The Standard - 2016 April 25 - Monday

VOL. XXX NO. 72 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 MONDAY : APRIL 25, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Duterte widens lead in new poll

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OVERSEAS VOTERS SLAM POLL FRAUD

Pinoys in 5 countries expose ‘pattern of cheating’ DAGUPAN CITY—Voters who turned up in five countries to participate in overseas absentee voting and opposition candidates complained Sunday of “a pattern of cheating” after discrepancies between the vote receipts actual votes cast heavily favored administration candidates led by the ruling Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and other candidates tailing in the surveys.

In a news conference in Ormoc City, Leyte, vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his cousin senatorial candidate Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez bared “a plot of cheating” to deprive them of their votes in the ongoing overseas absentee voting.

In a separate news conference in this city, United Nationalist Alliance presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay also com-

plained of similar incidents.

Marcos said he has received several reports over the weekend that votes being cast in his favor were being credited to another vice presidential candidate, Senator Gregorio Honasan of UNA, who has been trailing opinion surveys.

Marcos, Romualdez and Binay said they were alarmed that the same kind of cheating would mar the May 9 polls when 54-million

voters would troop to their poll precincts to cast their votes.

Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista simply attributed the vote-shaving to “machine errors.”

The voters said Marcos, Romualdez and Binay were among the candidates who lost the votes in Hong Kong, Guam, Dubai, Kuwait and Okinawa, Japan.

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Final faceoff. This screen grab shows the five presidential candidates at the Phinma University of Pangasinan for the third and final official televised debate on Sunday.

Few surprises in ‘dramatized’ final debate

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Christine F. Herrera, Rio N. Araja and Sandy Araneta

THE five candidates played it safe and stuck to their standard campaign promises in the last presidential debate Sunday night, marked by a lack of fireworks and time-consuming “man-onthe-street” videos that posed questions

to the participants.

Some extreme positions were taken on the country’s territorial dispute with China—with Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago saying she would bomb the Chinese who harassed Filipino fishermen, and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte saying he would jetski to the disputed Scarborough Shoal and plant the Philippine flag there.

Administration candidate Manuel

Roxas II, Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay said they would engage China in bilateral talks, even as they pursued the country’s case before the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration.

In one portion of the debate, Poe— whose citizenship became a campaign issue—said her husband, Teodoro Llamanzares, gave up his American Next page

Comelec faces class suit over data dump

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Comelec faces class suit over dumping of data on voters During a forum on “Hacking the Philippine Electoral System,” several information technology groups vowed to sue the Comelec, saying the poll body should be held accountable for the data breach.

The groups criticized the Comelec for its failure to institute the needed security for its IT infrastructure, thus allowing hackers to gain access to the sensitive information.

Apart from the names, addresses, birthdays, civil status and passport numbers, other sensitive data relevant to the Comelec’s pending cases and even cash advances allegedly became downloadable through the BitTorrent file sharing scheme and accessible to just about anyone on the web.

Information security consultant Isaac Saab of Pandora Security Labs lamented that the Comelec did not undertake the three basic steps to tightly secure the privacy of the voter’s information.

“First, they should use a more robust, upgraded system. The present one was apparently too rudimentary. Then, there’s auditing the system. You should keep monitoring your system. And, third, there’s the exercise of due diligence so as not to lower your guard,” Saab said.

The IT groups signed a manifesto indicating their unity to collectively monitor the Comelec’s actions, especially with regard to safeguarding the security of voters’ identity.

A potentially disastrous data breach such as the one that hit the Comelec cannot be ignored and those responsible for it should be held liable, they said.

“Somebody should be held accountable, and that’s the Comelec,” said Tonyo Cruz of the group TXTPower.

The IT groups also called on the victims of the identity theft to file similar action against the Comelec for its negligence.

“We are calling for a class suit. We are not sorry for taking legal action against Comelec, because they are the very rea-

son for the litigation,” Cruz said.

Toby Purisima, a cybercrime lawyer, said that legal action can be initiated against the Comelec under the Data Privacy Act. In this particular incident, Purisima said a betrayal of public trust should be considered.

“Betrayal of public trust is an impeachable offense,” which is applicable to the chairman and commissioners of the Commission on Elections, he said.

Besides, candidates who lose the May 9 elections may use the hacking incident as ground for contesting the results or seek a failure of election, said Reginald Tongol, former assistant Cabinet secretary in the Presidential Communications Department and Strategic Office.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Sunday called on the executive department to expedite the formulation of the country’s National Cybersecurity Plan and hire, the soonest time possible, “bored” Filipino IT experts as “cyber-commandos.”

Recto issued the appeal after a 20-year-old fresh IT graduate who was arrested for hacking the Comelec website and admitted to the crime and claimed he did it out of boredom.

“Instead of wasting their talents, these talented Filipino internet experts should be employed by the executive department as white hat hackers to protect us from real cyber-criminals,” said Recto, principal sponsor of the Congress-approved bill creating the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Recto said the DICT law mandates the creation of a “Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center.”

The DICT will also be tasked to formulate the “National Cybersecurity Plan” and form the “National Computer Emergency Response Team,” which, Recto said, will serve as “our IT Special Action Forces or

cyber-commandos.”

“This should be our priority, the formulation of a National Cybersecurity Plan. Hacking is now a serious security threat, not only in the Philippines but also in the global arena,” Recto said.

“What we have is a Balkanized system. Personnel investigating cybercrimes are so few and, worse, dispersed among government offices despite the increasing volume of transactions in all kinds of commerce being done online,” Recto said.

He cited the case of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), which has a personnel complement of 110, “and this in a country where 70 million have social media presence.”

The National Bureau of Investigation, he said, is another frontline office which needs more ICT investigators and equipment to flag cybercrimes and tag those behind them.

“We now live in an era when terrorists don’t have to blast bank doors to do mayhem; but simply unleash a virus that could shred or suck out financial data. An enemy with a missile is as dangerous as one with malware,” he said. “Countries we are not so friendly with may target us and criminals will always want to hack their way to our financial system.”

He said the hack-attack on Bangladesh Bank shows that the threat is real and that counter-measures against cybercrime are urgent.

“The poor man’s ATM is vulnerable to hacking, too. There are identity thefts victimizing ordinary people,” Recto said, citing “2014-2015 Cybercrime Report” prepared by the Justice Department, which ranked the Philippines 39th among countries with internet threat activities.

The PNP-ACG recorded an increase of 113 percent in cybercrime statistics from 288 incidents in 2013 to 614 incidents in 2014.

The senator said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported 2,872 cases of ATM fraud during that period.

The growing menace of cybercrime, “and the jobs that the ICT sector can bring,” Recto said, should prod congressional and executive leaders to work for the immediate enactment of the DICT bill and thereafter implement it without delay. With Sandy Araneta

Few...

Roxas again attacked Binay on allegations of corruption, and Binay again questioned Poe—once an American citizen—on her patriotism, but none of these drew blood.

The last debate, sponsored by ABS-CBN, was moved an hour later to 6 p.m. to spare the candidates and audience from the soaring temperature at the Phinma University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City.

In turn, the candidates answered questions about the worsening traffic in Metro Manila, health insurance, labor contractualization, the Moro rebellion, the welfare of overseas workers and the territorial dispute with China.

All candidates said they would end the practice of contractualization that deprived workers of job security. Roxas said he would ask

Congress to close the loopholes in the law that enable companies to hire contractual workers for up to five months, then let them go and later rehire them. Poe said she would offer to lower corporate taxes in exchange for accepting an end to contractualization.

All five candidates also promised new infrastructure to deal with the traffic problem, with Duterte saying he would build a new railway over the Pasig River so there would be no need to negotiate the right-of-way.

In their closing statements, each candidate reiterated their respective plans and promises.

Duterte promised again to clamp down on drugs, criminality and corruption and to address the growing problem of terrorism.

Santiago urged voters to elect a

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Commission on Elections is facing a class action suit for failing to secure the personal data of some 55 million registered voters, which were stolen by hackers and made publicly accessible on the internet.

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citizenship about a month ago, and emphasized that he was a natural-born Filipino, born of Filipino parents.

In one of the few sharp exchanges, administration bet Manuel Roxas II dared Duterte to back down if he could disprove the mayor’s statement that no health benefits had reached the people of Davao. Duterte then turned to the audience and asked: “Is this guy telling the truth?”

Roxas responded by urging the youth not to follow Duterte’s example, backing away when the facts went against him, and turning to other issues when this happened.

Duterte shot back: “If people believe you, why are your ratings so low?”

Overseas...

Marcos and Romualdez raised the alarm when voters from these five countries barraged their offices with reports that they were among those they had voted for but the actual votes cast showed their votes went to their opponents.

“Last week, we were just hearing about votes for me not being reflected in my name in Hong Kong but now we have similar reports in Dubai, Kuwait and in Japan. Just this morning, we received another report from Okinawa of the same incident. We are seeing a pattern here,” Marcos said.

Romualdez also cited a similar incident in Hong Kong where his votes were also not reflected in the voter’s receipts.

“I was told by my coordinator in Hong Kong that there were those who voted for me but did not see my name in the receipts and the Comelec officer just responded ‘Noted’ when told about it,” Romualdez said.

Marcos called the attention of the Comelec and service provider Smartmatic to immediately investigate the incidents and not dismiss them outright.

“Comelec and Smartmatic should investigate this immediately because this does not reflect well on the credibility of the elections. We are very alarmed and very upset about these reports and the Comelec should not take this sitting down,” Marcos said.

Marcos warned that such vote discrepancies could happen on a larger scale in the polls on May 9.

Andresa Amba, who is from Butuan in Mindanao and an overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong, said she voted on April 20 and questioned the Comelec board of canvassers when the name of Romualdez for senator did not reflect on the voter’s receipt.

“I was surprised to see Romualdez’s name is gone. Of the 12 candidates I have voted for, only Romualdez’s name was missing and it was replaced by another senatorial candidate [Bayan Muna Rep.] Neri Colmenares. I did not vote for Colmenares. I voted for Martin Romualdez,” Amba told The Standard.

Amba said she tried to ask the poll officials and was told that her complaint has been “noted.”

On April 21, Amba, 56, said she flew to Butuan in Mindanao to attend a big event for her pastor Apollo Quiboloy and reported the matter to him.

Amba said she decided to go on air on radio dzAR, to alert Filipino voters.

“The dzAR anchor tried to reach Bautista through a phone patch and Bautista told me it must have been caused by machine error,” Amba said.

Amba said Bautista downplayed the vote shaving and claimed Amba must have failed to follow the instructions properly like how to shade the portion that would signify her vote for

a particular candidate.

She said Bautista promised to look into the incident and if indeed the error was due to a “computer glitch.”

“I am not sure what to do with it?

I am thinking if I should file a complaint before the Comelec. My priority now is to alert the electorate about my experience. I just hope the Comelec can fix the problem,” Amba said.

“I still wanted my vote for Romualdez counted for Romualdez. I wanted him to be senator. That’s why I voted for him. It makes me angry and disappointed that they would simply tell me I was entitled to vote only once and I could not do anything about the lost vote for Romualdez. I did vote but my vote was shaved at the expense of Romualdez. It was also at my expense because I felt cheated,” Amba said.

“This makes the whole electoral process vulnerable and it will reflect very badly on the credibility of the elections,” Marcos said.

Marcos said one of the reports that reached him came from a sibling of a Smartmatic employee.

“These reports are coming from different sources and in different places. If this was just one incident, we could dismiss this as a mere isolated case or a machine glitch but they are happening in places very far apart.

This is very, very disturbing and the Comelec and Smartmatic should also be concerned about this,” Marcos said.

The senator also said they have already written the Comelec about the report that took place in Hong Kong last week where an overseas Filipino worker was caught on video complaining that her vote for Marcos went to Honasan in her voter’s receipt.

Marcos said when the voter told the election officer about it, the OFW from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte was told that she could not vote anymore because there is an existing one ballot, one voter policy.

Marcos said they have also informed the camp of Honasan about the matter and said they are also looking into it.

“Senator Honasan is a very honest man and I know that he would not like that votes not for him are being given to him,” Marcos said.

Marcos reiterated his call for the Comelec to lay down the rules in cases where there were discrepancies in the vote receipts from the actual votes cast.

“If a voter says the content of the receipt is wrong, what shall he or she do? How will he or she make the complaint? What’s the procedure? The Comelec needs to take steps so that when voters go to their precincts, they will know what to do when this kind of problem surfaces,” he said.

“This is a very serious matter...

How can we be sure that it will not happen on May 9? It is therefore important that the Comelec releases clear guidelines if the same problem occurs on Election Day,” Marcos said.

With Joel E. Zurbano

president who met her three qualifications for leadership: academic excellence, professional excellence and moral integrity.

Santiago, who is recovering from cancer, appeared strong when she walked up to the podium for the debate, but her weakness was noticeable when she paused several times while talking.

She got the loudest welcome when she arrived at the venue for the town hall debate.

Confronted with inquiries about her health, Santiago said she was “back to normal” and said she never lied to the Filipino people about her condition.

The administration candidate Roxas said he would give the country six more years of “honest, decent, hardworking governance” that

would bring progress to the country.

He urged voters to stay the course because the economy has grown under the current administration, which he said has turned the Philippines from the sick man of Asia to the region’s “brightest star.”

Binay took to pacing the stage when delivering his closing remarks, dismissed the accusations against him as false, and played up his executive abilities and his track record.

Poe emphasized the advantages of having a woman as president because women are patient and loving, but unrelenting when their loved ones were threatened. She also sought to turn her inexperience into an advantage, by saying the country’s old problems needed a new perspective.

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Duterte sustains lead in new poll DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte sustained his lead over the other presidential contenders in the latest ABS-CBN Pre-Electoral National Survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research Inc. A little over one in three registered voters expressed support for Duterte’s bid in the coming elections, Pulse Asia said on Sunday.

Peter Laviña, Duterte’s spokesman, said they were humbled by the mayor’s continuing rise in the surveys “in spite of all garbage thrown [at] him.”

Duterte enjoyed a 12-percentagepoint lead over his nearest opponent, Senator Grace Poe, who had the backing of 22 percent of those polled.

Close behind were Vice President Meeting. This handout picture taken and released on April 23, 2016, by eaglenews.ph shows Philippine presidential front-runner candidate Rodrigo Jejomar Binay (19 percent) and Duterte meeting Iglesia Ni Kristo Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo at the Iglesia Ni Kristo’s headquarters in Manila. AFP former Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II (18 percent).

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago was the choice for president of only two percent of registered voters.

“Kung wala tayong itinatago, kung “After six months, what did the A month after he made the promAnd only five percent were not DAGUPAN CITY—Exactly a month lahat tayo ay naniniwala na dapat AMLC admit to the court?

There ise, Duterte’s signature remained after he issued the challenge durinclined to elect any of these candiihayag natin ang lahat sa ating mga was only one account that contained unaffixed. ing the presidential debate in Cebu, dates as the country’s next president.

Binay lamented that a year ago, only P1.7 million in my name, not kababayan, kung lahat tayo nagsasabi Based on a multistage probability presidential candidate Jejomar Bina pabor tayo sa freedom of inforsample of 4,000 registered voters nay reminded his four opponents to the AMLC came out with a suppos- 242 accounts containing billions.” mation, pirmahan ninyo ang waiver.

Binay said he told the court he edly confidential report about his sign a joint waiver to have the Anti18 years old and above, with biomwould not touch the single bank ac- Magpa-AMLC din kayo,” he said. etrics, Pulse Asia Research’s na- Money Laundering Council scruti- alleged billions in ill-gotten wealth.

“Ngunit hanggang ngayon ni isa sa “Ito’y pinabulaanan ko. At ang count to show his “good faith.” tionwide survey had a ± 1.5 percent nize their bank deposits and submit “I stand by my position that the kanila ay walang pumipirma. margin of error at the 95 percent themselves to a physical and mental hamon ko noon sa AMLC, patu“Kaya ngayon, sa araw ng amnayan ninyo ang inyong alegasyon. P1.7 million did not come from corcheckup. confidence level. ing pagkikitang muli, muli ko ring ruption,” he said.

“Ni minsan, hindi Sa loob ng anim na buwan, binuIn a news conference a few hours The subnational estimates for the inuulit ang aking hamon: pirmahan geographic areas covered in the sur- before the last presidential debate sisi ng AMLC, hindi lang ang aking ako nagsamantala sa taumbayan.”

This was for this reason, he said, ninyo ang waiver nang magkaalavey had the following error margins was held, Binay showed the joint bank accounts kundi pati ang sa that in the previous debate, he man kung sino talaga ang may tinaaking pamilya.

Pati na ang bank acwaiver with only his signature apat 95 percent confidence level: ± 4.6 percent for Metro Manila, ± 2.3 pearing and the spaces for the signa- count ng Office of the Vice President signed a waiver allowing the AMLC tago sa taumbayan.”

Binay also reiterated his challenge kung saan ako pinapasweldo bilang to scrutinize his bank accounts, inpercent for the rest of Luzon and ± tures of his rivals remaining blank.

Duterte, in the previous debate pangalawang pangulo, binusisi ng cluding those of the members of his to his rivals to show their medical 3.4 percent for the Visayas and ± 3.3 certificates that would prove they last month in Cebu, took on the AMLC. Kasama rin, sabi ko nga, ang family. percent for Mindanao. are of sound body and mind to run “I asked my fellow candidates to bank accounts ng aking mga anak at challenge and said he was willing to In keeping with Pulse Asia’s acafor president. Christine F. Herrera sign the waiver,” he said. apo at mga kaibigan,” he said. demic nature, no religious, political, sign the waiver. economic, or partisan group influenced any of these processes.

Across geographic areas and socio-economic classes, Duterte had the lead in Metro Manila (43 percent), Mindanao (61 percent), and all socio-economic classes (33 perLEGAZPI CITY—Albay Gov. Joey rines Norte, to finalize their comcent to 47 percent).

Salceda said Sunday Senator Grace mitment of support Poe. In the rest of Luzon, the leading Salceda bolted the Liberal Party Poe had the support of Bicol’s four presidential bets were Poe (30 percent) mainland governors and a guberna- and dumped presidential aspirant and Binay (26 percent), while in the Manuel Roxas II for Poe on Friday. torial candidate in Catanduanes.

Visayas, Roxas (34 percent) shared the “I am Governor Salceda and my “All Bicol mainland governors are top spot with Duterte (28 percent). now for Grace Poe,” Salceda said in president is Grace Poe,” he said.

With 32 percent of those polled Salceda said in an e-mailed statea text message. naming her as their alternative canHe made his statement even as ment that he supported Poe because didate for president, Poe led her felPoe said that, instead of 34 days in- “she shares our values of authenlow presidential contenders in terms volving 16 steps to open a business in tic humanism, shares our goals of of second-choice voter preferences. the Philippines today, she promised countryside development and naIn second place was Binay (17 three days to complete the issuance tional competitiveness and certainpercent) while Roxas and Duterte of all permits and requirements to ly her compassion will ensure that occupied third place (both at 13 open a business once she was elected the impact will be shared by all.” percent).

He said he believed that Poe president in this year’s elections.

Santiago was named by 6 percent The Philippines ranked 95th out would be the best leader for the of those polled as their alternative of 189 countries in the ease of doing country, and that she would bring choice for president in May 2016. business report by the World Bank prosperity to the countryside.

Almost two out of every 10 voters Meanwhile, the LP stalwarts in in 2015.

(19 percent) did not have a second Salceda said governors Edgar Albay said in a joint statement that choice for the post.

Tallado of Camarines Norte, Migz they were not a bit troubled by SalIn practically all geographic arVillafuerte of Camarines Sur, and ceda’s turnaround. eas (31 percent to 35 percent) and Albay Rep. Fernando Gonzalez Raul Lee of Sorsogon had already Classes D and E (27 percent to 33 expressed their support to Poe’s said the LP in Albay stood solidly percent), Poe led in terms of secondcandidacy while Catanduanes Vice behind Roxas, adding the party choice voter preferences.

Governor Bong Teves, who is run- machinery in Albay would ensure On the other hand, in Metro Maning for governor, had also signified that the administration candidates nila and in Class ABC, exactly the would win in the May 9 elections. his support for Poe. same percentage of registered voters Gonzalez said the LP members Salceda said he was still trying to (28 percent and 27 percent, respec- Tribal dance. Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo negotiate with Masbate Gov. Vince in Albay signed a joint statement on tively) either named Poe as their al- joins members of the Sumadel Tribe as they perform a tribal dance during Saturday expressing their full supRevil to support Poe. ternative presidential bet or did not her visit to Tabuk, Kalinga on Sunday. The residents also prepared cakes He said the Bicol governors will port for Roxas. PNA, with Macon identify a second-choice candidate. for Robredo as a belated birthday present before she attended a multimeet on Monday in Daet, Cama- Ramos-Araneta Sandy Araneta sectoral event at Bulanao Public Market Gym.

Binay urges opponents to bare their deposits

Salceda says Poe backed by five officials in Bicol

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Agriculture advocates. Campaigners of the #IamHapasLupa Ecological Agriculture Movement staged a protest outside University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City to demand that the next President give priority to food production and agriculture on Sunday. DANNY PATA

Digong-Sonny ‘war’ escalates

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

THE word war between Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Antonio Trillanes escalated after the senator vowed to do everything to ensure that the mayor will not become president because he is a “psycho.”

“We cannot have a psycho as our commander-in-chief,” said Trillanes, who said the toughtalking mayor would be a “very dangerous president.”

Trillanes, who is running for vice president, said Duterte would soon be exposed as a fraud.

In an earlier interview, Trillanes said the standardbearer of PDP-Laban told him he ordered a man to kneel down and then shot him in the head.

Duterte even allegedly boasted to him that the brains of the man were splattered on the ground after he shot him.

Duterte called Trillanes an “idiot” and accused the senator

of wanting to be in the news to boost his chances of winning as vice president.

Duterte said that he does not know Trillanes personally, explaining they only met when Trillanes asked him to be his running mate. He said Trillanes got mad when he rejected him.

“We only had a photo opportunity together and he asked me if he could be my vice president.

I told him, you are not deserving. The son of a bitch staged a coup d’etat, damaged a hotel and now he is even boasting [about it],” said Duterte.

Trillanes, however, insisted that Duterte related the incident to him during a meeting set up

by a common friend last year.

He also denied that he got mad at Duterte after his offer to be his running mate was rejected.

“He’s a liar. If he had told me that, I would have hit him right there. Our lengthy conversation went well and he even commended me for my public service,” stressed Trillanes.

Trillanes said Duterte has been long been talking about committing extra-judicial killings, which cannot be the truth because they cannot be verified.

Trillanes said Duterte is not fit to be president but can become a stand-up comedian.

“Let us read the history of dictators of different countries, those who resorted to killings.

But he is just fooling us. He’s just making up stories to build himself up,” said Trillanes.

Meanwhile, Duterte said he will open the doors of Malacañang to Muslims under his presidency in order to to attain genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao.

‘PNoy’s stumping not affecting work’

By Sandy Araneta MALACAÑANG on Sunday defended President Benigno Aquino III for continuing to campaign for Liberal Party candidates Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo and not paying enough attention to the farmers and their families who were violently dispersed by policemen last April 1 in Kidapawan City.

“The main priority of President Aquino is the intensive focus on all the events related to the national interest and promoting the welfare of our boss, the Filipino people,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview over state-run radio station dzRB. Earlier, leaders of militant groups Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas lambasted Aquino for continuing to campaign for LP candidates Roxas and Robredo.

“It is the height of callousness and incompetence that Aquino continues to campaign for the

Liberal Party while farmers in the countryside go hungry,” Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr. said in a statement.

Coloma said Aquino is working on the particular aspects of El Niño, especially the implementation of the Cabinet Road Map to Address the Impact of El Niño or RAIN that covers all aspects of the drought, including helping farmers have safe drinking water and enough food.

He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development will continue to distribute food packs and implement cash-for-work programs for the benefit of families affected by the drought.

“Regarding the participation of the President in the campaign, the President firmly believes it is his responsibility to ensure that the reforms and development programs we benefit from are continued by candidates who will practice the principle of the Straight Path,” Coloma said.

