The Standard - 2016 May 05 - Thursday

VOL. XXX NO. 82 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 THURSDAY : MAY 5, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Iglesia chooses Duterte, Marcos

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DUTERTE ON TOP Final poll shows mayor with clear lead over rivals

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte posted a clear lead among presidential candidates in the final The Standard Poll days before the May 9 elections.

PhilRem still has Dhaka’s money

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One out of every three registered voters or 32 percent of the 3,000 respondents said they will vote for Duterte if the elections were held today.

With a nationwide margin of error of +/- 1.8 percent, Senator Grace Poe and Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II were statistically tied

at second and third places with 25 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

Vice President Jejomar Binay remained in fourth place with 15 percent while Senator Miriam Santiago got two percent.

Duterte’s numbers, however, went down in two major geographical areas—in the National Capital Region

and in the Visayas—during the survey period of April 27 to May 1 covering 79 provinces and 40 highly urbanized cities.

The survey period covered the time when Senator Antonio Trillanes IV accused Duterte of receiving more than P200 million deposited in the Next page mayor’s BPI account.

Leftists: Palace will cheat to make Mar win

By Sandy Araneta A LEFTIST youth group on Wednesday said the administration would rig the elections and declare its candidate, Manuel Roxas II, the winner.

“Roxas is out to rig the elections,” said Anakbayan chairman Vencer Crisostomo. “They already used government funds and machinery for the

elections. They will fabricate surveys to depict a last-minute rise of Roxas. As many local candidates are unopposed, these are most vulnerable for cheating. We can expect lots of vote buying, pre-shaded ballots, errors in projected bases of opposition candidates, and electronic fraud in the transmission and counting of votes.”

Crisostomo called on opposition

parties and candidates, and the public to unite and thwart the ruling administration’s plan to “hijack” the elections through massive electronic fraud.

President Benigno Aquino III, “knowing full well that he will be made accountable for his various crimes against the people once he steps out of office, is growing desperate. His party Next page

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Iglesia declares for Duterte, Bongbong

By John Paolo Bencito

THE Iglesia ni Cristo has thrown its support behind Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for president and Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for vice president, church insiders told The Standard Wednesday.

In its “Tagubilin” or instruction to members of the flock read during Wednesday’s “Pagsamba,” the church formally endorsed the candidacy of Duterte and Marcos for the May 9 elections, the sources said.

The source added, however, that church officials would not admit the endorsement.

“If you run the story, we will deny it. Yes, there are sample ballots already prepared and with the ministers. But they are supposed to be sealed and revealed only on Friday. The traditional release is the Friday before the election.

Obviously there is a leak, but this is why we have to deny until the official release date,” the source said.

The INC also endorsed a 12-person senatorial ticket: Senate President Franklin Drilon; Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian; Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon, former PhilHealth director Risa Hontiveros; former rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Senator Ralph Recto; Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; Senator Vicente Sotto III, former Metro Manila

Duterte...

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Poe was the top choice of respondents from Metro Manila with 32 percent. Duterte came in at a close second at 29 percent, one percentage point lower than his ratings in last month’s The Standard Poll.

Roxas, on the other hand, posted a wide lead in the Visayas with 41 percent, followed by Duterte with 25 percent.

Poe led the race in North and Central Luzon (31 percent) and South Luzon and Bicol (31 percent), but her ratings went down from last survey’s 34 percent and 39 percent, respectively.

Duterte’s numbers soared even higher in Mindanao with majority of the respondents saying they will vote for him.

In Davao region, in particular, the ratings of the mayor went up to 87 percent.

Duterte also maintained a lead in the latest ABS-CBN-commissioned Pulse Asia survey, with 33 percent of the vote.

Sharing second place were administration candidate Roxas (22 percent) and Poe (21 percent).

In third place was Binay (17 percent) followed by Santiago (2 percent).

Only four percent of the respondents said they were not inclined to vote for any of the presidential contenders.

Based on a multistage probability

Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino; former Technical Education and Skills Authority director-general Joel Villanueva; and former senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Of the 12, three are running under the ruling Liberal Party banner (Drilon, Recto and Villanueva); two are running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (Gatchalian and Sotto)’ and one each from Akbayan (Hontiveros); Lakas-CMD (Romualdez); and the United Nationalist Alliance (Pacquiao).

Four are independents (Gordon, Lacson, Tolentino and Zubiri).

From April 19 to 27, all presidential bets—administration candidate Manuel Roxas II, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Duterte, Senator Grace Poe and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago—took turns in paying courtesy calls to INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo at the INC Central Office in Quezon City.

Earlier this week, President Benigno Aquino III visited the Iglesia ni Cristo Central Office on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to seek for an endorsement for his anointed bets Roxas

and vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

In an interview, Aquino said he thanked Manalo for supporting the administration, adding that he asked for “the usual... political appeals.”

The church group, with an estimated membership of 3 million, is known for voting as a bloc for whoever their leaders endorse.

Recent scandals resulting from a feud within the Manalo clan, however, could put a dent in bloc voting.

Previous exit polls by the Social Weather Stations showed that 77 percent of 1.8 million INC voters followed bloc voting.

Church insiders said Duterte may have been endorsed for his “winnability,” while the leadership endorsed Marcos because of the strong relationship between INC founder Felix Y. Manalo and the senator’s father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

The Palace played down the cool reception to Aquino’s request for an endorsement, saying it welcomed the endorsement of any presidential candidate by the influential church.

“In a vibrant democracy, the active participation of as many organizations and stakeholders in the electoral process is key in shaping the nation’s future,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a statement.

The INC did not comment on Aquino’s visit, but denied a report (not in The Standard) that it was endorsing Duterte, based on a letter supposedly written by Manalo.

But a church spokesman said the letter was a forgery, and said the INC would take action against the persons responsible for it. With Sandy Araneta

sample of 4,000 registered voters 18 years old and above, with biometrics, Pulse Asia Research’s nationwide survey has a ± 1.5% error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.

Sub-national estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following error margins at 95 percent confidence level: ± 4.6 percent for Metro Manila, ± 2.3 percent for the rest of Luzon and ± 3.4 percent for Visayas and ± 3.3 percent for Mindanao.

Poe said she was unfazed by the latest surveys, saying they have their own research that show different results.

“I have always been saying this— what I want to believe the survey where I am low so that I will not be confident. Here, we are going against

the strong machinery of the government, and secondly, of course, the dissatisfaction among our people for this administration,” said Poe. She declined to say if she found the result showing her tied with Roxas suspicious.

The Pulse Asia survey also showed that Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and administration candidate Leni Robredo were statistically tied in the vice presidential race, with 28 percent and 30 percent, respectively.

Senators Francis Escudero and Alan Peter Cayetano shared second place with 18 percent and 15 percent, respectively, while Senators Gregorio Honasan II and Antonio Trillanes IV had three percent and two percent, respectively. With Sandy Araneta and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Leftists: ...

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and his kulelat candidate Mar Roxas cannot possibly win the elections, except by rigging it through pre-determined electronically fabricated vote results.”

He said the administration has “the machinery, the money and control over Comelec and SmartMatic” which will deliver “autodaya” votes for Roxas.

“The Comelec’s deliberate failure to have the source code of the machines verified, the digital signatures embedded, and to provide verifiable and valid vote receipts all point to a grand plan for electronic fraud,” he said.

Anakbayan also ridiculed a survey showing Roxas and his running mate, Leni Robredo, leading the race.

“Many have questioned the outfit, with virtually unknown officials and newly registered websites and social media accounts.

Some note that the outfit was added to Securities and Exchange Commission only last April 11,” Crisostomo said of the D’ Stafford group.

Anakbayan said the people should be vigilant and assemblies should be held in various places during and after elections in protest of election fraud.

“We should be ready to revolt,” Crisostomo also said.

At the same time, the peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas lambasted the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia and commissioned by ABS-CBN that placed Roxas at second place, with 20 percent.

“It is unbelievable and unacceptable that Roxas, a consistent flop in voter preference surveys, would jump from fourth to second place,” said KMP chairperson Rafael Mariano.

“This latest survey result is an obvious prelude to what could unfold as the biggest electoral fraud in the history of Philippine presidential elections,” Mariano added.

“We call on all Filipinos to remain steadfast and vigilant. Should Malacañang and the Liberal Party lead a ‘Hocus PCOS’ on May 9 and instigate a massive electoral fraud to desperately make Mar Roxas win the polls, the people should be ready to join nationwide protests that could escalate into another People Power uprising,” he said.

Mariano said the survey result released merely days before the May 9 presidential elections is a blatant “public conditioning” and “trending” that Roxas could lead the polls when in fact the electorate has long rejected him and his “Daang Matuwid” platform.

“We cannot allow a Roxas presidency and a déjà vu of the past six years of the Aquino administration who only favored landlords, big businesses and his circle of KKK (Kaibigan, Kakampi, Kabarilan) buddies,” said Mariano.

Based on the latest Pulse Asia survey that sampled more than 4,000 registered voters with a margin of error of ±1.5 percent, Roxas’ latest rating increased by two percentage points from his previous Pulse survey to remain statistically tied with Poe who garnered 22 percent and down by one point from her previous rating.

“Malacañang and the LP are obviously working double time to project Roxas as a winnable candidate. LP and its Yellow Army can believe what they want to believe but as far as farmers are concerned, we are junking Mar Roxas in the polls on May 9,” Mariano said.

The camp of United Nationalist Alliance presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay urged the Commission on Elections to address election-related technical and legal issues raised by poll watchdogs.

“With only a few days left to mend whatever needs to be fixed, there is a reason for everyone to be worried. The Comelec is either oblivious to the gravity of the risks facing the 2016 elections or refuses to admit their shortcomings.” said UNA spokesman Mon Ilagan.

Specifically, UNA urged the Comelec to require the Board of Election Inspectors and the Board of Canvassers to check the hash codes from the vote counting machines for inconsistencies.

The same call was issued by former Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, who said there must be “a procedure, properly disseminated to the BEIs and stakeholders, on how to verify the authenticity of the software used in the VCMs all over the Philippines.”

“The procedures should include how to resolve a dispute in case there is a discrepancy in hash codes because there is only one hash code for all VCMs all over the Philippines,” he added.

Vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged all voters and poll watchers to join an effort to ensure clean, honest and credible elections.

Marcos said his camp is alarmed over the alleged discrepancies in the votes cast in the ballots as against the results indicated in the printed receipt during the Overseas Absentee Voting, with reports coming in from Hong Kong, Japan, Dubai and California.

Based on reports, Marcos said he and his cousin, senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez were losing votes in overseas absentee voting.

Marcos earlier said his legal team is collating these reports and helping complaining OFWs to prepare their affidavits to file a formal complaint before the Comelec.

Marcos said voters should carefully inspect the printed receipts of their votes to determine if there is any discrepancy between their votes and the results on the receipt. He told them to report to the poll watchers and the Board of Election Inspectors if there are any problems so that these can be investigated. With Maricel V. Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Binay, Roxas slam each other IN THE homestretch, the bitterest rivals in the presidential race—Manuel Roxas II of the ruling Liberal Party and Vice President Jejomar Binay of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance—visited each other’s bailiwicks and exchanged “prayers” that turned into an acid exchange.

Covenant. Presidential candidate Grace Poe signs the Radio Veritas Truth Covenant for clean elections on Monday. JAY MORALES

Poe: Duterte presidency vulnerable to coups LUCENA CITY—Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will be vulnerable to many things—including a coup d’etat— if he wins the presidency as a result of the many issues hounding him, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday.

Duterte got the ire of various sectors for cursing Pope Francis, for making a joke on the rape-slay of an Australian minister and for taunting people with disability.

He also continues to draw flak for favoring extra-judicial killings and for threatening to cut diplomatic relations with the United States and Australia.

The tough-talking mayor has also been giving controversial statements on various issues including his undeclared earnings.

He had earlier challenged Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to come out with an

affidavit indicating how and when he received the information on his alleged “undeclared funds,” including the P211million deposits at the Bank of the Philippine Islands branch in Pasig City.

Duterte promised to sign a bank waiver, but he reneged and insisted that the other presidential candidates also come out with their respective waivers before he did so.

As a result, Poe gave an unsolicited advice not only to Duterte but to all the other candidates, saying they must show proof to disprove the allegations against them.

“That was also what I did to erase doubts,” said Poe in referring to the questions on her citizenship and residency that were used by critics who petitioned the Senate Electoral Tribunal and the

Commission on Elections to disqualify her from running for president in the May 9 elections.

Poe said she was confident there would be no no coup d’etat under her administration if she won the presidency.

She said her administration would take care of the military and ensure an increase in its pay and modernization.

“I believe coups happen only if there is dissatisfaction and a question in the moral authority of a leader, so I am scared of a coup. I am very confident it will not occur under my watch,” Poe said.

She also guaranteed that the media would have no problems with her because she would immediately sign the Freedom of Information bill to ensure transparency in all government transactions. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Former official warns of election loose ends

Fear. Former Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal fears this year’s elections could be hijacked. SARA FABUNAN

FORMER Commission on Elections Commissisoner Gregorio Larrazabal on Wednesday warned of a possible hijacking of the election results next week following the new transmission procedure made by the poll body.

He said Comelec officials faced a number of loose ends that needed to be addressed immediately five days before the elections.

“Our concern is that when you look at the election management, it is not running a business or running some small business, you are talking about Philippine democracy,” Larrazabal said.

“When you draft this, you have to make sure that everything is ironed out or clear-cut.”

Larrazabal was referring to the amended resolution filed only on April 26 by the Comelec on the General Instruction for the Board of Canvassers on the consolidation or canvass and transmission of votes.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10103, the city or mu-

nicipal board canvassers may proclaim the winning candidate but should not proceed to transmit the results until the results from all the main SD cards had been physically transported by the board of election inspectors from the clustered precinct to the municipal board of canvassers.

“You cannot transmit the result until all the main SD cards are imported,” Larrazabal said.

He said the national board of canvassers at the PICC would be affected since it could not canvass the vote without the certificate of canvass and statement of votes.

“Everybody can know the result but legally speaking, there is no result yet because there is no formal certificate of canvass of votes for a particular province,” Larrazabal said.

The CoC of votes is just a summary of all the votes per candidate while the Statement of Votes is the breakdown of the votes per precinct, municipality and province.

Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Roxas claimed he already had the backing of the “Solid North” and that made Binay retort: “Bakit?

Taga-saan ba siya? Ako ang taga-Norte.”

In Roxas’ bailiwick Antique and Aklan that Binay visited, the vice president chided Roxas for offering a prayer for him that sounded taunting and sarcastic.

Roxas said he prayed for “peace” for Binay during the Mass before the signing of the “truth covenant” on Sunday because the vice president needed it as he would soon be thrown in jail.

“Gagawa ka ng prayer tapos mananakit ka ng tao.

Ano ba naman yon?” Binay said.

He vowed that the “vindictiveness and selective justice” for which the Daang Matuwid was known for would end under his leadership.

He said his presidency would be a healing and unifying one.

Roxas, in the past few days, visited the Ilocos region—Binay’s bailiwick as he hails from Isabela— and boasted that 22 of the 23 mayors in Ilocos Norte were backing his presidential bid.

“With one week to go before the elections, and with 22 of 23 mayors from various parties supporting the Daang Matuwid would be a big help. We would show the whole Philippines come May 9 that there are still more decent and upright Filipinos who support decent leadership,” Roxas said.

“The Solid North is now solid for Mar. Everywhere, people are coming out to declare their support for Mar, and their leaders have followed their lead.

[Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo] Fariñas and the 22 mayors of Ilocos Norte are only the latest in the wave of people and their leaders that have rallied to the banner of Mar Roxas. We had our show of force. We had our Unity Walk. And as we gain more momentum, more and more would come out and stand alongside Mar Roxas,” said LP spokesman Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez.

Not to be outdone, Binay said he saw a big win in the “Solid North” and that the opposition in Roxas’ bailiwicks had already united behind him. “[On Tuesday] I was in the territory of Mr... Teritoryo niya yun, nagpunta ako sa Capiz. Napakainit ng pagtanggap sa amin ni Sen. Pacquiao. Nagpunta kami sa Antique, nagpunta kami sa Aklan. Same.

Yung Aklan nagkaisa na ang mga opposition doon,” Binay said.

In Laoag City, while Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos said she would not endorse any presidential candidate, she acknowledged: “VP Binay is the sentimental choice for Ilocos Norte because he is from the North.”

In Cauayan, Isabela, Binay said among the five presidential candidates he was the only one from Northern Luzon. Christine F. Herrera and Vito Barcelo REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT President Benigno S. Aquino III has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the ad interim appointments of the following officials: Department of Foreign Affairs Antonio A. Morales – Chief of Mission, Class I; Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, Ma. Elena P. Algabre and Arvin R. De Leon – Chief of Mission, Class II;, Susanna L. Mendiola - Foreign Service Officer, Class I; Lily Ann C. Cheng, Helen Anne B. Sayo, Analyn D. Ratonel, Therese R. Cantada, Ria E. Gorospe, Rodney Jonas L. Sumague and Maurice A. Tiempo - Foreign Service Officer, Class II Armed Forces of the Philippines Restituto F. Padilla, Jr., Danilo G. Pamonag, Elvin B. Velasco, Arnold F. Andales and Reuel N. Sorilla – Brigadier General; Jose Q. Amores, PA (Reserve), Wenefredo P. Arceño, Sr., PA (Reserve), Antonio I. Bautista, Jr., PA, Felix A. Benitez, PA (Reserve), Rubema M. Candelario, VC (Reserve), Ted B. Dumosmog, PA, Melchor S. Fernando, CHS (Reserve), Bernardo R. Fortez, Jr., PA, Jose Gany C. Galanza, PA, Lenart R. Lelina, PA, Eugene M. Mata, PA, Hernando H. Siscar, Jr., PA, Julius A. Tomines, PA, Luisito F. Angeles, Jr., PAF, Pepito B. Lolor, PA (Reserve), Rogelio R. Mesias, PA (Reserve), Cesar A. Molina, PA, Krishnamurti A. Mortela, PA, Antero Troy S. Narcise, PN-M, Marion R. Sison, PA, Napoleon A. Tacut, PAF and Jose R. Tianco, PA – Colonel; Brendo J. Casaclang, PN, Hilarion D. Cesista, PN (Reserve), Mac Raul B. Racacho, PN and Diosdado G. Caluya, Jr., PN - Captain The public may submit any information, written report or sworn complaints or oppositions in forty (40) copies on the above appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 551-7532, 831-0893, 831-1824, 8342706, 831-1566 and 834-2713.

04 May 2016.

ARTURO L. TIU Secretary (TS-MAY 5, 2016)

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Dhaka: PhilRem still has $17m

By John Paolo Bencito

Return the poor’s money. Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes explains to journalists why he believes the local remittance firm PhilRem Service Corp. can still return funds that were stolen from the United States account of the Bangladesh central bank. JOHN PAOLO BENCITO

Sayyaf again threatens to harm three hostages THE Abu Sayyaf group issued a fresh warning Tuesday threatening to harm three hostages, just over a week after they beheaded a captive.

The trio—from Canada, Norway and the Philippines—appealed for help from the Philippine and Canadian governments in a video uploaded to YouTube Tuesday and reported by SITE intelligence group, which monitors jihadist media.

“To the Philippine government: Please stop shooting at us and trying to kill us. These guys are going to do a good job of that,” Robert Hall, a Canadian, said in the video.

He said the kidnappers had told him to tell his own government “to meet the demand”—though he did not specify what the demand was.

The Abu Sayyaf announced last

week they had killed a Canadian hostage, retiree John Ridsdel, as an April 25 ransom deadline lapsed.

Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Marites Flor, Hall’s Filipina girlfriend, also pleaded with the two governments.

The video showed them sitting on the ground, beneath what appeared to be a coconut plantation, with six gunmen standing behind them.

The Norwegian said that “if the demand is not met we will be executed like our friend John was a few days ago”.

One of the gunmen then warned Manila to heed the “lesson” of

Ridsdel’s killing and avoid delays in negotiations.

President Benigno Aquino III has vowed to “neutralize” the gunmen and his government has said it will not negotiate with a group it considers a terrorist organization.

“In a statement last week, President Aquino already stated the following, which also addresses the latest threat, h said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement in reaction to the latest Abu Sayyaf threat.

“The full resources of the State are being brought down on the ASG. Our primary objective is to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of our civilian population c, h said Aquino in his earlier statement.

“We have always believed in the

Domingo Siazon dies, 77

By Vito Barcelo FORMER Foreign Affairs secretary Domingo Siazon Jr. passed away in Tokyo on Tuesday at the age of 77 after battling prostate cancer, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis confirmed on Wednesday.

Malacañang expressed condolences to the respected diplomat whose career in the foreign office spanned 47 years of distinction under four presidents. He was Foreign Affairs secretary under Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada.

“We pause in tribute to Domingo Siazon, former secretary of Foreign Affairs (1995-2001) and Philippine Ambassador

to Japan (1993-1995 and 2001-2010),” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, in a statement.

“Respected by his colleagues in the foreign service, his peers abroad, and by presidents and the public alike, he belonged to the second generation of career diplomats who served with professionalism and who rose according to merit,” Lacierda said.

“A cultured, urbane man, he leaves behind a record of distinguished service to the Republic, bringing honor to the flag wherever he served,” said Lacierda.

Born in Aparri, Cagayan on July 9, 1939, Siazon is an alumnus of Ateneo de Manila University, but he also

earned a second degree in physics from the Tokyo University of Education where he studied as a Japanese government scholar.

He also had a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in Massachusetts and an economics certificate from the Economic Institute of the University of Colorado.

Siazon was appointed to his first ambassadorial post in 1976 when he was named ambassador to Austria, where he concurrently served as Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

SIAzON

power of dialogue, development, and positive engagement over arms. But we will always act from a position of strength. So, to the ASG, and whoever may aid or abet them, you have chosen only the language of force, and we will speak to you only in that language, h said Aquino.

“We will not stop until the threat they pose to our communities is ended, h Aquino also said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also said—after announcing Ridsdel’s murder—that his government would not negotiate with the kidnappers.

Aquino said the three hostages were being held on the Abu Sayyaf stronghold of Jolo island, more than 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) south of Manila.

BANGLADESH Ambassador John Gomes on Wednesday insisted on Wednesday that remittance firm PhilRem Service Corp. still has the $17 million that has gone missing after unknown hackers stole $81 billion from the US Federal Reserve account of the the Bangladesh central bank.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Gomes said he was disappointed that after revelations in a Senate investigation that the remittance firm still holds part of the $81 million that was stolen from the US Fed account, the firm’s officials insist on denying having the laundered money.

“The PhilRem should return what money they have. The disappointment is there,” Gomes told The Standard. “I strongly believe PhilRem has the money.

I think they have something to return. The earlier they return the money, the better.”

Gomes noted that casino junket operator Kim Wong has already returned much of the money that came into his possession.

Lawyers of Wong on Wednesday afternoon returned $830,595.50 (P38,280,000) that came from his company Eastern Hawaii Leisure Company Limited in addition to the $4.63 million that Wong’s lawyer turned over to AntiMoney Laundering Council last March 31.

Wong’s company Eastern Hawaii got hold of P1 billion, or $21.575 million, of the stolen funds.

Bilibid deal probe pushed A FEDERATION of 60 anticorruption non-government organizations yesterday called for an immediate probe of the approval by senatorial bet and then Justice secretary Leila de Lima of a P422-million catering contract for inmates of the New Bilibid prisons.

The Balikatan People’s Alliance said reports reaching them indicate that a lot of things need to be clarified in the contract bagged by the Mang Kiko Catering Service Inc. (MKCSI) for the period July 31 to Aug. 31, 2014.

“When MKCSI won the contract, there was still no national budget for the year 2014 from which the funding of government agencies are indicated.

And under Section 29 (2), Article VI of the Constitution, “No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law,” Balikatan spokesman Boy Antiporda noted.

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Impeach-justices bid thrown out

By Christine F. Herrera and Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives on Wednesday barred a private citizen from filing an impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and eight other justices for failing to get an endorsement from any of the lawmakers.

Private citizen Teofilo Parilla went to Congress to charge the high court justices with culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust for allowing Senator Grace Poe to run in the presidential race even without the high tribunal resolving Poe’s citizenship and residency issues.

Apart from Sereno, Parilla wanted impeached Associate Justices Jose Perez, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Jose Mendoza, Lucas Bersamin, Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardeleza, Diosdado Peralta and Alfred Benjamin Caguia for their March 8 decision and April 5 resolution that were promulgated and issued despite the “lack of majority vote” as required by the Constitution.

