaims its title as happiest country on Earth. Burundi was the most miserable, followed by war-ravaged Syria, Togo, Afghanistan and six other countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Benin, Rwanda, Guinea, Liberia, Tanzania and Madagascar as the least happy of 157 countries. The report compared data from 2005 to 2015 showing that Greece, which suffered enormously from the global recession and now faces a crippling migrant crisis, had the highest drop in happiness. The United States, where sharp polarization has been exposed in the 2016 presidential election

campaign, out-ranked several Western European countries to be 13th most happy nation, up two spots from last year. Germany was 16th, Britain 23rd and France 32nd. A string of Middle Eastern kingdoms— Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain—out-ranked Italy, which came in at number 50, and Japan, which took the 53rd spot. China, the world’s most populous country, was ranked 83rd and India, the world’s largest democracy, came in at 118. The authors said six factors— GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption—explain almost three-quarters of the variation across different countries. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELL

FRIDAY: MARCH 18, 2016

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

Slow but expensive net a bane to subscribers

NEWS that negotiations between Australian phone and Internet provider Telstra and San Miguel Corp. had been scuttled was met with a lot of groans. People were hoping that a third player would come in to ease the suffering they always go through with the sloooow but expensive Internet connection at home and in the office. Not only that, some have to go to ridiculous lengths just to get a signal like going up the attic, or looking like a lunatic going around the house waving the phone (or iPad or tablet) to restore the G or LTE from the infuriating E. One buddy residing in the north confessed to us that one time, he was so tempted to “climb up the coconut tree just to get a frigging signal” to email a document for his job application. Many certainly welcome the suggestion of senatorial candidate Susan “Toots” Ople to legislate a bill that would give subscribers more rights in lights of the very slow and expensive Internet connection in the country today – actually a Bill of Rights for Internet subscribers. As the lady noted, the Philippines has one of the slowest Internet speeds in the world. Per the reckoning of Ookla, an Internet metrics provider, in the whole of Asia, we’re just a little better than war-torn Afghanistan but slower than Pakistan! Ople says we have the slowest connection rate in the entire Southeast Asia, and ranked 158th out of 190 countries worldwide with an average speed of 3.54 megabits per second (Mbps). Hong Kong has 77 mbps – which makes it numero uno in the world, followed by Singapore with 65 mbps. Frustrated much? You’re not alone. “We go all over the country to campaign and the Internet service is so slow but the people especially the plan holders pay the same rate,” she observed in the vernacular. “There should be full disclosure from those offering Internet service where the average time for downloading and uploading files, plus the speed and reliability of service depending on the place where the subscription service is being sold should be indicated,” the senatorial candidate said. Makes sense, because there are places where the claimed speed is much slower to the point that you get dizzy just watching the rainbow colored cursor go round and round as you wait to connect or upload/download. Try passing through the whole stretch of Edsa (or even from Ayala to Shaw Boulevard) with your data service on and observe how the signal changes from LTE, to 3G, then E -- until suddenly everything goes kaput and you see “No service available” staring at you. As the former labor undersecretary explained, the concept for the Internet Bill of Rights is similar to the current Bill of Rights policy being followed by airline companies for air passengers. “We can use that as a precedent; we just need to gather all stakeholders to agree on what should constitute a fair use policy for Internet subscribers,” she said. The lone senatorial candidate of the Nacionalista Party noted that Internet service providers collect the same rates across the country regardless of how reliable or terribly inadequate the service is. “The Bill of Rights would include a full disclosure policy wherein subscribers are told about the speed, capacity, and pocket areas where the service is expected to be extremely spotty, in which case the subscriber should not be charged the full rates that consumers in better-served areas are paying,” the labor advocate said. “Our overseas Filipino workers rely on Internet service to bridge the distance and remain close to their families. They are frustrated by the lack of reliable service from the Philippine end,” she added. Consumers must be assured that they are getting their money’s worth from the Internet service provided by local telecommunication companies, and authorities have to look into the slow but expensive service people are putting up with. Even foreign investors are turned off by the slow Internet connection, and we don’t really understand why we also have to pay a premium for such lousy service. Just consider: a regular household spends an average of P1,000 (okay, make that P999) a month for Internet service with speeds of up to 2 – we repeat – 2 mbps. Meantime, some telecommunication companies offer speeds of up to 5 mbps but you have to shell out P2,000 a month for that privilege – but no assurance that the speed is really what you get every time. Internet use has become a need, not a luxury since a lot of including job hunting and information-sharing on major issues are now done online. “A fast, reliable Internet service would allow more Filipinos to cross the digital divide and become competitive with their peers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and other parts of the world,” Ople expressed. To borrow a popular TV series title – “Wish ko lang…” ••• For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may email to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com. You may also visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ happyhourmanilastandard. We’d be very happy to hear from you. Cheers!

Cebu Pacific expects to fly 20m passengers By Darwin G. Amojelar

GUAM—The operator of Cebu Pacific said the opening of new destinations such as this US island territory in Western Pacific will enable the airline to increase passengers by 9 percent to nearly 20 million in 2016. “This year, I think in terms of target, we are looking at close to 20 million passengers,” Cebu Air Inc. vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog told reporters. Cebu Pacific carried 18.4 million passengers, including those of unit Cebgo in 2015. Iyog said the growth in passenger volume this year would be driven by the airline’s new domestic and regional routes. Cebu Pacific launched flights

from Cebu to Taipei, Davao to Singapore and Manila to Fukuoka, Japan in the latter part of 2015. Iyog said the airline was also looking at flying to New Delhi in India, Hokaido in Japan and Perth in Australia. “Perth is accessible with our A330 aircraft, but for Hokaido and New Delhi routes would have to wait until we get the A321 NEOs and we take delivery of the new NEOs starting next year,” she said.

“But, I’m not saying that we will start in 2017. It’s one of those things that will be in our radar by then,” Iyog said. Cebu Pacific on Tuesday mounted four-times weekly flights to Guam from Manila. The airline was the only low-cost carrier operating the Manila-Guam route, offering fares at 48 percent lower than the other airlines. Total seat capacity between Manila and Guam is currently at 5,900 per week, on top of the 1,440 seats that will be added to the market by Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific expects delivery of three more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321NEO and 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft between 2016 and 2021. Cebu Pacific’s 57-strong fleet is comprised of 8 Airbus A319, 35 Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft.

British festival. Smart Communications and PLDT Global team up with the British government in

celebrating the Great British Festival at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Shown is British Ambassador Asif Ahmad (third from left) at the Smart booth as he is welcomed by (from left) Smart first vice president for global access and international services Tina Mariano, PLDT Global president and chief executive Alejandro Caeg and PLDT Global marketing communications manager Joyce Lucio.

San Miguel’s profit hits P38b CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said Thursday net profit before the unrealized foreign exchange losses increased 26 percent year-onyear to P38.2 billion in 2015. San Miguel said operating income jumped 41 percent to P78.7 billion, driven mainly by the robust performance of food, beverage and packaging units along with higher margins from oil unit Petron Corp. Consolidated sales, however, fell 13 percent to P674 billion because of the steep drop in crude oil prices and maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas facilities and the downtime resulting from the scheduled major maintenance of the Ilijan and Sual power plants. San Miguel did not mention the unrealized foreign exchange losses it incurred in the whole of 2015. The conglomerate earlier said that in the first half of 2015, it booked P1.1 billon in forex losses. San Miguel Brewery Inc.’s consolidated revenues reached P82.4 billion, up 4 percent from 2014, as domestic operations registered volume and revenue growth of three percent and nine percent, respectively. Jenniffer B. Austria

China slump to affect PH THE Philippines will be among the “hardest hit” countries, if the

economic slowdown in China persists in the next five years, the regional think tank of Asian Development Bank said Thursday. ADB Institute said in a working paper series that the Philippines, along with Malaysia would be the most affected countries in Southeast Asia by the economic slump in China. “In Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Malaysia would be hardest hit, with GDP growth slowing down by more than 0.40 percentage point, due to their strong trade linkages with the PRC [People’s Republic of China],” ADB Institute said. ADB Institute said the average GDP growth rate of developing Asia as a whole, excluding China, would decelerate by 0.26 percentage point in the next five years because of China’s slowdown. The Philippines will experience a cut of 0.47 percent in the economic growth between 2016 to 2020, according to the think tank. “The economies with closer trade linkages to the PRC would suffer more export deceleration. The PRC’s slowdown would dampen the exports growth of the Philippines,”ADBI said. Gabrielle H. Binaday

Peso rises to 4-month high THE peso climbed to a four-month high against the US dollar Thursday, after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady that weakened the greenback against other currencies. The local currency gained P0.40 to close at 46.38 against the dollar Thursday, up from 46.785 a dollar Wednesday. It was the peso’s strongest level since settling at 46.21 per greenback on Oct. 20, 2015.

Total volume turnover stood at $986.5 million, higher than $669.65 million Wednesday. Nicholas Antonio Mapa, research officer at the Bank of the Philippine Islands, said with the Fed keeping rates steady and flagging a slower pace of hike, “all risk currencies are appreciating.” “This can be expected to continue in the coming days as risk-on sentiment dominates,” Mapa said in an e-mailed message. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the Fed’s decision was broadly expected. He said a stronger currency and possible implications for growth plus accommodative policies abroad further lowered the urgency of an “upmove” in the US interest rates. Julito G. Rada

First Gen’s profit falls to $167m FIRST Gen Corp. said Thursday net income attributable to equity

holders of the parent company fell 13 percent in 2015 to $167 million from $193 million it earned in 2014. First Gen said in a disclosure to the stock exchange subsidiary Energy Development Corp. contributed lower earnings in 2015, given higher extraordinary gains in 2014. First Gen said that on a recurring basis, First Gen’s attributable net income rose 7 percent to $163 million from $153 million in 2014 as the natural gas-fired plants benefited from higher dispatch and lower expenses, as well as lower interest expenses at the parent company. “2015 turned out to be a solid year in terms of recurring income. However, our financial results were still below our own expectations driven by the delay in the 97-megawatt Avion and higher expenses incurred at EDC,” First Gen president Francis Giles Puno said. Puno said this year, First Gen looked forward to completing the 97-MW Avion and the 414-MW San Gabriel power plants. Alena Mae S. Flores

Mitsubishi sales up 20% MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corp. said it sold 4,870 vehicles in February, up 19.7 percent from 4,070 units it sold in 2015. Mitsubishi captured 19.4 percent of the Philippine automotive market, keeping its strong number two position in the industry, industry data showed. The company said total sales in the first two months grew 33.1 percent to 9,737 units from 7,313 units a year ago. Growth was recorded in all segments such as passenger car models with 36.6 percent, Fuso truck and bus at 30.8 percent and light commercial vehicles such as SUVs, pickups, utility vehicles at 31.7 percent. It said for the light commercial vehicles, nearly half of the sales were contributed by the Montero Sport. “We are looking forward that the Montero Sport will remain as the best-selling midsize SUV in the market with the outstanding value for money that it offers. We are encouraging those who are purchasing an SUV to test drive the all new Montero Sport at any Mitsubishi dealer and experience for themselves what engineered excitement is all about,” said Mitsubishi first vice president for sales and marketing Froilan Dytianquin. Othel V. Campos

FRIDAY: MARCH 18, 2016

A14

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, March 17, 2016

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

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

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 89 148 20.6 125 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 0.98 241

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3 32 15.32 62.5 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 20.2 71.5 13.24 5.34 0.395 173

3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.34 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

2.3 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 5.9 161 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

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

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

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

76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 0.0670 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 390 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

49.55 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 0.030 0.550 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 170 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

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

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79

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

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

SHARES 10,602,714 86,830,409 256,537,086 158,830,903 421,388,962 1,333,615,611 2,269,056,327

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.92 2.84 46 44.5 105.90 103.90 89.95 87.00 37.5 37 2.98 2.80 1.44 1.39 14.36 14.2 15.28 15.1 0.570 0.560 85.9 84.3 0.96 0.96 14.70 14.40 52.95 52.40 285 282 30.45 29.25 160.7 157 1345.00 1345.00 58.75 57.35 1.54 1.54 INDUSTRIAL 43.75 43.9 42.5 4.99 4.99 4.75 0.75 0.76 0.71 1.49 1.49 1.47 10.5 10.56 10.4 47.85 47.9 43.2 165.00 160.00 160.00 18.2 18.64 18.2 97 120 111 18.46 18.66 18 42.5 43.45 42 2.4 2.42 2.35 6 6.74 5.93 11.6 11.72 11.6 9.290 9.490 9.300 7.73 7.90 7.70 6.08 6.24 6.08 7.05 7.18 7.05 1.55 1.68 1.66 20.9 21.65 20.85 62.5 63 62.9 13.90 13.88 13.72 5.6 5.64 5.5 2.700 2.730 2.650 230.20 232.00 230.40 10.6 10.6 10.22 1.89 1.89 1.85 2.91 2.94 2.76 26.4 26.4 25.9 19.48 20 19.1 6.35 6.44 6.35 325.20 329.00 326.40 3.64 3.71 3.63 9.98 10.26 10.00 3.32 3.34 3.1 11.46 11.56 11.46 4.15 4.18 4.16 1.64 1.68 1.64 2.67 2.78 2.7 4.09 4.12 4.09 5.09 5 4.66 162.5 167 165 2.45 2.46 2.45 0.159 0.159 0.156 1.22 1.30 1.20 2.77 2.77 2.63 197.6 204.2 197.8 4.6 4.6 4.6 0.77 0.8 0.76 1.16 1.18 1.17 HOLDING FIRMS 0.365 0.365 0.340 60.00 61.50 60.80 15.84 16.00 15.92 1.12 1.12 1.12 6.20 6.29 6.28 0.285 0.290 0.285 0.285 0.290 0.285 735 752 735 7.45 7.55 7.44 13.26 13.74 13.26 5.15 5.14 5 4.98 4.98 4.98 0.227 0.229 0.215 1375 1410 1397 5.67 6.10 5.95 9.74 9.75 9.74 74.00 76.05 75.00 6 6.28 5.98 0.71 0.74 0.71 15.48 15.82 15.48 0.420 0.510 0.510 5.99 6.05 5.97 0.0370 0.0370 0.0340 1.990 2.000 1.970 77.90 78.00 77.10 2.24 2.20 2.15 934.00 959.00 944.00 1.09 1.14 1.09 0.76 0.84 0.77 155.00 150.00 150.00 164.000 165.000 160.000 0.3150 0.3250 0.3150 0.1930 0.2100 0.2100 0.300 0.295 0.295 PROPERTY 7.350 7.700 7.380 0.84 0.87 0.83 1.500 1.520 1.470 0.228 0.226 0.226 34.000 35.150 34.200 3.04 3.09 3.03 5.27 5.27 5.15 0.550 0.56 0.540 2.86 45.9 104.00 86.80 37 2.98 1.41 14.36 15.1 0.570 84.35 0.94 14.60 51.95 281 30 155.8 1345.00 57.45 1.54

