The Standard - 2016 March 31 - Thursday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXX NO. 47 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 THURSDAY : MARCH 31, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Duterte twits Noy: ‘Are you on drugs?’

CHURCH’S RELIEF ARM HITS ROXAS By John Paolo Bencito and Christine F. Herrera

A RANKING member of the Catholic clergy on Wednesday slammed Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II for his “shameful” portrayal of himself in a comic book as the hero during Super Typhoon ‘‘Yolanda’’ in 2013.

“In conscience, I need to belie this hypocritical claim of Mar Roxas claiming to be a hero in the emergency response,” said Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Church. Gariguez said the comic book, being distributed as part of the Roxas campaign, was “shameful and unacceptable propaganda.”

“We need to bring truth and decency in our electoral process,” he added. The prelate was referring to a 28page comic book, “Sa Gitna ng Unos (In the Midst of Disaster)” commissioned by unnamed Roxas supporters featuring the life and times of the administration bet, and highlighting his actions in Tacloban City when the killer typhoon struck. Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action

Center director Jazz Siapco said the comic book was “misleading.” “He [Roxas] is not a hero. I would consider those who have helped silently in their own little ways the heroes. They are the real heroes,” Siapco said. Yolanda survivors on Wednesday urged voters to junk Roxas for showing no remorse for his “criminal neglect” during the onslaught of Next page Yolanda.

Drought-hit Mindanao folk close highway KIDAPAWAN CITY—Suffering from drought brought about by the El Niño phenomenon, some 6,000 farmers blocked a portion of the Cotabato-Davao highway to dramatize their misery and to prod the government to action. The protest stranded hundreds of vehicles and commuters on both sides of the 220-kilometer freeway connecting Cotabato and Davao. The farmers, who positioned themselves in front of the National Food Authority warehouse situated along the highway, came from the remote villages of this city and the towns of Arakan, Antipas, President Roxas, Magpet, and Makilala, all in North Cotabato province. Pedro Arnado, chair of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP)–North Cotabato chapter, said they were calling for Gov. Emmylou Mendoza to intervene swiftly to address their immediate needs. The peasant are demanding free rice, food aid, a subsidy for vegetable seeds and drought-resistant root crops; an increase in the prices for local farm produce; and the suspension of military operations in the province. Next page

Security forces hunting kidnappers

Real heroes. File photo shows students thanking Caritas, the Church’s relief organization, for turning over a newly built disaster-resilient school to the survivors of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in Malibago, Madrilejos, in Cebu. CARITAS PHILIPPINES

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Govt forces hunt hostage-takers By Francisco Tuyay

SECURITY forces have launched massive search and rescue operations in Western Mindanao for 10 Indonesian sailors kidnapped and held hostage by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits near Tawi-Tawi. Indonesia is preparing to send its own security personnel to help their Filipino counterparts find the kidnapped sailors, who were taken Saturday while transporting 7,000 tons of coal to Batangas. But Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the Constitu-

tion does not allow foreign troops on its soil without a treaty. The tugboat used by the 10 Indonesians to pull a barge full of coal was found empty by a civilian mariner near Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, Sunday morning. Reports said the armed group aboard a three-engine

motor boat intercepted the tugboat at gunpoint Saturday evening in Taw-Tawi. Padilla said the military viewed the kidnapping as a diversionary tactic to ease military pressure on them. In last quarter of 2015, the government launched massive operations against the ASG and other terrorist groups in Mindanao with the bandit groups suffering a series of defeats in skirmishes that resulted in several dozen deaths. Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said Tuesday the problem of piracy and illegal fishing could be controlled if Indonesia and the Philippines

carried out joint maritime patrols, but said these have yet to materialize. He said several countries have already established joint maritime patrols, and cited the example of Japan and China, which carry out joint patrolling with the United States and Malaysia, respectively. Such joint patrols will help secure Indonesian waters along the border and ensure proper monitoring, he said. Earlier, the Indonesian nilitary expressed its readiness to help the Philippines in tackling pirates like those who hijacked an Indonesian vessel and its crew. “If the Philippines asks for

Indonesian assistance, we are ready to help them out,” the Defense minister said. The minister remarked that a military patrol boat had been prepared in anticipation of such accidents. However, he noted, the military cannot carry out any operations in the Philippines without the permission of the authorities there. He said the hijacking of the Indonesian vessel was different from the sea piracy rampant in Somalia. The minister coordinated with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. “Indonesia continues to monitor the hostage situation,” the minister said.

Church’s... From A1

Platform. Presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II explains his platform before members of the Makati

Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines in Makati on Wednesday. DANNY PATA

Drought-hit... From A1

The province has been suffering from drought since November, with damage to crops estimated at more than P1 billion. Jessie Enid, executive assistant to the governor, said Mendoza refused to appear before the protesters because they had not made an appointment. Hundreds of police and security personnel were deployed around the NFA compound to prevent any illegal intrusion. The KMP said Wednesday it was supporting the protest action. Antonio Flores, KMP secretary-general, said the farmers vowed that barricades would not be lifted until their demands were met. “We are supporting the demand of North Cotabato farmers for food aid, financial and production subsidies, increase in the prices of their agricultural

products like coconut, rubber, rice, and corn and the immediate pullout of AFP troops and demilitarization of peasant and lumad communities in the province,” Flores said. “These kinds of daring protests and display of assertion are just and legitimate in the face of drought and hunger that is worsened by the incompetence of the haciendero [landowner] President in Malacañang,” he said. Flores said the farmers’ barricade is just the start of a series of peasant-led actions in Mindanao to demand significant government response to farmers’ and people’s issues. “We call on farmers nationwide to replicate these daring protests across the country,” Flores said. The peasant leader said the Aquino administration’s response is not addressing the serious effects of drought to farmers and the local agriculture. KMP also lambasted the Department of Agriculture for wast-

ing public funds on an ineffective El Niño response plan. “The DA’s cloud seeding operations are in fact designed for corruption. The cloud seeding, which costs a minimum of P45,000 per flight, is not concentrated in target areas in most need of rainwater,” Flores said. In North Cotabato alone, he said, the drought has damaged more than P238 million worth of rice, corn, banana, rubber, coconut, oil palm and vegetable planted by small farmers in over 27,500 hectares in Kidapawan City and the towns of Arakan, Antipas, President Roxas, Magpet, Makilala, Tulunan, M’lang, Matalam and Kabacan. Flores said data released by the DA showed losses incurred in the agriculture sector as of February, reached more than P5.32 billion, affecting 237,000 hectares of agriculture areas with an estimated production loss of 358,800 metric tons of rice, corn, high value crops, and livestock. Christine F. Herrera, PNA

They held Roxas accountable for the more than 6,000 deaths due to his inaction and slow response as Interior and Local Government secretary at the time. People Surge, an organization of Yolanda and disaster survivors, said Roxas deserves to be thrown in jail for criminal neglect. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr. said Roxas remains out of touch with reality for portraying himself as a hero during Yolanda. “Mar has spoken about the Yolanda comic book and remains unapologetic despite public outrage. It reflects the kind of leadership we can expect if he becomes president,” Reyes warned. “He refuses to apologize for the lies contained in the comics. He maintains that the events depicted were real. He continues to ignore the victims’ protests. He just doesn’t get it. Then and now, he remains out of touch with reality, preferring to live in his make-believe world where government can do no wrong. More than ever, we urge voters to junk Mar to spare the nation from another six years of yellow delusions,” said Reyes, referring to campaign color used by President Benigno Aquino III and Roxas. People Surge secretary-general Marissa Cabaljao said the Yolanda survivors found the comic book “revolting.” “They did a deliberate twisting of history to do a grand cover up [of their] criminal negligence,” she said. “It is revolting how the Aquino clique could resort to [such] a deception.” Cabaljao lambasted the Roxas camp for being “insensitive to the enormous sufferings” of the typhoon victims. She said that instead of helping Roxas, the comic book merely added to his sins against the Yolanda survivors. During the last presidential debate, she added, Roxas was already trying to wash his hands of the slow response to the disaster, saying the funds had been channeled through local government units. But still, he could not account for how the P200 billion in Yolanda funds were used. “Roxas must stop his irritat-

According to reports in the national media, the Indonesian Embassy in Manila has confirmed that an Indonesian vessel has been hijacked in the Philippines and 10 Indonesian crewmen were being held hostage. Embassy spokesperson Basriana could not confirm whether the militants of Abu Sayyaf, a group of Islamic extremists, were involved in the incident. The embassy is still coordinating with the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao and with other relevant authorities in the Philippines to gather more information about the situation. With PNA

ing defense on his performance before, during and after Yolanda. His presence is not something to brag about for despite his deployment in Tacloban City a day before the typhoon, he failed to preempt the massive deaths of thousands,” Cabaljao said. Cabaljao also questioned Roxas’ Christian values for continually not showing acceptance, remorse and repentance for his and the administration’s criminal neglect of disaster victims and survivors, and for resorting to relentless denials and deception. “People Surge calls on the public to never forgive nor forget his sins against disaster victims and survivors,” she said. Cabaljao challenged the voters to not yield to political maneuvers, favors and threats from traditional politicians. “These coming elections, we must cast our votes against Aquino’s anointed successor Roxas. We must be critical in choosing the right candidates against those pretentious ones who tried to capitalize on the Yolanda issue such as the inutile former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla and rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson. We must pursue accountability and one sure step is to put Aquino and his cohorts in jail,” Cabaljao said. Reacting to the Roxas comic book, presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe said there should be no place for lies in the government. Roxas’ spokesman, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez, on Wednesday said Roxas never claimed to be a hero. “His statements on Yolanda have always been straightforward, factual narratives of what he directly experienced in the two weeks he worked at ground zero. If this is in reference to the comics, we have repeatedly clarified that those were not produced, distributed, or approved by the campaign, but by supporters,” he said. On Tuesday, Roxas praised and thanked the unnamed supporters who were responsible for producing and distributing the comic book. The Liberal Party has not named the supporter responsible for the comic book, however, and the illustrator said on his Facebook page that he was commissioned to do the job. He added that he was a supporter of Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Binay slams Henares’ refusal to cut tax rates PRESIDENTIAL candidate Jejomar Binay on Wednesday slammed as antipoor Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares’ outright rejection of the proposals to lower the income tax rates. “As usual, this administration has once again shown that it prefers to punish the poor rather than uplift their lives. When I am president, there will be a tax cut within my first year in office,” Binay said. “Kapag para sa ikagiginhawa ng mahihirap, ang laging sagot hindi pwede. Hindi makatarungan na pareho lang ang binabayarang buwis ng ordinaryong manggagawa at milyonaryo. Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, wawakasan natin ‘yan. “To Ms. Henares, the solution is not more taxes. What the people need is tax relief, more jobs, more education, more health care, a better government. There are 26 million poor Filipinos today. This administration has overseen an increase in poverty. Under a Binay presidency, that will end.” Once elected president, Binay vowed to scrap the income tax for workers earning P30,000 and below. The measure is expected to benefit at least six million workers in the private and public sectors. Soldiers, policemen, nurses, public school teachers and government clerks are just some of those who stand to benefit from his plan. Binay said any revenue losses from the tax cuts could be easily offset by going after smugglers. He said the present administration loses P230 billion annually to the smuggling of agricultural products, P30 billion to oil products, and P12 billion to tobacco products. The potential revenue losses could also be offset by the sale of government assets and the privatization of a number of government-owned and -controlled corporations and by improving tax administration and collection efficiency. Binay said instead of making Filipinos wallow in poverty, it was the obligation of the administration to help them and ease their burden. Christine F. Herrera and Vito Barcelo

Sortie in Pangasinan. Presidential candidate Grace Poe campaigns in Santa Maria, Pangasinan, on Wednesday. JAY MORALES

Duterte blames Aquino for high crime incidence PRESIDENTIAL bet Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday blamed President Benigno Aquino III for the high incidence of criminality and asked him if he was high on drugs. “Mr. President, are you on drugs? That is the reason why there are too many criminals nowadays. That is because of you,” Duterte said. “You do not even know what due process is. As far as I am concerned, I know where to stand. If the criminal would resist violently and would place the life of the law enforcer or the military man in danger, shoot him. That is how the law should work, Mr. President.” Duterte made the statement

even as he said in Bangued, Abra, that he was recognizing the role of migrant Ilocanos in the development of Mindanao. During his sortie there on Tuesday, Duterte also appealed to the Ilocanos in Extreme Northern Luzon to help his peace agenda in Mindanao once he is elected president. It was the same appeal he made when he visited Ilocos Sur and other areas in the north. “I need your help. We have to end the war in Mindanao,” Du-

terte said. During the March 28 proclamation rally of former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim, Aquino slammed Duterte for his plan to kill the lawless elements if elected, and that his methods would only cut short the justice system and abandon due process. Duterte reacted to the President’s statement by saying he would never be a dictator if that was what Aquino was trying to imply. He said he would never disgrace his mother, Soledad Roa, as a member of the so-called Yellow Friday that fought a dictator during the Edsa People Power Revolution. He lambasted the Aquino’s endorsement of Lim, who is also called “Dirty Harry.” “Lim is dirtier [than me],” Duterte said.

He also chided Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II for attacking his advocacy for a federal government, which Roxas claimed could only mean more taxes for local government units and eventually for the national level. Duterte, a PDP-Laban candidate, rejected Roxas’ claim and said the local governments were already being taxed twice in the current system of government. “Mr. Secretary, there are too many local ordinance taxes on top of the national taxes,” Duterte said. “That’s the problem with you, you are not a lawyer. On both counts, you and the president are both wrong. We have double taxation.” Character, not comics, would make Roxas win the presidential election, Duterte said. Rio N. Araja

Poe vows Malacañang office in Pangasinan

Victory. Vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his sons William, Vincent and Joseph Simon

celebrate the Philippine Azkals victory over North Korea at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila on Wednesday. EY ACASIO

SAN NICOLAS, Pangasinan— Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday promised to set up a Malacañang regional office in Pangasinan, her father’s home province, if she wins the presidency in the May 9 elections. She acknowledged the support the Pangasinenses gave her when she ran for senator in 2013 and to her father, Fernando Poe Jr., when he ran for president in 2004. “Noong tumakbo si FPJ ‘nung 2004, ang Pangasinan ang kaunaunahang nagdeklara na siya ay Pilipino, na siya ay isang mabuting tao, na siya ay isang taga-Pangasinan,” Poe told a crowd of 5.000. “At ‘nung ako naman ay tumakbo ‘nung 2013, bagama’t isang ampon, itong Pangasinan ang unang umako sa akin at nagsabing ‘anak ng Pangasinan,’ kaya number one din ako dito noong 2013.” Poe said she will make sure that the promised access to education for indigent students and free irri-

gation for farmers will benefit the people of the province. “‘Pag ako ay naging pinuno ninyo, hindi ako magbibingi-bingihan o magbubulag-bulagan sa kailangan ninyo,” Poe said. “Ang Malacañang ay hindi dapat sa Maynila lamang. Sa bawat rehiyon magkakaroon ako ng opisina para mas madali ninyo akong mapuntahan. At, siyempre, ang isa sa unang opisina ay dito sa Pangasinan.” Poe and her running mate, Senator Francis Escudero, are campaigning in Pangasinan with the senatorial bets of their Partido Galing at Puso. They were welcomed and accompanied in their town visits by local officials and Abono Partylist group chairman Rosendo So. Pangasinan is a vote-rich province with 1.7-million registered voters. Poe was the top senatorial pick in the province in 2013.

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Aquino laments media innuendo PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday lamented that majority of the media today publish innuendos and embellishments, instead of more important facts in a story. “More often than not, the art of crafting headlines seems to favor embellishment and innuendo, as opposed to the facts. Some articles seem to be written with blatant bias, while others fail to adequately represent the situation accurately,” Aquino said at the Publish Asia Conference in the Manila Hotel. Aquino said the entire situation is complicated further by the fact that these stories published also in print do not seem to adhere to any set standard. Over the years, he said he has increasingly wondered about this trend in light of the fact that print’s greatest advantage is that it can tell the complete story, whether in one article or in a series, and have that read by a stillstrong readership. Aquino said it is in the distinction between opinion and straightforward news-telling that the newsmen’s profession is endangered. “Sensational headlines and articles composed of controversial rumors, for example, might increase your circulation marginally today. What happens, however, when the people notice your tendency towards such, when they realize that your articles are entertaining, perhaps, but cannot be verified and consequently trusted? “In the long run, will they not seek out alternative sources of information—sources that they know will tell them the truth?” Aquino said.

Symbolic gratitude. High school graduates light up candles and offer them to their parents as a symbol of their gratitude during commencement exercise at a school in Santa Rosa City in Laguna. EY ACASIO

PH eyes 2 anti-sub choppers, 2 frigates By Florante S. Solmerin

THE Philippines has contracted Anglo-Italian defense contractor Augusta Westland to deliver two anti-submarine helicopters, worth P5.4 billion, to be used with the two brandnew frigates the government is planning to buy from India. Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo announced the placement of the order as President Benigno Aquino III said the country is studying the possibility of operating a submarine fleet to help protect its territory in the disputed South China Sea. Manalo said the order for the two AW159 Wildcat helicopters was signed Wednesday by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin

and Stefano Bortoli of AugustaWestland. Manalo said the first of the two AW159 Wildcat helicopters is expected to be delivered in a little more than a year, in time for the expected delivery of the new frigates, worth about P18 billion, to be built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers of India. “This is very timely,” Manalo

said. “Many people have been saying we should have done it a long time ago. The anti-sub choppers will be onboard the frigates that we are acquiring.” “This will definitely enhance the capability of the Philippine Navy. For the first time, we will have anti-submarine helicopters for our new frigates. For the first time too, we will have brand-new frigates,” Manalo added. He did not specify what type of frigates are to be acquired becase the bidding process was still at the postqualification stage and the contract has yet to be drafted. “[But] the frigates [will] be built at the government-owned shipyard in India. They have not won [the contract] yet, but they are the lowest bid-

der so far,” Manalo said. He said the process includes an inspection of the contractor’s construction facility as well as its legal and financial capability. The acquisition of the new frigates has been in the pipeline since 2014 when India started exporting defense equipment to friendly nations. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers will make 10-12 fast patrol boats for Vietnam, which, like the Philippines, is also protesting China’s provocations in international waters. The Indian company said they have cost advantages over other defense suppliers because of cheap labour and sourcing of materials from within India.

Comelec drops receipt box plan By Sara Susanne S. Fabunan

Grave danger. Twelve people were hurt when this bus collided with a truck in Tuba, Benguet. DAVID CHAN

THE Commission on Elections is dropping its plan to acquire over 90,000 voter receipt receptacles to be used in the May 9 polls. According to Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, they are not pushing through with the purchase of 93,000 voter receipt receptacles, which had an approved budget of P27.9 million. “We are not pushing through with the bidding of the receptacles. So we will be saving almost P30 million from the receptacles,” Bau-

tista told reporters. Comelec opened the bidding process for the voter receipt receptacles with each unit pegged at P300 last week after the Supreme Court ordered the poll body to issue voter receipts on Election Day to serve as the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The voter receipts, however, cannot be brought out of the polling precincts and must be placed in the voter receipt receptacles. Instead of purchasing new ones, the poll chief said they will just be recycling the corrugated black box used in the delivery

of the official ballots to the voting centers. “We will just use the boxes used in shipping the ballots... the black corrugated boxes,” the poll chief said. Based on the plan, once the Board of Election Inspectors have set up and removed the official ballots from the corrugated box, the latter will then be used as the receptacle, where voters will deposit their receipts. At the close of voting period, the receptacles will have to be sealed, signed by the BEIs, and placed inside the ballot boxes.

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‘Some loot still recoverable’ By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto believes that if Philippine authorities will only act swiftly, they may still recover more than 40 percent, or about $34 million, of the $81-million loot that was allegedly stolen by Chinese hackers from Bangladesh Bank. While the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is still trying to solve the biggest cyberheist in history, Recto noted that our law enforcement agencies must act swift ly to recover any portion of the loot that is still within Philippine soil. “There is a chance that we can recover $34 million if local authorities will zero in on the paper trail established during the Senate hearings,” said Recto. The possibility of recovering the loot loomed after the Senate discovered that not all the $81 million stolen from Bangladesh

were laundered successfully through Philippine casinos. Under intense grilling from Recto, casino junket operator Kam Sin Wong alias Kim Wong admitted on Tuesday that only about $61 million of the $81-million cyberheist loot found its way to Philippine casinos. About $17 million, Wong said, are still with Philrem Corp., the remittance firm responsible for transferring the stolen money from Rizal Banking Commercial Corp. to different accounts and individuals.

Wong told Recto and other senators that he is ready to surrender to Philippine authorities the entire P450 million or about $10 million that his firm, Eastern Hawaii Leisure Co. Ltd., received as part of the cyberheist loot. Wong admitted that a total of P1 billion went to his firm, but P550 million of the amount was given to casino players who already lost the money in baccarat games. Wong also announced during the last Senate hearing that he is willing to return even

the total amount of P1 billion if Philippine authorities will request him to do so. Aside from the $17 million allegedly with Philrem and the $10 million with Wong, Recto noted that almost $7 million of the stolen money had been traced and may be recovered from casino accounts. “What is important is to get all the money that can still be returned to Bangladesh because we know that the stolen money came from a poor country,” said Recto. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III said a portion of the $81-million stolen from the Bangladesh Bank “long considered gone and spirited away” was effectively recovered after the conclusion of the third public hearing on money laundering.

“At least there is a positive development. We can give back $4.63 million. [Wong] is willing to make arrangements to his lawyers to turn over the cash to the Anti-Money Laundering Council,” he said. Another P107 million may also be recovered for the Bangladesh government after Solaire made a quick move to freeze the account of a certain Ding Zhize. The said amount is part of the P1.365 billion credited to Ding’s account in Solaire. “Once Wong has handed in the $4.63 million cash, it’s up to the Central Bank and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to turn over the cash to the Bangladeshi authorities... We are able to return a certain amount which, presumably, would not have been unearthed had we not had these hearings,” Guingona added.

Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Technical Panel for Science and Mathematics (TPSM) and Technical Committee for Chemistry (TCChem) will conduct a National Public Hearing/Consultation on the proposed Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSGs) for Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BS Chem) program on April 12, 2016, 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iznart Street, Iloilo City. Relative to this, heads/representatives of higher education institutions (HEIs) offering BS Chemistry and other related programs, representatives from concerned government agencies, industry, professional organizations and other stakeholders, and CHEDRO Directors/Supervisors in-Charge of the program are invited to attend the said activity. Funds for travel and other incidental expenses of the CHEDRO representatives (one representative per CHEDRO) will be transferred to their respective offices while travel and other expenses of participants coming from public HEIs shall be charged against their local funds subject to usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations. Participants from private HEIs shall have to make arrangements on their travel expenses with their respective institutions.