“Matagal ko pong pinag-isipan at sa tingin ko po, walang tumatayo para baguhin yung nangyari sa institution natin sa kataas-taaasang hukuman,” Parilla told told reporters when asked for his motive in filing the complaint four days before the May 9 elections.

Parilla went to the office of House Secretary General Marilyn Yap, who refused to accept the impeachment complaint, saying it did not carry with it an endorsement from a House member.

He insisted that previous impeachment complaints against former President and now reelectionist Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had been filed without an endorsement but was accepted by the House.

Yap advised Parilla to find a lawmaker that would stamp his or her endorsement on the impeachment document.

In a 27-page complaint, Parilla said: “In a mischievous display of reverent robe, the magistrates seemingly clothed the unconstitutionality of their own decision and played the number’s game, regardless of its arrogant violation of the Constitution and their own internal rules. Sadly, by playing the number’s game, the magistrates even enlarged their own sinkhole and exposed their blatant violation of the Constitution in promulgating the decision.”

Parilla also said the magistrates betrayed the public trust by disregarding the clear mandate and the provision of Article VI, Section 2 of the Constitution as to the qualifications of a candidate for presidency in their determination that Poe was a qualified candidate.

Souvenir shot. Foreign tourists take souvenir pictures with the French Navy stealth ship Guepratte docked at Pier 15 in South Harbor in Manila serving as backdrop on May 4, 2016. LINO SANTOS

SC extends freeze on Arroyo trial the former president.

In October last year, the high court THe Supreme Court has extended to issued a 30-day SQAO. when it lapsed June 20, 2016 its status quo ante or- on november, the SC extended it for 90 der enjoining the Sandiganbayan from days until last Feb. 20. Then from Feb. proceeding with the trial of former 20, 2016, it was extended up to April 20, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for 2016 and eventually to June 20.

The SC issued the SQAO after Arroyo plunder, in connection with the alleged misuse of P366 million in funds of the filed petition seeking a reversal of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office final ruling of the Sandiganbayan First Division last February denying her bail from 2008 to 2010.

In a resolution, the SC granted the in the PCSO case.

Arroyo is detained at the Veterans’ request for extension filed by Mrs. Arroyo. “The status quo ante order (SQAO) Memorial Medical Center plunder over under Resolution of March 8, 2016 is ex- the alleged misuse of P366 million in intended until June 20, 2016, unless soon- telligence funds for the PCSO from 2008 er revoked by the Court,” the resolution to 2010 for personal gain.

Arroyo went to the high court after stated.

This is the third extension issued by the Sandiganbayan denied her bid to the Court that prevented the anti-graft post bail.

Arroyo cited her deteriorating health court from holding plunder trial against

By Rey E. Requejo

Failed. Teofilo Parilla

shows to mediamen the impeachment complaint he filed at the House of Representatives against nine Supreme Court magistrates headed by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno on May 4, 2016. Parilla accused the Justices of violating the Constitution by allowing Grace Poe to run for president although her citizenship is in question. His complaint was rejected by the House Secretary General because no congressman endorsed it. MANNY PALMERO

in asking the high court to reverse the rulings of the Sandiganbayan.

The former president stressed that the tribunal had ruled in many cases that detainees are entitled to bail “if their continuous confinement during the pendency of their case would be injurious to their health or endanger their life.”

She invoked the case of De La Rama, where the high court ruled that hospital arrest “fell short of meeting or accomplishing the humanitarian purpose or reason underlying the doctrine adopted by modern trend of courts’ decisions which permit bail to prisoners, irrespective of the nature and merits of the charge against them, if their continuous confinement during the pendency of their case would be injurious to their health or endanger their life.’’

Alabang drug bust: 3 Taiwanese fall The police initially confiscated 25 kilos of shabu from LAwMen arrested three the suspects. They searched Taiwanese nationals and the two-story residence and seized 55 kilos of metham- discovered a laboratory phetamine hydrochloride, where they found another 30 locally known as shabu, kilos and equipment used in worth P275 million dur- manufacturing the prohibing a buy-bust operation ited substance.

“The syndicate is using in Ayala-Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City early private subdivision like this to conceal their operation wednesday morning.

Joint elements of the na- but with the help of contional Capital Region Police cerned citizens and commuOffice—Anti Illegal Drugs nity leaders, we were able to and Special Operation Task catch them,” said nCRPO Group arrested Pong Jung, director Joel Pagdilao.

He added that members 19; Chen Hu Min, 27 and eugene Chong, 24, during a of the national Police raid at 325 Tamarind Drive -Crime Laboratory were conducting an inventory around 1:15 am.

By Joel E. Zurbano

at the scene as of press time.

The suspects are now detained at the nCRPO general headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City. They will be charged with violation of selling and manufacturing dangerous drugs under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Pagdilao said the nCRPO Anti-Illegal Drugs Unit has been consistent with their performance in busting the illegal drugs in Metro Manila in line with the government’s Oplan Lambat Sibat program.

T H U R S D AY : M AY 5 , 2 0 1 6

A6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Fil-Chinese traders go for Erap

By Joel E. Zurbano A Sure Bet for Progress in Gaming, Entertainment and Nation Building

Invitation to Bid for the Re-bidding of Supply and Delivery of Various Lots Assorted Grocery Food and Non-Food Items and Assorted VIP Bar Supplies for VIP Operations under ITB No.PB16-008PAV The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is inviting all interested bidders in its forthcoming rebidding for the Supply and Delivery of Various Lots Assorted Grocery Food and Non-Food Items and Assorted VIP Bar Supplies for VIP Operations under ITB No. PB16-008PAV. Brief Description

Delivery Schedule:

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC):

Source of Funds:

Lot

Description

1

Assorted Grocery Food

3

Beer

6

Mineral Water

9

Nuts

The complete schedule of deliveries is provided in Section VI (Schedule of Requirements) of the Bidding Documents which will commence from the effectivity date specified in the Notice to Proceed.

The total ABC is Seven Million Two Hundred Ninety Six Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen Pesos (PhP7,296,219.00) The ABC for each of the Four (4) lots are as follows : Lot

Description

Approved Budget (VAT Exclusive, Zero-Rated Transaction)

1

Assorted Grocery Food

Three Million Six Hundred Eighty Three Thousand Six Hundred Nineteen Pesos (PhP3,683,619.00)

3

Beer

Five Hundred Sixty One Thousand Six Hundred Pesos (PhP561,600.00)

6

Mineral Water

Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP2,700,000.00)

9

Nuts

Three Hundred Fifty One Thousand Pesos (PhP351,000.00)

Total Approved Budget

Seven Million Two Hundred Ninety Six Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen Pesos(PhP7,296,219.00)

LEADERS of the oldest group of Filipino-Chinese businessmen in Manila pledged their support for the reelection bid of Mayor Joseph Estrada and expressed readiness to assist his program in reclaiming the lost glory of the capital city.

“I’m supporting Mayor Erap in his reelection bid as mayor of Manila. I am a follower, a loyalist, and my heart is for Erap,” said James Dy, president emeritus of the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc., during a meeting with Estrada at the auditorium of Chinese General Hospital in Sta. Cruz on Monday.

The occasion was also attended by Benito Goyokpin and Antonio Tan, the group’s current president and executive vice president, respectively.

The FCGCCI, established in 1904, is considered as the oldest Filipino-Chinese business organization in the country.

“Erap has been a very good friend of mine from way, way back. I knew him when he was still the longtime mayor of San Juan. I also lived in the same

neighborhood in a subdivision in San Juan for so many years. My family has voted for him in all of the political positions he has run as candidate. In fact, I have supported him in all of his candidacies from mayor to senator to vice president and president and then as mayor of Manila,” Dy shared.

Dy is also the president of the Philippines Chinese Charitable Association Inc., the owner and operator of the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, the Chinese Cemetery, Home for the Aged, CGH College of Nursing, Charity Pavilion, and the Free Clinic at the PCCA Building in Binondo.

Estrada, according to Dy, has been very productive and has done so much for the premier city including the wiping out of all of the city’s billion-peso debts including unpaid electricity and water bills which were left behind by the previous administration, and his implementation of many welfare programs for the indigents including free health care and free education.

Dy, a respected businessman and an awarded philanthropist, also drew comparison between his own experience in revitalizing the formerly decrepit facilities of the Chinese General Hospital and Mayor Estrada’s colossal task of rebuilding the bankrupt capital city.

He emphasized the need for everyone, the entire constituency of Manila and the private sector, to do their share toward the realization of Manila’s urban renewal.

Internally Funded

NOTE: Bidders may bid on any or all lots.

Bidders should have completed, within the last three (3) years before the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

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

All particulars relative to Pre-Bid Conference, Detailed Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its IRR. The schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Activities

Schedule

1. Issuance of the Bidding Documents

May 5, 2016 (Thursday) to May 24, 2016 (Tuesday)

2. Pre-Bid Conference

May 12, 2016 (Thursday), 2:00 p.m.

3. Deadline for the Submission and Receipt of Bids

May 24, 2016 (Tuesday), 2:00 p.m.

4. Opening and Preliminary Examination of Bids

May 24, 2016 (Tuesday), 2:00 p.m. onwards

Complete details of the project are indicated in the bidding documents which will be available to prospective bidders at the Branch BAC Secretariat CF-Pavilion upon payment of the nonrefundable cost for the sale of bidding documents on the following matrix from the address below: Approved Budget for the Contract 500,000.00 and below

Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Pesos) 500.00

More than 500,000.00 up to 1 Million

1,000.00

More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

5,000.00

More than 5 Million up to 10 Million

10,000.00

More than 10 Million up to 50 Million

25,000.00

Prospective bidders may also download the Bidding Documents free of charge from the following websites: www.pagcor.ph and www.philgeps.gov.ph and may be allowed to submit bids provided that bidders shall pay the non-refundable bidding fee not later than the date of the submission of bids. The Pre-bid Conference is open to all prospective bidders.Prospective bidders should present to PAGCOR’s Cashier located at the 5th Floor of Casino FilipinoPavilion, Manila Pavilion Hotel, U.N. Avenue, Ermita, Manila either the Bidding Fee Slip which may be secured from the BSU-PD or a copy of this ITB in effecting payment for the Bidding Documents. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

PAGCOR assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

In accordance with Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Circular 06-2005 - TieBreaking Method, the Branch Bids and Awards Committee (BBAC) CF-Pavilion shall use a non-discretionary and non-discriminatory measure based on sheer luck or chance, which is “DRAW LOTS,” in the event that two or more bidders have been post-qualified and determined as the bidder having the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB) to determine the final bidder having the LCRB, based on the following procedures: 1.

2.

In alphabetical order, the bidders shall pick one rolled paper.

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

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

Please address all communications to the Branch Bids and Awards Committee thru the BBAC Secretariat, Casino Filipino – Pavilion, Manila Pavilion Hotel, U.N.Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Tel No. (DL) 400-4153, (Fax) 522-13-83 and (TL) 523-8691 to 97 local 170.

ARTURO JOEL T. GONZALEZ IV (sgd) Chairperson Branch Bids and Awards Committee (BBAC)

( T S - M AY 5 , 2 016)

INC aid event. Iglesia Ni Cristo’s ‘Aid to Humanity’ charity event last Friday, April 29 distributed thousands of goody bags containing food and household supplies to Tondo residents on top of the free medical mission extended to the people in the area. The event also set one of four Guinness records for the INC.

Asilo defies Lim, vows to pursue VM bid

By Tony Macapagal A DETERMINED Manila Congressman Benjamin Asilo (District 1-Tondo) rejected former mayor Alfredo Lim’s suggestion that he gives up his vice mayoralty bid “because his ratings are not going up.”

“I have great respect for Lim. I hold him in high esteem. But for me to quit the vice mayoralty contest, as he earlier proposed, will never happen. Simply put, I am continuing my campaign and victory is almost certain. I am in great form in the midst of a great fight.

My chances of winning are getting brighter and stronger everyday,” Asilo, now on his third and final term as Tondo’s representative in Congress, told The Standard.

Lim and Asilo are the official candidates of the dominant Liberal party for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

Lim, who was first elected mayor and served for two terms from 1992 to 1998 and then made a successful comeback and yet served another two terms from 2007 to 2013, asked Asilo to step down because he said he believed that his partnership with another vice mayoralty aspirant, Councilor Ali Atienza “is more ap-

Rep. Benjamin Asilo pealing to city voters and winnable.”

“With all due recognition to Asilo as the LP president in Manila, I still think that he should give way to Atienza to ensure our victory. Atienza is up the ladder when it comes to the ratings war,” Lim claimed.

However, there lies a twist in Lim’s proposal.

The young Atienza, the son of former mayor Lito Atienza, is not a member of LP and is the official running mate of another mayoralty hopeful, Congressman Amado Bagatsing (District 5), the son of the former mayor Ramon Bagatsing who served city hall from 1971 to 1986.

Asilo said he would call an emergency meeting of LP-Manila that will have in attendance the party’s candidates for congress-committee the official report/minutes of the said meeting.

“I hope that the executive committee, composed of, among others, President Benigno Aquino, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Senate President Franklin Drilon, and DBM Secretary Florencio Abad, will immediately come out with a ruling or a decision to settle the issue with finality, considering that there is only less than a week before the elections on May 9,” Asilo added.

As this developed, so-called “sympathy endorsements” backing up Asilo’s quest to be the next vice mayor, are pouring in his headquarters in Pritil, Tondo.

Various sectors of voters, including vendors, transport drivers, teachers and other professionals, student organizations, plain housewives and informal settlers, LGBT groups, policemen and city hall employees are now actively campaigning for an Asilo victory, according to Jade Daquiz, a close political ally of Asilo and an LP-Manila bet for councilor in District 1 (Tondo).

T H U R S D AY : M AY 5 , 2 0 1 6

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Transgender seeks Congress seat ORANI, Bataan—Geraldine Roman blows kisses to curious crowds and serenades them with a love song as she proudly campaigns to be the first transgender lawmaker in the mainly Catholic Philippines.

The 49-year-old member of a powerful political family has a strong chance to win a seat in the nation’s lower house in Monday’s elections, in what would be a remarkable breakthrough for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Conservative church dogma is a dominant force in Philippine politics: divorce, abortion and samesex marriage are illegal, while there are no openly gay politicians at the national level and an LGBT party has long struggled for influence.

Roman has been mocked and abused on the campaign trail in recent weeks but, after living as a woman for more than two decades, she refuses to be cowed.

“My life has not been a secret,”

Roman told AFP in a rare interview after a day of campaigning in Bataan, a rural province just north of Manila where her mother has served as congresswoman for nine years and the family holds immense political sway.

“I grew up here. People know me. [Gender] only becomes an issue when you try to keep it a secret.

It’s nothing bad. I never hurt anyone in the process. I’m so happy so why should I be ashamed?”

Roman said she grew up being teased by classmates but her late father, a powerful politician, taught her to be confident.

She speaks three European languages, holds two master’s degrees and worked in Spain as senior editor of the Spanish News Agency,

before returning four years ago to care for her ailing father.

Roman underwent sex realignment surgery, and legally changed her name and gender, in the 1990s. She has been involved in a relationship with a man for the past 18 years.

Equality battle Roman hopes winning on Monday will help in the fight for gender equality.

“My loyalty is to the first district of Bataan,” she said.

“But that somebody of my condition is going to enter Congress for the first time is a statement that even transgender people can serve our country and should not be discriminated against.”

It will be a long battle.

On the most basic front, a law was passed in 2001 making it impossible for transgender Filipinos to change their name and sex.

In 2010, the election commission also barred the Ang Ladlad

party, which represents the LGBT community, from contesting the polls, accusing it of “immorality which offends religious beliefs.”

The Supreme Court overturned the commission’s ruling, but Ang Ladlad failed to win a seat in Congress in the past two elections. Roman belongs to current President Benigno Aquino’s ruling Liberal Party.

Roman said, if elected, she intended to back an anti-discrimination bill that has been languishing for 16 years that would give the LGBT community rights, such as equal treatment in the workplace, hotels and schools.

She will also campaign to make changing gender legal.

“I am living proof that such a law will allow transgender people to pursue happiness and become productive citizens,” she said.

Family legacy Still, the soft-spoken and refined candidate emphasized she did not

Campaigning in pearls. Forty-nine-year-old Geraldine Roman is seen as a strong contender for a congressional seat to represent a Bataan district.

want to make gender the centerpiece of her political career.

Roman outlined her plans for the people of Bataan if elected as their congresswoman, including continuing the medical assistance and scholarships her family has been providing for three generations.

Her socio-economic platform also includes providing modern equipment for public hospitals and expanding Bataan’s road network.

Roman is widely expected to win on Monday, largely on the back of her family’s entrenched power in the province. She is running for Congress to continue her family’s rule, because her mother has to stand down after serving the maximum of three terms.

On the streets of Orani, a small city where Roman lives and she was campaigning on the weekend, farmer Bern Salenga said he would vote for her because she promises to follow her parents’ tradition of helping the poor.

“She is also a human being. We all have rights. It’s not an issue to me that she is transgender,” Salenga, 49, told AFP. Powerful voice The LGBT community is under no illusion that Roman’s expected success next week is because of her family—such dynasties dominate Philippine politics from the local to the national level.

However, Roman is also being seen as a powerful voice for a group that has long been marginalized and struggled to have its concerns addressed by national lawmakers.

“Even if she’s just one, she will create noise,” Anastacio Marasigan, spokesperson of the Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network, told AFP. “That will help us in mainstreaming or highlighting issues often ignored, like HIV and sexual violence.”

Roman, a Catholic, has a simple message for critics who believe she does not belong in politics: “If Jesus Christ was alive today, he would not approve of discrimination. I firmly believe that.” AFP

Grid tower bombing endangers power supply

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Relief in rain. Recent frequent rainfall in Benguet province is a welcome respite for highland vegetable farmers. DAVID CHAN

ANOTHER transmission tower of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines was bombed in Mindanao, further endangering the precarious power supply in the region during the election period.

National Grid said in a statement that Tower #25 of Agus 2-Kibawe 138 kiloVolt line in Brgy. Linamon, Ramain, Lanao del Sur was reportedly bombed and toppled in the evening of May 3.

The same tower was bombed on Dec. 24, 2015.

Restoration of the tower took almost three months because uncooperative claimant, the Sambitory family, refused National Grid access to conduct tower repairs.

“This is the 6th bombing of NGCP towers this year. Restoration of Tower 25 will commence as soon as the area is secured,” it said.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Mon-

sada, however, said that on election day, there will be no brownouts in Mindanao due to higher utilization from hydropower plants.

Monsada said the hydropower plants are only utilizing 20 percent at 30 cubic meters per second at present but this will increase to 90 cubic meters per second to 60 percent on election day.

“Mindanao will no longer be negative this election. Demand is not that high because it is a holiday, due to sufficient power,” Monsada said.

The company said that the bombings only serve to increase the burden of the public, which must suffer through service interruptions when towers are bombed.

Mindanao is currently short of 151 MW with system peak at 1,499 MW against capacity of 1,348 MW. This developed after National Grid energized the crucial Agus 2-Baloi 138kV line after clearing right-of-way obstruction in its bid

to ensure uninterrupted delivery of power transmission services particularly during the May 9 national and local elections.

“NGCP is pleased to report that at 7 p.m. of May 3 we have successfully energized the Agus 2-Baloi line after invoking the Comelec Resolution and with the assistance of government and law enforcement agencies during the clearing operations,” the company said.

The company, however, said this is only 1 of 8 lines identified as critical in Mindanao that continue to be plagued by uncooperative land claimants demanding exorbitant amount.

“It is unfortunate that some of these claimants are preventing us from conducting line maintenance activities on the basis of land payment claims properly address to the Nation Transmission Corp. [Transco]. Others demand exorbitant amounts as payment for improvements deliberately built under the lines,” the company said.

T H U R S D AY : M AY 5 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

THE BANK ACCOUNTS

[ EDI TORI A L ]

KILLING THE SPEECH THE specter of a Rodrigo Duterte presidency is enough to spook those whose job it is to call out the government for its excesses and inadequacies.

Tuesday’s commemoration of World Press Freedom Day reminds us of what we enjoy and what we don’t. Yes, the Philippines has earned notoriety for being one of the most dangerous places for journalists. Yes, the killings continue and with impunity—because the perpetrators believe silencing media workers is the better, even the less costly, option. And yes, law enforcement and the justice system do not inspire confidence among the people—or fear among criminals. Dozens of cases of violence against media workers remain unresolved.

Despite the danger, however, members of the press—especially those covering the more visible arena of national politics—are these days relatively free to express their dissent, criticism and outright objection to what the current crop of leaders are doing, and what they are not.

This newspaper, for instance, has been calling the administration out too much and too often, even as we insist we are doing so to air legitimate criticism. Thus far, we have not been stopped or threatened for doing whatever it is we are doing. Given the lessons of history, this counts for a lot.

Meanwhile, the emergence of social media has given rise to a vibrant and unfettered platform for receiving news, providing leads, and expressing and exchanging views. That it is new blurs convention: Whereas there are at least conventions to be followed in journalism, social media has been a free-for-all, for good or bad.

The campaign circus has given us a glimpse into the character and inclinations of the candidates. We now have a fairly good sense of how they take criticism, even just questions about their pronouncements.

Some are calm and address the questions squarely. Some immediately go on the defensive, saying they are victims of persecution and their critics are agents of the dark. Some confront the critics head-on, attacking them even as their arguments do not make any sense and threatening to commit some crime against them.

How, we wonder, will the media or the citizenry engage the next administration when they do not agree with its leaders? How will we demand information when the providers of information themselves look upon the demand as an affront to their stature?

The right to free speech is one that has been taken for granted, but today we acknowledge how critical it is to building a nation. Woe to those who entertain the thought of meddling with this fundamental right ever again.

HOMESTRETCH RUN LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES UNLESS something really disastrous and game-changing happens between now and Monday, it looks like Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has an excellent chance of being elected 16th President of the Republic. This is the main story line of the latest and last The Standard PollLaylo survey, which appears in today’s issue of this newspaper.

Duterte (32 percent), who

captured the imagination of voters hungry for change, kept his substantial lead over his main rivals, Senator Grace Poe (25), former secretary Mar Roxas (22) and the fading Vice President Jejomar Binay (15) in the much-anticipated survey.

Pollster Junie Laylo’s findings also point to a low “undecided” vote of four percent and a “soft” vote of 13 percent—still enough to keep the race tight, assuming Duterte makes some big-time errors before Election Day and causes voters to desert him in droves.

Between the margin of error of the survey (1.8 percent) and

the undecided-soft factor, it is still possible that Duterte can be beaten. Also, there is Duterte’s famous penchant for shooting himself in the foot and the fact that yet another unknown and damaging episode in his lessthan-pure past catches up with him—things that could still derail his victory as the ultimate outsider and consign him to the role of the provincial phenom who nearly made it in the big leagues.

At this point, Duterte leads in nearly all economic, geographical, gender and other categories, according to the Laylo survey. His near-total

Stranger things have happened before and leads like Duterte’s have been known to evaporate almost overnight.

A9

lock on the Mindanao vote (where he polled more than 80 percent in his home region of the Davao provinces) is unprecedented; his spectacular polling on the island more than makes up for his coming in second or third to any combination of Poe, Roxas or Binay in the other regions.

(For the elitists out there reading this, Laylo explains that Duterte’s favorable numbers in the ABC economic class doesn’t necessarily mean that the rich are fully behind him. The “A” part of the class— the really affluent—makes up only less than one percent, by population, of the entire category; the entire class is dominated by the “C” middle-

class sub-group, where Duterte’s law-and-order message is always welcomed.)

Of course, stranger things have happened before and leads like Duterte’s have been known to evaporate almost overnight. Binay’s comefrom-behind victory over Roxas and Senator Loren Legarda in the 2010 vice presidential race is often cited as the template here—even if pollsters like Pulse Asia’s Ronnie Holmes say they actually tracked Binay’s last-minute charge right before that election.

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

It’s not accurate to say that the presidency right now is Duterte’s to lose. But what Laylo is saying is, the probability of Digong making it just got higher—even after Senator Antonio Trillanes’ bank account exposé, which was covered by the survey period.

I guess we won’t have long to wait to find out. But if I were Duterte, I’d stay home and not take any calls from anyone.

If I were his rivals, I’d bring out the heavy artillery and fire at will. There’s still that tiny window, after all.

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

*** Speaking of Trillanes, it looks like he totally miscalculated again, just like he did when he burst onto the national consciousness in 2003, when he emerged from the obscurity of his Navy desk job and morphed into a mutineer at the posh Oakwood Hotel in Makati. His much-publicized attempt to tar Duterte with charges of ill-gotten wealth has misfired, with the mayor emerging none the worse for the senator’s exertions.