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.86 46 104.30 89.95 37.5 2.98 1.42 14.36 15.14 0.570 85.9 0.96 14.40 52.60 284.8 30.25 159.9 1345.00 57.50 1.54

0.00 0.22 0.29 3.63 1.35 0.00 0.71 0.00 0.26 0.00 1.84 2.13 -1.37 1.25 1.35 0.83 2.63 0.00 0.09 0.00

90,000 10,100 2,382,370 1,416,750 681,900 177,000 85,000 2,500 187,900 160,000 2,756,360 1,000 106,300 45,890 1,570 642,300 1,651,680 20 102,020 100,000

43.9 4.82 0.73 1.47 10.48 47.8 160.00 18.64 120 18 43.45 2.4 6.7 11.6 9.400 7.80 6.17 7.17 1.68 20.85 62.95 13.72 5.5 2.650 232.00 10.48 1.85 2.8 26 19.3 6.38 326.40 3.68 10.16 3.34 11.50 4.17 1.68 2.7 4.10 5 166.9 2.46 0.159 1.30 2.72 203 4.6 0.77 1.17

0.34 -3.41 -2.67 -1.34 -0.19 -0.10 -3.03 2.42 23.71 -2.49 2.24 0.00 11.67 0.00 1.18 0.91 1.48 1.70 8.39 -0.24 0.72 -1.29 -1.79 -1.85 0.78 -1.13 -2.12 -3.78 -1.52 -0.92 0.47 0.37 1.10 1.80 0.60 0.35 0.48 2.44 1.12 0.24 -1.77 2.71 0.41 0.00 6.56 -1.81 2.73 0.00 0.00 0.86

2,247,100 840,000 104,000 258,000 500 1,200 60 384,200 120 860,100 109,700 199,000 19,203,900 42,200 8,229,900 4,097,900 8,870,100 419,400 31,000 1,654,600 134,050 11,500 120,800 4,733,000 1,227,470 26,700 29,000 5,000 1,911,200 438,500 54,300 285,350 777,000 8,339,800 30,000 48,300 326,000 329,000 62,000 1,229,000 13,000 2,150 138,000 1,180,000 216,000 6,329,000 2,505,700 40,000 8,701,000 21,000

0.365 61.50 16.00 1.12 6.29 0.285 0.285 740 7.47 13.36 5.03 4.98 0.229 1400 6.04 9.74 76.00 6.15 0.73 15.7 0.510 5.99 0.0350 1.970 78.00 2.2 958.00 1.12 0.79 150.00 160.100 0.3150 0.2100 0.295

0.00 2.50 1.01 0.00 1.45 0.00 0.00 0.68 0.27 0.75 -2.33 0.00 0.88 1.82 6.53 0.00 2.70 2.50 2.82 1.42 21.43 0.00 -5.41 -1.01 0.13 -1.79 2.57 2.75 3.95 -3.23 -2.38 0.00 8.81 -1.67

90,000 925,850 49,365,783.00 3,463,500 -2,356,044.00 9,000 4,700 1,690,000 1,220,000 523,080 -127,528,005.00 4,041,500 -7,769,816.00 5,603,400 -13,766,612.00 40,100 10,000 140,000 231,320 -12,674,395.00 1,500 1,800,000 974,000.00 3,241,670 149,676,284.50 6,134,400 -2,318,753.00 278,000 3,039,100 13,709,036.00 10,000 15,531,100 -7,175,487.00 191,400,000 -17,500.00 181,000 603,750 -16,096,920.00 41,000 262,460 140,165,570.00 89,000 446,000 70 64,160 1,270,000 10,000 430,000

7.640 0.84 1.490 0.226 34.850 3.04 5.17 0.550

3.95 0.00 -0.67 -0.88 2.50 0.00 -1.90 0.00

923,900 1,616,000 44,000 10,000 14,972,300 1,215,000 35,300 2,763,000

432,145.00 22,819,162 59,813,452.00 14,684,415.00 26,980.00 -721,428.00 90,345,680.50 -776,760.50 -3,125,120 117,085,592.00

37,045,765.00 4,780.00

695,910.00 4,666,660 17,822,592.00 -218,920.00 46,669,736.00 -17,501,470.00 12,550,976.00 2,594,220.00 -5,579,110.00 -2,501,131.50 -193,128.00 -30,678,212.00

-27,187,175.00 -745,880.00 177,822.00 19,421,468.00 2,700,870.00 -8,350,602.00 -31,000.00 -283,220.00 341,940.00 -1,640.00 7,870.00 56,564.00 -41,650.00 62,800.00 -1,599,550.00 26,147,773.00 184,000.00 -721,960.00

-2,508,088.00

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

Cityland Dev. À’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. Double Dragon Empire East Land Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport À’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp. Phil. Realty À’ 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 1.44 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 7 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 2.46 15.2

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 3.01 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 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 2.95 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 1.71 5 0.315 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp. 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 Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils. Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

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

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

70 553 525 120 515 8.21 111 78.95 84.8

33 490 500 101.5 480 5.88 101 74.5 75

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

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant Alterra Capital Italpinas Xurpas

163,271,950.00 1,030,650.00

12.88

5.95

-5,500.00

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

VALUE 932,571,066.78 1,547,628,297.56 1,871,144,837.91 1,383,037,192.56 1,818,367,423.1849 136,518,066.546 7,715,059,654.5405

FINANCIAL 1,613.13 (UP) 28.99 INDUSTRIAL 11,605.14 (UP) 134.18 HOLDING FIRMS 7,005.84 (UP) 123.36 PROPERTY 2,925.46 (UP) 70.54 SERVICES 1,543.34 (UP) 41.11 MINING & OIL 11,497.02 (UP) 250.96 PSEI 7,210.90 (UP) 145.51 All Shares Index 4,59.03 (UP) 69.78 Gainers: 126; Losers: 54; Unchanged: 42; Total: 222

0.980 0.131 0.495 38.95 0.880 1.02 1.69 1.30 3.95 0.095 0.2210 0.450 8.66 27.40 1.49 3.09 21.05 0.83 5.33 1.000 4.610

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

1.040 0.990 1.040 0.134 0.128 0.128 0.500 0.495 0.500 39.8 38.65 39.45 0.890 0.880 0.880 1.02 0.99 1.00 1.80 1.66 1.75 1.33 1.28 1.32 4.1 4 4.05 0.096 0.093 0.093 0.2400 0.2400 0.2400 0.450 0.445 0.445 8.66 8.64 8.66 29.30 28.00 29.30 1.5 1.48 1.5 3.09 3.09 3.09 21.55 21.00 21.40 0.84 0.82 0.84 5.64 5.59 5.59 1.020 1.000 1.020 4.750 4.620 4.710 SERVICES 7.31 7.5 7.36 7.41 58.65 58.8 58.4 58.4 1.21 1.21 1.21 1.21 0.550 0.540 0.520 0.530 10.5 10.7 10.7 10.7 5.28 5.40 5.27 5.30 0.0660 0.0690 0.0630 0.0630 3.15 3.2 3.15 3.17 85.1 87.2 85.45 87 9.9 9.9 9.65 9.9 6.44 6.44 6.31 6.44 2082 2200 2100 2180 6.90 6.92 6.86 6.86 1.28 1.28 1.25 1.25 64 66.7 64.45 66.7 5.20 5.50 5.50 5.50 11.3 11.4 11.4 11.4 0.0100 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 0.270 0.290 0.260 0.270 1.3000 1.3400 1.2700 1.3400 2.15 2.15 2 2.13 8.10 8.10 7.90 7.97 3.69 3.76 3.67 3.70 1.23 1.34 1.11 1.30 2.76 2.72 2.60 2.72 1.85 1.88 1.88 1.88 2.8 2.88 2.75 2.77 3.98 4.05 3.98 3.98 0.285 0.285 0.270 0.285 0.840 0.890 0.830 0.890 17.48 17.48 17.48 17.48 4.85 5.01 5.00 5.00 99.50 105.00 99.10 105.00 21.70 22.00 21.50 22.00 1876.00 1938.00 1873.00 1932.00 0.445 0.475 0.450 0.450 0.960 0.960 0.920 0.930 36.40 37.60 36.40 37.55 70.50 72.35 70.90 72.00 6.08 6.25 6.06 6.10 3.37 3.54 3.40 3.42 0.510 0.540 0.520 0.530 1.75 1.74 1.62 1.74 3.75 3.87 3.76 3.85 0.320 0.330 0.320 0.325 4.800 4.880 4.760 4.880 MINING & OIL 0.0045 0.0046 0.0044 0.0046 2.07 2.12 2.10 2.12 4.70 4.72 4.69 4.70 0.232 0.240 0.232 0.240 0.63 0.63 0.62 0.62 0.465 0.530 0.475 0.495 7.90 8.09 7.88 8.02 0.830 0.860 0.820 0.820 0.300 0.305 0.295 0.295 0.280 0.300 0.290 0.295 0.295 0.310 0.300 0.300 0.0120 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 2.13 2.17 2.11 2.11 5.42 5.61 5.44 5.5 2.68 2.69 2.6 2.6 0.5400 0.5400 0.5400 0.5400 1.2400 1.2500 1.2400 1.2500 0.0092 0.0100 0.0094 0.0100 0.0092 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 3.94 3.93 3.84 3.84 5.65 6.05 5.79 5.97 1.89 1.95 1.90 1.95 0.0110 0.0130 0.0110 0.0120 136.00 138.00 136.10 138.00 2.69 2.75 2.65 2.69 PREFERRED 58 58.95 58 58 517 529.5 529.5 529.5 530 530 530 530 117.7 117.8 117.8 117.8 515 515 515 515 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.8 108.5 107 107 107 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 82 82 82 82 75.5 75.6 75.5 75.5 76.5 76.5 75.5 75.8 76.9 77 76.4 76.5 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.540 3.560 3.430 3.490 SME 3.64 3.65 3.5 3.65 3.15 3.4 3.16 3.36 16.9 17.4 16.92 16.92 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.9 117.2 116.6 117

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

6.12 -2.29 1.01 1.28 0.00 -1.96 3.55 1.54 2.53 -2.11 8.60 -1.11 0.00 6.93 0.67 0.00 1.66 1.20 4.88 2.00 2.17

25,000 12,150,000 1,090,000 2,206,500 1,080,000 1,975,000 41,243,000 299,000 42,842,000 4,030,000 10,000 40,000 19,600 3,422,800 431,000 3 15,135,600 600,000 3,300 456,000 7,943,000

1.37 -0.43 0.00 -3.64 1.90 0.38 -4.55 0.63 2.23 0.00 0.00 4.71 -0.58 -2.34 4.22 5.77 0.88 10.00 0.00 3.08 -0.93 -1.60 0.27 5.69 -1.45 1.62 -1.07 0.00 0.00 5.95 0.00 3.09 5.53 1.38 2.99 1.12 -3.13 3.16 2.13 0.33 1.48 3.92 -0.57 2.67 1.56 1.67

333,000 132,310.00 48,080 8,000 1,449,000 2,000 5,403,200 -5,187,239.00 218,310,000 -971,990.00 105,000 987,960 -17,224,089.50 1,900 148,700 77,280.00 150,475 113,342,990.00 60,900 43,000 697,250 11,215,605.50 2,400 500 11,200,000 94,060,000 33,150.00 1,071,000 -39,100.00 65,000 81,500 -129,232.00 189,000 715,000 33,000 10,000 16,976,000 -228,420.00 10,671,000 -3,487,870.00 110,000 6,816,000 -287,800.00 2,200 80,000 60 4,955.00 236,800 1,624,885.00 349,025 62,417,430.00 4,070,000 25,606,000 192,820.00 4,206,100 -15,542,480.00 2,447,170 -17,389,497.00 763,500 -393,426.00 4,564,000 2,218,010.00 2,328,000 11,000 2,975,000 -5,082,170.00 2,530,000 97,000

2.22 2.42 0.00 3.45 -1.59 6.45 1.52 -1.20 -1.67 5.36 1.69 8.33 8.33 -0.94 1.48 -2.99 0.00 0.81 8.70 8.70 -2.54 5.66 3.17 9.09 1.47 0.00

93,000,000 -58,500.00 51,000 55,000 -4,700.00 130,000 300,000 6,310,000 8,600 18,177,000 -1,331,500.00 200,000 39,910,000 8,200,000 152,000.00 54,100,000 300,000 261,000 3,831,000 -7,347,910.00 223,000 5,000 -2,700.00 204,000 134,000,000 36,000,000 786,000 4,411,200 -3,667,731.00 3,106,000 730,250.00 928,400,000 -163,200.00 207,830 -6,808,847.00 952,000 -10,550.00

0.00 2.42 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.00 -1.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.92 -0.52

236,000 20 2,000 50 10 2,000 4,510 20 2,000 165,030 133,830 101,290

-1.41

632,000

0.27 6.67 0.12

12,000 476,000 650,500

0.95

112,140

25,000.00 8,896,335.00 2,004,800.00 23,780.00 33,286,970.00 4,450.00 29,014,705.00 108,280.00 3,090.00 167,171,390.00

-8,215,620.00

1,354,310.50

13,600.00

-5,519,050.00

-77,094.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Chemphil

120

23.71

Pacifica `A'

0.0350

Mabuhay Holdings `A'

0.510

21.43

Boulevard Holdings

0.0630

-5.41 -4.55

Da Vinci Capital

6.7

11.67

Mabuhay Vinyl

2.8

-3.78 -3.64

IP E-Game Ventures Inc.

