The Standard - 2016 May 07 - Saturday

VOL. XXX  NO. 84  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  SATURDAY : MAY 7, 2016  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

IGLESIA MEMBERS TO VOTE AS A BLOC

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KIDS VS. DUTERTE TV ad uses children to smear Davao mayor

By John Paolo Bencito and Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENRAGED supporters of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte took to social media Friday to express their dismay over a TV advertisement showing children condemning the behavior of their candidate Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who commissioned the negative campaign ads against Duterte, said he saw nothing wrong as he urged voters—who are also parents—to consider the future of their children, who would be most affected if Duterte wins the presidency on May 9.

Duterte’s running mate, Senator Alan Peter

Cayetano, secured a temporary restraining order on the airing of the political advertisements against Duterte on ABS-CBN. In the 30-second spot, five children react negatively to the mayor’s controversial remarks and acts, including threats to kill criminals, cursing Pope Francis, and his comments about the rape

and murder of an Australian missionary.

The ad aired on ABS-CBN Thursday night and is also posted on YouTube.

“Is this what you want?” One of the children in the commercial said in Filipino.

“It is wrong to kill people!” another one said, referring to the mayor’s promise to kill all criminals.

“Is it right to curse the Pope?” another one asked.

“Please teach us what is right,” a child said over Duterte’s statements supporting the Communist New People’s Army.

“It is not right to harass a woman,” another girl said.

Mitin de avance. Vice Presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (right) endorses the senatorial candidacy of

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (left) during Marcos’ mitin de avance which was attended by more than 50,000 supporters at Nueve De Febrero Street corner Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City. VER NOVENO

RELIGIOUS ENDORSEMENTS FLY

By Christine F. Herrera, Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano

VARIOUS religious groups made their last-minute endorsements Friday, just three days before Election Day on May 9.

The Catholic charismatic movement El Shaddai, which claims eight million

members, endorsed United Nationalist Alliance standard bearer Vice President Jejomar Binay, its official radio station dwXI said Friday.

The radio station said an internal survey of members showed that support for Binay was almost unanimous, and that El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde supported the choice.

Binay expressed his gratitude.

“I am grateful and humbled by the endorsement of the members of El Shaddai and to Bro. Mike Velarde for giving me the opportunity to speak before his congregation,” Binay said.

The vice president was earlier endorsed by several pro-life groups and Catholic lay organizations.

Next page

Minutes after the negative advertisement of Duterte went to air in primetime, the trending topic “DUTERTE TILL THE END” made it to second place in social networking site Twitter to condemn the alleged “black propaganda” attempt against the mayor.

Duterte supporters also called for a boycott of the station.

On Twitter, @gayswiftie13 said: “Grabe na high blood ako sa anti-duterte ads ni Trillanes still Duterte.”

“ABS-CBN and GMA just aired anti-Duterte ads on TV. Both were funded by Trillanes’ camp. Where did all that money come from?”, said @ALEXASACLAO. Next page

PENDING ISSUES BUG POLL AGENCY

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editorial@thestandard.com.ph

PENDING ISSUES BUG POLL AGENCY

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Macon Ramos-Araneta

TWO days before the May 9 polls, the Commission on Elections seemed to be in disarray with some commissioners questioning what they perceived to be a deliberate delay in the signing of key resolutions, an insider said Friday.

The same source told The Standard that some commissioners questioned Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista’s trip to Legazpi City at a time when crucial decisions had to be made at the poll body.

“Some commissioners got mad at the Comelec secretary because they were holding up some resolutions,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

But he said they were just doing their jobs because Bautista had ordered them to hold the resolutions.

The source added that the commissioners

were unhappy with Bautista.

“He’s been hiding resolutions and keeping things from them [and might be] delaying the process,” the source said.

Pending decisions that need to be addressed before Sunday are the leasing of 1,000 broadband global area network (BGAN) or satellite internet devices, the specific rules to deal with precincts that run out of ballots, the manual importation of data from SD cards, and log instructions and hashtags for board of elections inspectors.

On Friday, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the Comelec planned to lease 1,000 BGAN devices, but the move has not been covered by any resolution.

“I really don’t know. Because the act of purchasing is an executive function that is properly under the functions of the chair,” she said.

When asked about pending resolutions, Comelec Commissioner Luie Guia said that some rules that need to be enforced for the safety of the BEIs have not been finalized.

But on Wednesday night, just four more days to Election Day, Bautista went to Le-

gazpi, Albay.

The poll insider said, some commissioners felt that they were left hanging.

The Comelec en banc was supposed to meet 10 a.m. Wednesday, but they moved it to 3 p.m.

The commissioners waited for more than three hours only to be told that Bautista had left his office at Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila at 5 p.m.

The six commissioners then proceeded with the en banc meeting even without Bautista.

“He was in Legazpi, Albay Wednesday and flew back to Manila Thursday morning,” the source said, adding that he was there for a command conference.

“But the command conference ended during the day and he could have come home the same day but chose to stay overnight,” the source added, noting that coincidentally, administration candidate for president Manuel Roxas II and his running mate Rep. Leni Robredo were in Legazpi for “a unity gathering” that lasted until Wednesday evening.

With Rio N. Araja

Partisan machine. Lawyer Rex Panumpang, a supporter of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, shows a vote counting machine

receipt showing the name of administration bet Mar Roxas although the ballot he and his friends fed into the VCM was totally blank. MANNY PALMERO

Religious...

From A1

Binay pledged to be a president who “recognizes, respects and follows the word of God.” It would also be a presidency that “respects the dignity of women, will set a good example for our children, and gives dignity to the poor”—a clear reference to survey frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

In an earlier statement, Binay spoke of a “serious challenge to our deeply held Christian values.”

“I speak of a choice between good and evil. I speak of a choice between those who advocate life and those who promote death,” he said.

“That is why I stand firm in my belief that violence as a platform of governance oppresses

the poor, the dispossessed, and the powerless,” he said.

Also on Friday, television evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy endorsed the senatorial candidacy of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Quiboloy, the founder of the religious group “Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name” with more than three million members, said the Senate needs a “compassionate leader” like Romualdez who can serve the electorate, especially the poorest of the poor.

“Congressman Martin has vision for the country and has a compassionate heart for the poor,” Quiboloy said.

“He was chosen not only because of his closeness with the kingdom ministry, but also because of his platforms and programs of government,” Quiboloy said.

Romualdez thanked Quiboloy and said he would honor the trust and confidence given to him by the group.

“This is another inspiring moment for my senatorial candidacy, another huge boost. I will not fail Pastor Quiboloy and his religious congregation and will show that I am worthy of their support,” Romualdez said.

Quiboloy’s endorsement is expected to boost the senatorial candidacy of Romualdez especially in Mindanao where the religious group has been concentrated.

Quiboloy has also endorsed the presidential bid of his friend, Duterte, who is also supporting the senatorial bid of Romualdez.

In the last 2013 senatorial election, Quiboloy endorsed eight of the 12 winning candidates: Senators Juan Edgardo Angara; Fran-

cis Escudero, Grace Poe, Loren Legarda, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito and Nancy Binay.

Duterte adopted Romualdez as one of his guest senatorial candidates because they shared similar platforms of government in ensuring peace and order, curbing graft and corruption, giving free college education, and improving health services through zero-billing for the indigents.

Romualdez has won the endorsement of 500 urban poor groups under the Sulong Mamayang Pilipino, the four major land transportation groups, the One Cebu party, and the Liga ng Barangay of Quezon City.

Romualdez has also been endorsed by the Buhay party-list, which won the support of the El Shaddai.

Kids...

From A1 Some Duterte supporters said that the ad won’t change their minds on who to support.

“They thought making those ads will make us throw our faith to other candidates but no, it grew even stronger. Duterte till the end,” said @SeanPepito.

Trillanes, who paid for the negative campaign advertisements, said that the intention of the advertisement was to deliver the message for voters to rethink their decision to vote for Duterte.