Continued on A11

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

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

WITH four days to go before the elections, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s political enemies are still throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, at him, hoping to thwart his presidential bid. Senator Trillanes has once again come up with a lot of documents which purport to show multi-billion peso transactions in two bank accounts of the mayor in the Bank of the Philippine Islands branch along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City.

Senator Trillanes is good in coming out with so-called bombshells as he did with Vice President Jejomar Binay. More disturbing, however, is the sanctity of our bank secrecy law which is turning out to be not-so-secret after all. Every time there is someone whose reputation has to be destroyed, detailed bank accounts and transactions appear. Remember the case of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona? During his impeachment trial, his bank accounts were paraded and dissected in the Senate even if those involved in the impeachment trial knew very well that illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in trial. The lame excuse was that impeachment trials are political in nature and therefore different.

Now, Corona is dead but the story of his ouster by the Aquino administration must not end with his passing. There are many things that this administration will have to answer for and the next administration should make this issue one of its priorities. As one acquaintance who is in know about the inner workings of this administration blurted out, the prosecution of Corona and others were done just to mask the crimes that this administration is committing.

Hopefully, the next administration will also take a second look at Corona’s impeachment trial to right a wrong done to a man, even if he has already passed away. The impeachment was a total miscarriage of justice. As to the documents obtained by Senator Trillanes, it is difficult to imagine that this was done without the knowledge or collusion of the bank management.

The good senator says that it was given to him by someone he hardly knew at all. As is customary with him, he did not bother to investigate deeper before splashing documents in the news.

It is turning out to be a dud but it has now put the front runner clearly on the defensive. Whether this will eventually hurt Mayor Duterte’s presidential bid, we cannot say.

We will simply have to wait for the results. That is if some invisible power will not interfere and decide on someone other than the front runners to win the elections. The prospect of a Mayor Duterte victory seems to be affecting our Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T H U R S D AY : M AY 5 , 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA

THE BANK ACCOUNTS

[ EDI TORI A L ]

KILLING THE SPEECH THE specter of a Rodrigo Duterte presidency is enough to spook those whose job it is to call out the government for its excesses and inadequacies.

Tuesday’s commemoration of World Press Freedom Day reminds us of what we enjoy and what we don’t. Yes, the Philippines has earned notoriety for being one of the most dangerous places for journalists. Yes, the killings continue and with impunity—because the perpetrators believe silencing media workers is the better, even the less costly, option. And yes, law enforcement and the justice system do not inspire confidence among the people—or fear among criminals. Dozens of cases of violence against media workers remain unresolved.

Despite the danger, however, members of the press—especially those covering the more visible arena of national politics—are these days relatively free to express their dissent, criticism and outright objection to what the current crop of leaders are doing, and what they are not.

This newspaper, for instance, has been calling the administration out too much and too often, even as we insist we are doing so to air legitimate criticism. Thus far, we have not been stopped or threatened for doing whatever it is we are doing. Given the lessons of history, this counts for a lot.

Meanwhile, the emergence of social media has given rise to a vibrant and unfettered platform for receiving news, providing leads, and expressing and exchanging views. That it is new blurs convention: Whereas there are at least conventions to be followed in journalism, social media has been a free-for-all, for good or bad.

The campaign circus has given us a glimpse into the character and inclinations of the candidates. We now have a fairly good sense of how they take criticism, even just questions about their pronouncements.

Some are calm and address the questions squarely. Some immediately go on the defensive, saying they are victims of persecution and their critics are agents of the dark. Some confront the critics head-on, attacking them even as their arguments do not make any sense and threatening to commit some crime against them.

How, we wonder, will the media or the citizenry engage the next administration when they do not agree with its leaders? How will we demand information when the providers of information themselves look upon the demand as an affront to their stature?

The right to free speech is one that has been taken for granted, but today we acknowledge how critical it is to building a nation. Woe to those who entertain the thought of meddling with this fundamental right ever again.

HOMESTRETCH RUN LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES UNLESS something really disastrous and game-changing happens between now and Monday, it looks like Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has an excellent chance of being elected 16th President of the Republic. This is the main story line of the latest and last The Standard PollLaylo survey, which appears in today’s issue of this newspaper.

Duterte (32 percent), who

captured the imagination of voters hungry for change, kept his substantial lead over his main rivals, Senator Grace Poe (25), former secretary Mar Roxas (22) and the fading Vice President Jejomar Binay (15) in the much-anticipated survey.

Pollster Junie Laylo’s findings also point to a low “undecided” vote of four percent and a “soft” vote of 13 percent—still enough to keep the race tight, assuming Duterte makes some big-time errors before Election Day and causes voters to desert him in droves.

Between the margin of error of the survey (1.8 percent) and

the undecided-soft factor, it is still possible that Duterte can be beaten. Also, there is Duterte’s famous penchant for shooting himself in the foot and the fact that yet another unknown and damaging episode in his lessthan-pure past catches up with him—things that could still derail his victory as the ultimate outsider and consign him to the role of the provincial phenom who nearly made it in the big leagues.

At this point, Duterte leads in nearly all economic, geographical, gender and other categories, according to the Laylo survey. His near-total

Stranger things have happened before and leads like Duterte’s have been known to evaporate almost overnight.

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lock on the Mindanao vote (where he polled more than 80 percent in his home region of the Davao provinces) is unprecedented; his spectacular polling on the island more than makes up for his coming in second or third to any combination of Poe, Roxas or Binay in the other regions.

(For the elitists out there reading this, Laylo explains that Duterte’s favorable numbers in the ABC economic class doesn’t necessarily mean that the rich are fully behind him. The “A” part of the class— the really affluent—makes up only less than one percent, by population, of the entire category; the entire class is dominated by the “C” middle-

class sub-group, where Duterte’s law-and-order message is always welcomed.)

Of course, stranger things have happened before and leads like Duterte’s have been known to evaporate almost overnight. Binay’s comefrom-behind victory over Roxas and Senator Loren Legarda in the 2010 vice presidential race is often cited as the template here—even if pollsters like Pulse Asia’s Ronnie Holmes say they actually tracked Binay’s last-minute charge right before that election.

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It’s not accurate to say that the presidency right now is Duterte’s to lose. But what Laylo is saying is, the probability of Digong making it just got higher—even after Senator Antonio Trillanes’ bank account exposé, which was covered by the survey period.

I guess we won’t have long to wait to find out. But if I were Duterte, I’d stay home and not take any calls from anyone.

If I were his rivals, I’d bring out the heavy artillery and fire at will. There’s still that tiny window, after all.

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*** Speaking of Trillanes, it looks like he totally miscalculated again, just like he did when he burst onto the national consciousness in 2003, when he emerged from the obscurity of his Navy desk job and morphed into a mutineer at the posh Oakwood Hotel in Makati. His much-publicized attempt to tar Duterte with charges of ill-gotten wealth has misfired, with the mayor emerging none the worse for the senator’s exertions.

Continued on A11

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

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

WITH four days to go before the elections, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s political enemies are still throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, at him, hoping to thwart his presidential bid. Senator Trillanes has once again come up with a lot of documents which purport to show multi-billion peso transactions in two bank accounts of the mayor in the Bank of the Philippine Islands branch along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City.

Senator Trillanes is good in coming out with so-called bombshells as he did with Vice President Jejomar Binay. More disturbing, however, is the sanctity of our bank secrecy law which is turning out to be not-so-secret after all. Every time there is someone whose reputation has to be destroyed, detailed bank accounts and transactions appear. Remember the case of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona? During his impeachment trial, his bank accounts were paraded and dissected in the Senate even if those involved in the impeachment trial knew very well that illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in trial. The lame excuse was that impeachment trials are political in nature and therefore different.

Now, Corona is dead but the story of his ouster by the Aquino administration must not end with his passing. There are many things that this administration will have to answer for and the next administration should make this issue one of its priorities. As one acquaintance who is in know about the inner workings of this administration blurted out, the prosecution of Corona and others were done just to mask the crimes that this administration is committing.

Hopefully, the next administration will also take a second look at Corona’s impeachment trial to right a wrong done to a man, even if he has already passed away. The impeachment was a total miscarriage of justice. As to the documents obtained by Senator Trillanes, it is difficult to imagine that this was done without the knowledge or collusion of the bank management.

The good senator says that it was given to him by someone he hardly knew at all. As is customary with him, he did not bother to investigate deeper before splashing documents in the news.

It is turning out to be a dud but it has now put the front runner clearly on the defensive. Whether this will eventually hurt Mayor Duterte’s presidential bid, we cannot say.

We will simply have to wait for the results. That is if some invisible power will not interfere and decide on someone other than the front runners to win the elections. The prospect of a Mayor Duterte victory seems to be affecting our Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WILL WE ALLOW A DICTATOR? TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

SANTA Banana, I can imagine what can happen to our beloved country if Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Du-Dirty is elected president on May 9!

Upon his proclamation by Congress, DuDirty will proclaim a “Revolutionary Government” with him as a virtual dictator, followed by another proclamation abolishing Congress and civil and local government units. This is what the late President Cory Aquino did during the first two years of her administration.

She appointed all the local government officials.

Since we all know that Du-Dirty has no respect for the rule of law, he may even abolish the Supreme Court and have a oneman rule.

This way, all attempts to impeach him (because of charges of ill-gotten and hidden wealth) will now become moot and academic.

By doing all these, Du-Dirty obviously forgets that Article II on “Declaration of Principles and State Policies” that Section 3 provides “The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State...”

This is the same provision which ousted former President Joseph Estrada. Military forces started converging at Edsa. Erap had no choice but leave Malacañang in what the Supreme Court ruled as “constructive resignation,” leading to the oath-taking of then Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

This will happen if the people make the wrong choice. This will set us back another two to three decades. As a journalist of over 66 years who have seen

the best and the worst of leaders, I cannot visualize what will happen to our country, confronted as it is with seemingly unsolvable problems wrought by poverty and corruption.

But I still believe prayers can move mountains. It is with this thought that I pray for the nation. Our future is now in the hands of God. It is not only the thought of the presidency of somebody who has no respect for the rule of law that worries me no end.

I cannot imagine what can happen to our country.

I also fear that cheating with Smartmatic’s automated electronic machines will be massive, thus frustrating the will of the people. My gulay, if this happens not at the precinct level, but at the transmission stage, the military might also come in as mandated by the Constitution.

Since it’s only BS Aquino and the Liberal Party that have the motivation and the capability to cheat if only to protect BS Aquino from his inevitable of landing in jail when he steps down, next year could well be the crossroad of our democratic way of life.

I’m not an alarmist, just a concerned citizen. If what I fear happens, the country will be pushed over the edge. I am just thinking of possibilities that are obvious enough to see. *** There are two senatorial candidates within striking distance within

NOT A LOST CAUSE THERE are no lost causes in this year’s election campaign season.

This is certainly not the case of Vice President Jejomar Binay. His is a campaign that was fought long before he rose as the second most powerful government official of the land.

Fighting poverty is never a lost cause. Binay’s rallying cry against poverty still echoes six years after his monumental win for the vice presidency, exactly because there is still much to be done. And it has been an ongoing and hard-fought war: Among all the presidential candidates, he is the only one with remarkable performance especially as regards national government agencies he has handled.

His successes in Makati, as Metro Manila Development Authority chair, the head of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and more recently as the country’s housing czar at the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council have been victories under his belt, and would be mere skirmishes as they would pale in comparison in what he can do once he wins the presidency.

And what better way to continue the fight than to send a grizzled veteran into the battlefield, which is what the country needs right now. We have seen enough of amateurs on our the Magic 12 circle for the Senate who truly deserve to make it. They are Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino.

Their track records and qualification show that they deserve to be senators. The “malasakit” advocacy of Romualdez is something the country needs at this point after a President like BS Aquino, whose administration utterly lacks sensitivity and compassion for the poor and the needy.

The advocacy of Tolentino for disaster preparedness is also something the country needs. I have seen MMDA chairmen come and go, but in my book, Tolentino has been the best.

Romualdez and Tolentino will inject fresh blood into the Senate. *** The surge of Senator Bongbong Marcos in all

MINORITY REPORT DANILO SUAREZ country’s political stage for the past six years—an administration run like a second-rate frat house; and politicians riding on their predecessors’ hard work, much worse if they bank on who their parents are rather than who they claim to be.

How can one claim to have a heart for the presidency if that heart has been known to waver?

How can one claim to have a heart for the people if one has not been through trials and tribulations for it to be strong enough to bear the weight of a nation? This country needs a president whose heart is kind for the poor, but strengthened with wisdom rather than cold methods of self-proclaimed justice.

There are no lost causes when you fight for an ideal, more so if that ideal serves your countrymen. What sets Binay apart from the others is his clear vision of what the Philippines should be come 2022. His platforms are the most comprehensive, compared to the others that are lazily rehashed and hardly mastered (just like what you can expect from amateurs).

His visions fulfilled in Makati

poll surveys is not that difficult to explain.

The young Marcos doesn’t only have the charm of Imelda, but the brains of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

Bongbong’s track record as governor of Ilocos Norte, congressman and senator speaks for itself. Above all, his advocacy for healing political wounds and unifying the country resonates with the people. Without unity, the nation can never move forward. *** Last week, some former Customs personnel who have since retired saw me and sought my help about their unpaid overtime, transportation and meals while serving the incoming and departing domestic and foreign airlines at Naia’s terminal 1 and 2.

They asked me if it is ever possible for the next administration for the Board of Airlines to

and in everywhere else he leads are what won him the people’s trust in 2010 and won him the vice presidency. It is this lingering trust that cultivates loyalty, and this makes it all worth fighting for.

Binay’s campaign is not a lost cause—it is just an uphill battle.

And the thing about uphill battles is that they always trudge upward. His is not a bandwagon that loses steam because people are bailing out, or because it has lost its direction. Nobody said that clinching the presidency would be easy; the path to it meanders along survey results, inconsistent and misleading.

Binay is a survivor. This is something that has been clear after he faced enemies from different fronts all at the same time.

Ultimately, this is what endears him to the electorate that are themselves survivors of everyday Filipino realities of joblessness, hunger, and overall powerlessness over each of their own futures. Binay weathered the onslaught of unfavorable survey results for most of his 2010 vice presidential campaign, and we know how the results turned out in the end.

Binay is not a lost cause. In fact, he’s the best chance we have to have lead the country’s charge towards prosperity and peace. His is a good fight, as the Filipino is worth fighting for.

comply with the Sept.

11, 2011 ruling of the Supreme Court, penned

by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, that mandates domestic and foreign airlines to pay overtime for some 900 Customs personnel.

What is ironic is that Immigration and Quarantine personnel who have served, as well, have been paid.

It would seem that Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and a long line of Customs commissioners like Lito Alvarez, Ruffy Biazon, John Philip Sevilla and now Bert Lina did not lift a finger to have the Supreme Court ruling implemented.

Are they now in the payroll of the airlines?

It would seem so. Instead of having the Supreme Court ruling implemented, Purisima and the Customs commissioners have not lifted a finger to give 900 or more Customs personnel the justice

they deserve.

To make matters worse, the airlines want to reduce their P1.9billion obligations. The Customs people readily accepted that. Better than nothing, I was told. But despite this reduction, the payment never came.

How tragic. *** When I told the retired Customs personnel to charge the airlines with contempt for not complying with the Supreme Court decision, I was told that they tried but, the Solicitor General’s Office, the tribune of the people, ruled against it.

The Bureau of Customs had since abolished Customs overtime, hiring more Customs personnel which cost the bureau something like P1.2 billion.

That’s the Aquino administration for you.

No compassion, no sensitivity to the needy!

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA LEYTE Representative and senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez may not know it yet, but he is in for a pleasant surprise—victory in the senatorial derby on Monday.

In the outgoing Congress, Romualdez was the principal exponent of legislation for more extensive rights for persons with disabilities (PWDs), far more encompassing than those currently enjoyed by handicapped individuals. His message to his colleagues in Congress was crystal clear—the existing laws governing PWDs treat disabled persons as if they belong to a burdensome sector of society, and these must be changed.

For Romualdez, existing laws made it seem as if the number of PWDs in the country was negligible, almost minimal. He was particularly alarmed at the marked increase in the number of very young children in the depressed areas who are afflicted with disabling diseases which are curable, but are often overlooked for reasons of poverty.

Romualdez wanted a law that not only codified the rights of PWDs and the legal obligations of government agencies and private establishments in the treatment of the afflicted. He wanted a law that elevated PWDs, the children in particular, to a status equal to any other Filipino, instead of being treated

The bank... From A9 financial market. The stock market is down, the peso also has gone down while other currencies in the region have appreciated.

Perhaps, the financial market is reacting too much with the language of the mayor which can be really scary to people who do not know him that well. But people who are close to him swear that he is a very different person in private.

Still, powerful figures in this country both in government and in business who are simply too scared of a Duterte presidency are doing everything in their power to derail what many believe is the inevitable. To these people, my humble counsel to them is that the people are entitled to choose the leader that they want. That is, after all, what democracy is all about. No country, no group of people claiming to know better have the right to second guess the collective wisdom of the people and prevent them

CONVERTING EX-CRITICS INTO SUPPORTERS as sidelined taxpayers who are exploited but ignored.

Early this year, Romualdez got what he had worked for zealously. Congress finally approved a draft law embodying everything that Romualdez envisioned and aspired for—a magna carta for PWDs. There was a slight problem, though. Romualdez had wanted the draft law approved as early as 2015 to keep it away from the dividing flames that engulf the government each time the election season draws near.

Sufficient distance from the election season, Romualdez theorized, will somehow insulate the draft law from the adversarial character of Philippine partisan politics and increase the chances of its approval by President Benigno Aquino III, a known political opponent of Romualdez. Truth to tell, a veto from the president was all that was needed to derail the draft law effectively. Should that happen, there will be too little time left for Congress to convene and muster an extraordinary majority to override the president’s veto.

Eventually, the draft law was on the president’s desk, and both time and the timing were not on Romualdez’ side.

Call it Divine Intervention, luck, or something else, but in the end, Romualdez’ efforts were rewarded when

President Aquino crossed party lines and approved the draft law. The magna carta for PWDs was now a law of the land, and it gave every disabled person in the Philippines new hope in an uncaring, often hostile, political and social landscape.

Prompt in acknowledging the role of President Aquino in this legislation, Romualdez likewise crossed party lines to thank the president for his help in the speedy enactment of this much-needed piece of legislation, even during these highly polarized times.

As expected, however, Romualdez’ critics quickly denounced the new law as a campaign measure designed to court the votes of the PWDs in the country. The cynics even went to the extent of saying that there was hardly anything new about the Romualdez pro-PWD statute, a statement which obviously indicates that these critics never read the law and its extensive provisions.

Romualdez believes that the opinion which counts the most is that from the PWDs themselves. Ever since the law was realized, many Filipino PWDs have expressed their thanks and appreciation to Romualdez through the social media, letters to newspapers of general circulation, and even by way of handwritten letters addressed to Romualdez himself.

Just recently, a number

from choosing the kind of leader they want. Remember that our country has been having elections since 1907.

That is 109 years of democratic experience and is arguably the oldest in Asia. If it is Mayor Duterte that voters want, so be it. If it turns out to be different, that is also perfectly all right so as long as it is not the result of machinations of people or other entities who only want to protect their vested interests. *** The vice presidential race is also turning out to be as colorful as the six candidates contend for second highest position of the land. This may be partly because of the name of Marcos who up to this time is the front runner. Leni Robredo of the Liberal Party, however, has emerged as a close second to Bongbong Marcos.

Leni Robredo is a first-term congresswoman and the widow of the hugely popular secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, the

of netizens found out in the social media that far from being a political gimmick to gain votes, Romualdez’ magna carta for PWDs was the product of his decades-long interest and concern in the plight of disabled persons. At the early age of 15, Romualdez had already immersed himself in the company of younger, disabled kids, many of whom were hardly above 10 years old, to learn what ails them and, more importantly, what fortunate persons like him could do to help them live their lives like regular individuals.

The young Romualdez’ observations and aspirations for the juvenile PWDs are memorialized in the book TO BE THEMSELVES: A TEENAGER’S INSPIRING LOOK AT THE WORLD OF M U LT I - HA N D IC A P P E D CHILDREN written by Romualdez himself when he was 15, and published by Prentice-Hall. At 15, this book makes Romualdez one of the youngest book authors of the 20th century. Sadly, the book is out of print, but it is described in some detail in a number of websites operated by international booksellers.

It must be emphasized that the information found in the social media did not come directly from Romualdez. Surprisingly, it was provided by people who learned about his book and who accessed a number of its photographs show-

late Jesse Robredo. No one gave her an iota of a chance when the campaign started but has over taken her fellow Bicolanos and has a legitimate chance of winning. She is doing a lot better than her principal, Mar Roxas.

This is perhaps because of her humility and candidness.

Unlike Mar Roxas who cannot utter a single word that would put his benefactor Aquino in bad light, Leni Robredo is able to say that there are many things that she would have wanted the Aquino administration to have done better. Her simplicity also is resonating with the voters.

She is now giving Bongbong Marcos a run for his money.

As she said, it could really be that the last man standing will be a woman. My thinking is that if there will be election manipulation on Monday as many believe, that this will be done in the presidential race and not the vice presidential contest. To this, I say—may the best man or woman win.

ing Romualdez in the company of the youthful PWDs. One of those photographs show Romualdez actually mingling with the disabled children.

Another one made a browser say that the young Romualdez was a convincing look-alike of the late 1970s screen actor Alfie Anido.

Particularly heartwarming was a letter written by a young businessman who, by the way he wrote, was one who took his right of suffrage very seriously, almost to the point of considering suffrage a sacred right. The businessman revealed that when he first heard of Romualdez’ PWD law, he was skeptical about the sincerity of the law’s principal author and dismissed it as a campaign gimmick. He further disclosed that when he learned through the social media that Romualdez’ advocacy went as far back as when he was 15, and that there was proof of it, he changed his mind about Romualdez and resolved to include him in his ballot. Earlier, the businessman said hell will freeze over first before he supports Romualdez.

That has changed.

If enough voters come across the on-line account of Romualdez’ noble advocacy for disabled persons, then Romualdez will win additional supporters in his senatorial bid when the ballots are cast this Monday.

Homestretch... From A9 Trillanes, of course, is no stranger to becoming a victim of his own poor strategy.

The Magdalo coup plot of which he was a vital part was immediately contained and he and his band of mutineers were hauled out of the hotel like common criminals, discharged from the service, charged with treason and detained for more than seven years.

But Trillanes, unlike his mutinous brethren, found opportunity amid disaster, parlaying his newfound infamy into a successful Senate run. Except for a few of Trillanes’ co-conspirators, most of the Magdalo cohort have remained in jail, forgotten by their nowfamous brother-in-arms.

In the Senate, Trillanes used old-fashioned demagoguery to spin tales of high crimes— not indiscriminately but only against those who were out

of favor with those in power.

He became a high-priced gun for hire, attacking people like Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes (who committed suicide after being pilloried

by Trillanes in the Senate) and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Trillanes even attacked the man widely believed to have worked for his release from jail, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who could only shake his head at the ingratitude of the former mutineer. Enrile’s feelings toward Trillanes these days are shared by the senator’s fellow soldiers, many of whom see him as a traitor, a bully and an ingrate.

Trillanes’ latest exploits as the nemesis of Duterte follow the same template he used against Reyes, Binay and others who had the misfortune of becoming his targets. If Duterte becomes president, I think Trillanes will have finally met his match.

T HURS DAY : M AY 5 , 2 0 1 6

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

New test to detect mechanical doping

Spanish player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Russian player Andrey Kuznetsov during the Madrid Open tournament at the Caja Magica (Magic Box) sports complex in Madrid. AFP

Adidas hooks struggling golf business into the rough ADIDAS Said on Wednesday it would sell off its golf equipment brands, as it published “record” quarterly results showing a strong performance in the United States, a key market for the German sports giant.

Following a “strategic review” of its golf business, Adidas said it would “actively seek a buyer” for some of its top equipment brands, including TaylorMade, Adams and Ashworth.

The firm said it would focus on selling golf shoes and clothing through its Adidas Golf brand.

“Now is the time to focus even more on our core strength in the athletic footwear and apparel market,” said Herbert Hainer, the firm’s chief executive.

The golf business has proved to be an Achilles heel for the firm with sales plunging amid a sharp decline in the Russian market.

THE new magnetic tablet testing device used in professional cycling since January can “detect any form” of mechanical doping, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said on Tuesday.