0.0110

10.00

APC Group, Inc.

0.530

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0120

9.09

Agrinurture Inc.

4.82

-3.41

Wellex Industries

0.2100

8.81

Transgrid

150.00

-3.23

Oriental Pet. `A'

0.0100

8.70

Premium Leisure

0.930

-3.13

Oriental Pet. `B'

0.0100

8.70

C. Azuc De Tarlac

160.00

-3.03

Phil. Estates Corp.

0.2400

8.60

Nihao Mineral Resources

2.6

-2.99

Euro-Med Lab

1.68

8.39

Alliance Tuna Intl Inc.

0.73

-2.67

FRIDAY: MARCH 18, 2016

A15

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

Travellers’ profit decreases By Jenniffer B. Austria

TRAVELLERS International Hotel Group Inc., the owner and operator of Resorts World Manila, said net income in 2015 dropped 26 percent to P4.02 billion from P5.44 billion in 2014, as foreign exchange losses and lower gaming revenues hurt the company’s profitability. Travellers said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it registered gross revenues of P27.7 billion, down 12 percent, with gaming revenues contributing P24.2 billion, also lower by 14.7 percent from a year ago level.

Travellers said the volume for the company’s mass segment fell 2.7 percent while the VIP segment contracted by a higher rate of 31.7 percent. Revenue from hotel, food, beverage and others, meanwhile,

increased nine percent to P2.46 billion from P2.26 billion in 2014, after the company expanded its non-gaming facilities and services to support the gaming business. Unrealized foreign exchange losses due to outstanding bonds amounted to P764.7 million. “The local integrated resort industry continues to grow and evolve. The Philippines is already an established tourism and entertainment destination, and we continue to see a lot of potential for further growth,” Travellers president and chief executive officer Kingson Sian said. “We remain committed to deliver quality earnings to our shareholders as we continue to

accomplish operational efficiency while further beefing up our non-gaming capabilities,” added Sian. The company reported that Resorts World Manila’s phase 2 expansion was almost complete, with the Marriott West Wing, which will add 228 hotel rooms, on track for operations in 2016. Phase 3 is scheduled to go online by the end of 2017. It consists of three hotels—the Hilton Manila, the Sheraton Manila Hotel and Maxims II—as well as additional gaming areas, retail space and six basement parking decks. “The company, through its position fronting the NAIA International airport and as true inte-

grated resort operation, continues to attract both the domestic and international guests through its vast offerings within a easily accessible location,” Travellers said. Travellers is also developing its second integrated gaming and resort complex, called Westside City in Entertainment City. The 31-hectare Bayshore City is projected to have at least 1,500 hotel rooms operated by international brands, including “The Westin Hotel Manila Bayshore” of the Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts group, the “Hotel Okura Manila” of the Okura Hotels & Resorts and the “Genting Grand” and “Crockfords Tower” of the Genting group.

Stocks surge; PLDT climbs THE stock market surged Thursday after Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen lowered her expectations for US interest rate hikes this year. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 145.51 points, or 2.1 percent to 7,210.90 on a value turnover of P7.7 billion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 126 to 54, with 42 issues unchanged. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the biggest telecommunications firm, advanced 3 percent to P1,932, while rival Globe Telecom Inc. climbed 4.7 percent to P2,180. JG Summit Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon and industrialist John Gokongwei rose 2.7 percent to P76, while unit Robinsons Land Corp. soared 6.9 percent to P29.30. Security Bank Corp., the sixth largest lender, rose 2.6 percent to P159.90. The rest of Asian stocks, emerging market currencies and oil all rallied in Asia. In a statement following the Fed’s latest policy meeting, Yellen cited concerns about the impact on the US economy of recent turmoil in global markets, weakness in China and Europe, and the plunge in crude prices. Her comments came after the central bank cut its outlook for US growth for this year and painted a picture of the economy that was less upbeat than many had expected. But crucially it forecast a slower pace of interest rate rises than foreseen in December, when it announced its first hike in almost a decade. Yellen said policymakers had opted for “a slightly more accommodative path” given “soft” US business investment and weak exports in recent months. The prospect of rates staying at ultra-low levels for some time boosted US shares, gains that extended into Asian trade. With AFP

7-Eleven in Pangasinan. Philippine Seven Corp., the local licensee of convenience store chain 7-Eleven, opens its first outlet for this year in Poblacion, San Quintin, Pangasinan province. AGPM Enterprises, headed by store franchisee Gerard Rodas (center), joins the expanding family of entrepreneurs who have come to take part in the success of the 7-Eleven franchise system with its Pangasinan outlet. At the store opening are (from left) Bryan Ramos, store manager, Bonuan branch; Gleen Beltran, finance manager; Marlon Layson, store manager, San Quintin branch; Art Matias, business partner; Fayee Malbog, store manager, Urdaneta 4 branch; and Richard Diaz, sttore manager, San Carlos 2 branch).

Vista Land’s net income increased 14% to P7.2b VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc., a company owned by former senator Manuel Villar, said net income in 2015 rose 14 precent to P7.2 billion on higher sales from residential and rental businesses. The company’s 2015 financial performance included contribution from Starmalls, which became a subsidiary after its acquisition last year. Vista Land president and chief executive Paolo Manuel Villar in a press briefing consolidated revenues increased 12 percent to P28.7 billion, as real estate sales increased 12 percent to P24.5 billion, while rental income surged 44 percent to P2.77 billion from P1.9 billion in 2014.

“We are very pleased to report that 2015 is another record year for the Company,” Villar said “Our strategy in the residential sector is paying off and our recent acquisition of Starmalls adds stability to our existing operations. As we integrate both platforms, the complementary nature of residential and commercial developments will enable us to achieve higher selling prices, increased sales velocity and higher retail rental rates from our improved integrated product offering, as well as lower land acquisition and infrastructure costs,” he added. Vista Land aims to end 2016 with 850,000 square meters of malls space from the current

509,000 square meters to further expand its recurring business. The additional retail space will come from the opening of new malls and expansion of existing ones. Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar said the company the company would also expand other real estate businesses, including office developments, to strengthen its position as one of the leading integrated property developers in the Philippines. Vista Land plans to have one million square meters of leasable space by 2017. “We have identified about 100 areas or over 600 hectares of land from our exisitng Communicities around the country with ready

population catchment areas for potential Starmalls projects,” Villar said. Villar, one of the 11 Filipino tycoons billionaires that have made it to Forbes’ annual list of the world’s billionaires, said he was considering the possibility of creating a new holding company for all his businesses. Villar said he was one of the few billionaires that had no listed holding company. Retail tycoon Henry Sy has SM Investments Corp., while Lucio Tan owns LT Group Inc. John Gokongwei owns JG Summit Holdings Inc., while George Ty holds GT Capital Holdings Inc. Jenniffer B. Austria

A16

FRIDAY: MARCH 18, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Toyota’s insurance partners. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. expands its Toyota Insure Program by accrediting three new insurance companies: Federal Phoenix Group Insurance, People’s General Insurance Corp. and Stronghold Insurance Co. Inc. The partnership increased the number of Toyota’s insurance providers from two to ﬁve. Shown signing the memorandum of agreement are (seated from left) Federal Phoenix Group Insurance president and chief executive Ramon Yap Dimacali, TMP president Satoru Suzuki, People’s General Insurance president and chief operating ofﬁcer Felipa dela Cruz and Stronghold Insurance Co. president and general manager Romulo Delos Reyes.

Govt budget deficit widens 66% to P122b By Gabrielle H. Binaday

THE government’s budget deficit widened 66 percent in 2015 to P121.7 billion from P73.1 billion in 2014, as public spending grew faster than revenue collection, the Treasury said Thursday. “Relative to the economy, the deficit came in at 0.9 percent of GDP [gross domestic product], well below the 2-percent target,” the Treasury said. Data showed the budget deficit swelled to P75.1 billion in December alone, as expenditures increased 9 percent to P238.7 billion and revenue collection declined 6 percent to P163.5 billion. Finance officials said at P121.7 billion, the 2015 budget deficit was below the P283.7-billion target deficit for the year.

“For the past five years, consistently prudent and strategic fiscal management has afforded Filipinos a better future. Today, we have more fiscal firepower for multi-generational investments in our people, weaving stronger social safety nets and better connectivity links across the archipelago,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said. Data showed that excluding interest payments, the primary balance in 2015 yielded a surplus of P187.7 billion, or 24.4 percent low-

er than P248.1 billion primary surplus in 2014. Primary balance in the December alone resulted in a deficit of P53.7 billion. The Finance Department said full-year government expenditures increased 13 percent in 2015 to P2.23 trillion while revenue collection rose 11 percent to P2.109 trillion. The Bureau of Internal Revenue saw tax collections rise 8 percent in 2015 to P1.44 trillion, but missed the P1.67-trillion target by 14 percent. Import duty collections by the Bureau of Customs dropped 0.5 percent to P367.5 billion, which was also below the P437-billion target. Collection by the Bureau of the Treasury increased 18 percent yearon-year to P110 billion, surpassing the programmed collection by 81 percent. “This is due to higher income from BSF/SSF investments

and dividends on shares of stocks held by the government,” the Treasury said. Revenue from other offices reached P10 billion in December, bringing the full-year figure to P198.1 billion, up 78 percent year-on-year. The Budget Department said the higher disbursements was led by a 30.7-percent growth in maintenance and operating expenditures and 25-percent increase in capital outlays. “The 2015 spending figures show that the government has been able to reshape budget priorities toward allocating more resources to social and economic services. Higher disbursement in maintenance as well as capital outlays funded the expansion of programs in social services, defense, and road and transport infrastructure in 2015,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said.

Brokers oppose SEC anti-money laundering efforts By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission said a group of dealers and brokers opposed its campaign against money laundering. SEC said while it undertook measures to strengthen anti-money laundering campaign under the newly enforced implementing rules and regulations of the Securities Regulation Code, the Philippine Association of Brokers and Dealers Inc. moved to block its implementation. The regulator said it was unable to implement these measures because of the case filed by PASBDI against the new provisions of the SRC IRR, which took effect in No-

vember 2015. The campaign against anti-money laundering suffered a setback following reports that some $81 million worth of funds under the Bangladesh’s central bank account at New York Federal Reserve was illegally transferred to Philippine banks and casinos in February. The government is now under pressure to toughen its anti-money laundering campaign so as not to be blacklisted as a money laundering haven. PABSI earlier asked a Mandaluyong City regional trial court to invalidate the 2015 SRC IRR requiring disclosure of beneficial owners of shares of stocks. SEC said the amendment would boost efforts

against money laundering. SEC commission secretary Armando Pan said while the temporary restraining order stopping the SEC from enforcing some of the provisions on the amended IRR already expired last week, the case remained on status quo. A hearing still had to be conducted on the writ of preliminary injunction filed by PASBDI. Pan said SEC wanted to implement eight new provisions in the IRR that would enhance the antimoney laundering measures. Six provisions were being opposed by PASBDI. These included provisions prohibiting brokers from maintaining

numbered accounts for trading and investment purposes of their client or their own, provision requiring brokers from creating new accounts without face-to-face meeting and provisions on maintaining for each account the essential information about their customers. The amended IRR also required brokers to file all Anti-Money Laundering Act resolutions, to have websites showing the names, current photos and contact details of its directors, principal officers, associated persons and salesman, and to conduct effective surveillance and investigation by requiring brokers to provide the regulator regular access to particular accounts

PSe comPoSite index Closing March 17, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,210.90 145.51

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing March 17, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P46.380

44.00

43.00

HIGH P46.360 LOW P46.540 AVERAGE P46.443 VOLUME 986.500M

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 Thursday, March 17, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.8280

Japan

Yen

0.008876

0.4156

Pound

1.425800

66.7674

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128898

6.0360

Switzerland

Franc

1.022704

47.8912

Canada

Dollar

0.762660

35.7138

Singapore

Dollar

0.732815

34.3163

Australia

Dollar

0.756100

35.4067

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653857

124.2748

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266738

12.4908

Brunei

Dollar

0.730140

34.1910

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028547

1.3368

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.7507

Euro

1.121500

52.5176

Korea

Won

0.000849

0.0398

China

Yuan

0.153283

7.1779

India

Rupee

0.014889

0.6972

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.241838

11.3248

New Zealand

Dollar

0.675600

31.6370

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030823

1.4434 Source: PDS Bridge

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK F ri day : M a rc h 1 8 , 2 0 1 6 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

PH rider bags world bikefest gold BOOTS Ryan Cayubit rode a calculated race over a highly technical course to snatch the men’s criterium gold medal by the skin of his teeth in the 2016 World University Cycling Championships Thursday in Tagaytay City. Cayubit, 24, did not take the 1.8-km course’s demonic climbs—close to two dozens had 30-plus percent gradients—and nerve-wracking descents for granted, but toiled not only on race day but weeks before while in training in Sierra Madre to win the title in the event, where 47 riders answered the gun and only four finished. In a criterium where points are awarded in intermediate sprints (5, 3, 2 and 1 for first four finishers) and in the final lap (10, 6, 4 and 2) to determine the podium finishers, Cayubit employed his strategy of piling up points early to the hilt by winning the first sprint in the 12th lap of the 30-lap event and holding on until the 18th lap to scarily pedal to the gold medal. The Business Administration sophomore at St. Clare in Kalookan City was first in the 12th and 18th laps and second in the 24th, but lost steam due to cramping legs in the 24th and 30th laps that gave Germany’s Alexander Weifenbach the last two sprint victories. Cayubit totalled 19 points, only a point ahead of the German, whose team sought clarification over the result of the first sprint (sixth lap), where they believed Weifenbach finished fourth for one point. A thorough deliberation by the commissaires’ panel of the race hosted by the Federation of Schools Sports Association of the Philippines and ran by Le Tour de Filipinas organizer Ube Media Inc. headed by Donna Lina, that included sifting through the photo finish results, showed Weifenbach was fifth in the lap and did not get a point. The Germans agreed and the Filipino crowd erupted in celebration.