“The truth definitely hurts,” Trillanes said in a statement.

“The children were purposely used to hammer the message that they should always be part of the consideration in our choice of leaders of the country not only because it is for their future but also because they will emulate these leaders,” he added.

Duterte supporters meanwhile, insisted that the use of children in political advertisements is condemnable, saying it exploits them for political propaganda.

But Trillanes dismissed these allegations.

“Dutertards are suddenly concerned about children? Yet they laugh every time Duterte cusses and jokes about his penis and rape not realizing that children are listening too? Such hypocrisy, right? Now, that’s what the ad is all about too,” Trillanes said.

On Friday afternoon, Duterte’s running mate Senator Alan Pete Cayetano secured from the Taguig Regional Trial Court a preliminary injunction against ABS-CBN Corp. and its top executives before the Regional Trial Court of Taguig City. The respondents are ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III, Augusto Almeda-Lopez, Carlo Katigbak, Socorro Vidanes, and August Benitez to stop airing the political advertisement.

In issuing a restraining order, the court agreed with Cayetano that the ad “shows minors being used in black propaganda.”

It also cited the Broadcast Code of 2007 which states that “[n]o program or sponsor shall be allowed to manifestly favor or oppose any candidate or political party.”

A third reason for its decision was “the truth to the claim that petitioner’s right to reply will be denied considering that the election day is so close now.”

Once the initial TRO lapses, Cayetano wants a 20-day TRO “enjoining and restraining respondents and all persons acting on their behalf or under their direction from airing or continuing to air negative political advertisements aimed to discredit” him and Duterte.

ABS-CBN defended its decision to air the commercial, saying it was duty-bound to show a legitimate advertisement, and said it violated no election laws.

Another station, TV5, said that it didn’t air the material as it didn’t pass its ethical guidelines.

GMA did not comment on the issue.

The Comelec on Friday said it could not stop the airing of the anti-Duterte ad because it violated no laws.

The Palace denied suggestions that it was behind the expensive TV campaign against Duterte.

While the intention of the ad was to pull votes away from Duterte, University of the Philippines professor Danilo Arao said the move could backfire.

“The problem with negative campaigning is that it could backfire as the targeted candidate ends up unscathed and the perpetrators are the ones put in a bad light instead. In the context of advertising ethics, there should be truth [not spin] in the contents of a negative campaign for the message to be clearly sent,” he added. With Sandy Araneta and Rio N. Araja

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Palace says Roxas not withdrawing MALACAÑANG on Friday denied that the administration’s presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II is withdrawing from the presidential race.

“Not on any agreement to withdraw,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

He made the statement after vice presidential candidate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday accused Malacañang and the camps of Roxas and Senator Grace Poe of hatching a conspiracy to bring down Rodrigo Duterte.

“I am confirming to you that there is a conspiracy [among] the Palace, Grace Poe and Mar Roxas,” Cayetano told reporters.

Cayetano said reliable sources had told him that Malacañang had met with representatives from the camps of Poe and Roxas to convince one of them to withdraw from the presidential race.

But he said the meeting was unsuccessful because no one wanted to withdraw from the race.

He said the Palace and the camps of Poe and Roxas were behind an advertisement against Duterte that was shown on television on Thursday and was paid for by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Poe on Thursday denied she would be dropping out of the presidential race following the decline in her ratings in the recent surveys.

“Sa mga iba diyan na nagsasabi na dapat ay pagbigyan na lang ang iba para dalawa na lang ang naglalaban, sino ba sila para magsabi kung sino ang dapat piliin ng ating mga kababayan?” Poe said.

Sandy Araneta

Campaign. Senator Grace Poe joined Mayor Joseph Estrada during an election campaign in Moriones, Manila, on Friday. JAY MORALES

INC voters set for elections TWO-MILLION members of the Iglesia ni Cristo will troop to the voting centers on Monday to vote for the Duterte-Marcos tandem and their 12 senatorial candidates in “unconditional and absolute obedience,” an Iglesia member said Friday.

Proclamation rally. Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep.Martin Romualdez waves to more than 50,000 supporters during a proclamation rally with vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Mandaluyong City. VER NOVENO

Filipinos asked to back Poe’s candidacy FORMER Transport secretary Oscar Orbos on Friday asked Filipinos to support presidential candidate Grace Poe who, he said, “will lead us to great change with fresh ideas and new solutions to old problems.”

“At no point in our nation’s history are we writing a new narrative for our country led by Senator Grace Poe,” Orbos said in a statement.

He also welcomed the support of Poe’s Gobyernong May Puso

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

for Project Serendipity, a program that aims to provide better social security and welfare to all.

In an open letter being distributed to houses, in churches and public places, Orbos is exhorting voters to support the universal social security program that Poe has agreed to explore in case she wins the presidency.

“The program calls for the automatic allocation of 20 percent of all government resources annually to address the people’s

needs in Health, Education, Livelihood, Pension and Shelter or H.EL.P.S.,” Orbos said.

“With Project Serendipity in place, the people are given the power to decide on what the government will do for them,” Orbos said.

Aside from addressing H.E.L.P.S., Project Serendipity will address poverty, corruption, criminality and protection of human rights, thereby returning dignity to the people.

“We are voting as one. That is the very primary foundation of the INC: Unity. No one can ever break that. Not even the government can break that,” said former Alagad Rep. Rodante Marcoleta who is now the first nominee of the 1Sagip 102 party-list group.

“The members will follow the leadership’s choice of [Davao City Mayor Rodrigo] Duterte and [Senator Ferdinand] Marcos Jr. That’s doctrinal and absolute obedience.”

Marcoleta made his statement even as Malacañang on Friday said it recognized the Iglesia’s endorsement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying this was the essence of democracy.

“We recognize the right of organizations to express who they want to support because that is the essence of democracy,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

Marcoleta said the INC leadership imposes the “doctrine” of

moving and voting as one on religious and even political issues, but that it decides first on what is best for the country and secondly what is best for the interest of its members.

Political analyst Dindo Manhit said that while the INC had been dragged down by controversy over corruption, the leadership was able to consolidate its forces and succeeded in having its members block Edsa to protest the Department of Justice’s “selective and haphazard” filing of illegal detention cases against its leadership last year.

The week-long protest ended with a meeting in Malacañang between President Benigno Aquino III and the INC leadership. The barricade was lifted with the leadership not offering any explanation but simply sending out the words “All is well that ends well.”

Marcoleta described the members who had broken away from the INC as disgruntled.

Manhit said the critics of Marcos and his cousin, senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez, made it appear that the INC was not united because some members were opposing their endorsement.

“Historically, the INC recognizes its deep ties with the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr. that helped the members of the INC during his stint as President,” Manhit said.

“Bongbong [Marcos Jr.] now continues the same treatment of helping out not only the poor INC members but also the poorest of the poor nationwide.

That’s important to the INC hierarchy.” Christine F. Herrera and

Sandy Araneta

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Raps vs Purisima affirmed

By Rio N. Araja THE Office upheld on Friday criminal raps against ex-Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima before the Sandiganbayan over alleged anomalous courier services contract with Werfast Documentation Agency Inc. Also charged were 11 police officers—Napoleon Estilles, Gil Meneses, Raul Petrasanta, Allan Parreño, Eduardo Acierto, Melchor Reyes, Lenbell Fabia, Sonia Calixto, Nelson Bautista, Ford Tuazon and Ricardo Zapata Jr.—and Werfast incorporators Mario Juan, Salud Bautista, Enrique Valerio, Lorna Perena and Juliana Pasia.

In a 10-page consolidated order, the Ombudsman affirmed the finding of probable cause against the police officials for lack of merit.

It found that Werfast had no corporate existence and juridical personality when the PNP engaged its services through a memorandum of agreement executed in May 2011.

The arrangement authorized Werfast to have the sole responsibility of setting up an online system for firearms license application and delivery.

No public bidding was conducted by Purisima and company, and the agreement was entered into despite Werfast’s lack of track record as a courier service company.