Publish Asia 2016. President Benigno Aquino III answers a question from

a Malaysian journalist during the Publish Asia conference at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday. DANNY PATA

Party-list group hits govt employees’ electioneering THE Abakada Party-List on Wednesday called for an immediate investigation into reports that conditional cash transfer beneficiaries are being prevented by Department of Social Welfare and Development from attending the political rallies of the opposition and forcing them to vote for administration presidential bet Mar Roxas II. Abakada said in a statement that revelations by Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap chairperson Gloria Arellano are too detailed to ignore. “We call on no less than Mr. Roxas and DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman to immediately and personally initiate a probe on these very alarming reports. On our part, Abakada will fi le a resolution for an immediate congressional inquiry,” the statement read. Abakada said the report cited, among others, that: In Barangays San Isidro and San

Jose in Rodriguez in Rizal and in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City, DSWD personnel conducted activities on the same day as the organization’s yearly Kalbaryo ng Maralita (Calvary of the Poor). “According to Miss Arellano, CCT administrators in Barangay Pag-asa summoned beneficiaries to a meeting on March 21, the same day of the Kalbaryo and threatened those who will fail to attend with sanctions. “And in Barangays San Jose and San Isidro in Rodriguez, Miss Arellano said CCT personnel have been campaigning for Mr. Roxas and his running mate, Leni Robredo, in violation of Comelec rules prohibiting partisan political activity by government personnel,” Abakada pointed out. Abakada added there are also reports in Barangay 178 in Camarin, North Caloocan, saying that Kadamay beneficiaries were used as a focus group for surveys.

Food during the public hearing/consultation shall be provided by CHED. To ascertain logistic preparations, only one (1) representative per HEI shall be allowed to attend this activity. CHED Regional Offices are requested to forward confirmations of participants from their respective regions to CHED-Office of Programs and Standard Development not later than five (5) days before the date of public hearing/consultation. For confirmation or inquiries, please contact Ms. Dedeth Talingdan at Telephone Numbers (02) 4411253/441-1228 or through ops.tpsm.ched.gov.ph PATRICIA B. LICUANAN, Ph.D. Chairperson

MEMORANDUM FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR:

PRESIDENTS/HEADS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs) CHED REGIONAL OFFICE (CHEDRO) DIRECTORS AND SUPERVISORSIN-CHARGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAM

SUBJECT:

CHANGE OF VENUE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING/ CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSED POLICIES, STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES (PSGs) FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY (B.S. CHEM)

DATE:

March 29, 2016

Please be informed that the venue for Public Hearing/Consultation on the proposed Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSGs) for Bachelor of Science in Chemistry scheduled on April 12, 2016 will be at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iznart Street, Iloilo City instead of Smallville 21 Hotel. For inquiries/clarification, you may contact Ms. Dedeth Talingdan at telephone numbers (02) 441-1253, 441-1228 or through ops.tpsm.ched.gov.ph ATTY. JULITO D. VITRIOLO, CESO III Executive Director IV ( TS- M A R . 31, 2 0 1 6)

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Graft charges filed vs Ejercito By Rio N. Araja and Macon R. Araneta THE Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday filed graft and technical malversation charges against Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito before the Sandiganbayan for an alleged anomalous purchase of high-powered firearms worth P2.1 million in 2008. Ejercito, who was then mayor of San Juan when the purchase happened, said politics was a factor in the decision of the Ombudsman, which also covered 19 former and incumbent city officials. The filing of the charges came three days after his father, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, endorsed the candidacies of Senator Grace Poe and Senator Bongbong Marcos for president and vice president, respectively. Poe and Marcos are running against administration candidates Manuel Roxas II and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo. Marcos, in particular, has been widely criticized by the administration led by no less than President Benigno Aquino III who claimed the former does not stand a chance of winning in the May polls. “It is unfortunate that the Office of the Ombudsman denied my motion for reconsideration on the 2008 case of firearms procurement when I was San Juan City mayor,” Ejercito said. “My conscience, however, remains clear. I did not commit technical malversation. The firearms purchase was done accordingly within the law, that is why CoA cleared us from any disallowance,” he added. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales recommended that each respondent post a P30,000 bail for graft and P6,000 bail for technical malversation. The Ombudsman accused Ejercito and the other local officials of conspiring with each other for the purchase of the firearms using the city government’s calamity fund even if San Juan was not placed then under a state of calamity.

Compassion. Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez answers a question from a student of the University of the Philippines

in Los Baños during the ‘Pagsusuri sa Pagbabago’ forum at the school’s Umali Auditorium on Wednesday. Romualdez explained his platform of governance with compassion (‘malasakit’). Also in the photo is senatorial candidate and Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon. VER NOVENO

Romualdez hails signing of ‘malasakit’ PWD law By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATORIAL candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Wednesday welcomed the signing into law of his “malasakit” (compassionate) measure exempting persons with disabilities from paying the 12-percent value-added tax on certain goods and services. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank the President for signing this very important measure into law. This is a compassionate measure aimed at helping the plight of PWD sector,” said Romualdez, who is also the president of the Philippine Constitution Association. President Benigno Aquino III

signed the measure into law on Tuesday but government agencies headed by the departments of Social Welfare and Health, in coordination with the trade department, are still preparing the implementing rules and regulations to ensure that the legislation will be implemented properly. Romualdez said the VAT exemp-

tion will cover medical and dental services; purchase of medicines in all drugstores; public railways, skyways and bus fare; admission fees in theaters, cinema houses, concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other places of culture, leisure and amusement; and all services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants, and recreation centers. Under Republic Act No. 10754, relatives of PWDs up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity who are taking care of the handicapped individual can also claim an income tax deduction of P25,000 annually. Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc. president Manuel Agcaoili

said there are almost 10 million physically and mentally PWDs in the country, or about 10 percent of the total population based on the estimates of the World Health Organization. But the Philippine Statistics Authority placed the number of PWDs in the country at only 1.5 million, Agcaoili said. Lawmakers have also lauded the measure of which Romualdez was the principal author. Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on ways and means, said the signing into law of the measure showed the government’s ‘malasakit’ to the marginalized sector that Romualdez and other authors like him have been advocating for.

‘Motorcycles No. 1 killer’ By Joel E. Zurbano

War games. A US Marine views a portion of the training exercise called ‘Balikatan 2016 PH-US Joint Exercise’ at the AFP’s Wargaming Center at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday. The exercise will take place in the Western Visayas region beginning on April 4. MANNY PALMERO

MOTORCYCLE crashes remained the leading cause of death and injury on Metro Manila roads, a government traffic accident recording and analysis report showed. The 2015 Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System report showed that motorcycles have the “highest fatality accident rate” with 262 the total number of deaths, followed by trucks (129) and private cars (125). Motorcycles also topped the list of vehicles with the most number of injuries at 11,620, followed by cars (7,427) and public utility jeepneys (2,161). MMRAS, a program created by the Metro Manila Development Authority, aimed at improving road management in the metropolis, recorded 204 deaths and 10,735 injuries involving motorcycles in 2014. The report noted that the number

of road accidents in Metro Manila has increased to 95,615 incidents in 2015, up by 5,357 from the 90,258 cases recorded in 2014. The total number of deaths last year also went up to 519 from the 418 fatalities in 2014. The southern part of Metro Manila— composing of the cities of Makati, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Pasay, Parañaque and Taguig—recorded the highest number of accidents last year, majority of which happened in December. Pateros, on the other hand, has the lowest number of road incidents in 2015, followed by Navotas and Malabon. “We can now consider these LGU’s [local government units] to be the safest in Metro Manila in terms of road crash incident is concerned, since they have lesser recorded fatal, non-fatal and damage to property incidences in the MMARAS database up to this date,” the MMDA report said.

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

NEWS

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Warehouse project to rise in Freeport By Romeo Dizon CLAR K FR EEPORT, Pampanga— A P35-million warehouse project will be constructed here to respond to the growing needs of manufacturing firms and factories, the head of the communication division of the Clark Development Corp. said on Wednesday. Noel Tulabut said that the project will be constructed inside the 3.19 hectares of property leased by MSK Group Work Clark Inc., a Taiwanese-Filipino company operating inside the freeport zone since 2012. A lease agreement to this effect was signed recently between the Clark Development Corp. president Arthur P. Tugade and Su Kuo Fang, president of MSK at the Xenia hotel here, Tulabut said. After the completion of warehousing facilities, MSK will sublease them to manufacturing firms and factories inside the zone. Aside from the 3.19 hectares of land, the firm is also interested in the former site of a furniture exporter Golden Cane, also located inside the freeport zone, Tulabut added.

Government to release P76m to power S. Cotabato towns GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The national government has approved the release of around P76 million for the energization of upland communities in three municipalities in South Cotabato. Engineer Santiago Tudio, general manager of the South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (Socoteco), said Wednesday the initiative is part of the continuing expansion in the province of the government’s f lagship Sitio Electrification Program. He said they have started the ground works for the project, which will

cover 35 sitios in the municipalities of Lake Sebu, Sto. Niño and Surallah. It will involve the installation of around 64 kilometers electric distribution lines in 25 sitios in Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu, four sitios in Sto. Niño, and six sitios in Barangay Upper Sepaka in Surallah. “This project is considered as the single biggest one-time

project under SEP,” Tudio said in an interview. Tudio said National Electrification Administration has issued the gosignal to the cooperative to begin the full implementation of the project, which is due for completion by the second half of the year. The government had tapped local electric cooperatives as the main implementers of the SEP, with the Department of Energy, and the NEA as supervising agencies. South Cotabato second district Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez lauded the NEA and other national government

agencies for endorsing the project’s funding and implementation. He said the project initially appeared “too costly” when it was first presented during budget deliberations at the House of Representatives. Under the SEP, Hernandez said each sitio or community-beneficiary is only allowed a budget of P2 million. “But we were able to convince Congress and concerned national agencies that this is a vital project and will impact other priority initiatives of the province,” he said. He specifically cited the

expansion in Barangay Ned, which is considered as the province’s farthest barangay. Hernandez added that the opening of electrical lines will mainly hasten the ongoing road upgrading and concreting projects in Barangay Ned. Tudio said that through the project, about half or 2,000 of Barangay Ned’s 4,000 households will be installed with electric lines. “This will eventually provide children in these areas equal playing field and the same level of convenience as to the people living in the urban areas,” he added. PNA

Plantation. Datu Ali Midtimbang, farmer and former member of the Moro National Liberation Front, surveys his farm which yields bananas and mangoes for export to Japan and Saudi Arabia. MARK NAVALES

Tawi-Tawi exec wounded in Zambo airport ambush By A. Perez Rimando

Emergency. Medical crew transport an elderly patient to a hospital in Baguio City.

DAVID CHAN

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga Sibugay— Reelectionist Mayor Jasper Que of the capital town of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi was seriously wounded when two men aboard a motorcycle opened fire at his car as it was exiting from the Zamboanga International Airport on Sunday afternoon, police said. Sr. Supt. Luisito Magnaye, city police chief, said Que had just landed

from Bongao at the local airport and was fetched with his Isuzu Sportivo by his driver and some companions en route to his local residence at Barangay San Jose when the armed motorcyclists overtook them and shot at the car windshield of Que’s who was seated beside his driver. Que suffered bullet wounds in his body and was rushed to a private hospital where physicians quickly attended to him even as the gunmen,

wearing long-sleeved jackets and helmets, sped away. Que’s attempted killing is believed to be politically motivated. Que took over from his late father Albert who served for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010. Meanwhile, Magnaye directed his intelligence men to go after the suspects who they believe are identified with Que’s political opponents in Bongao.

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

THE BRUSSELS BOMBING

[ EDI TORI A L ]

BLURRED LINES THE Commission on Elections and the Civil Service Commission this week reminded all state employees to avoid engaging in partisan political activities during the election season. Emphasizing that government workers should remain politically neutral, a joint memorandum circular identified various activities that may be construed as electioneering. The prohibited acts are those designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or party to public office. Those found guilty on first offense will face suspension from one month and one day to six months. What are allowed are expressing views on current political problems or issues and mentioning the names of candidates whom the state employees support. Liking, commenting, sharing, reposting or following an account on social media during the campaign period is also allowed, unless these are used to solicit support for or against a specific candidate or party. The intent of the circular is clear—to impress upon government officials that while they may have their personal preferences and opinions on the elections, they still carry the face of a neutral government. Their private views must not in any way affect the way they perform their jobs. Practically, however, it would be nearly impossible to draw clear and distinct lines between expressing views, endorsing a favored candidate and actively campaigning for somebody. We have to look no further than the Palace, whose own occupants—led by no less than the President—have confused their hats for many months now in their rabid support of the Liberal Party’s bets. Spokesmen have served as mouthpieces not for the Office of the President but for the campaign, and the President himself just last month delivered a takedown speech against Robredo’s rival, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This affliction has not been limited to Team Yellow, and to the top levels of government. On all other political corners, the rhetoric has primarily been to boost a favored candidate’s chances or throw mud at the most promising opponent—especially in the provinces where the lines may be blurred or disappear altogether. Now that the circular is out, we will see if state employees, especially those who are all too aware of their clout, would at least attempt to moderate their zeal especially if their own, their relative’s, their ally’s or their patron’s interests are at stake. We don’t expect them to, but it might be instructive to know who would remain brazen about their political color.

‘IS NOYNOY ON DRUGS?’ LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES YOU’D think by now that President Noynoy Aquino has learned, through the sad experience of his supposed anointed Mar Roxas, not to provoke Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. But because Noynoy is Noynoy, a bully who likes to call out people without even mentioning their names, maybe the President just has to find out for himself if he could get away with his usual cowardly

innuendoes with Digong. Aquino, stumping in the capital for his Liberal Party candidates earlier this week, warned voters in the City of Manila about a candidate who would cut legal corners and abandon due process. The president said he would never dishonor the memory of his mother, who fought a dictator. Duterte’s reply was short and sweet. “Mr. President, are you on drugs?” the feisty mayor asked— and he was just warming up. “[Aquino] is the reason why criminals are multiplying,” Duterte, a lawyer and former prosecutor, said. “He doesn’t

know when to use due process.” Duterte explained that if a criminal resists arrest and places the life of a law enforcer by doing so, he recommends that the criminal be shot. “That’s the law, Mr. President,” he said. I don’t know if Duterte has any real information about Aquino’s alleged drug use. All I know is, now that Aquino has decided to follow Roxas down the path of exchanging insults with Duterte, he had better be prepared for a long, drawn-out cage match with the man they call “The Punisher.” As luck would have it, I was talking to my favorite

I think that Aquino will back off from his new strategy of going after Duterte with his usual ‘pasaring.’

“Dutertista,” former North Cotabato governor Manny Piñol, yesterday. I asked Manny why Duterte seems to be hellbent on going after Roxas—and now, in all likelihood, Aquino, as well. “The thing that not many know about Duterte outside of Davao is that he is really a very kind and courteous guy,” Piñol said. “But if you provoke him by spreading lies about him, you’re going to regret you started the fight, because he’s never going to back down.” I tend to believe Piñol even if I’ve never met Duterte. Based solely on Duterte’s performance in the past two presidential debates, I’d say that the mayor is a nice guy until he’s provoked.

Then, too, there was that recent flap about the plan to come up with a Senate slate for the mayor, which had become so unwieldy it had to be abandoned because of Duterte’s penchant for raising the arm of anyone who asks him to do it. “He’s just too nice to say no to anyone who asks him nicely for his endorsement,” Piñol told me back then. But I think that Aquino—who I am convinced knows when someone will not allow himself to be bullied—will back off from his new strategy of going after Duterte with his usual “pasaring.”

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And if he doesn’t, then he’s even more stupid than I think he is. I noticed that Aquino still has the capacity to learn new things. After all, he seems to have dialed down the criticism on Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—probably after he noticed that every time he attacks Marcos, the latter’s ratings only improve. If Aquino goes full “beast mode” on Duterte, that will probably be enough to make the Davao City mayor win in May. Count on it.

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*** In replying to Aquino’s innuendoes, Duterte also pointed out the further irony of the President’s slamming him for his alleged dictatorial tendencies and lack of respect for the law during a political rally where he was endorsing former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. The Davao mayor, who, like Lim, is also known as “Dirty Harry,” made short work of the former Manila cop who is once again seeking to become mayor of the nation’s capital. Continued on A11

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

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

IN THE aftermath of the World Trade Center attack in New York in 2001, the United States resolved that in order for such an event not to happen again on American soil, the fight must be brought to the countries where the attack originated. The Afghan war was initiated to root out Al Qaida and kill Osama bin Laden. The US also organized a coalition to invade Iraq. The United States and allies therefore waded into an ongoing 1300-year conflict between the Sunni and the Shiate muslims of Iraq. The Iraq war also resulted in the birth of a militant group more brutal and extreme than the Al Qaida called the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or ISIS, ISIL or Daesh. This group established a so-called caliphate and also decided like the Al Qaida to carry the fight to America and Europe. Only this time, with much more intensity. It also became easier because many of the ISIS recruits come from the marginalized Muslim population of Europe like Belgium. This is what we have seen in Paris in November of 2015 and in Brussels this March. Europe is now gripped in a new kind of war that it is not accustomed to fighting. The suicide bomber which is so common in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Israel has now been exported to Europe. And judging from what we are seeing on TV, Europe is finding it difficult to cope with a situation wherein people are so willing to blow themselves up for a cause difficult to comprehend. The sight of heavily armed soldiers patrolling the streets and inspecting ordinary citizens before they can enter public buildings or transport stations is beginning to be the new normal like many developing countries with internal security problems. There is no longer any place that is absolutely safe anywhere. Anyone can be a victim, whether strolling along a boulevard or dining in a restaurant. As a result, perhaps we will be seeing less of those travel advisories that western countries oftentimes issues. The Paris terrorist attack in November 2015 which killed more than 120 people was the first incident that involved a suicide bomber in Europe. A female

Continued on A11

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

THE BRUSSELS BOMBING

[ EDI TORI A L ]

I think that Aquino will back off from his new strategy of going after Duterte with his usual ‘pasaring.’

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

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MEMBER

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Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

Continued on A11

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

I SAW HISTORY IN THE MAKING (3) TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

HARRY S. Stonehill. He was an American GI, a sergeant of the US Liberation Forces in 1945 who decided to stay in the Philippines. He was a man of vision and dedication, who was the first one who brought American Christmas cards here and made a small fortune out of them. He did not end there. He married a Filipino mestiza from Cebu. After going around the country, at the North in Ilocandia, he saw the need for Ilocanos to have a cash crop. Thus, he went back to the US and brought the idea of Ilocandia planting Virginia leaf and barley leaf for cigaret manufacturing. He put up his own cigaret plant—the “Old Gold.” Lucio Tan was his chemist. Stonehill’s idea caught on, and after a few years, Ilocanos up North were planting nothing else but Virginia leaf tobacco. In Pangasinan and Cagayan Valley, it was barley leaf. Santa Banana, Stonehill was even made “Son of Ilocandia” by politicians that made him a sensation. Soon, he also began a reclamation project in Manila Bay with the help of big businessmen. He even went into property development. He was the toast of the town. Eventually, Stonehill’s ventures into big business became his undoing. He created enemies in government and in business. His biggest mistake was that at cocktail parties and even among businessmen, he often boasted that he had congressmen and senators, even newsmen, in “his pocket.” This led the Department of Justice under

then Justice Secretary Jose Diokno to have the National Bureau of Investigation look into the background and business interest of Stonehill. Word went around, however, that it was the American Tobacco Monopoly with the help of the Central Intelligence Agency that brought down Stonehill from his pedestal. Soon enough, Stonehill was charged with economic sabotage. This led to his deportation. However, there were those who said that Stonehill was also a victim of the crab mentality of the Filipinos.

Stonehill, who was my friend, had told me how much he loved the Philippines.