Both French and Italian media have reported this year that small motors are being used in the peloton, giving a small but hugely beneficial power boost.

French television programme Stade 2 and Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera said that they used a thermal detector to spot what they believed to be hidden motors in riders’ bikes at the Strade Bianche race in March.

The UCI have quickly responded to those claims by detailing exactly how they are fighting to stamp out mechanical doping, amid accusations that they have not been taking

the issue seriously enough.

UCI president Brian Cookson, speaking three days before the start of the Giro d’Italia, said that the magnetic device is more efficient than using thermal images.

“This is something we’re taking very seriously,” he said.

“There is a message to cheaters: if you use this method of cheating, we will catch you.

“It can detect all kinds of technologies. We have a great method that I think is working. The thermical images technology is not as reliable as the one we use.”

Femke Van den Driessche became the first rider to be caught concealing a motor in her bike before the under-23 women’s cyclo-cross world championship race in February. AFP

Nadal makes perfect start in clay at Madrid Masters FOURTEEN-TIME Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal stretched his perfect start to the European clay-court season to 11 matches with a routine 6-3, 6-3 win over Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov to reach round three of the Madrid Masters on Tuesday.

Fresh from victories in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Nadal will continue his quest for a fifth title in Madrid against American Sam Querrey or France’s Lucas Pouille on Thursday.

Nadal is looking for a record 50th career clay-court title in the Spanish capital and was rarely troubled by the world number 39 Kuznetsov.

The Spaniard raced into a 3-0 first-set lead and one break was enough to seal the set as he staved off break points in

the fourth game.

Kuznetsov made a more positive start to the second to lead 3-2, but was blown away as Nadal, ominously for his rivals later in the week, found his rhythm to win the last four games.

Nadal’s path to the final was eased as his potential quarterfinal opponent Roger Federer withdrew due to a back injury on Monday.

However, he could face Andy Murray in the semi-finals in a repeat of last year’s

final as defending champion Murray gets his tournament underway against Czech veteran Radek Stepanek later on Tuesday.

Frenchman Gael Monfils continued his fine form after losing to Nadal in the final of Monte Carlo last month as he saw off Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-1.

Controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios set up an enticing second-round clash with fourth seed Stanislas Wawrinka as he battled past Argentine Guido Pella 7-6 (9/7), 6-4.

A dreadful week for Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov continued as he exited in the first round 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 to Pablo Carreno Busta two days after defaulting in the final of the Istanbul Open for a racquet-smashing tirade.

And former US Open champi-

on Juan Martin del Potro scored an impressive 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 win over in-form 14th seed Dominic Thiem.

In the women’s Madrid Open there was a better day for the favourites after a series of highprofile exits left just five seeds left in the draw.

World number seven Simona Halep thrashed Karin Knapp 6-1, 6-1 to set up a third-round clash with Timea Bacsinszky as the 10th seed overcame Ekaterina Makarova 6-4. 5-7, 6-4.

Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro booked her place in the last 16 with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Germany’s Sabine Lisicki.

Sam Stosur and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also reached the third round without having to hit a ball as 11th seed Lucie Safarova and Camila Giorgi withdrew. AFP

Zika fears over baseball games in Puerto Rico THE fate of two Major League Baseball games due to take place in Puerto Rico later this month hung in the balance Tuesday amid fears over the Zika virus.

The Major League Baseball Players Association said it was holding ongoing discussions with league chiefs over a pair of matches between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Miami Marlins in San Juan on May 30-31.

“The health and safety of our members and their families are our primary concerns, and we have a responsibility to gather as much information as possible from the top scientific experts in the field,” the MLBPA said in the statement.

The statement followed a report on Yahoo Sports that said the games were on the brink of

being cancelled following concerns raised by both teams.

The report said players from the Pirates and the Marlins had banded together to request the games be moved to Miami.

The possibility of the matches being moved from Puerto Rico comes just days after the first Zika-related death was reported on the island on Friday.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a 70-year-old man died of complications from severe thrombocytopenia, a poor clotting condition related to a low number of platelets in the blood.

“Although Zika virus–associated deaths are rare, the first identified death in Puerto Rico highlights the possibility of severe cases, as well as the need

for continued outreach to raise health care providers’ awareness of complications that might lead to severe disease or death,” the CDC said at the time.

The CDC has warned of a potential explosion of Zika cases in Puerto Rico, possibly reaching into the hundreds of thousands.

The virus is known to cause the brain defect microcephaly, and is blamed for a recent surge in cases of malformed babies in Brazil.

The health authorities urged people in Puerto Rico to “continue to employ mosquito bite avoidance behaviors, including using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and ensuring homes are properly enclosed.” AFP

Pit stop. Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s British driver Lewis Hamilton takes a pit stop during the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit. AFP

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NCAA to refine officiating rules

By Peter Atencio

Local aces lead net title chase in La Carlota LOCAL bets Tracy Llamas and Kiana de Asis gear up for a fierce battle with the rest of the strong 300-player cast as the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age-group tennis tournament unwraps Thursday at the La Carlota Tennis Court in Negros Occidental.

Llamas and de Asis gain the top two seeding in the girls’ premier 18-and-under section and 16-U class, which also features recent two-title winner Averille Sacapano, Bliss Bayking, Valerie Desoyo and Louise Clavaton.

“We’re inviting all tennis aficionados and fans to watch the event and support their respective players, who form part of the huge 300-player cast from Panay Island and the whole of Negros,” said host Mayor Juliet Ferrer.

Karl Baran and Eldyzar Alvarico banner the boys’ 18-U cast that includes Matthew Flores, Rewel Justianiani, Troy Llamas, RJ Singson, Reynan Mahusay and Prince Dimate.

Baran and Alvarico are also the top two players in the full-packed 64-player 16-U field in the Group 2 event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

“The huge turnout this week only inspires to put up more and more tournaments across the country to discover more and more future stars,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

RULES involving intentional fouls will be modified in the coming 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball season.

Record cast in aquathlon. Participants gear up for the start of the 2016 Alaska Ironkids Aquathlon, which features the Race and Play format, and which drew a record number of 174 kids at the Village Sports Club in Paranaque recently. Alaska Ironkids Philippines is an annual sporting event held to promote healthy and active lifestyle among children through proper nutrition and physical activity.

Guimaras triathlon, run slated THE 23rd Guimaras Manggahan Festival to be held from May 11 to 22 features a sports segment consisting of the 4th Mango Man Triathlon and the Mango Run, which are part of the province’s goal to advertise Guimaras as the next adventure destination comparable to CamSur and Cebu.

To be mounted on May 14, the triathlon will adopt the Olympic standard (1.5km –swim, 60kmbike, 12km-run) of solo and relay categories similar to the one in CamSur. This year’s triathlon will have a certain hype since the best destinations in the island-province will be showcased in the routes for the swim, bike and run leg. The swim leg will kick off at 6 a.m at the Alobijod Cove, Poblacion, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

As triathletes get up from their swim leg, they will be challenged

by a 60-km bike ride traversing several uphills and speeding downhills from Alobijod Cove to the Municipality of San Lorenzo specifically Barangay Cabano where the wind turbines can be seen. The turning point for the bike leg is located at Sitio Igcabano of Barangay Cabano, where the triathletes can turn around a windmill and then go back to the provincial capitol traversing the same route where transition 2 is located for the run leg. Upon arrival at the provincial capitol, the triathletes can leave their bikes at the bike racks provided, then proceed to the 12 km run from the provincial capitol to Crossing Piňa traversing Alaguisoc and Tamborong and back for the finish area at the provincial capitol.

The Mango Run, on the other hand, consists of the 21k and 8k distance, with the starting point at the Jordan Municipal Hall (near

wharf) and winding at the Guimaras capitol grounds. It is being organized in cooperation with Multisport Iloilo, Pas Pas Guimaras Running Team and Iloilo Running Buddies. Other sports events to be held on May 20 are the Tour de Guimaras, Enduro Challenge, Kids Bike Challenge, and 2nd Provincial Rescuelympics.

The festival which was first held on May 22, 1993 to commemorate the first anniversary of Guimaras as a full-pledged province, will also be highlighted by the following events: Agri Trade and Tourism Fair, Manggahan Photo Contest/ Exhibit;Pintraysekel,Pinta Basurahan sa Manggahan, Employees’ Day (May 11); Mango- Eat-All-YouCan Contest (May 14); Mutya ng Guimaras Coronation Night (May 20); Tribes Competition (May 21); and 24th Foundation Day celebration (May 22).

Management committee chairman Mari Lacson of host San Beda College said this as the league began working on refining its officiating rules for the coming season.

The 92nd begins on June 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“We’re making changes on rules involving intentional fouls. We are going back to the old system,” said Lacson.

In reverting to the old officiating system, intentional fouls away from the ball in the last two minutes will result in harsher penalties.

Teams which use such moves will be assessed a technical foul. On the other hand, the opposing team will retain ball possession.

Last season, teams lagging behind in the dying moments used such a tactic of fouling a player, specifically a poor foul shooter, away from the ball.

This led to situations where players run away from the defense to avoid getting fouled.

No team actually managed to come back and win a game by using the strategy, and games dragged on for several minutes because of the tactic.

Meanwhile, NCAA president and San Beda rector Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, confirmed Andy Jao’s appointment as basketball commissioner.

It will be Jao’s first stint as commissioner in the NCAA and third overall after he served as one in the UAAP in 2011 and 2014.

Kasibulan football lures 55,000 kids AN additional 55,000 Filipino boys and girls ages six to 13 years old are expected to participate in the Kasibulan Grassroots Football Development Program (2015-2017) organized by the Philippine Football Federation, through the financial assistance of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Four years ago, PAGCOR bankrolled the same grassroots football program with P20 million financial aid.

This year, the P15 million donation to PFF will cover not only the training expenses of the children who play football but also the training of 7,200 teachers-coaches who have been supporting the project since June 2015.

PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Maricar Bautista

said the additional financial support will enable the PFF to expand its reach, especially in far-flung communities.

“When PAGCOR donated P20 million to PFF in 2012, the Kasibulan Grassroots Football Program was able to train 65,774 girls and boys as well as 10,474 football coach-educators in more than 200 areas in the country. We want to continue this noble endeavor that is why we keep on supporting this program,” Bautista said.

The Kasibulan Grassroots Football Festival is a three-day activity that provides teachers the rudiments of the football game and the process of organizing a tournament. On the last day, 500 students will be invited to participate and play football.

The program also provides venues for young football enthusiasts in different parts of

the country to develop their agility, skills and passion for football.

“We are hopeful that through this program, many of these kids will become part of the national team and represent the country in international football tournaments,” Bautista enthused.

Meanwhile, PFF’s National Grassroots Officer Aquilino Pastoral III shared that the PFF-PAGCOR grassroots football program has been creating great impact to young participants. “Actually, gumaling na yung mga bata. Kaya kami sa PFF, hindi na kami nahihirapan na mag-hanap ng national players natin na ipapadala sa ibang bansa,” Pastoral said.

He stressed that the funding from PAGCOR greatly helps them in enticing more individuals to play football.

A young football player is taught the correct way of hitting the ball at the Kasibulan Grassroots Football Festival in Catanduanes. The Kasibulan program is being supported by Pagcor.

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Fast start nets Menor 1-shot lead NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Notice is hereby given to the public that Ms. Hazel A. Cuya, Corporate Sales Executive, is no longer authorized to act and represent Uni-Orient Travel, Inc. effective April 16, 2016.

All transactions handled by Ms. Hazel Cuya prior to April 16, 2016 must be referred to Uni-Orient for confirmation and validation at Tel. No. (02) 705-2222 or at CP #0917-8901990 or at email address: info@uniorient.net

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BINANGONAN, Rizal—Rene Menor banked on a sizzling start at the back to take charge of the elite field but slowed down at the finish and shot a fourunder 68, posting a one-stroke lead over rookie pro Jobim Carlos and Gerald Rosales at the start of the ICTSI Manila Masters at the Eastridge Golf Club here yesterday.

Cashing in on an early morning tee time, Menor rattled off three birdies at the back then added two more at Nos. 4 and 5 before the wind whipped up a bit, leading to a missed green bogey on the seventh before the unheralded shotmaker toughened up a bit and salvaged the last two pars.

“I played pretty good. My putting, irons and short game were quite okay. I just hope to sustain this kind of game until the last round,” said Menor, who tied for 15th in the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour kickoff leg at Anvaya, missed the cut in the next two stages at Luisita and Manila Southwoods before hobbling to finish 27th at Sherwood.

“The wind started to blow towards the back and I was lucky to

Rene Menor (left) shot a four-under 68 for a one-stroke lead over rookie pro Jobim Carlos (right) and Gerald Rosales at the start of the ICTSI Manila Masters at the Eastridge Golf Club Wednesday.

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have started early,” said Menor, who will, however, start late as the 91-player field switches tee times today at the par-71, 7129yard mountain-top course overlooking Laguna de Bay. Carlos and Rosales also benefited from an early tee off with the former leaning on a solid 33 start at the front and the latter rallying with three birdies in the last four holes coming home at the front to stay in early contention in the P3.5 million event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. “The greens were bumpy and the wind was strong. It’s good I made a good start,” said Rosales, the former amateur hotshot seeking a follow-up to his Philippine Open victory in 2000.

Carlos, riding the crest of his

hot windup of 64 at Sherwood two weeks ago, flashed his power off the tee, making two tap-in birdies on par-5 Nos. 2 and 6, Clyde Mondilla likewise got into the early mix with a 70 while former Asian Development Tour Order of Merit winner Jay Bayron missed joining Rosales and Carlos with bogeys in the last two holes at the front, dropping to 71 in a tie with veteran Frankie Minoza.

Defending champion Angelo Que groped for form a bit with a 72 despite hitting five birdies, tying Dutch Guido Van der Valk, Mhark Fernando and Japanese Ryoma Miki at seventh while Chris delos Santos and Benjie Magada turned in a pair of 73s for a share of 11th in the tournament backed by Custom Clubmakers, adidas, KZG, Summit Mineral Water, Srixon, Pacsports, TaylorMade, Sharp and Champion.

Que, who ruled this event by two over Miguel Tabuena and Ferdie Aunzo last year, made two double bogeys against a birdie in the first five holes at the back, dropped another stroke on No. 15 before bouncing back with four birdies in the last 10 holes.

(SGD.) NESTOR P. ARCANSALIN Director Resource-Based Industries Service (TS-MAY 5, 2016)

Kim, Saso gain top golf seeding KOREAN Tom Kim primed himself up for the knockout stage as he topped the 36-hole stroke play elims with a 71 in boys’ play yesterday while Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso took the low medal honors in the girls’ side in the 2016 Philippine Junior Amateur Match Play Golf Championship at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa.

Kim shot down four birdies to negate his three-bogey mishap under scorching heat, turning in a second straight 71 for a 142 aggregate and the top ranking in the match play phase, four clear off erstwhile co-leader Ira Alido, who wavered with a 75 to settle for No. 2 at 146.

Aniceto Mandanas turned in a 73 to claim the third spot at 149 while Liam Cully struggled with a 76 for fourth at 152 followed by Jolo Magcalayo and Marc Corrales, who both turned in 74s for a 154 and 155, respectively, in the event held as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour and sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, Smart, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Kim, who won the stroke play crown last month, takes on Chadric Lazaro, who had a 209 after a 109, in today’s start of the knockout phase with Alido tangling with Eduardo Gongona (98-197), Mandanas facing off Jaime Oposa (95-193), Cully clashing with William Chua (95-190), Magcalayo squaring off with David Bantug (90-179) and Corrales colliding with Aldo Barro (87-177).

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LOTTO RESULTS

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

Bombers, Cardinals crush rivals Volleyball camp. Alyssa Valdez (center) is shown after launching her Volleyball Skill Camp at Frazzled Cook in Quezon City. The three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player is joined by her friends (from left) Johnvic De Guzman, Angelie Tabaquero, Shaya Adorador and Laura Lehmann. EY ACASIO

New partner, team for champ

By Peter Atencio

DEFENDING champion Danika Gendrauli is back with a new team and a new partner in the coming Philippine Super Liga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup 2015, which gets going this SaturFormer La Salle spiker Aby Marano has started practicing with Gendrauli under the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers banner, one of 23 teams seeing action.

“Sabi niya (Marano) sa akin na tulungan ko siya mag-adjust. Kasi first time niya,” said Gendrauli, who won the crown last year with Norie Jane Diaz.

This time around, Diaz will join

forces with Pau Soriano playing for Standard Insurance-Navy A. Under the Gilligan’s banner last year, Gendrauli and Diaz got past an aggressive Foton Tornadoes’ side of Fiola Ceballos and Patty Orendain, 19-21, 21-14, 15-11, for the women’s crown.

Aside from Marano, Cebuano champion Jovelyn Gonzaga will be around with Nene Bautista for

RC Cola-Army A. Fourteen teams are in the women’s division, while nine are taking part in the men’s side.

Hostilities during the eliminations will be on Saturdays on May 7 and 14. Then, it shifts to a Sunday schedule during the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals on May 22 and 29.

Entered in the men’s side are defending champion SM By the Bay, Far Eastern University-A, Wayuka, Navy-A, University of the East-Manila, in Group A. FEU-B, Cignal Team Awesome and Navy B are in Group B. The 24-year-old Gendrauli and Marano are in for a tough assignment in Group B, one of four

brackets in the women’s division.

They will be challenged by Petron Sprint 4T’s Maica Morada and Frances Molina, Standard Insurance-Navy B’s Florence Madulid and Pau Genido.

Diaz and Soriano expect to have a tough time seeking a quarterfinals seat in Group A. They are in the company of Gonzaga and Bautista, and the University of the East duo of Jasmine Alcayde and Angelica Dacaymat.

“This is about the idea of having a continuing development in beach volleyball,” said PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Suzara said it is the goal of the PSL to bring the sport of beach volleyball to a higher level.

Batang Ginebra survives Alaska; Phoenix in 3rd win CJ Malik Due had 20 points as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel dodged the bullet against the Alaska Aces, 44-39, Tuesday in the 2016 Under ArmourBatang Philippine Basketball Association 12&Un-

der basketball tournament at the Philippine Science High School gym in Quezon City.

The Batang Kings (3-1) trailed, 15-12, after the first quarter and were still in the thick of the fight at half-

time before getting some separation in the third quarter. Alaska fell to 2-3.

Phoenix, meanwhile, picked up its third win in five games after turning back the Star Hotshots, 48-44, with Charles Farrel

Nobleza scoring 14 to fuel a third quarter surge that opened a 32-23 lead. Star slid to 1-2.

No. 1 Rain or Shine (4-0) and No. 2 Globalport (30) remain as the only unbeaten teams in the annual

Under Armour-backed competition.

In other games, Mahindra posted the tourney’s biggest fightback after edging NLEX, 49-46, battling from a 38-18 deficit at third-quarter’s end.

THE Jose Rizal University-A Heavy Bombers, the Mapua Cardinals and the Adamson Baby Falcons came up with convincing wins Monday in the 22nd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball Tournament at the St. Placid gymnasium of the Arellano University campus in Legarda, Manila.

Paolo Pontejos delivered 15 points, while teammates Jordan de la Paz and Jed Mendoza shot 13 for the Heavy Bombers as they smashed the Centro Escolar University-B Scorpions, 82-61.

This gave the Heavy Bombers their fourth win in five matches in Group B of the senior division as they stayed in contention for a quarterfinal seat, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa.

A triple from De la Paz and a driving shot in the dying seconds of the first quarter allowed the Heavy Bombers to gain the upperhand at 20-16.

Meanwhile, Allwell Oraeme struck with 15 points for the Mapua Cardinals, who got past the Adamson Falcons, 83-76, for their third straight win in Group A. This handed the Falcons their first loss after five games.

The Baby Falcons drew crucial baskets from Jason Celis and Jess Antiporda in closing seconds to carry the San Marcelinobased cagers to a 70-67 triumph over the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas.

Antiporda and Celis hit 18 and 14 points in leading the Baby Falcons to the victory.

In other junior games, La Salle Greenhills-A demolished the Letran Squires, 71-36, to improve their record to 4-2 in Group A of the junior division.

The Chiang Kai Shek College Blue Dragons prevailed over EAC-ICA, 80-67, to move ahead in Group with their second straight win.

Fantoni & Nunes: The lawyer speaks SYLVIA LOPEZ ALEJANDRO

I EXTEND my thanks and appreciation to Neapolitan Club for affording Mr. Enrique Morera to speak on defense for Mr. Fantoni and Mr. Nunes.

As a lawyer I welcome the points that Mr. Morera has stated in defense. I am ardent fan of the Fantoni-Nunes tandem for over the years and was shocked the Boyd’s revelations.

So that justice may served, I am devoting this column so that readers may judge for themselves the vital issues at hand.

It has been almost nine months since the bridge world has been confronted with what seems to be the biggest scandal in its history. Among others, Fulvio Fantoni and Claudio Nunes—the number 1 and 2 players of the World Bridge Federation—have been accused of cheating. The uproar even goes beyond the game of bridge when well known magazines like Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone and The New Yorker

have written extensive articles about the alleged cheating.

Accusations have been flying over the internet and investigative committees have been appointed by the European Bridge League, the American Contract Bridge League and the Italian Bridge Federation.

The latter—the FIGB—has already forbidden Messrs. Fantoni and Nunes to play bridge during the next three years. Although accusations have been made everywhere, little has been heard from the defense.

For this reason Jan van Cleeff has taken the opportunity on behalf of Neapolitan Club and Bridge Magazine IMP to interview Enrique Morera, a lawyer from Barcelona, Spain in order to hear the side of the accused.

Mr. Moreno, can you please introduce yourself?

EM: My name is Enrique Morera. I am the coordinating lawyer of this case. I am also a bridge player for 40 years. I coordinate the team of lawyers in Madrid, Italy and the United States. The other lawyers are in USA and Italy. We commu-

nicate by phone and email and we will meet in person in Madrid in the next days.

How did you come across this case?

Fantoni approached me, because, as far as I know, I was recommened to him by a very good bridge player, Javier Massana. He phoned me one day asking me if I would be interested in taking his case. Our law firm is very familiar with sports law, because I have been in the board of Español soccer team as Legal Adviser Related to bridge, some years ago, on the occasion of a tournament, I organized an accusation by several players. I was not an injured party but I like so much this sport that I cannot stand cheating. The resolution condemned the accused players.

What is specialism?

Our speciality is business law with enterprises and the majority of our lawyers have legal and economic training.

Are you defending both Mr. Fantoni and Mr. Nunes?

Yes, I represent both players together.

What do you plead? Are they guilty or not?

We choose our cases, we are lucky to be able to do that. In the acceptance of a case, and in many occasions, many aspects that are not exclusively economic are taken into account. We can do that because our income does not exclusively depend on this job. We love our profession and we were passionate about this case from the beginning, because of the total conviction of their innocence and the way in which the accusations has taken place. The internet phenomenon has brought situations where it is possible to dishonour and lynch someone from impunity. Honor is thin as a glass of crystal, breaks easily with or without reason.

We are in this last case and our first aim is to restore our client’s reputation.

It does not stand even a fiveminute analysis if someone pays attention with impartiality. This is the reason why I took the case.

It is not a judicial challenge, it is a justice challenge. It is unbelievable, it is very easy to see that they are not guilty.

I am very passionate about this, and in my whole career I have not seen a mess like this one. It is a total chaos, and this is further shown by the WBF statement that online lynching is not allowed and it is forbidden to accuse someone unless via procedure.

The FIGB recently published its verdict. Are you happy with the outcome?

I am happy with the verdict because it is so crazy that it will be obviously revoked later in the same FIGB or in other instances.

The pressure of the situation can lead to this sort of verdict. For a person who loves law it is incredible to see something like this. It is not very relevant but it offers us an idea of how thing evolve.

My clients and the legal team knew the resolution after the media published it.

Do you see juridical flaws?

It is not necessary to be an expert in law to see that somebody has condemned someone else without proof.

Let me show you what happened in Italy. First of all the EBL received the accusation,

based on a video, saying that someone cheated and that the code is 96% accurate. EBL started the procedure. It sets up an investigative committee and gave us a file produced by a third person, the EBL did not sign this. In Italy, they took the same proof and they accused Fantoni and Nunes, referring to hands from the European Championships in Croatia and the World Championships in Bali. All proof is presented in a report written by Carlo Totaro, a bridge player from Italy. Mr. Totaro assumes in his report, without any evidence, a match between the code and the type of hands in 121 out of 127 hands. He didn’t say how he has come to this conclusion, he only gives it as a fact that there is this coincidence. He does not show any hands played in Bali.