The respondents admitted the documents submitted by Werfast for accreditation were incomplete, meeting only the minimum requirements, giving absolute credence to Werfast’s representation that it had a joint venture with CMIT Consultancy Group Inc. and PhilRem. Investigation uncovered the company engaged the services of LBC wherein Werfast collected P190 for deliveries within Metro Manila and P290 for outside of Metro Manila when other courier service providers charge only P90 within Metro Manila.

“The document trail-from the execution of the MoA to the issuance of an accreditation policy, subsequent mandatory imposition of courier service fee deliveries, until accreditation of Werfast reveals measures undertaken to mask a long line of violations,” the Ombudsman said.

On the other hand, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales affirmed the indictment of ex-representative Arthur Pingoy of South Cotabato’s District 2 for malversation of public funds, violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or RA 3019 and direct bribery for the misappropriation of his 2007-2008 Priority Development Assistance Fund of P20.91 million.

Two days to go. Workers of the Commission on Elections prepare the National Board of Canvasser facilities at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila two days ahead of the May 9 elections. LINO SANTOS

LP candidate hit over campaign funding YOUTH group Anakbayan along with PhilHealth members today called on the Commission on Elections to disqualify Liberal Party senatorial bet Risa Hontiveros for allegedly using government funds for her campaign.

Anakbayan national chairperson Vencer Crisostomo said PhilHealth members sent photos posted by supporters of Hontiveros themselves which showed her campaign distributing PhilHealth IDs in exchange of votes.

One of the photos of her supporters posted on Facebook had a caption saying “PhilHealth MDRs and IDs distribution and registration with Risa Hontiveros and Akbayan Party-list.”

The post was dated Feb. 11, which covered the campaign period.

“This is an illegal act. It is clearly vote-buying and using gov’t resources for personal gain,” said Crisostomo citing Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines,

which prohibits vote buying and use of public funds for an election campaign.

He said Hontiveros likewise used the funds of PhilHealth for pre-campaign in bus ads, TV ads radio ads. Each 30-second TV ad costs more than P800,000.

“Hontiveros has no background in health care, she was obviously appointed last-minute in PhilHealth just to use the agency as platform for her campaign. This is despicable, knowing fully well that many Filipinos are deprived of funds for proper healthcare, here we have a PhilHealth chief spending millions of pesos for her personal gain.

Many PhilHealth members are appalled,” he said.

He said Hontiveros’party Akbayan is also using their positions in government as platform for campaign. Among the Akbayan leaders in government are Joel Rocamora, Ronald Llamas while Akbayan Rep. Barry Guittierez is Mar Roxas spokesman.

The donors of Hontiveros and Akbayan in 2010 include Kris Aquino, Ballsy Aquino which amounted a whopping P112 million.

“Akbayan and Hontiveros while pretending to be activist, is clearly a corrupt party. They should be junked. Comelec shoud disqualify Hontiveros,” he said.

Earlier, another group, the National Association of Lawyers for Justice and Peace, challenged Hontiveros to prove that the agency has not been spending for her senatorial campaign.

NALJP founding chairman Atty. Jesus Santos also urged Hontiveros to come out once and for all with what she actually did on the unauthorized P1-billionplus bonuses which PhilHealth had paid to its officials and staff in 2013 despite notices from the Commission on Audit.

Santos pointed out that it was not Hontiveros’ job as a board member to appear as im-

age model in PhilHealth commercials on the activities of the agency.

“The funny thing is the commercials of Ms. Hontiveros started before she was named as a senatorial bet of the Administration. So why did it have to be her? Surely, PhilHealth has other equally talented personnel who could have done what Ms. Hontiveros did.

“Another thing, was Ms Hontiveros’ commercials legal, or duly-authorized? And how much are we talking about,” Santos said.

Santos added that Hontiveros should also prove that she has quit from PhilHealth as provided for by law and thus no longer enjoys any support from the agency.

“Ms. Hontiveros is likewise silent up to now on the unauthorized bonuses. The people have the right to know how she handled the issue. Did she opposed it, how? Did she return what she received,” Santos said.

Courts open on election day dated judges “to act on all election matters within your THE Supreme Court has or- jurisdiction and to resolve dered all trial courts nation- the same with utmost cauwide to be opened during the tion and dispatch.”

“In case the executive May 9 general elections.

In Circular No. 17-2016, judge would not be able to the SC has required all exec- report for duty, he or she may utive judges and clerks of all designate the vice-executive regional trial courts, metro- judge or any of the judges politan trial courts and mu- in the station,” the circular nicipal trial courts in cities stated.

The offices of the clerks of as well as judges and clerks of all single-sala trial courts court were likewise told to to report for duty on election maintain skeletal force to atday, a special non-working tend to the collection of fees and receive cash bonds needholiday.

Court Administrator Jose ed in some election cases.

Marquez explained that Midas Marquez also man-

By Rey E. Requejo

Inauguration. President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the facilities of a cold storage facility which he inaugurated in Calabanga, Camarines Sur on Thursday.

the measure is again implemented just as in previous national elections “in the interest of the efficient administration of justice and to speedy disposition of election-related cases.”

Earlier, the Supreme Court and its employees honored former chief justice Renato Corona, who died of cardiac arrest last week, and honored him for fighting for judicial independence.

Court employees paid their last respect when the remains of the 23rd chief justice arrived at the SC on Wednesday.

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Binay to hold ‘mitin de avance’ in Makati UNITED Nationalist Alliance standard-bearer Vice President Jejomar C. Binay called for unity and reconciliation on Friday, a day before he goes back to Makati City for the miting de avance of his political party.

“On Monday, May 9, an important chapter in our history will be authored by our countrymen. The people will decide if we should continue the present dispensation in which neglect and error predomiShow of Support. In this photo taken on April 27, 2016, A gathered crowd gestures as Philippine presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte (center nate. If we should surrender L, in black) leads in a campaign motorcade near the port area in Manila. Duterte launched his profanity-laced campaign to become president of the our future to the leadership mainly Catholic Philippines with a tirade against the pope that included branding the Catholic leader’s mother a prostitute. Using such tactics—which of a dictator with bloody have drawn comparisons with US Republican Donald Trump and similarly upended conventional political wisdom—Duterte has become the shock hands, and respects no one favorite to win Monday’s election. AFP but himself. If we should accept someone who turned her back on our country for promised prosperity in another land,” he said.

The vice president expressed hope that voters would choose a leader who will be able to unite the people and guide the nation towards progress.

He vowed that his leadership would achieve this, strengthen the country’s democratic inSENaDoR ng PILIPINaS? Narito 13 percent; Senator Gringo Ho- stitutions, and help the naBy Sandy Araneta ang listahan ng mga kandidato. nasan, three percent; and Senator tion recover from the damage shade o itiman po ang naaang- Antonio Trillanes IV, three percent. inflicted by politics over the Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte remains ahead Paki kop na oval katabi ng pangalan ng Undecided/others voters ac- years.

“Let us start the change of his rivals for the presidential race, as shown by the taong pinakamalamang ninyong counted for five percent. that would lead to unity, iboboto.

[If the elections were held Four percent handed in ballots latest results of the BusinessWorld-SWS Pre-Election today, whom would you most prob- with invalid markings. strengthen and dignify our Survey revealed on Friday. democratic institutions, that ably vote for PRESIDENT, VICESenatorial race PRESIDENT, AND SENATORS The May 1 to 3, 2016 survey list- would heal the old wounds of The latest national scores in the 1 to 3, 2016 Pre-Election Survey of the PHILIPPINES? Here is a list ed two Liberal Party candidates, politics and give relief to our survey conducted by Social Weath- also found that Senator Ferdinand of candidates. Please shade the oval one Nationalist People’s Coalition long-suffering countrymen. er Stations in the presidential race Marcos Jr. and LP running mate beside the name of the persons you candidate, one United Nationalist The exchange of accusations, are Duterte, 33 percent; Senator Leni Robredo tied for the lead in would most likely vote for.]”