Probe of ‘tanim-bala’ victims set

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice will conduct a preliminary investigation of the elderly couple allegedly victimized in the latest incident of bullet-planting or “tanim-bala” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The DoJ has asked Esteban Cortabista, 78, and his wife Salvacion, 75, both of Antipolo City, Rizal to appear before a hearing

that will be conducted on the charge of illegal possession of ammunition filed against them.

Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva has set the hearing for next Tuesday, May 3.

The Cortabistas have been ordered to answer the complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) filed against

them by airport authorities.

Public Attorneys’ Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, who is providing free legal assistance to the spouses, vowed to prove to the panel that the two are innocent and victims of a criminal extortion syndicate at the airport.

“We went to their house in Antipolo last Friday to get their statements. We will prove their innocence in the hearing,” Acosta said.

Run for Chiz. Actress Heart Evangelista, wife of Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escu-

dero, leads a fun run at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. ARNOLD ALMACEN

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‘1.5-m PWDs need PhilHealth’

By Rio N. Araja

LEYTE Rep. Martin Romualdez on Sunday batted for the automatic enrollment of at least 1.5-million persons with disabilities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s national health insurance program .

“Our malasakit [compassion] commitment to the PWD sector will continue,” he said, adding that if elected senator, he would push for legislative proposals making it mandatory for the government to enrol PWDs to the Philhealth program.

Romualdez is the principal author of the PWD law exempting the PWDs from the payment of 12-percent value-added tax on certain goods and services.

Last March 23, President Benigno Aquino iii signed Romualdez’s measure into Republic Act 10754.

Should he win a Senate seat, Romualdez said he is committed to continue helping the PWD sector.

Meanwhile, Romualdez proposed the possible adoption of biometrics in the banking system

to ensure that depositors’ hardearned savings would not be stolen by fraudsters. he reacted to the recent biggest government-related data breach in history, surpassing the 2015 hacking of the US Office of Personnel Management which revealed fingerprints and social security numbers of 20-million Americans. hackers leaked the entire database of the commission on elections revealing sensitive personal information of the voters.

Romualdez, a former chairman of the board of equitable Pci Bank or the country’s third largest bank that merged with Banco de Oro Universal Bank in 2006 and known today as Banco de Oro Unibank inc., saw the need to “toughen and strengthen” the

banking system’s customer identity validation system from fraud.

“Pity our depositors. Save them from fraud. Fake identification cards would even proliferate,” he said.

During his stint as bank executive, Romualdez also served as director for a host of stellar companies, among them Philippine commercial international Bank, equitable card Network, eBc investments inc., equitable Savings Bank, Pci Leasing corp. and Pci capital corp.

“The reforms and safeguards to be implemented in the banking system should be made immediately because potential fraudsters are now feasting on a buffet of sensitive and vital information of millions of Filipinos. the banks’ requests for additional proof in establishing the real identity of their clients must be established,” he pointed out. he urged depositors “to do away with passwords or PiN codes derived from their personal data.”

Marcos: Sun, wind power to cure PH of supply woes

By Macon Araneta Vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. says the next administration should give priority to the building of more solar, wind and hydrogen power plants to address the country’s problematic power situation.

Marcos issued the statement in light of the earth Day celebration today, urging the next leaders of the country to prioritize renewable energy program to ensure economic development while protecting the environment.

The frontrunner in the vice presidential race said he is personally pushing for a program that will encourage companies to set up more solar, wind and hydrogen power plants to address the power situation.

“This can be done by giving them additional perks on their investments and cutting bureaucratic

red tape,” Marcos said.

Marcos said that when he was governor of ilocos Norte, he initiated the construction of the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia in his province.

“We are very proud of that because we were the first one to build a commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia,” he said.

Because of his environmentfriendly initiatives, ilocos Norte now has a total of 264 MW capacity of renewable energy production, boosting the much needed power capacity in the Luzon grid.

“At present, more than 70 percent of the nation’s electricity is generated from fossil-fuels [petroleum, coal and natural gas]. experts have predicted that if the country remains to be coal and oil-dependent, Filipinos should expect higher power costs because of the steady increase in the prices of these fossil fuels in the world market.”

Paris deal. With special authority from President Benigno S. Aquino III, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje signs for and behalf of the Republic of the Philip-

pines the landmark Paris climate agreement during the high level signing ceremony held April 22 at the UN headquarters in New York. Paje also delivered the Philippine statement underscoring its commitment to meet its pledge through the implementation of the national climate action plan and integration of climate change in the national and local development plans and budgets, even as he appealed to world leaders to work together for the full implementation of the climate agreement.

Congress pressed for time on coco levy, 4Ps bills

By Macon Ramos-Araneta With three more weeks of session days before a new president is sworn into office, Senate President Pro tempore Ralph Recto said congress may still be able to enact the 4Ps institutionalization Bill and the coco Levy Bill into law. “call it midnight laws or whatever. The fact remains that we, in congress, can work overtime if need be, just to ensure the passage of the bills on 4Ps and coco Levy,” the senator said.

Recto said the key here is for presidential and vice presidential candidates to stand united on these issues and marshal their forces in congress for the timely enactment

of the twin measures. he proposed that legislative members who are gunning for the top two positions in government can be co-sponsors of the two landmark pieces of social legislation. he said “there is still time to pass the two bills before the curtains fall on this congress.”

“And all the actors in the presidential and VP race are either members of the Senate or the house, or have kin in the Senate, or have a senator as running mate,” Recto said.

Presidential candidates Grace Poe and Miriam Defensor Santiago are incumbent senators while Vice President Jojo Binay’s daughter, Nancy is a sitting senator like Alan Peter cayetano, running mate of Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. in addition to cayetano, four other vice

presidential aspirants are members of the Senate club: Gregorio honasan, of Binay’s UNA party; chiz escudero, who teamed up with Poe; Bongbong Marcos, running mate of Santiago; and independent candidate Antonio trillanes iV, who is supporting Poe. The sole member of the house in the VP field is Leni Robredo of the Liberal Party.

“Leni is the representative of Mar. Binay has two representatives—Gringo and Nancy, while Digong can be ably represented by Alan Peter, who is our Majority Floor Leader,” Recto said.

Recto said the two measures can be approved during the three-week post-election window.

Both houses of congress will reconvene on May 23 for a three-week session that will end

on June 10, or 20 days before the new president takes office.

Though dismissed as a lameduck session, Recto would rather call it “a time to create a legacy.”

While work in the three weeks include canvassing the returns and proclaiming the presidential and vice presidential winners, there is time to cinch approval for the measures, Recto insisted.

Recto said institutionalizing the cct is on the final stretch of committee deliberation.

Recto said the Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary corazon Juliano Soliman has requested Malacañang to officially back the measure, a move that will speed up its approval.

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NEWS

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Defense to rebid P247-m ammo deal

By Florante S. Solmerin The Department of National Defense will be rebidding the contract for the supply of 8,588 rounds of high-explosive ammunition that will be used for the Army’s 105mm howitzer cannons with a budget of P247,835,166.28.

The DND’s Bids and Awards Committee was to hold the prebid conference on April 22 at the DND building in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

It did not say why the first bidding failed.

Army spokesman Colonel Benjamin hao said the procurement is part of the “regular requirement” of stockpiling to avoid shortage.

Unit commanders in the battlefield claimed that the supply of ammunition for 105m howitzers was “running low.” They blamed the alleged shortage to the non-delivery of procured ammo because of complaints of irregularities filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.

But the Army official downplayed the problem by insisting that the new procurement was just part of the Army’s “basic requirement.” hao said the 105mm ammo are very important for clearing target areas before ground troops move in.

“Definitely that’s one of our main combat weapon. Bombard the enemy to soften them before troops move in,” hao explained.

Close to 6,000 rounds of 105mm ammo were being held for safekeeping at the Northern Luzon Command and Sangley Point in Cavite after a local supplier filed an arms smuggling case before the Office of the Ombudsman against several military officials including retired general hernando Iriberri.

The local supplier representative, retired police general Romulo Maningding, alleged that the fuse of the delivered ammo were fake, not US-made as specified in the contract.

The ammo and fuse were delivered by Mechanical and Chemical Industries, a firm based in Ankara, Turkey.

IrIberrI

Poor man’s flotilla. Fisherfolk leaders together with civil society organizations and marine conservation advocates sail the ‘Fisherfolk Flotilla’ composed of 30 boats, from Pogaro-Dagupan to Talab-Dagupan river, to call for the attention of presidential candidates to include them in their agenda and to address persistent poverty in coastal communities and the deteriorating conditions of Philippine fishing grounds.

CA upholds kid-abuse case against Revillame

By Rey E. Requejo The Court of Appeals has paved the way for the prosecution of television host and actor Willie Revillame for child exploitation.

In a resolution dated April 11, 2016, the CA’s Thirteenth Division through Associate Justice Maria Luisa Quijano-Padilla denied for lack of merit the motion for reconsideration filed Revillame in connection with the child abuse case filed against him for allegedly exploiting a kid by asking him to do a lewd dance during his TV show on prime time.

The appellate court sustained its Sept. 7, 2015 decision finding that probable cause exist for the filing of criminal charges against Revillame.

The CA stressed that it found no new arguments to warrant the reversal of its earlier findings.

“We have carefully reviewed our decision vis-a-vis the Motion for Reconsideration and we have found that the issues raised in the present motion and the arguments advanced in support thereof are mere rehash of those already considered and passed upon, and no new issue or substantial argument has been presented to justify the reversal or modification of the assailed decision,” the resolution stated.

“As there is probable cause for the petitioner’s commission of a crime, his arrest and arraignment should now ensue so that this case may properly proceed to trial, where the merits of both parties’ evidence and allegations may be weighed,” the appellate court ruled.

It pointed out that the regional trial court “committed no grave abuse of discretion in finding probable cause inducting petitioner of Violation of RA No. 7610, there being a showing that respondent judge personally evaluated the factual circumstances that led him to believe that there was probable cause to apprehend petitioner for its commission of

the offense charged.”

Quezon City RTC Judge Roberto Buenaventura found prima facie evidence and eventually issued a warrant of arrest against Revillame on Oct. 4, 2013.

The CA said the lower court did not arbitrarily issue the warrant of arrest against Revillame as it was issued after evaluation of the factual circumstances that led the judge to believe that there was probable cause to apprehend petitioner for his commission of a crime.

Revillame was charged with child abuse for allegedly exploiting a kid after the latter made a lewd dance while crying on national television.

The crowd—including Jan-Jan’s aunt— were seen laughing and clapping, while the boy repeatedly danced to the tune of Dr. Dre’s “The Next episode” on the video that went viral with millions of hits on Youtube.

The MTRCB, then chaired by Senator Grace Poe, held that the episode showed immoral and indecent broadcast that ran against Filipino values.

Iglesia comes to aid of Japan quake victims The Iglesia ni Cristo was quick to respond to the need for assistance to victims of Japan’s most recent earthquake as it distributed thousands of boxes of relief goods under its International Aid for humanity or Lingap program.

INC’s Glicerio B. Santos Jr. revealed on Sunday that the homegrown Filipino church had transported and distributed its relief packets to affected residents in Japan’s Kyushu region.

“We are doing everything we can to ease the lives of the quake victims in Japan. The assistance is of course intended for everyone

who is affected by the tragedy, INC member or not, Japanese citizen or otherwise. The need to help transcends religious beliefs and nationality,” Santos said.

Twin earthquakes of at least 6.2-magnitude struck the Japanese cities of Kumamoto and Ueki just this mid-April. Around 50 people were reportedly killed, with close to a thousand more injured. The temblors toppled buildings and bridges in the area.

“The Japanese government was very effective in mobilizing its manpower support services, so the INC decided that relief goods of food, water and basic hygiene

necessities are the best way we can help, as well as cash donations to the affected areas,” Santos added.

The relief packets contained bottled water, canned goods, cup noodles, cookies, coffee, tea, toiletries and adult and baby diapers.

INC’s relief efforts were coordinated under the auspices of the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, with Santos supervising the church’s efforts. No less than INC executive Minister eduardo V. Manalo initiated the relief efforts.

The Foundation has also spearheaded INC’s previous local and international relief efforts and provided assistance to those

affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” and the Bohol earthquake both in 2013 as well as Typhoon “Katrina” which hit Louisiana in the United States in 2005, hurricane Sandy in New York, tornadoes that struck Oklahoma, twice in South Africa and in Australia.

“The Japan earthquake relief is part of INC’s humble and emerging efforts at responsible global citizenship. Our efforts are puny compared to those of the Red Cross or the Red Crescent, but the church’s small steps hopefully could still make a difference to those in need,” Santos clarified.

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P. Princesa in state of calamity PUERTO Princesa City—This city has been placed under a state of calamity due to the long dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

The declaration came following an emergency session called Friday by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

In the session, the Task Force El Niño presented its findings to the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, informing them around 90 percent of Puerto Princesa’s 66 barangays are now experiencing the effects of the long dry spell phenomenon.

Apparently, over a hundred farmers now need the support of the city government as their agricultural lands are dried up and can no longer be planted with crops.

The Puerto Princesa City Water District also reported that the water level in the Irawan Water Shed in Barangay Irawan has already reached the third level alarm.

City Information Officer Richard Ligad said this means the water supply that comes from the dam in Irawan is no longer enough for consumers even if there is an ongoing water rationing.

Ligad said the Sangguniang Panlungsod to use P20 million as calamity fund and for the purchase of two lorry trucks as support to the PPCWD in rationing water.

It will also be used to support the Bureau of Fire Protection as well as the health department.

He furthered that the city government will also speed up the processing of documents for the purchase of the said equipment for use of the agencies concerned. PNA

Ormoc newsman dies of diabetes VETERAN journalist Luciano “Loy” Caliwan died Saturday after a long bout with diabetes and its complications.

He was born on Oct. 31, 1946 in Ormoc City.

Caliwan, 69, started his media career in 1967 when he became a photographer of The Sun, a daily newspaper.

Three years later, in 1972, he joined the ranks of DZRH radio reporters.

Among the historic events covered by Caliwan include the declaration of Martial Law in Sept. 21, 1972 and assassination of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on Aug. 21, 1983.

He also worked for the Philippine News Agency, People’s Journal, Balita, DZAR Sonshine Radio,

Pinas Newspaper and Customs Balita.

His body lies at St. Catherine Hall, Veronica Funeral Homes in Libertad, Pasay City.

Final viewing will be on April 29. Caliwan’s remains will be cremated and interred at the Loyola Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque this April 30.

He is survived by his wife, Remedios Caliwan, children Bhette, Theresa, Robert, Jonloy, Christopher Lloyd and Alexander John; grandsons Christian Kevin, Shawn William, Sean Zachery, John Enzo and Sashi Avery; granddaughters Sam, Hanna, Shelley Mikaela, Sophia Louriz, Janna Aliyah, Ishi Amerie, Asiana and Julliane Jazz.

Young dancers. Students sit above a tricycle watch the other contestants in the street dance competition during the Daing Festival in Sto. Tomas, La Union. CHRISTINE JUNIO

Gunman kills Sibugay party leader

By A. Perez Rimando

Fan season. Buri fans like these ones made in Leyte are a must-have this summer. MEL CASPE

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay—A political party leader of the Alliance of Parties for Progress in Tungawan town was shot dead last Friday afternoon along the provincial road at Sitio Beverly, Barangay Timbabawan, Tungawan town, police said.

Senior Supt. Celso Bael, provincial police chief, said the victim was identified by Carlnan Climaco, who is running for mayor under said party, as Reynante Sardan, APP organizer at Barangay Gaycon.

Climaco is the younger brother of

former Tungawan mayor Randy Climaco who himself was earlier gunned down by unidentified armed men while riding home from Zamboanga City.

The post vacated by Randy Climaco was taken over by vice mayor Lorverle Caracol whom Carlnan will oppose in the polls.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections has listed Tungawan as one of hot spots in the region following several election-related killings.

Authorities said among those earlier slain were Adjili Halid, Norvin Jaapal, Haimen Apidol, Margarita Banguanga, Rene Gallego and Arnel de la Cruz.

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ADELLE CHUA EDITOR M O N D AY, A P R I L 2 5 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

[ EDI TORI A L ]

BLOOD ON HIS HANDS LIKE Pontius Pilate, President Aquino last week tried to wash his hands of the killing of two farmers in Kidapawan City by police who fired M-16 rifles into the protesters’ ranks, and the wounding of more than 100 others in a violent dispersal on April 1.

The farmers, suffering from five months of drought, had blocked the highway from Cotabato to Davao, demanding food aid in the form of sacks of rice to feed their hungry families.

Aquino did not use the words, but we can almost hear him say them: “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”

Speaking to reporters in Lipa City, Batangas, Aquino said he was still awaiting the results of an investigation into the incident, but said it appeared that an organized group had duped people from different places into believing that they would receive rice from the government by joining the mass action.

“It seems that somebody organized this to a create violence. That is what we

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need to investigate,” President Aquino said. “They did this to exploit the people.”

He said the Justice department would set free those who were duped into joining the rally, but said he felt it was not justified for the hungry farmers to block the main highway or to attack the police when they tried to disperse them.

The President also insisted that the actions of the authorities to disperse the protesters were lawful, since the activists did not secure permits for the rally.

It was clear, however, that the President was cherry-picking the facts and highlighting only what he wanted us to see.

Any reasonable person, for example, would conclude that the lack of a permit paled in comparison to the shooting deaths of two civilians exercising their right to free assembly.

But nowhere in his remarks did the President say why police were armed with M-16 rifles and used them against civilians in violation of all rules governing crowd dispersal operations.

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It is not enough to say the farmers had rocks; or that they had started the melee. The police should not have had guns; they should not have used them.

The President did not just gloss over this reality; he ignored it altogether.

The President also said nothing of the other human rights abuses that agents of his government committed against the farmers that day, and the months leading to the tragic Kidapawan incident.

The President blames organizers of the protest for duping the farmers with the promise of free rice, but wasn’t that exactly what they needed and hoped to get in the first place?

When has it been a crime to organize a protest? To give voice to the grievances of the oppressed?

Despite the billions of pesos allocated to dealing with the El Niño and the drought, the protesting farmers and their families were hungry. That fact alone trumps all government claims that they had poured the funds into cloud seeding and other drought alleviation

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measures. If they had indeed spent that money, it clearly had no impact on the protesting farmers—or they would not have been there on the fateful CotabatoDavao highway.

Again, any reasonable person would conclude that the government agencies tasked with giving them relief had not done their jobs in the last five months.

But the President’s knee-jerk reaction was to blame the organizers, not his own people who by dint of corruption, ineptitude or both, failed—and continue to fail—the farmers of North Cotabato.

Mr. Aquino, who waited an entire week before talking about the bloody dispersal then explained his delayed reaction by saying he had the flu, expects us to believe him now when he says that national, provincial and city government officials and the police were not to blame for the Kidapawan bloodshed. But history will judge him otherwise. Like Pontius Pilate, Mr. Aquino has innocent blood on his hands, and no amount of washing will clear away the stain.

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Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

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OPINION

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A SON’S HOMILY THE PRICE BRITAIN WOULD PAY AT HIS PARENTS’ FOR DIVORCING EUROPE DIAMOND WEDDING By Clive Crook ANNIVERSARY PENSÉES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO IN A WAY, that Daddy and Mommy today celebrate 60 years of married life makes me sad and worried…because that means that next year, I shall be 60 years, too…a dual citizen— Filipino and senior—like many of you are, entitled to 20-percent discount, given privileges in parking spaces and airport queues but certified old, ancient and nearly obsolete!

This Mass is really the apex of the Diamond Wedding Anniversary celebration of our parents, even if the three of us siblings, Jet, Michee and I planned it to be simple but as memorable as we can make it for our parents and for all of you, our closest family friends.

Sixty years of life together, 60 years of family is a diamond placed in all our hands by the God of Mercy, whose generosity and goodness never fail to astound!

They helped us walk when we were little; we must help them now.

My parents’ lives together are best summed by recalling religious statues and pictures that dominated our home.

The first is a statue of Christ the King on a throne that had a space all to itself in the centuryold house in Cacamilingan Sur, Camiling, Tarlac where I was born. This was the house, too where my paternal grandparents passed away. My parents submitted themselves to the Kingship of Christ and made him show them what they had to do. And so it was that from Camiling, Daddy found his way to Tuguegarao. I was brought home to Tuguegarao, and there, our family life started, because soon after, Jet was born, and, after one miscarriage in between, five years after Jet, Michee. 79 Luna Street, Tuguegarao, Cagayan, opposite the house of Gaza Family, oblique of what is now the Tuguegarao West Central School was where we grew up.

In this same house, my

grandfather, Sofronio, had set up a framed picture of Christ the King along the wall of the stairs leading to the second floor. Daddy and Mommy’s young family needed to be loyal subjects of Christ more than ever, and beneath this sacred picture, we said our prayers, learned our first lessons in the faith. Daddy developed a soon thriving practice in law and tried his luck at politics. At that time, you did not have to be a millionaire to run for councilor—we had nothing close to that, and certainly, you did not need to use vulgar language nor incur enemies. In this house, over which Christ the King presided, Daddy taught us that life meant diligent toil and honest labor. He and Mommy helped each other, Mommy confining herself to the preparation of documents and notarial work, but because she was a full-time mother who set definite study hours for us and supervised them, it was only later in life that we realized that our mother, too, was a lawyer!

Soon after Grandpa and Daddy joined the Cursillo movement, they brought home another picture of the Lord that replaced the old picture of Christ the King. This time, it was the picture of the Lord of Pardon—that particular picture of The Lord who seems to look at you wherever you go, and we did need the Lord’s gaze of care, love and wisdom as we made momentous decisions in life. At this time, rather late in her own life, Mommy restarted her career by teaching at the then Cagayan Teacher’s College, a school that she and Daddy loved so much and cherished. But the instruction in the faith never ceased. Occasionally, Grandma would regale us with vivid stories of the fires of hell and would remind us that the devil was ever prowling about…whenever she felt that her admonitions were not gaining any listening from us.

When we transferred to Mercedes Village in 1969, there was an elaborate ceremony, partly Catholic, partly superstitious. The night before we transferred, a lamp was lit from the Sanctuary Lamp of the Cathedral, taken to our house, and a crucifix was enthroned— and that crucifix is still there: a witness to all that the family has been through, a continuing blessing to all of us. The next year, I would enter the seminary, and little did the family realize, at that time, that the light from the sanctuary would take the form of a son, dedicated to the sanctuary of the Lord as a

THE UK Treasury’s paper on the economic costs of Brexit seems competent and thorough, as you would expect—and says those costs would be high, as you’d also expect. That said, it would be a mistake to regard this analysis as settling much.

Judging the likely economic costs is an unavoidably uncertain exercise. The range of possible outcomes is wide—a lot wider than the three variants that the study concentrates on.

Also, the study doesn’t consider the main reason why exit campaigners want Britain to leave, which is to restore the country’s ability to govern itself. For some Brexiteers, though few are this honest, a moderate price in diminished trade and lower gross domestic product might be worth paying for a divorce from Brussels.

The paper looks at three alternative trading futures for the UK outside the union: membership of the European Economic Area, otherwise known as the Norway model, and the closest thing to staying in the EU; a less comprehensive bilateral agreement with the European Union, like the one Canada has; and what the paper calls the default alternative of trading on terms laid down by the World Trade Organization.

In each case, the paper judges the likely reduction in trade and investment, then adds the related effects of slower growth in productivity.

After 15 years, according to this reckoning, the annual loss of British GDP (relative to what it would otherwise have been) is roughly four percent for the EEA model, six percent for the Canada variant, and eight percent for the WTO approach. These estimates are broadly consistent

priest of Jesus Christ! Anyone who goes up the second floor of our house will see that the feet of the corpus on the Crucifix is now faded: all its paint gone, because all who leave the house first kiss, or touch the crucifix before going down the stairs.