San Beda pulls off softnet grand slam

Pinoy rodeo. The Rodeo Masbateno Inc. recently held its kick-off celebration of the Rodeo Festival 2016. One of the much-awaited

events of the Masbate City festival is the National Rodeo Finals from April 12 to 17. The finals will include three new events, namely professional bull riding for women, bronco riding and team penning competition. Highlights of the kick-off celebration, headed by veteran cowboy Tito Miling, were the unveiling of the official event logo, presentation of the festival activities and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between RMI and its supporters, Masbate Provincial and City Governments, Filminera, DMCI and the Department of Education.

Meralco Bolts attempt to arrest 2-game slide By Jeric Lopez Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City) 4:15 p.m. - Meralco vs. Blackwater 7 p.m. - GlobalPort vs. Star MERALCO aims to reclaim sole possession of the top spot, even as streaking Star hopes to continue its ascent as they face separate opponents in the resumption of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. Losers of two in a row after winning

their first five games, the Bolts (5-2) are looking to arrest their skid when they take on inconsistent Blackwater (3-4) at 4:15 p.m., while improving Star (3-4), winner of two straight, takes on cellardweller GlobalPort (2-5) at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. In addition to getting back to solo first and snapping its losing run, Meralco also wants to have a foot in the quarterfinals. Meralco and Blackwater are both coming off losses in their last outings. The Bolts lost their last assignment to sister team NLEX, 99-104, last week,

while the Elite succumbed to Barangay Ginebra, 79-89, last Sunday. Meralco will be playing without veteran gunner Gary David, who will serve his one-game suspension that was given by the Bolts for conduct detrimental to the team. Following their atrocious 1-4 start, the Hotshots have finally picked things up since second import Ricardo Ratliffe took over. Star is in the middle of the pack and a third straight win will temporarily give it sole possession of sixth place.

SKIPPER Alyanna Viloria and partner Odessa Arzaga displayed nerves of steel to clinch the championship point for San Beda College, which edged University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 2-1, to capture the recent 91st NCAA Soft Tennis women crown at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Viloria and Arzaga overcame a 2-3 deficit to score a stunning 5-3 reversal over highly favored Elleen Peralta and Noreen Subol. Bedan Princess Catindig earlier outclassed Joy Aquino, 4-1, for the first point in their singles’ game. The Altalettes lone win was a 5-3 triumph, posted by Anna Saguiped and Jamaica Daquio over Emily Vasquez and Virgie Perez. San Beda captured the NCAA Tennis senior and junior divisions last December, thus giving head coach Jovy Mamawal a rare Grand Slam of 3 NCAA titles in a single season -- including the women’s soft tennis trophy. The Mendiola-based netters also won the demonstration sport of NCAA Soft Tennis for Men. Viloria was adjudged Most Valuable Player for her major contribution to the back-to-back championship feats, while Mamawal captured his 20th NCAA title since 1982. Viloria, Arzaga, Catindig, Vasquez and Perez together with teammates Mikaela Joy Javier and Erlyn Lorelai Penados received their medals from NCAA chairman Melchor Divina of Mapua and Mancom’s Col. Jeff Tamayo of UPHSD.

F ri day : M a rc h 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Piccio wavers but still ahead by 1 Atlas: Pacman still explosive

Mia Piccio braces for a final-round shootout with Lee Jeong Hwa Sam Martirez hopes to steal the thunder from the pros.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” Bradley’s veteran trainer Teddy Atlas said he sees eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao as the same dangerous, explosive fighter he has always been. Boxing writer Keith Idec reported that while Atlas expects Bradley to box better in their third fight, he doesn’t anticipate the 37-year-old Pacquiao to be any different from the opponent his ward battled twice when they clash at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 9. “To me, there’s no dissipation as far as talent. I haven’t seen the talent dissipate. He’s still fast, he’s still explosive, he’s still powerful, he still punches well. He’s still got a lot of those quick-twitch fibers. That’s not just in his hands, but in his feet. He’s dynamic. I haven’t seen any dissipation in that at all, to be honest with you,” said Atlas. However, the trainer who has been credited for Bradley’s impressive ninth-round stoppage of Brandon Rios in his last fight added: “The only thing that may be different is that he may be more conservative – maybe. Maybe toned down to where it’s still the same level of ability, but maybe used more conservatively. He’s still above most other fighters’ work rates and punch numbers and everything else, but for himself, maybe just a little bit more thoughtful about what he’s doing.” He believes the shocking sixth-round knockout at the hands of Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez in their fourth meeting on December 2012 has resulted in the heightened caution shown by Pacquiao. “I think to a certain degree we’re all influenced by what happens to us,” Atlas said. “And I think that probably has been part of it. I don’t know that it’s a negative. It’s something that could even be a positive for him. The ability of what he does is still there – the quality, the level of it.”

LeBron-less Cavs stun Mavs

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of Petron scores against RC Cola’s Jeannie delos Reyes in the PH Super Liga. ROMAN PROSPERO

SAN FRANCISCO—Stephen Curry scored 34 points to power the Golden State Warriors to a record 50th consecutive home victory Wednesday, while the Cleveland Cavaliers showed they could win without LeBron James. Curry hit 12-of-20 from the floor, including 8-of-13 from beyond the 3-point arc, as the Warriors beat New York 121-85, improving to 32-0 at home this season with a 50-game overall home win streak. At an NBA-best 61-6, the Warriors have a solid chance at beating

the record one-season mark of 7210 set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. Curry opened the game 6-of8 from the floor and 4-of-6 in 3-pointers as the Warriors took a 31-19 edge on the way to a blowout. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving scored 33 points and came up with a key steal in the final seconds to preserve host Cleveland’s 99-98 victory over Dallas. The Cavaliers were without four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James, who was given the night off to rest, but the team improved to 4-12 over the

past two seasons when playing without James. Boston Celtics fans chanted “Come to Boston” and held signs encouraging Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant to sign with the Celtics when his contract expires after the season, but the NBA star combined with Russell Westbrook to lead the Thunder over Boston 130-109. Durant had 28 points, nine assists and seven rebounds while Westbrook had 24 points, five assists and five rebounds. Westbrook sat out the entire fourth quarter and Durant sat for most of it. AFP

CARMONA, Cavite – Mia Piccio nearly blew a three-stroke lead with a faltering finish, barely clinging to a one-shot edge over a rallying Lee Jeong-hwa with a 70 even as amateur Sam Martirez stayed in the hunt after two rounds of the ICTSI Champion Tour presented by Champion and Taiwan LPGA at Southwoods’ Legends course Thursday. Piccio looked headed for a big cushion heading to the final 18 holes of the $75,000 championship but fumbled with a wet bogey on the par5 17th which Lee birdied for a crucial two-shot swing that put the Korean ace within one with a 71 and closer to a backto-back sweep of the Taiwan LPGA Tour events here. Still, Piccio moved on top at seven-under 137 but Lee stood just behind at 138, guaranteeing a shootout between two club bets for the top $15,000 purse in the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “If I keep this kind of game, I have a good chance winning the title,” said Piccio, the 24-year-old Ilongga from the coastal town of Pototan. “But I need to play steady and make good decisions.” Lee is expected to ride the momentum of her big backside comeback, hopeful of duplicating her feat at Splendido last week where she fought back from two strokes down with eight holes left to edge Japanese Fumika Kawagishi by one. “Mia’s distance off the tee will help her but I think it will boil down to putting and whoever gets the breaks since both are playing and hitting well,” said coach Joel Altea, who handles both players, along with reigning Philippine Open champion Miguel Tabuena.

Chiefs capture Fr. Martin cage title THE Arellano University Chiefs stopped Nigerian big man Bright Akhuetie and put away the defending champion University of Perpetual Help Altas, 75-71, Sunday to wrest the 12th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament honors. Jiovaani Jalalon and Allen Enriquez struck with 13 points for the Chiefs, who went on to earn their first crown in three tries when action ended at the St. Placid gym of the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola. The 6’8” Akhuetie delivered 30 points for the Altas, including 17 points in the fourth period as they tried to fight back from a 13-point deficit at the end of the third period. “We got the title after losing to them last year in the finals. They had a rally. But we were able to contain Akhuetie in the last pe-

riod. And it took us five people to stop him,” said Chiefs’ head Jerry Codinera. It was the Chiefs’ first title as they avenged their loss to the Altas in the finals last year. They also bowed to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Collegiate Open last November. With Akhuetie dominating the boards, the Altas were able to come back from a 45-58 deficit and threaten at 63-66 in the last 4:30. The Chiefs finally stayed out of range, on a layup from Dioncee Holts, and Jalalon’s two charities, 75-69. Meanwhile, 41 teams are expected to see action in the men’s and women’s and junior divisions when the 22nd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Tournament gets under way on April 3, according to organizer Edmundo “Ato” Badolato.

Muay thai artists fighting in the Scientific Integrated Group of Martial Artists-27 (SIGMA-26) Muay Thai Fight @ Elorde are shown after their weigh-in. They are (from left) Reynaldo Dacillo, Lemuel Culaste, Enylle Bulala, Joseph Henogen, Nicole Cuevas, Mark Justine Padagas, Harry Villena, Mark Gerard Gonzales, Eilimar Villena, Ernest Richard Perez and John Nanas, with Master Jaime Ignes, together with officials, led by SIGMA president/ founder Domingo Dalaguit, Kru Ed Espino, Kru Derick Ignes and Salvador Domasian. The March 20 event is sponsored by David Minol, president Home Credit PH and supported by Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla, Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla and Senator Bong Revilla Jr.

F RI DAY : M A RC H 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Bullpups claim Division 1 crown By Peter Atencio JOHN Lloyd Clemente showed the way for the National University Bullpups as they repulsed the San Beda Cubs, 8474, and claimed the Division 1 crown of the 2016 SM-National Basketball Training Center Championships Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Clemente, who took the Finals MVP honors, scored 20 points for the Bullpups, who finally earned the title after four attempts in the previous years, while big man Justine Baltazar dominated inside with 12 points and 14 rebounds. “Na-prove nila na sila ang no. 1. We focused our advantage in all departments, from our points to our bigs,” said Bullpups’ coach Jeff Napa. Earlier, La Salle-Lipa of Batangas missed four crucial attempts in the endgame, but still pulled off a 62-60 win over Rex del Academy of Laguna for the Division 2 plum. Reyger Dimaunahan tallied 14 points, including the winning triple in the last 3:05, to lead the Chevrons to their first-ever crown in the tournament. Coach Rex Atienza, who arrived late because of a meeting back in school, said the team was still fortunate to win the crown after losing a 12-point edge in the fourth. “This is our eighth championship for the season. I’m glad the team held out until the end,” said Atienza after the Chevrons weathered Laguna’s late rally.

Best volley listup on THE Best Center on Thursday announced that it is now accepting early enrollees for its summer volleyball clinics. Interested students may register at the Ateneo College covered courts on March 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Enrollment at the Caloocan High School, meanwhile, will open from 2 to 5 p.m. on March 20. Registration at the Starmall Alabang will also be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., also on March 20.

Oranza scores 1st race win ROXAS CITY--Ronald Oranza of Navy-Standard Insurance finished 11th and fourth in the final two stages Thursday to capture his first-ever race victory in the Visayas Leg of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2016 at the Robinson’s Place here. The 22-year-old Oranza, 22, nearly cracked the Top 10 in the Stage 4 criterium in the morning and then ended up fourth in the Stage 5 individual time trial in the afternoon to secure his first race triumph. At the conclusion of the five-stage race, Oranza garnered a total of 53

points, including a point from Stage 4 and nine in the final stage. Oranza actually clinched the title as early as two days ago when he topped the Stage 3 road race that started in Iloilo City and ended here as he left practically everyone, including teammate Rudy Roque. It rendered the deciding stages as his coronation. “My plan is to just try to race as safely as I can and finish the race,” said Oranza, a proud son of Villasis, Pangasinan. Lim snared the final stage triumph

in 49 minutes and 13.52 seconds, while Navy skipper Lloyd Lucien Reynante and Roque took second and third places in 49:39.98 and 49:41.90, respectively. For his feat, Roque thus finished No. 2 overall with 47 points, or six behind Oranza while Lim clinched third place with 41 points. Seasoned rider Joel Calderon of Navy ended up at No. 4 with 37 points, boosted by his Stage 4 win where he clocked 1:08:39.86. It was the 36-year-old Calderon’s

first lap victory since he won in the Pagadian City Stage 3 years back. “I knew in my heart I still have it,” said Calderon of Guimba, Nueva Ecija, and who is the 2009 Tour champ and runner-up to Santy Barnachea in the first-ever edition of this annual race in 2011. Completing the Top 10 were were No. 4 Reynante (34), Mindanao Leg champion Jan Paul Morales (29), LBC-MVPSF’s Ronald Lomotos (27), and Navy’s El Joshua Carino (25), John Mark Camingao (24) and Daniel Ven Carino (19).

ORIENTAL MINDORO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (O R M E C O) Simaron, Calapan City INVITATION TO BID All interested parties are invited to participate in the actual bidding for this one (1) LOT listed below: LOT – I

Supply of Poles, Conductors, Distribution Transformers (Recon), KWH Meters, Tools and Poleline Materials Approved Budget Cost: Php 40,000,000.00 Source of Funding: Calamity Loan Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper. GENERAL GUIDELINES

Ronald Oranza (center) is shown with other winners, and Ronda project director Moe Chulani and LBC senior manager for systems Viasyas Jayson Boncajes. Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

InvItatIon to BId for tHE DOF 6TH FLOOR (OSEC-PHASE 2) AND 4TH FLOOR OFFICES RENOVATION - SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF FURNITURE/ WORK STATIONS 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 FIVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (PhP5,505,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments for the DOF 6TH FLOOR (OSEC-PHASE 2) AND 4TH FLOOR OFFICES RENOVATION–SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF FURNITURE/WORKSTATIONS (the “Project”). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DOF, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) registered suppliers to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder projects. Bidders should have completed, within three (3) 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. Lot

Name of Project

Approved Budget for the Contract

Cost of Non-refundable fee for Bid Documents

Floor Office Renovation DOF 6 (OSEC-Phase 2) - Supply, Delivery and Installation of Furniture and Work Stations

PhP4,223,000.00

PhP5,000.00

DOF 4th Floor Office Renovation - Supply, Delivery and Installation of Furniture and Work Stations

PhP1,282,000.00

PhP5,000.00

Interested parties may secure BID DOCUMENTS / INFORMATIONS from the Procurement Section, ORMECO, Inc., Simaron, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. A non-refundable fee of Php 45,000.00 and shall be collected as payment for BID DOCUMENTS.