I knew Stonehill on a personal basis. I admired and respected him. Thus, when after years in exile and through the efforts of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, he was allowed to come back, I met him again. He said to me: “You know Emil, I had wanted to die in the Philippines, a country I had learned to love.” Stonehill’s reclamation project in Manila Bay changed the landscape of Roxas Boulevard. These are now where Sofitel Hotel, PICC, Philippine Trade Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines, World Trade Center, and the Pagcor Entertainment City of Solaire, and City of Dreams now stand. Another development during the Macapagal administration in

OF SURVEYS AND LOYALTIES LAST week, Pulse Asia released its most recent survey, which put Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Grace Poe at a statistical tie at the lead. The survey was conducted between March 8 and 13, around the time that the Supreme Court—putting into question the justices’ arithmetic skills—ruled against the Commission on Elections’ decision to disqualify Ms. Poe from the presidential race. We need to look beyond what seems to be, at face value, fleeting factors that make the leading candidates win or lose support. If there’s anything that we have learned from our classes in statistics, is that it is difficult to establish causal relations between a plethora of factors without going in depth with methodologies and analyses. Yes, we can contextualize the survey results based on the time frame the respondents were interviewed, but what the fluctuations in the wins and losses only show is that there is an arguably significant number of voters that are still on the fence on voting for any of the candidates. What needs to be established is if the surveys can already identify a solid number of people with unwavering support for a candidate. So far, only one candidate’s numbers has exhibited a competitive solid numbers no matter the political circumstance during the time of the survey—Vice President Jejomar Binay with his consistent 20-22 percent rating. Let’s look at this in a historical perspective in terms of previous elections. Sure, Ms. Poe led the 2013 senatorial elections, but the voting is not exclusive, since voters can choose up to twelve sena1963, if I’m not mistaken, was the devaluation of the Philippine peso which stood at P2 to $1. There were reports going around that the peso was grossly overvalued, and that soon enough, the currency would be devalued. One afternoon when I was making my rounds at the Central Bank, I went to the office of Mrs. Fanny Cortez Garcia, who was then economic department head. Nobody was around, not even her secretary. Taking the chance, I looked around her desk when I saw a memorandum, signed by then-CB Gov. Miguel Cuaderno and Mrs. Garcia, proposing to President Macapagal the devaluation of the

MINORITY REPORT DANILO SUAREZ tors. Mayor Duterte only has his Davao City record as proof. The numbers of these candidates wildly fluctuate, putting into question how solid their electoral foundations and machineries are. On the other hand, Binay won over Mar Roxas in the 2010 elections, with 41 percent of the total votes. The numbers for VP Binay also shows a steady 20-22 percent voter preference despite all the muckraking. No other presidential candidate can boast of these solid numbers and we can safely assume that this is already locked in for the VP. Presidential surveys have always been criticized one way or another: among others, it has been accused of priming the both the loyal and the undecided to an inevitable election outcome, especially those who tend to vote for whoever they think will win and not who they believe should. Then there’s the political economy of the elections, analyzing the results based on who commissioned the survey; ABSCBN was behind the most recent Pulse Asia survey, and much has already been said regarding the network’s connections—as are potential conspiracy theories to be taken with a grain of salt. And there are other effects the surveys produce, intended or not. Presidential surveys can be seen as a gauge of loyalty. As mentioned earlier, the surveys have yet to confirm the emergence of loyal supporters—those that have made up their minds

peso, pegging the exchange rate of P19.50 to $1, if I am not mistaken. I made this scoop a headline story of the Herald, and it changed the business landscape. With the currency devalued, the rate started to float to P25 to $1, but soon enough, the Central Bank poured dollars into the economic enough to arrest it from going further. But, the devaluation, while making exports like coconut oil, copra, sugar, lumber and others more competitive worldwide, new industries like textile, car assembly and others and imports suffered, having borrowed from banks at P2 to $1. The peso since then has been floating, hitting at

and stuck with it, those on their horses long before the bandwagons, those that some camps are in dire need of. And by supporters, I mean two groups of people: the voters and the players. The loyalty of the voters can be measured by the survey companies and their statistical calisthenics, but the loyalty of the political players can be measured by different numbers. Surely, by din of loyalty alone, majority of the 41 percent who voted VP Binay in 2010 would most likely stick with their man. The presidential surveys tell stories beyond mere voter preference; they are but flashpoints in a narrative of political loyalty and will, in a battle for the undecided and the fickle where the most steadfast despite mudslinging wins. And then there are details that the surveys have yet to tell. Pulse Asia offers to clarify and answer questions regarding its surveys, and there is much to ask. In their press releases, Pulse Asia surveys usually show their data collapsed according to location and class. For location, the groupings are for NCR, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; for class, the categories are for ABC, D, E. It would be interesting to see if the groupings per area and class are assigned proportionally to national averages; otherwise, the surveys could be presenting a skewed perspective of national sentiment. Also, it would be interesting to really see how the E class would really vote. I am sure that VP Binay, who already pressed the flesh with this ground around the country, would severely defeat his rivals in the survey if the E class is properly represented.

one time over P50 to $1. When President Marcos came to power in 1969, there were hopes for a better Philippines. I’d say that perhaps he was the most brilliant of all Philippine presidents, packing his cabinet with so-called “technocrats,” led by Cesar Virata and Roberto V. Ongpin, both respected by the business community. Still, there were others around Marcos who became cronies, having their own agenda as is usually the case when a new president comes to power. It was also a time when the communists became more active and aggressive with no less than the New People’s Army already knocking

on the door of Manila with their known presence at Balara near the University of the Philippines. Edsa, which was then known as Highway 54, was even closed. I quit the Herald after 17 years as business editor and editorial director. My friend Roberto S. Benedicto, whom his friends and associates called “RSB,” enticed me to join his Kanlaon Broadcasting System to become public affairs manager. I accepted it because I believed that television was an impact medium that could reach and influence more people. Thus, I joined RPN Channel 9, which was then along Roxas Boulevard. Continued on A11

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A11

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

POP GOES THE WORLD

PRIMUS INTER ALIENS

JENNY ORTUOSTE PERHAPS the third round of the presidential candidates’ debate will be better, because the second one sucked, though not as badly as the first. The second debate held in Cebu City was a revelation, showing us the grace under pressure exhibited by one woman on stage: Luchi CruzValdez. Despite the antics pulled by a couple of the candidates that caused an hour’s delay before the event started, she kept her cool and effectively and efficiently performed her job as moderator. The debates are a trilogy organized by the Commission on Elections with the help of prominent media agencies. They are meant to showcase the candidates’ stand and proposed programs on important national issues. Before the debate started, former Interior secretary Mar Roxas took issue over Vice President Jejomar Binay’s bringing notes, reminding the organizers that this was not allowed under the debate’s rule. Backstage wrangling and negotiation ensued.

During this time, Binay was not on stage. The other three—Roxas, Senator Grace Poe, and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte—conscious of the waiting public and the waste of airtime, took to their podiums to “entertain” the viewers as they waited for the debate to start. That interlude was hilarious and, to be honest, my favorite part. The incident revealed how they behave in awkward social situations. Poe had presence of mind and the actor’s flair of filling dead air, greeting those in the audience; Roxas, great at picking up cues, did the same. Duterte was silent at first, and when the two had run out of people they knew, stepped in with great comedic timing and delivered a punchline that drew guffaws. “Yung mga hindi nila nabanggit, dito na kayo sa akin.” Something like that. This was the pattern the entire time: Duterte was funny, Roxas the comedic foil, Poe the straight man. When Binay came on stage, he became the butt of criticism. After the debate was over, he

The Brussels... From A9 participant detonated a bomb inside an apartment instead of giving herself up. In the Brussels attack, three of the 32 confirmed dead were the suicide bombers themselves. Belgium has come under criticism because of the failure of its intelligence services. Officials have difficulty explaining why Abdalsam, one of the Paris bombing participants who was hunted for the last four months was arrested just a block away from where he lives in the Molenbeek district of Brussels. Belgium has now earned the dubious distinction of being the ground zero of Muslim radicalism in Europe. There is some truth to this. Almost all the major terrorist incidents in Europe could somehow be traced to the Molenbeek district of Brussels. This started with the assassination of the Afghan warlord Ahmad Shah Massoud on Sept. 9, 2001 by Algerian assassins masquerading as TV journalists with Belgian passports. In per capita terms, Belgium has contributed the most number of Muslim radical fighters in Syria. In 2015, more than 400 Belgian Muslims went to Syria to fight for ISIS. Why has Belgium suddenly become the focal point of muslim militant activity in Europe? There

left immediately. His anger might have gotten the better of him when he deflected Roxas’s farewell hand slap. Is that even an issue? he said later. The content of the debate, the candidates’ responses to questions, and their own statements related to their platforms and proposed programs of action have been analyzed elsewhere. What is of interest as well is how the debate showed viewers the characters of the four candidates present. Over the course of the debate, it became apparent that the other three treated Duterte with a wary respect; it seemed they could not attack him with the same ferocity they did each other. Now what does it say when three presidentiables defer to another? Overall, netizens still were not impressed by the candidates’ showing in this round. Many likened the debate to a classroom scene. A cartoon drawn by Yron Quinto that’s making the rounds of Facebook goes like this: “Jojo: Open notes diba?

are many explanations to this. First is the system of government that exist in the country. Belgium has six governments. A federal government, a Flemish government for the Flanders region, a government of the French community, a government of the German speaking community, a government for the Walloon region and a government of the Brussels capital region. Brussels alone with one million people has six different police departments and nineteen districts with its own mayors. On the tactical front, the Belgian intelligence community has had no Arabic speaking personnel and is only now trying to rectify that weakness. There are also about 800 suspected jihadists living all over Belgium with about 450 in Brussels and 85 in Molenbeek alone. Also, about 130 of those who went to Syria to fight are now back in Belgium providing a cadre of trained combat veterans who can be tapped at a moments notice. Belgium in the late 20th century was also one of the centers of illegal arms trade which make it easy for militants to acquire high powered firearms. Although the Molenbeek district with its 100,000 population are not all muslims, almost half are. It also has 22 mosques which does not

Rody: Bawal ata notes. Grace: Di ka ba nag-review? Mar: Teacher! Si Binay may dalang notes!” Another netizen said elsewhere, “Lagot kayo kay Principal Miriam!” This, then, is how they are perceived in this particular instance: Binay will try to get away with it, Rody will take it out to the playground, Grace is the goody-goody, and Mar will maximize his advantages. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is the adult in the situation with the unenviable job of keeping the kids in line. They should all step up their game come the third debate, especially if Santiago joins them. They should also leave off denigrating each other; they’ve done more than enough of that already and it’s not funny anymore. Critical thinking rules, ad hominem drools. *** Writer’s alert: The Don Carlos Palanca Foundation, that holds the annual Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, has opened submissions for the 66 th edition of the award. Prize money this year

include prayer rooms and private religious centers. Because of the failure of Belgium to integrate their muslim population, many of them feel alienated and marginalized. Many of the almost 50,000 muslims in the Molenbeek district therefore could provide the mass base support for the radicals. These are the sympathizers and active supporters. Why else would Abdalsam go back to Molenbeek and hide there for four months and be arrested only a block from his house? Because he felt safe there. The European countries have a lot more work to do to be able to eliminate the many terror cells scattered all over Europe. Even with the outpouring of sympathy for Belgium and France, terror attacks are by no means over. Unfortunately, there will probably more. There have many good proposals to mitigate Muslim radicalism like programs for social integration and more effective and flexible policing which is absolutely necessary because terror cells operate transnationally with a lot of flexibility in contrast to the oftentimes rigid and very bureaucratic police organizations in many countries throughout Europe that do not even share intelligence information.

has been increased: for 1st: P18,000, 2nd: P12,000, 3rd: P9,000. The Palanca Awards, the country’s most prestigious and longest-running literary contest, was established in 1950 to honor the memory of Don Carlos Palanca Sr. In celebration of its 50th year, Unesco included the Palanca family and the Palanca Awards in the Unesco List of Living Human Treasures of Artists, Writers, and Artisans. The deadline for submission is April 30. The contest is open to Filipino citizens and former Filipino citizens —this makes the competition tough because the entries come not only from all over the country, but from the Filipinos of the diaspora around the world. Visit palancaawards.com. ph for rules and forms and the list of this year’s categories, or call CPMA Administrator Leslie Layoso at (63-2) 511-0003. Facebook: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste, Instagram: @jensdecember

‘Is Noynoy... From A9 “Lim is dirtier than me,” Duterte sniffed. “I hope people would stop speculating on my real character.” And because Duterte was already on the subject of Aquino and his chosen candidates, he decided to go back to bashing Roxas, his favorite whipping boy among all of the presidential candidates. Duterte found an opening to troll Roxas because the Liberal Party candidate has been going around badmouthing one of the Davao mayor’s favorite advocacies: federalism. Duterte belied Roxas’ claim that shifting to a federal form of government would mean that people would be taxed twice, once at the local level and again at the national level. Duterte called both Roxas and Aquino ignoramuses when it comes to law. “That’s the trouble when you are not a lawyer,” Duterte said. “There’s already double taxation right now, on the local level and the national level. You and the president are both wrong.” As a parting shot, Duterte also had something for Roxas alone, for coming out with a comic book describing himself as the hero and savior of Tacloban City when Super Typhoon “Yolanda” hit more than two years ago. It’s bound to make Roxas run to the bathroom again, something that the mayor ribbed Roxas about during the last debate in Cebu City. “Character, not comics, will make you win,” Duterte advised Roxas. I don’t know, though, if SuperMar appreciated the advice.

I saw... From A10

*** I had thought of ending this series already, but it seems that I should, for celebrity’s sake and for history, have another episode on the Marcos years and beyond, especially so on Martial Law. This has been distorted by people with their own agenda. Santa Banana, those were the years when the government was on the verge of a communist takeover!

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Rockets rally to sink Cavaliers James Harden took full advantage of the absence of LeBron James to lead the Houston Rockets to a comefrom-behind victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Djokovic battles into Miami quarters WORLD number one Novak Djokovic was struggling to play his best, but held firm when pressed to the brink Tuesday and battled into the ATP and WTA Miami Open quarter-finals. The two-time defending champion outdueled Austrian 14th seed Dominic Thiem 6-3, 6-4, stretching his Miami win streak to 13 matches to book a last-eight date Wednesday against Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych. “Straight set win but far from easy. It was a tough match,” Djokovic said. “I kept my serves. But I made a lot of double faults and he had me under a lot of pressure.” Djokovic, a five-time Miami winner overall, rescued 13 of 14 break points, four of them in the last game of the first set and four more in a dramatic 14-minute final game before hitting a forehand winner on his fourth match-point opportunity. “I had some luck in that last game where he missed a couple of easy forehands to get the break back and get into the match,” Djokovic said. “I stayed tough when it was most needed. The important moments I tried to make him play, make him run.” Djokovic won his 11th Grand Slam title two months ago at the Australian Open and has also lifted Doha and Indian Wells trophies this year while Thiem captured titles last month at Acapulco and Buenos Aires. The 28-year-old Serbian made eight double faults and 29 unforced errors against only two aces and eight winners. “The second serve was not working that well. That was due to the pressure he was imposing. I just didn’t have the rhythm,” Djokovic said. “Generally I don’t get to face that many break points. I’ll try not to get myself in those positions as much.” AFP

James Harden of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP

Doped Chinese athletes only given warnings TWO Chinese swimmers who tested positive for performanceenhancing drugs have been given only warnings as a result, the national swimming body said as the World Anti-Doping Agency investigates an alleged cover-up. The pair, Wang Lizhuo and An Jiabao, tested positive for musclebuilding drug clenbuterol, the China Swimming Association (CSA) said in separate statements on its website.

“A warning will be given to the offending athlete” read each statement, describing the decision as a “punishment” in both cases. Their coaches will be fined 5,000 yuan ($770), and their teams 10,000 yuan. Neither Wang, who swims for the navy, nor An, whose team is Tianjin, have competed at the Olympics or world championships. They were among six athletes who failed doping tests in recent months,

the official Xinhua news agency cited the CSA as saying last week. Three of those—none of them identified—were for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that can be used to mask performance-enhancing drugs. That announcement, weeks ahead of China’s national championships, came after Britain’s Times newspaper cited whistle-blowers as saying five positive tests had been hidden to avoid a storm.

The Times report was another blow to the sport’s image, shortly after a possible doping scandal was revealed in Russia. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said it was investigating both Beijing and Moscow for alleged cover-ups. Xinhua cited the deputy director of China’s anti-doping agency denying the results had been covered up, and that it had reported the six cases to WADA. AFP

2016 Australian Masters scrapped THE Australian Masters will not be held this year, tournament organisers IMG said Wednesday, adding that it was reassessing the event as it revamps its golf business. “As part of IMG’s ongoing evolution of its golf events business, the company is in the process of reimagining its Australian Masters event to ensure the delivery of a world-class experience,” IMG said in a statement. “To best execute a change of this scale, IMG today announced that the Australian Masters will not be played in 2016. IMG will unveil its new plans for the event in the coming months.” First held in 1979, Greg Norman became synonymous with the tournament in its earlier years, amassing six gold jackets in an astonishing stretch from 1981 to 1990. It was won by Tiger Woods in 2009 with Australian Peter Senior claiming the title at Huntingdale Golf Club in Melbourne last year. AFP

Renovated stadium. A picture taken on March 28, 2016 shows a partial view of the Stade de

France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris. Built for the World Cup 1998, Stade de France can hold 80,000 spectators. France stadium will host matches of the Uefa Euro 2016, including the opening game on June 10 and the final on 10 July. AFP

Harden scored 27 points and eight assists as Houston overturned second half deficits of 20 and 13 points to clinch a 106-100 win. Harden’s most telling contribution came in the fourth quarter, when he scored 18 points to help the Rockets surpass the Cleveland total. “Even when we got down 20 points, we felt confident because they weren’t shooting the ball well,” Harden said. “Even when they were winning.” Trevor Ariza put the seal on the fightback with a three-pointer from the corner with 17 seconds left to complete the Rockets triumph. “In these situations, time and time again, we channel something special and unique when we get down,” Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “Desperation has to be the feeling, not panic when we get down -- and that’s who we’ve been. Every game matters from this point on because we’re trying to extend our season.” The Cavs meanwhile, who had opted to rest James as they prepare for the postseason, missed eight straight attempts in the fourth quarter to allow Houston back into the game. Kyrie Irving finished with 31 points and eight assists while Kevin Love contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. Absentees almost loomed large for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who rested both Kevin Durant and power forward Serge Ibaka for their clash with the Detroit Pistons. The final scoreline told the story, with the Pistons running out winners by 8882 to move to 40-35 and into seventh spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Thunder star Russell Westbrook meanwhile scored 24 points despite being the main focus of the Detroit defense. “The main advantage that you have with Durant out of there is you can run everybody at Westbrook when he’s going (to the rim),” Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. “We made him take a lot of difficult shots tonight. But you know, a lot of teams have to play without Kevin Durant -29 of them.”

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Huey’s Olympic bid supported FRESH from the successful campaign of the Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup Team, Philippine tennis patron Jean Henri Lhuillier is now setting his sights on helping top Filipino netter Treat Huey in his bid to qualify for the Olympics doubles’ event slated this year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Lhuillier has been supporting the international campaign of Huey for several years and is very excited for the possibility of Huey making it to Rio with another Filipino partner, either Ruben Gonzales or Francis Casey Alcantara. “This is a once in a lifetime chance and I’m confident Treat will give it his best shot. It’s going to be difficult, but I believe that he has what it takes to make it happen. He has been playing very well this year. Huey’s chance hinge on making it to the top 10 of the world rankings for him to qualify and bring with him Alcantara and Gonzales to the Olympics. Huey made it to the semifinals of the 2016 Ausralian Open mixed doubles and quarterfinals of the men’s doubles. He also won the title in Acapulco and is currently no. 30 in World doubles rankings. Lhuillier, who is also President of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines, is also eyeing an Olympic berth for the PH Blu Girls should softball be included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

UP to have new coach

A NEW head coach will sit on the bench of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the coming 79th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament. Team manager Dan Palami said coach Rensy Bajar will be replaced and the new mentor will be formally named to the team by April 15. “He may still be in the staff. But, that will depend on our conversation,” said Palami. Former Ateneo bench tactician Bo Perasol is in the short list, and so is Joe Ward, who acted as assistant coach last season. Also shortlisted is former Barako Bull head coach Bong Ramos, who is being tapped in the recruitment of fresh talent. Changing coaches seems to be the trend in the collegiate circuit these days. National coach Tab Baldwin is now handling Ateneo, while and former Letran mentor Aldin Ayo replaced Juno Sauler at La Salle. Former La Salle coach Franz Pumaren is now with the Adamson program. Peter Atencio

Tennis patron Jean Henri Lhuillier with Filipino netter Treat Huey, who is shooting for a stint in the doubles competition o f the Rio Olympics.

4 PH boxers seek Rio Olympic Games slots By Ronnie Nathanielsz

THE PHILIPPINES’ gallant team of four boxers, who survived the cold temperatures that dipped to as low as 3% centigrade, but turned on the heat in their quarterfinal bouts of the Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualifying event at the state-of-the-art Tangshan Sports Centre in China, stood just one win away from clinching a spot in the Rio Olympic Games when they face stiff opposition in the semifinals on Thursday. ABAP Executive Director Ed Picson told The Standard that the fighters were in their respective rooms, “resting, because they needed it.” “The mood is upbeat,” said Picson after they had lunch together. The only worry was that welterweight hopeful Eumir Felix Marcial has a swollen knuckle in his left hand, which is his primary weapon, although Picson believes it’s an old injury they are trying to handle with an icepack and Epsom salts. However, Marcial told them “don’t worry about it

because when I’m fighting, I don’t feel the pain.” The welterweight punching machine ranked no. 1 in the tournament had no problem disposing of Kazemzadehposhtiri from Iran in the quarterfinals, with all three judges having the tough and solidly built Filipino from Zamboanga winning handily, 30-27 (twice) and 29-28. Marcial goes up against 22-year-old Shakram Giyasov of Uzbekistan in the semis. Leading the Filipinos’ charge in the quarterfinals was team captain Charly Suarez, the veteran 27-year-old,

who decisively beat India’s tall, lanky and awkward military champion Dheeraj Rai by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28 once. Suarez, who is a skillful boxer with hand-speed and punching power, will face China’s Shan Jun in the semifinal round Thursday. ABAP Executive director Ed Picson told The Standard that Suarez is aware that the 21-yearold Shan Jun “has the hometown crowd, but I have a fight plan that I think will turn things around for me.” Picson said in his assessment is that Suarez’s opponent “is not very good,” but being a hometown boy it could make a difference. Although he hopes it won’t. No. 1 seed Rogen Ladon displayed speed and accuracy to thwart Iraq’s Al-Kaabi in another unanimous decision win, 30-25, in all the judges’ cards, with the Iraqi deducted 2 points for ducking. Ladon’s semifinal foe will be 24-yearold shifty Devendro Singh Laisham of India. Mario Fernandez, likewise,

barged into the semifinals with a 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 decision over Alwadi of Jordan, but is likely to have a tough time against highly regarded Chatchai Butdee of Thailand. “The Thai guy is very good,” Fernandez said. Ranked No. 7 Butdee won the bantamweight gold medal in Laos in 2009 and the SEA Games gold in Palembeng, Indonesia in 2011. In the 2012 London Olympics, Butdee won his first fight against Selcuk Ebker of Turkey before losing in the second round to eventual gold medalist Robeisy Ramorez of Cuba. ABAP president Ricky Vargas who has been closely monitoring the events from the United States via text and email told Picson: “Please tell our boxers I am encouraged by their performance. I continue to pray hard for their success. I will have a nice surprise for those who qualify when I see them back in the Philippines.” Being in the semifinals, Ladon, Fernandez, Suarez and Marcial are all assured of a

KAYA makes case for PH football in Asian tourney “I THINK people are now starting to stand up and take notice of Philippine football, not just at the international level, but also in the club level,” said KAYA Coach Chris Greatwich, referring to the football club’s wins in the AFC Cup last week. “I think it shows that club football in the Philippines is strong and we are more than capable of competing at the regional level,” he added. Greatwich’s troops pulled Chris Greatwich: We are known for our battling off a dramatic victory in the qualities--the never say die spirit.

last minute of stoppage time, with OJ Porteria turning in the winner against New Radiant in the final moments of the game. On March 15, KAYA had the opportunity to push further, with the Rizal Memorial Stadium once again as venue for a massive AFC Cup encounter. The Philippine side beat Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa, 1-0. The Singaporeans were coming off fresh from a surprise win over Group F favorite Kitchee. “I think we got a great

group of players. They are a joy to work with,” said the former Philippine National Team standout. “Let’s see how far we could come in this competition. I think we’ve got the potential, (which we are) realizing now. I think this group is very much up for grabs. Everyone seems to be qualified, so it will be interesting to see how group plays out. The success of the Filipino clubs in this year’s AFC Cup has come as quite a shock to the rest of the Asian region,

given that the Philippines was without a legitimate domestic club competition until 2010. Since then, the progress of local teams has been immense, punctuated by recent success against countries that have enjoyed football as a mainstream sport for decades. Although he felt there was plenty to improve in the recent victory, Greatwich points to KAYA’s indomitable spirit as the backbone to their rise not only locally, but also on the regional stage as well.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

FEU in contention for Final 4 By Peter Atencio

THE Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws bounced back from an opening-set loss, stopping the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses, 2025, 25-20, 25-15, 25-20, Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan. The Lady Tamaraws, led by Bernadeth Pons and Toni Basas,

solidified their grip on fourth spot in the race for the last two

Final Four seats in 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament. Pons and Basas had 20 points for the Tams, who went on to post their seventh win in 12 games. With their 5-7 record, the Tigresses’ bid for a Final Four spot is now doubtful.