There have been crosses, these past 60 years, but Daddy and Mommy will tell you that no cross was ever unbearable, because they bore their crosses with the Lord. It is sad that when sorrows and suffering pour in bucketfuls, as many times they do, people then lose faith, even reject God. When that happens and there is no more cross to touch or kiss, you lose your last link with Him who alone can see you through the darkest night.

But my parents’ faith always remained strong, especially when the tests were most severe.

When we were all in Manila, we decided to gift Mommy for

with other studies.

All this work, it’s worth mentioning, is unambiguously pro-trade. Economists and commentators in the US have recently been preoccupied with the costs of adjusting to foreign competition—costs which, some say, undermine the traditional case for free trade. That sentiment is refreshingly absent from the main analyses of Brexit.

In Europe, apparently, you just can’t have too much economic integration.

Nonetheless, the range of plausible outcomes is a lot wider than the Treasury study allows. For instance, what makes the Norway model the upper limit of British economic integration with Europe? At the moment, the UK is more closely integrated with Europe than Norway is. What would prevent it from staying that way, while separating itself from the union’s larger political and constitutional ambitions?

There are two possible answers to this. One is that close economic integration necessarily requires some degree of political union. This is debatable. The EU certainly has more far more political union than it needs for the single market to work: You don’t need a European parliament, supreme court, charter of rights and all the other trappings of nationhood to have free movement of goods, services, capital and workers.

The EU has those trappings not because the single market requires them but because movement toward political union, until the crash at least, has been an additional EU purpose in its own right. Even now, the aspiration dignifies the project and offers justification for egregious unforced errors such as the euro.

In principle, Britain could

opt for economic integration without political integration.

And to a considerable extent, it’s been allowed to do so: no euro, no Schengen (the agreement on borderless travel), optouts from security and justice initiatives, a clearer exemption from the treaty commitment to “ever closer union.” But there’s a limit to these exceptions.

The EU isn’t offering a mode of association that grants full economic integration while allowing definitive, permanent, explicit detachment from its political quest.

The Treasury study and its covering note from George Osborne, UK chancellor of the exchequer, both make this limit clear, but they’re a little oblique on its cause. “No country has been able to negotiate any other sort of deal [other than EEA, Canada-style bilateral, or WTO],” Osborne says, “and it would not be in the EU’s interest to agree one.” Neither document says why, exactly, this would not be in the EU’s interest. The suggestion seems to be that other countries might want a similar dispensation—a point that ought to weigh in its favor.

Yet once you assume that the EU isn’t going to help Britain find a comfortable, mutually advantageous post-Brexit relationship with the EU, you next have to ask how far Europe might go to actually punish a British defection. Again, it’s impossible to knowbut my guess would be quite far, even at some economic cost to itself.

For this reason, the Treasury’s highest estimates of costs may substantially understate the risk. Again, though, the point is hardly one that Osborne and his officials can stress. “We have to stay allied with our friends in Europe, partners in this Continued on A11

her birthday with a statue of the Infant Jesus—and when Daddy went to Eastern Europe, among the most precious things he brought home was an image of the Infant Jesus of Prague—in a way, of prophecy that once more our house would ring with peals of children’s laughter. After having allowed us to go our way as adults, Daddy and Mommy once more enjoyed the laughter, the smiles, the fascination that only children can bring when their apos were born—Kinitt, Kubai and Koli.

April 23, 2016—they are frail now, and they need help to move along. They helped us walk when we were little; we must help them now. But God’s mercy has kept them together, and kept our family together. It is because of God’s graciousness that the seed planted by my parents has blossomed into careers that the three of us can be proud

of. And certainly, in their old age, they take great comfort in Kinitt, Kubai and Koli, even if the two of the three are abroad.

The shadows are definitely lengthening. It is the twilight of my parents’ day. But rather than fear the falling of night, our prayer as a family is the prayer of the disciples at Emmaus: REMAIN WITH US, LORD… because if these 60 years have been suffused with the mercy of God, then we do rest in the secure hope that He whose name is mercy has bliss untold awaiting us all. After all if it is eternal and His name is mercy, the peace, tranquility and loveliness of dusk should presage the glory of a day that is as eternal as the antiphon of the season: He is indeed risen, Alleluia! rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

PLUMBLINE

AFTER THE POLLS

PASTOR APOLLO QUIBOLOY ON THE morning after the elections, the people will know who their next president is.

The reports from the field are puzzle pieces, that when put together would reveal the portrait of the winner.

Although the official proclamation of the victor will come three to four weeks later during the congressional canvas of returns, the act of Congress is more of a ceremonial validation of the popular scorecard.

Here’s the timetable: Congress convenes on May 23.

Then it sits as a national board of canvassers, but letting a committee tally results transmitted by cities and provinces.

The soonest it can wrap up the proceedings is seven days, which is equivalent to the speed of light in a place where things inch in glacial pace. In 2010, it took Congress 12 days to crown then-Senator Benigno Aquino III winner, a pace its leaders hailed as fast.

Say the winner is proclaimed on May 31. This gives the president-elect 30 days to form a government in time for the inaugural which, by constitutional

edict, is on high noon of June 30.

From the moment he—or she—utters the “so help me God” phrase in the oath of office, the new president will then have a scant three weeks or so to prepare the maiden State of the Nation Address, which is on the fourth Monday of July.

After the Sona, where, by the way, the new president will witness the traditional mass migration of new converts, there’s a new tight deadline to be met—the submission of next year’s national budget to Congress.

Again by constitutional commandment, this thick catalogue of expenditures in fine print must be delivered to both houses of Congress within a month after the Sona.

Here, the new president has two options: Take the path of least resistance and rubberstamp his concurrence on the budget prepared by the previous administration.

Or order revisions, like inserting funding for his key projects, or at least de-mine the spending bill of programs he does not like.

From proclamation to Sona and budget deliveries, the mileposts are packed so closely, leaving no time for the winner to even take a victory lap.

In fact, the moment concession speeches and congratulatory calls are made, the heavy demands of the office about to be assumed are already thrust on him.

The load is made heavier by the need to heal the electoral cracks fast before they widen into political fault lines, to court those who did not vote for him, and consolidate his base by making an early down payment on the promises he made during the campaign.

In short, the campaign is not over for the victor. This time, though, the target of his courtship is the whole country because even if he got 30 percent of votes cast, it would mean that 70 percent did not vote for him.

This electoral math underscores this reality: the winner will be a minority president.

The sum of the votes of his opponents will be greater than his.

He must win over the 70 per-

cent, or they could congeal into an opposition base.

This is not to say that the price of incumbency is eternal campaigning but it will be easier for the minority president to govern effectively if he will be able to form a coalition government, picking talents from beyond his party.

He must have the maturity of a Lincoln, to be able to cobble together a team of rivals. This is not a masterstroke to co-opt them, but a sincere offer borne out of the reality that no group has the monopoly of talent, and one cannot spot talent through biased political lens.

One of the first mistakes the next president could make is to haphazardly choose the members of his Cabinet. The window to name senior officials may be narrow but it must not lead to panic appointments.

On this, vetting must be important. Offices are not spoils to be parceled out but hard labor to be assigned. Therefore, designations must be based on ability and never on affiliation.

If the new faces in government spell political diversity,

ENDING THE REFUGEE CRISIS

By Leonid Bershidsky THERE is an excellent reason for German Chancellor Angela Merkel to want a good relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: The European Union’s March deal with Turkey appears to have defused the refugee crisis for now. Merkel can now concentrate on political damage control and on restoring her position in the EU, undermined by a costly flutter of her compassionate heart last year.

Germany’s migration agency is still registering tens of thousands of asylum applications per month: 58,315 first-time applicants filed their paperwork in March, about 13 percent of the record-breaking 2015 total and more than in all of 2011. That, however, is mainly the backlog. Despite the latest tragedy in the Mediterranean in which as many as 500 people may have drowned between Libya and Italy, the Mediterranean refugee route is nowhere as busy as it was even during the more perilous winter months. This specifically concerns the easiest route—from Turkey to Greece across the Aegean Sea. Data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees show that the deal with Turkey—which allows Europe to return undocumented immigrants to that country in exchange for legally accepting an equal number of Syrians from Turkish refugee camps—has all but closed it: In the fall, there were days

when up to 10,000 people arrived by boat on the Greek islands. Earlier this month, those numbers shrank to fewer than 100 a day on average.

In a recent post, Jacob Funk Kirkegaard of the Peterson Institute for International Economics attributed the drying-up of the refugee river not to the EU-Turkey agreement but to ad-hoc border control measures imposed by countries along the route, particularly Macedonia, where troops have no qualms about using rubber bullets against refugees trying to cross the border from Greece.

Kirkegaard wrote that other nations are likely to implement similar measures if the refugees seek alternative routes: “Bulgaria and Albania would immediately replicate the Macedonian policy if flows through their territories increased, and the cost of the sea journey across the Mediterranean to Italy—where bigger boats are required—will be much higher than across the narrow Aegean Sea to Greek islands from Turkey. Numbers might reach the tens of thousands through such alternative routes but not levels high enough to become the kind of political emergency Europe experienced in late 2015 and early 2016.”

It’s probably true that the ice-cold welcome refugees have received along their path to Germany must have contributed to the declining flows. Yet the border fences, police harassment

and army operations against the immigrants have been around for some time, and they can’t explain the spectacular drop in recent arrivals in Greece.

The Turkish deal is clearly working. The deportations started on April 4, and 325 people have been returned from Greece, the EU said in a report released Wednesday. It fails to name the specific number of refugees accepted from Turkey in return, but the EU wants to keep their number within a 54,000-person quota to send a strong message to refugee communities that the risks of trying to get to Europe now outweigh the advantages.

The message, however, will be watered down if Turkey doesn’t do its part by admitting deportees. So the deal has costs: For example, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has threatened to stop enforcing the agreement unless the EU allows Turks visa-free travel by June.

European officials would like to wiggle out of their commitment to expedite this, but there’s little wiggle room. Bottling up Syrian refugees in Turkey—which reportedly sometimes shoots them when they try to come in and which is unable to provide them with work—is far from a humane solution, but it’s the only one that can remove the immediate political threat to Merkel and quell a ripening rebellion against German dominance in the EU. The result is a typical EU solu-

tion to a crisis: It relies on harsh ad-hoc measures from Balkan nations, some of which aren’t even EU members or destination countries for immigrants; a shaky deal with a fickle authoritarian ruler, who is prone to going after European comedians who insult him; and, most of all, on word-of-mouth among desperate, displaced people. This is a ball of nasty compromises and betrayals of European values, tied together with string—or perhaps with nothing more than the hope that it’s going to work somehow.

Merkel specializes in uneasy compromises, but unlike her successes from last year—the Greek bailout that kept the country within the euro zone and the improvised deal that stopped heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine—this latest one is embarrassing. German-led Europe has professed to stand on values. Instead, it is turning away a relatively small number of people—compared to its population—and resolving to keep them out, whatever the dire outcomes for those seeking refuge.

Merkel may come out the winner politically: Soon, she will be able to tell jittery Germans that the refugee problem has been solved. Yet the attempt at moral leadership that Merkel made by opening Germany’s doors—and, her critics say, creating the problem in the first place—has fizzled, and that cannot but damage Merkel’s longterm legacy. Bloomberg

then electoral wounds would heal fast. If they come from a narrow constituency, many might read it as the investiture of a new ruling class.

The first thing the winner must do is to reach out to his erstwhile adversaries and sincerely seek their help.

This reverses the convention that when it comes to forging government programs, it is winner-take-all. Nothing in the presidential protocol bars the winner from being humble.

The winner must also impress upon the nation the gravity of the challenges that lie ahead, one that requires the cooperation of all. The earlier this becomes the dominant narrative, the sooner his supporters would get this message: This is no time to gloat, but to govern.

If he can hit the ground running, he can use the first 100 days as the period to roll out prototypes of his government policies.

These may not be complete packages but they can convince those who did not vote for him that they portend the good times about to come.

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO Ambassador Del Rosario’s column will resume soon.

OUT OF THE BOX RITA LINDA V. JIMENO Atty. Jimeno’s column will resume soon.

The price... From A10 misguided project we don’t want, because if we leave, those dear like-minded neighbors will strive to destroy us.” As a call to European solidarity, it’s less than inspiring.

Britain has no good way out of this dilemma. Its best course is to stay in the union, but work tirelessly to obstruct political union and enlarge the exceptions and exemptions it’s secured up to now. It must keep on aiming to be both a member and not a member. After all, it’s had some success in proving that this can be done.

That way, for the time being, it will enjoy the benefits of close economic integration, while minimizing the collateral burdens. And eventually, if Britain is enough of a nuisance, a better-than-Norway deal might emerge after all—when Europe is finally driven to ask, “What would it take to get you to leave?” Bloomberg

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Hornets rout Heat, snap playoff skid Golovkin mauls Wade in 2 rounds

Frank Kaminsky III of the Charlotte Hornets shoots against the Miami Heat during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFP

By Ronnie Nathanielsz POPULAR International Boxing Federation/ International Boxing Organization/World Boxing Association middleweight world champion Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin (35-0, 32 KOs) destroyed America’s mandatory IBF challenger Dominic Wade (18-1, 12 KOs) in two rounds in a fabulous performance at the fabulous Forum in Los Angeles.

Golovkin, who is eyeing a huge bout against Canelo Alvarez, should the latter overcome Britain’s Silver welterweight champion Amir Khan, crushed Wade whom he dropped three times en route to victory.

At the start of the second, Boxing Scene reported that “Golovkin rattled Wade with a hard right hand in the opening moments of the fight and in a cocky gesture, he put his defense down and allowed Wade to hit him with several shots and laughed off the punches. Golovkin took those incoming shots and then scored a second knockdown with a hard combination. Wade got up with some struggles and seemed to be a finished product at that point.”

Upon rising to his feet, Wade threw a few punches and then got dropped for a third time. This time he was unable to get to his feet and stayed on the canvas for the full count.

Earlier, unbeaten pound-for-pound king Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzales dominated Puerto Rico’s former Olympian McWilliams Arroyo, but failed to put him away, winning by a lopsided decision with two judges scoring the fight 119-109 and the third by a 120-108 shutout.

It was the first time Gonzalez was taken the distance since his tough battle with reigning WBO/WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada.

Imperial, Alanis rule Bicol Open net tourney JONATHAN Imperial and Nica Alanis flashed superb form and came away with a pair of straight-set romps to capture the singles Open crowns in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala Bicol Open at Lignon, DPWH-Res, Camp. Ola and Binitayan Tennis Club courts last week.

Imperial survived Legazpi City’s Justine Prulla’s tough stand in the early before the Naga City bet stamped his class to complete a 6-4, 6-1 victory

in the men’s singles Open while Iriga City’s Alanis held off Naga City bet Julia Duminisac, 6-2, 6-4, to pocke thte ladies singles Open diadem.

Camarines Sur’s Randy Asis scored a 4-6, 3-0 (ret.) win over Partido, Camarines Sur’s Glenn Vergara to snare the crown in the 30-39 age group of the tournament which drew close to 500 players and capped a two-week long tennis festival presented by Slazenger and sponsored

by Palawan Pawnshop headed by

president and CEO Bobby Castro.

“We thank all the participants and supporters for ensuring the successful staging of this big event, the first time that Bicol region hosted a complete tennis tournament that featured our juniors, seniors and veterans along with their counterparts from the other regions,” said Rep. Al Francis Bichara, who also cited Palawan Pawnshop’s role in tennis promotion and development in the country.

Other age group winners in the tournament, sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association and backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusively distributor of Slazenger, the official ball, were Mike Mathias from Naga City (40-44), Chino Arcangel from Legazpi City (45-49), Lito Gallenito from Sorsogon (5054), Nasser Mortiga from Camarines Norte (55-59), Danilo Gardon from Sorsogon (60-64) and Carding Chavez from Naga City (65-59).

Nadal, Nishikori set up Barcelona final BARCELONA—Top two seeds Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori will face each other in the final of the Barcelona Open on Sunday after comfortably easing past Philipp Kohlschreiber and Benoit Paire respectively in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Nadal continued his perfect start to the European clay-court season having won the Monte Carlo Masters last week with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Kohlschreiber.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion is now just one win away from matching Argentine legend Guillermo Vilas’s record of 49 claycourt titles.

However, Nadal will have to end Nishikori’s hot-streak of 14 consecutive wins in Barcelona as he swept aside French sixth seed Paire 6-3, 6-2.

Neither Nadal or Nishikori have even dropped a set in the Catalan capital this week and Nadal is expecting a stiff test if he is to win a ninth title in Barcelona.

“It will be a very difficult match against one of the best players in the world without doubt,” he told Spanish TV station Teledeporte.

“I have to be prepared and give my best.”

Nadal needed just one break to take the first set, but had to be patient in the second as he fended off a break point before winning the final four games of the match to seal his place in the final.

“Of my last six matches perhaps it was the one where I had least rhythm,” added Nadal.

“I missed a lot more on my backhand, but I overcame that well and (am) very happy to be in the final again.”

Paire had beaten Nishikori in their two most recent meetings in Nishikori’s homeland in Tokyo and in a five-set thriller at the US Open last year.

However, Nishikori rarely looked troubled after breaking to lead 3-2 before a second break sealed the first set 6-3.

Both players struggled on serve early in the second, but three breaks in the first four games put Nishikori 3-1 in front and he went on to seal his 14th straight win in Barcelona in just over an hour on court.

“I love Barcelona, I’m very comfortable playing this tournament. It’s been great this three years and I hope I can play a very good match tomorrow,” said Nishikori. AFP

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns the ball to German tennis player Philipp Kohlschreiber during the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament in Barcelona. AFP

LOS ANGELES— Jeremy Lin scored 18 points to lead a balanced Charlotte attack on Saturday as the Hornets beat the Miami Heat 96-80 for their first NBA playoff victory in 14 years.

After two deflating defeats in Miami, the Hornets fed off their home crowd to trim the deficit in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference firstround series to 2-1.

In the late game Saturday, Damian Lillard scored a game high 32 points as the Portland Trail Blazers beat Los Angeles 96-88 to cut the Clippers lead in the series to 2-1.

The Hornets led by five points at halftime, and held the Heat scoreless for almost seven minutes in an 18-0 scoring run in the third quarter that built their lead to 71-53.

The cushion grew to as many as 24 points in the fourth quarter as six Charlotte players finished in double figures.

It was a complete reversal from the Heat’s 106-80 home win in game one and a 115-103 win in game two.

“Our intensity, our defense, our communication was so much better,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said.

“So it’s a good win and if we can come back and play better in some areas Monday night, it’ll give us a chance to tie the series.”

Kemba Walker contributed 17 points and rookie Frank Kaminsky, part of yet another new starting lineup from coach Steve Clifford, added 15.

Marvin Williams notched a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds, and the Hornets set a club post-season record for fewest turnovers with four.

The Heat, who combined to shoot 57.8 percent in winning two games in Miami, hit 10 of their first 15 shots but then struggled to find the basket.

They missed nine straight attempts during Charlotte’s 18-0 run, connecting on 34.2 percent from the field for the game.

Luo Deng led the Heat with 19 points. Dwayne Wade scored 17 and Hassan Whiteside added 13 points and 18 rebounds for the Heat, who will try to rebound on the road in game four on Monday.

The Michael Jordan-owned Hornets, meanwhile, will be trying to build on the momentum of their first post-season win since they reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals in the 2001-02 season. AFP

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Salomon X-Trail PH: When runners test their limits

LIMITS were tested, boundaries were pushed as more than a thousand runners converged for one of the biggest trail running event of the season – the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016 – last April 9.

Over five years since its inception, the Salomon X-Trail Run continues to be the most anticipated trail running event throughout the Asia-Pacific Region. With competitions held in unique and exotic locations in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines, it is reputed for mounting the most challenging and scenic trail running races that feature a mixture of different terrain surfaces, including vertical ascents, long uphill climbs, with multi-surfaces of dirt, rocks, sand, and concrete paths.

In the Philippines, the Salomon XTrail Run has been held for 5 consecutive years, in exclusive venues– ensuring that the race venues not only demonstrate the majestic beauty of nature but also, offer participants a stimulating and unique trail running experience. This year, Salomon decided to hold its 5th installment at the Subic Freeport Zone in Zambales, where new trail routes were created exclusively for this year’s race.

Known for its thick forest areas with steep and technical descents, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone definitely served this year’s trail racers a grueling challenge as they dashed through its lush paths, long roads, hills, rivers, and valleys. However, the breathtaking view around Subic surely made the fiercely demanding track exhilarating, as it is delightful.

At the crack of dawn, trail runners of the 32km Mountain Run began to embark on their adrenaline-filled journey through a route that possesses a mixture of different terrains – from asphalt and sand, to rocks, river crossing, and technical ascents. The category simulated ascents of Skyrunning races – an arena wherein Salomon dominates. To add more to the pressure, a 7-hour cut-off time was imposed for the participants.

Committed in ensuring that each race leaves as little to no harmful environmental consequences, the Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2016 remained strictly, a GREEN RUN. As such, no disposables were provided at the hydration stations, which required participants to bring their own provisions.

Leading trail running brand Salomon gathers over a thousand runners and outdoor enthusiasts for an incredible actionpacked weekend.

All eyes on Zaragosa RUPERT Zaragosa braces for a spirited battle for top honors against a slew of rising stars, including a Korean and a young Japanese, as the 2016 Philippine Amateur Open Match Play Golf Championship gets going Monday at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Zaragosa primed up for the event with a dominant performance in the special 18-and-above class of the Philippine Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship (Strokeplay) two weeks ago, posting a 14-stroke romp over Airon Sorino at Sherwood Hills Golf Club.

Tom Kim ruled the main event in come-from-behind fashion as the young Ko-

rean shotmaker playing out of Riviera likewise heads to this week’s event, sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, Smart, PLDT and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and hosted by Ochard Golf and Country Club, brimming with confidence and riding the momentum of his two-stroke victory over Ryan Monsalve.

But focus will also be on

Japanese Yuto Katsuragawa, who bagged back-to-back low amateur honors in the Asian Development Tour and ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour events at Manila Southwoods and Sherwood Hills the last two weeks.

That guarantees a fierce duel for top honors in the men’s division of the weeklong event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines and held as PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour.

Marc Ong nipped Aidric Chan while Harmie Constantino defeated Sam Bruce to capture last year’s crown but the Singaporean backed out at the last minute while Constantino begged off due

to academic commitments.

But this year’s field remains as deep as ever with Zaragosa, winner of the first MVPSF Visayas Regional Match Play recently, and Kim sizing up each other early in the 8 a.m. flight on No. 1 with Don Petil and Ira Alido at the start of the 36-hole stroke play elims.

The top 32 will advance to the knockout phase starting Wednesday.

The Manila Southwoodsbased Katsuragawa, on the other hand, tees off in the next group at 8:10 a.m. in the company of Lanz Atienza Uy, Nico Sevilla and Paqo Barro, while Monsalve starts ahead of Zaragosa and Kim at 7:50 a.m. along with Gabriel Manotoc, Luigi Guerrero and Peter Po.

NHL participation in Rio Olympics doubtful LOS ANGELES—The NHL’s participation in future Winter Olympics is under threat in negotiations between the league and the International Olympic Committee, US media reported Saturday.

ESPN.com reported that the NHL, the NHL Players Association and the International Ice Hockey Federation met last week,

with the international governing body reporting that the IOC doesn’t want to reimburse some of expenses previously paid for the North American league and players who took part in the Games.

The IOC has helped cover expenses such as insurance for players and travel costs since NHL players began taking part in Nagano in 1998.

The NHL’s participation in future Games has been uncertain for some time, with commissioner Gary Bettman saying during the Sochi Olympics in 2014 that more negotiations were needed to decide if the league’s stars would take part in 2018.

League owners find it difficult to shut down competition for

more than a fortnight in the middle of the NHL season and are also worried about injuries like the one suffered by Canada’s John Tavares in Sochi.