Alliance candidate, and one Ak- not only between candidates Grace Poe, 22 percent; adminis- vice presidential race.

The respondents filled in their bayan candidate in statistical po- but their supporters, has been tration candidate and Liberal Party However, the SWS said six per- ballots in private, and then depos- sition to take the five seats in the extreme. Hopefully, after the elections, there would be recstandard bearer Manuel Roxas, 20 cent of the validated voter-respond- ited them in a container brought by senatorial elections. percent; Vice President Jejomar ents dropped in ballots with invalid the interviewer.

It has four independent candi- onciliation. Progress and not Binay, 13 percent; and Senator markings.

Vice presidential race dates, three LP candidates, and one retrogression. Peace and not Miriam Defensor Santiago, 2 perThe question asked to the reThe latest scores in the vice presi- NPC candidate in statistical con- unrest. Unity and not divisiveness. Prosperity and not sufcent. spondents was, “Kung ang ele- dential race are: Senator Ferdinand tention for the last seven seats.

Undecided and others made up ksyon ay gaganapin ngayon, sino “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., 29 perLeading the circle of 12 are 1. Frank fering. Respect and not violafour percent. ang pinakamalamang ninyong cent; Rep. Leni “Daang Matuwid’’ Drilon 42 percent, 2. Vicente Sotto tion of our rights. That is the The latest SWS survey was frst re- iboboto bilang PRESIDENTE, Robredo, 28 percent; Senator 39 percent, 3-4. Kiko Pangilinan 34 prayer of Jojo Binay for the ported in Business World on May 6.

BISE-PRESIDENTE, PARTY-LIST Francis “Chiz” Escudero, 15 per- percent, Manny Pacquiao 34 percent, elections on May 9, 2016,” the vice president said.

The Business World-SWS May REPRESENTATIVE aT MGa cent; Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and 5. Risa Hontiveros 33 percent.

Duterte keeps lead in SWS May survey

MLQU touts new campuses, course

Red Scare. Various groups from the religious sector gather at Shantung Restaurant in Quezon City to transfer their support from Davao City Mayor Duterte to Vice President Jejomar Binay. The groups feared a communist takeover if Duterte wins.

MANNY PALMERO

THREE new campuses and a pioneering bachelor course in real-estate management highlight the innovations that Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) is currently making, as part of its commitment to quality education.

Its acquisition by New San Jose Builders Inc. (NSJBI) in 2014, enabled MLQU to make significant changes towards achieving excellence in education. Recently, the university launched its School for Professional Advancement and Continuing Education (SPACE), aimed at producing top graduates in law and other professions.

“Aside from the rede-

velopment of our Hidalgo campus in Manila, alongside the MLQU SPACE located at Victoria Sports Tower in Edsa, we shall soon build our academic campus offering law and basic education courses in Balanga, Bataan, and another basic education school in Caloocan,” said NSJBI co-chairman and MLQU president Dr. Isagani Germar. “Moreover, we shall soon offer a bachelor’s course in real estate management to further boost the growth of the real estate industry in the country and make the industry competitive in the Asian region.”

President Benigno Aqui-

no III was conferred an honorary degree in Public Administration by MLQU during the university’s graduation rites last April 20. Aquino was recognized for making significant strides in elevating the quality of education in the country. In his first two years in office, the government successfully plugged the backlog of 61.7-million textbooks and 2.5-million school chairs. In 2013, the backlog of 66,800 classrooms and 145,827 teachers was addressed. The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, also known as the K to 12 Program was also passed under Aquino’s term.

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Gov’t to protect Veloso’s rights

By Sandy Araneta

MALACAÑANG on Friday said the Philippine government is determined to protect the rights of convicted Filipino drug trafficker Mary Jane Veloso, who is still in Indonesia awaiting the final resolution of her death sentence.

“We have not received any official word. We have always been determined

to protect the rights of Ms. Veloso and ensure that she is not unjustly treated,”

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., said in a statement.

“If confirmed, reports on the willingness of Indonesia to allow the legal processes in the Philippines involving Ms. Veloso to take their course are welcome,” said Coloma.

Veloso, whose execution was reprieved on April 26, 2015, got a new lease on life after the Indonesian government did not include her

name in the next batch of convicts to be executed within the year, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The DFA said Veloso was temporarily spared after a woman who allegedly recruited her to be a drug courier gave herself up to police The 31-year-old Filipina is on death row for allegedly smuggling drugs into Indonesia.

The DFA said it filed

another appeal to the Indonesian government to spare the life of Veloso, saying she is a victim of human trafficking.

The Philippine government appealed for a judicial review of Veloso’s case.

Indonesia granted the Philippine government’s request last year and gave Veloso a last-minute reprieve to allow her to testify against her recruiters.

Veloso was arrested at the Yogyakarta Airport in 2010 after she was found to have 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage.

The DFA said a letter, dated April 30, quoted Indonesia Attorney General Prasetyo as saying that they “respect the legal process that is taking place in the Philippines.”

Her alleged recruiters are currently facing trial in Nueva Ecija.

12-year validity for license plates sought

By Maricel V. Cruz

Rally for Health. Members of the Alliance of Health Workers protest the abolition of Fabella hospital at Mendiola Bridge in Manila. The protesters demanded a P750 daily wage increase for health workers in private hospitals and a minimum wage of P16,000 for those in government service. LINO SANTOS

A LAWMAKER has pushed for the passage of the proposed License Plate Renewal/ Replacement Act, which provides for a 12-year validity period for license plates.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo said his proposal, once passed into law, shall require the renewal or replacement of license plates only after every 12 years.

“License plate replacement should only be effected if there are sufficient grounds for doing so. For instance, if the license plate does not in any way interfere with vehicle identification, then it should remain in use and be valid,” Castelo, chair of the House special committee on Metro Manila development, said.

Castelo said the proposal contained in House Bill 5888 shall “break the pattern wherein new license plates are implemented every change of administration indicatively out of mere caprice, whim or for any political or economic reason.”

“More importantly, this shall relieve the public of the burden of having to shell out hard-earned money to an unnecessary expenditure otherwise not subsidized by the government,” said Cas-

telo, who chairs the House Committee on Metro Manila Development.

Castelo said his proposal looks at 12 years as the standard life span of valid license plates of motor vehicles of all types in the country, subject to extension as may be issued by appropriate government agency.

“Twelve years are quick to pass and will neither alter nor render the integrity of the materials or features in license plates questionable even beyond that period, unless new developments warrant,” Castelo said.

The 12-year replacement schedule, therefore, may also be the same as the renewal date for license plates or after which, the same are deemed as “dead,” Castelo stressed.

Meantime, Castelo said the Land Transportation Office should ensure a reliable database and inventory of all license plates issued so far.

Data from LTO for year 2007 revealed that the agency has issued license plates to about 5,530,052 registered vehicles consisting of 751,092 cars or14.09 percent; 1,602,619 UVs or 30.06 percent; 192,991 SUVs or 3.62 percent; 281,261 trucks or 5.28 percent; 30,159 buses or .57 percent; 2,647,574 motorcycles/tricycles or 49.66 percent; and 24,356 trailers or .46 percent.

MMDA men to ensure smooth traffic on election day—Carlos

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority has started deploying personnel to man and direct traffic roads near and around the polling precincts in the metropolis during the May 9 elections.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said the agency will dispatch a total of 2,664 personnel from the different units and offices as part of its traffic management plan for the elections.

Aside from the polling centers and schools in Metro Manila, Carlos said traffic enforcers will also be deployed at the Commission on Elections in Intramuros, Manila, and the

Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City for the canvassing of votes.

Carlos said traffic personnel were also deployed at the political rallies in different parts of Metro Manila, including those of Liberal Party presidential bet Mar Roxas and his running mate Leni Robredo in Baclaran yesterday.

This afternoon, MMDA traffic aides will also be deployed in the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand in Manila where presidential frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte and his running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano will hold a rally.