Interested Bidder must be accredited as supplier before joining the pre-bidding accreditation will start on March 18, 2016 of 8:00am until March 19, 2016 of 5:00p.m.. You can call at telephone number 043-2882349 or email at ormeco_coop@yahoo.com, and .

PRE-BID CONFERRENCE will be held at ORMECO, Inc. compound at 2:00 p.m. of March 23, 2016.

SEALED PROPOSALS will received at 2:00 p.m. of April 5, 2016, immediately after which, the said proposals will be opened during the actual bidding in the presence of the attending bidders.

ALL BIDS must be accompanied by a BID BOND payable to ORMECO in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT issued by a reputable bank equivalent to TWO PERCENT (2%) of the ABC. No Bid Bond in the form of Surety Bond shall be accepted.

The winning bidder shall issue FIVE PERCENT (5%) in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT from a reputable bank, representing the PERFORMANCE BOND.

If the bidder who submitted the best offer refuses to push through with his / her proposed BID during and after the bidding, his / her Bid Bond shall be forfeited, and failure of bidding shall be declared.

ORMECO reserves the right to reject all Bids, declare failure of bidding and not to award the contract without incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. ORMECO also has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnity bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids. ORMECO, INC.

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

InvItatIon to BId for tHE SErvICES for tHE dEvELoPMEnt of dof EntErPrISE rESoUrCE PLannInG SYStEM 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 Twelve Million Pesos (PhP 12,000,000.00), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Services for the Development of DOF Enterprise Resource Planning System (the “Project”). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

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 Services for the Development of DOF Enterprise Resource Planning System. Bidders should have completed, within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project which is equivalent to at least 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.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders starting March 17, 2016 until April 11, 2016, 8:45 am at the General Services Division, 7th Floor, EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Roxas Blvd., Manila, upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount provided above.

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.

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex, corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. St. Roxas Boulevard, Manila starting March 17, 2016 during office hours.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “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. 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. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours.

The DOF will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on March 29, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at the DFG Conference Room, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bidders are not required to bid for all the lots (Lots 1 and 2). Bidders may prefer to bid for one (1) or two (2) Lots. Each Lot shall be awarded to the bidder who submits the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid for a lot. Therefore, each lot may be awarded to different bidders.

In the event that the bidder chooses to bid for more than one (1) lot, the BID SECURITY shall be in the amount equal to the percentage of the ABC (BDS Clause 18.1) of the total number of lots preferred.

Bids must be delivered to the BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila on or before April 11, 2016, 8:45 A.M. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on March 17, 2016 from the BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (PhP 25,000.00). The Bidding Documents 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. 6.

“LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED” The schedule of bidding activities is as follows: ACTIVITIES Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Issuance and Availability of Bid Documents Pre-Bid Conference Requests for Clarification Issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletin

SCHEDULE March 17, 2016 starting March 17, 2016 April 1, 2016

Opening of Bids

April 11, 2016, 10:00 am

12. 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. 13. For further information, please refer to:

SCHEDULE

Posting of Invitation to Bid

March 17, 2016

Issuance and Availability of Bid Documents

Starting March 17, 2016

Pre-Bid Conference

March 28, 2016, 10:00 am

Request for Clarification

April 1, 2016 (by email)

Issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletin

April 4, 2016

Deadline for Submission of Bids

April 11, 2016, 9:45 am

Opening of Bids

April 11, 2016, 12:00 pm

Bids must be delivered at the 7th Floor, EDPC Building cor. P. Ocampo Sr. St., Manila on or before April 11, 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 the Instructions to Bid (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.

April 4, 2016 April 11, 2016, 8:45 am

“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.

Lilia R. Tan, Head- BAC Secretariat Department of Finance BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila Telephone No.: 526-8475 Telefax No.: 525-4227 Email Address: ltan@dof.gov.ph./rramirez@dof.gov.ph

(TS-MAR. 18, 2016)

March 29, 2016, 11:00 am

Deadline for Submission of Bids

The schedule of bidding activities is as follows: ACTIVITIES

10. 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. 11.

ENGR. PATROCINIO M. PANAGSAGAN, JR. General Manager

(TS-MAR. 18, 2016)

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

(TS-MAR. 18, 2016)

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

F R I D AY : M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

lenten travel tips editorial@thestandard.com.ph

French connection For decades, the French driving experience has been out of reach of the Filipino car enthusiast, with leading French carmakers focusing on their strong European following rather than building an Asian market. From March 1 to 31, 2016, in partnership with BPI Family auto Loan and RCBC Savings Bank, Peugeot Philippines will bring Filipinos an unforgettable experience of pure driving sensation with more convenient payment plans than ever before, through its brand-new sales program. Peugeot Philippines’ latest sales program puts driving sensation first, making it easier to purchase a brand-new Peugeot vehicle and paving the way for satisfying longterm ownership. With this program, Filipinos can enjoy pure driving sensation with all-in low down payment, free LTo registration for three years, free insurance, and free chattel mortgage. LTo registration fees will be covered by the dealership where the vehicle is purchased, while the free insurance and chattel mortgage fees will come care of BPI Family auto Loan or RCBC Savings Bank. “The French driving experience is one that’s completely focused on the driver’s pleasure,” says Peugeot Philippines President Glen dasig. “The French are world-famous for their appreciation of experiences, for savoring moments, whether they’re tasting the finest wines or just enjoying a casual family picnic under the sun. “That’s what we’re going for here —you can be stuck in traffic but still enjoying yourself when you’re in a Peugeot,” dasig says. “driving a Peugeot—especially one you can call your own—is a gratifying experience in itself.” Six different ways to experience French driving sensation To deliver sensation that fits the needs of a wide variety of people, Peugeot Philippines’ featured models for this promotion include the 301 sedan, the 3008 crossover, the 208 GTi, the 5008 MPV, the Expert Tepee family van, and the

RCZ sports coupé. Peugeot 301 Elegant and versatile, the 301 is Peugeot’s most attainable vehicle that blends French sophistication with comfortable roominess, impressive handling, and superior fittings. With an exceptional 20.4km/L mileage achieved by its 1.6L Hdi diesel engine, the 301 is designed for city driving, providing increased fuel efficiency and ecofriendliness, along with added power and performance. Two variants of the 301 are available: the 301 aT (automatic Transmission Petrol) and the 301 MT (Manual Transmission diesel). Peugeot 3008 Taking its inspiration from the SUV, hatchback, and MPV, the 3008 is a practical family vehicle built for those with an adventurous spirit. The 3008 exudes a distinctively strong and dynamic character, combining intelligent, contemporary design with a raised driving position and unique panoramic glass roof. Modular seating, multiple storage compartments, and versatile ISoFIX attachments help ensure a comfortable, safe journey for everyone on board, including children. This is reinforced by the 3008’s 5-star rating from Euro nCaP, the most widely recognized independent vehicle safety assessor in Europe. Peugeot 208 GTi The direct descendant of the 205 GTi, the 208 GTi is the culmination of superior design, engineering, and passion for driving excitement and motorsports. Eye-catching and elegant, the 208 GTi boasts dynamic exteriors. From its checkerboard grille enhanced with Peugeot lettering to its diamond-effect hubcaps and intricate interiors, every detail was created to make driving more

Peugeot’s vehicle lineup offers the Filipinos a new driving sensation.

thrilling and instinctive, as well as comfortable and safe. With its award-winning turbocharged 1.6-liter THP petrol engine, reworked exhaust line, and 6-speed manual gearbox, the 208 GTi takes full advantage of the athletic character that made the GTi legend such a success. Peugeot 5008 The 5008 offers a new take on the compact MPV, with its sleek, sporty silhouette and strong character, both inside and out. Its wide cabin, plush seats, and panoramic sunroof give every passenger a unique sensation of space and light, while providing in-vehicle entertainment in the form of an impressive multimedia system. The 5008 was also awarded a Euro nCaP 5-star rating because of its six airbags fitted as standard, cruise control and speed limiter, and ISoFIXmounted seats that allow the easy and secure installation of infant seats without the use of seatbelts, among other innovative safety features. Peugeot Expert Tepee The Expert Tepee brings joy back

into long family journeys. designed to transport a large number of people in utmost comfort and safety, it boasts three modular rows of seats, intelligent storage options, a variety of reliable safety features, and Peugeot’s signature driving sensation. With its interactive multimedia system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen that also serves as a rear camera display monitor, the Expert Tepee provides various possibilities for entertainment and safety on the way to the desired destination. Peugeot RCZ The perfect combination of elegance and power, the RCZ is a sleek and exclusive vehicle, keeping the audacity it demonstrated as a concept car while incorporating sophistication and subtlety. The RCZ possesses a more dynamic style than its predecessor, with a redesigned front face, signature double bubble roof, distinctive roof arches, and muscular rear bumper—details that can’t be found on any other car.

Roadside aid from Honda Cars PH Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. organizes multiple Honda Emergency assistance Teams (H.E.a.T.) across the country to offer on-site road assistance to all motorists this coming Holy Week. This annual program will be participated by twenty-four (24) Honda dealerships nationwide as partof HCPI’s public service and road safety advocacy.This activity will run on March 24 and 26, from 8:00 am to 5:00pm and again on March 27 from 8:00 am to 12:00 nn. all offered services will be available for both private and public vehicle owners. Honda will provide free diagnostic system check-up, free 18-point checkup, free emergency assistance and travel advisories. other affordable services are also available such as preventive maintenance, light to medium repair, change oil, tune-up, brake service, windshield treatments. Customers may also purchase genuine Honda lubes, parts, and accessories. In addition, Honda will have roving teams to provide emergency roadside services.

F R I D AY : M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

For a fuel-efficient holy week retreat Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

Foton and Manindra executives spearhead the formal launch of the dealership: (from left) Alejandrino San Juan; Amando San Juan, Chairman and CEO of Manindra Group; Rommel Sytin, President of UAAGI and Leo San Juan, President of Foton Quezon Avenue.

Foton opens new dealership Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III A mONTH after the inauguration of its sprawling assembly facility at the Clark Economic Zone, United Asia Automotive Group Inc. solidified its commitment to becoming a major player in the local automotive industry with the launching of its latest dealership in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. “The first quarter of this year has proven to be fruitful to us. First was the opening of a new assembly plant in Pampanga, and now another milestone with the inauguration of our 19th dealership in the country, Foton Quezon Avenue. This will further solidify our intent of becoming a major player in the country,” says Rommel Sytin, President of UAAGI. Foton is the most dominant Chinese automotive brand in the domestic market, with its strong sales in the commercial vehicles and truck segments. As a major player in the domestic auto industry, Foton Quezon Avenue is part of a string of automotive dealerships owned and operated by the San Juan family. Under the manindra Auto Group, Foton Quezon Avenue has forged a partnership with the San Juan’s to accomplish Foton’s goal to be the top choice for commercial vehicles for both business and leisure. “We welcome the opportunity to represent the number one Chinese automotive brand in the country today. We look forward to working with mr. Sytin and the entire UAAGI organization, who we feel are just as committed as we are to our vision,” adds Amando San Juan, the patriarch of the company. Foton is the third automotive brand under the belt of the San Juan conglomerate which also owns and operates Nissan and Hyundai dealerships all over the country.

Workbay: The sprawling facility has four work stations to handle customer service traffic.

Summer is officially here as temperatures rise above normal levels. Schools close shop and families begin planning for their long drive to the provinces. motorists are gearing up for two months of gas-consuming travels as they spend more time on the road. With pump prices expected to rise even further as Russia and OPEC member countries begin their talks, motorists should save on precious fuel during these trafficprone holidays. Here are some pointers to make your Lenten season hassle-free. Observe proper maintenance Have your vehicle checked regularly. A poorly maintained engine will use up 50 percent more fuel than an engine that runs properly. Go to your dealership or your trusted mechanic and check the fuel and oil filters if it needs replacement. Clogged air filters can cause up to 10 percent increase in fuel consumption. While you are at it, change the motor oil also based on the manufacturer’s recommended interval as clean oil also contributes to better fuel mileage. Before driving off to your destination, check the tire pressure. A visual inspection of the

rate. If you can, choose a shaded parking area. Aside from helping your car keep its interior feeling like an oven, which also doubles the work of your A/C system, parking in a shade minimizes gasoline evaporation. Importantly, plan your road trip ahead of time,

plot your course and if possible, leave early in the morning to avoid the heavy volume of vehicular traffic along NLEX, SLEX, and SCTEX. Check for road construction and use smart phone apps like Google maps or Waze to outsmart traffic during the Lenten Season.

tires is a must because under inflated tires increases rolling pressure which in turn contributes to more energy expenditure. Be smart on the road Unless you are acting out a chase scene in “The Fast and the Furious”, avoid jack rabbit starts and sudden braking. Screeching tires easily wear out rubber and this speeds up your car’s fuel usage. You should accelerate smoothly and shift to a higher gear as soon as possible without doing a Vin Diesel. Try to avoid improper idling during traffic, believe me, nobody wants to hear your loud exhaust pipes. Not only does it reflects your show boating, it annoys fellow motorists. If you are stopping by a convenience store for more than a minute, switch off the car’s engine. Conserve always After a tankful of gasoline, make sure the gas cap is closed, otherwise your precious fuel will evapo-

A clean filter element means more air into your engine, hence more power.

An oil change can make a difference in overall performance.

An under-inflated tire increases rolling pressure, requiring more fuel use.