If you go to YouTube, the quality of Bali videos is too low to actually see what is happening.

All the accusations is based on the Croatia video by Michael Clarke. (To be continued) Comments to: sylvia.alejandro@yaho

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T H U R S DAY : M AY 5 , 2 0 16 RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Andre Iguodala (right) and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors celebrate in the final minute of their victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. AFP

Dubs come from behind to stun Blazers in Game 2 LOS ANGELES—The Golden State Warriors produced a scintillating fightback to overpower the Portland Trail Blazers and take a stranglehold on their Western Conference semi-final series on Tuesday.

The reigning NBA champions overturned an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to outscore their opponents 34-12 and clinch a 110-99 win at the Oracle Arena.

The victory gives Golden State a formidable 2-0 lead heading into game three in Portland on Saturday.

With Stephen Curry missing once more with a knee injury, it was left to Klay Thompson to provide the offensive threat.

The 26-year-old had an off night, missing 13 of 20

Kasibulan football draws 55,000 kids TURN TO A13

shots, but came good when it mattered with five three pointers to finish with 27 points.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr was pleased with the way his side responded after a slow start which saw them trailing by 17 points at one stage in the second in the second quarter.

“We turned around what was a pretty bad game for us but we had enough time to get back,” Kerr said, citing the defensive performance of backup center Festus Ezeli and Draymond Green.

Green added 17 points with 14 rebounds and seven assists while Andre Iguodala added 15 points from the bench.

“Festus just made things a little tougher on their guards,” Kerr said.

“Between Festus and Draymond those guys did a great job of protecting the paint. But everyone deserves credit, not just those two.

“Andre (Iguodala) kept us in the game in the first half when things weren’t going too well. Klay stayed with it. He had a rough start to the game but really came up huge.”

Damian Lillard topscored for Portland with 25 points, adding six assists and four rebounds.

C.J. McCollum was close behind with 22 points and two assists.

Lowry buzzer-beater in vain In Toronto, Miami regrouped superbly after Kyle Lowry’s game-tying buzzerbeater saw the Raptors force overtime at 90-90.

Lowry’s remarkable 39feet leveler with the final play appeared to signal a momentum shift in Toronto’s favor.

However, Miami regained their composure and roared back with eight unanswered points to lead 98-90 and eventually win 102-96.

The win gives Miami a 1-0 lead in the series with game two coming on Thursday.

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra hailed his team’s

Menor nets 1-shot golf lead TURN TO A14

mental strength after they closed out the win in overtime, bouncing back from Lowry’s spectacular threepointer.

“Kyle Lowry’s three, as soon as it left his hands, I think everyone in the building kind of had an idea that would go,” Spoelstra said. “From that point on, I was extremely proud of the group.

“To get knocked down on the canvas like that, the air punctured out of your body, to show the mental resolve to come back and take control of overtime -- that’s great mental toughness that I think we showed from there.”

Goran Dragic had a game-high 26 points for Miami. AFP

2 Filipino pugs fight Russians

By Ronnie Nathanielsz TWO unbeaten young Filipino fighters will invade Russia this weekend and battle tough Russian boxers in World Boxing Organization Intercontinental title fights at the DIV’s in the major business center of Ekateringburg, where the temperature is around 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

The promising youngsters from the Sanman Gym of youthful promoter Jim Claude Manangquil are super featherweight Romero Duno, the 20-year-old with a record of 8 knockouts in 9 wins and super featherweight Rimar Metuda, a 22-year-old southpaw with a record of 10-0 with 5 knockouts.

Duno will clash with unbeaten Russian 20-year-old Mikhail Alexeev, who has a record of 7-0 with 3 knockouts for the WBO Intercontinental super featherweight title, while Metuda will take on 19-year-old Mark Urvanov for the WBO Intercontinental Youth featherweight title.

Duno is coming off a win over veteran Jason Egera, who retired in the eighth round to grab the Philippine Boxing Federation title after forcing another veteran Eusebio Baluarte to retire in the third round of a scheduled eight-round bout.

THURSDAY: MAY 5, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

Metro Pacific goes into logistics

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is venturing into the logistics and distribution business with an initial investment of P2 billion on strong demand in the country.

Metro Pacific president Jose Ma. Lim said in a press briefing the company would acquire the assets of Pasig City-based, midsized corporate logistics provider Basic Logistics Corp.

Lim said the company would later form a new company, Metro Pacific Movers Inc., in joint venture with the shareholders of Basic Logistics, to provide logistics, shipping, freight forwarding and e-commerce services.

Lim said Metro Pacific would initially hold a 76-percent interest in MPMI, while the owners of Basic Logistics would hold 24 percent and continue to manage the business.

The deal is expected to be completed next week.

Metro Pacific is in talks with a foreign investor that will come in as a minority investor in MPMI. The entry of the foreign investor could reduce Metro Pacific’s stake in MPMI to 51 percent.

The company, a unit of Hong Kong-based Frist Pacific Co. Ltd. of Indonesia tycoon

Anthoni Salim, has also committed to invest P5 billion in the business over a fiveyear period.

Metro Pacific chairman Manuel Pangilinan said the potential for the logistics business was significant in the Philippines considering that the geography required a good infrastructure.

“We are looking at Basic Logistics as our core investment. In a way it will be an education journey for us to learn about the intricacies of the logistics and distribution business because it is a fairly complex business,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan said the group’s venture into logistics business would provide synergies to the company’s existing businesses in terms of the warehousing requirements of Manila Electric Co. and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. Meanwhile, Metro Pacific said net income in the first three months of the year grew eight percent to P2.6 billion, while consolidated revenues climbed 24 percent to P10.6 billion.

SM gets awards. SM Investments Corp. wins two awards at the 8th Annual

Global Corporate Social Responsibility Summit and Awards held in Indonesia. SM receives a silver award for Best Corporate Communications & Investor Relations and a bronze award as Best Governed & Most Transparent Company. Shown receiving the awards on behalf of SMIC is senior vice president for investor relations Cora Guidote (right) from Dicky Edwin Hindarto, head of Indonesia Joint Crediting Mechanism Secretariat Indonesia-Japan Bilateral Cooperation in Low Carbon Growth Partnership.

THURSDAY: MAY 5, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Wednesday, May 4, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 0.92 2.6 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 80 361.2 57 180 1700 124

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 0.74 1.02 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 52 276 41 118.2 1200 59

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. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil. National Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 89 148 20.6 125 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 79 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 7.34 1450 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3 32 15.32 62.5 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 34.1 2.3 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 1.65 5.9 801 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 9.66 0.0670 2.31 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 837 5.3 49.55 4.84 0.59 12 4.2 3 0.030 1.23 0.550 2.26 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.94 2.85 45.5 45.2 100.00 98.00 90.95 90.15 40.2 39.8 3.00 2.95 1.62 1.46 14.2 14 15.34 15 7.13 7.03 0.69 0.68 1.67 1.63 0.570 0.560 79 78.4 0.97 0.96 14.60 14.60 50.75 50.25 310 310 264 264 31 30.5 176.5 171.6 1380.00 1366.00 60.00 57.80 INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp.

44.55 45.5 44.25 Agrinurture Inc. 4.27 4.3 4.06 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.75 0.76 0.75 Alsons Cons.

1.4 1.42 1.38 Asiabest Group 14.2 14 12.92 Bogo Medelin 56 55.15 55.15 C. Azuc De Tarlac 239.00 209.80 120.00 Century Food 18.88 18.98 18.72 Chemphil 135 135 130 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 194 190.8 188 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 17.8 17.8 17.4 Concepcion 48 47.9 44.1 Crown Asia 2.29 2.32 2.26 Da Vinci Capital 4.88 4.88 4.7 Del Monte 10.66 10.7 10.6 DNL Industries Inc. 8.740 9.100 8.690 Emperador 7.98 8.00 7.80 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.62 5.79 5.63 EEI 7.12 7.30 7.10 First Gen Corp.

19.58 19.86 19.54 First Holdings ‘A’ 66 67 64.15 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 13.80 13.80 13.80 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.26 14.26 13.96 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.61 5.6 5.3 Ionics Inc 2.250 2.270 2.180 Jollibee Foods Corp.

227.00 229.40 224.20 Liberty Flour 31.80 35.00 32.90 LMG Chemicals 1.94 1.94 1.88 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.95 3.9 3.55 Manila Water Co. Inc. 28 28.05 27.75 Maxs Group 20.75 21 20.05 Megawide 6.27 6.4 6.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 338.60 339.00 333.40 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 4.67 4.40 4.25 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.7 3.66 3.63 Petron Corporation 10.62 10.76 10.40 Phil H2O 3.16 3.16 3.16 Phinma Corporation 11.60 11.60 11.50 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 4.73 4.77 4.50 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.52 1.54 1.51 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.73 2.93 2.62 RFM Corporation 4.18 4.20 4.17 Roxas and Co. 2.3 2.3 2.23 Roxas Holdings 4.55 4.55 4.55 San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’ 212 213 208 Splash Corporation 2.6 2.59 2.53 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.153 0.153 0.151 TKC Steel Corp.

1.25 1.22 1.17 Trans-Asia Oil 2.55 2.56 2.48 Universal Robina 205 208 202.6 Victorias Milling 4.72 4.65 4.63 Vitarich Corp.

0.91 0.92 0.88 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.30 1.29 1.25 HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.370 0.370 0.350 Aboitiz Equity 65.50 66.30 64.00 Alliance Global Inc. 14.86 14.78 14.42 Anglo Holdings A 1.12 1.10 1.10 Anscor `A’ 5.99 6.00 5.97 ATN Holdings A 0.445 0.520 0.450 ATN Holdings B 0.440 0.520 0.450 Ayala Corp `A’ 745 748 734 Cosco Capital 7.98 8 7.82 DMCI Holdings 11.90 12.00 11.78 F&J Prince ‘A’ 5.06 5.15 5.06 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

5.50 5.76 5.50 GT Capital 1340 1345 1331 House of Inv. 6.46 6.46 6.30 JG Summit Holdings 79.00 81.50 77.10 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.2 7.22 7 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.71 0.72 0.7 LT Group 14.74 14.76 14.44 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.71 5.75 5.61 MJCI Investments Inc. 3.32 3.01 2.86 Pacifica `A’ 0.0320 0.0330 0.0320 Prime Media Hldg 1.470 1.570 1.440 Prime Orion 1.800 1.800 1.740 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.7 2.70 2.4 San Miguel Corp `A’ 68.20 68.30 67.05 Seafront `A’ 2.13 2.14 2.14 SM Investments Inc. 927.50 927.50 917.50 Solid Group Inc. 1.15 1.14 1.13 South China Res. Inc. 0.79 0.75 0.75 Top Frontier 144.000 144.500 137.300 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3150 0.3150 0.3050 Wellex Industries 0.1930 0.2000 0.1900 PROPERTY 8990 HLDG 7.750 7.700 7.700 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.08 1.09 1.01 Araneta Prop `A’ 2.100 2.140 1.830 Arthaland Corp.

0.270 0.265 0.260 Ayala Land `B’ 33.750 33.850 33.600 Belle Corp. `A’ 2.98 3 2.93 Cebu Holdings 5.1 5.1 5.1 Century Property 0.510 0.53 0.500

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

Close

SHARES 12,207,080 47,560,191 278,475,863 382,479,610 241,205,865 1,759,101,674 2,722,391,193

2.95 45.2 99.65 90.95 39.95 3.00 1.64 14.2 15.32 7.14 0.67 1.68 0.580 78.5 0.96 14.52 50.55 310 262 30.7 176 1420.00 57.80

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.85 45.5 100.00 90.50 40.2 3.00 1.62 14.2 15.1 7.03 0.68 1.67 0.560 79 0.96 14.60 50.35 310 264 31 173 1366.00 57.80

-3.39 0.66 0.35 -0.49 0.63 0.00 -1.22 0.00 -1.44 -1.54 1.49 -0.60 -3.45 0.64 0.00 0.55 -0.40 0.00 0.76 0.98 -1.70 -3.80 0.00

51,000 9,100 3,348,070 2,354,350 301,000 64,000 310,000 800 270,100 5,100 10,000 28,000 1,256,000 2,459,980 103,000 15,000 145,320 10 210 86,700 1,334,050 100 54,900

45.5 4.3 0.75 1.4 12.92 55.15 175.00 18.98 130 188.8 17.8 44.1 2.28 4.75 10.7 9.100 7.80 5.79 7.18 19.58 64.6 13.80 14.26 5.43 2.240 229.40 34.50 1.88 3.58 28 21 6.4 338.80 4.40 3.64 10.72 3.16 11.60 4.77 1.51 2.77 4.18 2.23 4.55 213 2.59 0.151 1.22 2.50 204.2 4.65 0.91 1.27

2.13 0.70 0.00 0.00 -9.01 -1.52 -26.78 0.53 -3.70 -2.68 0.00 -8.13 -0.44 -2.66 0.38 4.12 -2.26 3.02 0.84 0.00 -2.12 0.00 0.00 -3.21 -0.44 1.06 8.49 -3.09 -9.37 0.00 1.20 2.07 0.06 -5.78 -1.62 0.94 0.00 0.00 0.85 -0.66 1.47 0.00 -3.04 0.00 0.47 -0.38 -1.31 -2.40 -1.96 -0.39 -1.48 0.00 -2.31

2,468,400 486,000 33,000 766,000 5,300 10 1,810 266,300 80 2,090 91,800 600 353,000 151,000 27,600 4,304,200 1,000,900 9,039,200 38,100 1,722,800 120,620 1,700 41,000 241,900 2,454,000 455,940 9,900 88,000 26,000 3,856,700 344,700 22,500 192,260 2,000 396,000 3,434,500 10,000 5,500 226,000 117,000 957,000 113,000 4,000 1,000 11,870 25,000 1,510,000 57,000 4,534,000 2,866,850 21,000 4,458,000 141,000

0.365 66.30 14.70 1.10 5.97 0.500 0.495 748 7.89 12.00 5.15 5.51 1345 6.42 81.50 7.15 0.7 14.5 5.7 2.88 0.0320 1.440 1.790 2.7 68.30 2.14 921.00 1.14 0.75 144.500 0.3150 0.2000

-1.35 1.22 -1.08 -1.79 -0.33 12.36 12.50 0.40 -1.13 0.84 1.78 0.18 0.37 -0.62 3.16 -0.69 -1.41 -1.63 -0.18 -13.25 0.00 -2.04 -0.56 0.00 0.15 0.47 -0.70 -0.87 -5.06 0.35 0.00 3.63

770,000 1,471,180 1,365,500 5,000 170,500 197,390,000 24,740,000 202,460 887,200 2,300,900 5,200 451,700 184,180 24,200 1,797,850 1,752,200 11,000 3,451,800 27,834,000 25,000 4,700,000 36,000 3,479,000 144,000 46,520 1,000 242,710 54,000 51,000 1,130 3,840,000 840,000

7.700 1.04 2.090 0.260 33.750 3 5.1 0.510

-0.65 -3.70 -0.48 -3.70 0.00 0.67 0.00 0.00

13,900 4,957,000 7,786,000 690,000 13,643,100 1,606,000 1,000 18,353,000

72,515.00 -42,097,822 65,000,695.50 6,692,540.00

386,000.00 -28,375 1,670.00 80,070,548.50 -99,280.00 -2,685,800.00 -1,919,160 4,672,931.00

56,240,120.00

-1,022,676.00 3,520.00 -13,230 23,000.00 -39,292.00 17,949,802.00 -3,228,425.00 11,215,475.00 -102,805.00 -18,066,776.00 -5,511,254.50 -481,988.00 1,680.00 -465,200.00 37,577,688.00

9,682,450.00 3,444,880.00 23,200,486.00 280,360.00 -4,560,510.00

-235,890.00 259,430.00 742,880.00

1,003,000.00 177,516,730.00 46,340.00 157,310.00 18,900.00 17,594,970.50 -4,448,844.00

-62,950.00 -45,457,815.00 2,201,539.00 -508.00 277,095.00 53,877,690.00 43,778,356.50 -2,301,440.00 9,607,104.00 -40,587,294.00 -26,890.00 -6,400.00 87,500.00 433,721.00 -51,819,105.00 -37,500.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 3.1 4.13 0.090 0.39 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Keppel Properties Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

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

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 4 1700 2720 8.41 70.5 1.97 119.5 7 5.8 12.5 0.017

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 2.58 830 1600 5.95 17.02 1.23 102.6 3.01 4 8.72 0.011

0.8200 2.2800 5.93

0.041 1.200 2.34

12.28 3.32 95.5 1 2.46 15.2

6.5 1.91 3.1 0.650 1.8 6

1.040 6.41 18 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 3 8.8 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 1.9

7.59 0.63 1.71 5 1.14

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

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 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. IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Racing Club Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 0.330 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 0.020 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

0.0043 1.72 6.47 9.43 0.236 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 0.012 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67

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 Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum

70 120

33 ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

101.5 First Gen G FPH Pref C 480 GLOBE PREF P 5.88 GMA Holdings Inc. PNX PREF 3B 74.5 SMC Preferred B 75 SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I

515 8.21 78.95 84.8

-15,600.00 -181,500.00 -96,550.00 -23,243,870.00 -302,770.00

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15

3.5

12.88

5.95

-4,106,410.00

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

High

VALUE 1,000,641,281.54 1,207,603,647.58 1,274,213,965.25 1,919,118,821.14 966,413,121.85 164,452,567.20 6,554,855,163.56

FINANCIAL 1,591.43 (DOWN) 1.90 INDUSTRIAL 11,684.90 (UP) 51.23 HOLDING FIRMS 6,964.53 (UP) 33.80 PROPERTY 2,913.77 (UP) 10.77 SERVICES 1,462.56 (DOWN) 0.49 MINING & OIL 10,865.36 (DOWN) 181.15 PSEI 7,081.86 (UP) 35.29 All Shares Index 4,205.88 (UP) 7.95 Gainers: 61; Losers: 116; Unchanged: 53; Total: 230

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.96 1.000 0.131 0.460 38.8 0.840 0.160 0.99 1.85 4.40 3.71 0.083 0.560 8.52 27.35 1.51 3.04 22.50 0.87 6.5 1.020 4.770

0.96 0.94 0.94 0.970 0.970 0.970 0.131 0.128 0.131 0.455 0.450 0.455 38.65 37.55 38.65 0.850 0.830 0.850 0.158 0.158 0.158 0.99 0.97 0.98 1.85 1.79 1.81 4.30 4.30 4.30 3.72 3.64 3.72 0.083 0.082 0.082 0.590 0.550 0.560 8.52 8.52 8.52 27.35 26.65 27.10 1.55 1.51 1.54 3.12 3.09 3.12 23.00 22.10 22.90 0.88 0.86 0.87 6.5 6.5 6.5 1.020 0.990 1.000 4.750 4.610 4.650 SERVICES 7.2 7.52 7.23 7.29 56.3 56.2 55.65 55.8 1.23 1.22 1.22 1.22 0.570 0.570 0.560 0.570 11.6 11.6 11.12 11.58 4.13 4.15 4.03 4.04 0.0550 0.0560 0.0540 0.0550 3.06 3.06 3.03 3.03 89.5 89.45 87.15 88 9.5 9.5 9.23 9.5 1.7 1.77 1.77 1.77 6.90 7.00 6.79 6.90 2.81 3.38 2.81 2.81 960 960 960 960 2160 2178 2102 2178 6.78 6.78 6.65 6.71 24.00 24.00 24.00 24.00 1.19 1.16 1.15 1.15 63.75 64 62.5 63 19.40 20.50 17.80 18.50 205 184.8 150 184.8 11.52 11.52 11.52 11.52 0.0100 0.0099 0.0096 0.0099 9.68 9.66 9.46 9.66 0.350 0.350 0.325 0.340 1.9900 1.9700 1.7000 1.8500 2.15 2.15 2.15 2.15 10.4 10.4 10.3 10.4 7.78 7.70 7.50 7.70 3.88 3.99 3.86 3.99 21.95 23.50 21.00 21.00 0.560 0.600 0.560 0.580 2 1.98 1.97 1.97 2.41 2.41 2.27 2.27 3.82 3.82 3.75 3.82 2.490 2.780 2.250 2.770 5.00 5.00 4.80 5.00 8.66 8.66 8.66 8.66 23.15 23.05 22.55 23.00 1721.00 1750.00 1696.00 1750.00 0.440 0.435 0.420 0.420 0.870 0.870 0.830 0.870 39.30 39.10 38.00 38.10 76.85 77.00 75.80 76.00 6.12 6.15 6.05 6.06 3.31 3.32 3.24 3.26 0.590 0.590 0.580 0.590 1.88 2.15 1.88 2.04 3.3 3.3 3.19 3.22 5.400 5.400 5.260 5.380 MINING & OIL 0.0044 0.0045 0.0042 0.0043 2.06 2.05 1.96 1.96 4.21 4.22 4.20 4.20 12.38 12.30 10.68 12.30 0.248 0.246 0.242 0.242 8.2500 8.78 7.7 8.0000 7.9000 7.9100 7.9000 7.9000 0.66 0.66 0.64 0.64 0.500 0.500 0.490 0.500 0.930 0.940 0.910 0.910 0.285 0.290 0.285 0.290 0.260 0.255 0.246 0.246 0.280 0.270 0.255 0.260 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 0.0130 0.0140 0.0130 0.0130 2.06 2.06 2 2 5.5 5.45 5.26 5.31 2.49 2.49 2.34 2.4 1.3000 1.3000 1.3000 1.3000 0.0097 0.0099 0.0097 0.0099 6.45 6.38 6.12 6.34 2.29 2.25 2.20 2.21 0.0120 0.0120 0.0110 0.0120 126.90 127.10 126.90 127.00 3.2 3.21 2.86 3.12 PREFERRED 56 56.25 54.65 55 117 118 118 118 510 510 510 510 520 530 530 530 6.46 6.62 6.5 6.62 109.5 110 109.5 109.5 77.5 78 78 78 81 80.95 80.95 80.95 76 76.05 76 76 75.05 75.5 75.1 75.5 75.6 75.2 75.1 75.1 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.020 3.010 2.860 2.880 SME 4 4.24 3.96 4.18 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 2.9 2.88 2.87 2.87 16.3 16.3 16.2 16.26 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.9 116.4 114.8 116.4

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-2.08 -3.00 0.00 -1.09 -0.39 1.19 -1.25 -1.01 -2.16 -2.27 0.27 -1.20 0.00 0.00 -0.91 1.99 2.63 1.78 0.00 0.00 -1.96 -2.52

67,000 28,000 5,990,000 870,000 893,200 62,000 20,000 1,997,000 16,570,000 1,000 15,780,000 450,000 1,300,000 1,200 2,845,800 104,000 8,000 16,648,200 611,000 1,500 431,000 10,716,000

4,750.00

1.25 -0.89 -0.81 0.00 -0.17 -2.18 0.00 -0.98 -1.68 0.00 4.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.83 -1.03 0.00 -3.36 -1.18 -4.64 -9.85 0.00 -1.00 -0.21 -2.86 -7.04 0.00 0.00 -1.03 2.84 -4.33 3.57 -1.50 -5.81 0.00 11.24 0.00 0.00 -0.65 1.69 -4.55 0.00 -3.05 -1.11 -0.98 -1.51 0.00 8.51 -2.42 -0.37

34,500 77,750 20,000 1,247,000 9,300 4,158,000 14,960,000 254,000 822,710 3,500 3,000 275,800 25,000 3,950 37,705 47,000 200 23,000 1,834,640 193,800 620 1,000 600,000 422,000 85,960,000 32,378,000 11,000 2,200 80,000 510,000 1,000 1,233,000 139,000 13,793,000 476,000 57,444,000 11,700 37,000 132,700 66,795 480,000 10,041,000 4,592,800 762,670 297,000 3,362,000 2,704,000 86,000 1,082,000 32,100

-2.27 -4.85 -0.24 -0.65 -2.42 -3.03 0.00 -3.03 0.00 -2.15 1.75 -5.38 -7.14 0.00 0.00 -2.91 -3.45 -3.61 0.00 2.06 -1.71 -3.49 0.00 0.08 -2.50

1,519,000,000 -93,000.00 45,000 60,000 -29,400.00 900 240,000 7,300 4,900 -26,072.00 1,080,000 993,000 49,603,000 28,083,100.00 50,000 55,850,000 4,350,000 -87,450.00 84,400,000 5,300,000 154,000 2,154,700 -5,131,647.00 724,000 47,000.00 148,000 19,000,000 2,331,800 -1,204,900.00 2,099,000 -50,980.00 9,600,000 -44,000.00 450,050 -46,146,766.00 1,451,000

-1.79 0.85 0.00 1.92 2.48 0.00 0.65 -0.06 0.00 0.60 -0.66

141,410 16,900 30 500 127,500 35,000 10,000 10 20,000 118,400 50,000

-4.64

157,000

4.50 0.00 -1.03 -0.25

50,000 10,000 99,000 1,178,400

0.43

23,510

342,885.00 -38,800.00 -21,413,880.00 1,037,170.00

-43,206,510.00 57,340.00 274,940,250.00 -7,740.00 -4,419,370.00

-3,246,040.00 -2,750.00 -49,660,205.50 1,414,158.00 -7,631,760.00

-32,357,664.50 8,350.00

274,700.00 35,400.00 569,800.00 -530,680.00

2,441,190.00 654,020.00 322,140.00

41,339,285.00 502,600.00 -40,772,055.00 -8,744,893.00 15,250.00 -2,022,290.00 -8,700.00 27,310.00 -584,740.00

-3,665,737.50 265,000.00 -181,850.00

-8,477,706.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

ATN Holdings B

0.495

12.50

C. Azuc De Tarlac

175.00

-26.78

ATN Holdings A

0.500

12.36

MJCI Investments Inc.