In men’s action, University of the Philippines blew a fourpoint lead but hung on to a 21-25, 27-25, 2521, 21-25, 16-14 marathon beating of FEU. This kept their Final Four seat bid alive after they finished with a 6-6 slate, to tie FEU at fourth. Team captain Alfred Valbuena knocked in a

game-high 26 points, including the matchclinching kill block against Jeric Gacutan. UP now needs to sweep their last two assignments against UST (4-8) and Adamson (8-3) to at least secure a Final Four playoff. National University pushed the UST Growling Tigers to the

brink of elimination in a 25-27, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21 verdict. NU improved to an 8-4 record just half a game behind idle and second-running Adamson University. Madzlan Gampong unloaded 18 attacks in his 20-point outing to lead the Bulldogs to their second straight.

SOCIAL HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION INVITATION TO BID FOR The Provision of Security Services for Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for One (1) Year Contract 1.

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) through its Corporate Budget for the Year 2016 intends to apply the sum of Six Million Twenty One Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety Pesos and 75 / 100 Only (P6,021,790.75) being the Annual Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for PROJECT NO. 2016-03: The Provision of Security Services for Social Housing Finance Corporation for One (1) Year Contract. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid opening. SHFC now invites bids for the Provision of Security Services located at BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City and its offices, as follows:

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF HOT AND COLD BEVERAGES AND OTHER ASSORTED FOOD SUPPLIES FOR VIP BAR UNDER ITB NO.PB16-007ANG The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is inviting all interested bidders in its forthcoming public bidding for the Supply and Delivery of Hot and Cold Beverages and Other Assorted Food Supplies for VIP Bar under ITB No. PB16-007ANG. Brief Description Beverages and Other Food Supplies Delivery Period

Monthly Delivery for a period of twelve (12) months

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC):

The total ABC is Thirteen Million Four Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty-Six Pesos & 56/100 (P 13,487,986.56), VAT-Exclusive, Zero-Rated Transaction. Lot 1: Beverages – Five Million Nine Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Pesos (P 5,953,650.00), VAT Exclusive, Zero Rated Transaction

QUANTITY NCR (With Night Shift)

NCR (Without Night Shift)

Bacolod (Without Night Shift)

Cagayan De Oro (Without Night Shift)

Cebu (Without Night Shift)

Cauayan (Without Night Shift)

Naga City (Without Night Shift)

Davao (Without Night Shift)

General Santos City (Without Night Shift)

Iloilo (Without Night Shift)

Palawan (Without Night Shift)

Zamboanga (Without Night Shift)

TOTAL

Period of Contract shall be for One (1) Year and shall commence upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within One (1) year from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible Bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II. Instruction to Bidders. 3.

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) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

Interested Bidders may obtain further information from SHFC and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on March 31, 2016 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) to the SHFC Cashier. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of SHFC, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The method of payment will be on cash basis.

SHFC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 14, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the SHFC Board Room, 5th Floor, BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before April 26, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 19. Bid opening shall be on April 26, 2016, 2:00 p.m.at the SHFC Board Room,5th Floor, BDO Plaza 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

SHFC assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid. SHFC reserves the right to waive any or all formal requirements, so that it shall likewise not be held liable for any defects or typographical errors in all documents received by the bidder, which shall be presumed to have been read and understood by the bidders to be mere defects in form only.

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

10. For further information, please refer to: Ethel S. Bugho Officer-In-Charge, BAC Secretariat for Goods & Services Social Housing Finance Corporation 2nd Floor, BDO Plaza, 8737 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City (T) +63 2 750 6337 (loc) 421; (02) 8172794 procurement@shfcph.com (F) +63 2 817 3168 www.shfcph.com (TS-M A R , 31, 2016 )

(SGD) ATTY. JOSE D. MELGAREJO Chairman, BAC

Lot 2: Coffee, Tea, Creamer, Sugar – Six Million One Hundred Twenty-Three Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-Six Pesos & 56/100 (P6,123,256.56), VAT Exclusive, Zero Rated Transaction Lot 3: Assorted Food Supplies – One Million Four Hundred Eleven Thousand Eighty Pesos (P 1,411,080.00), VAT Exclusive, Zero Rated Transaction Source of Funds: Internally Funded Bidders should have completed, within the last three (3) years before the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. All particulars relative to Pre-Bid Conference, Detailed Evaluation of Bids, PostQualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its IRR. The schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Activities

Schedule

1. Issuance of the Bidding Documents

March 31, 2016 to April 20, 2016

2. Pre-Bid Conference

April 07, 2016 (Thursday), 2:00 p.m.

3. Deadline for the Submission and Receipt of Bids

April 20, 2016 (Wednesday), 2:00 p.m.

4. Opening and Preliminary Examination of Bids

April 20, 2016 (Wednesday), 2:00 p.m., onwards

Complete details of the project are indicated in the bidding documents which will be available to prospective bidders at the Bids and Awards Services Department, upon payment of the non-refundable bidding fee based on the following matrix: Approved Budget for the Contract 500,000.00 and below More than 500,000.00 up to 1 Million

Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Pesos) 500.00 1,000.00

More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

5,000.00

More than 5 Million up to 10 Million

10,000.00

Prospective bidders may also download the Bidding Documents free of charge from the following websites: www.pagcor.ph and www.philgeps.gov.ph and may be allowed to submit bids provided that bidders shall pay the non-refundable bidding fee not later than the date of the submission of bids. The Pre-bid Conference is open to all prospective bidders.Prospective bidders should present to Finance Section located at the Mezzanine Floor, Casino Filipino – Angeles, Mac Arthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City either the Bidding Fee Slip which may be secured from the BBASS or a copy of this ITB in effecting payment for the Bidding Documents. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. PAGCOR assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids. In accordance with Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Circular 06-2005 - TieBreaking Method, the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)shall use a non-discretionary and non-discriminatory measure based on sheer luck or chance, which is “DRAW LOTS,” in the event that two or more bidders have been post-qualified and determined as the bidder having the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB) to determine the final LCRB, based on the following procedures: 1. In alphabetical order, the bidders shall pick one rolled paper. 2.

The lucky bidder who would pick the paper with a “CONGRATULATIONS” remark shall be declared as the final bidder having the LCRB and recommended for award of the contract.

PAGCOR reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid, and to annul the bidding process and reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. Please address all communications to the Branch Bids and Awards Committee through the Branch Bids and Awards Services Section, Mezzanine Floor, Casino Filipino – Angeles, Mac Arthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City at Tel No.: 892-5073 local 401. (SGD) GLECY B. DANGA Chairperson Branch Bids and Awards Committee (BBAC)

(TS MAR. 31, 2016)

3 table tennis aces eye Rio meet GRIZZLED veteran Richard Gonzales, John Marie Nayre and Ian “Yan Yan” Lariba will try to bag a slot in the Rio Olympics in August, when they play in the Asian Table Tennis Olympic Qualifying tournament set on April 13 to 17 in Hong Kong. Table Tennis Association of the Philippines President Ting Ledesma said the 45-yearold Gonzales and the two other players will be coached by Korean coach Kwon Mi Sook. “Gonzales is really in good condition despite his age. He remains the country’s No. 1 player in the men’s side after dominating the recent Philippine National Games,” said Ledesma. “I’m confident he can qualify in this year’s Olympics together with Nayre and Lariba.” Neo Brightside Christian Academy International School Korean director Gilbert Roh will be sponsoring the campaign of the Philippine team in the Hong Kong five-day tourney. “I believe the Philippine national team can qualify in the Olympics,” said Roh. “So if ever we seek and train the best players, we have a chance to join the Olympics.” Gonzales, the twotime Southeast Asian Games silver medalists, and Nayre will compete in the men’s singles open class, while Lariba will play in the women’s singles’ category. The Philippine men’s team improved its world ranking from No. 79 to 65 from a field of 220 countries, while the women’s team also rose from No. 62 to 59 after competing in the World Team Table Tennis Championship recently in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The national table tennis team is currently training at national training center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The three players are expected to face tough competition in the Olympic qualifiers in Hong Kong, particularly from powerhouse table tennis nations like China, Japan, Korea and Singapore.

T H U R S DAY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 16

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Fuel Masters steadier than Elite, prevail in OT By Jeric Lopez

PHOENIX proved to be the steadier team when it mattered, pulling through in the clutch to squeak past pesky Blackwater, 124-120, in overtime in a thrilling duel in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night. Mac Baracael had some crucial points in crunch time and finished with 21 points and five rebounds to help the Fuel Masters come out on top in their toughest game of the conference thus far. A pivotal 6-0 run in the extra session gave the Fuel Masters the needed separation as they held a vital 117-111 lead with 2:24 remaining. That blitz proved to be the dif-

ference maker as they were able to pull through despite Blackwater’s stubbornness. The Elite continued to fight back, but Phoenix stood its ground in the closing seconds to earn the hard-fought win that snapped a two-game slide. Mike Cortez’s two free throws sliced the Fuel Masters’ lead to only two, 122-120, giving the Elite some life with 27.2 seconds left.

However, RR ed to give any Games Friday Garcia answered ground, know(Philsports Arena, Pasig City): with two free- 4:15 p.m. - Rain or Shine vs. Phoenix ing how vital this 7 p.m. - NLEX vs. GlobalPort bies of his own game is to their to stretch it to campaign. a two-possession lead for PhoeAfter regulation, the two nix, allowing his team to put the teams ended up tied at 109-all afgame in the bag. ter a back-and-forth battle in the The victory improved the waning minutes. stock of Phoenix to 3-5 as it Carlo Lastimosa actually had moved to 10th place. Blackwater a golden opportunity to win it slipped to 11th with a 3-7 card. for Blackwater in regulation, but It was a game of spurts as both he missed a potential game-winteams exchanged runs in the course ning bonus free throw after he of the game with Phoenix hav- was fouled knocking down the ing control for most part, but with triple that tied the game. Blackwater being as pesky as posWith its loss, Blackwater’s sible, showing resiliency before im- fate is no longer in its hands. posing a serious threat down the It needs to win its last eliminastretch to set-up a thrilling finish. tion-round game and hope that The two squads went toe-to- the troubled teams lose theirs toe in the fourth until the exten- for the Elite to force a playoff sion period as neither one want- for a slot in the Top 8.

Erwin Arcillas flashes superb form off the mound on No. 10 en route to a solid 66 as he grabs opening day honors from top guns Angelo Que and Cassius Casas

Four successive wins at the Pen SYLVIA LOPEZ ALEJANDRO

I WAS on a roll. With different partners Joli Kansil, Margaret Kwok and Lani Tayas we went on to top the

Peninsula games. Congratulations to Sylvia and Joli!!! Manila Peninsula March 9, 2106 Leaders after 27 boards Average: 67.5 Sylvia Alejandro- Joli Kansil 82.00 Jopet Maliwat – Isabel Maloles 76.50 Nalin Samarasingha-Hiranthi Samarasinha 74.00 Alejandro Duplicate Game: March 16, 2016 Sylvia Alejandro-Margaret Kwok 64.55 Hector Tarrazona-Abraham Rivera 63.68 Harumi Ieda-Ching Holley 62.61

Board 8

West Sylgen 1 ♠Q43 ♥KQ854 ♦J10 ♣A54

-oOoEXCELLENT DEFENSE Golfermike aka Mike Swain and I demonstrated on Bridge Base Online a superb defense against the contract of one notrump contract which I had doubled.

West 1♥ Pass

North Mauce ♠J107 ♥1073 ♦9543 ♣987

South Dirinibitro ♠K92 ♥AJ9 ♦KQ8 ♣KJ102 North Pass 1NT Pass

East 1♠ Dbl

East Golfermike ♠A863 ♥62 ♦A762 ♣Q63

Golfermike was on lead. He led a small heart which I won the queen. I led back a small spade which he with the Ace. Another heart from Golfermike which I won with the king. He returned a small spade which ducked by South and won by my queen. I cashed the winning hearts. I played the ten of diamonds which Golfermike won the Ace. The contract down and we garnered 1100 imps. -oOoThe 2016 Slava Memorial Cup was held at the Metropol Hotel in Moscow from February 19-21. After a very tense final with the Sweden Juniors, the Auken team prevailed. The Auken team:

South Dbl Pass

Sabine Auken, Dennis Bilde, Morten Bilde, Roy Welland Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yahoo

A15 LOTTO RESULTS

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

Obscure pro stuns big guns at ICTSI golf TARLAC—Unheralded Erwin Arcillas sneaked through a slew of fancied names and moved on top of the leaderboard with a bogey-free six-under 66, three shots clear off Angelo Que and Cassius Casas and four ahead of Miguel Tabuena and six others at the start of the ICTSI Luisita Championship at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here yesterday. Arcillas put together a pair of 33s behind a hot putter and fiery windups on both nines, finding himself a bewildered leader among the star-studded roster in his most explosive round since firing a 65 en route to a careerbest third place finish in the now-defunct ASEAN Tour’s Mt. Malarayat leg in 2010. “I played relatively good. Everything is in place,” said Arcillas, who took advantage of benign condition from an early start and strung up three straight birdies from No. 15. He gunned down another birdie on No. 3 before hitting two more in the last four holes. It was indeed a surprising start for the journeyman from Zamboanga, winless in 10 years and whose best finish last year was joint 30th at ICTSI Splendido. He also opened his campaign this year with a soso joint 38th effort at Anvaya Cove Invitational dominated by Tabuena. While he hopes to sustain his form in tougher conditions as they switch teetimes in today’s second round, the chasing pack are also out to press their charge, including Que and Casas, who turned in identical 34-35 cards in the same f light for joint second in this P3.5 million tournament sponsored by International Container Terminal Services,Inc. Que said he was happy to have carded a low round in his first stint at Luisita in a long, long while. The former three-time Asian Tour winner, who won two ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour legs last year, birdied two of the first six holes at the back, dropped a shot on the par-5 16th but rammed in two birdies in the last four holes at the front as he primes up for a grueling campaign on the lucrative Japan PGA Tour starting next week.

San Beda cage camp listup on REGISTRATION is still open for the San Beda basketball camps, which will start its 11th season on April 5. The clinics for kids are open to all and is sponsored by Gatorade and Molten Balls. Interested parties may contact Oliver Quiambao at 735-6011, local 2104, or 09478221544, and through program head, coach Edmundo “Ato” Badolato, at 09088624543. It will be held every Tuesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. over at the Mendiola campus. In the Taytay campus, classes with commence on April 7, and will run every Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration is still open. Coaches of the multi-titled San Beda Red Cubs, as well as prominent instructors from other schools, are also teaching in the camp. Registration fee is P3,500, which includes a t-shirt and a brand new Molten ball. A package deal of P6,000 is also being offered to those who will enroll in both sessions.

A16

T H U R S DAY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 16 RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

REUEL VIDAL A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Iain Ramsay of the Philippines celebrates a goal against North Korea during their 2018 World Cup qualifying football match. The Philippines won, 3-2. AFP

Dooley: PH win proved we can play tough teams By Peter Atencio

FORE MORE than a minute, Fil-Australian Iain Ramsay received a standing ovation from a big crowd of appreciative fans at the stands of the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. The long applause came when he struck with the winning goal during the oneminute injury extension time, carrying the Philippine Azkals to a 3-2 triumph over North Korea on Tuesday evening. This allowed the Azkals to end their FIFA World Cup Qualifying bid on a bright note. “It’s a nice feeling to score the winner, given the circumstances against a tough opponent,” said the 28-yearold Ramsay, after he went for

Rockets rally to sink Cavaliers TURN TO A12

a five-meter shot the moment he received a cross pass from Javier Patino. Their victory allowed the Azkals to finish their qualifying round campaign with three wins against a draw and four losses. “What’s important is that they believed that they can play against tough teams like North Korea,” said Azkals coach Thomas Dooley, who hinted that it could be his last game with the Azkals. They kept North Korea

from reaching the third round with their second setback, against five victories and a draw. Uzbekistan became the lone qualifier in Group H after it disposed of Bahrain, 1-0, in a home game over in Tashkent, also on Tuesday evening.Dooley, whose contract as national mentor ended after the match, commended the team for putting up a big fight against North Korea. He said after the game that he is no longer thinking about his role with the Azkals this coming November when they see action in the 2016 AFF-Suzuki Cup. He is just thinking about rebuilding the Azkals to a

Pak Kwang Ryong (right) of North Korea vies for the ball with Juan Guirado of the Philippines. AFP

b e t t e rt e a m and how they will perform in their next two games in the Asian Cup qualifiers. The Azkals got a chance to score first, with Misagh Bahadoran, who was nursing a right knee injury over the last three weeks, heading in a rebound from

Obscure pro stuns golf’s big guns TURN TO A15

a Patiño miss in the 43rd minute. North Korea then leveled the count when So Kyong Jin turned in a rebound, 1-all, during the 2-minute extension before halftime They took the lead at 2-1 when Ri Hyok Chol struck during a scramble in front for a goal in the 47th minute. The Azkals kept their hopes alive when Manny Ott charged the net in the 84th minute to equalize, 2-2. Team manager Dan Palami said he is happy that the team was able to come back from 1-2 down.

Bongbong lauds Azkals’ victory over North Korea VICE Presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has taken a break off his busy campaign schedule to watch the Azkals with his two sons as the team faced off against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea national football team in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup UAE Qualifiers last night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The Philippine national football team scored an upset win over the North Koreans, 3-2, after a back-and-forth affair. Bongbong brought along his two sons Joseph Simon, 19, and William Vincent, 18, to see up close and personal the spectacular win of the Philippines’ finest footballers. “The Azkals played with much heart and passion which Filipinos are known the world over,” Bongbong said. “Win or lose, we will always be proud of the Azkals. But tonight was their night. I’m just glad to bear witness to this spectacular victory with my boys.” Bongbong and his boys were among the 7,351 fans in attendance, most of whom were die-hard football fans and proud Filipinos alike. At the end of the game, Bongbong was presented with a number 10 Azkals jersey by the Azkals’ team manager Dan Palami.

THURSDAY: MARCH 31, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

SMC raises P30b. San Miguel Corp. holds a bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange, after raising P30 billion from the issuance of series 2, subseries G, H, and I preferred shares. Shown ringing the bell are (from left) SMC head of treasury Sergio Edeza, deputy chief finance officer Joseph Pineda, treasurer and chief financial officer Ferdinand Constantino, resident and chief operating officer Ramon Ang. With them are (from fifth left) PSE chairman Jose Pardo, president and chief executive Hans Sicat, director Vivian Yuchengco, director Amor Iliscupidez, treasurer Omelita Tiangco, corporate secretary Aissa Encarnacion and chief operating officer Roel Refran. See related story on B4.

ADB cuts growth forecast to 6% By Gabrielle H. Binaday

THE Asian Development Bank on Wednesday reduced the 2016 economic growth forecast for the Philippines to 6 percent, amid global headwinds and the persisting impact of El Niño dry spell. The Manila-based multilateral lender, in its ADB Development Outlook 2016, revised downward its 2016 gross domestic product growth projection for the country from the previous estimate of 6.3 percent. It also reduced the 2017 growth projection to 6.1 percent from the previous 6.3 percent it made in December last year. Actual GDP growth reached 5.8 percent in 2015. “While the Philippines continues to experience headwinds, including a strong El Niño weather event which has affected agriculture, as well as weak external demand, economic growth remains strong,” said ADB country director Richard Bolt.

“Sustaining this growth will require the continuation of policies that support infrastructure and human capital development, improvements to the investment climate, and better governance,” Bolt said. ADB principal economist Donghyun Park said the adjustment of Philippine growth forecast was in line with the broader downgrade for developing Asia’s outlook. “I must emphasize again and again, very much certain difficulties happen in the global environment that we are facing. Of course the large part of that is the growth of the advanced countries, [which is] more sluggish than expected,” Park said. ADB economist for the Philip-

pines Sona Shrestha agreed, saying “many of the external environment turned out to be lower than we anticipated.” The inter-agency Development Budget and Coordination Committee, composed of government economic managers, earlier set the country’s 2016 growth target at a range of 6.8 percent to 7.8 percent. ADB said risks to the growth outlook would come from the impact on agriculture and food prices of El Niño. “The outlook is subject to more uncertainty than usual as the outcome of the national elections will have an important bearing on policy,” it said. “Election-related spending will support growth through May 2016 when national elections are scheduled. Net external demand will likely remain a drag on growth in 2016, though less than in 2015, and add to growth in 2017,” it said. ADB said private consumption would be the main growth driver again this year. “Rising employment, higher government sala-

ries, modest inflation and remittance inflows all point to robust consumer spending,” the bank said. ADB also reduced its growth projection for Southeast Asia to 4.5 percent from the previous 4.9 percent. Myanmar is projected to post the fastest growth of 8.4 percent, followed by Indonesia with 7 percent, Vietnam with 6.7 percent and the Philippines with 6 percent. “Potential growth depends on both the growth of the labor force and the growth of labor productivity,” said ADB chief economist Shang-Jin Wei. “While altering demographics is not something that can be accomplished within a few years, many developing economies still have tremendous room to use structural reforms to remove distortions in the labor, capital, and land markets, and to improve incentives for private sector investment, all of which lead to higher productivity and therefore higher potential growth,” she said.

Peso climbs to 5-month high of 46.03 per dollar By Julito G. Rada THE peso climbed to a fivemonth high against the US dollar Wednesday, after the US Federal Reserve signaled it would delay another interest rate hike this year. The local currency gained 0.7 percent Wednesday to close at 46.03 against the dollar from 46.355 Tuesday. It was the currency’s strongest level since settling at 45.85 against the greenback on Oct. 15, 2015. Total volume reached $925.5 million Wednesday, higher than $584.8 million worth of currencies traded a day earlier. Nicholas Antonio Mapa, a

research officer at Bank of the Philippine Islands, said in an e-mail the dollar’s weakness stemmed from the “very dovish comments from [Fed chairman] Janet Yellen last night, indicating that the Fed would be delaying the pace of its rate hike cycle.” “This forced the dollar to weaken against all currencies, with the peso tracking the regional movement,” Mapa said. Yellen said global economic uncertainty, including the slowdown in China and declining oil prices led to the delay of an interest rate hike in both January and March.