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editorial@thestandard.com.ph

South tollways gearing up for Holy Week traffic SkywAy O&M Corporation (SOMCO), Manila Toll Expressway System, Inc. (MATES) and Star Tollway Corporation (STC), the operators of Skyway System, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Star Tollway, respectively, are prepared to handle the influx of motorists going to places south of Metro Manila through the southern toll road network in observance of the Holy week. while SOMCO, MATES and STC expect traffic to peak on Holy wednesday (March 23) and Maundy Thursday (March 24) and on return trip to Metro Manila by Sunday (March 27) until early Monday (March 28), they will implement a proactive operational plan on traffic, security, toll collection and motorist assistance as early as Friday (March 18) for motorists who opt to travel during off-peak days to avoid delay and inconvenience and be with families and relatives for a longer period of time. The South toll road operators’ Oplan Ligtas Biyahe kwaresma 2016 starts on March 23 in cooperation with concerned government and police agencies, like the Department of Public works an Highways, Toll Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Metro Manila Development Authority and the local government units. with other support facilities like Lifeline ambulances, AAP towing trucks and the quick response teams, Oplan Ligtas Biyahe kwaresma 2016 aims to provide prompt assistance to motorists in distress and deploy additional field personnel in areas where traffic is expected to build up. Ligtas Biyahe Assistance Centers in strategic locations of the toll road will provide, among others, drinking and radiator water, towing service to the nearest exits and latrine facilities. To ensure safer and more pleasant trips of their motoring patrons, the South Tollways operators will intensify their patrol operations and motorist assistance effort, cancel days-off of their field personnel, and closely coordinate with the PNP-HPG and local police to curb possible criminal activities. Additional toll collection personnel including ambulant tellers will also be deployed to speed

toll transactions especially in busy toll plazas. In anticipation of the Holy week traffic, and to better serve the increasing number of RFID subscribers, additional ETC (electronic toll collection) lanes have been opened both on the Skyway System and SLEX. Motorists may still get their RFID stickers at the Customer Service Centers in Skyway Bicutan Office and MATES Office in Silangan SLEX northbound, Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; at the northbound and southbound toll plazas of Southwoods and Sta. Rosa and the Ayala Greenfields, and at Petron San Pedro along SLEX southbound. RFID subscription can also be processed on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Petron Service Stations in Malvar and Star Tollway in Batangas. MATES suggests that motorists going to Tagaytay during the Holy week use the Southwoods, Carmona, Sta. Rosa and ETON exits and those coming from Batangas to exit via Tanauan. On return trip to Manila on Sunday or Monday (March 27 or 28), motorists should anticipate heavy traffic at Sto. Tomas, Lipa-Tambo (East/west) and Batangas exit plazas. Motorists are also reminded to make sure that their vehicles’ cooling system, brakes and tires are functioning well and that fuel and oil are sufficient. For their own safety and those of others, they must strictly observe all tollway traffic rules and regulations, especially the speed limit rule – 100kPH max. for cars, 80 kPH max. for buses and trucks and 60kPH min. for all vehicles. SOMCO and MATES operate a state-of-the-art Command Centers that monitor activities and situations along their areas of responsibility through CCTV cameras and by radio communication enabling them to extend prompt motorist assistance. Motorists may call the hotlines of Skyway at (02) 776-7777 and 09175398762; MaTES at 0917 687-7539; and STC 0437567870 and 0917-5117827 anytime to ask for assistance, report stalled vehicles and other road incidents. They may also call the hotline of the South Tollways network at 318-8655 or 318-TOLL. For traffic update and information, visit Skyway twitter account @ SkywaySOMCO and SLEX account @OfficialSLEX.

Branching out. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon during the grand opening are (from left) ETNA Motors Dealer Principal Hector Chua, Suzuki Philippines General Manager for Automobiles Shuzo Hoshikura, Land Owners Danilo Santos & Victoria Eufrocina Santos, Suzuki Philippines Managing Director Norminio Mojica and ETNA Motors Inc. President Anthony Cheng.

Suzuki spreading its wings in Bulacan Suzuki Philippines, inc., the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, recorded one of the biggest sales growths in the industry last year with its massive 52% year-on-year growth and 10,000 retail sales, and aims to repeat this 2015 performance by carrying out successive dealership openings in 2016. Last February 24, the pioneer manufacturer of compact cars and one of the top automotivebrands in the Philippines inaugurated one 3S dealership and two satellite branches—the SuzukiAuto Pulilan, the Suzuki Auto Malolos satellite, and the Suzuki Auto Quezon Avenue. This was the second set of auto shop launches in February, and the ribbon cutting ceremonies were ledby Suzuki Philippines Managing Director and Treasurer Mojica, General Manager forAutomobiles Shuzo Hoshikura, Mt. Sinai Motors Corporation, and ETNA Motors Inc.Development in Pulilan and Malolos, BulacanPulilan City currently experiences robust commercialization and industrialization, with a growingnumber of manufacturing companies establishing their presence here. Recognizing itsdevelopment potential, SPH brings a 3S outlet in the area to offer existing and new customersthe same high-quality vehicles, repairs and parts which

Suzuki patrons enjoy all over the country. Suzuki Auto Pulilan, owned and managed by Mt. Sinai Motors Corporation, startedsales operations in June 2015. It is strategically located along Doña Remedios TrinidadHighway and is the first dealership in Bulacan that offers sales, spare parts and services. Bulaceños can now equally have easy access to Suzuki products via the Malolos branch. Alsooperated by Mt. Sinai Motors, Suzuki Auto Malolos serves as the satellite branch of Suzuki AutoPulilan. It started selling in November 2013 and established its satellite showroom in October2015. The satellite branch can be visited at Central Point Plaza, McArthur Highway, Bgy. Dakila,Malolos City, Bulacan. Branching out in Quezon Avenue Serving as the second satellite shop of Suzuki Auto Commonwealth, Suzuki Auto QuezonAvenue likewise held its official launching last February. To increase the market coverage of the

brand, SPH and ETNA Motors Inc.--owner and manager of the Commonwealthdealership-- again collaborated to cater to the automotive needs of motorists with the easy-to-access location at Quezon Ave. cor. Cordillera St., Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City. The backto-back dealership inaugurations are part of the Japanese car maker’s game plan toonce again achieve high sales volume this year, as well as to expand and increase thecompany’s reach to its clients nationwide. SPH strives to make this a great and historic yearstarting off with the sequent dealership expansions and introduction of its first sedan, the all-newCiaz.SPH General Manager for Automobile, Shuzo Hoshikura remarked, “Our dedication andcommitment to reaching out to a wider Suzuki market is no more evident than with theinauguration of these three new networks. I am confident that these three newly-inauguratedoutlets will perform excellently and help us achieve greater sales figures this year.” Hoshikura added, “we at Suzuki Philippines are taking every possible opportunity to sharethe Suzuki way of Life through the continuous expansion of the Suzuki Automobile DealerNetwork nationwide. we are determined to make more customers experience the difference,and make a positive mark in the industry.”

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lenten travel tips editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Pinoy motorists feel anxious about missing out in life If there is something that we can all agree on, it is that filipinos are becoming more and more empowered with their decisions. Whether it be choosing the right brand or spending time with the right bunch, we are always looking for ways to make the most of our choices. Reaching that right choice , however, is not always easy. Oftentimes, we end up making uninformed decisions that send us two steps back. Leading petroleum company Shell takes the guesswork out of fuel efficiency concerns with its new Shell Do More campaign. They recently polled 1,000 Filipino drivers on the emotional impact of their busy lives and the importance of fuel efficiency to help them do more of the things they enjoy. "Many Filipinos feel that they have less time to do the things they enjoy, which causes them to end up missing out on a lot of important life moments such as spending time with their families, having dinner with friends, or even watching their favorite television shows," said Pilipinas Shell vice president for retail Anthony Lawrence Yam. In the same way, Filipino motorists also feel anxious about saving fuel. In fact, they place seeing the red light on their fuel gauge higher than going for a job

Metro Manila’s atrocious traffic makes Filipino motorists anxious about saving fuel.

interview and making a speech in public higher in the anxiety scale. That being said, nearly twothirds of Filipinos surveyed agree that changing the way they drive could give them more time to do enjoyable things in life and almost all say that their lives would be positively impacted if they could make their fuel last longer with the right fuel saving habits

and had to fill up less. Half would even take a long road trip or holiday if they could drive further on the same amount of fuel. Shell FuelSave is designed to last longer than our standard gasoline and diesel of the same biocontent[1] and can help motorists to do more and enjoy life’s most important events. “We, at Shell, want to educate drivers on how they can make

their fuel last longer,” said Yam. “We’ve shared countless tips on how to be more fuel efficient, but Filipinos always think of ingenious ways on their own." Most notably, 98 percent of the respondents believe that engineering and science students play an important role in helping save fuel and finding solutions to the world's energy problems. This is why Shell conducts

the yearly Shell Eco-marathon, one of the world's most innovative and challenging student engineering competitions, that aims to bring together the scientific and engineering leaders of tomorrow from all over the world, along with people who are passionate about the energy challenge, and asks them to design build and drive the most energy efficient cars.

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TATUm ANchETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE

Stradivarius multicolor scarf; marsala dangling earrings and gold bangles from The SM Store; white mermaid cut one-piece swimsuit, printed round beach towel from South Sartorial; Suede flat sandals from Zara

Sun-KISSED

Get ready to upGrade your summer wear for the lonG holiday

t’s already scorching hot outdoors and the afternoon is inviting us to walk on the beach or drink a mojito by the swimming pool. In a few more days, everyone will be out and about enjoying the summer heat during the long holiday. We are just as excited as you are and we’re with you, counting the days ‘til clock out. We’ve

rounded up a few inspirations for butt sexy summer wear and swimwear to guide you on this season’s summer trends. Celebrity photographer and outdoorsy gal Sara Black– who is usually behind the lens – obliged The Standard LIFE to put her on the other side of the lens for this season’s

fashion editorial shot amidst the modern architecture of Crown Towers’ swimming pool in City of Dreams. From colorful summer cover-ups, bikinis, to maillots and swimgerie, here’s a quick rundown on what pieces to highlight for your summer buy.

BARE MInIMuM

Maillot never seems to leave the beach trend, it just keeps changing in cuts, colors and patterns. For this season, minimal is the way to go – one piece, one color – and going white screams subtle sexiness with a lot of elegance. Mermaid cut is also something you will often see on your #swimwear hashtag feeds as far as swimsuits are concerned. Mermaid cut is defined along the simple wave on the bust line or the backside of the swimwear. It gives off subtle hints of flirtation but still, do not scream, “Hey, I’m Ariel!” The turban is still around and a colorful print perfectly pairs with a sleek white maillot. Put your hair down or hide it under the turban – the option is yours; see what fits your face and what looks better on your entire get up.

ROMAnTIC RufflE

One of the most romantic trends on the summer runway is ruffles. Ruffle waves continue to reign as one of the preferred cuts for summer. From swimsuit to cropped tops and even body cons, ruffles are one of the highlights for this season. An off-the-shoulder cropped top looks great on trousers with light feminine colors. Or go a little sweet yet bold and sophisticated with a pair of black bikinis. Speaking of romantic, fringe has also been a mainstay for a number of seasons. From tasseled swimwear, accessories and footwear, it seems like this flouncy appeal is here to stay. For your summer ensemble, pair up fringe earrings to match your summer wear but don’t go too much with the feminine cuts, tassels and ruffles so as not to become overly saccharine. Continued on C2

Brown fringe earrings from H&M; printed off-shoulder cropped top and trousers from LCP; and Parisian white strap sandals from The SM Store

Black ruffled bikini from South Sartorial and gold body necklace from H&M

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Brown wide brimmed hat, ivory dangling earrings, Coco Cabaña floral one-piece swimsuit all from The SM Store; LCP white off-shoulder dress; and Cortefiel tan espadrille wedge

Sun-KISSED from c1

Off-shOulder

Off-shoulder pieces have been a favorite of most women for many seasons. This breezy cut is perfect for the summer heat as it allows extra room for air and at the same time gives off a stylish feminine appeal. Off-shoulder dresses are a great summer must-have and they are not confined solely for the beach. A flouncy off-shoulder dress paired with inner maillot or swimwear inside and spruced up with wedge espadrilles is a cute ensemble for holiday brunch with your friends or an afternoon date with your bae.

under the sea

As mentioned, the mermaid cut is high this season as it transcends almost all cuts of swimwear. But key

to using this trend is subtlety; be part of Ariel’s world but not overtly look like a mermaid and or give off the impression that you are wearing a costume for the wrong Halloween. Pair up a colored mermaid cut bikini with solid colored crochet cover-up for a sultry yet sweet appeal.

Orange is the new black

Peach to tangerine are the fruity shades this season as they give off a fresh and invigorating vibe and scream “a lot of fun” under the sun. The trends on some bikini cuts this season are lingerie-inspired swimwear or “swimgerie.” But then again, if you don’t want to look like a Playboy bunny, reserve the super laced up see-throughs for the bedroom and opt for subtle hints of lingerie on your swimwear. This modern orange bikini shows off pink lace underneath the bust line; it’s barely there but you get the hint. The citrus colors also make the swimgerie contemporary looking instead of making it look like a costume reserved for the bedroom.

CreaTive DireCTion By TaTuM anCheTa • PhoToS By STar SaBroSo • STyLing By noreen CLaire LiM LegaSPi, aSSiSTeD By CriSCeL BoBiS • MoDeL: Sara BLaCk • MakeuP By JanneTT FaDera anD hair By riCaForT ManaLaD oF CreaTionS By LourD raMoS SaLon • ShoT on LoCaTion aT Crown TowerS ManiLa, CiTy oF DreaMS • SPeCiaL ThankS To MS. ChariSSe ChuiDian, FranCine DayriT anD CriZeLLe gLoria

LCP is available at their flagship boutique located at 10th Avenue corner 39th Street, BGC, you may also check their online store once it launches this month at www.shoplcp.com. South Sartorial is available online at www.southsartorial.com starting on March 20.