However, the NHL could work out a deal to play in the 2018 Games in South Korea and the 2022 Olympics in Beijing in a bid to expand interest in the sport in Asia. AFP

Tablenet summer camp lures hundreds

PTTA officers during Summer Table Tennis Camp. (From left) PTTA Coach Bhong Allorde, PTTA Board Member Charisse Abalos, PTTA President and Co-Founder Jon Ebuen, PTTA Coach Gener Galang, PTTA Coach Myralee Joy Bulda.

HUNDREDS of participants all over Metro Manila, particularly young tennis enthusiasts have attended the recent Philippine Table Tennis Academy Summer Table Tennis Clinic last April 15 to 20 at the Mandaluyong Elementary School Gymnasium in Mandaluyong City.

PTTA President Jon Ebuen, who was a former national and No. 1 Philippines men’s table tennis player before, said the purpose of the Summer Camp

was to develop aspiring kids to learn the right way.

“We made this first ever Summer Table Tennis Camp to increase the awareness of the kids [how to play the sport table tennis],” said Ebuen.

“I would like to thank also all the participants, who attended the camp, the parents, and the government of Mandaluyong City for making this Summer Camp possible.”

Ebuen, also the founder of PTTA, said the Sum-

mer Camp was available for kids of all ages who play basic, intermediate and advance table tennis. The six-day Summer Camp was facilitated by the best tennis coaches, headed by Bhong Allorde, Gener Galang and Myralee Joy Bulda.

“I really wanted to make table tennis a mainstream sport like basketball and volleyball, that’s how I envisioned it together with the PTTA,” added Ebuen.

Table tennis promotes character development, active healthy lifestyle, mental toughness and skills development as an individual sport.

Aside from Ebuen, PTTA Board Member Charrise Abalos believes table tennis is the sport for Filipinos.

“We are very glad if we can produce the best table tennis players, who will play for our country in the future. That’s our goal,” said Abalos.

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Donaire, Magsayo crush foes

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

TWO weeks after Manny Pacquiao scored an impressive unanimous 12-round decision in his trilogy with Timothy Bradley and announced he was hanging up his gloves to pursue his mission of public service if he gets elected to the Senate in next month’s elections, Nonito Donaire stepped up to assume the Filipino ring icon’s mantle of national sports hero by crushing former Hungarian Olympian and world No. 4-ranked Zsolt Bedak in three rounds before an ecstatic crowd of 25,000 supporters at the Cebu City Sports Center Saturday night.

After an initial feeling-out round, Donaire connected with his lethal left hook to send the challenger, himself known as “Mr. Left Hook,” crashing to the canvas midway in Round 2.

With blood dripping from his battered nose, Bedak gamely got up

only to be deposited on the seat of his trunks with another vicious left hook that had “no mercy” written all over it.

The bell mercifully saved the Hungarian Olympian, who had lost only once before in his career as a pro in a

title fight against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., who won by a 10th-round TKO after Bedak, who suffered a broken jaw in Round 2, survived in a gallant effort for eight more rounds before he called it quits.

Vasquez himself was dropped and beaten in lopsided fashion by Donaire, who won the super bantamweight title at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas some years ago.

It was clear the end was near as Donaire, cheered on by fight fans, who had embraced him after his heroic battle against an unbelievably strong Cesar Juarez of Mexico to win the 122-pound crown for the second time following his crushing sixth-round stoppage loss at the hands of the bigger, stronger Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters, chased the wobbly challenger and ripped into him this time with a cracking right hand that dropped Bedak for a third time, giving renowned referee Russell Mora no choice but to call a halt to the massacre at 2:44 of the third round.

Despite a battered, bloodied face with blood dripping from his nose and mouth, Bedak assured media that he was fine.

Donaire won the hearts of the hometown crowd by speaking in Bisaya, since the island of Cebu is

proud of its language and boxing heritage.

With this memorable performance, Donaire showed that he is indeed worthy of the moniker “Flash”, a name that was worn by Cebu’s favorite son and legendary boxer, Gabriel Elorde, the son of a poor farmer from the town of Bogo and who was the longest-reigning Filipino world champion until WBO light flyweight Donnie Nietes punched his way to surpass the record in January last year.

ALA Promotions’ president Michael Aldeguer, who teamed up with lead promoter Top Rank and the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN, told The Standard that the plan is to see whether Donaire’s next title defense could also be staged in the Philippines in the face of the massive support from Filipino fight fans looking for someone to carry the torch for Philippine boxing.

In a fight that fired the imagination and thrilled the sometimes anxious crowd, unbeaten Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo came off the canvas in Round 3 of an action-packed battle to turn the tide against the far more experienced California’s Chris “Hitman” Avalos, who was dreaming of re-establishing his credentials as a world title contender. Turn to A15

Asian volley tournament drawing of lots slated

The hands of Nonito Donaire are raised after he crushed former Hungarian Olympian and world No. 4-ranked Zsolt Bedak in three rounds at the sprawling Cebu City Sports Center Saturday night.

Romero: PH sports development a priority DR. Mikee Romero yesterday reassured the sporting community that the party list will never back down on its promise to put national sports development as its top priority.

The 1Pacman party-list nominee also said he is staking his name and his long involvement in quite a number of sports disciplines as he aims to fulfill his promise of giving back to the sporting community which helped raised him as a sports and business leader.

Romero, one of the country’s youngest sports leaders, has been supporting sports through his Globalport Batang Pier team in the Philippine Basketball Association and Manila Sharks polo team.

He was also involved in shooting, a sport he practiced among other disciplines.

“I’ve always loved and supported sports development in the country. What we need is a comprehensive grassroots plan to tap the

youth in sports starting in schools and barangays,” he said.

1Pacman, No. 25 on the ballot, through Romero, has been endorsed by different sports personalities such as Gilas Pilipinas’ Jason Castro and Terrence Romero and PBA MVP James Yap. “Through 1Pacman, I am seeking to represent the marginalized sectors of our society in Congress, aiming to focus not only in sports, but also in education and job creation,” Romero explained.

Romero was a varsity player at De La Salle University where he earned his Management degree. He has a masters degree in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management, and two doctorate degrees in Business Administration and Political Economics from the International Academy of Management and Economics-Philippines

and De La Salle University.

He explained that the Philippines can produce more world-class athletes like Manny Pacquiao, Lydia de Vega, Paeng Nepomuceno and Arianne Cerdena if more funds will be allotted for sports development and training.

“What we need is for the government to focus on developing young athletes and providing them venues to compete like the Palarong Pambansa. Many of our youth have the talent and skills, but what they need is extensive training and opportunities to compete in high level tournaments” Romero said.

Once elected, Romero said, he will seek to provide more funding for school and barangay-based sports programs.

“I want to give back to the Philippine youth community,” reiterating his stand for equal opportunities to all through sports.

THE country’s hosting of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Asian Women’s Club Championship goes full blast beginning with the drawing of lots this Wednesday at the Foton showroom in Quezon City.

AVC technical delegate Jaksuwan Tocharoen and AVC marketing and development committee chairman Ramon Suzara will supervise the ceremony that will determine the composition of the pool play in the preliminary round.

It will be the second time for the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. to host an Asian tournament since formally becoming the country’s duly recognized national association for volleyball last year.

Aside from successfully staging the Asian U23 Women’s Championship, the Philippines also competed in various international tournaments such as the AVC Asian Seniors Women’s Championship in China, the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore, the AVC Asian U23 Men’s Championship in Myanmar, the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship in Vietnam and the AVC Asian Men’s Club Championship in Taipei.

It also extended its commitment to some invitational tourneys like the VTV Cup in Vietnam and the Thai-Denmark Super League in Thailand recently.

“We thank the LVPI, through its president Mr. Joey Romasanta, for throwing its full commitment to our mission of bringing the Philippines back in the international volleyball map,” said Suzara, who is also the president of the Philippine Superliga.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Albay’s SEA Games bid to be reviewed

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine Olympic Committee will study the province of Albay’s capabilities in sharing the hosting rights the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. said this after learning that the province is willing to have a stake in the responsibility of holding some of the events of the biennial meet.

“Titingnan natin kung saan ang mga pinakamagandang lugar na puwedeng dalhin ito at kung ano ang iaalok,” remarked Cojuangco.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda expressed his confidence that the province can handle the SEA Games after they successfully hosted the 2016 Palarong Pambansa.

Salceda said he is now in the process of writing a letter to the proper authorities in

the POC, Philippine Sports Commission and Malacanang.

If given a chance, Salceda said Albay can host athletics and swimming, and other outdoor sports like cycling and archery.

“Pagdating sa joint operations command, incident monitoring, planning and execution, nandoon na,” added Salceda, On the other hand, Cojuangco said they can’t let a province handle just two to three events. It has to be able to able to accept responsibility for multiple events.

“Hindi basta-basta ang pag-host ng SEA Games. Baka mapahiya tayo,” added Cojuangco.

Cebu is PH boxing hotbed LOCKER ROOM RANDY CALUAG

THE throng of Cebuano boxing fans that came in droves to watch the Nonito Donaire-bannered “The Time Has Come” fight card on Saturday night at the spacious Cebu City Sports Center outdoor field reaffirmed Cebu’s reputation as the country’s boxing mecca.

An estimated record crowd of 25,000 watched US-raised, Bohol-native Donaire stamp his class against an overmatched Hungarian challenger Zsolt Bedak, whom he stopped via TKO in the third round to retain his WBO superbantamweight belt.

The boxing card, presented

by ALA promotions in partnership with Top Rank and ABS-CBN Sports, could go down as the most attended boxing ever in the country.

The massive turnout of fans, usually seen only in football events, erased the previous 15,000 crowd that witnessed the “Battle of Cebu” featuring Cebuano pride Z “The Dream” Gorres and Mexico’s Fernando Montiel in their battle for the WBO superflyweight title in February 2007.

That fight also took place at the same venue, but the Ce-

buano left in dismay as Gorres lost via a controversial split decision. Gorres had his glowing boxing career cut short following a near-fatal bout in the US in 2009 that had him in coma for weeks before finally recovering after several months of therapy.

Gorres, who was one of ALA’s top prospects at the time, collapsed after winning via 10-round unanimous decision over Columbian Luis Melendez in their bantamweight bout in Las Vegas in 2009. He ended his career with 31W-2L-2D record.

Curiously, Gorres was among specials guests on Saturday night when the Cebuano fans were treated to Donaire’s triumphant act.

Donaire’s performance was so impressive that he said he’s done with fighting “class B” fighters and now he wants to take on the best again, expressing his desire to have a rematch with former tormentor Guillermo Rigondauex and Nicholas Walters or pursue a unification bout with current IBF champion Card Frampton. *** What made the Cebuanos doubly happy though were the impressive victories of ALA boys Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo and Jason Pagara, who remained on track for world title shots.

Magsayo remained un-

beaten in 14 bouts following a sixth-round stoppage of tough American foe Chris Avalos to become the WBO International featherweight champion. Pagara scored a unanimous decision win over Mexican Miguel Zamudio in their welterweight bout.

Magsayo’s impressive showing though proved enough for ALA general manager Michael Aldeguer to line him up for a world title bout probably in July in the US. Due to the success of the promotion, Michael, who has effectively taken over the reins at ALA from Aldeguer patriarch Tony, said he there will definitely more events to be held not only in Cebu, but also in other parts of Asia, some in partnership again with Top Rank led by Bob Arum.

“We are very happy with the success of the event tonight.

Everything went smoothly,” said the young Aldeguer, who revealed that the next stop would be in Dubai.

Earlier, Top Rank representative Brad Jacobs, told the media, local and international, has assured that they will be coming back to Cebu for more shows.

“We’re promoted all over the world and to do that, you need to have good partners.

We couldn’t ask for more with the people of ALA promotions and ABS-CBN around.”

DLSU’s Kim Kianna Dy (right) scores against Ateneo’s Kassandra Gequillana in Game 1 of the UAAP Volleyball finals at the Araneta Coliseum. DLSU won, 3-0. EY ACASIO

Galang won’t be denied this time

By Peter Atencio ARA Galang will not be denied the chance of playing with the La Salle Lady Spikers in the finals of the 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball finals.

Her season ended in frustration last year, when the Lady Spikers played in the finals of Season 77 without her, losing to the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

While the Lady Spikers beat the NU Bulldogs in their Final Four round match to advanced to the finals, Galang couldn’t join her team as she suffered from tears to her Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Medial Collateral Ligament and medial miniscus, plus a big bone bruise.

With Galang watching from the bench in crutches, the Ateneo Lady Eagles eventually won the crown via a two-game sweep of their bestof-three finals.

This time around, the 5’8” Galang is back at her most productive self, hitting 10 points as the Taft-based spikers gave the Lady Eagles their first first championship series setback in three years.

With Kim Dy leading with 15 points, La Salle posted a 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 win in Game 1 of the 78th UAAP women’s volleyball title showdown Saturday at the Big Dome.

“Masaya ako. We’re one step closer to our goal. Pero hindi kami dapat ma-satisfy sa isang panalong iyon,” said Galang.

Donaire...

From A14

The American didn’t reckon with the courage of Magsayo, who demonstrated the heart of a lion and jumped into Avalos, who was bloodied and battered as he wobbled to his corner, dazed and unsure of where he was.

His corner tried desperately to revive him and took more time than allowed in-between rounds, which forced referee Danrex Tapdasan to virtually pull Avalos from the clutches of his

handlers as trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor rushed across the ring to the American corner to complain about the inordinate delay, even as the ring doctor checked him out.

A loaded hook ripped into Avalos sending him into the ropes before another flurry of punches saw referee Tapdasan stop the battering at 1:55 of Round 6 as a towel came floating in from the Avalos corner. The crowd

who had gone through some anxious moments erupted into a frenzy of cheers.

When the fight was stopped, judge Katsuhiko Nakamura of Japan had Magsayo slightly ahead, 47-46, while Filipino judge Greg Ortega had Magsayo leading by a comfortable 48-45 margin, while another international Filipino judge Salven Lagumbay had Avalos in front, 47-46.

The Lady Spikers banked on a tough defensive frontline behind Mika Reyes, Dy and Joy Baron.

And with the three dominating the frontline, Cy Demecillo found a way to give La Salle a 23-18 spread in the first set with her block.

“The girls were more relaxed in this game. Taking a 4-0 lead early gave them a chance to regain their composure,” said Lady Spikers’ coach Ramil de Jesus.

This time, Ateneo found it difficult to get past La Salle’s defensive wall, with the Lady Spikers challenging Alyssa Valdez’s every move at the front of the net.

Valdez, who had 17 points, struck with four kills in the second set to put Ateneo ahead, 21-17, from a 17-all tie. But attacks from Dy, a net error and a block by Galang off Valdez, allowed La Salle to take the second set.

In the third set, Dy, Baron and Mika Reyes alternated in scoring hits at the front to help La Salle take a 17-11 lead.

Meanwhile, Valdez credited La Salle for their desire to win Game 1.

“We have been fighting it out for the last five years. We know each other’s games. We just need to loosen up and be happy when we play our next game,” said Valdez.

The Lady Spikers are hopeful that they can get it in Game 2 on Wednesday.

But, Valdez, who felt that the Lady Eagles did not have the killer instinct in Game 2, said she vows to be back fighting.

“Sa next game siguro. That’s the goal,” said Valdez.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-0

P16M

3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A16

m o n day : a p ri l 2 5 , 2 0 1 6 riEra U. mall ari EDITOR

rEUEl vidal A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

sports@thestandard.com.ph

sports

SMB’s Tyler Wilkerson (right) drives against Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game won by the Painters, 98-94.

Painters surprise Beermen

By Jeric lopez

ONCE again, Jeff Chan reminded everyone of his clutch-shooting genes. games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum): 7 p.m. - Meralco vs. Alaska Chan hit the crucial shots to help Rain or Shine pull off a come-from-behind 98-94 triumph over top seed San Miguel Beer in Game 1 of their best-ofseven semifinal series in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.

Chan scored five points in the

final two minutes, including a vital go-ahead triple from the left elbow that gave Rain or Shine a pivotal 95-94 edge going into the final minute.

From there, the Beermen weren’t able to answer, while rookie Maverick Ahanmisi, who played big all game long, knocked down four free throws in the final minute to seal the Painters’ victory and give them a 1-0 series lead.

Ahanmisi had a career night, scoring 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds on top of four

assists to power Rain or Shine, which trailed for the first three quarters before completing a methodical comeback in the final period to snatch the win.

“It’s just one of those comebacks that will linger in your memory,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “I almost gave up on the guys, but the guys did not give up on me.”

Game 2 is scheduled tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the same venue as the Elasto Painters shoot for a bigger 2-0 lead.

The Beermen, on the other hand, will aim for the equalizer.

San Miguel Beer led by double-digits for almost the entire first half, zooming to a huge 33-

17 cushion at the end of one and a 50-40 lead at the half following the hot start.

But the composed Elasto Painters remained patient, before they slowly but surely chipped away at San Miguel’s lead until finally taking the driver’s seat down the stretch with the game on the line.

San Miguel had no response to Rain or Shine’s second-half rally as the Painters’ relentless attack on both ends helped their cause.

Tyler Wilkerson led all scorers, pacing San Miguel with his 40 points.

Meanwhile, Meralco and Alaska are set to kick-off their own best-of-seven semis clash today at 7 p.m., also at the Big Dome.

hornets end plAyoff skid

donAire, mAgsAyo crush foes

turn to A12

turn to A14

PH boxer falls to Cuadras By ronnie nathanielsz THE Philippines’ No. 1-ranked flyweight Richie Mepranum was mauled by unbeaten super flyweight Mexican champion Carlos Cuadras, who made his sixth successful defense of his world title in Los Mochis, Mexico on Sunday morning (Manila time).

Cuadras dominated the one-sided bout, which was mercifully halted when the Filipino challenger quit on his stool at the start of Round 9.

With the win, Cuadras improved to 35-0-1 with 27 knockouts and immediately called out unbeaten World Boxing Council flyweight champion and poundfor-pound No. 1 Roman “Chocalatito” Gonzalez of Nicaragua, who earlier beat challenger McWiliams Arroyo unanimously, with two judges scoring it 119-109 and the third judge turning in a 120-108 shutout.

“We want Chocolatito (unbeaten World flyweight king Roman Gonzalez) or El Gallo (unified flyweight titlist Juan Francisco Estrada,” Cuadras said.

B1

MONDAY: APRIL 25, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

First Gen award.

First Gen Corp., a Lopez Group company, receives an award from the PMAP Human Resources Foundation Inc. for outstanding achievement in the area of clean air and climate change. First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno (third from left) poses after he delivered a presentation of First Gen’s business, environmental, community and employee welfare activities. With him are PMAP Foundation officers (from left) Edgardo Soriano, Orlando Peña and Jesse Francis Rebustillo. First Gen received the ‘2016 Tanging Bayani ng Kalikasan Award’ during the recent PMAP Summit on Clean Air held recently in Manila.

PSe comPoSite index Closing April 22, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,255.39 2.46

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing April 22, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

PH, 4 European states to sign free trade deal

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines is expected to sign this week a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, the first bilateral agreement under the Aquino administration.

EFTA is a free trade area consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

“We’ll get the notice of signing if not Monday [April 25], it should be [within this week].

There’s no need for the president to sign this. I will sign in behalf of our president,” Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal. Jr. said at the sidelines of Manila Fame Trade Exhibition 2016.

Cristobal is set to go to Bern, Switzerland this week to sign the free trade agreement with repre-

sentatives of four EFTA states.

He said the agreement was very important for the Philippines and would be more comprehensive than the country’s first FTA with Japan.

“The significance of FTA with EFTA is its comprehensiveness.

It’s not the number of chapters but the fact that it’s a comprehensive FTA for the Philippines, that’s significant,” he said.

Cristobal said the Philippines was expected to feel the impact of the trade deal within a year or

two. “That’s why our strategy is to ramp up the negotiations,” he said.

Cristobal said he would be accompanied by at least four Filipino businessmen, representing the tuna and electronics sectors.

The government is currently developing a work program to encourage and promote utilization of the free trade agreement and enable Philippine industries to benefit from the opportunities and potential of the Philippines-EFTA agreement.

The Philippines is targeting a more permanent and long-term relationship through a bilateral trade agreement with EFTA. Establishing a strong foothold in the European market is a key component of the country’s

trade strategy, according to the Trade Department.

Top Philippine exports to the EFTA member states include gold in semi-manufactured forms, digital monolithic integrated circuits, aircraft parts, printed circuits, artificial teeth and silver while top imports from EFTA include medicaments, diagnostic or laboratory reagents, parts of airplanes or helicopters and wrist-watches.

The improving market access with Europe through EFTA will encourage investments in the services and non-services sector, bring in high-value added products, technological knowhow, and capital from their highly developed economies to the Philippine economy.

P46.650

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P46.520 LOW P46.680 AVERAGE P46.578 VOLUME 819.300M

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 Friday, April 22, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.3840

Japan

Yen

0.009140

0.4239

UK

Pound

1.431900

66.4172

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128919

5.9798

Switzerland

Franc

1.026378

47.6075

Canada

Dollar

0.785669

36.4425

Singapore

Dollar

0.741235

34.3814

Australia

Dollar

0.773600

35.8827

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656889

123.2371

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266738

12.3724

Brunei

Dollar

0.738498

34.2545

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028569

1.3251

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.6298

Euro

Euro

1.128700

52.3536

Korea

Won

0.000878

0.0407

China

Yuan

0.154297

7.1569

India

Rupee

0.015043

0.6978

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.257202

11.9301

New Zealand

Dollar

0.690800

32.0421

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030984

1.4372 Source: PDS Bridge

PAL earmarks $800m to acquire six planes, spare parts

By Darwin G. Amojelar FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines has programmed up to $800 million in capital expenditures this year to acquire six new aircraft and spare parts, its top executive said over the weekend.

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista told reporters the investmemnt would be between $600 million and $800 million this year, higher from last year’s $400 million capex.

Bautista said the airline would spend the amount to acquire six airplanes and spare parts.

“We are taking delivery of six more airplanes this year—two Boeing 777-300 ER and four Airbus 321,” he said.

PAL earlier signed a deal with Airbus to acquire six A350-900 jets worth $1.8 billion, with an option to buy six others to support its long-haul operations.

PAL plans to deploy the A350 XWB (extra wide body), which

seats more than 300, on new routes to North America and Europe. The first A350 is scheduled to be delivered in 2018.

Bautista said the Philippine airline industry was expected to grow a little bit over the worldwide average of 6 percent to 7 percent this year. “[But] the problem is the capacity of the airlines to grow because of too much airport congestion,” Bautista said.

He said the company expects

to carry 14 million domestic and international passengers this year, higher from 12 million passengers last year.

Bautista said the airline expects to post a higher profit in 2015 from a year ago.

The flag carrier’s total comprehensive income reached $20.4 million in 2014, breaking a threeyear losing streak and setting the airline on a path to sustained growth.

The airline, now wholly-owned

by tycoon Lucio Tan after he bought back a 49-percent stake that San Miguel Corp. purchased from him in 2012, posted a comprehensive income of P6.55 billion in the first nine months of 2015, up from P169.1 million in 2014.

PAL Holdings attributed the sharp increase in comprehensive income during the period to strong revenues, which rose 10.8 percent to P81.98 billion from P73.98 billion in 2014.

MONDAY: APRIL 25, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS Weekly STockS revieW STOCKS

APRIL 18-22, 2016 Close Volume

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine Trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

3.14 46.3 103.70 90.00 38.5 3.00 1.53 14.2 16.16 7.60 1.78 600.50 0.620 84.45 0.96 14.58 25.20 53.50 102.9 395 270 31.9 169 1427.00 57.50 1.57

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

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

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

LBC Express Leisure & Resorts B Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp.

Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’ SPC Power Corp.

Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

44.75 4.41 0.82 1.42 13.62 61 220.00 19 136.1 202 18.22 48.5 2.32 5.6 11.16 9.250 8.08 5.88 7.50 1.67 20.9 69.8 14.04 14.00 5.8 2.540 223.40 11.1 7.98 35.00 2.09 3.5 27.45 21.9 6.68 337.00 4.49 3.78 10.80 3.18 11.64 4.61 1.58 2.8 4.33 2.4 4.7 212.6 4.1 2.77 0.160 1.23 2.62 202.4 4.9 1.09 34.00 1.28

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ F&J Prince ‘B’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. IPM Holdings JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ LT Group Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Transgrid Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.365 65.00 16.46 1.11 6.06 0.315 0.325 787 8.63 12.36 5.35 5.11 5.61 0.212 1381 6.49 9.73 83.40 4.9 5.51 5.08 7.65 0.7 15.68 0.485 5.79 3.38 0.0330 1.360 1.890 2.78 74.05 955.50 1.17 0.80 195.00 161.000 0.3200 0.2030 0.285

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

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. `A’ Centennial City City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Keppel Properties Megaworld Prop.

7.850 7.22 1.28 2.320 0.280 34.700 3.03 5.15 6 0.550 0.97 1.060 0.130 0.485 36.4 0.830 0.150 1.06 1.88 1.28 5.00 4.1

Value

FINANCIAL 7,024,520.00 2,646,275.00 665,733,473 650,615,052.00 32,596,275.00 370,320.00 4,304,060.00 407,762.00 136,945,890.00 72,484 62,700.00 1,597,760.00 8,045,660.00 833,797,522.50 611,710.00 17,399,900.00 5,040.00 24,985,767.50 239,897.50 172,940.00 10,712,712.00 50,203,490 1,440,179,440.00 831,185.00 7,290,725.00 2,910,270.00 INDUSTRIAL 10,338,800 456,476,280.00 4,466,600 20,713,358.00 1,315,000 1,066,910.00 18,088,000 26,055,670.00 297,800 3,787,980.00 2,030 121,592.00 80 17,600.00 3,135,300 60,727,194 180 28,639.00 24,040 5,563,824.00 854,900 15,971,102.00 462,200 22,337,140 3,546,000 8,282,500.00 7,509,000 42,830,889.00 317,900 3,523,124.00 11,819,800 108,856,473.00 9,007,300 72,718,160.00 38,654,300 226,013,804.00 3,074,000 22,560,098.00 6,000 9,980.00 11,923,700 254,405,190.00 714,740 49,993,039.50 102,500 1,513,014.00 945,600 12,913,582.00 2,461,500 14,256,130.00 18,418,000 47,435,750.00 2,847,660 638,947,944.00 79,700 904,680.00 399,800 3,146,137.00 479,600 1,857,630.00 224,000 455,810.00 1,088,460.00 300,000 6,654,700 181,895,900.00 1,371,200 30,153,635.00 1,463,100 9,789,227.00 1,026,810 345,630,334.00 3,000 13,460.00 4,332,000 16,410,130.00 59,938,200 645,401,194.00 149,003 493,640.00 152,800 1,771,200.00 1,891,000 8,480,590.00 1,750,000 2,787,680.00 12,740,000 35,020,920.00 3,825,000 16,514,710.00 10,000 24,400.00 9,000 42,270.00 192,740 42,394,556.00 128,000 514,170.00 4,478,000 12,285,630 28,090,000 4,504,350.00 602,000 724,380.00 37,788,000 100,971,790.00 9,316,340 1,898,778,850.00 340,000 1,645,430.00 226,137,000 262,654,410.00 3,800 118,470.00 1,721,000 2,242,450.00 HOLDING FIRMS 580,000 209,600.00 6,612,230 423,609,944.00 24,378,300 400,045,520.00 162,000 180,420.00 19,000 115,734.00 35,470,000 11,045,000.00 5,020,000 1,539,500.00 1,440,590 1,123,365,880.00 14,708,900 125,595,289.00 34,518,300 428,182,850.00 169,400 884,268.00 1,300 6,643.00 4,149,800 23,587,504.00 760,000 163,080.00 442,060 608,361,615.00 79,400 515,306.00 7,390,500 71,975,255.00 8,117,910 666,446,627.50 2,000 9,800.00 18,300 100,180.00 100 508.00 14,262,100 105,580,595.00 229,000 156,120.00 10,751,800 169,238,086.00 480,000 231,200.00 154,819,300 900,287,671.00 28,000 94,940.00 169,900,000 5,628,900.00 80,000 105,060.00 5,374,000 10,256,300.00 9,000 24,400.00 311,570 23,240,064.00 286,002,230 841,045,930.00 5,670,000 7,086,690.00 294,000 233,840.00 160 31,180.00 44,370 7,265,419.00 13,760,000 4,348,800.00 5,210,000 1,023,370.00 2,560,000 734,600.00 PROPERTY 1,871,600 15,070,312.00 4,400 31,596.00 77,080,000 104,253,170.00 20,306,000 43,726,650.00 20,990,000 5,987,600.00 50,772,400 1,752,229,710.00 34,359,000 105,203,490.00 436,800 2,257,244.00 4,100 24,522.00 18,985,000 10,598,510.00 18,000 17,460.00 406,000 409,270.00 20,720,000 2,636,220.00 44,944,000 22,518,870.00 4,892,100 178,509,985.00 2,550,000 2,144,950.00 410,000 63,060.00 53,965,000 59,516,210.00 83,139,000 154,820,700.00 534,000 689,980.00 109,000 489,930.00 111,703,000 452,011,460.00 2,337,000 57,500 6,451,630 7,264,820 839,000 125,000 2,766,000 28,700 8,569,000 9,800 36,000 2,670 12,665,000 10,046,680 613,000 1,186,000 200 466,580 2,440 500 39,550 1,570,100 8,298,780 600 126,900 1,843,000

Close

APRIL 11-15, 2016 Volume Value

3.29 46 103.50 90.00 39.55 3.00 1.50 14.12 15.86 7.50 1.7 590.00 0.620 84 1.04 15.00 24.50 53.70 103.7 274 270.4 32.15 183.5 1360.00 57.50 1.6

2,536,000 141,400 7,677,490 7,304,450 682,300 1,592,000 4,222,000 44,500 677,400 62,200 29,000 890 35,567,500 14,957,640 1,294,000 184,200 3,146,000 357,470 5,910 180 11,100 2,296,100 11,407,600 1,480 142,150 737,000

8,948,130.00 6,534,955.00 608,251,784 656,854,280.50 26,990,995.00 4,707,310.00 6,253,670.00 635,754.00 8,540,692.00 466,520 49,840.00 527,280.00 31,971,490.00 1,265,741,143.00 1,292,140.00 2,741,470.00 77,713,630.00 18,925,237.50 595,318.00 49,320.00 3,018,592.00 73,388,170 2,153,468,385.00 2,026,780.00 8,191,110.00 1,141,800.00

44.35 5 0.88 1.44

9,105,400 8,212,900 9,180,000 15,788,000

399,073,410.00 41,922,584.00 7,846,040.00 21,955,210.00

59 220.00 19.02 178.9 319.8 19.06 47.5 2.39 5.65 11.24 9.320 8.10 5.92 7.50 1.83 21.6 70.35 14.24 13.76 5.8 2.690 228.20 11.06

4,460 10 13,956,000 1,830 11,850 441,400 745,700 2,513,000 24,825,400 316,700 22,576,800 61,779,400 68,203,200 3,137,400 81,000 14,697,400 1,350,620 2,613,000 282,200 3,406,100 33,661,000 2,608,420 138,900

270,089.50 2,200.00 263,326,232 309,386.00 3,791,618.00 8,507,570.00 35,612,135 6,019,470.00 148,526,711.00 3,569,866.00 214,439,067.00 488,351,861.00 400,781,834.00 23,485,975.00 144,170.00 327,783,385.00 96,159,137.00 35,621,736.00 3,897,556.00 20,154,438.00 90,618,320.00 599,126,006.00 1,512,156.00

35.00 2.2 3.96 27 22.8 6.55 330.00 4.40 3.8 11.00 3.3 11.64 4.45 1.62 2.79 4.16 2.5 4.51 202 4.11 2.8 0.167 1.29 2.84 211 4.8 1.06 32.00 1.28

4,300 97,000 270,000 7,343,200 1,602,800 374,700 1,269,590 26,000 5,072,000 26,114,000 44,000 627,900 1,618,000 2,201,000 963,000 2,415,000 36,000 24,000 313,860 717,000 16,441,000 67,030,000 290,000 45,814,000 7,989,710 628,000 627,994,000 24,200 2,655,000

150,170.00 212,340.00 1,082,210.00 196,255,110.00 35,876,885.00 2,423,695.00 420,107,748.00 113,740.00 19,280,930.00 285,616,758.00 143,750.00 7,236,760.00 7,077,900.00 3,613,410.00 2,707,290.00 10,033,350.00 90,570.00 112,500.00 61,352,243.00 3,190,000.00 47,277,980 11,162,020.00 366,160.00 130,616,220.00 1,714,436,502.00 3,062,460.00 696,621,980.00 757,120.00 3,482,980.00

0.365 64.50 16.52 1.19 6.10 0.315 0.305 782 8.31 12.70 5.04 5.11 5.52 0.218 1400 6.48 9.75 82.50 4.94 6.19 5.01 7.32 0.67 15.82 0.490 5.99 3.45 0.0350 1.350 1.930 2.66 75.35 962.00 1.28 0.80 206.00 178.500 0.3150 0.2070 0.285

3,800,000 5,376,180 14,158,000 536,000 116,500 55,600,000 13,120,000 2,052,780 17,831,500 46,828,000 489,500 2,900 3,515,400 2,290,000 718,010 49,900 6,877,000 11,263,550 21,000 15,000 2,300 34,210,300 1,253,000 14,410,700 1,020,000 165,937,100 45,000 656,200,000 82,001 3,360,000 349,000 689,530 1,620,770 9,114,000 674,000 670 105,080 72,530,000 10,030,000 1,040,000

1,350,150.00 346,462,263.00 236,654,410.00 618,600.00 710,830.00 18,170,150.00 4,163,300.00 1,585,990,415.00 203,014,054.00 597,786,696.00 2,558,145.00 14,819.00 18,689,958.00 515,970.00 1,004,228,375.00 320,326.00 66,951,500.00 923,592,623.50 103,740.00 89,007.00 11,105.00 245,410,866.00 836,610.00 229,556,208.00 504,350.00 1,000,077,177.00 160,300.00 23,453,700.00 114,910.00 6,498,380.00 955,530.00 52,512,626.50 1,559,639,525.00 11,618,950.00 562,660.00 131,516.00 19,313,302.00 24,102,400.00 2,081,020.00 291,650.00

7.880

380,700

2,975,526.00

1.47 1.500 0.241 35.500 3.14 5.2

124,424,000 965,000 880,000 60,227,900 16,675,000 335,700

189,638,430.00 1,414,050.00 203,400.00 2,156,506,395.00 51,324,730.00 1,747,388.00

0.560 0.96 1.000 0.127 0.540 37.5 0.860 0.161 1.10 1.88 1.32 4.67 4.02

20,459,000 4,300 565,000 24,520,000 33,138,000 5,236,000 3,071,000 5,620,000 53,208,000 107,812,000 545,000 54,000 205,997,000

11,426,370.00 6,840.00 557,740.00 3,221,820.00 18,129,200.00 200,687,620.00 2,585,360.00 894,830.00 59,016,980.00 203,018,630.00 741,580.00 238,710.00 836,132,000.00

STOCKS

APRIL 18-22, 2016 Close Volume

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 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

0.085 0.2550 0.540 28.00 8.53 28.90 1.6 3.15 22.80 0.87 6.52 1.150 4.830

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

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

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” 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 Retail SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

8.2 57.2 1.28 0.570 11.16 4.49 0.0580 3.1 90.15 9.68 1.75 7.09 2.93 960 12178 6.93 24.05 1.18 66.6 15.26 156 11.66 0.0100 0.320 1.8900 2.2 7.99 3.77 1.17 2.80 23.90 0.590 2 2.15 4.00 0.300 3.400 17.5 4.83 2.74 110.00 22.30 1810.00 0.450 0.860 41.30 79.90 6.41 3.55 0.630 1.9 3.6 0.340 5.300

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0042 2.15 4.23 12.56 0.255 8.2700 7.9500 0.75 0.560 8.79 0.960 0.290 0.233 0.246 0.0120 0.0130 2.2 5.53 2.66 0.6700 1.3800 0.0096 0.0094 3.68 5.85 2.35 0.0120 126.00 3.21 0.0085

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen F First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure & Resort Pref.

MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I Swift Pref

56.95 518 525 116.9 116.7 520 6.8 1.07 111 1026 1015 103.8 107.2 77 80.1 76 75.6 77 76.95 75.1 75.1 1.81

Leisure & Resort Warr.

3.500

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

4 4.69 3.16 18.36

First Metro ETF

118.7

Value

Close

15,200,000 190,000 22,230,000 4,700 319,100 11,502,700 1,730,000 156,000 61,161,900 9,522,000 18,300 12,431,000 21,178,000

1,317,000.00 47,790.00 13,114,210.00 126,795.00 2,727,628.00 333,082,285.00 2,737,820.00 493,540.00 1,353,754,535.00 8,158,010.00 116,721.00 14,227,120.00 101,907,100.00 SERVICES 2,007,600 15,797,871.00 190,640 11,122,222.00 240,000 309,860.00 6,450,000 3,817,650.00 2,000 22,320.00 17,806,500 86,907,950.00 266,780,000 15,945,700.00 3,398,000 10,860,020.00 1,964,090 176,775,346.00 67,600 643,736.00 98,000 170,290 305,100 2,118,608.00 6,000 17,550.00 2,280 2,188,600.00 297,875 641,412,090 1,916,200 13,636,972.00 5,200 125,420 491,000 581,910.00 1,640,630 109,139,839.50 212,900 3,289,854 660 114,760 35,200 434,772.00 12,000,000 121,900.00 444,690,000 140,178,150.00 53,658,000 94,630,850.00 42,000 92,960.00 432,600 3,365,239.00 685,000 2,603,450.00 201,000 235,170.00 174,000 464,180.00 9,500 205,305 373,000 216,920.00 86,000 171,180.00 88,073,000 203,173,540.00 12,129,000 48,872,330.00 530,000 151,750.00 385,305,000 1,151,066,130.00 9,832,500 172,068,750.00 22,100 109,595 33,000 90,380.00 34,400 3,817,780.00 639,500 14,119,535.00 627,395 1,156,998,945.00 12,540,000 5,530,200.00 92,562,000 79,447,040.00 21,271,100 870,039,510.00 6,883,260 546,185,534.00 8,091,800 53,778,820.00 21,710,000 77,269,870.00 13,238,000 8,412,120.00 57,000 103,440.00 3,251,000 11,744,530.00 640,000 211,200.00 2,162,600 11,683,133.00 MINING & OIL 5,137,000,000 20,968,100.00 6,125,000 12,539,880.00 1,203,000 5,066,200.00 43,100 458,856.00 2,440,000 610,870.00 124,400 1,023,235.00 149,800 1,276,460.00 15,474,000 11,902,430.00 15,041,000 8,146,620.00 185,700 1,567,588.00 743,338,000 764,796,520.00 2,310,000 688,500.00 239,340,000 57,775,240.00 43,630,000 10,924,970.00 760,300,000 9,338,200.00 166,000,000 2,131,800.00 6,985,000 15,722,350.00 48,113,100 267,824,402.00 2,753,000 7,478,690.00 4,908,000 3,129,530.00 2,328,000 3,193,140.00 47,000,000 456,400.00 8,000,000 74,800.00 291,000 1,093,540.00 6,870,700 39,101,661.00 13,696,000 31,370,580.00 283,900,000 3,406,800.00 2,453,130 310,639,183.00 11,245,000 37,097,880.00 725,000,000 6,102,400.00 PREFERRED 1,845,500 105,460,403.50 1,800 932,400.00 13,330 7,007,750 70 8,191.00 3,000 350,100.00 1,760 915,200.00 752,800 5,295,780.00 41,000 43,970 11,780 1,296,510.00 1,000 1,026,000.00 11,505 11,683,710.00 11,790 1,223,009.00 1,150 123,080.00 83,320 6,407,550.00 147,950 11,856,953.00 77,440 5,846,890.00 27,960 2,122,084.00 69,340 5,337,785.00 67,850 5,209,452.50 824,410 61,858,499.00 287,400 21,570,044.50 5,000 9,050.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 5,887,000 21,594,330.00 SME 388,000 1,574,370.00 468,000 1,967,300.00 1,676,000 5,374,460.00 18,347,200 347,883,362.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 20,460 2,425,334.00

APRIL 11-15, 2016 Volume Value

0.091 0.2650 0.510 27.05 8.6 29.00 1.58 3.15 22.85 0.89 6.74 1.140 4.810

9,870,000 2,820,000 2,534,000 18,700 867,000 7,699,500 1,836,000 6,050,000 40,121,100 9,826,000 86,700 19,980,000 14,812,000

911,790.00 741,190.00 1,319,210.00 618,980.00 7,405,350.00 222,479,855.00 2,948,460.00 19,648,820.00 914,786,795.00 8,489,390.00 556,878.00 23,316,870.00 71,246,300.00

7.3 59.4 1.28 0.600 11.3 4.70 0.0640 3.12 90.7 9.7 1.7 7.00 2.92 1000 2154 7.24 24.05 1.20 68 16.48 200 11.3 0.0110 0.295 1.5900 2.29 7.69 3.91 1.19 2.83 23.00 0.590 2 2.57 4.10 0.280 2.460 17.5 4.99 5.1 111.00 22.00 1896.00 0.450 0.870 40.05 78.00 6.59 3.69 0.620 1.93 3.64 0.330 4.900

508,400 492,990 274,000 8,185,000 6,900 27,282,000 246,260,000 5,685,000 2,723,200 35,600 1,698,000 4,013,000 50,000 855 326,020 1,547,200 6,800 1,025,000 3,671,870 362,200 110 10,100 2,800,000 116,790,000 36,865,000 270,000 1,301,400 903,000 26,000 3,000 5,600 3,114,000 257,000 116,889,000 69,866,000 5,750,000 298,349,000 9,626,300 393,500 43,000 12,930 350,900 585,015 51,250,000 110,818,000 24,311,500 86,522,376 14,698,600 122,166,100 37,125,000 81,000 6,335,000 1,960,000 1,883,200

3,684,450.00 29,046,323.00 359,120.00 5,023,610.00 76,762.00 128,904,610.00 15,665,780.00 17,670,430.00 247,308,264.00 346,715.00 3,270,890 27,406,482.00 152,700.00 870,180.00 686,011,870 11,191,609.00 187,880 1,233,130.00 242,018,838.50 6,055,326 22,000 114,280.00 230,800.00 35,166,200.00 57,859,680.00 614,190.00 9,909,117.00 3,484,400.00 32,170.00 8,430.00 117,065 1,909,720.00 512,980.00 291,175,110.00 288,976,600.00 1,648,400.00 715,220,130.00 169,347,102.00 1,971,643 110,140.00 1,419,235.00 7,693,810.00 1,100,756,620.00 24,664,750.00 96,876,720.00 971,762,950.00 926,376,484.50 97,739,882.00 472,360,240.00 23,359,050.00 151,730.00 23,145,080.00 647,850.00 9,916,406.00

0.0042 2.16 4.22

1,809,000,000 7,873,000.00 577,000 1,222,260.00 1,650,000 7,055,180.00

0.260 8.7900 8.6000 0.77 0.570 8.20 0.880 0.290 0.260 0.265 0.0120 0.0120 2.17 5.15 2.49 0.5600 1.2700 0.0099 0.0099 3.85 5.40 2.40 0.0120 127.00 3.58 0.0092

10,550,000 178,900 126,100 34,080,000 46,167,000 1,900 113,498,000 9,800,000 171,400,000 106,180,000 494,000,000 197,900,000 2,956,000 15,477,300 373,000 310,000 295,000 29,000,000 3,800,000 288,000 3,908,900 19,930,000 112,000,000 2,875,930 17,428,000 1,000,000

2,655,950.00 1,360,778.00 984,714.00 27,165,040.00 26,610,390.00 15,287.00 99,700,810.00 2,863,300.00 44,971,500.00 27,735,250.00 5,911,500.00 2,474,100.00 6,420,170.00 81,962,531.00 933,140.00 171,630.00 382,650.00 280,900.00 37,900.00 1,114,920.00 21,476,787.00 48,159,910.00 5,163,200.00 366,801,572.00 55,497,630.00 9,200.00

59.95 518 526

1,418,500 6,120 8,330

84,190,462.00 3,193,010.00 4,340,030

117.1 520 7.07 1.08 110.8 1000 1014 103.7

86,980 26,100 468,700 711,000 380 300 7,565 19,180

10,179,462.00 13,566,500.00 3,295,180.00 761,800 41,842.00 3,000,000.00 7,670,910.00 1,988,736.00

77.5 80 77 75.6 76.95 77 75 75 2.2

15,370 792,180 9,630 54,850 162,280 142,730 1,233,630 673,270 12,000

1,191,548.00 63,401,094.00 728,220.00 4,144,605.00 12,404,883.00 11,034,157.00 92,531,401.00 50,497,673.00 26,400.00

3.360

1,674,000

5,818,620.00

4.13 3.81 3.25 19.24

474,000 192,000 1,052,000 15,190,500

1,921,580.00 725,740.00 3,398,840.00 294,376,732.00

120.2

24,830

2,970,511.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining Manila Mining `A’ Ferronickel United Paragon Island Info NOW Corp.

SM Investments Inc. Philodrill Corp. `A’ Boulevard Holdings Lepanto `A’

VOLUME 5,137,000,000 760,300,000 743,338,000 725,000,000 444,690,000 385,305,000 286,002,230 283,900,000 266,780,000 239,340,000

STOCKS Universal Robina Ayala Land `B’ Security Bank SM Prime Holdings PLDT Common NOW Corp.

Ayala Corp `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Puregold SM Investments Inc.

VALUE 1,898,778,850.00 1,752,229,710.00 1,440,179,440.00 1,353,754,535.00 1,156,998,945.00 1,151,066,130.00 1,123,365,880.00 900,287,671.00 870,039,510.00 841,045,930.00

MONDAY: APRIL 25, 2016

B3

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

Bloomberry plans QC casino

By Jenniffer B. Austria

RESORT and casino developer Bloomberry Resorts Corp. plans to develop a 1.5-hectare property in Quezon City into a mixed-use development with a hotel and casino.

Bloomberry chairman and chief executive Enrique Razon Jr. said the development of the property would be “similar to Solaire Resorts & Casino” in Pagcor Entertainment City in Parañaque.

“We will probably start developing that property next year. It will be a mixed-use development similar to Solaire with hotel and casino,” Razon said.

Surestre Properties Inc., the hotel and resort development arm of Bloomberry, acquired a 15,676-square-meter lot (1.56 hectares) within Vertis North in Quezon City for P1.97 billion last year.

The lot was part of National Housing Authority’s share in the joint venture between the government housing agency and property developer Ayala Land Inc. in the Vertis North project.

Sureste bagged the property after submitting a negotiated offer, which was then accepted by the NHA, after two failed bids where the Bloomberry unit was the lone bidder.

Vertis North is a 45-hectare master planned development in the North Triangle property, including Trinoma mall.

ALI said it was pouring in P65 billion over a 10-year period to transform it into a mixed-use development with residential, shopping, retail, office and hotel components.

The $1.2-billion Solaire Resort & Casin is the first Philippine premium/luxury hotel and gaming resort in Entertainment City.

Phase 1 of the 8.3-hectare Solaire consists of a casino with an aggregate gaming floor area of 18,500 square meters (including 6,000 square meters of exclusive VIP gaming areas), with 1,400 slot machines, 295 gaming tables and 88 electronic table games. Phase 1 has 488 hotel rooms, suites and bayside villas and 15 specialty restaurants and F&B outlets.

Dormitory builder. Philippines Urban Living Solutions Inc., an investee company of Franklin Templeton Investments, and BPI Capital Corp. announced the opening of MyTown New York, its latest and biggest for-lease dormitory development in Makati City under its MyTown rental brand. Shown during the unveiling of MyTown New York are (from left) BPI Capital Corp. managing director Reggie Cariaso, Templeton Emerging Markets Group head Mark Mobius, PULS chief executive Mark Kooijman and PULS directors Steven Zwaan and Jelmer Ikink.