MMDA personnel will also be manning traffic around

Quezon City Memorial Circle for the Liberal Party miting de avance at 1 p.m.

Carlos said the agency will also send out its personnel to bus terminals, sea ports and exit points to and from Metro Manila, including North Luzon Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, the Coastal Road, McArthur Highway, Marcos Highway, Mindanao Avenue and A. Bonifacio Drive.

He said that MMDA personnel will likewise clean up the trash and refuse after the rallies. Similar cleanup operations will also be conducted around schools and polling centers after the May 9 elections.

Potshots. Edgar Anas, presidentof of the Office for Transportation Security’s National Employees Association for Transportation Security discusses the Laglag Bala issue at a press conference at the Asiatel Hotel in Pasay City last Friday. Laglag Bala refers to single bullets being found in the luggage of departing passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. PNA

s at u r d ay : m ay 7, 2 0 1 6

A7

news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Ombudsman finds cause to indict gov over calamity fund

By Rio N. Araja

Starting them young. Some 44 children from Cotabato City present their artwork during the culmination of their summer art workshop organized by the United Architects of the Philippines. OMAR MANGORSI

Leyte board member faces murder charges

By Mel Caspe

TACLOBAN CITY—The Provincial Prosecutor here has ordered the filing of information against incumbent Leyte Board member and Carigara mayoralty candidate Anlie Go Apostol and three others for the murder of a Barugo, Leyte resident.

The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor found merit in the complaint filed by Arlene Camayo vda de Mesias implicating Apostol for the

murder of her husband Dennis Mesias in 2012.

In a resolution dated April 29, 2016, provincial prosecutor Ma. Arlene Huñamayor–Cordovez

charged with murder suspects Anlie Apostol, Vilma Pascual Obaob, Alfredo ‘Pidong’ Obaob, and Emmanuel ‘Jojo’ Santos. No bail was recommended for the provisional liberty of the four accused.

The arrested gunman, Alex Tremedal, earlier executed an extrajudicial confession before police investigators pointing to Board Member Apostol and live– in partner Vilma Pascual Obaob as the masterminds with motive behind the killing of Mesias.

The prosecutor’s resolution pointed to narrative and other evidence outside of Tremedal’s extrajudicial confession that were ‘sufficient to establish probable cause’ against Apostol and her other co-accused.

Suspect Leyte board member Anlie Apostol is the daughter of 2nd District Congressman Sergio Apostol and former Leyte vice governor Trinidad Go Apostol.

She was a former mayor of Carigara town before she became a Leyte board member.

GOVERNOR Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental is facing 11 counts of malversation through falsification of documents and one count of graft before the Sandiganbayan for the questionable use of P480 million in calamity fund.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause to indict Degamo for proceeding to award 11 infrastructure projects despite lack of funds.

Also facing charges were provincial treasurer Danilo Mendez and provincial accountant Teodorico Reyes.

The charges arose from the illegal use of the calamity fund for the repair, rehabilitation and construction of structures damaged by Typhoon “Sendong” in 2011 and the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in 2012.

Upon Degamo’s request, the Department of Budget and Management issued a special allotment and release order of P961.5 million, out of which P480.7 million was immediately released to the provincial government.

A few days later, the DBM informed Degamo that the special allotment and release order was being withdrawn over the province’s failure to comply with existing guidelines for infrastructure projects.

Despite the notice, Degamo, Mendez and Reyes still awarded the infrastructure contracts amounting to P143.2 million, representing the 15-percent advance payment to contractors.

Upon audit, the Commission on Audit issued 11 notices of disallowance, citing the funds were certified available despite the withdrawal of the order.

In finding probable cause, Morales said “their unilateral act of ignoring DBM’s authority is indicative of bad faith, manifest partiality and/or gross inexcusable negligence which caused undue injury to the government.”

Stop burning ‘dayami,’ PhilRice tells farmers SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija—The Philipine Rice Research Institute has cautioned Filipino farmers to refrain from burning “dayami” (rice straw), saying this could reduce nutrients in soil and make farmlands less productive.

Evelyn Javier, supervising science research specialist of the PhilRice’s agronomy, soil and physiology division, said rice straw-burning, which is practiced during the harvest season, causes air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

When done frequently, she said this could reduce the soil’s nitrogen content and

phosphorus content by 25 percent. It also cuts potassium content in soil by 20 percent and sulphur by 5 percent to 60 percent.

Javier said this practice also damages food resources of beneficial insects in the rice field.

The institute said Republic Act 9003, also known as the Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 both prohibit open-field burning, including burning of rice straws.

According to PhilRice statistics, the country produces 15.2 million tons of rice annually of which 11.3 millions are turned into rice straw.

To minimize post-harvest waste, rice straws can be used by farmers as organic fertilizer and primary material for mushroom production. Also, rice straw and other biomass from farm by-products can help farmers save expenses from chemical fertilizer inputs.

Javier said when rice straws are scattered in the field during land preparation, they maintain the soil’s nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, silicon and carbon as well as moisture.

They also preserve the biodiversity of microorganisms that helps in nutrient cycling and efficient fertilizer utilization.

Breaking their back. Farmers in Naguey, Atok work in their highland farms. DAVID CHAN

S AT U R D AY : M AY 7, 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

LP’S ‘SECRET PLAN’; HIDDEN INFO ON CERTAIN CANDIDATES

[ EDI TORI A L ]

‘AN IMMEDIATE AND VITAL NEED’ THIS week we heard about a court of appeals in Italy that overturned the judgment on a 30-year-old man who had been convicted for stealing 4.07 euros worth of sausage and cheese from a supermarket. This does not now allow hungry people to steal when they feel hungry—the ruling is not a precedent. But the court acknowledged that the food “had been taken out of an immediate and vital need for nourishment.”

A less popular case was decided last year in the UK, where a couple was discharged after being caught stealing food. Sickness, unemployment and the loss of a welfare check had fanned their desperation.

These, however, are more exception rather than rule.

Here at home, it is more common to see punishment meted out on those acting out of desolation than on those driven by greed to acquire more, even as they already have a lot. Local jails are crammed with petty thieves, and a staggering majority cannot afford to post bail as their cases remain pending, often for years.

While stealing can never be justified, the poignancy of the circumstances driving people to extreme measures should serve as a constant reminder that many fundamental things remain awry in this country. We need only to recall the plight of the farmers in Kidapawan City who blockaded the road as they pleaded for rice. The El Niño phenomenon had deepened their misery and their families had been going hungry for months, on top of their inability to produce rice to sustain their livelihood.

To our utter shame, the farmers were dispersed, and violently. They were accused of being organized by leftists out to embarrass the government. The same group of policemen who had shot at least two of the farmers were given medals of recognition.

The election noise will soon quiet down, the winners will be proclaimed and, barring a national emergency, a new administration will take over at the end of next month. The woes of the hungry—he rumbling of their empty stomachs— will, however, not stop.

The next leaders will aim for economic growth, better infrastructure, higher income, more jobs and rosier credit ratings. All these are good and desirable.

But these will amount to nothing if there remain millions of Filipinos who resort to desperate measures or expose themselves to risk just to respond to their hunger, and to be assured they will still have something for the next meal or the succeeding days.

Physical nourishment is, as the Italian court said, an immediate and vital need.

It is critical to one’s dignity. Consider only the candidates who recognize this basic requirement and commit to addressing food security over the long term.

LET’S #GO4POE! POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO IT’S THE end game for candidates as the campaign season ends in a day. Voters will formalize our choices through the ballot on Monday, May 9.

Shortly after, we will have to live with the choices we make, or made for us by the greater number of voters.

As of the final Social Weather Stations survey, Davao Mayor Digong Duterte remains on top and 11 points ahead of Sena-

tor Grace Poe who leads third placer former Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas by only two points.