2.88

-13.25

NOW Corp.

2.770

11.24

Imperial Res. `B'

184.8

-9.85

Transpacific Broadcast

2.04

8.51

Mabuhay Vinyl

3.58

-9.37

Liberty Flour

34.50

8.49

Asiabest Group

12.92

-9.01

Alterra Capital

4.18

4.50

Concepcion

44.1

-8.13

DNL Industries Inc.

9.100

4.12

Lepanto `B'

0.260

-7.14

Discovery World

1.77

4.12

ISM Communications

1.8500

-7.04

Wellex Industries

0.2000

3.63

Melco Crown

2.27

-5.81

Manila Bulletin

0.580

3.57

Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

4.40

-5.78

THURSDAY: MAY 5, 2016

B3

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

Ayala Land posts P3.7-b profit

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Ayala Land Inc., the second-biggest builder, said it registered a net profit of P4.7 billion in the first quarter of the year, up 14 percent from a year ago, fueled by the growth of its large-scale integrated mixed-use estates and residential and commercial leasing businesses.

Ayala Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated revenues rose eight percent to P26.97 billion from P25.06 billion a year ago after launching P38.1 billion worth of residential, office for sale and leasing projects.

“ALI’s first quarter earnings remain positive and reflect the steady performance of our core business

units. With the strong economic fundamentals of the country, we continue to expand in existing locations and prime up our emerging and new estates,” Ayala Land president and chief executive Bernard Vincent Dy said.

Sales from property development, which include residential, office and commercial/industrial

lots, rose two percent to P17.39 billion while revenues from commercial leasing, which include shopping center, office, hotels and resorts, climbed 10 percent to P6.45 billion from P5.8 billion in 2015.

Residential sales in the first quarter of 2016 stood at P24.7 billion for an average monthly sales of P8.2 billion.

Sales to migrant Filipino workers amounted to P6.2 billion, representing 25 percent of the total reservation sales.

Ayala Land in the first quarter launched the P19-billion Ayala Center Intercon block redevelopment.

The project involves the construction of an office develop-

ment with 85,000 square meters of gross leasable area, a retail podium with 54,000 GLA, a 600-hotel, and 300-room condominium-for-lease and a transport terminal.

The property company last week ventured into the Bicol region with the opening of Ayala Malls Legapsi with 29,000 square meters of leasable space.

“Ayala Malls Legazpi marks our entry into the Bicol region. This is in line with our plans to expand our presence in key geographic growth centers in the country, to reach and serve more Filipinos and contribute to the local economies,” Dy said.

Ayala Land expanded its office development and leasing busi-

nesses with the opening of BGC Corporate Center and launched Park Triangle Corporate PlazaSouth Tower, both located in Bonifacio Global City.

Ayala Land spent P23.4 billion for project and capital expenditures in the first quarter of the year. It spent over 50 percent on the completion of residential and commercial leasing projects, with the rest of the amount disbursed for new businesses and other investments.

The company recently raised P8 billion and P7 billion, representing the first and second tranche, respectively, of an approved P50billion debt securities program to be issued over the next three years.

Market recovers; SM Prime advances THE stock market rose Wednesday in late trading to snap an eight-day slump, ignoring the losses in the region and in New York and Europe overnight.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 35.29 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,081.86 on a value turnover of P6.6 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 116 to 61, with 53 issues unchanged.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. added 1.8 percent to P22.90, while JG Summnit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei advanced 3.2 percent to P81.50. Aboitiz Power Corp. of the Aboitiz Group rose 2.1 percent to P45.50.

Security Bank Corp., the sixth largest lender in terms of capital, fell 1.7 percent to P173, while Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co tumbled 3 percent to P38.10.

The rest of Asian stocks declined as fresh fears over the global economy sparked a flight to safe investments.

After enjoying a healthy run of recent gains, traders have been spooked by a string of disappointing data from China to Europe and the United States that led them to question whether hopes of a nascent recovery were overdone.

The losses were compounded in Sydney, where mining giant BHP Billiton plunged more than nine percent on news that Brazilian prosecutors had slapped it with a $43-billion lawsuit over November’s deadly Samarco dam disaster.

Sydney closed 1.5 percent down while Hong Kong ended down 0.7 percent. Seoul shed 0.5 percent and Singapore gave up 1.3 percent in late trade.

Taipei sank 1.3 percent while there were also big losses in Jakarta as first-quarter economic growth in Indonesia—Southeast Asia’s biggest economy—missed forecasts. With AFP

Etrike delivery. EV Wealth Inc., a Mandaluyong City-based company engaged in the development, manufacture and distribution of electric-powered tricycles, completes the delivery of 100 units to customers in the city. Commercially known as ETrikeBayan, the 100 etrike units represented the initial batch produced by EV Wealth since the start of its operation in January this year. Guevent Investments Development Corp. president Ricardo Guevara (left) turns over the symbolic key to 100th ETrikeBayan unit buyer Ricardo Jose as EV Wealth general manager Albert Avecilla looks on. EV Wealth, along with Radiowealth Finance Co., is a unit of Guevent.

Syngenta launches 12th seed center in Singapore SINGAPORE—Syngenta announced the opening of Seedcare Institute Singapore, dedicated to serving the South and South East Asian markets.

The 12th institute in Syngenta’s global network, and second in the Asia-Pacific region, will be a center of excellence for seed treatment technology, and services, including product application, quality management, training, seed science and product support.

Seedcare Institute Singapore will bring comprehensive technology and expertise to growers, seed companies and channel partners across the region. The center will support local market needs

and help business partners treating seeds to improve their operations, solve issues, understand regulatory requirements and increase the performance of their seeds to deliver optimal yields.

“Seedcare is the leading provider of seed treatments by offering a unique combination of products, application and services,” said Ioana Tudor, global head of Seedcare. “This approach enables high quality application of our products and ensures the seed genetic potential is maximized. We are delighted that this new institute will further increase our capabilities in Asia Pacific to support the needs of our customers.”

“Helping growers increase yields and produce reliable and high-quality crops is at the forefront of our ambition in Asia Pacific,” said Tina Lawton, Apac regional director.

“We believe technology is key to enabling this and having the Seedcare Institute Singapore will enable us to expand the range of solutions for growers in overcoming their challenges on the farm.

It also supports our commitments under The Good Growth Plan.”

“Syngenta’s choice of Singapore as a strategic partner is reflective of our ability to deliver solutions to a growing and increasingly complex agricultural sector across

the region,” said Cindy Koh, director of Energy and Chemicals, Singapore Economic Development Board.

“This also demonstrates Singapore’s suitability as a neutral location to centralize regional customization activities. We are excited to work with Syngenta to continue charting and implementing their regional growth strategy.”

Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources, through world class science and innovative crop solutions.

B4

DBP backs eel industry. The Development Bank of the Philippines grants the first eel grow-out loan to Cacayan Aqua Ventures Inc., a startup corporation currently in the process of expanding its eel farming and grow-out operations in Laguna. Shown during the signing of the loan agreement are (seated, from left) Leonila Cacayan and Jimmy Cacayan of Cacayan Aqua Ventures Inc., DBP executive vice president Benel Lagua, DBP senior assistant vice president Romeo Carandang and Alvin Lugo of Cacayan Aqua Ventures Inc.

Cargo volume rose 13% in two months

By Darwin G. Amojelar

STATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority said Wednesday cargo volume increased 13 percent year-on-year in the first two months on strong imports.

Data from PPA showed total cargo volume reached 34.672 million metric tons in the January to February period, up from 30.645 MMT registered in the same period in 2015.

Domestic cargo throughput rose 7.7 percent, while foreign cargo volume climbed 18.1 percent from a year ago.

“The growth in cargo volume was observed mainly in the ports of Dapitan, Marquez, Nasipit and Limay enjoying the biggest growth at 129.78 percent, 95.51 percent, 93.57 percent and 63.79 percent, respectively,” PPA officer-in-charge Raul Santos said.

Containerized cargo volume

went up by 5.2 percent to 958,628 twenty-foot equivalent units from 910,955 TEUs last year.

Domestic boxes increased 5.3 percent to 374,978 TEUs from 356,121 TEUs a year earlier while foreign boxes posted a 5.19-percent hike to 583,650 TEUs from 554,834 TEUs. “As expected, Manila’s North Harbor port continues to rank first in terms of volume of domestic containerized cargo handled during the period with 172,694 TEUS,” Santos said.

“The Manila International Container Terminal, on the other hand, continues to handle the largest volume of foreign con-

tainerized cargo with 328,309 TEUs followed by South Harbor with 150,422 TEUs,” Santos said.

Moreover, private ports handled 20.16 MMT or 58.14 percent of the total cargo volume nationwide while government ports accounted for 14.51 MMT or 41.86 percent.

Passenger volume rose 11.6 percent in the two-month period to 10.20 million from a year earlier.

Shipcalls for the period went up by 14.3 percent, or from 59,690 in 2015 to 68,209 this year. Domestic and foreign shipcalls grew 14 percent and 26.3 percent, respectively.

Govt’s carbon reduction goal seen to affect growth

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday expressed concern over the government’s commitment to reduce by 70 percent the emission level of greenhouse gases by 2030.

PCCI president George Barcelon said in a letter to Climate Change commissioner Emmanuel de Guzman that while the chamber supported a government initiative to cut carbon emissions and promote business resiliency and environmental sustainability, the government’s plan to achieve its 70-percent

commitment could affect economic growth.

PCCI asked the commission for the specific mitigation options that would lead to the 70-percent reduction, saying a previous goal of 40-percent reduction supported by the private sector was already the threshold by which industries could reduce their carbon emission.

“We are very much concerned on how this 70-percent commitment will impact on industries especially those in the manufacturing sector and the small and medium enterprises,” Barcelon said.

He said if interventions to

reach a 70-percent reduction would be capital-intensive, enterprises and industries would be under pressure to incur higher operational costs and consumers would also be paying higher for goods and services.

The target annual growth of 6.5 percent within the next few years would be compromised with the implementation of capital-intensive interventions to achieve the 70-percent carbon reduction, Barcelon said.

With Philippine manufacturing only starting to redevelop, the measures that should be adopted should balance the need

to sustain economic growth with the need to protect the environment, he said.

The sector grew by an average of 8 percent in the last three years.

The Trade Department crafted a strategy to sustain a manufacturing resurgence program and improve the growth trend by infusing more technical and monetary support to government agencies involved in the program.

Major programs include the ongoing Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy and programs for dye and mold, rubber, coffee and other highdemand commodities.

Peso falls to 47.08 vs dollar

By Julito G. Rada THE peso dropped to a twomonth low against the US dollar Wednesday, as it tracked the weakness of regional currencies and reflected investors’ concerns ahead of the May 9 elections.

The peso lost P0.23 Wednesday to close at 47.08 against the greenback from 46.85 on Tuesday. It was the local currency’s weakest level since settling at 47.08 on March 3.

Total trade volume reached $793 million Wednesday, higher than $541 million on the previous day.

“The peso simply tracked the weakness in regional currencies... The election factor is still there,” Nicholas Antonio Mapa, research officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, said in a statement.

Mapa, however, downplayed the possibility of the peso weakening significantly before the elections.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said earlier the recovery of the peso “depends on what happens during the elections.”

“The pulse of the people on the ground is gonna be very important until the next few days...

In the meantime the peso will gonna be defensive and will continue to underperform other Asian currencies,” he said.

The peso’s weakest level against the greenback this year was recorded on Jan. 26 when it closed at 47.995 against the dollar. It was its lowest level since it fell to 48.05 on Sept. 16, 2009, at the height of the global financial crisis.

Economists from the First Metro Investment Corp. and University of Asia and the Pacific earlier said the peso might trade between 48 and 49 against the greenback this year, given the volatility in the global financial markets.

T H U R S D AY : M AY 5 , 2 0 1 6

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

B5

CebuPac increases Doha flights

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it will expand operations in the Middle East with the additional frequency between Manila and Doha, Qatar starting July 9.

The Gokongwei-led airline said it would add a frequency between Manila and Doha to increase its services in the route to three times a week.

The additional flight will use wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft,

with a configuration of 436 alleconomy class seats.

Cebu Pacific is the only Philippine carrier flying non-stop between the two cities.

“CEB remains committed to bringing the Philippines closer to

the growing Filipino community based in Qatar. We hope that with our additional frequency and lowest year-round fares, they will be encouraged to fly back home and reunite with their families and friends more often,” Cebu Pacific general manager for longhaul division Alex Reyes said.

“In the same way, we also look forward to enabling more Filipinos to visit Doha, gateway to the Gulf countries in the Middle East,” Reyes said.

Qatar has the third-largest Filipino community in the Middle East.

Cebu Pacific already serves the

other markets for global Filipinos: United Arab Emirates via direct flights to Dubai, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Riyadh. The airline is also the only Philippine carrier flying direct between Manila and Kuwait.

The airline offers flights to a network of more than 90 routes on 64 destinations, spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East and USA. Cebu Pacific’s 57-strong fleet is comprised of 7 Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330, and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets

in the world.

Cebu Pacific said between 2016 and 2021, it expected delivery of two more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo and 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

The airline earlier reported a net income of P4.4 billion in 2015, up from P853.5 million in 2014.

The CEB Group generated revenues of P56.502 billion in 2015, up 8.7 percent from P52 billion in 2014.

Passenger revenues rose 6.2 percent to P42.681 billion last year from P40.188 billion registered in 2014.

Customs plans to sell idle cargoes

By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE Bureau of Customs said Wednesday it expects to generate P1 billion from the sale of overstaying cargoes in different ports.

“We have overstaying cargoes that have been idly sitting on the ports.

In the Port of Manila alone there are cargoes that can translate into P300 million in revenues. Importers and brokers need to stop using our ports as warehouses,” said Customs commissioner Alberto Lina.

Lina said the agency was expecting P1 billion in revenues to be generated from public auction of the idle cargoes.

The agency issued a memorandum early this year, directing all ports to review overstaying cargoes for possible auction in line with efforts to boost revenues and decongest port areas, following applicable laws under the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

Customs said it was expecting about P150 million from the auction of overstaying cargoes in the Port of Subic and another P462.6 million from the auction sale in Manila International Container Port.

Data showed the auction monitoring unit of the Bureau of Customs accounted for P345.625 million in revenue collection from auction sales in the first four months.

“Overstaying cargoes are those that have either been seized or abandoned. Seized cargoes are those that have been issued an alert order and consequently a warrant of seizure and detention for violation of the TCCP, such as misdeclaration or undervaluation,” the agency said.

Abandoned cargoes are expressly abandoned by the consignee by writing to the collector of Customs who has jurisdiction over the cargoes that he or she is abandoning his cargoes.

“Cargoes are impliedly abandoned, when the owner, importer, consignee or interested party after due notice, fails to file an entry within thirty days, which shall not be extendible, from the date of discharge of the last package from the vessel or aircraft, or having filed such an entry, fails to claim his importation within fifteen days, which shall not likewise be extendible, from the date of posting of the notice to claim such importation,” the order stated.

Oceanagold’s CSR. Oceanagold Philippines defines the paradigm of its corporate social responsibility commitment as involvement of its personnel, on top of the company’s material and technical aid. Shown are Oceanagold corporate office personnel conducting an out-reach program at Bahay Maria Children Center in Makati City. The children, divided into groups, are taught how to draw, paint and design cupcakes.

Philam Life expanding partnership with BPI BPI-PhilAm Life Assurance Corp. said it expects to increase its presence in Bank of the Philippine Islands by selling insurance products at all branches of the bank before the end of the year.

BPI-PhilAm is the joint venture bancassurance company of BPI and Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company.

BPI-Philam president and chief executive Ariel Cantos said the banccasurance company was currently operating at 80 percent of the total 800 BPI branches in the country.

“BPI has over 800 branch-

es, and the vision is to cover all of those branches,” Cantos said.

“It all boils down to the opportunity and penetration. As much as possible, we want it done within the year, subject to scanning of opportunities on a local level,” he said.

BPI-PhilAm booked P20.9 billion in gross premiums in 2015, up by 44 percent from 2014.

BPI-Philam, a five-year-old company, said it posted total assets of P76.43 billion, a net worth of P8.42 billion, total revenues of P22.14 billion and net income of P1.19 billion in 2015.

“We see a lot of opportunities.

In terms of economic growth, we’re still considered as one of the fastest-growing, while the middle-income segment continues to grow,” Cantos said.

“We see that as an opportunity when people increase income, we see the need to help them with the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PhilAm Group said it expected to post a stronger growth in 2016, after registering consolidated net premium income of P41.95 billion in 2015, landing at the second spot in the industry.

“We are beefing up our distribution channels by reinforcing our premier agency strategy,

driving bancassurance growth and growing our corporate portfolio through corporate solutions” said Cantos.

“We are transforming our workspaces, upgrading our facilities, and investing in new technologies such as iPO [interactive point of sale] and iMO [interactive mobile office] to help our financial advisors reach their customers more easily and conduct their business more efficiently.

Likewise for our customers, we give them more options on how to transact with us for faster, easier, and more convenient servicing,” he said.

Gabrielle H. Binaday

B6

THURSDAY: MAY 5, 2016

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

Roxas will be best for the economy THE estimated 85 percent of voters who are said to have already made their Presidential choices have almost certainly done so on Manila

Standard

TODAY

the basis of the four criteria that are decisive in the matter. The criteria are integrity, competence, achievement and character.

They have arrived at their choices after toss-

ing the criteria around in their mind and There is a better, less subjective way of arriving at a according the greatest weight to the criteri- choice for the man or woman who will become Preson or criteria—e.g. integrity and/or compe- ident of the Philippines on June 30, 2016. That way is tence—that they consider most important. to accord a maximum number of points out of a toCYAN MAGENTA YELL tal of 100 points to each of the above-stated criteria.

Each of the five candidates—Mar Roxas, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Grace Poe, Rodrigo Duterte and Jejomar Binay—could then earn a maximum 40 points for integrity, 30 points for competence, 20 percent for achievement and 10 percent for personality.

The criterion of integrity is the easiest upon which to score the candidates. In the same manner that there is no such thing as half-pregnancy, so there is no such thing as half-integrity. The candidate either possesses integrity or doesn’t. During the entire campaign it was only Jejomar Binay to whom I gave a score of 0 on the criterion of integrity (on account of his absolute refusal to refute the abundant documented corruption allegation leveled against him in Senate hearings); with his failure to adequately address the allegations made against him by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Rodrigo Duterte joined the Vice-President in my 0-for-integrity (maximum points: 20) score sheet.

On the criterion of achievement I have awarded both Duterte and Binay 20 points; Davao Death Squad and Makati Parking Building II aside, they have done good work in Davao City and Makati City, respectively.

On the criterion of competence (maximum points: 30) I have awarded both Duterte and Binay the full 30 points. Apart from their seemingly-forever stints as mayors of their respective cities, both are well-educated and have occupied national positions. Duterte is a San Beda-trained lawyer and a former Representative, while Binay is a University of the Philippines-trained lawyer and a member of the PNoy Aquino’s Cabinet for almost five years.

On the criterion of personality (maximum points: 10), I decided to award Duterte no point and Binay the full 10 points. The Davao City mayor has shown himself to be impulsive, impatient and boorish. For all his personal shortcomings, Makati’s former mayor is at least well-mannered and respectful.

All in all, under my grading system Duterte gets a total of 50 (30 plus 20) points and Binay garners a total of 60 (30 plus 20 plus 10) points.

Next, Grace Poe. On the criterion of integrity I have awarded Fernando Poe Jr.’s daughter the full 30 points (although I am uncomfortable with what she has said about the 2015 Iglesia ni Cristo affair about EDSA and about the coconut levy). On the criterion of competence I have given her 15 points; in my view, the nation’s most celebrated foundling is not ready to take on the heavy burden of the Presidency. On the criterion of performance I have given Amazing Grace 15 out of the possible maximum points.

Whatever she has accomplished thus far in government falls short, in my view, of adequate achievement. But on the criterion of personality Grace Poe deserves the full 10 points; her parents, the actress Susan Roces and the late FPJ, did a very good job of bringing her up.

In all, Grace Poe has, in my grading system, scored a total of 90 (40 plus 15 plus 15 plus 10).

That leaves Miriam Santiago and Mar Roxas.

On the criterion of integrity I have awarded both the Senator and the former Secretary the full 40 points. On the criterion of competence, I have likewise given both candidates the full 30 points. Apart from his days as Senator, Mar Roxas has borne the responsibilities of three major Cabinet departments, and he knows his way around the world of finance and economics. Miriam Santiago, on the other hand, is the only candidate who has served in all three branches of the government.

There are many who believe that Mar Roxas was unsuccessful in the Cabinet positions that he occupied; I don’t agree. I think Roxas did his best and deserves full marks. Likewise, I do not know many people who believe that Miriam Santiago does not deserve 20 out of 20 points for her service to country and people.

On the criterion of personality Mar Roxas gets the same score (5 points) as Senator Santiago but for different reasons. The Senator is decisive and courageous, but she is also unpredictable and a tad too feisty. On the other hand, Roxas is not the most decisive person on the planet, but he is of equable temperament and can even be charming when the occasion calls for a display of charm.

Adding it all up, Sen. Miriam Santiago and Mar Roxas have earned the same number of points according to my grading formula: 95 (40 plus 30 plus 20 plus 5) points. Both Maid Miriam or Mr. Palengke will be good for this country especially the economy.

But one has to make a choice, After taking all the relevant factors, not least the economic ones, into account, I have decided to cast my vote for Mar Roxas.

Roxas for President in 2016. Leni Robredo as Vice-President.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

T H U R S D AY : M AY 5 , 2 0 1 6

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

Rousseff faces court probe for obstruction

Prayers. Acehnese people offer prayers called ‘kusuf’ while others watch a solar eclipse at the Ulee Lheue mosque in Banda Aceh on March 9, 2016. A total solar eclipse swept across the vast Indonesian archipelago on March 9, witnessed by tens of thousands of sky gazers and marked by parties, Muslim prayers and tribal rituals. AFP

Despair pushing young Syrians to join jihadists BEIRUT—Economic concerns and the desire for a sense of purpose and revenge are the major factors pushing young Syrians into the arms of jihadist groups, a study released on Wednesday found.

The report by peace activist group International Alert draws on interviews with 311 Syrians, their families and members of their communities in Syria, Lebanon and Turkey.

It found that males between the ages of 12 and 24 were most at risk of joining jihadist organizations like the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate AlNusra Front.

But instead of being attracted by the groups’ ultra-conservative ideologies, young Syrians are more driven by “the need to earn

a basic living, regain a sense of purpose and dignity and the belief in a moral duty to protect, avenge and defend”.

Young Syrian men said joining armed groups afforded them “a strong sense of purpose, honor and self-worth”.

“People can find a new meaning to their life in extremism.

Extremism opens a door to a new life where they are wanted,” one interviewee told International Alert.

For young children, recruitment into jihadist groups offers

them a chance to belong to a peer group that war has denied them by excluding them from class.

With more than two million children out of school in Syria, IS and Al-Nusra have been “filling this gap by providing their own forms of education,” the report said.

The “Cubs of the Caliphate” recruitment program run by the Sunni extremists of IS includes courses in religion and military tactics.

“These ‘schools’ are highly segregated, exploit sectarian divisions and support divisive narratives.”