Yellen also said she was expecting “gradual increases” in interest rates in the future. Mapa said there was a possibility the peso could return to the 45-a-dollar level soon. The last time the peso settled at that level was on Oct. 15, 2015 at 45.85. “We could see it breach the 45 level but not without strong resistance from the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] who has been helping slow the sharp appreciation trend,” Mapa said. The peso’s weakest level against the greenback this year was recorded on Jan. 26, when it finished at 47.995 against the

dollar. It was the currency’s lowest level since closing at 48.05 on Sept. 16, 2009, at the height of the global financial crisis. Economists from the First Metro Investment Corp. and University of Asia and the Pacific earlier said the peso might trade between 48 and 49 against the greenback this year, taking into consideration the volatility in the global financial markets. Officials of the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee set a foreign exchange target range of 45 to 48 pesos a dollar this year, from the previous target of 43 to 46.

PSe comPoSite index Closing March 30, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,299.23 24.83

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing March 30, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P46.030

44.00

43.00

HIGH P46.030 LOW P46.180 AVERAGE P46.108 VOLUME 925.500M

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 Wednesday, March 30, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.3290

Japan

Yen

0.008875

0.4112

Pound

1.438900

66.6628

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128939

5.9736

Switzerland

Franc

1.035197

47.9596

Canada

Dollar

0.765814

35.4794

Singapore

Dollar

0.738771

34.2265

Australia

Dollar

0.763300

35.3629

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

122.8886

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266688

12.3554

Brunei

Dollar

0.736052

34.1006

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028220

1.3074

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.6134

Euro

1.129300

52.3193

Korea

Won

0.000864

0.0400

China

Yuan

0.153692

7.1204

India

Rupee

0.015068

0.6981

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.250282

11.5953

New Zealand

Dollar

0.686600

31.8095

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030909

1.4320 Source: PDS Bridge

THURSDAY: MARCH 31, 2016

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Wednesday, March 30, 2016

52 Weeks

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 4 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 75 91.5 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 8.7 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 58 62 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 89 148 20.6 125 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3 32 15.32 62.5 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173

79 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 1450 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

34.1 2.3 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 801 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

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

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

76 6.5 5.29 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 9.66 0.0670 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 390 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

49.55 3.43 3 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 3 0.030 0.550 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 170 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.22 2.95 46.35 44.65 106.00 104.60 90.30 89.90 39.4 38.95 2.85 2.58 1.41 1.37 10 10 14.12 14 15.24 15.14 7.50 7.37 1.75 1.72 640.00 640.00 0.610 0.570 84.85 83.3 0.98 0.97 14.50 14.34 23.65 23.65 53.50 53.00 290 285 30 29.65 169.6 162.3 1350.00 1350.00 58.00 57.45 1.77 1.55 INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp. 43.75 44.45 44 Agrinurture Inc. 5.31 5.3 4.88 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.72 0.74 0.74 Alsons Cons. 1.54 1.59 1.54 Asiabest Group 10.98 10.98 10.22 Bogo Medelin 72 72 51 C. Azuc De Tarlac 220.00 240.00 230.00 Century Food 18.6 18.7 18.54 Chemphil 202 303 190 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 150.7 226 220 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 18.2 19.74 18.2 Concepcion 44 48 42 Crown Asia 2.5 2.55 2.49 Da Vinci Capital 5.94 5.92 5.74 Del Monte 11.46 12.32 11.46 DNL Industries Inc. 9.600 9.790 9.700 Emperador 7.64 7.68 7.50 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 6.05 6.09 5.94 EEI 7.60 7.71 7.55 Euro-Med Lab 1.66 1.55 1.55 First Gen Corp. 21.8 22.6 21.8 First Holdings ‘A’ 65.25 65.9 65.4 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 12.50 13.50 11.84 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.80 13.90 13.80 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.75 6 5.75 Ionics Inc 2.800 2.950 2.800 Jollibee Foods Corp. 228.00 233.40 228.00 LBC Express 11.48 11.7 11 Liberty Flour 35.50 35.60 35.60 LMG Chemicals 2.2 2.1 1.9 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.21 3.19 3.19 Manila Water Co. Inc. 26.5 26.85 26.45 Maxs Group 22 23 21.9 Megawide 6.38 6.4 6.3 Mla. Elect. Co À’ 326.00 327.00 324.00 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 4.49 4.98 4.49 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.76 3.89 3.8 Petron Corporation 10.52 10.62 10.30 Phinma Corporation 11.50 11.52 11.52 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 4.40 4.43 4.35 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.72 1.76 1.67 Pryce Corp. À’ 2.9 2.9 2.75 RFM Corporation 4.15 4.22 4.16 San Miguel ‘Pure Foods À’ 164 165 162.1 Splash Corporation 2.5 2.5 2.46 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.157 0.158 0.157 TKC Steel Corp. 1.27 1.27 1.27 Trans-Asia Oil 2.80 2.84 2.73 Universal Robina 209.4 217 209 Victorias Milling 4.6 4.72 4.72 Vitarich Corp. 0.75 0.78 0.74 Vulcan Ind’l. 1.18 1.19 1.17 HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. À’ 0.365 0.365 0.365 Aboitiz Equity 64.05 65.30 64.30 Alliance Global Inc. 16.90 17.20 16.92 Anglo Holdings A 1.11 1.12 1.11 Anscor À’ 6.11 6.11 6.10 ATN Holdings A 0.290 0.290 0.285 Ayala Corp À’ 742 754 734.5 Cosco Capital 7.37 7.46 7.25 DMCI Holdings 13.50 13.56 13.50 F&J Prince ‘A’ 5.03 5.04 5 Filinvest Dev. Corp. 4.90 5.00 5.00 Forum Pacific 0.234 0.240 0.231 GT Capital 1417 1439 1420 House of Inv. 6.12 6.12 6.03 IPM Holdings 9.73 9.75 9.60 JG Summit Holdings 79.80 80.50 79.45 Jolliville Holdings 5.4 5.99 5.28 Keppel Holdings À’ 5.99 5.99 5.99 Lopez Holdings Corp. 7.05 7.15 6.72 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.72 0.73 0.7 LT Group 15.64 15.94 15.68 Mabuhay Holdings À’ 0.495 0.520 0.495 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.88 5.92 5.8 MJCI Investments Inc. 3.44 4.57 3.5 Pacifica À’ 0.0330 0.0350 0.0320 Prime Orion 1.990 1.990 1.970 San Miguel Corp À’ 77.50 77.90 76.60 Seafront À’ 2.45 2.40 2.40 SM Investments Inc. 959.00 982.00 953.00 Solid Group Inc. 1.11 1.14 1.10 Transgrid 199.50 298.00 199.50 Top Frontier 182.000 184.000 180.700 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3100 0.3200 0.3100 Wellex Industries 0.2160 0.2160 0.2010 Zeus Holdings 0.300 0.335 0.295 PROPERTY 8990 HLDG 7.850 8.000 7.850 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.03 1.04 0.99 Araneta Prop À’ 1.610 1.630 1.560 Arthaland Corp. 0.225 0.227 0.227 Ayala Land `B’ 34.750 35.700 34.800 Belle Corp. À’ 2.97 2.98 2.95 Cebu Holdings 5.15 5.15 5.15 Century Property 0.570 0.57 0.550 City & Land Dev. 0.94 0.94 0.94 Cityland Dev. À’ 0.990 1.000 0.970 Crown Equities Inc. 0.128 0.131 0.128 Cyber Bay Corp. 0.520 0.530 0.510 AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank PSE Inc. RCBC À’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

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

SHARES 11,855,871 95,752,431 186,830,204 153,445,423 290,961,220 351,491,293 1,094,045,599

2.95 46.25 104.30 90.30 39.3 2.84 1.40 10.1 14.1 15.22 7.50 1.72 640.00 0.610 84.5 0.95 14.52 23.60 53.45 285 29.65 161.4 1350.00 57.50 1.55

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.06 46.35 104.70 90.15 39 2.85 1.37 10 14.12 15.2 7.50 1.72 640.00 0.600 83.7 0.97 14.50 23.65 53.50 289 29.8 169.6 1350.00 57.55 1.63

3.73 0.22 0.38 -0.17 -0.76 0.35 -2.14 -0.99 0.14 -0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.64 -0.95 2.11 -0.14 0.21 0.09 1.40 0.51 5.08 0.00 0.09 5.16

422,000 12,500 2,784,790 1,122,010 38,500 5,000 44,000 100 6,500 106,900 600 20,000 10 187,000 4,299,630 2,000 116,000 800 15,480 14,960 223,300 1,599,840 20 10,570 610,000

44.4 4.88 0.74 1.59 10.98 56 240.00 18.62 190 226 19.4 45 2.52 5.92 11.9 9.750 7.59 5.99 7.65 1.55 22.3 65.4 12.00 13.80 5.91 2.830 230.00 11.4 35.60 2.1 3.19 26.6 22.45 6.38 325.00 4.68 3.8 10.46 11.52 4.40 1.69 2.77 4.20 165 2.5 0.158 1.27 2.78 214.2 4.72 0.74 1.19

1.49 -8.10 2.78 3.25 0.00 -22.22 9.09 0.11 -5.94 49.97 6.59 2.27 0.80 -0.34 3.84 1.56 -0.65 -0.99 0.66 -6.63 2.29 0.23 -4.00 0.00 2.78 1.07 0.88 -0.70 0.28 -4.55 -0.62 0.38 2.05 0.00 -0.31 4.23 1.06 -0.57 0.17 0.00 -1.74 -4.48 1.20 0.61 0.00 0.64 0.00 -0.71 2.29 2.61 -1.33 0.85

3,344,300 2,229,100 18,000 1,961,000 1,300 3,360 30 3,736,900 460 9,700 2,495,600 85,300 537,000 2,556,000 104,000 9,682,800 4,740,600 16,756,200 414,200 1,000 5,904,700 114,130 55,700 28,000 1,049,800 3,541,000 1,130,610 74,500 100 133,000 3 780,900 1,466,100 161,600 399,160 257,000 2,261,000 8,674,500 10,000 358,000 418,000 336,000 1,302,000 1,980 144,000 940,000 40,000 7,915,000 3,254,730 1,000 5,637,000 157,000

0.365 64.55 17.02 1.12 6.10 0.290 734.5 7.3 13.54 5.03 5.00 0.231 1424 6.05 9.75 79.60 5.5 5.99 7.05 0.73 15.9 0.495 5.9 4.35 0.0350 1.980 77.50 2.4 953.00 1.10 227.00 182.000 0.3100 0.2060 0.320

0.00 0.78 0.71 0.90 -0.16 0.00 -1.01 -0.95 0.30 0.00 2.04 -1.28 0.49 -1.14 0.21 -0.25 1.85 0.00 0.00 1.39 1.66 0.00 0.34 26.45 6.06 -0.50 0.00 -2.04 -0.63 -0.90 13.78 0.00 0.00 -4.63 6.67

450,000 2,009,750 3,690,700 16,000 66,000 1,150,000 289,690 3,309,200 5,519,800 41,000 202,000 720,000 129,590 275,900 1,810,300 1,799,280 86,400 800 6,463,100 41,000 815,200 630,000 61,506,700 136,000 80,600,000 225,000 179,440 16,000 411,800 312,000 2,820 45,980 700,000 2,680,000 9,190,000

7.920 1.02 1.610 0.227 35.200 2.96 5.15 0.550 0.94 1.000 0.129 0.520

0.89 -0.97 0.00 0.89 1.29 -0.34 0.00 -3.51 0.00 1.01 0.78 0.00

235,200 3,784,000 164,000 50,000 14,490,800 1,713,000 3,000 5,088,000 18,000 14,000 2,820,000 4,436,000

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

10.96 0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

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

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

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 2.6 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 70.5 1.97 119.5 7 5.8 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 95.5 1 2.46 15.2

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 1.6 4.8 830 1600 5.95 17.02 1.23 102.6 3.01 4 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 3.1 0.650 1.8 6

0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.335 0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 1.9

7.59 0.63 1.71 5 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Discovery World DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ Imperial Res. `B’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail MG Holdings NOW Corp. Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys 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 Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 0.236 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

-96,359,847.00

70 553

33 490

6,323,363.50

120 515 8.21 111

481,785.00 8,538,002 -39,860,963.00 105,595.00

-684,562.00

-41,112,159.50 4,886.00 4,138,200.00 -4,288,025 67,208,874.00 -406,750.00 -41,250.00 92,796,240.00 177,450.00 851,650.00 2,516,802.00 -1,204,154.00 2,176,420 -12,550.00 2,624,764.00 18,227,863.00 -435,497.00 26,654,957.00 2,094,824.00 -29,526,215.00 -2,045,336.00 -408,790.00 -96,740.00 2,771,596.00 -677,500.00 14,811,720.00 88,550.00 31,900.00 2,178,260.00 13,666,560.00 48,419,006.00 -680,200.00 -35,327,274.00 30,800.00 1,002,900.00 117,121.00 956,030.00 344,317,706.00 -382,140.00

33,938,708.00 -4,600,406.00 -73,203,470.00 15,487,262.00 680,600.00 1,000,000.00 23,400.00 -2,238,585.00 371,545.00 27,293,757.00 -8,522,848.00 6,227,982.00

-7,381,110.00 66,600.00 62,850.00

1047 78.95 84.8

-40.00

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ BC Pref A 101.5 First Gen G 480 GLOBE PREF P 5.88 GMA Holdings Inc. 101 MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred B 1011 PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3B 74.5 SMC Preferred B 75 SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I

-24,920,725.00 -754,000.00

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

11,200.00

3.5

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp. Italpinas Xurpas

High

39.1 37.6 38.15 0.870 0.860 0.860 1.06 1.03 1.05 1.82 1.76 1.80 1.43 1.40 1.43 4.80 4.49 4.50 4.24 4.11 4.13 0.093 0.091 0.092 0.2800 0.2300 0.2440 0.500 0.480 0.500 8.6 8.6 8.6 29.10 28.25 28.90 1.5 1.48 1.49 3.11 3.05 3.11 22.40 21.90 21.95 0.89 0.87 0.88 9.45 6.31 8 1.110 1.070 1.110 4.650 4.610 4.610 SERVICES 7.54 7.55 7.45 7.5 58.8 58.8 57.7 57.7 1.38 1.55 1.3 1.35 0.610 0.610 0.580 0.600 10.62 10.62 10.62 10.62 5.15 5.20 4.90 5.15 0.0710 0.0750 0.0700 0.0730 3.3 3.38 3.3 3.38 89.7 92.5 89.5 91.6 1.55 1.55 1.55 1.55 6.77 7.00 6.63 6.91 960 975 960 975 2148 2228 2130 2194 6.98 7.00 6.95 7.00 35.25 52.00 21.00 28.45 1.23 1.26 1.20 1.20 65.65 67.2 65.8 67.15 33.75 47.00 25.05 33.50 232.4 339 239 318.8 11.34 11.34 11.34 11.34 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 0.280 0.285 0.270 0.275 1.2800 1.3100 1.2600 1.3000 2.1 3.14 2.1 2.46 7.80 7.95 7.79 7.79 3.58 3.62 3.51 3.56 1.25 1.34 1.26 1.34 2.80 2.85 2.70 2.80 24.95 24.95 20.20 20.20 0.570 0.570 0.550 0.550 1.94 1.94 1.9 1.9 2.5 2.59 2.35 2.45 3.90 3.94 3.86 3.91 0.280 0.285 0.275 0.285 1.000 1.050 0.990 1.010 17.5 17.6 17.5 17.5 4.70 5.05 4.75 5.03 2.55 2.4 2.4 2.4 100.00 101.50 100.00 100.00 22.05 22.15 22.00 22.05 1967.00 1985.00 1970.00 1979.00 0.435 0.430 0.430 0.430 0.950 0.950 0.910 0.920 37.00 37.20 36.70 36.90 72.00 72.15 70.50 71.85 6.50 6.50 6.02 6.07 3.46 3.75 3.43 3.74 0.560 0.590 0.560 0.570 1.75 1.8 1.68 1.75 3.82 3.85 3.72 3.77 4.880 0.489 4.690 4.690 MINING & OIL 0.0045 0.0045 0.0044 0.0045 2.10 2.10 2.08 2.08 4.29 4.30 4.15 4.19 0.245 0.255 0.240 0.255 10.9200 15.9 9.6 9.6000 11.4000 15.4800 9.4000 9.6800 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.63 0.480 0.490 0.475 0.485 8.20 8.25 8.16 8.21 0.860 0.880 0.840 0.860 0.290 0.295 0.280 0.280 0.290 0.295 0.280 0.285 0.305 0.310 0.290 0.295 0.0130 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 2.1 2.13 2.08 2.09 5.46 5.59 5.41 5.49 2.5 2.6 2.51 2.58 1.2500 1.2500 1.2300 1.2500 0.0097 0.0099 0.0099 0.0099 0.0094 0.0094 0.0094 0.0094 3.88 3.88 3.73 3.73 5.68 5.88 5.68 5.68 2.30 2.34 2.27 2.30 0.0120 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 131.00 132.00 130.90 131.30 2.6 2.67 2.5 2.55 0.0093 0.0092 0.0090 0.0091 PREFERRED 58.7 58.7 57 57 520 531 531 531 29.7 44.55 44.55 44.55 112 115.4 112 115.4 522 520 516 520 6.71 6.71 6.71 6.71 107.5 107.5 107.5 107.5 1090 1060 1060 1060 1015 1018 1016 1017 107.9 107.5 107.5 107.5 80 80 77.2 80 82 82 81.95 82 75.35 75.55 75.55 75.55 76.5 76 75.6 76 76.6 77 76.6 76.8 75.9 76 75.05 76 74.75 75.5 75 75 74.9 75.3 71.5 75 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.380 3.470 3.310 3.420 SME 3.79 3.85 3.78 3.85 3.7 3.7 3.58 3.7 3.35 3.32 3.2 3.32 17.42 17.5 16.8 17.18 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 119.5 121 119.6 119.9

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

-2.43 0.00 0.00 0.56 2.14 0.22 0.73 2.22 -6.15 4.17 0.00 2.30 -0.67 1.30 -0.90 0.00 26.98 1.83 -0.22

2,326,600 71,000 3,450,000 18,230,000 1,487,000 32,000 54,810,000 1,100,000 3,800,000 30,000 27,800 4,659,000 283,000 184,000 15,200,200 1,385,000 270,700 1,696,000 11,561,000

5,685,580.00

-0.53 -1.87 -2.17 -1.64 0.00 0.00 2.82 2.42 2.12 0.00 2.07 1.56 2.14 0.29 -19.29 -2.44 2.28 -0.74 37.18 0.00 0.00 -1.79 1.56 17.14 -0.13 -0.56 7.20 0.00 -19.04 -3.51 -2.06 -2.00 0.26 1.79 1.00 0.00 7.02 -5.88 0.00 0.00 0.61 -1.15 -3.16 -0.27 -0.21 -6.62 8.09 1.79 0.00 -1.31 -3.89

131,100 37,660 1,145,000 576,000 300 9,018,200 70,430,000 1,208,000 1,240,420 1,000 1,008,900 560 175,470 222,600 42,600 120,000 1,143,620 1,275,300 3,400 300 5,700,000 42,770,000 2,268,000 2,318,000 42,200 100,000 12,000 126,000 1,900 249,000 41,000 31,435,000 1,215,000 500,000 19,804,000 23,300 30,000 2,000 102,650 55,100 154,180 140,000 17,369,000 1,722,100 2,116,650 10,864,800 56,292,000 5,809,000 3,000 966,000 68,000

0.00 -0.95 -2.33 4.08 -12.09 -15.09 1.61 1.04 0.12 0.00 -3.45 -1.72 -3.28 -7.69 0.00 -0.48 0.55 3.20 0.00 2.06 0.00 -3.87 0.00 0.00 8.33 0.23 -1.92 -2.15

35,000,000 54,000 1,731,000 -605,590.00 840,000 1,609,600 712,000 -796,506.00 150,000 310,000 16,600 18,664,000 2,284,550.00 1,670,000 34,350,000 4,910,000 85,600.00 8,900,000 6,000,000 794,000 2,932,600 -2,893,120.00 153,000 244,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 47,000 2,196,900 -4,908,668.00 1,496,000 214,400,000 608,440 -10,599,663.00 172,000 -25,700.00 11,000,000

-2.90 2.12 50.00 3.04 -0.38 0.00 0.00 -2.75 0.20 -0.37 0.00 0.00 0.27 -0.65 0.26 0.13 0.33 0.13

442,990 10 1600 10,200 5,000 88,000 160 110 2,380 2,500 13,020 85,450 406,400 154,400 12,500 144,310 222,430 258,390

1.18

270,000

1.58 0.00 -0.90 -1.38

101,000 39,000 516,000 3,043,500

87,140.00 8,126,254.00

0.33

9,540

2,398.00

-53,000.00 -3,671,700.00 -142,800.00 -29,125,880.00

-3,558,005.00 359,400.00 -28,602,505.00 -20,835,110.00 -11,250.00 28,800.00 600.00 17,165,654.00 46,860.00 -33,000.00 -9,256,205.00 -621,720.00 -187,740.00 67,200.00 -40,203,592.00

222,750.00 6,300.00 -49,480.00 -18,297.00

25,012,340.00 1,676,200.00 920,330.00 -1,015.00 -66,190.00 63,701,210.00 1,313,350.00 5,605,830.00 4,108,290.00 155,554.00 155,490.00 1,712,540.00 -1,217,470.00

4,085,923.50 560,000.00 -590,480.00

677,120.00 -1,500.00

T op L oSerS

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,622.54 (up) 6.50 INDUSTRIAL 11,858.90 (up) 119.18 HOLDING FIRMS 7,128.24 (down) 6.83 PROPERTY 2,959.76 (up) 11.72 SERVICES 1,559.98 (up) 11.69 MINING & OIL 11,106.71 (down) 31.66 PSEI 7,299.23 (up) 24.83 All Shares Index 4,225.51 (up) 23.41 Gainers: 110; Losers: 85; Unchanged: 51; Total: 246

39.1 0.860 1.05 1.79 1.40 4.49 4.1 0.090 0.2600 0.480 8.6 28.25 1.5 3.07 22.15 0.88 6.3 1.090 4.620

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,075,682,407.71 2,082,379,633.457 1,799,385,914.87 1,414,074,694.725 1,671,957,219.76 183,401,704.129 8,282,261,456.65

Low

Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

BC Pref A

44.55

50.00

Bogo Medelin

-22.22

Conc. Aggr. 'A'

226

49.97

Grand Plaza Hotel

28.45

-19.29

Imperial Res. `B'

318.8

37.18

Manila Broadcasting

20.20

-19.04

Starmalls

26.98

Benguet Corp `B'

9.6800

-15.09

MJCI Investments Inc.