Blue felt hat from The SM Store; white crochet cover-up from LCP; and blue mermaid cut bikini from South Sartorial

Zara mint green round sunglasses; orange bikini from South Sartorial; and black and white mandala mat from South Sartorial

F R I D AY : m A R c h 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Glow in the dark

Flip-Flops brand banana peel raises awareness to save earth

he recent visit of Nobel Peace Prize winner and former US vice president Al Gore has raised awareness once again about the need to protect the environment and the costly consequences of climate change. Fortunately, many companies are going green and adapting best practices, among them flip-flops brand Banana Peel that strongly supports causes that revolve around the protection of planet Earth. The Philippines’ first flip-flops concept store likewise believes in connecting deeply with its consumers, and these twin

Glow-in-the-dark flip-flops

commitments have inspired the brand to create products made from environment friendly and safe materials. As every Banana Peel believer knows, each and every pair is made with non-toxic paint and non-hazardous compounds. To demonstrate its advocacy of raising awareness about the need to save the planet, Banana Peel is launching its Earth Hour Collection of flip-flops that glow in the dark to encourage people to switch off and be mindful of the fight to save planet earth not only during Earth Hour 2016 but even beyond. Banana Peel knows the value of educating shoppers about climate change, and this advocacy drives the brand’s commitment to develop well-thought out designs for its eco-friendly sandals and flip-flops. After all, sustainable development is a core value of the company, and the brand perseveres in its efforts to protect Earth through several joint venture projects with leading conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines). To further communicate the Earth Hour movement, it has put up a billboard along Guadalupe, while major stores also feature a unique window display that encompasses the Switch Off, Choose Earth campaign. Every pair purchased from Banana Peel’s World Wide Fund for Nature

Banana Peel's Earth Hour Collection features eco-friendly designs

collections also help the company and WWF-Philippines to deploy solar lamps to light up the sitios of Monreal in Masbate. The main goal is to help provide the community with clean, sustainable sources of electricity replacing the costly and hazardous use of kerosene. In 2014 and 2015, the brand released collections that focused on marine life

preservation and forest and wildlife conservation. For sure, Banana Peel will be unflagging in its commitment to bolster and inspire more generations to become responsible stewards of our home that we know as planet Earth. For more information on the flip-flops brand’s collections and advocacy, you may visit www.bananapeel.net.

Sun, Sun, Sun, hERE wE comE!

ummer is here and its presence is felt more day by day as As the holidays bring forth an array of sun activities, get ready for stepping out of the house almost feels like entering a sauna. the wear and tear and stay cool and protected at all times. we’ve And though summer brings so many fun adventures and as rounded up our editor picks this summer to protect your skin, hair, much as we love to enjoy this tropical weather, the scorching and well, keep you from feeling icky, stinging and burning from the heat does take its toll on our skin and the sweat and burn can make sweltering heat. you feel terrible. nourishinG arsenal

Malunggay or Moringa Oleifera, has been a popular plant for nutrition as well as body care and herbal medicine. Moringa-O2 carries with it an array of moringa products that not only protects but also revitalizes and nourishes hair and body. One of the fastest selling products from its range is the Herbal, Hair, Scalp, & Skin Therapy Oil, a handy oil for summer as it soothes dry and flaky scalp resulting from the heat and at the same time softens dry and damaged skin. It’s also a perfect oil to use for a relaxing massage after a heavy outdoor activity. A good after care product after traversing the heat of the sun is Moringa-O2 Herbal Hair Relaxing Serum with Argan Oil. It not only fixes that dull frizz, it also nourishes and revitalizes dry hair after exposure from the burning sun. For skin renewal that softens and moisturizes skin, Moringa-O2’s Herbal Moisturizing Lotion is your best after sun care arsenal. It is rich with multi-vitamins and minerals that stimulate cell regeneration and improves the skin’s elasticity. Now, the sun is not the only enemy during summer; insects as well as creepy crawlers are also threatening to your skin, not to mention your health. Protect with Herbal Insect Repellent that doesn’t contain parabens, DEET, and other harmful chemicals before going for a mountain climb or before you hang out out in the park. Knitted bag from Elise Chalmin collection at Promod; white flat shoes from The SM Store Continued on C4

Morninga-O2 Herbal Hair Relaxing Serum with Argan Oil; Herbal Moisturizing Lotion; Herbal, Hair, Scalp, & Skin Therapy Oil; and Herbal Insect Repellent

F R I D AY : m A R c h 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Sun, Sun, Sun... From c1

hydrate and prOtect

Nivea has always been a staple summer partner as it usually presents an array of sun protection for all your outdoor activity needs. Besides being readily available, Nivea has a wide range of products that cover kids’ skin protection, tanning, moisturizing, whitening and after sun spray. The Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture is your daily arsenal regardless whether it’s summer or not. It gives reliable protection and skin hydration for up to 24 hours, but if you will be frolicking on the beach or swimming, best to reapply every two hours. Nivea Sun Protect & Light Feel almost feels refreshing when applied and its invisible sun mist gives you 50 SPF protection from harmful UV rays. For the kids, a very high SPF application is needed as they often are the ones who swim and play under the direct heat without actually realizing the burn. Nivea Sun Kids Swim & Play sun lotion is especially formulated for children’s delicate skin and is “very” water resistant to give these chikitings more time for protection under the sun while sweating and swimming by the water. For those who want to go out but don’t want to acquire a tan, the Nivea Sun Whitening range works on whitening your skin while also protecting it with an SPF of 50. Now, for those who love to embrace the tanning touch of the sun, Sun Protect & Bronze is the perfect buy as it supports the skin’s natural tanning ability while keeping it protected at the same time.

nivea sun Protect & light feel, nivea sun Protect & moisture, nivea sun Kids swim & Play sun lotion, nivea sun whitening, nivea sun Protect & bronze

But even after piling up your skin with so much sunblock throughout the day, prolonged sun exposure still takes its toll and gives off a burning sensation after sun

exposure. You may load up your skin with after-care from Nivea Sun Cooling After Sun Spray which contains aloe vera that cools and soothes the skin and helps restore moisture.

Knitted top from South Sartorial; sunglasses, hat, white bag, Coco Cabaña printed pants and Parisian white sandals are all from The SM Store

One with natUre

Face Up

Razor bra and sunglasses from The SM Store; denim beach tote from South Sartorial

Pink sunglasses and Coco Cabaña one-piece swimsuit from The SM Store

white OUt

reFresh dOwn BelOw

If you will be snorkeling, seeing some sea creatures or swimming or going on a trek through the wildlife for summer, please protect your skin but at the same time listen to what Human Nature suggests: “think before you slather.” Every chemical you put on your skin seeps through the ocean when you go for a dive and a swim. Be mindful that living creatures exist in the ocean natural Deodorizing foot spray, human nature safeProtect sPf and whatever chemical we 100% 30, all-natural scented cleansing bar in lemon zest, 100% natural emit goes through the food Conditioning hair mist that they eat. For swimming in the ocean we recommend Human Nature SafeProtect SPF 30; the sunblock doesn’t contain ingredients like parabens, oxybenzone, and benzophenone which can bleach corals and poison sea creatures. It protects your skin and protects the environment you will swim in. Human Nature also has an All-natural scented cleansing bar in Lemon Zest, best for showering in the morning to perk you up for the day ahead, or for your bath after doing some outdoor activity as it has a cooling and refreshing effect. If you will engage in sports activities this summer, best to keep 100% Natural Deodorizing Foot Spray with you at all times as it not only deodorizes, it also has a cool and relaxing feel to keep your feet fresh and relaxed. For hair, 100% Natural Conditioning Hair Mist keeps your tresses conditioned and hydrated against the scorching sun.

Now, if you’re not a sun baby, scared to darken, prefers to stay powder white and would rather hide in the shade drinking a glass of cocktail while reading a book than getting a tan or going sun bathing, then your best body care collection would be Gluta-C. The brand has a wide range of products for gluta-C body scrub, underarm and bikini skin whitening gel, and body lotion intense whitening but our favorites are its Body Scrub, Body lotion, and Underarm and Bikini Skin Whitening Gel. If you want to whiten up after tanning under the summer sun, then these products are readily available in the grocery stores. Brown hat and white top from The SM Store

When you go outdoors, the first thing that is exposed to the harm of UV rays is your face and once it gets penetrated by invisible UV rays, the face becomes susceptible to tanning, burning, and other skin damage. First things first – protect your face, and don’t just use any sunblock. Be mindful of what you put on your face as it is more sensitive than the rest of germaine de Capuccini’s golden Caresse (exclusively available at facial Care Center); your body. One of our eau thermale avene thermal spring water favorite products both for face and body is Germaine de Capuccini’s Golden Caresse. It has a DNA Expert System that slows premature ageing and at the same time has an anti-dark spots system. It also protects against UVB and UVA allowing you to enjoy the sun without worry. For skin hydration, we are still in love with Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water that soothes redness, calms itching, and refreshes the skin. This amazing product has traversed through a 40-year journey through the Cevennes Mountain aquifer where thermal spring water rich in trace elements and silicates is produced, achieving a perfectly balanced mineral composition, making it ideal for the care and management of sensitive skin. Spray it on and pat dry before leaving the house and reapply when needed especially when the heat of the sun irritates your skin.

Summer makes you sweat and feel icky and dirty, and since we’ve covered everything else from hair, face to body care, it’s time to get “down” to business. With the tropical weather, it is important to maintain good feminine hygiene and keep fresh down below. We’ve recently discovered Priva Perfect Care 2-in-1 Feminine Priva Perfect Care 2-in-1 feminine wash Wash that does not only lighten and keep the skin firm, it also produces a cooling effect that makes every woman feel cool and fresh especially in this weather. Sunglasses from The SM Store; green printed dress from Cortefiel

Creative DireCtion by tatum anCheta • Photos by star sabroso • assisteD by Karen ortega shot on loCation at Crown towers manila, City of Dreams • sPeCial thanKs to ms. Charisse ChuiDian, franCine Dayrit anD Crizelle gloria

f RIDAy : m A RcH 18, 2016

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

“children of Heaven” (1997) is an Iranian drama film nominated at the Academy Award for Best foreign Laguage film in 1998

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

Over 1000 students, teachers and parents were treated to free film showings at Sm cinemas in Sm city Bf Parañaque, Sm city Sucat and Sm city Bicutan

ChIlDREn’s ClassICs aT sM CInEMas

ver a thousand students from a dozen elementary schools and 13 high schools in Parañaque City were recently treated to free film screenings of Children’s Classics at cinemas at SM City BF Parañaque, SM City Bicutan, and SM City Sucat. These included critically acclaimed movies, like Every Child is Special from India, and Children of Heaven from the Islamic Republic of Iran. A joint project of MTRCB and the City of Parañaque, with support from the Embassy of India, the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and SM, Children’s Classics is a two-day, simultaneous screening event at three SM malls in the south metro featuring educational and family movies from the embassies. This is in celebration of the 3rd Sunduan Festival of the City of Parañaque, and in line with the “Matalinong Panonood Program” of the MTRCB, which aims to raise public awareness on the revised classification rating for movies and television. Every Child is Special, also known as Like Stars on Earth (Taare Zameen Par), is a 2007 Indian drama film about an eightyear old student and the events that lead to the discovery of his Dyslexia by a new boarding school teacher. It won Best Film on Family Welfare in 2007 at India’s prestigious National Film Awards, and was India’s official entry for the 2009 Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film category. The screening was made possible by the Embassy of India. Children of Heaven is a 1997 Iranian drama film about the hard work shown by a brother to make up to his sister after accidentally losing her only pair of shoes. In 1998, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, which was followed by numerous showings and awards in prominent international film festivals. The screening was made possible

Parañaque city mayor Edwin Olivarez

cultural Expert Dr. Bahman Samadi & culture councilor Dr. mohammad Hossein Ahmadi of the cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and cultural Expert Dr. mohammad Reza Kaka of Iran’s Islamic culture Relations Organization

by the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Manila. No less than Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and 1st District Representative Eric Olivarez welcomed the students, teachers and parents to these special screenings. The city officials, together with MTRCB Chairman Toto Villareal made the gathering even more meaningful with their inspiring video messages about responsible watching. Also present were the MTRCB Board Members and Vice Chairman Emmanuel Borlaza. Moreover, students during the film screening at SM City BF Parañaque enjoyed a rare performance by the Bamdad Musical Ensemble, a world-class group of folk musicians, introducing traditional Iranian music and instruments through the help of Cultural Expert Dr. Bahman Samadi and Culture Councilor Dr. Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi of the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Cultural Expert Dr. Mohammad Reza Kaka of Iran’s Islamic Culture Relations Organization. The Children’s Classics film screening event is one of the many educational events at the SM Supermalls.

mTRcB Board members Gladys Reyes and Raquel Villavicencio

Parañaque city 1st District Representative Eric Olivarez

mTRcB Board members cecilia Nubla, Pat Binungcal, Jay Revestir, Tessie Villarama and Tessie Daza The Bamdad musical Ensemble during their Iranian folk music performance

maine mendoza is BDO’s newest endorser Her overwhelming popularity not only took the entire country, but also the world, by storm, is now a proud endorser of BDO Unibank. The 21-year-old Maine Mendoza, now a phenomenal celebrity, says it was a dream to partner with BDO for the reason “Abot ang pangarap pag BDO ang kausap”. Like Maine who is a self-confessed big-time dreamer, people would like to have their own house, car, and business to manage. With BDO’s right solutions, these dreams can turn into reality. Maine’s TV commercial is officially out Wednesday on major TV channels, BDO’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel. Maine will help you find ways to reach your dream.

maine mendoza refuses to cease being one of showbiz’s hottest properties

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pEOplE ¼

are talking about

are not talking about

Maine Mendoza

louise delos Reyes

The other half of the super love team AlDub made Kathryn Bernardo, Enrique Gil, and James Reid eat dust after she won Favorite Pinoy Personality in the 2016 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. While her rivals have a strong fan base, too, we cannot discount the fact that Maine won via online poll, an indication that in the Internet universe, she is still the biggest rock star.

paolo Ballesteros Diego loyzaga The man of the hour is the latest talk of the town. Reports spread like wildfire that he’s allegedly involved in an altercation at the Palace Pool Club over the weekend. Now, different versions of the story are being told and it’s hard to believe whose side is telling the truth. Where were the camera phones when they’re usually most useful? Anyway, this incident works to Diego’s favor. See, he’s getting a lot of attention. Don’t all young celebrities want this?