If the surveys are to be believed, it looks like Duterte is headed for Malacañang unless a big shift happens. As things stand, Poe may have the biggest chances of defeating Duterte if cheating is removed from the equation and there is a big migration of votes. Not only is Poe second to Duterte (although it’s a far second), she is also the top second choice (31 percent) of voters, followed by Vice President Binay (16 percent) per the Pulse Asia survey.

Data from Pulse Asia indicate that Poe will have 41 percent of Roxas’ and Binay’s votes IF either or both give way. But this is a big IF. I am hoping against hope that this happens. If Mar Roxas looks at the numbers carefully and transcends his ambitions, perhaps a miracle can happen.

Still, I am making this last pitch for Senator Grace Poe because as far as I am concerned, she is most fit to become president.

Poe is the alternative to the dictatorship promised by Duterte and the status quo represented

by Roxas’ “daang matuwid.”

A9

Let’s reject tyranny, let’s reject the status quo.

Whether Duterte is joking or not in saying that he will be a dictator, and will not only kill, but possibly impose public hanging on “criminals” he or his administration will liquidate, I would rather err on the side of caution and not vote for him. Whether he is joking or not when he makes fun of women and raping women, I would rather not have a president who disrespects women and our rights.

The presidency is not a joke.

Everything that comes out of the mouth of the president is policy pronouncement. We cannot risk alienating ourselves from the world just because our president is tactless—a joker.

We cannot risk having a pres-

ident who disrespects, even violates laws when the Executive is primarily responsible for implementing laws. We cannot have a president who would put in peril all democratic gains we, as a people, successfully fought for, no matter how imperfect our democracy is.

At the same time, we cannot risk the next six years on the promise of Roxas’ “daang matuwid”. This is clearly, status quo—the status quo that has made people very angry and frustrated. This is the “daang matuwid” that is flatly rejected by the people and made Duterte

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-

an “attractive” option.

Roxas’ mantra does not inspire optimism and change, the change that people clamor for.

While I agree that Roxas’ academic background may be impressive, his track record as secretary of two very important departments, those of Transportation and Communications and Interior and Local Government, is at most, lackluster. It was under his watch that things in these departments got messier. Remember traffic, worst airport, laglag-bala, “Yolanda,” SAF 44,

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

among others.

The name Mar Roxas people say, seems synonymous with “analysisparalysis”. It takes forever before government action is done. Just like in this campaign, he kept harping on his presidency as continuation of “daang matuwid” that brought him nowhere. It was only on Wednesday that he acknowledged the need to correct mistakes and improve weaknesses of the Aquino administration. He at last said this when it was already too late. Typical Roxas.

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

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte remains in the lead in the surveys, with Mar Roxas of the Liberal Party in third place. For vice president, Bongbong Marcos is ahead of Leni Robredo, the LP bet. Their rivals are expected to gang up on them as the campaign winds up today.

A Duterte and Bongbong victory means many big names in the LP will be charged in court for corruption. Since that will be a nightmare for the LP, party strategists are rethinking their options.

Analysts believe that since the surveys indicate that a Roxas victory is unlikely in a fair election, the LP strategists are considering manipulating the election results to favor Robredo. Once Robredo is installed as vice president, the LP will orchestrate the ouster of Duterte as president by impeachment, or through a carefully managed “people power” type of revolution instigated by LP leaders and Duterte’s rivals. It is also possible that some overzealous anti-Duterte forces may resort to extreme measures like arranging the “permanent disability” of Duterte.

Restated, the LP plan requires the ouster of Duterte so Robredo can succeed him as president.

Under a Robredo presidency, the LP can continue its wicked ways. In the end, therefore, what the Aquino administration cannot realize through Roxas, it will get through Robredo instead. By golly, that will be like reelecting President Aquino!

Analysts believe that the only way for the Duterte camp to prevent the LP from implementing its plan is to make sure that Robredo does not win. They postulate that since Bongbong is the strongest obstacle to a Robredo victory, then Duterte supporters (and anti-LP forces for that matter) will have to support Bongbong’s candidacy.

Since public office is a public trust, voters have the right to know the qualifications and, more importantly, the disqualifications of candidates for public office. The fact that many candidates have not been truthful to the electorate underscores the need to set the record straight.

Presidential candidate Grace Poe tried to give voters the impression that her husband renounced his American citizenship in front of a barangay chairman in San Juan City. That act has no legal effect. It has to be done at the United States Embassy to be valid.

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

S AT U R D AY : M AY 7, 2 0 1 6

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

LP’S ‘SECRET PLAN’; HIDDEN INFO ON CERTAIN CANDIDATES

[ EDI TORI A L ]

‘AN IMMEDIATE AND VITAL NEED’ THIS week we heard about a court of appeals in Italy that overturned the judgment on a 30-year-old man who had been convicted for stealing 4.07 euros worth of sausage and cheese from a supermarket. This does not now allow hungry people to steal when they feel hungry—the ruling is not a precedent. But the court acknowledged that the food “had been taken out of an immediate and vital need for nourishment.”

A less popular case was decided last year in the UK, where a couple was discharged after being caught stealing food. Sickness, unemployment and the loss of a welfare check had fanned their desperation.

These, however, are more exception rather than rule.

Here at home, it is more common to see punishment meted out on those acting out of desolation than on those driven by greed to acquire more, even as they already have a lot. Local jails are crammed with petty thieves, and a staggering majority cannot afford to post bail as their cases remain pending, often for years.

While stealing can never be justified, the poignancy of the circumstances driving people to extreme measures should serve as a constant reminder that many fundamental things remain awry in this country. We need only to recall the plight of the farmers in Kidapawan City who blockaded the road as they pleaded for rice. The El Niño phenomenon had deepened their misery and their families had been going hungry for months, on top of their inability to produce rice to sustain their livelihood.

To our utter shame, the farmers were dispersed, and violently. They were accused of being organized by leftists out to embarrass the government. The same group of policemen who had shot at least two of the farmers were given medals of recognition.

The election noise will soon quiet down, the winners will be proclaimed and, barring a national emergency, a new administration will take over at the end of next month. The woes of the hungry—he rumbling of their empty stomachs— will, however, not stop.

The next leaders will aim for economic growth, better infrastructure, higher income, more jobs and rosier credit ratings. All these are good and desirable.

But these will amount to nothing if there remain millions of Filipinos who resort to desperate measures or expose themselves to risk just to respond to their hunger, and to be assured they will still have something for the next meal or the succeeding days.

Physical nourishment is, as the Italian court said, an immediate and vital need.

It is critical to one’s dignity. Consider only the candidates who recognize this basic requirement and commit to addressing food security over the long term.

LET’S #GO4POE! POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO IT’S THE end game for candidates as the campaign season ends in a day. Voters will formalize our choices through the ballot on Monday, May 9.

Shortly after, we will have to live with the choices we make, or made for us by the greater number of voters.

As of the final Social Weather Stations survey, Davao Mayor Digong Duterte remains on top and 11 points ahead of Sena-

tor Grace Poe who leads third placer former Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas by only two points.

If the surveys are to be believed, it looks like Duterte is headed for Malacañang unless a big shift happens. As things stand, Poe may have the biggest chances of defeating Duterte if cheating is removed from the equation and there is a big migration of votes. Not only is Poe second to Duterte (although it’s a far second), she is also the top second choice (31 percent) of voters, followed by Vice President Binay (16 percent) per the Pulse Asia survey.

Data from Pulse Asia indicate that Poe will have 41 percent of Roxas’ and Binay’s votes IF either or both give way. But this is a big IF. I am hoping against hope that this happens. If Mar Roxas looks at the numbers carefully and transcends his ambitions, perhaps a miracle can happen.

Still, I am making this last pitch for Senator Grace Poe because as far as I am concerned, she is most fit to become president.

Poe is the alternative to the dictatorship promised by Duterte and the status quo represented

by Roxas’ “daang matuwid.”

A9

Let’s reject tyranny, let’s reject the status quo.