Stock market seen to rebound this week STOCKS are expected move sideways this week with an upward momentum on technical rebound, analysts said over the weekend.

Regina Capital Development Corp. said the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index started to form a minor consolidation pattern with a trading range of 7,200 to 7,400 points.

“Momentum indicators are also shifting to sideways as seen from continuously falling volatility readings. We see increased chances of rebound to 7,360 to 7,400 levels,” Regina Capital said.

Investors will primarily monitor the upcoming meeting of the Federal Open Market Commit-

tee to discuss the US economy and possible policy actions, analysts said.

F. Yap Securities investment analyst Jason Escartin said a consensus was high among traders that policymakers would likely hold off on tightening policies until the latter part of the year, when inflation data would likely confirm a trend toward the Federal Reserve’s 2-percent target.

“Investors will continue to heed the expected timing and magnitude of a rate hike, depending on the progress of fresh economic data. Any indication for a status quo might aid buyers, as they check on short-term

trading windows in stocks,” Escartin said.

The PSEi lost 0.9 percent last week to close at 7,255.39 Friday, on valuation concerns.

BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonthan Ravelas said the renewed China concerns also spooked investors, causing them to stay on the sidelines and await more convincing data to take on more risk.

Except for mining and oil, which advanced 0.7 percent, all major sub-indices ended in the red, led by services which dropped 1.9 percent, industrial which retreated 1.4 percent and financials which dipped 1.2 percent.

Foreign investors were net sellers last week by P941.6 million, as total foreign selling hit P16.1 billion while foreign buying amounted to P15.2 billion.

Top gainers last week were mining stocks including Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., which jumped 9.1 percent to P0.96, Philex Mining Corp. which climbed 8.3 percent to P5.85 and Nickel Asia Corp. which rose 7.4 percent to P5.53.

Heavy losers were Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorrts Corp., which shed 16.3 percent to P2.15 and Trans-Asia Petroleum Corp., which declined 10.3 percent to P3.21.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Cirtek expects electronics, IT sales to grow 35% this year CIRTEK Holdings Philippines Corp., a Laguna-based electronics manufacturer, said it expects sales to accelerate 35 percent this year, as it plans to introduce new products.

Cirtek said in a disclosure to the stock exchange unit Cirtek Electronics Corp. expected to introduce at least four products in 2016, while Cirtek Advanced Technologies and Solutions would launch six products in the first half.

Cirtek said it intended to win new customers by strengthening global sales presence and

was evaluating acquisition opportunities that would either significantly scale up manufacturing operations or give it access to high-end research and development capabilities.

Cirtek said core net income in 2015 jumped 35 percent to $5.1 million from $3.8 million in 2014, as consolidated revenues increased 15 percent to $59.6 million from $51.8 million.

The increase in revenue was due to the growth of the company’s semiconductor and broadband businesses, which grew 46 percent year-on-year while

semiconductor sales rose 5 percent.

Cirtek Advanced Technologies secured a multi-year manufacturing contract with US based Quintel, a leading innovator of spectrum and spaceefficient base station antennas, in November 2015.

The contract is estimated to be worth $15 million to $20 million for the first 12 months, with the potential to double within the next two to three years.

The company completed the construction of a third building in its Laguna facility in Decem-

ber 2015.

The new facility provides additional production capacity to Cirtek to meet increased orders from existing key customers and support new contracts.

The company became a cornerstone investor in a Silicon Valley-based software company that was developing an opensourced network management system for enabling a low cost, scalable global WiFi project.

It also set up a new subsidiary to provide wireless infrastructure solutions, both connectivity and content, to large enterprises

using internally-manufactured multi-gigabit, millimeterwave backhaul equipment and highcapacity broadband wireless access technologies.

“Potential clients are private and public enterprises such as malls, condominiums, educational institutions, business outsourcing companies, connectivity service providers among others, that require either backhaul and access services to underserved areas and areas where there are no fiber lines available,” Cirtek said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

B4 Filinvest unit rosy on hotel business

By Jenniffer B. Austria FILINVEST Development Corp. of the Gotianun family said it was on track to build 5,000 hotel rooms in five years following the launch of a new hotel brand Canvass and the operation of Mimosa Leisure Estate.

FDC Hotel Corp. executive vice president Francis Gotianun said in a recent interview the company had a little over 1,000 rooms and lined up several hotels under various hotel brands, namely Crimson, Quest and the recently-launched Canvass.

The company by the end of 2016 aims to build 2,000 hotel rooms with the takeover of Mimosa Leisure Estate, which includes the 303-room Holiday Inn hotel.

“With the Mimosa and the hotel projects we have in the pipeline, we have a good shot of hitting our target,” Gotianun said.

Gotianun said the company planned to build a 200-room hotel in Mactan, Cebu and another 200-room in Cubao, Quezon City under the Canvass brand.

“Canvass is for the lifestyle market, particularly for the millennials, with an average rate of P4,000 to P5,000 a night,” Gotianun said.

“Currently there is a hole in the market for something that is more young and more upscale for the millennial travellers. While we have established the fivestar hotels and the budget hotels, there should also be something in the middle that is cool and affordable,” Gotianun said.

He said the hotel group planned to build a 164-room Quest hotel in Tagaytay and a 180-room Quest hotel in Dumaguete.

The Filinvest Group is also slated to open the 190-room Crimson hotel in Boracay.

Meanwhile, Filinvest Development remains interested in infrastructure that the government may bid out.

The conglomerate said it was interested in the North-South Railway and the bundled airport projects.

It is keen on the Clark Airport if the government pushes through with its privatization and the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike project, if even the state decides to break it into different components.

Cebu-Cordova bridge. Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp., the toll road unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., signs a joint venture agreement with the local government units of Cebu City and the municipality Cordova to build the P27.9-billion Cebu-Cordova Bridge project. The 8.25-kilometer bridge project, set to be completed by 2020, will connect Cebu City to Mactan Island via Cordova. MPTDC president Rodrigo Franco (seated, extreme right), a signatory to the agreement, said the project will pave the way for faster travel and further spark economic growth and productivity in Cebu and the entire Region 7. Other signatories are MPIC president Jose Ma. K. Lim, Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy (seated, second and third from right) and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama (not in photo).

PNOC seeks Nigeria and Iran oil projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

STATE-OWNED PNOC Exploration Corp. is studying overseas opportunities in oil and liquefied natural gas, specifically Nigeria and Iran, to boost the company’s long-term profitability.

PNOC Exploration president Pedro Aquino said in an anniversary statement that despite the low oil price regime, the company would focus efforts on oil and gas exploration and development not only in the Philippines but also in other countries.

“We started the drilling of Baragatan in service contract 63 last 2014 and we followed this up with the drilling of Mangosteen well in SC 37 last 2015 where we discovered gas. We will continue to develop SC 37,” Aquino said.

He said the company received offers to develope oil wells and

produce in Nigeria and Iran, which could provide a strategic investment opportunity.

“We are studying these offers very closely. Because of the low percentage of oil and gas discovery in the Philippines, we are inclined to consider these offers,” he said.

Aquino said PNOC Exploration “will not be put in peril whatever scarce resources we have.”

“We are trying to do all of these through a free carry equity scheme wherein EC will be freecarried in the expense for the development and production of the

oil wells,” he said.

The company is also strengthening its international oil trading in petroleum products all geared at increasing revenues without much dependence from the Malampaya gas project revenues.

PNOC Exploration owns a 10-percent stake in the Malampaya gas production field in northwest Palawan.

Aquino said PNOC Exploration was also looking at opportunities in LNG here and abroad.

“Currently, we are in talks with potential partners for the construction of offshore and onshore LNG liquefaction plants in Iran as well as the construction of a LNG receiving terminal, regasification plant and power plant in Leyte and Cebu,” he said.

“In addition, we will be trading LNG both here and abroad coming from the LNG liquefaction plants in Iran.”

He said PNOC Exploration’s

new projects were capital-intensive “but we are determined because we will have partners that can provide us both the financial and technical muscles to make these projects become realities.”

PNOC Exploration is allocating a budget of P8.4 billion this year for investments in the Malampaya gas project and other petroleum exploration projects and coal exploration. The amount is slightly higher than the approved budget of P8.039 billion in 2015.

PNOC Exploration plans to spend P6.129 billion on petroleum exploration projects and P1.365 billion for the Malampaya gas project.

The earmarked P184.56 million on coal exploration and P148.28 million on other project developments.

It allocated P81.26 million on capital expenditures and P491.44 million on operating expenses.

Bangko Sentral poised to launch interest rate corridor in Q2

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas plans a smooth implementation of the interest rate corridor toward the end of the second quarter this year, a high-ranking official said over the weekend. “... The target implementation for the interest rate corridor system will be somewhere close to the end of the second quarter this year,” managing director Francisco Dakila Jr., of the monetary policy subsector, said in an interview.

“Later on we will make a detailed announcement on when will be the actual date that the

corridor system will be online.

But behind the scenes, there are a lot of preparations already being done,” Dakila said.

He said the Bangko Sentral had already conducted consultations with other parties on the various instruments that would be part of the corridor system. He said the implementation would be done with the least disruption to the system.

“The corridor system is going to be an operational change and do not involve a change in the stance of monetary policy.So there should be a smooth transition to the corridor system,” Da-

kila said.

Bangko Sentral deputy director Dennis Lapid said the regulator had conducted initial training for some of its counterparties as one way of familiarizing the key players on what to expect for the auctions.

“We are done with the consultations already. All we have to do now is the signing of agreements with major industries because it’s a bilateral contract essentially with the BSP and the banks and trust entities so we will ask them to sign to allow them to participate in the system,” Lapid said.

Lapid said the auctions would

be done in Bangko Sentral. He said the regulator would coordinate with the Bureau of Treasury to avoid competition.

Both officials declined to give the exact date of the start of interest rate corridor implementation.

ING Bank senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said in a report over the weekend the transition to interest rate corridor “will begin on May 4 with the closure of the one-month reverse repo and special deposit account windows and end on June 3 with the replacement of the RRP, repo and SDA windows by overnight deposit and lending facilities and a term

deposit auction facility.”

Cuyegkeng said the overnight deposit and lending rates would define the corridor “whose width wasn’t disclosed.”

Cuyegkeng, however, said he did not expect the prevailing Bangko Sentral monetary bias to change together with the implementation of the corridor.

“We still expect BSP to hold policy settings steady in the near term. Bloomberg consensus shows a steady policy rate environment for 2016. This view gets support from the failed Doha meeting about freezing oil output,” he said.

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Inflation to stay low—BSP poll

By Julito G. Rada

INFLATION will remain subdued this year mainly because of low oil prices and slower global growth, according to the latest survey of private sector economists conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for March 2016.

The survey yielded a lowermean-inflation forecast for 2016 relative to the results of the December 2015 survey.

The mean inflation forecast for 2016 declined to 1.9 percent from 2.5 percent in December. By contrast, the average annual inflation

forecast for 2017 was unchanged at 2.7 percent from the December 2015 survey results. Meanwhile, mean inflation forecast for 2018 was at 3 percent.

“Analysts attributed their lower inflation expectations to continued low global oil prices, slower

global economic growth and lower domestic electricity rates,” the Bangko Sentral said.

“These are likely to outweigh the upside risks brought by the El Niño phenomenon, increased government expenditures from the upcoming elections, pending power rate adjustments, rebound in oil prices, base effects in the CPI data, possible occurrence of La Niña in the latter part of 2016, and prospects of rising US interest rates,” Bangko Sentral said.

Based on the probability distribution on the forecasts provided by 23 out of 28 respondents, there is a 46.3-percent chance the average inflation for 2016 will settle

between the 1.0- and 1.99-percent range.

Meanwhile, there is a 46.4-percent chance 2016 inflation rate will fall within the 2 percent-to-4 percent target range.

For 2017, the respondents assigned a 65.5-percent chance inflation will fall within the 2-4 percent target range.

Earlier, ING Bank Manila senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said in a report the Bangko Sentral was likely to keep policy settings steady in the near term due mainly to low oil prices and expected more robust economic growth this year.

Cuyegkeng said the expec-

tation received support from the failed Doha meeting about freezing oil output. He said the downside risk to the 2017 inflation forecast had increased in the absence of an agreement to freeze oil production.

The Monetary Board on its March 23, 2016 meeting kept the benchmark interest rates steady for the 12th consecutive time since October 2014 due to a manageable inflation environment.

The last time the board changed the policy stance was in September 2014, when overnight borrowing was increased to 4 percent and overnight lending adjusted to 6 percent.

Aboitiz may build new dam in Ifugao

By Alena Mae S. Flores SN ABOITIZ Power Corp. is interested in developing the Alimit hydro power project in Ifugao province to expand its generation portfolio, an official said over the weekend.

SN Aboitiz executive vice president and chief operating officer Joseph Yu told reporters SN Aboitiz was conducting a feasibility study on the project.

“We’re finishing our feasibility study. We still have to go through FPIC [free, prior and informed consent]. We have 82 barangays to consult, and then still need to go through the provincial government. We still need to sort through the land issues of the transmission line,” Yu said.

He said the Alimit project study would not be ready for another 18 months before construction could, begin which means the project completion would likely be by 2021 to 2022.

Yu said the feasibility study would include the technical and financial aspect of the project, including the prospective generation capacity, initially estimated at about 120 megawatts to 140 MW. The official conceded that the project carried certain challenges such as getting the full support of the community and the financial cost.

“With prices where they are today, it may not justify the investment in it. but in the end, you’ll look at an internal rate of return,” Yu said.

“The timeframe, if we push through right now at the current pace, that’s roughly when it will come on stream. If you delay it, you’ll have fewer years of commercial return... And that pricing will be heavily dependent on pricing of coal, oil, how much coal, solar, LNG, wind capacity,” he said.

Yu noted that hydro power plants would always have a place in the grid, despite the increasing number of coal-fired plants.

Katha awards. Winners of the prestigious Katha Awards show off their trophies after receiving them from the officials of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Exporters Confederation during the welcome reception rites of the Manila FAME organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions. The Katha Awards is aimed at inspiring Philippine exporters and designers to develop design innovations that make a difference in the world market. Shown (from left) are Citem executive director Rosvi Gaetos, PhilExport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. and Katha awardees for best product design Celia Jiao of Schema for furniture, Vito Selma for home decor, Ito Kish for booth display and Eco-Design Award, Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr., Malou Romero of Joanique for fashion, Jun Balderrama of Casa Mercedes for gifts and holiday décor and Trade Undersecretary Nora Terrado of the DTI Industry Promotions Group.

Govt debt payments decreased 34% in January

By Gabrielle H. Binaday GOVERNMENT debt payments to both to local and foreign creditors fell 34 percent in January this year to P78.17 billion from P118.57 billion yearon-year, latest Treasury data show over the weekend.

Interest payments declined 113 percent year-on-year to P44.59 billion from P51.39 billion. The payments comprised of P23.29 billion to local creditors and P22.22 billion to foreign lenders.

Amortization, meanwhile, dropped 51.5 percent to P32.57

billion from P67.18 billion a year ago.

Principal payments to local creditors dropped to P9.64 billion while those on foreign lenders rose to P22.92 billion.

Government borrowings in January declined to P42.06 billion following a sharp decrease in external market financing.

The government’s total financing in January fell 3.6 percent from P43.655 billion on year.

Data showed gross external borrowings declined 71 percent to P10.292 billion from P35.765

billion in January a year ago.

Borrowings from the international market coursed through project loans stood at P736 million while program loans were at P9.556 billion.

Domestic borrowings jumped 303 percent to P31.77 billion in January this year from P7.89 billion recorded in the same month last year.

The national government incurred a budget deficit of P3.5 billion in January as revenues and public spending rose.

Netting out interest payments, the government registered a surplus of P42.1 billion in January,

or 6 percent lower than the primary surplus in the same month last year.

Government revenues in January rose 9 percent to P182.226 billion, or P15.6 billion higher than P166.652 billion a year ago, while government spending grew 7 percent, the slowest expansion in nine months since the 9-percent rise in April last year.

The government is expected to borrow about P674.8 billion in 2016, comprising of P570.23 billion from lenders and P104.58 billion from foreign sources.

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DBM set to allocate P39b for local roads THE Budget Department said it will allocate P39 billion to rehabilitate local roads under the 2017 budget.

“Provincial governments will finally get greater and muchneeded support from the national government in managing their local road networks,” the agency said.

The Budget Department said the proposed 2017 budget for Kalsada—a landmark roads rehabilitation program—increased six-fold to P39 billion from this year’s P6.5 billion.

Kalsada, which refers to Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran, provides funding to provinces to upgrade and rehabilitate the quality of local roads.

The Budget Department said local government units were required to meet good governance and performance standards and establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for their road projects.

“It’s important that our provincial governments get all the support they need from the national government. This is why the national government is keen on continuing the Kalsada program and devoting more resources to it. Through it, we capacitate local governments so they can make more strategic plans and budgets for managing their local roads,” said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

“This isn’t just a matter of enhancing the performance of our provincial governments. You see, when LGUs perform better, their communities also benefit immensely from that. A strong LGU gives rise to a strong community,” he said. Gabrielle H. Binaday

Govt salary increase to boost GSIS funds

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

State-run Government Service Insurance System said it expects members’ contributions to reach P83 billion this year, following the salary increase in government.

GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara told reporters in a media briefing he expected members’ contributions to grow by 5 percent to 6 percent in 2016, on the back of compensation adjustments for government employees.

“The salary increase this year is something that we believe will be more felt in this year’s collections, so we are expecting an increase of around five to six percent, de-

pending on how quickly the different agencies implement the salary increases in the wage hikes,” Vergara said.

Vergara said in 2015, GSIS collected P79.8 billion in premiums from members. “So if that grows by five or six percent, because of the implementation of the salary increase phase one, I think we will probably make P82.5 billion to 83 billion,” he said.

President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order 201 in February this year, which granted a salary increase for government employees and additional benefits for civilian and military and uniformed personnel.

President Aquino issued the order, after the proposed Salary Standardization Law was not enacted by Congress due to time constraints.

The Budget Department earlier said the EO mandated compensation adjustments this year as an interim measure to implement the first tranche of the proposed SSL. Vergara said on top of compensation adjustments, the hiring of additional teachers by the Education Department in preparation for the K to 12 program would

also drive members’ contributions growth.

“One of the steady contributors to our revenues is the contributions of our members. There were some improvements in contributions because we have an agency which is still adding to their ranks, the DepEd. As it readies itself for the K-12 implementation so our membership base grew in 2015,” Vergara said.

“We ended the year with total membership of 1.51 million active members and we began the year with 1.46 million, a net addition of about 50,000 employees and bulk of that came from DepEd. That had the impact of slightly increasing what we received in premiums from 2014,” he said.

Bellevue supports arts. The

Bellevue Manila, a five-star hotel in southern Metro Manila owned and managed by The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, continues to promote appreciation for the visual arts as it hosted an art exhibit in partnership with art gallery L’Arc en Ciel Atelier Inc. The exhibit dubbed Amore featured stunning masterpieces of the atelier’s senior, intermediate and up and coming artists as well as guest artists. Shown during the exhibit launch at Vue Bar are (from left) Philippine Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine president and Aegle Wellness Center medical director Dr. Ben Valdecañas, Malu Aguto, B Hotels managing director Ryan Chan, L’Arc en Ciel Atelier Inc. president and curator Elaine Herbosa , Edwina and Rafa

Presidential endorsement: ethical or unethical?

JAYMELYN D. ARCE

GREEN LIGHT

IN my MBA class on Lasallian Business Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility, we start the class by praying about a news item. One night, the news was about how one of the vice president candidates had said that President Noynoy Aquino should not endorse any candidate for national positions in the May elections to show that the elections would, indeed, be fair. As the class was preparing to pray, a classmate asked, “Is it ethical for the president to endorse someone to run for presidency?” Most answered that the act is unethical and that the president should promote fairness instead in all forms especially this coming elections.

On the other hand, as far as

I remember, I was the only one who answered that it is ethical for the president to endorse his candidate in the same way that an executive in an organization can. It is normal for a corporate manager to endorse someone for a higher position if he or she knows that this person is qualified. Thus, the act of endorsing will become unethical only if the president uses his power to manipulate the election and/or allow his candidate to use government funds and facilities.

The loophole In the corporate world, management discusses the endorsement of an executive behind closed doors to avoid conflict, promote fairness and maintain the morale of the employees who are not endorsed. However, President Aquino has publicly endorsed his candidate. This, I believe, is the loophole in my initial position that it is ethical

for the president to endorse any candidate.

Upon researching, I found that Section 2(4), Article IX-B of the 1987 Constitution provides that “no officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political activity.” Those exempted are appointed government officials, who are allowed to participate in partisan political activities since they are not covered by the legal ban. Therefore, as the president has been elected into office, he should show no bias because he has the power to influence people.

Duties and responsibilities Public servants have the duty of ensuring that the benefits and basic needs of the people are met.

The different branches of the government should produce the services that will benefit the people and promote fairness. Even in elections, equality and fairness

must be shown as this will be the reflection of our government.

Politicians should not use their power to endorse candidates because their positions are intended to serve the state. Also, I believe that a political leader with a high sense of integrity will not look for someone to follow his or her footsteps but rather, pave the way to serve the people.

It has become customary not only in the Philippines but also in other countries like the United States to endorse political successors. As responsible citizens, we need to be critical in choosing our next leaders. We should do our homework in assessing the candidates’ qualifications – know their moral integrity, capabilities and personal qualities; understand the issues, platforms and programs of the candidates and parties; and not let a candidate buy our votes. We should vote according to our conscience and

should not rely mainly on what we hear and read in the media.

Exercising the right to vote is a privilege as well as a great responsibility. The future of the Philippines is in our hands. Let us not lose hope, but continue to pray for our country and political leaders to have the strong will power to lead our country with integrity, equality, and fairness to support the nation.

Jaymelyn D. Arce is an MBA student of De La Salle University. She wrote this essay for her class on Lasallian Business Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility during her first term in the program. She may be reached at jaymearce@gmail.com. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

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Frustration mounting in Nepal KATHMANDU—Nepal held memorial services on Sunday for the thousands killed in a massive earthquake one year ago, as the victims still huddled in tents across the country accused the government of failing them.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli laid flowers at a destroyed 19th-century tower in Kathmandu, where hundreds gathered to remember the devastating quake that ripped through the impoverished Himalayan nation.

Buddhist monks in maroon robes also held prayers at the site of a popular temple destroyed in the 7.8-magnitude quake that killed nearly 9,000 people.

Some four million survivors are still living in temporary shelters one year on, according to aid agencies, with the frustration against the government mounting.

Around 100 protesters—including victims of the disaster—marched towards government offices in the capital, demanding faster reconstruction efforts.

Chhuldim Samden, a 21-year-old student, said she was fed up with waiting for help as she and her family struggle to survive in a shack in the capital.

“Even after one year, so many people are staying in tents, we are still living in a shack,” Samden told AFP as she took part in the protest.

“Where did all the donations go?”

Fears of quake-triggered landslides forced Samden, her parents and 17 other families from her village in the devastated Sindhupalchowk district to walk for two days until they eventually found shelter in Kathmandu.

Although international donors pledged $4.1 billion to aid Nepal’s recovery, political wrangling over control of the funds and delays in setting up the National Reconstruction Authority mean most victims have received nothing beyond an initial small payout.

Following a storm of criticism, the government has vowed to kickstart reconstruction of schools and hospitals, and speed up distribution of the first $500 installment of a $2,000 payout promised to homeless survivors.

Trekking guide Govinda Timilsina told AFP his life has been on hold since losing his house. He has been unable to rebuild his home himself because of the government’s complex rules for qualifying for quake aid.

“The government rules were so confusing, we were scared we would not get compensation if we started work on our own,” said Timilsina.

Apart from the damage to hundreds of thousands of homes nationwide, the disaster reduced more than a hundred monuments to rubble and damaged another 560 structures, including many centuries-old temples and stunning royal palaces, in the Kathmandu valley that used to attract visitors from around the world.