4.35

26.45

Benguet Corp `A'

9.6000

-12.09

Jackstones

2.46

17.14

Agrinurture Inc.

4.88

-8.10

Transgrid

227.00

13.78

Manila Mining `A'

0.0120

-7.69

C. Azuc De Tarlac

240.00

9.09

Euro-Med Lab

1.55

-6.63

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0130

8.33

SBS Phil. Corp.

6.07

-6.62

SSI Group

3.74

8.09

Phil. Estates Corp.

0.2440

-6.15

THURSDAY: MARCH 31, 2016

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

Market climbs; Globe, URC up

UCPB Savings in Tagum. UCPB Savings Bank inaugurates its first branch in Tagum City in the province of Davao del Norte. Located at

Consuelo Business Center, Pioneer Avenue, Magugpo south of Tagum City, the branch is near the public market, residential areas and commercial establishments. Shown during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the branch are (from left) UCPB Savings Tagum branch manager Dennis Suico, Angeli Valdez-Llanes and Alex Valdez of Aldangeli Corp., UCPB Savings branch banking division head Emmanuel Abesamis, UCPB Savings president Angel Mojica, Visayas-Mindanao region head Rodney Jardiel and director Primitivo Garcia.

Cebu Air’s net profit soars 414% to P4.4b By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Air Inc. said on Wednesday net profit jumped 414 percent in 2015 on lower operating expenses and higher passenger traffic. The operator of budget carriers Cebu Pacific and Cebgo, formerly Tigerair Philippines, said net income amounted to P4.40 billion last year from P853.50 million in 2014. The CEB Group generated revenues of P56.502 billion in 2015, up 8.7 percent from P52 billion in 2014. Passenger revenues rose 6.2 percent to P42.681 billion last year from P40.188 billion registered in 2014. The company atttributed the increase to the 8.9-percent growth

in passenger volume to 18.4 million from 16.9 million in 2014, driven by the increased number of flights in 2015. The number of flights increased 7.6 percent year on year as the group added more aircraft to its fleet following the acquisition of wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft with a configuration of more than 400 all-economy class seats. The number of aircraft increased from 52 in 2014 to 55 as of end 2015. Cargo revenues increased 10 percent to P3.46 billion last year

from P3.15 billion in 2014. CEB Group incurred operating expenses of P46.801 billion in 2015, down 2.2 perecent from P47.843 billion in 2014. “The decrease is attributable to the substantial reduction in fuel costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period last year due to the sharp decline in global jet fuel prices,” CEB said. Aviation fuel expenses fell 23.9 percent to P17.659 billion during period from P23.210 billion in 2014. The average published fuel MOPS price stood at $64.79 per barrel last year from $112.48 per barrel in 2014. The drop in fuel costs, however, was offset by the increase in majority of the group’s operating expenses, driven by its expanded

long haul operations, growth in seat capacity from the acquisition of new aircraft and the weakening of the Philippine peso against the US dollar. The peso depreciated to an average of 45.51 per US dollar in 2015 from an average of 44.40 in 2014. Cebu Air expects to make profits this year for its long-haul business, with planned expansion of operations in the Middle East and the US. “It’s going to be profitable this year for the long haul operations. We incurred a small net loss last year,” Cebu Air Inc. general manager for long haul division Alex Reyes told reporters earlier after the launch of its Manila-to-Guam flight. Long-haul business contributes about 12 percent to the total revenue of Cebu Pacific.

THE stock market rose Wednesday after Federal Reserve boss Janet Yellen struck a cautious note on the global economy that lessened the prospects of an interest rate rise any time soon. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 24.83 points, or 0.3 percent, to 7,299.23 on a value turnover of P8.3 billion. Gainers beat losers, 110 to 85, with 51 issues unchanged. Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, gained 2.3 percent to P214.20, while Globe Telecom Inc., the secondlargest telecommunications firm, climbed 2.1 percent to P2,194. Security Bank Corp., the eighth biggest lender in terms of assets, rallied 5.1 percent to P169.60, while SSI Group Inc., the retail unit of the Tantoco Group, jumped 8.1 percent to P3.74. First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group rose 2.3 percent to P22.30. A better-than-expected reading on US growth and other improved data recently had raised hopes that the global turmoil at the start of the year may have ended, and fueled talk that the central bank might consider a further tightening of borrowing costs. However, while Yellen pointed out that the world’s top economy had “proven remarkably resilient” in the face of a global slowdown—particularly in China— and plunging oil prices, she took a dovish stance on monetary policy this year. Job creation remains strong and other signs of growth firm, even as US manufacturing industry has been hit by the strong dollar and the sharp contraction in the oil and gas industry, Yellen said. But she added that even if the US maintains a moderate growth rate, the Fed must heed “broader concerns about global financial developments,” including oil prices and the overall pace of growth. She also rejected arguments, including from some Fed officials, that inflation has increased to the point that policymakers must raise rates sooner rather than later. Analysts said her comments all but ended any chance of another rate rise at April’s policy meeting, while expectations for a June move were also lower. With AFP

Basic Energy, Trans-Asia drilling another geothermal well By Alena Mae S. Flores BASIC Energy Corp. and TransAsia Oil and Energy Development Corp. have signed a contract with Diamond Drilling Corp. to drill the Mabini geothermal prospect in Batangas province. Basic Energy said in a statement its joint venture with TransAsia approved a drilling program to spud an exploratory well in the geothermal prospect in Mabini, Batangas. The companies said they sub-

mitted a notice of intent to drill to the Energy Department. Diamond Drilling will provide services for the drilling and coring of an exploratory hole with a minimum depth of 1,500 meters. The drilling is set to be completed within 90 days. “The decision to award the drilling contract to DDCP followed the consortium’s rigorous assessment of the technical capabilities of shortlisted contractors vis-à-vis its approved budget,” Basic Energy said.

Located in the Calumpan Peninsula, the Mabini geothermal sevice contract no. 8 covers 3,841 hectares. The area based on the pre-feasibility study is expected to yield a power capacity of between 20 megawatts and 60 MW. Basic Energy has a 75-percent stake in the project and is the operator of the service contract. Trans-Asia has an equity participation of 25 percent. Under the terms of the farm in agreement, Trans-Asia will shoul-

der a 25-percent undivided participating interest in the rights, interests, privileges, duties and obligations under the geothermal service contract. Trans-Asia decided to share in the cost of the first exploration well committed under sub-phase 3 of the contract after undertaking due diligence on the project, including geophysical work. Basic Energy was originally incorporated as Basic Enterprises Inc. on September 19, 1968. It became an oil and gas explora-

tion and development company on April 26, 1971, assuming a new name—Basic Petroleum and Minerals, Inc. The company evolved from an operating company to a holding firm under the corporate name Basic Consolidated Inc. The company in 2007 changed its corporate name to the present one after including the production of ethanol and other biofuels, and the development of other alternative and renewable energy sources to its primary purposes.

Binhi awards. The country’s top journalists in the field of agriculture, environment and agribusiness are all smiles as they proudly display their trophies, at the 2015 PAJ-SMC Binhi Awards, held at Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City. Joining them are Philippine Agricultural Journalists Inc. president Roman Floresca (second row, fifth from right), San Miguel Corp. assistant vice president for media affairs Mary Jane Oconer Llanes (seventh from left) and chairman of the board of judges and former agriculture secretary William Dar (sixth from left).

San Miguel planning to raise another P15b By Jenniffer B. Austria

SAN Miguel Corp. said Wednesday it plans to raise another P15 billion in the first half, after selling P30 billion worth of preferred shares, to finance infrastructure and energy projects.

San Miguel deputy chief finance officer Joseph Pineda said the company’s operating infrastructure and energy units might issue preferred shares or senior notes to raise the required amount. Pineda said the company was now in talks with several banks for the planned fund raising activity. San Miguel on Wednesday listed P30 billion worth of preferred shares with the Philippine Stock Exchange, the proceeds of which

would be used to reduce dollar-denominated debts. The offering was twice oversubscribed on strong demand from investors. Pineda said the planned P15-billion fund raising would be not be issued by the parent company but by operating subsidiaries. San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the conglomerate remained interested in various infrastructure projects the government might bid out, despite its decision not to participate in the failed bidding of P123-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike project. Ang said San Miguel decided not to participate in the bidding because the project was primarily focused on real estate development and the tollway component was only a small part of the whole project. “I think if it is just a pure real estate play, then we will not be [participating]. We are only interested if it is a tollway project,” Ang said. The deal entails a 37-year contract to build

a 47-kilometer expressway between Taguig City and Los Baños, Laguna and a 45-km flood-control dike for P64.91 billion. The project would reclaim around 700 hectares of land in Taguig and Muntinlupa cities, adjacent to the road-dike for some P57.90 billion. Ang said the conglomerate was still planning to switch on its service within the year even as talks with potential joint venture partner Australia’s Telstra Corp. had ended. “We hope to provide service within the year. But we are making sure the coverage and quality are good before we switch on,” Ang said. San Miguel and Telstra ended talks on a $1-billion joint investment in a new mobile network in the Philippines after failing to agree on terms. Ang also said the company was ready to break ground for the P63-billion MRT 7 project. “We should be doing the groundbreaking very, very soon,” Ang said.

Govt, private sector name 10 next wave cities for BPO THE government and the private sector on Wednesday proclaimed the 10 next wave cities that will support the continued growth of the information technology and business process management in 2016. The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Science Department, Business Process Association of the Philippines and Leechiu Property Consultants named the 10 next wave cities as Baguio City, Cagayan de Oro City, Dagupan City, Dasmariñas City, Dumaguete City, Lipa City, Malolos City, Naga City, Sta. Rosa City and Taytay, Rizal. “We would like to recognize the top ranked next wave cities based on the 2015 assessment. We have

seen tremendous improvement in the readiness of NWCs to host IT-BPM operations. This has allowed us to spread the economic benefits of this industry to key cities and provinces where capable talents are also abundant,” ICTO deputy executive director Monchito Ibrahim said. These top locations for local and international IT-BPM players were identified based on the 2015 assessment guided by the NWC scorecard. The NWC program has spurred development not only for the ITBPM sector but also for cities outside established IT-BPM hubs such as Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Clark, and Bacolod City. “Since this program was ini-

tiated in 2009, we have seen the tremendous growth of the industry and the employment it provides in these next wave cities,” said IBPAP president and chief executive Jomari Mercado. The NWC scorecard includes the following criteria: talent, infrastructure, cost and business environment. All these are factored in to evaluate a city’s ability to enable and support the entry and growth of IT-BPM companies in its area. Apart from the 10 NWCs announced, government and industry leaders also elevated Davao City and Iloilo City to the status of centers of excellence for ITBPM operations. They joined the ranks of Metro Manila, Metro

Cebu, Metro Clark and Bacolod City as premier IT-BPM hosts and high-density locations. Special awards were also given to four cities that stood out in respective categories. Dasmariñas City was cited as best in talent availability, Laoag City as best in infrastructure, Dumaguete City as best in business environment and Legazpi City as having the most active ICT council and LGU. ICTO and the private sector groups also identified 10 new emerging cities for their potential to become next wave cities. These are Balanga City, Batangas City, Iriga City, Laoag City, Legazpi City, Puerto Princesa City, Roxas City, Tarlac City, Tuguegarao City and Zamboanga City.

PLDT invests $5m in US firm By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Capital, the investment arm of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., said Wednesday it invested $5 million in a California-based provider of real-time, integrated infrastructure for the business of digital service providers. “We chose Matrixx Software because its technology and performance is unmatched, and they are able to help drive the PLDT Group’s digital vision more rapidly than anyone else,” PLDT chief strategy advisor and PLDT Capital co-managing director Winston Damarillo said. Matrixx provides a real-time digital commerce platform for creating and monetizing content and services. It was the first investment of PLDT Capital in a foreign company this year. Last year, PLDT Capital invested $10 million in Phunware, a US-based mobile devices and application company; $5 million in Singapore’s Paywhere; and $5 million in AppCard. PLDT Capital allocated an investment budget of $50 million last year to support PLDT business units, including Smart, ePLDT, Digital5 and Voyager to grow their portfolio of digital services in the Philippines and other developing economies “The PLDT Group continues our model of prestigious companies that are investors as well as customers,” Dave Labuda, founder, chief executive and chief technology of Matrixx Software said. “It is genuinely changing the game in Asia when it comes to digital service innovation, and we’re excited to help deliver outstanding experiences to customers of its wireless service provider, Smart Communications,” he said.

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

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

New property row bugs the Panlilios THE Panlilio Group’s model of property development seems to be synonynous with unfinished business. The group’s track record tends to show that it has not progressed beyond negotiations, leaving the Panlilios with the proverbial empty bag. The group has been initiating talks with reputed property companies to develop its numerous landbanks but the negotiations have predictably bogged down. Take the case of Ayala Land Inc. The company has acquired a hearty appetite for the upscale end of the tourism business with its four deluxe island resorts in Apulit, Lagen, Miniloc and Panulasian— all in Palawan—where the room rates are advertised at over $300 a night. Ayala Land, however, remains prudent in developing properties. It backed out of its two-year negotiations with Boulevard Holdings Inc. of the Panlilio Group over the planned purchase of 268 hectares within BHI’s Puerto Azul property in Ternate, Cavite. BHI chairman, president and chief executive Jose Marcel Panlilio told stockholders in 2014 that with the collapse of the talks with Ayala Land over the Puerto Azul sale, the group had to defer the improvement and expansion works in its Friday’s Resort in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Failing to raise the money from the Ayala deal to fund Friday’s Puerto Galera expansion, BHI suspended the Puerto Galera project and left its contractors with P30 million in payables as of August 2014. BHI in a follow-up disclosure conceded that Friday’s Puerto Galera was an “unfinished resort” as the construction works had to be “placed in ice and awaiting funding.” The company blamed Ayala Land for the inconclusive talks and the “never ending due diligence list” sought by the Ayala Group. Ayala Land on Sept. 21, 2014 formally informed BHI that it was no longer buying the Puerto Azul property and would instead devote its resources to developing its P75-billion real estate project in Porac, Pampanga. Spurned by the most trusted developer in the Philippines, BHI turned to Rockwell Land Corp. of the Lopez Group to sell the Puerto Azul property abandoned by Ayala Land. The talks, however, never went past the “preliminary discussion” level. BHI, in another PSE disclosure, confirmed another news report that it had another suitor for the Puerto Azul property, this time DMCI Holdings Inc. The talks, as in the case of Rockwell, were “informal” and “preliminary.” Sources said the talks with Ayala Land, DMCI and Rockwell all broke down after the prospective buyers failed to secure “additional legal compliances” and “transfer certificate of titles.” Boracay discord The same legal due diligence issue could apply to the long-running court battle of BHI with the original owner of a beachfront portion of its Friday’s Boracay Beach Resort. BHI controls Friday’s Holdings Inc., which operates Friday’s Boracay resort that has been embroiled in a protracted ownership dispute over a 1,447-square meter beachfront portion of the establishment being claimed by Mila Yap-Sumndad. The squabble has been a messy one for years now, culminating in last year’s violent takeover of Mila’s property by FHI with the aid of a municipal court sheriff and over a hundred persons, including local policemen. Mila, a scion of one of Boracay’s first settler-families, asserted her claim on the beachfront part of the famed Friday’s Boracay Island Resort, saying a court-recognized tax declaration certificate proves what she called her “absolute ownership” of the property. Mila is the daughter of the late Benjamin and Pilar Yap, who leased the beachfront property to FHI in 1989 under a 25-year agreement. But before the lease pact expired, the Yap couple passed away and the property was transferred to their children as successors-in-interest. Mila acquired 60 percent or 1,447 sq. m., of her parent’s property , while her siblings got the rest in equal parts. Mila said the Quezon City Regional Trial Court’s recognition of the tax declaration certificate covering the portion of Friday’s resort “established her absolute ownership of the property as one of her deceased parents’ successors-in-interest who has been in continuous and exclusive possession of it for a long time or since time immemorial.” “This tax document recognized by the Quezon City RTC has virtually rendered as spurious a different and undated tax declaration certificate not certified by the Aklan Provincial Assessor’s Office but supposedly covering the same land that Fridays Holdings Inc. has from out of the blue presented to this court in a third-party claim,” said Mila. E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com or business@thestandard.com.ph

OFW training. Cement manufacturer and construction solutions provider Republic Cement & Building Materials Inc. and the Labor Department sign a memorandum of agreement to provide employment opportunities for returning overseas Filipino workers through employment matching and technical training programs. Shown during the signing of the agreement are RCBM president Renato Sunico (left) and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

PH aims to eliminate poverty after 25 years By Gabrielle H. Binaday

THE Philippines aspires to be an upper middle-income economy and eradicate hunger and poverty by 2040, the National Economic and Development Authority said Wednesday. “The Philippines shall be a country where all citizens are free from hunger and poverty, have equal opportunities, enabled by fair and just society that is governed with order and unity. A nation where families live together, thriving in vibrant, culturally diverse and resilient communities,” Neda said, quoting the Ambisyon Natin 2040 report, which contains the country’s aspirations over the next 25 years. The country was a lower-middle income economy with $3,500 per capita in 2014. Neda said to become an upper middle-income economy, the country must have a per capita income level of

$11,000, similar to Malaysia’s today. A survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed most Filipinos were aspiring for a better life away from poverty and to have a middle-class lifestyle in a span of 25 years. Neda said 79 percent of Filipinos aspired for simple and comfortable life, described as having a medium-size home, having enough earnings to support everyday needs and owning at least one car or vehicle. Filipinos also aimed for the capacity to provide their children college education and going local trips for vacation.

“That’s why we have them elaborate a simple and better life and it showed that it is a middle-class lifestyle because they want own car, house, trips,” Neda deputy director-general Rosemarie Edillon said during the launch of the Ambisyon Natin 2040 in Quezon City. Neda said a smaller segment of the population or about 16.9 percent wanted an affluent life, while the remaining 3.9 percent aspired for a rich lifestyle. Based on the survey conducted last year, of the three-fourths of Filipinos who aspired for simple and better life by 2040, almost half were not confident they would reach their goals. “Confidence in achieving the goals is lower among the poor,” the report said. For the Filipinos in general, the most important economic goal is the eradication of poverty, hunger and adequate jobs. Housing and education landed as the second and third important goals, respectively.

PSE studies new deal after failed merger By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine Stock Exchange said it is now reviewing all options after the Securities and Exchange Commission thumbed down its proposal to acquire Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp., the operator of the local fixed income exchange. PSE president Hans Sicat said the exchange was now studying several options, including appealing the SEC decision, putting a new deal or maintaining the current dual exchange structure. “All options are being considered,” Sicat said. Sicat said he was surprised at

SEC’s ‘modus operandi’ of revealing so many details about the exchange’s proposed buyout proposal and by its ‘name-calling’ strategy. “On personal note, I think it is a bit surprising that with the press release, they have started to add some adjectives and name calling about the PSE. It is quite obvious they have intentionally either glossed over the facts or decided not to tell you a lot of issues and as a professional who has been in working in capital markets for close 30 years, that is not the right way to do things,” Sicat said. “The adjective used to describe the PSE either as incompetent

and not understanding of what themes are distortions of the truth and does not serve the public or media in terms of trying to understand the issues at hand,” he said. Sicat said while SEC viewed market consolidation as not necessary, most people in the industry would beg to disagree with the corporate regulator. PSE said consolidation was taking place in major markets because it allowed synergies and efficiencies particularly in the IT infrastructure to be introduced as well as provide expanded resources and expertise in coming up with more products and services.

THURSDAY: MARCH 31, 2016

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

Govt to allow new coal plants By Alena Mae S. Flores

ENERGY Secretary Zenaida Monsada the Philippines cannot unilaterally immediately stop the development of coal plants, as proposed by former US president Al Gore. “We still need power…nIf there will be no coal plants, will the typhoons stop coming, will there be no more flash floods? We need power to fuel the economy,” Monsada said. Gore was in the country early this month to campaign for the Climate Change Reality Project and urged the Philippines to fol-

said and new vice

low the way of the US in putting an end to the development of new coal plants. Electric generation capacity from coal plants in the US stood at 0.01 percent and oil at 0.07 percent as of 2015, he said. Monsada said Gore’s statement was “offending,” given that the Philippines had already commit-

ted to a 70-percent emission reduction by 2030. “Coal plants are not forever. For now, we need sufficient and reliable power, we need coal,” she said. “But we are preparing for the that. Definitely, we cannot stop coal plants now, but we are imposing stricter standards,” she said. Monsada said the coal plants being built in the country had passed stringent requirements before being issued environmental compliance certificates. “If the plant operates with ECC, we cannot say stop. For the next ones, that’s what we will look at… We have to set the standards…

Coal plants that do not meet the standards, we can close them down,” she said. Monsada said old and existing coal plants also needed to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act. “Notwithstanding, we are working for cleaner air. We are working towards achieving our target by 2030,” she said. Monsada said investments in the power generation industry were private sector-driven and electricity prices were reflective of the costs to build the power plants. “But in other countries, there is cost of externalities. We will look at that with the ERC [Energy Regulatory Commission] for the ad-

ditional energy projects,” she said. Monsada said coal standards included those on emissions, fuel quality and coal handling. Data from the department showed that as of June 2015, there were 5,800 megawatts of installed capacity of coal-fired power plants across the country’s three power grids. The bulk or 4,775.6 MW was in the Luzon grid. The existing coal plants in Luzon are Pagbilao (764 MW), Calaca (600 MW), Masinloc (630 MW), Sual (1,294 MW), Quezon Power (511 MW), Apec (50 MW), Mariveles (651.6 MW), Petron (140 MW) and South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (135 MW).

Can PCHA amend a law?

Citem-UAP partnership. The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotions arm of the Trade Department, and the United Architects of the Philippines sign a partnership to fortify the foothold of Philippine design and architectural enterprises in the global scene. Shown signing the agreement are (seated, from left) Citem executive director Rosvi Gaetos and UAP president Maria Benita Regala.