Whether Duterte is joking or not in saying that he will be a dictator, and will not only kill, but possibly impose public hanging on “criminals” he or his administration will liquidate, I would rather err on the side of caution and not vote for him. Whether he is joking or not when he makes fun of women and raping women, I would rather not have a president who disrespects women and our rights.

The presidency is not a joke.

Everything that comes out of the mouth of the president is policy pronouncement. We cannot risk alienating ourselves from the world just because our president is tactless—a joker.

We cannot risk having a pres-

ident who disrespects, even violates laws when the Executive is primarily responsible for implementing laws. We cannot have a president who would put in peril all democratic gains we, as a people, successfully fought for, no matter how imperfect our democracy is.

At the same time, we cannot risk the next six years on the promise of Roxas’ “daang matuwid”. This is clearly, status quo—the status quo that has made people very angry and frustrated. This is the “daang matuwid” that is flatly rejected by the people and made Duterte

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-

an “attractive” option.

Roxas’ mantra does not inspire optimism and change, the change that people clamor for.

While I agree that Roxas’ academic background may be impressive, his track record as secretary of two very important departments, those of Transportation and Communications and Interior and Local Government, is at most, lackluster. It was under his watch that things in these departments got messier. Remember traffic, worst airport, laglag-bala, “Yolanda,” SAF 44,

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

among others.

The name Mar Roxas people say, seems synonymous with “analysisparalysis”. It takes forever before government action is done. Just like in this campaign, he kept harping on his presidency as continuation of “daang matuwid” that brought him nowhere. It was only on Wednesday that he acknowledged the need to correct mistakes and improve weaknesses of the Aquino administration. He at last said this when it was already too late. Typical Roxas.

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

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte remains in the lead in the surveys, with Mar Roxas of the Liberal Party in third place. For vice president, Bongbong Marcos is ahead of Leni Robredo, the LP bet. Their rivals are expected to gang up on them as the campaign winds up today.

A Duterte and Bongbong victory means many big names in the LP will be charged in court for corruption. Since that will be a nightmare for the LP, party strategists are rethinking their options.

Analysts believe that since the surveys indicate that a Roxas victory is unlikely in a fair election, the LP strategists are considering manipulating the election results to favor Robredo. Once Robredo is installed as vice president, the LP will orchestrate the ouster of Duterte as president by impeachment, or through a carefully managed “people power” type of revolution instigated by LP leaders and Duterte’s rivals. It is also possible that some overzealous anti-Duterte forces may resort to extreme measures like arranging the “permanent disability” of Duterte.

Restated, the LP plan requires the ouster of Duterte so Robredo can succeed him as president.

Under a Robredo presidency, the LP can continue its wicked ways. In the end, therefore, what the Aquino administration cannot realize through Roxas, it will get through Robredo instead. By golly, that will be like reelecting President Aquino!

Analysts believe that the only way for the Duterte camp to prevent the LP from implementing its plan is to make sure that Robredo does not win. They postulate that since Bongbong is the strongest obstacle to a Robredo victory, then Duterte supporters (and anti-LP forces for that matter) will have to support Bongbong’s candidacy.

Since public office is a public trust, voters have the right to know the qualifications and, more importantly, the disqualifications of candidates for public office. The fact that many candidates have not been truthful to the electorate underscores the need to set the record straight.

Presidential candidate Grace Poe tried to give voters the impression that her husband renounced his American citizenship in front of a barangay chairman in San Juan City. That act has no legal effect. It has to be done at the United States Embassy to be valid.

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

A10

S AT U R D AY : M AY 7, 2 0 1 6

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A DEMAGOGUE IN THE MAKING BACK­ BENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN LIBERAL Party vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo is a lawyer, and being familiar of the adage, her propaganda spiel about her accomplishments is what lawyers would say “figment of her fertile imagination.” All that she is saying in her campaign sorties are fiction. Maybe one can embellish something that is true, but surely not on something that never happened because the bottom line is that she is lying in front of the people she intends to fool. The perception she projects of herself is a premonition of things to come because it cast a shadow about her gloating ambition, waving as usual the flag of being a moral crusader.

It would have been better for Robredo to tell the truth that she was elected to Congress by the uncanny process of necropolitics, a macabre vice of this good-for-nothing yellow regime that exploits emotions to generate an inexplicable outpouring for the death of one, expecting to transform that to votes by the entranced electorate. To Leni and her ilk, death is not a loss, but a political windfall that should be taken advantage of while the people’s memory of their deceased caboodle remains fresh in their mind.

So, if the husband dies, the wife must run to fill in the vacuum, and if the mother dies, the son must do the same because as hypocrites, they feel they have a moral obligation to continue, and their controlled mainstream media would do the rest to put icing on their qualification. This is how this pretending-to-be-honest administration exploits the situation, that instead of mourning, they take the situation as their political windfall to perpetuate themselves in power. As the saying goes, “strike while the ‘cadaver’ is hot.”

Maybe we can assume that the late Interior and Local Government secretary Jesse Robredo was not involved in corruption.

But that is not enough. We cannot see it as an achievement because as a public official, he is expected to be honest. Otherwise, a jail term awaits him. Besides, his untimely death cut short everything that nobody knows whether he could have accomplished a greater-than-life image now being projected

of him by this fraudulent regime; or could have avoided the temptations of corruption; or succeeded in leaving a legacy to be rightfully remembered. In other words, beyond that are mere speculations just as one who states something that begins with “IF” is a liar.

The same can be said of Leni Robredo. She simply filled the vacuum left by the untimely death of her husband, and thanks to the sympathy that was purposely “orchestrated” by this good-for-nothing regime. Objectively, the accident was something of a good fortune for admittedly, Leni became a congresswoman without having to present any credential to justify her nomination. The administration did not even scout from among their lackeys who is best qualified to serve as their representative in Congress but simply proclaimed her as their standard bearer because she is one who will continue to parrot lies, as what she is now doing.

These hypocrites have managed to equate death in the family with credential.

Leni could hardly cite any accomplishment to qualify her for the position. She is groping not for words in wanting to recall what she has accomplished like reciting a litany of fiction or promising to accomplish if elected. According to Wikipedia, one of her mainstay was the passage of the Freedom of Information Law which was approved while serving as the representative of the province of Camarines Sur. Again, that is a big lie because before that controversial law was approved, the FOI has long been pending. When it was finally approved, she merely affixed her name though she did not contribute a word to rightfully claim as one of the authors who impliedly abrogated the Revised Penal Code articles on espionage, and invariably gave honor to squealers of state secrets

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

A SAFE LANDING ON ELECTION DAY

THIS is my last pre-election column. On Tuesday, regardless of the result, I hope to transition back to a non-partisan perspective and tone and help the country heal from the vicious election season. It would be difficult but all persons of goodwill are called to do so.

An election campaign is akin to having many planes airborne. The biggest are of course the presidential campaigns but there are many smaller ones flying in the crowded airspace. On Election Day, for the sake of our country, we want all those planes landing safely. This year, more than other years, is particularly dangerous.

Indeed, the 2016 elections is as critical to the direction of the country as the 1986 elections which saw Cory Aquino defeat Ferdinand Marcos and usher in democracy in lieu of a discredited dictatorship.

We saw in this election the reverse golden rule operating. Contrary to the teachings of Buddha, Jesus, and Immanuel Kant, this rule says: do bad thing to others first because they will do it to you anyway.

This rules emanates from the thinking that there are no ethical bounds in politics so therefore you can do pretty much anything and everything to others and not just to your political rivals. Husbands, wives, children, rape victims, even other people’s children to be used for commercials: no one is off limits to be used to serve political ends.

The tone of this cam-

paign started a year ago with the unrestrained attacks against Vice President Jejomar Binay and his family. This was later followed by the attacks on Senator Grace Poe and her family. Secretary Mar Roxas too has been attacked and now, it is Digong Duterte’s turn. Only Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago has been spared.