In the historic town of Bhaktapur, many of the traditional brick houses that made it famous have been replaced by gray tents and rusty tin shacks where women like Laxmi Nyapit are now forced to raise their children.

“Unless we get help, I don’t know how we will ever live in a house again,” the mother-of-three told AFP while sitting in her tent, which houses a bed and a stove.

Nyapit, who has received just $150 from the government, said the commemorations—including candlelight vigils planned for later Sunday—meant little.

“They have to remember those who died, but first they have to remember us survivors and come here to help us,” said the 40-year-old, who earns 35 rupees (32 US cents) a day from knitting gloves.

“If our government cared, we would not be living like this after a year.”

The disaster struck on April 25 but commemorations were being held on Sunday—the quake anniversary according to the Nepali calendar.

It wrecked infrastructure across the hardest-hit regions of Nepal, damaging more than 1,200 health centers and severing a lifeline for remote, rural communities.

Nearly 8,000 schools were destroyed or left unsafe, leaving almost one million children without classrooms. AFP

Festival. Myanmar cosplay fans pose for photographs at a cosplay festival in Yangon on April 24, 2016. Purple-haired princesses, wolves and dolled-up maids mingled at a ‘cosplay’ fantasy costume festival held this weekend in Myanmar, where the global roleplaying craze is building up a cult following. AFP

Pop icon Prince cremated and laid to rest CHANHASSEN—Loved ones cremated pop icon Prince on Saturday with his final resting place to remain a secret, two days after his sudden death stunned the music world.

The 57-year-old “Purple Rain” creator, one of the most acclaimed and unique artists of his generation, will eventually be honored with a concert, his spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman, Anna Meacham, said that Prince was cremated on Saturday and that his ashes’ “final storage will remain private.”

“Prince was celebrated by a small group of his most beloved: family, friends and his musicians, in a private, beautiful ceremony to say a loving goodbye,” she said in a statement, with a faint echo of the opening lines to “Let’s Go Crazy.”

“An announcement will be made at a future date for a musical celebration.”

The pop legend, renowned

for his stamina and prolific musical output, died suddenly Thursday at his Paisley Park estate near his birthplace of Minneapolis.

While the place of the cremation was unclear, the private service appeared to take place at Paisley Park which was full of commotion on Saturday, with an AFP photographer counting around a dozen cars parked inside its gates in the suburb of Chanhassen.

Two staff members came out with a large vase of flowers in Prince’s signature purple, some of which they pulled out to give to fans who applauded in gratitude.

Maurice Phillips, Prince’s brother-in-law who is married to his sister Tyka, also took the time to come out to chat and take pictures with the fans.

The cause of Prince’s death remains a mystery.

The spokeswoman, in line with statements from au-

thorities, said that at least four weeks would be needed for results of the autopsy conducted before the cremation.

Prince had been hospitalized a week earlier complaining of flu-like symptoms after his plane made an emergency landing on his way back from Atlanta where he performed what would be his final fullfledged concerts.

Authorities plan in the coming days to search Paisley Park -- Prince’s sprawling headquarters that was home to a stateof-the-art studio and vaults of vast unreleased work.

But Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson told reporters Friday that the move was routine, with no indication of suicide or foul play.

The celebrity news site TMZ has reported that Prince’s earlier hospitalization may have been triggered by an overdose of an opioid-based painkiller.

Prince was legendary for

his marathon performances, which would often last until dawn, but had hip surgery several years ago and suffered epilepsy as a child.

Prince, despite his personal eccentricities, was widely hailed as one of the greatest musicians of his generation, creating a unique brand of danceable funk and mastering the guitar so extensively that he could play it behind his back or blindfolded.

Tributes have come from throughout the music world and beyond.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Friday came out to “Let’s Go Crazy” on a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, calling Prince “extraordinary” and an “American original.”

US President Barack Obama, who invited Prince to play at the White House last year, earlier hailed him as “one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time.” AFP

Kim hails ‘successful’ submarine missile test SEOUL—North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un hailed a submarinelaunched ballistic missile test as an “eye-opening success”, state media said Sunday, declaring Pyongyang had the ability to strike Seoul and the US whenever it pleased.

Saturday’s launch came amid growing concern that Pyongyang is preparing a fifth nuclear test.

But it was followed just hours later by a North Korean offer to impose a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing if the United

States suspends annual military drills with South Korea.

The US and Britain denounced the SLBM test as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and called on the North to refrain from further moves that could destabilize the region.

The North’s state-run KCNA news agency said the test, personally monitored by Kim, confirmed the reliability of the country’s underwater launching system.

It also cited the young leader as saying Pyongyang was

now capable of “hitting the heads of the South Korean puppet forces and the US imperialists anytime as it pleases.”

Still images broadcast on state television showed Kim on the deck of the submarine before watching the test through binoculars from shore and meeting the crew and scientists afterwards.

“This eye-opening success constitutes one more precious gift the defense scientists and technicians are presenting to the great leaders and the party,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

South Korea’s defense ministry said the missile, fired from a submarine in the Sea of Japan (East Sea), flew around 30 kilometers and that the test showed “certain technological progress” in the North’s SLBM capability.

“It is believed... that the North would be able to deploy the SLBM weapon within three to four years, or even sooner if it dedicates all its resources on the project,” ministry spokesman Moon SangGyun told reporters.

Pictures showed the missile, with “The

North Star” emblazoned on it, soar out of the water and fly into the sky, leaving a massive plume of smoke above the sea surface. AFP Manila

AUCTION SALE Standard

TODAY 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 May 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 December 30, 2015. Notary Public (TS-APR. 25, 2016)

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In flight. This handout photo taken on April 23, 2016, and released by Solar Impulse 2 shows ‘Solar Impulse 2’, a solar-powered plane piloted by Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard, flying over the Golden Gate Bridge and the downtown area in San Francisco, California. AFP

Bangladeshis demand justice SAVAR, Bangladesh—Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers demanded justice on the anniversary Sunday of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters, the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory complex that claimed over 1,100 lives.

Survivors of the disaster, many of whom lost limbs when the ninestory building came crashing down three years ago, laid flowers at the site and wept as they remembered the dead.

Relatives of those killed, including some whose bodies were never found, recited verses of the Koran and prayed after gathering from early morning at Savar just outside Dhaka.

“Three years have passed and still we don’t see any justice. No one has been held to account for one of history’s worst man-made disasters,” union leader Abul Hossain said as he led the protest.

Police have arrested and charged the owner of the building with murder, along with 40 others—in-

cluding factory officials and government inspectors who certified the flimsy complex as safe.

But no one has yet been convicted over the disaster, which ocurred after thousands of textile workers were forced to enter the building to start their shifts despite cracks appearing in its pillars one day before.

Workers also staged protests in Dhaka on Sunday and outside a state graveyard where hundreds of unidentified victims have been buried, to demand swift trials for those charged.

“Rana must be hanged!” workers shouted, referring to arrested building owner Sohel Rana who was politically influential in Bangladesh.

Others who gathered at the disaster site, which has been turned into a small lake and was Sunday full of hyacinth flowers, called for improved safety at Bangladesh’s 4,500 garment factories.

“The government must shut down all faulty factories to avoid another Rana Plaza. It’s unfortunate most factories remain unsafe despite such a huge tragedy,” said another union leader, Touhidul Islam.

The Rana Plaza tragedy triggered international outrage and put pressure on European and US clothing brands to improve pay and conditions at the factories that supply them.

But only a fraction of Bangladesh’s textile factories— which employ a total of four million workers, mostly women— have since been certified safe.

Last year the authorities completed compensation payments for the 3,000 victims, including the injured and families of the dead, but many survivors say it is not enough. AFP

Obama to visit Merkel on last trip to Germany LONDON—Barack Obama makes a valedictory visit to Germany on Sunday at the invitation of Angela Merkel, a leader who has become his primary European interlocutor and political kindred spirit.

Obama will jet in to Hanover for a final bilateral visit to a country that has long been Europe’s biggest economy, but has in modern times punched below its weight politically, diplomatically and militarily.

During Obama’s seven years in office, that dynamic has changed, with the US president making the German chancellor, among European leaders at least, first among equals.

Both leaders have an approach to politics that is heavily analyti-

cal, leading aides to talk about a relationship that is cerebral and without comparison.

“I consider Angela one of my closest partners and also a friend,” Obama told the Bild newspaper, laying on the compliments on the eve of his trip.

“I’ve worked with her longer and closer than any other world leader, and over the years I’ve learned from her,” he said.

“She embodies many of the leadership qualities I admire most. She’s guided by both interests and values.”

Today, while the United States has a “special relationship” with Britain and France is America’s “oldest ally”, Germany has become Washington’s “indispensable partner”. AFP

Eight killed as hailstones lash Myanmar

Performance. Fireworks are seen during the performance of Guns N’ Roses during day 2 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2 at the Empire Polo Club on April 23 in Indio, California. AFP

YANGON—Violent storms that saw hailstones the size of golf balls rain down across Myanmar have killed at least eight people in recent days, toppled pagodas and damaged thousands of buildings, officials said Sunday.

The freak storms struck across five states on Friday and Saturday after weeks of heatwave temperatures regularly topping 40C (104F).

“From what we know now there are eight people killed and 7,500 houses destroyed during these days,” Phyu Lei Lei Tun, director of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, told AFP, adding

that the toll might increase as more information became available.

Six of the victims died in Yay Tha Yauk village in the central region of Mandalay after flash flooding. Other regions that were struck included Sagaing and Magway as well as the states of Shan and Chin.

Pictures and TV footage showed huge hailstones crashing onto flooded streets and clattering off metal roofs as residents rushed for shelter.

“I felt afraid of the strong wind, the rain and the hailstones when I looked out the window,” Yin Myo, a resident of Mandalay, told AFP. “Some hailstones were as large

as golf balls, most about the size of ice cubes you put in drinks,” she added, saying her aunt’s house had been damaged.

The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said more than 1,700 pagodas were damaged by galeforce winds in the southern state of Shan on Friday night.

Pictures on social media showed some of the pagoda spires, which were hundreds of years old, lying shattered on the ground.

Like much of the Greater Mekong region, Myanmar has been hit by drought in recent weeks amid a particularly fierce dry season. AFP

m onday : a pril 25, 2016

TaTUm anCHETa EDITOR

BinG parEl

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

BErnadETTE lUnaS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@liFEatStandard

E aT, drinK , T r aV El

LIFE

A cable car ride at Ngong Ping 360 allows visitors to see Ngong Ping Village

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Meet Mickey Mouse and friends at Hong Kong Disneyland

Fun FAmIly TRAvEl TO HOng KOng

F

amilies can take advantage of the school break this summer to have some R & R by traveling to a great destination like Hong Kong. Exciting deals are made available through the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) which has collaborated with 10 popular destinations and over 80 hotels and partner airlines to welcome traveling Filipino families that will be staying in Hong Kong until May 31.

According to Simon Wong, HKTB regional director for Southeast Asia, the Philippines is “a strategic source market for Hong Kong, and continues to be one. With over 700,000 Filipino visitors traveling to Hong Kong in 2015, this marks a remarkable 11 percent growth year on year.”

Wong further shares, “We have seen a growing number of families visiting Hong Kong. These tailor-made promotions will ensure that our family travellers are well taken care of, especially during the school holiday period.”

Planning a Hong Kong itinerary has never been easier, especially with Philippine Airlines’ “Kids Fly Free” family promotion where every two paying adults will entitle a kid to travel for free. Families can choose from a wide array of hotels conveniently located around Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories that suit preferences, with offers that include exceptional room rates with either complimentary extra bed or breakfast for the kids.

Both kids and parents will enjoy Hong Kong’s renowned attractions like Big Bus Tours, Hong Kong 3D Museum, Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong Tramways, Madame Tussauds, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Ngong Ping 360, Noah’s Ark, sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck as well as Trick Eye Museum.

Rolling out the red carpet will be easy with attractions that offer special family packages inclusive of adult and children admission tickets. On top of that, exciting discounts and special gifts with purchase from multi-label and children shops and boutiques at both Harbour City and Times Square also await visitors. Dedicated to being a kid’s paradise, parents can update their kids’ wardrobe or reward them with toys from the largest Toys “R” Us store in Asia.

For more information on the Hong Kong Family Fun promotion plus a list of participating hotels, visit DiscoverHongKong.com or call your travel agent now.

The fascinating Trick Eye Museum

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m onday : a prIL 25, 2016

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

SM Mall of Asia warmly welcomed Madrid Fusion chefs and delegates with a dinner at the SM By the Bay. Sharing honors with the ceremonial toast are the participating chefs from the East and West

Department of Trade and Industry’s undersecretary Nora Terrado (center) with Fons Hermoso, Jena Zulueta, Michelle Valero and Emmanuel Ang

a bLEnd oF FLavorS at madrId FUSIon’S wELcomE party

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orld-renowned chefs, delegates, and officials from the Department of Tourism as well as Madrid Fusion gathered together at a welcome party held at the Mall of Asia’s scenic SM By the Bay. The event hosted by SM highlighted the continuing collaboration that began last year between SM and Madrid Fusion Manila.

A fiesta atmosphere permeated the place, with guests enjoying the sumptuous spread of local cuisine from Café Adriatico and Vikings, as well as a special showcase of different types of lechon or roast suckling pig. Adding to the enjoyment were local drinks from Tanduay, San Miguel, and Don Papa Rum of Kultura.

Seen enjoying the great food were director of Arum Estrategias Internacionalization Iñigo Cañego, Floro de Debate’s Lourdes Plana long with Michelin Star chefs from Spain Joan Roca, Fernando Perez Arellano, and Ricard Camarena. In a fusion of east and west, Asian-based foreign chefs savored culinary specialties from the Philippines that include Central’s chef Virgilio Martinez from Peru, Pujol’s chef Enrique Olvera from Mexico, Cuca’s award-winning chef Kevin Cherkas from Indonesia, and Pig and Khao’s chef Leah Cohen from the United States.

Japanese chef Yoshihiro Narisawa, considered as the pioneer of cuisine connected to the preservation of the natural environment, also enjoyed the fiesta fare together with Peruvian chef

Taco Bell's Daily Deals offers tacos, nachos, burritos and quesadilla at discounted prices

Karime Lopez Moreno and Hong Kong chef Nurdin Topham.

On hand to welcome the guests were DOT officials led by Verna Buensuceso and SM executives led by SM SVP for Marketing Jon Jon San Agustin and SM AVP for Operations Perkin So. Aside from the great food, livening up the night was award winning dance group Team Vibe whose fantastic moves with an East meets West spectacle delighted the audience.

“SM, through its partnership with Madrid Fusion Manila and the DOT, through Flavors of the Philippines, is simply fulfilling its mission to bring families and friends together in one fun place through the enjoyment of everything flavorful,” remarked SM Supermalls senior vice president Steven Tan. Madrid Fusion Manila 2016, which celebrates the 450th anniversary of the Galleon Trade that linked Asia – particularly the Philippines – with the Western World, highlights through The Manila Galleon: East Meets West theme.

Madrid Fusion Manila, which was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, is aimed at expanding the gastronomic conversation further, not only between Spain and the Philippines which share a deep culinary history, but also between many countries in the East and the West.

The Madrid Fusion welcome party is only one of the many exciting events lined up at SM Mall of Asia.

The Department of Tourism's Verna Buensuceso

Chefs Joan Roca of Spain, Yoshihiro Narisawa of Japan, Enrique Olevera of Mexico and Leah Cohen of the US

Madrid Fusion’s Miel Esteban, Iñigo Cañedo of ARUM Estrategias with Fernando Garus, Emma Delgado and Antonio Sanchez De Mora

Floro de Debate’s Lourdes Plana, Ana Garcia Lomas and Ma. del Camino Marin

Lechon as the foodie centerpiece

Get through the weekday with nachos and tacos Mexican food lovers here in the Philippines have more reasons to rejoice as Taco Tuesday now has three more days added at Taco Bell outlets nationwide.

Due to the popularity of Taco Tuesday last year, fast food restaurant Taco Bell brings back its Daily Deals featuring meals that will help people get through the week.

The first day of the week will be a little bit easier to bear as Burrito Mondays lets you enjoy Beef Burrito Supreme plus any soda for only P109, saving you as much as P55.

Of course, the week won’t be complete without Taco Tuesdays, featuring Taco Bell’s signature meal. Forget about your worries

for a while as you indulge in a Crunchy Taco Supreme with any soft drink for only P89, down from P114.

Get past “hump day” or the middle of the week with Nacho Wednesdays. Let a Bucket Nachos snack with a drink give you that extra push to get through work, school or a game for only P109, less P35 from the original price.

Thursdays are reserved for warm, cheesy Quesadilla. For 139, enjoy a Beef and Cheese Quesadilla meal with your preferred soda, down from its original price of P164.

Visit http://www.tacobell.com.ph to learn more about Taco Bell’s Daily Deals and other promos.

m onday : a prIL 25, 2016

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

My spacious room with a spectacular view of Makati’s Central Business District

@LIFEatStandard

The hotel’s elegant lobby

an oaSIS In ThE concrETE jungLE merCury rising

T

By BoB zozoBrado

hose who have transactions, whether business or social, in the northern fringes of Makati’s Central Business District did not have too many options for medium-range worldclass accommodations for quite some time. There were just the usual inns or small tourist hotels that did not exactly attract the fastidious travelers. In fact, due to the paucity of better accommodations, travelers opted to stay in neighboring Mandaluyong or Pasay or Manila, cities that have these budget-type international standard accommodations, even if the purpose for their trip was in Makati.

Then, two years ago, City Garden Grand opened its doors to the public.

Finally, the budget-conscious business and leisure travelers got the world-class accommodations they have wanted for so long. The lively neighborhood now looks even better with this hotel right in its midst, offering deluxe facilities and services at rates that are easy on the pocket, It has been talked about that the 300room hotel can easily compete with any of the 5-star properties in the city as far as service and availability of facilities are concerned. I was curious at what the hotel could offer its guests, as compared to the international-standard properties in the area, so I decided to check in. First thing that pleased me was that I didn’t have to spend time looking for parking as the hotel offers complimentary valet services. And for a lazy driver like me, that means a lot.

As I entered the lobby, I right away enjoyed the feel of luxury of its interiors, with accents of onyx, narra hardwood and marble that are staple to international-standard accommodations. Check-in was a breeze, as the entire process took less than five minutes.

My spacious room had everything I needed for a comfortable stay… kingsized bed, flat screen TV, strong Wi-Fi connectivity, luxury amenities in the bathroom and, most of all, a breathtaking view of Makati’s Central Business District.

For the fitness conscious traveler who wants to de-stress at the end of a long day, the fully equipped gym and spa on the 9th floor are available. But what gives the hotel added advantage is its proximity to fancy restaurants, bohemian dining and other options. The Rockwell area, which offers shopping, culinary treats and several forms of entertainment, is an easy 10-minute walk from the hotel.

But if you’re too lazy to go out because of this punishing heat and humidity that currently plagues the metropolis, there is always the Spice Café at the 7th floor, boasting of a breakfast and lunch buffet that is hailed as one of Makati’s best, at a very affordable price.

Still looking for something that gives the hotel an edge over its next-door neighbors, I decided to walk around the entire property, and was glad to have discovered the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi on the 32nd floor. Now, this was exactly what I was looking for… a breathtaking, unobstructed view of Makati’s Central Business District.

A dip in the Jacuzzi “on top of the world” was such a relaxing experience that is hard to come by these days.

On the same level is the Firefly Roof Deck, the all-weather full-service bar which offers a wide selection of beverages and a full menu for al fresco dining. I was lucky I checked in on a weekend because they had a live band that played my favorite songs of yesteryears. The sound of these familiar tunes added to my enjoyment of

The Firefly Roof Deck Bar, also with an awesome view of Makati

Swimming with a view at the hotel’s rooftop pool

A beautiful wedding set-up at the hotel’s roof deck

the view, the food, the drinks, making my overnight stay even more enjoyable.

Viewed from a certain angle, the northern part of Makati’s Central Business district, occupied by an assemblage of buildings with various shapes and sizes, looks like

a harsh wilderness of concrete and steel.

With all the comfort and convenience that it has to offer, City Garden Grand is the likely “oasis” in that concrete jungle.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

yoUr MoNday CHUCKLE: Why do women love shoes? Because no matter how much and whatever they eat, their shoes always fit.

dine more, pay less It’s now possible to eat more and pay less, as Citi offers credit card holders the best deals when dining out with family and friends.

Invite nine members of your family or close friends to partake of seafood delights and homey Americana meals such as ‘I’m Stuffed!’ Shrimp, Shrimper’s Heaven and Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs at Bubba Gump and get 50 percent off on lunch and 25 percent off on dinner.

Spanish food fans in a group of 10 have until June 30 to get 25 percent off on lunch at Vask Tapas

Room for a minimum food bill of P1,500 using their Citi debit or credit card.

Alternately, enjoy a 25 percent discount for food bills of P1,000 or more at Arrozeria. Feast on a wide range of Arrozeria’s savory Spanish dishes such as paella Valenciana, foie gras and porcini mushroom risotto, and fideua negra, among others. A minimum of 10 diners may avail of this dining offer during weekday lunch and dinner.

For flavorful Italian and Spanish cuisine, Café Ysabel and its modern iteration Buenisimo

has got your cravings covered.

Dine in at Buenisimo and get 25 percent off on a la carte weekday lunches for up to 20 diners for a minimum spend of P2,500. Or enjoy a 25 percent discount on weekday breakfast and lunch at Café Ysabel Restaurant when you purchase at least P2,500 using your Citi credit or debit card.

For more information on Citi’s dining offers at some of the best restaurants in the country, log on to www.citibank.com.ph/lovetodine or call the 24-hour CitiPhone hotline at (02) 995-9999.

m onday : a prIL 25, 2016

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Grilled Tuna in Chorizo and Clam Broth

@LIFEatStandard

Tostones in chorizo and guacamole, pulled beef and mushroom and pumpkin variants

5 new ways to use piri sauce Gostoso piri piri restaurant rolls out new dishes

n

o food crawl in the burgeoning Kapitolyo food strip in Pasig City is ever complete without a visit to Gostoso Piri Piri restaurant.

Since its opening in 2014, Gostoso has become a favorite stop among diners in the area looking to try authentic Portuguese barbecue and piri piri sauce.

The young restaurant has developed a cult following in the community, thanks to its grilled chicken marinated in herbs, salt and olive oil that is made even more special with a kick of its signature piri piri (the Swahili term for “pepper pepper”) sauces.

Gostoso’s piri piri sauce is an heirloom recipe from the restaurant’s Portuguese partner Chef Joao Braquinho and is based on a generations-old chili recipe from the Alentejo Region in Portugal. The sauce selections come in four variants: hot, mild, barbecue and garlic lemon.

Two years after Gostoso’s successful outing, the partners thought it’s about time to introduce more dishes that would highlight the restaurant’s piri piri pride.

Gostoso tapped Him Uy De Baron, executive chef of Japanese restaurant Nomama and Korean food joint I Am Kim, to help expand its menu.

“We partnered with Chef Him because we wanted to offer something new and we wanted to see how else our sauces can be used,” Tatiana Olondriz, one of Gostoso Piri Piri restaurant’s partners, told The Standard Life.

“When I met him, I felt that he understood our concept, and I was right because Chef Him was able to integrate all of our sauces in his dishes,” she related further.

By Bernadette Lunas Photos By star saBroso Chef Him took cue from the restaurant’s Latin-inspired concept and its rustic and grilled flavor profile in coming up with five new dishes that are good for sharing with family and friends.

A delicious prelude to the meal is the Tostones (P90), which are Latin-style canapés on fried flattened plantains, that come in three kinds: chorizo and guacamole with hot piri sauce, pulled beef with barbecue piri sauce, and mushroom and pumpkin with mild piri sauce.

Chef Him’s Inverted Nachos (P185) offers a different take on the snack favorite as the toasted tortilla chips, house-made chorizo and guacamole are served over a Latin-style cheese sauce that’s melted on a sizzling skillet.