Romualdez bats for inclusive growth SENATORIAL candidate Martin Romualdez on Wednesday called for an inclusive growth, not growth that widens the gap between the rich and the poor. The Leyte lawmaker issued the call following the release of data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing that the income growth of the richest Filipinos, or those at the top 10 percent of the income bracket, was 11.35 times more than that earned by the poorest, or the bottom 10 percent. “We must reduce income inequality in this country and accelerate poverty reduction as part of sustainable development efforts,” Romualdez said. “The next administration should hit the ground running and strive to create and more

jobs in the next six years,” he said. The National Economic and Development Authority earlier reported improvements in poverty reduction nationwide to 26.3 percent in the first semester of 2015 from 27.9 percent in the same period of 2012. Neda attributed the expansion lsrgely to the government’s social services spending, most notably the Conditional CashTransfer Program. The CCT Program, also known as the Pantawid Pamil¬yang Pilipino Program, has increased its budget by more than 500 percent since 2010, and now covers more than 4 million beneficiary households from only 630,000 in 2009. Romualdez vowed to continue the CCT program to help the

poorest of the poor cope with daily survival, but stressed that creating employment should go hand-in-hand with the dole-out program. The lawmaker said if elected to the Senate, he would draw up a legislation bringing development to the poorest regions, including Region 8 or Eastern Visayas, where poverty incidence has been on the rise since 2006. Poverty incidence in Region 8 increased to 47.3 percent in the first semester of 2015, from 45.4 percent in 2012; 43.8 percent in 2009; and 41.4 percent in 2006, according to NEDA. Romualdez is seeking a Senate seat on a platform of compassionate leadership with employment generation among his priorities.

UP UNTIL now I have thought that there was only one institution in this country that made laws. Have I been wrong all along? Are there in fact two law-making institutions in this country? I am asking these questions because recently I was furnished with a copy of Clearing House OM (CHOM 15-460) issued last year to all the members of the Philippine Clearing House Association (PCHA). Naturally, the memorandum has to do with the use and disposition of checks and, because the legal definition of a check is contained in the Negotiable Instruments Act (NIA), has a bearing on the Act. Section 185 of the NIA defines a check as a “bill of exchange drawn on a bank payable on demand.” Of the 196 provisions of the NIA, one of the most important —because of the concept of negotiability – is Section 14. This section states, in part, that “(w)here the instrument is wanting in any material particular, the person in possession thereof has a prima facie authority to complete it by filling up the blanks therein, (a)nd a signature on a blank paper delivered by the person marking the signature in order that the paper may be converted into a negotiable instrument operates as a prima facie authority to fill it up as such for any amount.” And what is “any material particular”? Section 125 of the NIA provides the answer. “Any alteration which alters the effect of the instrument in any respect is a material alteration.” Six such alterations are specified by Section 125: the sum payable (for principal and/or interest), the number or the relations of the parties, the date, the time or place of payment, the currency of payment and a place of payment that was not originally specified. How has the PCHA come into the picture? The subject of CHOM 15-460 is “Non-Acceptance of a Check with Erasure, Alteration and/or Deficiency” and a subsequent clarificatory Memorandum Circular (No. 3043, dated January 6, 2016) speaks of the “Drawee Bank (having) the authority to decide to ‘pay’ or ‘not pay’ if it deems that the alteration/erasure is unauthorized.” At the outset I posed the question whether PCHA was authorized to amend a law – specifically the NIA, which regulates the issuance, use and disposition of checks – because, the NIA being a law, its provisions can be amended only by Congress. They cannot be amended by a private entity, which PCHA is, or even by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Proposals to change the NIA, however meritorious and necessary, must be coursed through the banking committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives. PCHA is doing a good job of ensuring that the issuance and use of checks—one of the prime tools of present-day commerce—are carefully regulated and properly monitored. Undoubtedly, the misuse and abuse of checks is wreaking havoc on many a transaction and many a business establishment. But amending laws is the business of Congress alone. Let the Congressional committees make the proper amendments to NIA Sections 14 and 125 – with PCHA’s assistance – to bring that old law into line with the 21st century. E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Brussels airport delays reopening BRUSSELS—Brussels airport said it would not reopen on Wednesday despite drills to test resuming partial services after the suicide bombings that struck its departure hall and a metro train, as Belgium lowered the death toll to 32. Zaventem airport has been closed since twin bombings wrecked the departure hall on March 22, in coordinated suicide attacks that were claimed by the Islamic State group and which also hit Maalbeek metro station in central Brussels. A total of 32 people were killed in Belgium’s worst-ever attacks, the government said, down from an earlier toll of 35 following confusion between two lists of people who had died at the scene and in hospital. “After thorough verification: number of victims goes down to 32. Still 94 people in hospital,” Health Minister Maggie de Block tweeted. All the victims have now been identified—many of them foreign nationals, a testament to the cosmopolitan nature of a city that is home to both the European Union and Nato. Hundreds of employees returned to the airport Tuesday for a large-scale test run to determine if services could partially resume from Wednesday—but those hopes were dashed. Airport spokeswoman Anke Fransen said authorities were reviewing the results of the practice run, adding: “We hope to reach a decision on a partial reopening of the airport in the course of (Wednesday) morning.” The airport’s chief executive Arnaud Feist has warned it could take “months” for Zaventem to be fully operational again. Air Brussels told AFP it was experiencing “the most serious crisis” in its history because of the closure, with some five million euros a day in lost earnings. The city’s metro system was set to be largely back to normal again from Wednesday, apart from Maelbeek station where the bombing took place. In the Portuguese town of Leiria, emotional football fans fell silent for a minute on Tuesday night at the start of a friendly match against Belgium that was supposed to take place in Brussels. The Belgian team, who lost 2-1, wore shirts that read: “In memory of all victims, Brussels, 22.03.2016.” As Brussels struggles to get back on its feet, criticism of authorities’ handling of the case has mounted after the sole suspect charged over the attacks was freed on Monday for lack of evidence. Prosecutors had charged the suspect, named by media as Faycal Cheffou, with “terrorist murder” and were investigating whether he was the third airport attacker who fled after his bomb did not detonate. But the hunt is now back on for the so-called “man in the hat”, seen in CCTV footage next to the two suicide bombers at the airport. AFP

Chinese media slam independence party BEIJING—The young Hong Kongers who set up a party calling for independence from the mainland were labeled “political hooligans” by Chinese media on Wednesday, which questioned the legality of their ideas. The Hong Kong National Party, made up of around 30 to 50 university students and young professionals, launched on Monday in a bid to tap into the Hong Kong residents’ “fervent longing for independence”. “Independence is the only path of survival for Hong Kong,” party convener Chan Ho-tin, in his 20s,

told reporters. There have been growing calls for independence from the mainland from Hong Kong’s youth over fears Beijing is seeking to curb the freedoms in the city. But a scathing piece in China’s Global Times, which is close to the mainland’s ruling Communist Party, dismissed the new party as

Cassoulet. Jean-Claude Rodriguez, head chef of the restaurant

Chateau Saint Martin in Carcassonne, prepares a cassoulet in the restaurant’s kitchen on March 4, 2016. AFP

Suu Kyi aide sworn in as Myanmar president NAYPYIDAW—Myanmar entered a new era on Wednesday as Aung San Suu Kyi’s democracy movement took power after 50 years of military domination, with a close aide of the Nobel Laureate sworn in as president. Htin Kyaw, a school friend and confidante of the democracy champion, succeeds former general Thein Sein who has helmed reforms that have transformed Myanmar from hermit state to an unexpected political and economic hope story. Suu Kyi, 70, is barred from becoming president by the junta-scripted constitution but has declared that she will steer the government anyway. Htin Kyaw is expected to act as her proxy. The handover at the juntabuilt parliament in the capital Naypyidaw marks the final act of a prolonged transition since Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party swept the November elections. The NLD won 80 percent of

parliamentary seats, handing them a massive public mandate to rule. They are tasked with reviving a battered economy and a society straitjacketed by the army, which has ruthlessly ruled since 1962. Welcoming a new age of civilian government, the bespectacled new president pledged to be “faithful to the people of the republic of the union of Myanmar”. “I will uphold and abide by the constitution and its laws. I will carry out my responsibilities uprightly and to the best of my ability,” the 69-year-old told the chamber. In a later ceremony at the presidential palace, Thein Sein symbolically handed over to his successor as a smiling Suu Kyi looked on But the army is far from leaving the political scene. The military holds a quarter of all parliamentary seats, a gift of a constitution it scripted, and holds three key posts in the cabinet. AFP

troublemakers. “Hong Kong independence is a fake proposition without any possibility of realization,” it said on Wednesday. “We hope Hong Kong’s mainstream society is strong and mature enough to handle these political hooligans.” The piece also raised questions over whether advocating independence should be protected by freedom of speech. “In the legal circle, the consensus is that turning illegal ideas into action is not related to freedom of speech and therefore should result

AUCTION SALE ACME PAWNSHOP 1st Level Glorietta 3 Ayala, Makati and its branches in Mejalco Bldg., Buenavidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati and L & R Bldg., Pasay Road, Makati auction sale on April 05, 2016, 2:00 pm Alabang Town Center, Alabang Zapote Road, MJ Holding Bldg., Almanza Las Piñas, Circle C G14, #17 Congressional Ave., Bahay Toro D1, Quezon City at 2:30 pm. All items pawned November 30, 2015. Notary Public (TS-MAR. 31, 2016)

in legal consequences,” it said. Hong Kong’s freedoms are protected by a 50-year agreement signed when Britain handed the city back to China in 1997, but there are fears those freedoms are dying. Fears have been fueled by the disappearance of five Hong Kong booksellers, known for salacious titles critical of Beijing, who later turned up on the mainland. Four of the men are now under criminal investigation in China and the fifth is flitting between Hong Kong and the mainland, where he says he is “assisting” with the investigation. AFP

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. Republic of the Philippines CAV ITE S TATE U N IV E R S ITY (C vS U ) D on S ev eri no de al as C ampus Indang, c av i te (046) 415010/415-0011 415-0012 w w w.c v s u.educ .ph

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID The CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites suppliers/manufacturers/ distributors/contractors to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project: Name of Project: SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT RESEARCH Location: CENTER, AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY, CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY, INDANG, CAVITE Brief Description: LABORATORY EQUIPMENT Approved Budget For the Contract: P 4,249,740.00 Prospective bidders should have experience in undertaking a similar project within the last two (2) years with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project for bidding. The Eligibility Check/Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the lowest calculated bid shall be conducted. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR). The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Activities

Schedule

1. Issuance of Bid Documents

March 29, 2016 to April 19, 2016; 8:00AM – 5:00PM

2. Pre-bid Conference

April 5, 2016; 1:00 PM; S.L. Lasap Hall, Administration Building, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite April 19, 2016; 1:00 PM; S.L. Lasap Hall, Administration Building, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite

3. Opening of Bids

Bid Documents will be available only to prospective bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of Five Thousand Pesos Only (P 5,000.00) to the CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY Cashier. The CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid. Approved by: ( T S - M A R . 31, 2 016)

(sgd) GILCHOR P. CUBILLO, PhD BAC Chairman

T H U R S D AY : M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Award for brave French mom WASHINGTON—After her beloved son, a French soldier, was murdered by an Islamist gunman, Latifa Ibn Ziaten formed a group to prevent radicalization and promote dialogue.

Debt demon returns to Africa PARIS—The specter of high debt is raising its head again in Africa, analysts say, as the sub-Saharan nations that borrowed cheaply on global markets are now squeezed by a commodities crash. The return of debt troubles in Africa has caught some by surprise, they say, 20 years after a global campaign was mounted to offer debt relief to the world’s most impoverished nations. “It is clearly a source of concern. People did not see it coming,” said Julien Marcilly, chief economist at French group Coface, which offers worldwide insurance to protect firms from the risk of clients defaulting. An IMF-World Bank program launched in 1996 has to date approved $76 billion (68 billion euros) in external debt relief for 36 of the world’s heavily indebted poor nations, of which 30 are in Africa. For some of those countries, however, the debt levels are rising again to worrying levels. Relieved of their debt burdens by the international program, countries enjoyed the budgetary freedom to boost economic growth, which was further propelled by soaring commodity prices. “Over the past few years, subSaharan African sovereigns have enjoyed unusually favorable financing conditions,” Standard &amp; Poor’s said in a recent report. Many of them issued bonds for the first time to raise money on the financial markets as the borrowing costs slumped to record lows in mid-2014, the New York-based credit rating agency said. AFP

Showcase. A model showcases a creation by Gen Next on the first day of Lakme Fashion Week Summer 2016 in Mumbai on March 30, 2016. AFP

“No more Merahs,” she declared after the troubled petty criminal turned jihadist Mohamed Merah cut down her boy. But since that day in 2012, extremist attacks in Europe have only grown in scale, and Ibn Ziaten admits she has much more work to do, refusing to “surrender to fear.” On Tuesday, the US government named her one of 14 “International Women of Courage” and invited her to explain her anti-radicalization message in American cities. “If we’re afraid, we’ll make no progress, and that’s what the terrorists want. If we cede to fear, it is they who gain ground,” she told AFP after the ceremony. France was hit by two bloody jihadist attacks last year, and neighboring Belgium last week, but Ibn Ziaten has not abandoned her message of dialogue and compassion. “We need to open up the housing projects, the ghettos. We need to promote diversity in schools, equality of opportunity,” she explained. “We need to listen to those young people who, when they speak at all, say ‘the republic has forgotten us’,” she said. “That’s where the malaise lies.” On March 11, Ibn Ziaten’s son Imad had an appointment to view a motor scooter that Merah had advertised. The young extremist pulled out a gun, but Imad, a sergeant in France’s 1st Parachute Regiment, refused to lie on the ground. He was shot dead at point blank range. Imad was Merah’s first victim, but not the last. Before he was killed by police 11 days later, the gunman would kill two more off-duty soldiers, then a rabbi and three young children in an attack on a Jewish school. Latifa Ibn Ziaten did not leave the matter there. She formed an association in memory of her son and began to tour prisons and schools to preach inter-faith respect. “I dissuaded three young men from leaving for Syria,” she said. “I work with young women who have converted. I work with a lot of parents who are having difficulty coping.” In one of her biggest operations, Ibn Ziaten took more than a dozen young people from a Paris suburb to Israel and the Palestinian territories as “peace ambassadors.” In another, she opened a center in Paris’ underprivileged immigrant suburbs from where many radicals emerged to listen to the concerns of young people and their families. The goal is to identify early signs of violent extremism. “Today, some parents say: ‘We didn’t pay attention. We didn’t notice’,” she warned. “A child left alone, living in his own head, this is what happens. That’s why I forgave Mohamed Merah,” she said. “When I looked at his journey and I saw that he grew up in a vacuum, without love, affection, that he knew pain, prison, drugs—that’s what made him, made him a monster. AFP

EU supports envoys in journalists’ case ANKARA—The European Union backs the European diplomats who attended a controversial trial of two Turkish journalists charged with espionage after their appearance was bitterly attacked by Ankara, an official said Wednesday. Turkey issued a protest on Monday over the comments on social media made by some diplomats present at the trial last week of the opposition Cumhuriyet daily’s editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul. “EU diplomats regularly attend trials throughout the world as observers, in particular also in can-

didate countries,” an EU spokesperson told AFP in an emailed statement. “This is thus part of their regular work in Turkey, a country committed to the highest democratic standards, in conformity with the European standards.” Turkey is a long-standing candidate to join the EU but its bid has long been held up by disputes on a range of issues including human rights. Dundar and Gul face possible life terms on spying charges over a news report accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government of seeking to illicitly deliver

arms bound for neighboring Syria. The case has stoked concerns over media freedom in Turkey, ranked 149th out of 180 countries for liberty of the press by Reporters Without Borders in 2015. Last Friday’s trial was attended by top EU diplomats including the British consul general to Istanbul, Leigh Turner, who shared pictures including a selfie with a grinning Dundar, which drew ire of Erdogan who accused diplomats of exceeding their power. The EU official said “free, diverse and independent media constitute one of the cornerstones of a democratic society”. AFP

Pledges. Founding director-general of The World Trade Organization Peter Sutherland gestures as he speaks before the opening of a conference of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees aimed at securing concrete pledges from world nations to resettle Syrian refugees on March 30, 2016, at the UN Offices in Geneva. AFP

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TATUm ANcHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

w EL L BEING

LIFE

The center offers yoga, therapeutic massages, vegan meals, nature and detox processes that are part of their healing program

A WEEkEnD TO REmEmbER by CAl TAvERA PhOTOS by STAR SAbROSO

e have just had a long weekend and while everyone around me was making plans to go out of town, I was a feeling a little disappointed that I couldn’t join my sister in Bohol. I was all set on spending the next few days sleeping in and attending some yoga classes, when I received a message from my editor asking if I was available to participate in a detox weekend at the IASIS Health and Wholeness Center. Iasis is Greek for “healing” which is synonymous to “wholeness.” The original writer had to back out, and was I interested? Of… COURSE! I didn’t know what to expect. I had a mental picture of myself munching on carrot sticks and feeling hungry most of the time. I was also provided a list of rules that asked its guests not to bring processed food and snacks such as coffee, junk food and sweets. Nonetheless, by the time we had to leave for the wellness center, I was psyched.

DAy 1

I was available only for two days so they customized a healing program for me. I learned later on that the program is more effective if I stayed for at least five days. IASIS is located in Angat, Bulacan and part of the Gawad Kalinga farm so I got a glimpse of the community before arriving at the driveway of the center. The people who greeted me were friendly, relaxed and warm and I felt immediately at ease. A welcome green juice was given and then I was given some time to settle down before the first meal in the Nourish Cafe. Breakfast consisted of fruits which I shared with the operations manager Daniw Arrazola and Gerone Ba-ang, my yoga instructor for the day. A few minutes with them and we talked as if they were already my longtime friends. They shared stories of cancer patients who stayed with them to partake in their programs that aim to heal people in the most natural way possible. After eating, I had time to explore the grounds and discovered dill outside my bedroom window, which was a pleasant surprise. I also came across some tomatoes and other vegetables. Soon, lunch came and when I saw the table, I kid you not – it was full of vegan

Lunch at Nourish Cafe

Yoga with instructor Gerone Ba-ang

dishes, both raw and cooked. There was so much food that I laughed. For lunch, they served wakame soup, togue, Korean bibimbap and topped it all off with banana cinnamon ice cream. Daniw also happens to be one of the first raw food chefs in Manila and every meal I had during my stay was something worth going back for. They asked me if I wanted to rest, but I wanted to maximize my experience so we had a tour around the GK community. I also requested if we could practice the scheduled yoga outside so we could have a view of nature while doing our Vinyasa poses. Honestly, my first day felt more like a vacation instead of an assignment. And the highlight of the day? It was the signature massage before going to bed. It was pure heaven after a full day of yoga and walking.

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We started the day at 6:00 a.m. with Oil Pulling. This has been practiced for centuries to remove toxins from our bodies. It was my first time to try this where you swish a tablespoon of coconut oil for around 20 minutes. There is a nearby

Nori rolls with 'Tuna' pate

structure with a second level to meditate while doing this. After finishing this activity, I went back to the kitchen where I started working on the calamansi to make my alkaline shot. A major benefit of having an alkaline body is that less chronic diseases will be experienced and it helps prevent the risk of cancer. Scheduled for the day were two treatments I was looking forward to before going home to Manila that night: the infrared light therapy and the wholeness process. The infrared light therapy tackles various skin problems and body pain in an effective and non-invasive way. It looks just like a sauna without the mist. The wholeness session at the end was memorable for me. According to Gerone, detoxing is not limited to the physical. We should also take time to do an emotional and spiritual cleanse. During the session, there were crayons, a piece of paper and some art and I cried, sharing more than I thought I would that night. Haha. When it was time to leave, I felt sad. I felt I was leaving some kindred spirits, people whom I connected with and felt like family. The detox weekend wasn’t anything

I expected and for anyone who needs some time off to just focus on what is important, consider having a few days off to do this. Your body and mind will thank you. IASIS Health and Wholeness Center offers a Detox program through a slow food principles and organic menu offerings; a Healing practice that observes deep healing not just as physical recovery but an overall transformation process; a Transformation Spa with therapists working alongside healers, coaches, and medical practitioners in building programs suited to a person’s goal and personality; and a Heart and Soul retreat that consists of yoga, inner dance, coaching, nature walks, art therapy and a daily diet of highly transformative workshops that will allow you to tap into core energy. IASIS Health and Wholeness Center is located at GK Enchanted Farm, Angat Bulacan. For more information and booking contact them via iasiswholenessgk@gmail.com or +63 917 550 4061 / +63 939 918 7309. For more information visit iasisph.com or iasis.ph on Facebook.

T H U R S D AY : m A R c H 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Have a meal plan that includes anti-oxidant fruits like berries which are good for the brain and promote health

GrowinG old the healthy way Brain health and aging specialist prof. gary small talks aBout lifestyle changes to Boost chances of remaining healthy and smart long into old age

study conducted by the University of the Philippines’ Population Institute titled “Future Aging in the Philippines: Demographic Trends, Human Capital and Health Status” found that Filipino seniors – or those aged 60 and above – now number approximately seven million as of 2015, or a spike from 3.2 million in 1990, 4.6 million in 2000, and 6.2 million in 2010. While the Philippines is considered a young population, the study also revealed that older Filipinos are expected to account for 10 percent of the population by 2025. “Population aging is an increasing challenge worldwide,” says Prof. Gary Small, a member of Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board and the author of several popular books on brain health and aging (The Memory Bible, The Memory Prescription, The Longevity Bible and iBrain), which have been translated into two dozen languages. With the country’s population starting to age between 2025 and 2030, it has become especially important for Filipinos to adopt measures to mitigate the impacts of aging, Prof. Small added, noting that the Department of Health has been discouraging heavy drinking while encouraging physical exercise to promote better health. What is important is for every individual to early on adopt a lifestyle that will boost the chances of remaining healthy and smart long into one’s old age. “I have learned much about such lifestyle choices through my research as a professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel

Institute, US, where I direct the Geriatric Psychiatry Division and the UCLA Longevity Center. Together with my colleagues, I have conducted studies using modern brain scan technology and neuropsychological evaluations, as well as assessments of cardiovascular status, exercise levels, and dietary habits that may strengthen memory. These plus other research conducted worldwide clearly show that while aging is inevitable, its negative consequences on health can be slowed down with the help of good nutrition and both physical and mental exercise,” shared the aging specialist. A meal plan similar to the Mediterranean diet is what the professor advocates since this is not only good for the brain but is also healthy overall since it helps to protect the heart and control body weight. This meal plan includes antioxidant fruits such as berries and raisins, along with antioxidant vegetables like spinach and broccoli; foods rich in omega-3 fats, which include fish and walnuts; healthy proteins such as chicken breast, fish, and lowfat yogurt; and whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal. Potential health benefits can also be derived from spices and herbs due to their antioxidants and other effects. Many Filipinos are on the right track since they use garlic – which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure – in many of their dishes. Ginger may also ease the pain of arthritis, and several herbs and spices are under study for their potential cancer-fighting properties.