To prevent recruitment, the report urged host countries for the millions of Syrian refugees to enroll children in school

programs that incorporate psychiatric support and trauma treatment.

The report also urged “providing alternative sources of livelihood, better access to positive social groups and institutions, and avenues for exercising nonviolent activism”.

“If not for this job I would be on the front line with a Kalashnikov,” one Syrian man who works as a peace activist in Lebanon said.

Jihadist groups like IS and AlNusra have shot to prominence in Syria as the uprising that erupted against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011 has degenerated into a devastating civil war.

More than 270,000 people have been killed and nearly five million fled abroad. AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO—Brazil’s top prosecutor has asked the Supreme Court to open a probe into alleged obstruction of justice by President Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian media reported, in a potentially explosive twist to the country’s political crisis.

According to reports in the Globo, Folha de Sao Paulo and Estadao dailies, chief prosecutor Rodrigo Janot has requested authority to open an investigation into the embattled president and also her predecessor and key political ally Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Officials could not immediately be reached to confirm the reports, published Tuesday.

But if confirmed, the probe into Rousseff would be on top of a separate investigation that Janot earlier Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to open against Lula and three of Rousseff ’s ministers in relation to corruption at the state oil giant Petrobras.

Rousseff—who could face the start of an impeachment trial on separate charges as early as next week—allegedly colluded with Lula to obstruct a judge leading a huge investigation into corruption at Petrobras by top politicians and executives, Janot was quoted as stating.

Rousseff ’s current attorney general, Jose Eduardo Cardozo, is also implicated.

At issue is an attempt by Rousseff to name Lula, who retains broad influence despite having left office, to a post in her government. Rousseff said she wanted him to lead her defense against impeachment.

But prosecutors, who wiretapped the president’s phone conversation with Lula, said the appointment aimed to obtain ministerial immunity for the expresident.

Lula, who is fighting corruption charges related to the Petrobras scheme, risks being prosecuted by the main investigating team led by Judge Sergio Moro.

However, if he were in the government, he would gain limited immunity, with only the Supreme Court able to handle his case.

The Supreme Court is now preparing to rule on whether he can take his post. AFP

Blaze engulfs homes in Canadian city MONTREAL—The 100,000 residents of the Canadian city of Fort McMurray were ordered to leave town late Tuesday as a monster wildfire swept through the oil sands region, in Alberta province’s largest ever evacuation.

No casualties have yet been reported but gas stations exploded and a hotel and one of the town’s many motor home parks went up in flames, according to local media.

The air was thick with black smoke.

“I know that it’s a very scary time,” Alberta premier Rachel Notley told a press conference.

“Our focus is completely and

entirely right now on ensuring the safety of people, of getting them out of the city and ensuring that they are safe and secure.”

Authorities urged residents to head toward evacuation centers as the city reeled from what Notley called the province’s largest evacuation.

“All of Fort McMurray is under a mandatory evacuation order,” Alberta emergency services announced, after previously indicating that the northern edge of the fire was “growing rapidly.”

The airport was still open but the hospital had to close.

“Seek medical attention if you experience breathing difficulties,”

emergency services said.

Long lines of cars traveled north via the main highway of the city, while flames ravaged the embankment on the side of the road. Police closed the southbound lanes.

“Be patient, drive safely and please give way to emergency vehicles,” an evacuation notice read.

The fire, which was contained until Monday south of Fort McMurray, was pushed toward the city by winds of 50 kilometers per hour and quickly reached homes, helped by a drought in Alberta.

The province saw record temperatures of nearly 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). AFP

Meeting. German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt (L) talks with German Education and Research Minister Johanna Wanka (R) and German Family Minister Manuela Schwesig prior to the weekly cabinet meeting at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin on May 4, 2016. AFP

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B8 Chanel stages its first show in Havana HAVANA—French fashion house Chanel staged its first Latin American catwalk show in newly trendy Havana Tuesday, but ordinary Cubans were left watching the glitz from afar.

International celebrities and Cuban bigwigs graced the red carpet as Karl Lagerfeld showed his latest collection, which the German designer infused with the styles and colors of the Caribbean island.

Cubans without an invitation to the exclusive event meanwhile packed the balconies of old Havana or lined the police cordon outside, straining to catch a glimpse of the beauties in the distance.

“What a sight. But I would have liked to be closer to the models,” said 52-year-old Mireya Correoso, who told AFP she had never seen so much luxury and showbiz in one place.

It was the latest in a stream of international cultural events on the communist island as it opens up its diplomatic and commercial relations.

“The world is finally opening up to Cuba. Everyone wants to come taste the forbidden fruit. Everyone wants to discover it, savor it, enjoy it, explore it,” said Mariela Castro, the daughter of President Raul Castro and a prominent gay-rights activist on the island.

Other high-profile attendees included Hollywood stars Vin Diesel, Tilda Swinton and Geraldine Chaplin.

Diesel is in town shooting the latest “Fast and Furious” action movie.

Among the parade of visiting celebrities and top officials, the Rolling Stones also played a concert here last month after a visit by US President Barack Obama.

Obama and Castro’s December 2014 announcement of a rapprochement between their two countries has kindled new interest in Cuba, long isolated by a US embargo and its status as one of the last bastions of communism.

In announcing the show, Chanel said that “the cultural richness and the opening up of Cuba to the world have turned it into a source of inspiration.”

The show took place on an openair catwalk on the Paseo del Prado, a long seaside boulevard in a scruffy neighborhood that got a deep makeover for the occasion. AFP

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Obama faces looming trade row with China WASHINGTON—US President Barack Obama is facing a fresh trade row with Beijing that could inflame the 2016 election race and complicate his farewell visit to China in September.

Anniversary. Shiite Muslim worshippers carry a mock coffin at the Imam al-Kadhim shrine as they gather to mark the anniversary of the death of the eighth-century revered Imam on May 3 in the northern district of Kadhimiya in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. The commemoration of the 799 AD death of Shiite Islamís revered seventh Imam, who is believed to have been poisoned by agents of then Sunni ruler Harun al-Rashid, culminated on Wednesday. AFP

Beijing is pressing Obama’s administration to treat China like a “market economy,” a move that would spell lower tariffs on controversial Chinese exports like steel.

The issue lit up the 2016 campaign trail Monday, when Obama’s Democratic heir apparent Hillary Clinton appeared to challenge the White House to deny China’s demand.

“I have made this clear, I’m going to say it again and I hope the press writes it so people in the administration see it, I am dead set against making China a market economy,” Clinton told steel workers in Kentucky.

“They don’t follow the rules and they don’t play by the rules,” she said, echoing the longstanding allegations that China hurts US jobs and businesses by dumping goods on the market below cost.

The Chinese government denies such actions and has fought back against waves of US and European retaliatory tariffs.

Now Beijing is opening a new front, challenging the unfavorable and arcane way those tariffs are calculated for non-market economies suspected of dumping goods.

China argues its 2001 deal to join the World Trade Organization dictates that from December 11 the United States must change.

“We anticipate all WTO members to fulfill their treaty obligations on time, not to distort or delay its implementation,” Zhu Haiquan, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told AFP. Few trade partners would argue China is a fully fledged market economy, but even fewer want to pick a fight with the world’s second largest economy.

Smaller nations like New Zealand and Singapore have already granted China market economy status ahead of the December crunch point.

The Obama administration insists its determination will be quasi-judicial, based on established Commerce Department criteria.

“Nothing in China’s protocol of accession requires that WTO members automatically grant China market economy status later this year,” a Commerce official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The official said that instead, China would have to “request a review of status” in the context of a specific dispute. AFP

Gang-rape of Indonesian sparks calls for reforms JAKARTA—Indonesian activists called Wednesday for the government to urgently strengthen laws against sexual violence after the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl sparked outrage.

The teenager was on her way home from school in a small village on the main western island of Sumatra when she was allegedly set upon by a drunk gang of men and boys.

Her battered body was found three days later in woods, tied up

and naked, according to local media reports. There were allegedly 14 perpetrators, and 12 have so far been arrested.

The crime took place in early April but anger has only grown in recent days as reports of the incident went viral on social media.

President Joko Widodo added his voice to the chorus of condemnation Wednesday, tweeting: “We all mourn for this tragic loss...

Girls and children need to be pro-

tected from violence.”

Sexual violence against women is rampant in Indonesia, with 35 cases reported every day, according to the national commission.

Masruchah, a member of government-backed rights group the National Commission on Violence Against Women, called for MPs to enact a bill to strengthen laws against sexual violence that has been before parliament for some time.

“This is very urgent,” said Masruchah, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. “It is clear this cannot be tolerated.”

A statement from a coalition of NGOs also called on parliament to speed up the “Elimination of Sexual Violence” bill, which gives better protection to rape victims and also makes a host of other acts criminal offenses.

Rape is currently illegal in Indonesia but under legislation re-

lated broadly to abuse, and carries a maximum jail sentence of 14 years.

Activists hope that with a more specific law against sexual violence it will be easier to convict sex offenders and sentences will be longer. The law is still in the draft stage and details are being worked out.

A petition calling for the law to be enacted has been signed by more than 30,000 people in the past 24 hours. AFP

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TATUm ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

w EL L BEING

LIFE GORun Forza features Skechers' signature mid-foot strike technology that promotes less impact and more efficient gait cycle

Skechers Performance marketing manager Precy Santos talks about the brand's latest offering

STAbIlITy ShOES ThAT gIvE RunnERS ThE ‘FORzA’ SkecherS launcheS itS firSt Stability ShoeS under the Gorun ranGe by bERnADETTE lunAS

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unners who suffer from overpronation – during which the foot rolls inward more than the ideal 15 percent, thereby resulting in inefficient shock absorption – are prone to bunions, calluses and other injuries. They need the right pair of shoes that controls pronation, provides excellent arch support and made of durable cushioning.

Recognizing the need, American footwear company Skechers launched its first stability shoe under the GORun range that gives its wearers the “force” whenever they run.

Dubbed as Skechers Forza (Italian word for force), it features the upgraded fifth generation of Skechers’ very own Resalyte technology. However, unlike other Skechers shoes that use the same non-EVA injected molded compound, Forza’s midsole is made of firm Resalyte medial post – toughness and resilience are favored over excellent memory retention and cushioning which the said technology is known for.

In addition, the medial post – the device that encourages mid-foot landing – complements the GORun line’s revolutionary mid-foot strike technology.

“The usual strike means you land on your heel, you roll over and then you toe off – that’s like three steps. But with MStrike technology, you already land on mid-foot and then you toe off, so that’s only two steps compared to three you normally do,”

The new Skechers GORun Forza is lightweight and features the M-strike technology which makes wearers run faster by helping them land on mid-foot first

Skechers Performance marketing manager Precy Santos told The Standard Life.

Landing on heels does not only reduce the efficiency of the gait cycle, but can also be “very unstable,” according to Santos, as shock gets absorbed by the knees.

Forza’s lightweight medial counters provide motion control while its molded heel counter and inner support strap offer a stable and secure fit, thereby promoting a smooth and comfortable heel to toe transition.

According to Santos, the new product is not only designed for racers who need stability but also for any runner – beginner or seasoned – looking for a pair that promotes efficiency and helps alleviate impact.

The upper material, on the other hand, is made of seamless, breathable mesh,

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we will be treating three special moms to a lunch or dinner for two at New World Manila Bay and a special beauty treatment for mom at Vietura, the aesthetic lifestyle institute of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Surprise your mom for Mother’s Day by nominating her as one of The Standard Life‘s three special women.

suitable for running during the scorching summer season. The overlay features 3D print synthetic design, another upgrade compared with the heat-pressed design on other models.

Added stability is further provided by the toe, heel and side synthetic detailing. The inner support strap, meanwhile, provides a reliable and secure fit.

Skechers has always been proud of the comfortability and true-to-size features of its shoes.

“If there’s one thing, that’s consistent with all our shoes, whether it’s running or lifestyle shoes, it’s the comfortability.

I’m very confident to say that when you put your foot in a Skechers shoe, it’s very comfortable,” enthuses Santos.

She adds that the materials for each pair of shoes under their Performance division came from the collective inputs of their ambassadors. Skechers Performance has Olympian and 2014 Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi, distance runner Kara Goucher and pro golfer Mat Kuchar as its ambassadors.

“We ask the professionals and what they always want for each pair is for it to be really comfortable,” shares Santos.

During the Philippine launch of GORun Forza, media participants were able to test the shoes for a short 1.5km run.

True enough, the whole construction highlights a very snug fit that is not restrictive; one can almost feel like the shoes are part of one’s feet. The shoe is lightweight but feels solid, so that even septuagenarian marathoner and ultra marathoner Victor "Master Vic" Ting approves of it.

“Before, I used stability shoes from another brand. But since Skechers has its own stability shoes, I will now use them,” declared Master Vic, who, by the way, did not show any sign of fatigue during the short run.

Skechers GORun Forza comes in two colors for men and two colors for women, and is now available in all Skechers stores and SM Department stores nationwide. Visit www. skechers.com for more information.

Share with us what makes your mom – and she does not have to be your biological mother but a grandma, an aunt or any other lady who has been like a mom to you – special and we will share it to the world.

COnTEST MEChAnICS:

1. Share a creative photo of you and your mother on your Facebook or Instagram account with the hashtag #CelebrateLIFEwithMom. Your image should contain a description about your mom and what makes her special.

2. Tag us at www.facebook.com/ thestandardph and @LifeatStandard on Instagram. All entries will be received from May 4 until May 7, 2016 at 11:59 p.m.

Philippine Standard Time. The winners will be announced on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016.

3. Photo entry must be owned by the person submitting it for the contest. No other entity should have rights, claims and interests on the submitted photographs. They must be

original, unpublished and free of watermarks, markings or borders.

4. Participants submitting photos must have sufficient permission and consent from any recognizable models or other persons appearing in the photograph.

5. Entering the contest signifies that the participant grants The Standard the right to display, exhibit and publish the entry outside the contest.

6. All prizes are non-transferrable and not convertible to cash.

7. Entries should not have been entered in any other contest or submitted to other publications.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

A RACER DISCovERS THE FAST RoAD To FITnESS

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portsmen are always encouraged to keep a healthy weight. And in the case of auto racing, weight matters a lot as race car drivers need to stay light to be able to drive their vehicles faster.

Automobile racer and businessman Eric Valera is aware of this fact, but it was seeing his flabby body on television when he won at the STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge in 2013 that further motivated him to lose weight.

“I was so embarrassed with how huge I looked when I saw my pictures on the podium and while being interviewed on TV,” the 52-year-old racer said.

He added, “I was also suffering from weightrelated health issues, like hypertension, high cholesterol, and had trouble moving around.

I felt heavy and was scared for my health.”

Valera thought it was only apt to get help and go on a fitness program. However, having tried several workout plans in the past, none have worked for him.

“I even ended up consuming too much protein on one program,” he shared.

Wary but determined to lose weight, Valera asked about safe and rapid weight-loss alternatives from friends and associates, who advised him to try the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program.

The Cohen’s Lifestyle Program is a rapid weight loss and wellness program devised by international specialist Dr. Rami Cohen.

It is individually prescribed based on one’s unique blood profile and uses food to correct the imbalance of hormones that causes weight gain.

“A few days after my embarrassing TV interview, I called the Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre to enroll. I received my eating plan early January, and I immediately plunged into the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program,” shared Valera.

He followed the program by heart using a winning mindset. “I conditioned my mind before starting the program, and surprisingly, I had no trouble sticking to the eating plan even when I had to give up many of my favorite food.”

Valera weighed 238 pounds when he started the program, but his weight loss was fast and dramatic that he already felt the changes after four months.

“On our next (STV Auto) Rally in May 2014, I had already lost 50 pounds despite spending a whole month in Europe. I was so happy that aside from once again being crowned champion, I also looked better than before. My friends and associates couldn’t believe how much weight I lost in so short a time. Comparing my pictures of the two events was like seeing two different persons,” the champion racer related.

Eric currently maintains a healthy weight of 165 pounds. He also said that he no longer takes medication for his hypertension and high cholesterol.

“I’m happy to say that as of today, I’ve been able to maintain my desired weight by eating healthy and exercising regularly,” he said. “I haven’t had rice, alcohol and sweets for two years now. As they say in Cohen, ‘It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change.’”

Environment-friendly eJeeps and eTrikes exhibited at the EV Summit

Auto rally racer Eric Valera's lighter weight—from 238 lbs. to 165 lbs.— helps him make faster lap times and maintain positive body image

For more information about the Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre and its personalized weight loss and wellness program, visit Suite LP-03, Medical Plaza Makati Building, Amorsolo cor. Dela Rosa Sts., Legazpi Village, Makati City or call the following hotlines: (02) 825-5251, 0917-892-6436 and 0917-898-4280 to 82. You can also visit its official website at www.CohenLifestyle.com.ph.

Diwa Partylist Rep. Emmeline Villar (center) cuts the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the 5th Electric Vehicle Summit at the Meralco Multipurpose Hall last April 14

CooL CARS FoR A CooLER EARTH The mitigation and slowing down of global warming caused by climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a main purpose for the observance of Earth Hour and Earth Day. The Paris Agreement obliges nations to cut down their greenhouse emissions by 70 percent. According to studies, 80 percent of air pollution in the Philippines comes from transport vehicles, and only 20 percent comes from industries.

One kind of car does not only reduce smoke emissions but eliminates them altogether. It’s one cool car that helps cool the earth.

When the Philippines again participated in the celebration of Earth Hour last March 19, lights as usual were switched off for one hour to promote the reduction of carbon emissions. World Wildlife Fund, the organizer of the event at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, intended the event to be a showcase of climate solutions, featuring renewable sources of energy.

As a partner company for Earth Hour, BEMAC Electric Transport Philippines presented its very own electric tricycles as one solution to climate change. BEMAC’s eTrikes provided the participants free rides around the Circle to raise awareness of eTrikes as a cleaner alternative to conventional transport.

During the 5th Electric Vehicle Summit at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall

By Edgardo S. TugadE last April 14-15, a Toyota Vios and a and even in the island paradise of Boracay Kia Picanto converted into EVs were (150 eTrikes). The fares are controlled by displayed, demonstrating the wide local governments. possibilities for potential investors.

Aside from clean fuel, another advantage Electronic Vehicle Association of the of EVs for public transport is their bigger Philippines president Rommel Juan said capacity that translates to higher income the company that converted them was for drivers and operators. eTrikes can be Le Guider International. In an interview six-seaters while eJeeps can be 21-seaters. with The Standard, Le Guider president “Green EV financing packages are Mariano Nocum Jr. said they really wanted available from the Development Bank of the to “mass produce [their] own brand of Philippines, Landbank of the Philippines, EVs for Filipinos and convert for volume.” Orix Metro, CARD, Negosyong Pinoy Nocum added that they “have not formally and Proximity Funding, among others. In approached Toyota and Kia but are looking fact, DBP has just granted a green loan to for a partner.”

Tojo Motors. CTI-PFAN can also match According to Juan, the Department of EV companies with funding institutions, Energy and the Asian Development Bank whether public or private. Our industry is have awarded the initial order of 3,000 in much need of funding to finance capital eTrikes to BEMAC. “This is just for pilot expenditures, operating expenses and retail testing a projected program quantity of financing,” Juan explained.

100,000 eTrikes over the next few years.”

To sell EVs for mass transport, the Juan further said that some eTrike industry must offer a complete mass manufacturers like BEMAC, Kea Industrial, transport solution package. This would Tojo Motors and PhUV have jacked up include battery charging and swapping production outputs for 2016. EVs ply stations, an experienced fleet transport routes at the Ateneo de Manila University operator, a financing or leasing company, and the University of the Philippines a reliable after-sales service provider and campuses, Bacoor in Cavite, Filinvest maybe a corporate social responsibility Alabang (18 eJeeps), the local government advocacy arm to promote EV technology of Muntinlupa, Ayala Alabang (32 eJeeps), and its use nationwide. the local government of Mandaluyong (500 Thus, the EVAP built the necessary eTrikes), the City of Manila, Quezon City infrastructure such as battery charging

and swapping stations. Meralco through MServ put up one at the Ateneo campus.

Kea pilot tested an off-site eTrike charging station in Bacoor, Cavite. The group allied with battery suppliers such as Motolite and Trojan, with charger manufacturers such as Delta Q, and with controller (the “brain” of the EV) manufacturers such as Sevcon.

Juan said, “We wish government [would] formulate the standards for the electric vehicle, its parts and for testing. Then maybe they could start putting in place testing facilities and manpower training centers. We have tried our best to have an Alternative Fuel Vehicle Incentive Bill passed into law. This could have provided all players in the local EV industry with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.”

Juan also disclosed that “the EVAP champion in the Upper House is Sen. Bam Aquino. With the Metro Express of the Villar Group going into EVs, Sen. Cynthia Villar became another partner. It is not just coincidental that our biggest comrade in Congress is her son, Rep. Mark Villar.”

At the EV Summit, Diwa Partylist Rep. Emmeline Villar gave the keynote speech and mentioned other proposed perks to EV owners such as a special lane for them and exemption from the number coding scheme.

This cool solution should get a warm reception in the next Congress.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Milo Nutri Up Fitcon gave adults the opportunity to try the latest trends in fitness all in one venue

Erwan Huessaff led the Primal Ape Crossfit in an exhibition

Up THE FITnESS AnTE wITH mILo nUTRI Up FITcon photos by star sabroso

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lose to 40 biggest names in fitness joined the first ever Milo Nutri Up Fitcon at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati last April 16. Aimed at inspiring and promoting an active community of grown-ups to up their fitness game, the whole day

fitness convention spearheaded by Milo encouraged participants to discover new ways to stay fit and get into an active and healthy lifestyle.

According to Robbie de Vera, Sports marketing executive of Milo Philippines, active living is important for Filipinos

Solenn Huessaff joined the yoga session during the Fitcon led by Beyond Yoga

today who are becoming more conscious of their health and are constantly looking for more ways to get fit. Introducing the Milo Nutri Up and holding the first ever Milo Nutri Up Fitcon gave adults the opportunity to be aware of and try the latest trends in fitness all in one venue.

The whole day fitness convention involved a jam-packed schedule with non-stop fitness classes of the latest workout trends such as Crossfit, HIIT, MMA, Yoga, Zumba, BodyJam, BodyCombat, and lessons on the latest in fitness from experts. The participants also enjoyed their exclusive discounts from different fitness brands such as Skechers Performance, Umbro and Under Armour, while others danced the night away in a workout party with music

by DJ Ace Ramos.

The #fitspiration siblings Solenn and Erwan Huessaff were also present at the Fitcon as well as renowned fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret, with all four

participating in the activities. Solenn joined the yoga session led by Beyond Yoga while Erwan led the Primal Ape Crossfit in an exhibition. Meanwhile, coaches Jim and Toni Saret led various workouts throughout the day.

Up Your Skills, Up Your Knowledge, Up Your Nutrition and Up Your Lifestyle were the four major areas stressed in the fitness convention which helped participants elevate their fitness game.

“The Milo Nutri Up Fitcon aimed to connect the participants to various fitness organizations so that they can discover and learn from the experts and become part of the growing fitness community in the Philippines,” shared de Vera. “It also challenged adults to aim for more active and healthier lifestyle and become champions in their own right now that the game has gotten bigger.”

To learn all about Milo and get updates, log on to www.milo.com.ph.

RUn In coLoRS Running is all about fitness and wellness.

Although that may be the case, it doesn’t hurt to have some fun as well. Color Manila encourages running enthusiasts to be part of a fun and playful run that is not only beneficial for the health, it is also entertaining and colorful.

Color Manila aims to encourage participants to run at their own pace without any pressure for the competition and to add the “fun” aspect to make the run more enjoyable for most people. Since it was established in 2012, Color Manila has held three key races in different cities in the Philippines: Color Manila Run, a fun morning run where people put splashes of

color powder on each others’ faces; Color Manila Challenge, a run with an added obstacle course that made participants feel like they were in an Amazing Race and Survivor contest in one; and Color Manila Blacklight Run, a night run with runners using glow-in-the-dark powder smeared on them to create a colorful race. And if that s not fun enough, the organizers are also gearing up for a new concept the Color Manila Costume Run. What a good excuse for runner to be in your favorite costume!

Aside from promoting a fun, healthy lifestyle, color Manila is also engaged in giving back and enriching other people’s lives through the Color Manila Foundation

(CMF). CMF believes that the rainbow embodies hope for people, aiming to give light to everyone in the world by reaching out to local and international communities. For the upcoming Color Manila Blacklight Run on May 28 to be held in Filinvest, Alabang, participants can enjoy 10k, 5k and 3k runs and will also get help CMF continue its programs on medical missions, environmental causes and education, among others.