The Eat Bulaga host and “transformation artist” has not been visible on the noontime show since last week. And even Tape Inc.’s big bosses didn’t want to confirm whether or not Paolo is indefinitely suspended from the show. But one thing is definite though, Paolo’s behavior on social media didn’t sit well with Tape, which produces Eat Bulaga. So, the moral of the story? Don’t bite the hands that feed you.

In a recent interview, the young actress hinted that she’s still hopeful to have regular projects because while her friends are busy with one project after another, she still doesn’t have any definite offer to star in a primetime or afternoon soap. The last time we saw her in a leading role was in 2014 when she played the role of a mermaid in an overly hyped drama pitted against Dyesebel. Obviously, Louise has fallen off her mother network’s radar, and the reason? Well, we can always make a wild guess.

Donna Cruz She doesn’t regret leaving showbiz when she was at the peak of her career. She’s still a household name up until now anyway. We can even argue that had she became a pop star today, she’d give the likes of Sarah Geronimo and Julie Anne San Jose a run for their money. Hence, people highly anticipate her comeback on the music scene 18 years after she chose to settle in Cebu and raise a family.

Vivian Velez Last week, she exposed on social media how difficult it was to work with Cristine Reyes. And she got the attention she asked for – many believed her because Cristine really has some nasty reputation. This week though, it’s been revealed that Vivian, too, was at fault why they didn’t have a harmonious working environment on the set of Tubig at Langis. No wonder nobody stopped her from resigning from the drama series.

CROsswORD puzzlE orator Stick together Made mention of Vicunas’ hangout “— to Billie Joe” Foul-up Dry red wine Shortage Trunk possessor Helen of Troy left him 61 Tightly curled 65 Fuel cartel 66 Sat opposite 69 Singer — Hendryx 70 Sphagnum moss 71 Delight 72 Harm 73 Moray and conger 74 Food wrap 75 An evening out DOWN 1 Cold feet 2 “Bus Stop” author 3 Diamond number 4 Phonograph inventor 5 — ton soup 6 Malt brew 7 Fuzzy fruit 8 Levels off 9 Blue pottery of Holland 10 Grazing 11 Drive the getaway 44 45 47 49 50 51 53 56 57

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

ACROSS 1 Copacetic 5 Shook, maybe 10 Long hairpiece 14 Novelist — Bagnold 15 Martini extra 16 Orchestra member 17 Hindu god of fire 18 Stair post 19 McEntire of C&W music

20 Della of pop 22 Full of air 24 Not the half — — 27 Just for guys 28 Plaza feature 32 Brake parts 36 Jackie’s second 37 Drop a glass 39 Expose fangs 40 Flag waver? 42 “Cross of Gold”

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016

12 13 21 23 25 26 28 29 30 31 33 34 35 38 41 43 46 48 52 54 55 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 67 68

car Earring site Conduct Salamanders Highland youths Poet’s foot Coronet Spotted animals Sky hunter Utah mountain range “Bye Bye Bye” band Elegant shop Rough Icy rain Set upon (2 wds.) Turns aside Corn Belt st. Two-way Go in search of Curbed, with “in” Tearooms — Lumpur, Malaysia Brood Rapier Shaquille O’ — Injury memento Exploding star Furrowed Sturdy lock Depot info Cave, maybe

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‘LEs MIséRabLEs’ cOMpOsER DIscOvERED FILIpInO sIngERs vIa LInO bROcka FILM

he history of theater musicals will never be the same without Les Misérables, which is playing Manila this month. Smart Communications’ unrivaled premium postpaid brand Smart Infinity is rolling out the red carpet for its members with unmatched perks and privileges tied with the musical. In line with the production’s Manila run, Les Misérables’ composer Claude-Michel Schonberg visited Manila ahead of the touring cast to meet some members of the local media. In one-on-one interviews held at Solaire recently, Schonberg—who’s also responsible for another renowned hit (Miss Saigon)—revealed how he caught the virus of music and never allowed it to leave his system ever since. At one point in the interview when he was recognized for helping place Filipino artists on the world music map, he dodged credits and revealed he fell in love with “Filipinos singing like angels in a Lino Brocka film” most likely to be Orapronobis. He did not want to take credit. He also wanted to give it back to the talents of our singers who were at the right place and time when Schonberg was touring the world in search of Kim with Alain Baublil. “Before I met the first Filipino singer and before we arrived in Manila in 1988 [to search for Kim for Miss Saigon], I discovered Filipino singers through a Lino Brocka movie. That’s where I realized that there is a population of Asians singing like Italians! I didn’t know that. The first time we came here because I asked Cameron

On with unrivaled theater experience

Les misérables’ composer claude-michel Schonberg

Julie carceller, Smart’s head of multi-Segment marketing Group

Mackintosh to stop in Manila during our worldwide tour looking for Kim, that was the first time he sent somebody to check this country and we realized that you were already entertaining Asia. We didn’t know that. Without that movie, I would never have realized that there are brilliant singers here,” disclosed Schonberg. For someone seeing Les Misérables for the first time, he said, “I would say that it’s a

story and you already know each character in it. You may be one of them or was one of them or where you are working, you know Javert; there are plenty of Thénardiers out there or you may be Cossette who is always the victim; or perhaps you also know a girl like Fantine. You already know by heart all of the characters of Les Misérables. And you will learn that there are plenty of barricades still to be taken.”

Smart Infinity is known to pamper members with best-in-class gadgets, travel and shopping experiences. But most of all, Infinity is widely popular for bringing Broadway to Manila with previous staging of The Phantom of the Opera, Mama Mia, Cats, Chicago and Wicked. “Smart Infinity honors its tradition of bringing the Broadway experience to the Philippines, with Les Misérables as our premiere lifestyle signature for 2016. A true icon among Broadway musicals, Les Misérables is a performance rich with timeless qualities that captivate worldwide audiences. As the country’s leading premium postpaid brand, Smart Infinity parallels this timelessness through rewarding experiences that enable you to indulge your every passion. “For you to enjoy Les Misérables as passionately as we do, this is the dream we dream,” said Julie Carceller, head of Multi-Segment Marketing Group. Infinity members were the first to purchase tickets to Les Misérables since September but the perks don’t stop there. With the latest offers linking total Broadway experiences to Infinity’s premium postpaid offers, there is a way to take the musical experience further for members. For details on these exclusive offers and experiences, visit www.smart.com.ph/infinity and follow Smart Infinity on Instagram @smartinfinity.

No politics for Heart Evangelista

OPm singer Renz Verano

Town’s newest girl group Sassy Girls

Renz Verano and Sassy Girls at 2016 Seasports Awards Night Renz Verano and the Sassy Girls treat Baywalk habitués to a free concert on March 20 at 7:00 p.m., capping the awarding ceremonies for the 2016 Manila Bay Seasports Festival, to be hosted by Raqi Terra and Lyka Barista of 90.7 Love Radio. Presented by Manila Broadcasting Company and the City of Manila, in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard, the sea sports festival will feature Dragon Boat Racing as well as Stock and Formula Races for Motorized Bancas. Teams taking part in the muchawaited annual watersports derby include Bruins, UP Alumni, EAM Events Paddling Interactive Crew, Adamson University,

NTMA Dragons, Manila Ocean Park, Philippine Blue Phoenix, Onslaught Racing Dragons, Rogue Pilipinas Paddlers, Pilipinas Wave Warriors, Maharlika Drakon, Dragons Republic Paddlers, One Piece Drakon Sangres, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, Triton A & B, RCP Sea Dragons, and Amateur Paddlers Philippines. In the motorized banca competition, racers from Rizal, Bataan, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, La Union, Quezon, Ilocos Sur, and Navotas will compete in the stock and formula races. The 2016 Manila Bay Seasports Festival is supported by Cobra En-

90.7 Love Radio lady jockeys Lyka Barista and Raqi Terra

ergy Drink, Kremtop, The Generics Pharmacy, Executive Optical, Revicon, M. Lhuillier, My Juiz, White Castle, and Herco Trading Corporation.

Acting and painting are the two things Heart Evangelista is passionate about. Well, add to that helping her husband Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero in his campaign sorties as vice-presidential candidate. Heart went to Cebu City recently where she did a tour of the city’s wet markets and toured radio stations. We can say that Heart has been doing a lot of political activities in her desire to help her husband win in the coming elections. Already, there are those who are speculating about Heart’s political plans, if she has, saying this could be her baptism of fire, a rehearsal or be like in a practicum, before she herself joins the fray. But Heart dismisses all the speculations, saying she is happy as an actress and uses it to help and influence people. “Kaya ako, kung tinatanong nila sa’kin ‘gusto mo ba pumasok sa pulitika?’, ang sabi ko hindi kasi para sa’kin, nandoon na ako sa kumbaga may position of influence na ako,” Heart said. “Kumbaga, bilang artista, nakikita ka ng mga tao. Mayroon ka nang, kahit papaano followers. Para sa

isang normal na tao, puwede ka ring tumulong sa ibang tao,” she added. Initially, Heart was anxious about her husband’s decision to run with Senator Grace Poe vice presidential candidate because she knew that many things will change in their lives. “Siyempre madaming adjustment pero noong nakita ko talaga yung pagmamahal niya sa bayan, parang napakaselfish ko naman kung sabihin kong wag niyang gawin yun na parang pag tumanda na kami at nagkaroon kami ng mga anak, itatanong sa kaniya ‘bakit hindi ka tumakbo’, ‘bakit di mo ginawa.’Ayaw kong sabihin niya ng dahil lang sa’kin. Kaya sabi ko, ‘gawin mo na, susuportahan kitang 100 percent,” Heart revealed. “Kasi pag nalaman mo at pag nakilala mo talaga siya nang husto, hindi lang sa nakikita niyo. Kaya nakakatuwa yung supporters niya kasi mahal na mahal nila si Chiz. Pero pag lalo niyo siyang nakilala, ibang klase ang pagmamahal niya sa bayan kaya ‘yun sa tingin ko ang winning characteristic niya kung bakit puwedeng-puwede siyang maging bise-presidente natin.”

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making a name for himself: musician and concert director Paolo Valenciano has directed some of the biggest local concerts in the country

New PINOY MOvers

ISAH V. RED

e live in a country that is rich with talented and resilient people. Through wins and obstacles, Filipinos remain optimistic, as they continue to dream of a better future. To reach that, they stay energetic and continue to do the work needed. The traits of being optimistic, energetic and hardworking describes best what is called the New Pinoy Mover, who espouses a quality of life that inspires and empowers others. For these Pinoy movers, nothing definitely stops them from realizing their dreams and pushing themselves to achieve more to inspire others.

Move to Make Things Happen

Filmmaker Erik Matti is able to achieve both critical and commercial success with his films, and

although he admits that he doesn’t create blockbusters, he is glad that he is able to tell the kinds of stories that he wants to tell. One such film is On The Job, which was among 20 selected films premiered at the Director’s Fortnight in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France and won the Jury Prize and Best Actor for Joel Torre at Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea. Though Matti is proud of his international accomplishments, ultimately this New Pinoy Mover enjoys making films for his primary audience – Filipinos – and is glad to witness more Filipinos becoming engaged and interested in supporting the local film industry as well. Matti says that Filipinos are much like kangkong. When thrown into any situation, Filipinos find a way to make it work. “We’re in a third world country and when there’s no masking tape, we find a rope,” Matti says, to explain the Filipino’s resourcefulness. This is an especially useful trait when working on set, where one needs to be adaptable to change. “When you ask for the impossible on the set, everyone you’re working with would just

say, ‘Gawan natin ng paraan, direk. Hanapan ng paraan.’”

Move to Inspire Others

He may be recognized for his famous last name, but his reputation in the music industry was one founded on his own talent. This New Pinoy Mover got his start by performing with his family, but eventually branched out as the lead vocalist for the band Salamin. Later on, his father began coming to Paolo for advice on his shows, which prompted the latter to take on a bigger role in concert production. Today he directs concerts for big names in the industry, like Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, and Bamboo. A mus i c i a n himself, Paolo Va l e n ciano felt that

Move to Pursue Your Dreams

The country’s pop royalty Sarah Geronimo award-winning filmmaker Erik matti

that gave him an edge, because he knows where the artists are coming from and what they want in a show. And so, his mission was not just to help these performers realize their full potential, but also to create a concert experience that would move the audience. “Being able to change their life somehow, making them realize something about themselves, getting the message across — that’s what makes me move.”

Rachelle Ann Go’s love for music started since she was young and carried through her adulthood. She has released several albums, starred in theatre productions and is currently focused on her Broadway career. In 2014, this New Pinoy Mover was cast to play Gigi Van Trahn on the West End revival of Miss Saigon. She was then chosen to play the role of Fantine in Les Miserables’ 30th anniversary. During the length of her career, Go has been recognized for her talent, both for music and acting on Broadway. She has won numerous best performer and album honors, including Best Featured Actress in a New Production of a Musical and

Singer and theater actress rachelle ann Go

Best Performance in a Long-Running West End Show (Female) for her roles in Miss Saigon and Les Miserables, respectively. She has brought much pride to the Philippines, and is excited to return home during the Philippine stint of Les Miserables. Go says that, even in London, the love from Filipinos moves her and inspires her to keep pursuing her dreams.

Move to Be the Best

There is a reason Sarah Geronimo is considered the Philippine Pop princess. Throughout her career, Geronimo has received ten Awit Awards, six Aliw Awards, 23 Myx Music Awards (the most in the awards history) and a FAMAS Golden Artist Award. Also globally renowned, she has received the Best Asian Artist Award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards in 2012, Best Southeast Asian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2014 and Best Selling Filipino Artist at the 22nd World Music Awards. But, more than her various accolades, this New Pinoy Mover is also a Goodwill Ambassador for Music of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. She is also known for her acting abilities, and her blockbuster films. Even with all her accomplishments, Geronimo still finds the energy to push forward and keep moving.