Rounding up the new appetizer choices are the Mushroom and Squash Empanadas (P190). A vegetarian version of Gostoso’s popular Bolsas, these empanadas envelop fresh mushrooms slow-cooked with squash, spices and gouda cheese, and are fried to golden brown and finished off with piri-dusted sour cream.

For the main dish, Chef Him created Grilled Tuna in Chorizo and Clam Broth (P230) and Twice-Cooked Beef Ribs (P275).

The tasty seafood dish is made of Manila clams sautéed with chorizo, garlic and white wine, along with fresh marinated tuna that’s been grilled to medium.

The beef dish, on the other hand, is a treat on the plate with its huge portion of beef ribs braised until fork-tender, grilled with Latin spice and served with charred salsa verde.

Gostoso Piri Piri Restaurant offers Latin-inspired dishes and authentic piri piri sauces

Inverted Nachos

Twice-Cooked Beef Ribs

Mushroom and Squash Empanadas

The five new dishes are all cooked or served with Gostoso’s piri sauces. But for those who want to turn the taste up a notch, Olondriz encourages diners to mix and match the piri sauces with their food and dip to their heart’s delight.

“Garlic lemon is typically paired with seafood while barbecue goes well with chicken or pork. The hot and mild piri sauces go with anything!” she enthused.

Complementing the new and existing Gostoso dishes are five cocktails created by “mad scientist” mixologist Kalel Demetrio.

The artisanal cocktails are concocted with local produce and ingredients that are also used for the dishes served in the restaurant.

“I always try to check the things they have in the kitchen and use those. It’s one way of saving them from another inventory,” Kalel shared with The Standard Life.

For instance, Amore is made with vodka, calamansi liqueur, black jelly vodka, ginger lime, cilantro and piri liqueur. Meanwhile, rhum, vodka, cucumber, beetroot liqueur, rosemary syrup, lime and cumin found their way in Bonita.

Seeing that the restaurant has lots of corn in its inventory, Kalel created Caramelo which

is a mix of rhum, corn juice, muscovado sugar and chamomile liqueur, served with torched caramel cube. Gostosojito is Gostoso’s take on mojito and is made of rhum, piri liqueur, lime, muscovado, guava syrup and calamansi liqueur.

Perhaps the most intriguing cocktail is Ex-girlfriend, which is a concoction of gin, vodka, orange and pineapple juice, ginger syrup, lemongrass and bitter melon.

The sweetness of orange and pineapple is tempered by the hint of bitterness from the ampalaya – perfect for those who haven’t moved on or are still refusing to move on.

With new dishes that complement the restaurant’s signature sauces and new cocktails that pair well with the entire menu, Gostoso Piri Piri is expecting more friends and families who will discover the taste of the Latin-inspired cuisines.

“We wanted people to come, hang out, bring their friends. We’re not a formal sitdown restaurant, we’re very casual and very reasonably priced,” said Olondriz.

Gostoso Piri Piri restaurant is located at 51B East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For inquiries, call (02) 477-7330 or like Gostoso Piri Piri on Facebook.

m oNDAy : A pRIl 25, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR NICKIE WANG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

Superbods Nation 2016 winners olivia medina and Tom Esconde

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Winning cirle. (From left) Ali Khatibi, Chet Abella, olivia medina, Tom Esconde, Clint Bondad and Ambra Gutierrez

A REnDEzvOus WITh supERbODs In ThE hOTTEsT summER EvEnT

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ith temperatures reaching new records, Century Tuna Superbods Nation 2016 made it even much hotter with the parade of hot bodies and chiseled physiques scorching in this year’s biggest summer event.

Fitness inspirations and Century Tuna endorsers that became part of the company’s fitness and healthy lifestyle advocacy joined together in a grand reunion to welcome the newest pair to be part of the elite group.

On April 10 at the exclusive Palace Pool Club, “Ultimate Superbods” Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsay with Century Tuna endorsers Solenn Heussaff, Isabelle Daza, Aljur Abrenica, Andrew Wolffe, Xian Lim, Gerald Anderson, Elmo Magalona, Paolo Avelino, Phil Younghusband and Jessy Mendiola graced this year’s Superbod Nation competition, and walked the runway, to welcome Tom Esconde and Olivia Medina as this year’s grand winners. The two bested 24 other hopefuls who participated in a month-long journey that started from nationwide go-sees to numerous physical and mental challenges leading to the finals night.

Esconde, a Filipino-Swedish IT technician, confessed it was his first time to participate in such a search unlike Filipino-Canadian Medina who has had stints as print and fashion model.

“I’ve worked hard for this competition. To be honest, this has been my lifestyle. I didn’t prepare just yesterday. I’ve been living a healthy and

by nIckIE WAng active lifestyle as far as I can remember. I guess, that’s what the judges saw that’s why they chose me to be the winner,” the 28-year-old Esconde told The Standard minutes after winning the Superbod Nation competition.

Medina, on the other hand, relayed: “This is such a great blessing for me. The experience was so amazing, I really pushed myself and never gave up. And I also made a lot of amazing friends.”

Bagging first runner-up honors were Clint Bondad and Ambra Gutierrez, while Chet Abella and Ali Khatibi walked home as second runners-up. The Superbods search, now celebrating its 10th glorious year, lived up to its promise of being bigger, better, and sexier.

Greg Banzon, Century Pacific Food, Inc. vice-president and general manager, expressed his delight in the diversity of the Superbods finalists. Sitting on the judges table, the Century Ultimate Superbods Derek Ramsay and Anne Curtis (second and third from right) with Century Tuna top gun said, “What were are seeing tonight is endorsers (from left) phil younghusband, Gerald Anderson, Aljur Abrenica and paolo Avelino a true cross section, a convergence. I’m happy Sitting in the distinguished Board of Judges The two-hour fitness spectacle, fashion to see finalists who are Eurasians, Filipino- along with Banzon—who no doubt had a tough show and competition also witnessed the Americans, Filipino-Chinese, and of different time in choosing the winners—were Miss Uni- return of former Superbods winners inbackgrounds and interests.” verse 1969 and Century Tuna’s first celebrity cluding 2014 winners Mauro Lumba and Both Tom Esconde and Olivia Medina endorser Gloria Diaz, fashion editor and styl- Sarah Polverini, Van Victor Leaño (2009) took home generous prizes: P500,000 cash ist Liz Uy, UAAP basketball star Jerone Teng, and John Spainhour and Monica Sta. Maeach and a year’s contract as brand ambas- Mediaquest and TV5 president and CEO Noel ria (2012) and runner-up June Macasaet. sador of Century Tuna. The first runners- Lorenzana, Intelligent Skincare Inc and Belo “It’s ’s the biggest reunion of superbods up received P250,000 each, while the sec- Medical Group Managing Director Cristalle as we welcome onstage the past and present ond runners-up bagged P100,000 each and Belo Henares, and PC&V Communications names who live up Century Tuna lifestyle,” all the finalists took home P30,000 each. president and CEO Ariel Comia. says Marc Nelson, one of the program hosts.

This year’s Superbods Nation competition features a bevy of physically fit and mentally healthy contestants

Home security and comforting brunch food in mlTV

mlTV hosts Bianca Gonzales and Stephanie Zubiri

In the latest episode of PhilSTAR TV’s Modern Living TV that aired last Saturday, hosts and lifestyle columnists Bianca Gonzalez and Stephanie Zubiri learned the latest in home security, engaged in a brunch cooking session and later checked out a trending comfort food joint.

The MLTV team showed what truly makes your home and its vicinity safe wuth tips on how to deter unwelcome “guests” from entering your premises.

The show’s very own in-house chef, Steph shared some of her lovingly concocted brunch recipes to make those idle weekend hours a little bit more scrumptiously special.

Meanwhile, super busy and often hungry mommy Bianca was on a quest to find great comfort food in the metro. Lucky for her, Lucky Chick, a relatively new food stop in Katipunan, had Bianca’s wellloved dishes and more.

The fifth season of Modern Living TV

has 13 episodes, running every Saturday since March 5 until May 28 on ANC at 10:30 a.m., with replays at 6 p.m. on Sundays. Modern Living TV is the first lifestyle TV show by a news media organization.

Every 30-minute episode of Modern Living TV features the latest eye candy in the form of breathtaking living spaces and other elements of modern living. The show also presents informative and entertaining segments that feature the hottest lifestyle trends.

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m onDAy : A pRIl 25, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

SHAInA no commEnt on lloyDIE’S nEw RomAntIc lIAISonS think or how they would like things to happen. But at the end of the day, what would matter is my feelings. Regarding that reconciliation thing, I cannot really comment. Nothing is happening now that is geared towards that.

As I’ve said, we’re friends, in fact, we worked together in the soap Nathaniel.

“What’s more important for me at this point is that I’m okay, we’re okay. We say ‘Hi!’ to each other whenever our paths cross. Showbiz is such a small world. But as of now, that’s just it…nothing more, nothing less.” ends Shaina.

shTIcks JOsEph pETER GOnzalEs

S

haina Magdayao doesn’t want to comment on issues concerning former boyfriend, John Lloyd Cruz, particularly his being romantically linked to perennial leading lady Bea Alonzo (who happens to be her close friend) after he called it quits with Angelica Panganiban.

“I don’t think I need to react on that,” she says. “In the first place, I don’t see them of late.

That issue is not part of the environment I’m circulating (sic) with right now. And definitely, it’s none of my business, right?

Personally, I just want to talk about more pleasant things!”

How about Lloydie’s break-up with Angelica?

“That’s another issue I don’t think I should comment on (it) since it’s totally out of my world.

I’m the type of person who wouldn’t talk on things I don’t have any idea (of) to begin with.

It’s hard since I might get dragged into the issue. I just want to be

Kapamilya star Shaina magdayao

quiet and peaceful since it’s been four years (sic) already since John Lloyd and I ended our relationship. We’re leading separate lives now but we (sic) managed to become friends eventually.”

With Angelica, the pretty lass admits they’ve never been close pals even when they are both under Star Magic.

“That’s true. We’re not really close to begin with. But I want to think that I’m okay with everybody. You know, life is too short. Things happen so fast. It’s futile to start a friction with an-

other person. It’s a waste of time and energy.

“I’m here in the business to work and not to collect enemies.

That’s my primary goal. Nothing else. One thing more, my life is not 24/7 showbiz. There are still other aspects which comprise it.

There are lots of good developments in my life which the whole world need not know.”

There are still some who are toying with the idea that she and Lloydie will get back together.

“I know that I don’t have any control on what other people

******** After being inactive in the limelight for two years, the original StarStruck Prince Rainier Castillo is staging a comeback.

“That’s right! I just recently signed a three-year contract with Viva Entertainment. I’m glad and thankful that they took me in,” he avers.

The appealing lad admits he can’t really turn his back on the ‘biz.

“In the two years that I was not visible, I still had television guest stints

and out-of-town shows. People still recognize me and even want to take a photo-op with me when I’m out. So, I sought the help of Tita Geleen Eugenio. She agreed to take me to Viva. Now, I’m back and excited.”

What made him busy when he didn’t have any regular show in those two years?

“I attended to my rice field in Palawan and I have a heavy equipment business. At least, it gave me time to concentrate on those.”

For sure, his fans would be happy with this news.

“Well, thank you because they’re still there for me.

I really missed the ‘biz.” Rainier states.

Rainer castillo is staging a showbiz comback

Fastest flight to Batanes

Flying to Batanes? And do you know you can get ther in 60 minutes?

Fly with Skyjet Airlines, Manila’s First Boutique Airline. It is the fastest flight to Basco, Batanes.

Skyjet will fly you and your family this summer to the last frontier of the north in 60 minutes and let you taste the mouthwatering Payi (Lobster).

Skyjet’s rival airline flies to this destination in one hour and forty five minutes which carries 56 pas-

manila’s first Boutique Airline Skyjet cuts travel time from the capital to Batanes down to 60 minutes

cROsswORD puzzlE 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 49

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

ACROSS 1 Vise 6 Distant 10 “— — a Teenage Werewolf” 14 Four-bagger 15 Magnum venue 16 Hertz leader 17 Sports venue 18 Clancy’s Jack — 19 Sheepskin holder 20 Fall apart

22 Gives the eye 23 Dixie, once 24 Pick up a lease 26 Logo 30 Seek old haunts 32 Caesar — 33 Synonym scouter 34 Weep 36 Battery chemical 37 Man from Havana 38 Wave away 39 Cousins of “um”

Brand name Dirigible bottoms Found seats Rough-textured Moves gingerly Sunbathe Deputy’s need Like a safe driver (2 wds.)

54 Sleep like — — 55 Nonsense!

57 Beyond banal 58 It had three parts 59 Toward shelter 60 Chieftain’s plaids 61 Exact area 62 Dog-owner’s shout 63 — box DOWN 1 African lake 2 Petty or Loughlin 3 Iowa State city 4 Diner handout 5 Frisked about 6 Major artery 7 Dunaway of films 8 Just as I thought!

9 Depart quickly 10 Mirror — 11 “Salud” sayer (hyph.)

12 Flu symptom 13 Spade’s namesakes 21 Belief

MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016

22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 35 37 38 40 41 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56

Don’t count — —!

Kingly Steady Hairy twin Temple city — Picchu On cloud nine (2 wds.)

Stripling In judge’s garb Handyman’s supply Yokels Noise-canceling brand Give a hoot Wave maker — -majeste Heyerdahl’s raft (hyph.)

Bargain with Heat meas.

Snicker (hyph.)

Tea holders Jai — Dutch colonist Writer — Bagnold Surrealist painter A law — itself Dennis, to Mr. Wilson Oompah- — Fiesta shout

sengers in their propeller plane.

There are only two airlines t operating the Manila – Basco route, with Skyjet being the largest jet plane that can land on the Basco airport.

Skyjet Airline flies daily to Basco with new flight schedule.

“The Skyjet aircraft, an 80-seater four engine jet, whose specialty is landing in short runways, is also used by the British Royal family as well as many dignitaries around the world. It is one of the

safest jets in the world,” says Dino Reyes Chua, Skyjet president.

Skyjet is also innovating in the industry by the concept of boutique airline and affordable rates.

The check-in baggage allowance and travel insurance are already part of airlines ticket cost.

Meals are also served on board with no extra charge.

For more information, call 863-1333, (0917) 863-1333 0r (0908)863-1333 or visit the website. www.skyjetair.com.

m onDAy : A pRIl 25, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

G

C7

GmA nEtwoRk bRInGS HomE 4 nEw yoRk fESt mEDAlS

MA Network proudly took home four world medals and five finalist certificates at the 2016 New York Festivals, which also had Kapuso broadcast journalist Kara David as one of the award presenters at the awards ceremony held in Las Vegas on April 19.

GMA was the only Philippine broadcast network that won medals this year.

The network’s News and Public Affairs Group won four medalists in various categories.

I-Witness, the country’s longest running documentary program, won a bronze medal in the Community Portraits category for “Dorm 12”, where David featured aging and forgotten inmates at the Correctional Institute for Women.

Investigative news magazine Reporter’s Notebook won a bronze in the Social Issues category for tackling urban migration in its “Hikahos sa Lungsod” episode, reported by Maki Pulido.

Front Row’s “Maestra Salbabida” took

home a bronze in the Community Service Programs category, depicting a teacher in Mindoro who crosses rivers using a makeshift floating device to reach the barrio where she teaches.

GMA News TV’s Reel Time, meanwhile, earned a bronze in the Human Concerns category for its “Isang Paa sa Hukay” documentary on small-scale mining operations in Camarines Norte.

David, meanwhile, was the only media professional from Asia named as one of

this year’s award presenters, which include prominent international media executives, talk show hosts and content creators.

On the other hand, three GMA News and Public Affairs programs received finalist certificates: Philippine TV’s first-ever bayaniserye Ilustrado, Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie and Brigada while two projects from the network’s Program Support Department were also shortlisted: Ilustrado’s opening billboard and GMA News TV’s Father’s Day plug.

Actor Eddie Garcia endorses fellow Sorsogueño Chiz the lifestyle lounge at the Summer Siren festival grounds

A stylishly set up tent by Coleman, styled by H&m

Popular character actor and movie director Eddie Garcia rarely allows himself to be engaged in political affairs except when it involves personal friends like the late Fernando Poe, Jr. in 2004.

He also quietly supported his fellow Sorsogueño Francis “Chiz” Escudero when he ran for the senate.

He even allowed himself to be seen in a TV commercial endors-

Veteran actor Eddie Garcia

ing Escudero.

Until today, his support for Chiz is unwavering. On April 16, an online video with Garcia endorsing Chiz for vice president was circulated.

Garcia is also supporting Chiz’s presidential running mate, Senator Grace Poe. “Napakagaling niya, may utak at may puso,” Garcia said referring to Poe. Meanwhile, cameras caught Poe singing along with Jireh Lim’s “Buko” during a rally in Pili, Camarines Sur on April 15.

The youth in the crowd seemed glad that the presidential candidate is attuned to the things they are happy about.

Grace said that her children – Brian, Hanna and Anika – update her on the latest in popular culture. Grace is only 47 year old, the youngest among the presidential candidates.

metabEAtS session by fitness coaches Jim and toni Saret

Glamping at 2016 Summer Carla Abellana’s easy and effortless way Siren festival to a beautiful skin

If there is anybody that knows how to bring glamping back to the scene, it’s Lifestyle TV. The event dubbed as Glamping by Lifestyle: Pitch 3 at the Summer Siren Festival 2016 at Crystal Beach in San Narciso, Zambales proved just that as it treated its hundreds of glampers to lots of style, comfort, and entertainment.

Stylishly set up tents by Coleman, styled by H&M Home decked the beach, each with its own airbed and round-the-clock electricity to power every glamper’s own modern conveniences.

After serving up sumptuous breakfasts, MetaBEATS got glampers on their feet with the unique 4-minute burst exercise program taught by Coaches Jim and Toni Saret, two of the country’s leading fitness and health experts. The glampers were the first ones lucky enough to experience MetaBEATS. MetaBEATS is the first locally produced fitness and wellness nutrition program, which premiered on April 16 on Lifestyle. MetaBEATS airs 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. every

Saturday and Sunday. Replays will be at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., and 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

During the day, glampers beat the heat with the make-yourown ice cream booth by Coleman and free iced tea drinks at the Nestea booth.

They also got to have gold and silver metallic body art temporary tattoos perfect for the great outdoors as well as t-shirt styling

by Smart.

Glamping by Lifestyle also featured their “Beach Mane Session” booth free for glampers who want to get the perfect summer braids.

Completing the list of lifestyle activities are yoga sessions, flow arts and poi dancing, hula hooping, and hand-drumming.

MYX also staged the first ever MYX sessions at this year’s Summer Siren Festival. Hosted by MYX VJs Ai, Tippy and Alex, the number one music channel in the country kicked off the first night by headlining some of the finest artists in the local music industry such as Ebe Dancel,

Hale, Moonstar88, Quest, and a whole lot more.

As part of the welcome dinner hosted by Lifestyle, an exclusive jam session at the glampsite featuring Zsaris Mendioro, Mossimo Music Summit 2015 grand winner and best known for her impressive talent in live looping, was also one of the highlights of the event. With beats perfect for the festive vibe, glampers enjoyed the music as they watched the sun set.

Glamping by Lifestyle: Pitch 3 was mounted in Partnership with Coleman Philippines and H&M Home, co-presented by Smart Communications, Inc. and Claritin Philippines, brought to you by MILO® Philippines NUTRI-UP and NESTEA. 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, nor sleeping bags to unroll, or fire to build, it was indeed the ultimate upgrade to the camping experience.

Every day, our cells take on a battle against free radicals. These free radicals are created by the stressors around us. If we would just let these free radicals take over our healthy cells, the tendency is we will have undernourished skin and become more vulnerable to different kinds of diseases like colds, flu, other immunity-threatening diseases and even fatal ones like cancer, diabetes and heart problems.

How can we protect our cells and get to have a skin that looks fresh all the time? It’s through the power of vitamin E that is present in Vita-E, endorsed by actress Carla Abellana.

Vita-E contains 400 IU (international units) of vitamin E, a known antioxidant that effectively protects the cells against free radicals and gives our skin a beautiful, youthful and effortless glow. VitaE works from the inside making you feel and look great. Not only it is essential in maintaining the functions of our heart, blood vessels and nervous system, Vita-E

also gives all around protection for a healthy immune system.

Achieve beautiful skin you always wanted while you protect yourself from the harmful effects of free radicals with the help of Vita-E, recommended to be taken one capsule per day.

Vita-E is Carla Abellana’s secret to healthy and glowing skin

m oNDAy : A pRIl 25, 2016

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR NICKIE WANG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Gabbi Garcia as Che, a political activist

Ruru madrid as Jon G, the reluctant mayoral candidate

Tessie Tomas as the shrewd campaign manager miss F

leo martinez as the trapo omG

PhIlIPPInE POlITIcS IS nO lAuGhInG MATTER ISAH V. RED

A

re you still undecided on whom to vote for in the coming elections? Are the candidates’ campaign promises overwhelming you?

The latest show of GMA News and Public Affairs may be able to help. It is called Naku, Boss Ko! A first on Philippine television, Naku, Boss Ko! mixes the sarcasm of a political satire and the feelgood vibes of a romantic comedy The eight-part poli-romcom series will try to expose the absurdity and hypocrisy of some of the

campaign strategies employed by some, if not most politicians today.

Naku, Boss Ko! sees the muchawaited on-screen reunion of one of the hottest love teams today— GabRu or Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid.

Ruru is Jon G, the reluctant mayoral candidate of the Town of Malaya. Jon G may sometimes be mischievous and a brat, but he has good intentions for his town. Unfortunately, his campaign is run by his corrupt father, a certified ‘trapo’ or traditional politician.

Gabbi is Che, a political activist who has deep-seated hatred for ‘trapos’. Ironically, she falls for the charms of the dashing and mischievously handsome Jon G, the son of a ‘trapo’.

Joining the fray are Leo Martinez as the power-hungry OMG, Jon G’s father, and Tessie Tomas as Miss F, the shrewd and extremely politically savvy campaign manager and spin doctor.

As part of the Kapuso Network’s election advocacy campaign, Naku, Boss Ko! seeks to show that Philippine politics is no laughing matter and it hopes to help voters choose wisely on election day.

Naku, Boss Ko! is directed by the highly acclaimed director of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, Marlon Rivera, written by Palanca hall of famer Rody Vera and multi-awarded indie writer-director Zig Dulay, from a concept by Patty Gutierrez. It airs Monday to Thursdays, 10:15 p.m. on GMA Telebabad, beginning tonight.

Radio GMA’s wave of Pera Sorpresa

RGMA Pera Sorpresa is a nationwide Proof-of-Purchase (POP) promo of RGMA Network, Inc. with winners spanning all RGMA areas from Manila, Baguio, Dagupan, Legazpi, Lucena, Naga, Palawan, Tuguegarao, Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos.

Ten lucky winners from each of the RGMA areas will be chosen weekly and will take home P1,500 each, while an additional 15 bonus prize winners of P10,000 will also be drawn nationwide.

To top it all, P1 million is up for grabs in the Grand Draw, which will include all non-winning entries during the promo period.

There will also be five winners - each one coming from South Luzon, North Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Mega Manila - of

P25,000.

Participating sponsors for Pera Sorpresa 5 are Nesfruta, Petron, Sunflower Crackers & Sandwich, Surf Powder With Fabric Conditioner, and Vfresh.

To join, simply write down your name, age, address, contact number, and signature on a piece of paper and enclose the required proof-ofpurchase in a white envelope.

The title of the promo, week number, POP/ brand attached, and RGMA Station listened-to must be listed at the back of the envelope.

Participants can drop their entries in designated drop boxes located in selected Petron outlets, in RGMA Network Stations, or via registered mail to RGMA Stations until June 10.

For additional details on how to join, see posters or visit www.facebook. c om / Pe r a S orpres aNationwidePromo.

Gabbi Garcia and Ruru madrid reunite in a political rom-com called “Naku, Boss Ko!”