To sign up for the race, visit www.colormanilarun.com and get your race kits before May 28.

During the launch of Color Manila Blacklight Run, the guests tried out the glow-in-the-dark powder that will be used during the actual run

photos by star sabroso

Black light finishers medal

CM vice president Justine Cordero and CM president Jay Em

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

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Hitting a certain mileage per week is one of the most important aspects of training

Tips for The half Mary newBie FINE FEttlE

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By BuBBles paraiso

o you’ve signed up for that women’s half marathon happening in less than two weeks and it’s going to be your first 21-km run ever. How ready are you exactly? I’ve been getting messages from friends and random people asking for tips on how they can prepare and survive this race. Looking back on my first half marathon last February, and the last one less than a month ago, I’ve compiled a list of lessons I learned that had been either imparted to me by the seasoned runners I train with, or from my own experience.

1. Build your mileage Running 21 kilometers is no joke, and you wouldn’t want to shock your body by running half a marathon right away thinking that, since you’ve already done 10-km several times, then you’re ready. I had 21 days to train for my first half Mary but I made sure I was ready for it. By the advice of a seasoned triathlete, I ran a total of 30-kms a week prior to the race to get my mileage on.

2. Pace yourself Coach Ige Lopez strongly believes in striving for a negative split finish. That means pacing yourself to run a steady gait, then eventually going faster as you run towards the end, “so you don’t lose steam as you get closer to the finish line,” he says.

3. Sleep Friday night’s sleep and rest is pertinent for a Sunday early morning race. It is as important as your Saturday night’s slumber, although we all know that pre-race jitters might cause you to be up all night. That’s why it’s important to bank on the zzzs and ample rest prior to race day.

4. Complete rest the day before You need fresh legs for the race so that your leg muscles don’t burn out. If this is your first marathon, Friday and Saturday would be an ideal time to rest, as you might need a longer time to prep your legs. If you

Tired but happy after running another half Mary

Coach Ige Lopez, who is probably one of the most sought after running coaches, believes in aiming for negative splits when running

plan on getting a massage, latest time you can get it is Friday night.

with what you train on lest you want blisters, more dead toenails or cramps while you run.

5. Carb up Isn’t this the best tip ever? I use my long runs as the perfect excuse to eat pasta. Of course, always eat smart. Eat good carbs two days prior to the race and the night before. Load up on those nutrients; you’ll need them for your energy.

8. Have fun If you’re one of those (like me) who can’t run without music, it’s okay to sing along and dance while you run. If it’s what will keep you going then I say, why not? Create a playlist of songs that will make your legs just want to keep moving.

6. Fuel up Even if it’s only 2:00 a.m., eat something, even if it’s just a banana as you will need fuel for this long run. If you’ve already trained with a pre-workout like EFS, take that before your run. Don’t take pre-workout that you’ve never tried before. Race day is not the time to try anything new.

9. Breathe Learn proper breath control so as to not run out of it whilst in the race. Have your self awareness in check and make sure you breathe in and breathe out slow, just like in yoga.

7. Don’t wear new shoes An event like this might be the best time for you to wear cute shoes, for the photos. But please, don’t wear new shoes to a race. Run

10. Set a goal Set a realistic and doable time goal for yourself but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t hit it. Remember, you are still supposed to have fun. Finishing with an excellent time may give you the bragging rights but if you injure yourself by pushing too much, then that’s not smart.

11. Stay hydrated Make the most out of the hydration stations and drink up! Given how hot and humid our country is, you will definitely feel parched, so feel free to slow down and grab a glass or two and drink up. You may also pour water on your neck to cool off a bit. You may also wear a hydration belt to make sure that you can drink anytime you feel like it.

12. Post-race nutrition One of the most important aspects is your post race sustenance. When I did my first half Mary, I forgot to bring my Ultragen with me and I suffered with poor recovery, feeling like a truck fell on me after a train hit me. For my second half Mary, I was able to devour this recovery drink right after and I felt great the next day.

Find me on twitter and instagram @bubblesparaiso

t HuR S DAy : m Ay 5, 2016

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

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PIa WuRTzbach anD PLDT hOmE TVc

m

iss Universe 2015 and Filipino pride Pia Wurtzbach is featured in the latest TV Commercial of PLDT Home, representing the digital services leader’s flagship DSL brand.

This is one relationship that Pia is quite proud of and excited to continue with. Pia has been an ambassador for PLDT Home since she became a Bb. Pilipinas titleholder in 2015. She remembers how much fun she had, going around the country promoting PLDT Home DSL even in the remote areas of Mindanao. She says of the brand new partnership, “I am really very happy that PLDT Home decided to continue with our relationship. I believe in what they stand for,” she said.

In the recently released TVC featuring the Filipina stunner, Pia is seen backstage as pretty little girls, all aspiring beauty queens, go through the rigors of beauty pageants with their no.1 fan and supporter—their mothers. Pia was teary-eyed during the preproduction for this commercial revealing that the story “felt really close to home.” She said, “This is my story. I feel that this was specifically written for me. I should have brought my Mom with me

today. I left her in the hotel. I want her to see this, too,” she told those around her during that meeting.

According to PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali, the heartwarming video is in honor of mothers and the beautiful connections they help create for their children. “The perfect combination of a mother’s unwavering support and the power of technology, which allowed her to connect with the world, helped pave the way for Pia to achieve her goal,” he said. “With this new TVC, we hope to inspire and empower people in their own journeys towards their dreams. It is certainly an honor to have no less than the reigning Miss Universe help us spread the message that the strongest and most beautiful connections begin at home.”

Pia was endearing during the shoot. She made no effort to hide how she feels that the experience unraveling before her felt exactly the same as when she was still competing for the crown.

“Her down-to-earth attitude makes her all the more loveable.

She was genuinely fascinated with the little girls who acted with her in the commercial. She was playing with them and having fun till the end of the shoot. We didn’t

even notice that she was already feeling under the weather. She even bought taho at one point!

What a real trooper she truly is!”

Gary pointed out.

The partnership between Pia and PLDT Home DSL began when she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe in 2015. Since then, PLDT Home has been a steadfast supporter of Pia’s Miss Universe journey. As PLDT Home ambassador, she traveled around the country to help families create beautiful connections through the reliable family-sized connection of PLDT Home DSL. Her powerful story also served as an inspiration to millions of Filipinos who were captivated by her journey and perseverance despite multiple setbacks.

As the country’s no. 1 broadband, PLDT Home DSL connects future Filipino achievers, like aspiring beauty queens who wish to follow in the footsteps of Pia Wurtzbach and newly crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2016 Maxine Medina, to opportunities and resources online.

It also helps them stay connected to their families and loved ones wherever their journey leads them, especially now with PLDT Home DSL’s CIO Asia Award-

Reigning miss universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach during her speech as an outgoing Binibining Pilipinas queen

winning data sharing service through the Speedster Fam Plan 1299. This plan offers speeds of up to 10 Mbps and a monthly data allocation of 50 GB. Subscribers who upgrade their Speedster

Plan with a Smart Mobile Plan 399 or Plan 600 can share 6 GB of the 50 GB monthly data allocation to their smart phones so they can always easily reach out to the people that matter most.

Bernadette, Alvin and Jing now 12 years in ‘Salamat Dok!’ A typical weekend for Filipinos consists of attending mass, spending time with the family, and other relaxing and recreational activities. However, for the people behind Salamat Dok!, ABS-CBN’s multi-awarded educational-public service program, Saturdays and Sundays are spent to serve the people.

Now on its 12th year, one of the longest-running current affairs shows on Philippine TV continues to help ensure the good health and wellness of the Filipino family with informative and relevant features and interviews in the program. Airing every Saturday and Sunday morning on ABSCBN, the country’s leading media and entertainment company, it is able to reach, inform, and educate millions of Filipinos nationwide.

Moreover, for over a decade, the show has also reached and served thousands of Filipinos directly, through medical missions which

happen every week on Sundays inside the ABS-CBN compound, while the program is airing live, and in their special medical missions in baranggays in and out of the metro. Partnering with other organizations, the show is able to provide free medical services to our indigent countrymen. They were even there in the aftermath of Yolanda.

However, one does not have to look far to meet people whose lives have been touched by the program as its own hosts - Bernadette Sembrano, Alvin Elchico, and Jing Castaneda - have all been blessed by the show.

Salamat Dok! airs on ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167) every Saturday and Sunday.

Catch up via or iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers. For updates, follow and visit www.facebook.com/ABSCBNSalamatDok or www.twitter.com/SalamatDok.

“Salamat Dok!” hosts Alvin Elchico, Bernadette Sembrano and Jing Castaneda

People from around the metro get free check-ups at Salamat Dok’s weekly medical mission held at ABS-CBN compound

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t HuR S DAy : m Ay 5, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

GmA’S ‘NAku, BoSS ko!’ wINS PINoy VotES oN PRImEtImE tV

N

aku, Boss Ko! took on the spotlight on primetime television. The GMA News and Public Affairs’ political rom-com series dominated household ratings and online presence on its pilot week.

Topbilled by Kapuso love team Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia or GabRu, the show won against rival show both in Mega Manila and NUTAM (National Urban Television Audience Measurement) ratings on April 25.

Ratings provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement reported that Naku, Boss Ko! posted an overnight household rating of 10.9 percent in Mega Manila and 8.5 percent in NUTAM. It beat ABS-CBN’s Jane

the Virgin (7.2 percent and 8.2 percent in Mega Manila and NUTAM, respectively).

An original concept of GMA Public Affairs Program Manager Patty Gutierrez, Naku, Boss Ko! is a timely series that exposes the absurdity and hypocrisy of some of the campaign strategies used by most politicians today to win voters. The show ends tonight.

The audience also lauded Tessie Tomas and Leo Martinez as Ms. F and OMG. Ms. F is the cunning but politically savvy campaign manager and spin doctor of Jon G (Ruru) while OMG is Jon G’s “trapo” father. Even Kapuso young actress Arianne Bautista has been getting positive feedback for her role as Jelai, Ms. F’s assistant.

onscreen pair Gabbi Garcia and Ruru madrid (left) and seasoned tV actress tessie tomas (right)

Go on a long drive with ‘wheels’ The Philippine Star’s motoring TV show, Wheels, goes for the long drive tonight in the episode designed to tackle different aspects of driving long hours and distances.

Join Matteo Guidicelli, Manny Delos Reyes, Angel Rivero, Kap Maceda Aguila and Ulysses Ang as they take on different challenges of long-distance travel.

Matteo and Manny go on the long drive aboard individual BMW M235i coupes. Learn why this coupe is not just sporty, but also powerful and fast when driving along great distances.

Uly preps himself for the long drive and will share tips on how to prepare yourself and your car for long-distance travel.

For commuters, Kap explores the Luxe Bus from MAN. Find out the luxurious travel confinements the Luxe Bus has to offer and why it’s the bus companies’ top pick for deluxe buses.

And, for those who love to travel with their pets, Angel tries her hand at removing pet hair from cars.

It’s all these and more on the

third season of Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane. Catch it every Thursday, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN Sports + Action Chan-

matteo Guidicelli and manny Delos Reyes go on the long drive aboard individual Bmw m235i coupes

“wheels” host kap maceda Aguila (right) explores the luxurious travel confinements the Luxe Bus has to offer

cROsswORD puzzlE

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

ACROSS 1 Business suff.

4 Goat’s-hair robes 8 Silica mineral 12 Man-goat deity 13 Livy’s bear 14 Snagged a dogie 16 — Magnani of film 17 Go for broke 18 Actress — Keaton 19 Yes, in Yokohama

nel. For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on facebook. com/PhilStarWheels.

20 Kinda drift 22 “Hickory, — , dock...”

24 Solemn vow 25 Future fish 26 Incline 28 Speaker’s pauses 31 Birdbath slime 34 Tilt 35 66 and I-80 36 Perfume bottle 37 Burn slightly

38 Drop a clue 39 Rick’s old flame 40 Sweet treat 41 Factions 42 London’s Old — 43 Art colony town 44 Herriot, for one 45 Eye, to Pierre 47 Danced in Vienna 51 Lamas’ art work (2 wds.)

55 Ginza purchase 56 Platitude 57 Tarzan’s title 58 Give a crew cut 59 Apple juice 60 Data unit 61 Tall vases 62 Hardy’s dairymaid 63 Trellis coverer 64 Good ol’ — DOWN 1 Veranda, on Maui 2 Roman garment 3 Molecular bio. topic 4 Sunspot phenomenon 5 Like the ocean 6 Sec’y 7 Warm wine 8 Severe trial 9 Needle end 10 Indifferent 11 Dogpatch hyena

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

12 15 20 21 23 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 37 41 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 58

Saudi royal name Md. neighbor Bay “48 Hrs.” lead Sluggish marsupial Coils of yarn “Picnic”writer Landlord’s due Sonic-boom makers Tel — “Hi- —, Hi-Lo” Boasting Aloha in Rome Butler in a mansion?

Milan’s La — Ward of “Sisters” Cooks’ reminders Singer Rudy — Margins Toad bumps Don Diego de la Vega Piano-key wood Drops Cul-de- — Mine entrance Colo. neighbor “The Banana Boat Song” (hyph.)

Young wolf

2016 Cinema one originals final line up The much-anticipated lineup of finalists for the 2016 Cinema One Originals Festival has been officially announced by the Cinema One channel head and jury.

The chosen films showcase a new breed of Filipino filmmaking talent that takes the diverse voices of the Filipino independent films to greater heights.

The 2016 Cinema One Originals finalists for the Narrative Feature Category are: Lily by Keith Deligero about origins of Lily and how she became a popular legend in Cebu as a shape-shifter wreaking havoc and fear; Every Room Is A Planet by Malay Javier about a quirky love affair between a mentally unstable girl who thinks her husband is abducted by aliens and her husband’s brother whose romance for her remains a sci-fi impossibility; Baka Bukas Pwede Na by Samantha Lee about Alexandra or Alex, a 20-something millennial with commitment is-

sues and struggles to come out with the one she truly loves who happens to be her best friend and an up and coming actor; Si Magdalola At Mga Gago by Jules Katanyag about drug-dealing and sex-starved goons that disturb the peaceful lives of a frail witch and her nubile grandchild in a remote town in the mountains; Malinak La’y Labi by Jose Abdel Langit about a custom in some towns in Pangasinan to offer an animal when constructing buildings, but one day during the town’s fiesta they discover the body of a young boy that leads to a chain of story and a chain of deaths; Dos Mestizos by Petersen Vargas about Felix, a friendless achiever whose life changes after the arrival of half-American brothers and entangling himself in their dark ambitions; Tisay by Alfonso Torre set in the world of semi-pro basketball where a beautiful bookie recruits a naïve but promising player to the underworld of game-fixing.

t HuR S DAy : m Ay 5, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

V

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KARlA, mElAI AnD JolInA bRIgHtEn up moRnIngS In ‘mAgAnDAng buHAy’

iewers definitely wake up to a good morning and celebrate the good life weekdays with favorite “momshies” Karla Estrada, Melai Cantiveros, and Jolina Magdangal in ABS-CBN’s morning talk show Magandang Buhay.

With its engaging topics and lesson-filled discussions, Magandang Buhay regularly creates buzz online and is a consistent top trending topic on social media.

“We are very happy that we are always trending and that many viewers enjoy our show. That’s what we really want for them - to have fun, relate to our stories, and learn valuable lessons in life,” said Melai.

The program’s viewership na-

tionwide is also gaining ground and its ratings continue to strengthen according to Kantar Media.

First-time talk show hosts Karla, Melai, and Jolina, meanwhile, are also receiving positive feedback from the entertainment media for their hosting skills and very good chemistry.

“Chemistry is something you just can’t learn through a workshop. It’s natural for us, mainly because we are really good friends,” said Karla.

“That is one thing we are proud of. Even before the show started, we already had a genuine relationship with one another. We didn’t have to go through any team-building activity because we

Kapamilya artist is new bny endorser

Star magic talent and bny image model Joshua garcia

Ever heard of the name Joshua Garcia? Well, if you did you’d be glad to know that the 18-year old Batangueño and alumnus of Pinoy Big Brother: All In in 2014 is the new image model of the popular clothing brand BNY. The Star Magic talent was introduced to the press by the officers of BNY at a restaurant near ABSCBN last week.

Born Joshua Espinelli Garcia on Oct. 7, 1977 in Bauan, Batangas, he had been seen after his Big Brother stint in shows like Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita, Luv U, two episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya, an episode of Ipaglaban Ko, and Born for You. He told the press, “I feel blessed to be given the trust to endorse BNY.” This is his first endorsement deal since he joined show business.

BNY Jeans was originally Bunny Jeans in 1992, but in 2001 it was redesigned for the teen market.

melai finally escapes from abusive employers Maricel successfully escapes from her abusive employers and is now with her son whom she has not seen for years in the Kapamilya afternoon series We Will Survive.

After several attempts of getting away from her employers, Maricel finally found the chance of breaking free from years of struggle with the aid of a fellow Filipino who will also help her come back home and be with her family.

But her excitement was spoiled as Wilma (Pokwang) already allowed Pocholo (Carlo Aquino) to intro-

duce himself to Jude as his father, breaking her promise to Maricel of not letting Pocholo in in her son’s life.

More exciting scenes are set to surprise the viewers in We Will Survive, the teleserye that shows however ugly the world gets, there is beauty in life as long as we are together, weekdays after Tubig at Langis on ABS-CBN or on ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Viewers may also catch up on the program’s past episodes on iWanTV.com and onskyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

Abused housemaid no more. melai Canteveros as maricel in the afternoon soap “We Will Survive”

already know each other so well,” said Jolina.

Magandang Buhay triples the fun, learning, and experience for viewers in discussing real-life stories of ordinary people and even celebrities that will surely inspire them to live life to the fullest.

Don’t miss Magandang Buhay, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Watch also for the latest episodes free on iwantv. com.pho skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

For updates, follow @_magandangbuhay on Twitter and Instagram or like the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OfficialMagandangBuhay.

Morning “momshies”. “magandang buhay” hosts melai Cantiveros, Karla Estrada and Jolina magdangal

latest trend in technology – 360-degree livestreaming In this age of technology, it’s no longer enough that netizens watch an event online though video-streaming like in the case of Pacquiao’s fights and Ms. Universe pageants. The greater appeal lies in being able to witness the action as if they were actually present in the venue – from all angles.

This latest advancement is

called 360-degree livestreaming, which involves a single web camera that allows an Internet user to go through a 360-degree pan around a venue while an event is ongoing.

This was first introduced in the country in February by GMA New Media, a subsidiary of GMA Network, for the coverage of the first leg of the COMELEC-man-

dated presidential debate organized by the Kapuso Network and Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Two months later, YouTube launched their own 360-degree livestreaming. In the past, the website was limited to prerecorded materials. Facebook is also set to launch this option on their website in the latter part of the year.

Edray opens for Hailee Steinfeld

A young promising star was able to showcase her talent in front of a big crowd, and fronted shows for Hailee Steinfeld, an international artist and part-Filipino Hollywood star.

A leg of shows starting on April 8 at Eastwood Mall Open Park, April 9 at BGC Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, and April 10 at Venice Grand Canal was made to support the singer’s debut EP “Haiz”.

Opening these shows for Hailee was the very young but definitely talented and MCA Music’s very own, Edray. She was able not only to witness these events but to also perform and share the same stage as Hailee’s.

Edray is a semi-finalist in the first season of The Voice Kids. She stunned every “Steinfeld” fan with her topnotch vocal prowess, and made every person sing along to her very catchy single “Puedepende”.

Her single was also part of Spotify’s top 50 viral songs garnering over 588k streams; even Hailee was impressed with the young singer’s voice and skills. The two eventually ended up having a selfie together that she also posted on her personal Instagram account and garnered over 113k likes.

“The experience was surreal to me! I still can’t believe it myself!”

Edray shares her thoughts about her experience with her opening stint with Hailee. “I’m very

thankful for this experience and none of these would have been possible if it wasn’t for MCA Music.” Beamed in the young singer, she also aspires to reach a larger audience like Hailee Steinfeld in the future. “I would love to sing to a bigger audience someday like Hailee, I really look up to her!” said Edray.

She is also working on an exciting collaboration for her next single which will be out soon. The “Puedepende” singer ensures her fans that what she’s cooking up in the studio with the veteran songwriter Jungee Marcelo is going to be a sure fun track.

Edray’s debut single “Puedepende” is included in the compilation The Hottest Pinoy Hits Ever available on CD’s at all Astrovision, Astroplus, and Odyssey stores. It is also available online via Spinnr and iTunes, and can also be streamed through Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Guvera.

For inquiries and bookings, contact Soki Munar at (632) 9162504 local 107, (0920) 9682991 or email mcabookings@ umusic.com. For more information about MCA Music artists, log on to www.facebook.com/mcamusic, Instagram- mca_music or Twitter- mca_music.

“the Voice Kids” finalist Edray performing her single “puedepende” during Hailee Steinfeld’s concert at Eastwood mall open park

t HuR S DAy : m Ay 5, 2016

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR NICKIE WANG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Box office director Cathy Garcia-molina, two-time mmFF best actress Jennylyn mercado and rom-com king John Lloyd Cruz

BOx-OffIcE ROyalTIEs unITE In ‘JusT ThE 3 Of us’ ISAH V. RED

t

he one thing that countless fans thought would never happen is finally nigh as Star Cinema creates another groundbreaking cinematic event in the first ever team-up of John Lloyd Cruz, Jennylyn Mercado and Cathy Garcia-Molina in Just The 3 Of Us , which is anticipated to be summer’s biggest romance movie.

Directed by Garcia-Molina from a screenplay that has been a collaboration of Kiko Abrillo, Gillian Ebreo, Katherine Labayen, and Vanessa R. Valdez, Just The 3 Of Us presents a glimpse of a most unlikely situation of the most unlikely tandem to hit the bis screen.

The fim is centered on an unlikely love story between polar opposites Uno (Cruz) and CJ (Mercado) – two strangers, and how one night changes their lives forever. Unforeseen circumstances collide and force Uno and CJ to live under the same roof as they both deal with their sense of responsibility and their yearning for security. Uno is motivated by his sense of family while CJ is governed by an unconditional love that should put her first above everything else. The unlikely thing that binds Uno and CJ together paves the way for them to find in each other the kind of love they never thought they needed.

John Lloyd Cruz is the undisputed rom-com king of the industry, with an impressive track record at the box office and an

unmatched artistry as one of the country’s most accomplished young actors. John Lloyd recently broke all box-office records alongside Bea Alonzo as A Second Chance took the record of 2015’s highest grossing non-Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) movie of all time. As a result of the blockbuster feat, John Lloyd has been hailed as one of the Phenomenal Stars Of 2015 in the recently concluded 47th Box Office Entertainment Awards. He also received critical acclaim for his bravura performance in Honor Thy Father in the 2015 MMFF and for his performance in the internationally acclaimed historical film Hele Sa Hiwagang Hagpis.

Jennylyn Mercado, on the other hand, is a back-to-back MMFF Best Actress awardee who delivered unforgettable performances in 2014’s English Only Please and 2015’s #WalangForever, both films also did very well at the box-office. English Only Please was also recognized as a Breakthrough Box Office Indie Film in the 2015 Box Office Entertainment Awards.

At helm of Just The 3 Of Us is box-office director Cathy GarciaMolina whose most recent film A Second Chance received remarkable reviews from the country’s most trusted and respected critics and overwhelming box-office receipts.

Like John Lloyd and Jennylyn, Garcia-Molina was also recognized in the 47th Box Office Entertainment Awards as the Most Popular Film Director of 2015.

Just The Three Of Us is a heartwarming and slightly irreverent romance that features the combined work of John Lloyd, Jennylyn and Cathy. Witness John Lloyd and Jennylyn breathe life

to Uno and CJ, and discover the beauty and bliss of the most unexpected love story ever told in film.

Just The 3 Of Us also stars an amazing supporting cast led by

Joel Torre, Maria Isabel Lopez, Ketchup Eusebio, Joem Bascon, Vana Asistio, Victor Silayan, Fifth Solomon, Manuel Chua, PJ Endrinal, Michael Agassi Jo-

sef Elizalde , Jed Montero, Lucas Magallang, and newcomers Paulo Angeles and Chuchay Jung Just The 3 Of Us is showing in all cinemas nationwide.

unlikely pair. “Just the 3 Of us” is centered on an unlikely love story between polar opposites CJ (Jennylyn mercado) and uno (John Lloyd Cruz)