Dr. Gary Small

Growing old is inevitable but a healthy lifestyle makes this period enjoyable

Dr. Small reiterates that a good diet will not only boost your mental and physical health as you age, but will also help you look and feel good. This does not necessarily mean however that you should avoid foods and snacks you might enjoy. For those with a sweet tooth, moderation is the key. Besides which, chocolate does contain brain healthy antioxidants. Exercise is also vital for slowing the effects of aging, with multiple studies showing that it can prolong life and reduce disease and disability in old age. It’s never too late to start being physically active, as one study found that men who only started exercising after the age of 45 enjoyed a 24

percent lower death rate than males who remained inactive. Exercising reduces chances of multiple diseases including cancer, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. It also safeguards brain from other effects of aging. In a study conducted by Dr. Small with his UCLA research group, it was found that people who performed daily physical exercise along with healthy diet and mental exercise experienced significant improvements in their memory ability in just two weeks. Note, too, that exercise does not mean a brutal workout in a gym, or running a marathon. A brisk 30-minute walk each day will ensure cardiovascular conditioning that gets your heart

pumping oxygen and nutrients to your brain cells. However, the brain should also get some exercise, keeping mentally active with a daily routine, like doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku after reading the newspaper. “But regardless of the age, a combination of good nutrition as well as physical and mental exercise will benefit an individual in multiple ways. And you will boost your chances of living life to the full, well into your golden years,” Dr. Small concluded. Dr. Gary Small will be in Manila to conduct a free seminar to Filipino medical practitioners on April 25, 2016, at the Shangri-La Hotel at The Fort in Taguig.

t h u r s d ay : M a r c h 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

Special report

getting well, getting fit

edgardo s. tugade Supplement eDItOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

The price and the perks of fitness By cosette Velasquez Our country is in the middle of a revolution. And it’s a revolution that has slowly but surely swept the archipelago. No it’s neither the green nor the people power kind, buta fitness and health revolution. Today, more and more Filipinos are engaged in an active lifestyle. Almost every nook and cranny of Metro Manila is now filled with gyms, whether big or small, filled to the brim with people wanting to get fit. And more than just looking good in a bikini, especially now that summer is coming, it’s the strong desire to ease the stress of daily life in the region. It’s also about taking better care of one’s self to fully enjoy the life one has been given. One wants to avoid getting sick and live longer for one’s loved ones. The fitness landscape today is extremely different from how it was ten years ago. More and more Filipinos are self-conscious about what they fuel their body with because they want to be at the healthiest state they could be. Wanting to be healthy is more than just for vanity’s sake but today, most Filipinos see it as another way for them to perform better. Filipinos are holistic now and more than just wanting to look good, they want to feel good and this is why they pick up a lifestyle that does their body and soul much good. GettinG Started on the FitneSS revolution However, beginning a healthy lifestyle can be quite intimidating. This is especially true if you were an advocate of an “eat, drink and be merry” way of life. Working up the courage to go to the gym takes time and it may be difficult to immediately abstain from the food that you enjoy. Here are a few tips to get started on the fitness lifestyle: Start small It’s never advisable to take drastic, desperate measures. Yes, a crash diet might make you to lose weight immediately but once you lose momentum, the pounds will just creep back in. Set realistic goals so you won’t get discouraged when results are not seen instantly. Do it step by step and don’t give up when you don’t reach your goals at once.Besides, slow progress is better than no or stunted progress. do a workout you enjoy There are many workouts available today, one of which will be discussed extensively in the latter part of the supplement. Not all exercises work the same way for each person. One might be more inclined to do group exercises when one might be gain more bydoing solo weight lifting. The secret to fully maximizing your workout is understanding what works for you. It’s also enjoyable to try different workouts at different times for variety. Create a Support Group We cannot do all things on our own. It’s important to have a support group of people who will encourage you to keep pursuing your goals even when it is difficult. One’s success often depends on the people they surround themselves with to cheer them on. the riSe oF revolutionary WorkoutS The growing interest in fitness has also spurred different workouts. There used to be a time that working out meant leaving the house before sunrise and running but, today, various workouts are offered to fitness enthusiasts everywhere. ride revolution The spinning club trend that started in Los Angeles was spearheaded by Khloe Kardashian. Her admirers followed suit and, recently, ride revolution rolled into town to show Filipinos another fitness option. Located in Kalayaan Avenue, it offers a different set of classes that make cardio fun. A different, exciting kind of workout because of the fun tunes and lights, ride revolution is definitely an entirely new concept that will make you lose the pounds merrily. Coach John aquino’s house of Pain A favorite of celebrities like Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff, Isabelle Daza and Ellen Adarna, the House of Pain headed by Coach John Aquino is a popular alternative to the ordinary workouts. Combining a mix of plyometrics and strength training, the House of Pain is different because it provides one with challenging workouts that strengthen one’s core and develop muscles. Visit it at Treston College in the Fort, for it’s definitely a must-try for those who want to progress in their workouts.

anytime Fitness Anytime Fitness may look like a traditional gym from the outside but what makes it different is the fact that it’s open 24/7. All you need is a special key fob to enter the gym at any hour and you’re good to go. This is especially welcome in these days of rigid schedules. Your key allows you to enter any Anytime Fitness gym in the country. Anytime Fitness also has special classes like body conditioning, Zumba, and boot camp to improve your figure. yellow Corner Boxing and Muay Thai Gym You may prefer workouts that whip you back into shape and by whip, it literally means being whipped because you are so tired that you can’t even move after the workout. This is the kind of workout that you experience at Yellow Corner Boxing and Muay Thai Gym. Located in the heart of BF Homes, Yellow Corner as fondly called by Southerners continues to earn the respect of its members because of its hard core training that really makes you feel like a pro. Chrome divas For a workout that will bring out the best in you, Chrome Divas in BF Homes, Paranaque and led by pole diva, Ira reyes, is a place to go if you want to bring out your own inner diva. Both women and men can let go, achieve their health goals while creating the body they desire. Chrome Divas is known to encourage bodies of all shapes and sizes to pole since “pole is for all.”

t h u r s d ay : M a r c h 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

Special report

getting well, getting fit editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Delicious Dieting While working out is good, everyone knows that the best way to get into the best shape of your life is to couple a good workout with proper nutrition. Although this may be difficult at the beginning for lack of time, more health food outlets are giving fitness buffs access to proper nutrition. here are some choices:

Dear Diet Delivery PH What initially started as a pambaon(pack lunch) eventually became a popular diet service on instagram that delivers everywhere. Dear Diet believes that healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive and with their delivery service, they wish to give more people the opportunity to eat healthy at an affordable cost. Paleo Manila A gluten free, all natural, and dairy free diet, Paleo is a favorite because it helps one lose weight without sacrificing flavor. A diet that focuses mainly on eating protein instead of carbs, it is a favorite of celebrities like iza Calzado. What makes it unique is the fact that it is fully customizable to each one’s specific needs. Delicious Dieting For those who do not relish pre-packed meals, one may order for Oscar’s Deli on instagram. Oscar’s Deli supplies the freshest meats

and desserts and provides nutritional facts such asthe amount of macros, which is another alternative to counting calories. The Positive Impact of Good Health No matter what workout you choose or what diet you follow, keep in mind your reason for taking care of your health: a long and disease-free life with your children and, hopefully, your grandchildren. But the end of the day, wanting to get into shape is something that you do for yourself and not for others. Remember, investing in yourself and in your health help relive not only the stresses of daily living but also help release endorphins that leave you happier. So what else are you waiting for? Get in your best shape today. cosette Velasquez

t HuR S DAy : m A RcH 3 1, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

SummER SIzzlES In ‘WhEElS’

id you miss Wheels during the Holy Week? Not to worry though. Wheels returns today with a fresh and sizzling “Start of Summer” episode. Join the STAR’s Motoring Team composed of Manny Delos Reyes, Angel Rivero, Kap Maceda-Aguila and Ulysses Ang as they search under the summer sun for motoring activities, tips, personalities and, of course, rides. Motoring editor Manny Delos Reyes tries out a European-style multipurpose vehicle (MPV) with the new Volkswagen Touran. Check out his review of the dashing family car and find out why it’s the MPV of choice of many European families. Meanwhile, Angel Rivero went to the 2016 Shell Eco-Marathon Asia at the Quirino Grandstand to learn how high school students from all over the Philippines and the continent are building the future of fuel-efficient motoring. After a short break, Kap Maceda-Aguila is back to driving with some of the country’s famed celebrities. This time, he went aboard the new MINI with the captivating Bangs Garcia. Find out how this sexy siren kills time on the road and what makes her knees (and heart) weak. Finally, if you’re planning a road trip this summer, take note of Ulysses Ang’s useful tips on how to make your car battery last longer so you don’t have to go to the hassle of finding a battery shop in the middle of nowhere. It’s all these and more on Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane. Catch its third season on its new timeslot: Thursdays, 10:30 p.m. on the ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel. For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on facebook. com/PhilStarWheels.

Back with a Bangs: “Wheels” returns with a fresh episode this time with sexy actress Bangs Garcia

the StAR’s motoring team members Kap maceda-Aguila with Bangs Garcia (left), and manny Delos Reyes (right)

‘Glamping By Lifestyle’ is back Glamping by Lifestyle is making a comeback to the Summer Siren Festival at Crystal Beach in Zambales from April 8 to 10. Lifestyle, the premiere cable channel for women, has once more teamed up with leading adventure company Travel Factor to promise another fabulous beach glamping experience to partygoing adventure-seekers. After pioneering what has become a travel phenomenon to adventure enthusiasts, Lifestyle brings a combination of luxurious accommodations and unforgettable in-destination experiences and

activities to this year’s edition of the ‘Glamping’ experience. The experience includes glamping tents by Coleman, spruced up with an airbed, linens and pillows. A lamp and a fan make the experience extra comfortable. Completing the list of lifestyle activities are yoga sessions, flow arts and poi dancing, hula hooping or hand drumming, and cross fit workouts. Aside from the music festival, glampers will also be treated like stars with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts, a butler service, and recreational products such

cROSSWORD puzzlE

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

ACROSS 1 Honeycomb unit 5 Reserves 10 Casino supply 14 Not resist 15 Arsenio’s buddy 16 Charles Lamb 17 Peaty tract 18 Simpson of fashion 19 Perm follow-ups

20 22 24 25 26 30 34 35 37 38

Naval officers Long journey Semi front Pollen spreader Fiesta fixtures Pupil, hopefully Indigo plant Hung open Garr of “Tootsie” Superman foe — Luthor

39 Collide with 40 It’s a snap 41 Grandiose 43 Hammerin’ Hank 45 Racing-car dial 46 Furtiveness 48 Interstellar clouds 50 Delay, with “off” 51 PC screen 52 Desert delusions 56 Disco flashers 60 Mighty steed 61 Grid coach Don — 63 Haunches 64 — Gustav Jung 65 Bet acceptor 66 Funny Bombeck 67 Troublesome joint 68 Loses fur 69 Wee drink DOWN 1 — and get it! 2 Black black 3 Many August people 4 Melodious 5 Casual chair 6 Track postings 7 “— to the West Wind” 8 About 2.2 lbs. 9 Germination station

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

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Meal ender Dots in “la mer” Make a footnote No sweat! Mobster’s piece Formal vote Blanches Klutzy Undeliverable mail Vaughan or Miles Seafood garnish Tibet neighbor Noted soap vixen Nouveau — Golfer’s benchmark Up to the task Bears witness Honey sources Taught individually Strain, as an engine Icy remark? Kind of truck Cyrus’ realm, today Steakhouse order Jahan was one Malamute’s load Chestnut husk The avenging Mrs. Peel Junk email Banjo kin

as a Lifestyle Glamping kit that contains glamping and beach essentials, a Summer Siren Festival kit, and a whole lot of exciting freebies. With the Summer Siren Festival stage as backdrop, expect the country’s top artists such as Marc Marasigan, Travis Monsod, Ebe Dancel, Hale, Moonstar 88, Mother Bass, The Zombettes, Katsy Lee, BV, Quest, David Ardiente, Cheats, CRWN, among others, to dish out the perfect soundtrack of summer. The nation’s most celebrated DJs will also grace the event for great party nights to remember.

Glamping by Lifestyle successfully debuted at last year’s Summer Siren Festival with hundreds of glampers in attendance, receiving lots of positive reviews. With no tent to pitch or sleeping bags to unroll, or fire to build, Glamping by Lifestyle is the ultimate camping experience. Bask in the summer sun in style at ‘Glamping by Lifestyle’ at the Summer Siren Festival. Book your tickets now at http://travelfactor.org/summersiren. For more information on the event, visit https://www.facebook. com/lifestyletvph and tune it to Lifestyle on SKYcable channel 52.

t HuR S DAy : m A RcH 3 1, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

JAnA, JERIc ADD ExcItEmEnt to PokwAng-mElAI fRIEnDSHIP

ward-winning child actress Jana Agoncillo and one of 90’s best action stars Jeric Raval give new flavor to evening viewing habit as they join the cast of ABS-CBN’s primetime teleserye We Will Survive. Jeric plays the role of Edwin, a widower who raises his daughter Anya, played by Jana, on his own by working as a seaman. As a single father, Edwin struggles to provide a brighter future for his daughter. And with so much care she feels from her dad, Anya showers Edwin with love and provides him happiness that a father could ever ask for.

What changes will happen to Wilma (Pokwang) and Maricel (Melai Cantiveros) now that Edwin is in the picture? Is Edwin the man who can finally make Wilma’s heart love once again? Will the new characters help strengthen the friendship of the two? Don’t miss We Will Survive, the teleserye that however ugly the world gets, there is beauty in life as long as we are together, weeknights before TV Patrol on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For updates, like www.facebook.com/ WeWillSurviveTV or follow @wewillsurviveTV on Twitter and Instagram.

melai cantiveros and Pokwang are Bffs in the primetime comedy series “we will Survive”

child star Jana Agoncillo

90’s action star Jeric Raval

John lapus plays closeted gay

Sisters lovi and grace Poe

lovi knew the real grace after fPJ died

For Lovi Poe, she saw the real Grace Poe when their father, Fernando Poe, Jr., passed on. The former is FPj’s daughter with onetime actress Rowena Moran, while the latter is the adopted daughter of the actor and his wife, Susan Roces. According to Lovi, both Susan and Grace welcomed her to the family “Unang-una sa lahat, kasi si Ate Grace, alam naman po natin yung sitwasyon ko. Dun ko nakita sa kanya yung totoong puso n’ya nung namatay si Papa noon,” said Lovi. “Syempre hindi naman ganun kadali para tanggapin yung sitwasyon naming dalawa. Pero that very moment nakita ko napakabuti niya kasi she accepted me in an instant.” That is why Lovi is very supportive of Grace’s bid to be the president in the coming elections because she knows who and what she is as a person. “So thankful ako kasi parang isa iyan sa mga bagay na makikita mo iyong totoong pagkatao ng isang tao. Kasi through times doon lumalabas ang totoong ugali ng isang tao and doon ko nakita na going through that tough time she was there to accept me no matter what,” Lovie added. Lovi campaigned for Grace Poe for the first time in Ilocos with her best friend Heart Evangelista who was campaigning too for her husband, Chiz Escudero, who is running for vice president.

Comedian and television host John Lapus plays a closeted gay character raised in an uptight religious family in the muchawaited horror-comedy film, Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil—and he is endlessly amused by it. “Gosh, my character, Kristoff, and I have contrasting experiences with being gay. I was never ‘paminta’ (closeted). Never ako naging stiff and never kong itinago kung sino talaga ako,” John says. And unlike Kristoff, John did not go through a traumatic “coming out” moment with his family. His mom, especially, had accepted his sexuality early on. “Walang naganap na confrontation kagaya ng eksena sa movie na makikita sa trailer. One day, isang araw, nakita na lang ng nanay ko

na ahit ang kilay ko. Tapos noong second year college ako, pina-invite nya ang mga friends ko sa Teatro Tomasino (the theater guild of UST), eh puro mga bakla ‘yon at mga babaeng bakla. Nakita ko naman na inintertain sila ng nanay ko,” he recalls. “My father abandoned us when I was in Grade 6, so it was much easier siguro in my case na mag-come out, unlike Kristoff na lumaki kasama ang tatay nyang military,” John muses. In Echorsis, John’s character Kristoff is an emotionally vulnerable, closeted gay virgin who falls prey to a gigolo named Carlo (Alex Medina). Carlo eventually becomes possessed by a gay demon after Kristoff’s untimely death and undergoes exorcism rites performed by Father Nick, played by Kean Cirpriano.

carlo (Alex medina) and kristoff (John lapus) in a scene from the lemuel lorca comedy film, “Echorsis”

Movie fans believe that Echorsis’ which was produced by Chris Cahilig of Insight 360, directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Lemuel Lorca, and written by Jerry Gracio, is another breakthrough film for John. “Kahit na horror-comedy ang Echorsis, malalim ang role ko dito. May kaunti ring drama kaya kakaiba,” he reveals. “Nakakaaliw din ang concept na paminta ako nung una at first time ko yatang gumawa ng isang ‘dark comedy’.” John’s on-screen romance with the ruggedly handsome “kilabot ng mga beki” (gay heartthrob) Alex Medina has intrigued netizens, particularly the local LGBT community. “SweetLex is the love team to beat,” the comedian quips, giggling. “Mas mahaba pa ito sa SLex at NLex. Malamang magkakatuluyan din kami—like JaDine,” he jests. And is it true that John had a love scene with Alex? “Actually ako ang nahiya sa kanya sa mga bed scenes namin. Pucha, nauuna pa maghubad sa akin eh . . . Nakaka-tense talaga!” he recalls. John confesses that he has never been attracted to his fellow actors but it might be different this time around. “Malamang kay Alex pa lang!” he laughs. John says he isn’t surprised that the trailer of Echorsis has become viral. “It’s different and yet familiar. Turns out horror and comedy with a touch of kabaklaan is a winning combo,” he laughs. Echorsis is supported by BellaVita Land Corp. and McJim Classic Leather.

tagalized ‘Jane the Virgin’ on primetime The Tagalized version of the hit American series Jane The Virgin airs on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. Follow the colorful story of Jane Villanueva, a hardworking, religious young Latina woman who vows to save her virginity until marriage as promised to her mother and grandmother. She remains true to this promise even when it comes to her longtime boyfriend Michael. Jane’s world turns upside down, however, when a doctor artificially inseminates her by mistake during a check-up, getting her pregnant even when she did not lose her virginity to anyone. To make things worse, the biological donor of the sperm specimen is a married man, a former playboy, and a cancer survivor named Rafael, who happens to be Jane’s ultimate crush.

How will Jane face the situation? Will Michael pursue his plan to marry Jane despite her being pregnant with a different man? Will Rafael and wife Petra take Jane’s baby away from her? What if Jane starts to grow some feelings towards Rafael? Jane The Virgin is a multi-awarded US series loosely based on the Venezuelan telenovela Juana La Virgen. Since it premiered on US television via CW, the program has received a Peabody Award, an American Film Institute award, and People’s Choice award for favorite comedy program, and was also nominated in the Critics’ Choice Awards, Television Critics Association Awards, and the highly-acclaimed Golden Globe Awards, where lead star Gina Rodriguez won Best Actress – Television Series, Musical or Comedy.

gina Rodriguez plays the title role in the hit American comedy series “Jane the Virgin”

t HuR S DAy : m A RCH 3 1, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR NICKIE WANG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

ThROWback sERIEs On hITs

Fran Dreshner is best known for her role as Fran Fine in the hit tV series that aired from 1993 to 1999, left is Charles Shaughnessy, Fran’s love interest in the sitcom

f you enjoyed The Nanny the first time it surfaced on your TV screens and had the greatest laughs watching each and every episode of it, then here’s something that will even make your TV watching days more enjoyable. TV reboots have been springing of late, bringing to life hit knockouts ready to delight new audiences. But for the standout situation comedy, The Nanny, now on HITS Channel (Channel 137) on SKYcable, no reboot will be able to replace the original just yet. In a press interview, its star, Fran Drescher, reminds audiences why it’s going to be just as popular today. “I think that there are some universal aspects to it. Everybody can relate to that two-class household, with the upstairs-downstairs, the working class meets the aristocracy,” she said. The ‘90s hit show features Drescher in the role of Fran Fine, a woman from Queens who had just been dumped by her boyfriend and becomes the unlikely guardian to the three children of Broadway producer, Maxwell Sheffield, played by Charles Shaughnessy. Her unusual way of caring for the kids would prove to be effective that even the stiff upper lip Maxwell would eventually find her endearing. The offbeat pairing added spice to the dynamics of its characters. “It’s truly a laugh out loud funny show,” Drescher said. It’s also very friendly to audiences composed of families. “It’s the only show that I can sit down with my family and we all enjoy it together, we look forward to that half hour every week,” Drescher added. Asked whether the show would find new audiences, Drescher said, “I think that the laughs that show brings you, the journey that the character makes in finding who she is and being fulfilled, the relationship she has with her mother and the kids, is kind of juvenile and really funny, and trying to meet Mr. Right, it is as current today as it was then.” The show highlights Fran’s influence on the children—Maggie (Nicholle Tom), 18, Brighton (Benjamin Salisbury), 16, and Grace (Madeline Zima), 11—who all overcome their own teenage and coming-of-age troubles. It also of course helped that The Nanny was ahead of its time in terms of fashion. “It’s a visual feast, the clothes were amazing. Women’s Wear Daily just wrote a big article about how The Nanny ‘90s costumes are in vogue today as much as they were in the ‘90s,” she said. The newly married Drescher has since stepped into numerous other roles outside television. She is involved in advocacies and is, in fact, busy with her own health organization cancerschmancer. org, of which she is also the president. Without a doubt, she has successfully molded her character into an iconic persona that it’s no

longer hard to imagine her inviting audiences to watch the show in that famous Queens accent, “Hi, I’m Fran Drescher. Please watch The Nanny on SKYcable,” before trailing off in that signature laugh. ISAH V. RED The Nanny is being featured exclusively on Hits Channel on SKYcable. HITS is a channel available only on SKYcable and Destiny Cable, which broadcast the most popular and critically-acclaimed series in TV history. Included in the line-up that even younger viewers can enjoy are M*A*S*H, The Golden Girls, MacGyver, Seinfeld, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Grey’s Anatomy, and The X-Files. SKYcable subscribers in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan can catch HITS on CH 137; while subscribers in Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Davao and General Santos can catch it on CH 620. Destiny Cable digital subscribers can tune in on CH 137.

the unlikely pair of Fran Dreshcer and Charles Shaughnessy in the hit sitcom “the Nanny”