What is that saying from Nazi Germany? “First, they came for the communists . . .” Well, in the Philippines, first they attacked Binay and we shrugged our shoulders. Then they went after Poe and many laughed. And then Roxas was ridiculed and we easily justified that. And now that it’s Digong’s turn, there is no one except partisans left to complain. We impoverished ourselves in the last 12 months.

I regret very much that I did not stand up strongly against the demonization of Binay in the early days of this campaign. It would not have made a difference, but it would have been a personal statement of conviction.

As the campaign season ends, I want to unequivocally apologize for my own excesses in language.

Passion for the issues and for one’s candidate can sometime overwhelm reason. That happened to me a few times and I regret that I may have hurt some people in those instances.

Moving forward, I will try to be better in the weeks to come.

For sure, I will support whoever wins honestly on Monday. I will persuade

myself not to be afraid whoever wins. I will give the winner a governance and political honeymoon that he or she deserves.

I can accept a Binay win. If that happens, I will cheer his efforts to make the government more responsive to the poor, with Makati-like programs and services. I will be vigilant on corruption as that would be the best way I can help Binay be a good president.

I will support Duterte if he wins, and especially in transforming the Philippines into a federal state and in arriving at permanent peace settlements with Moro and communist revolutionary organizations. I will certainly oppose any attempt to subvert the people’s will through any kind of military adventurism or an early impeachment.

Personally, I will go back to being a human rights lawyer and hold a Duterte government accountable to the highest standards on human rights. That would be the best way I can help President Duterte.

It would not be difficult for me to support a Roxas administration. I will focus on capacity building during a Roxas presidency to be sure that there would be a critical mass of leaders to move forward a reform agenda.

If Grace Poe is elected, I expect her to ask me to join her administration. I would do so reluctantly as I prefer to retire from governance and politics starting June when I leave my current post as Dean of the

Ateneo School of Government. I hope to help a Poe government be a compassionate government that leaves no one behind.

Shortly after the winner is known, I will call on her or him to be magnanimous in victory and form a national unity government, with representatives from all camps invited to be in the Cabinet.

Given that Duterte might be a president and there could be military unrest as a result, I have decided to vote for all the senior senators that could have the wisdom, experience, leadership and stature to deal with crisis, those also who can stand up to strong men whether Duterte or military adventurists. So aside from Senators TG Guingona and Francis Pangilinan, who were already in my original list, I will now vote for Senators Frank Drilon, Serge Osmeña, and Ping Lacson for sure and possibly Ralph Recto and Dick Gordon as well.

I am still voting for the three progressives running —Walden Bello, Neri Colmenares and Risa Hontiveros and as many women possible (for sure Leila de Lima and Susan Ople, possibly Lorna Kapunan) as well as many Mindanawons I can accommodate (for sure Migz Zubiri and Ina Ambolodto, and still possibly Manny Pacquiao if I can be convinced he will really be present this time). Then there are Roman Romulo, Raffy Alunan, Win Gatchalian, Cris Paez and Francis Tolentino Continued on A11

and confidential information which the US likes most.

Her so-called rendering of service to the poor as a provincial lawyer of Naga, narrating that people knock on their door even at the wee hours of the night, is for anybody to guess. As one would jocularly put it, such claim of public service is a mere “drawing,” for nobody can verify it. Even as a solon, she could not present any bill that was enacted or at the least submitted and participated in the deliberation to serve as proof she diligently did her legislative assignment. With that fiction she has been dishing out as her accomplishments, she now has the gall to beg the electorate to elect her with a forte of besmirching the reputation of her rival as her clever way to cover up her ampao credentials.

This ambitious candidate knows she cannot claim the accomplishment of her

husband, if there was any, because public service has never been a conjugal enterprise. So, the route she follows is no different from her handler’s void record of accomplishment but ludicrously believes he was elected because of the support of the US imperialist, the oligarchy, the Church, and tacitly by their kibitzers from the so-called Maoist Left. As usual, they are confident she will win through the assiduous manipulation and falsification about her popularity as if the Filipino people would be sucked into voting a mindless stooge. Like what Leni now is doing, PNoy did nothing when he served as congressman and as senator until the PCOS machines elected him president.

Because these hypocrites have managed to equate death in the family with credential, they feel free to fraudulently create a larger-than-life image of themselves to spellbind

what they believe as mass of ignorant people. There is no problem much that the mainstream media and the poll surveys will do the job to water down the opposition’s credibility. By presenting themselves as holier than thou, they no longer bother to present their platform of government much that they have been detoxified of their ability to analyze what is good for them and what is good for the country. This I hasten to say because when people now talk of change for the better, they are in reality talking for themselves, and not as a nation working together to bring about progress.

These hypocrites have managed to engrave deep into our cranial lobe the value of the right to vote than to preoccupy ourselves in securing employment, the value of the right to freely open our mouths than in finding something to eat, the duty of regu-

larly going to church than in doing our civic duty so this can country can move forward, the spiritual responsibility of preparing ourselves for the life after death than providing services that would extend our life; the duty of defending freedom and democracy than in having to regulate them to allow all to have their opportunity to share and enjoy the blessings of what it means than in electing who should govern them, and finally, of the spiritual duty of nourishing our souls than in giving nutrients to our life as mortal beings.

These are the values exhorted by Leni Robredo where fact and fiction could hardly be distinguished, promising that if elected, she could do more to help the poor which is a promotion that she will only draw a fiction of the life of Filipinos under her leadership. rpkapunan@gmail.com

S AT U R D AY : M AY 7, 2 0 1 6

A11

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

DIASPORA

By Joel Vega MY FATHER will turn 85 on May 9. I expect him to get up before dawn, turn on the radio as he is wont to do and listen to the early morning blaring of raspyvoiced radio commentators preaching in the backwaters of Southern Leyte. This has been his wake-up ritual for as long as I can remember, since I was a kid still learning my ABCs. He would also wryly comment about the pleasures and displeasures of birthdays. I imagine him relapsing to his usual complaints: “It’s a privilege to live on... but oh the burdens of creaking knees! Or an independently-willed systolic blood pressure and, not the least, the frustrations of dealing with the illusions of people 20 or 30 years younger than me.”

He’s a natural-born philosopher with a deadpan tone.

But May 9 will also be a different birthdate for my father as this country turns its eyes on hundreds of desperate, tryinghard aspirants vying for various positions in this archipelago.

The radio reports in Leyte that usually recount the latest parochial interests and bloody crimes in the Visayas would

LP’s... From A9 Vice presidential contender Chiz Escudero denounces the Martial Law administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, but conceals the fact that his family was closely associated with President Marcos during that period.

Another vice presidential candidate, Antonio Trillanes IV, claims to be a champion of good government but he hides the fact that when he was still a soldier, he defied the Constitution he swore to defend, and led a mutiny against the government. His campaign is a sham because he has no presidential candidate and no senatorial lineup. His belated public accusations against Duterte are obviously last-minute attempts to take away votes from the latter.

Robredo lacks enough experience either as a national or a local executive to make her qualified for the vice presidency.

When Robredo was interviewed on television last week, she was asked if she was interested in becoming president some day. She answered in the negative. Huh? Why then is she running for vice president in the first place? Obviously, Robredo doesn’t have any clear idea of why she is running for vice president.

Many senatorial candidates are just as questionable.

Jericho Petilla claims in his television advertisements that he

A safe... From A10 who I personally like. This is a total of 20 so I still have to make a final culling before Monday.

I am actually hopeful that Grace Poe will win and overtake Duterte who has a clear lead in the polls. The Poe magic

THE AMBASSADOR OF INTERGALACTIC SPACE be more hyper than usual, and not surprisingly since May 9 is the day when the wet dreams of the Santiagos, Dutertes, Poes, Binays and Roxases, etcetera, would either break, collapse, dissipate, and—for the ultimate victor, come true.

I wrote ‘wet dreams’ since there is something pornographic about this year’s elections, or Philippine elections in general.

And I don’t only mean the dirty old tricks, mud-slinging and cheap promises, but also the way both the voted and the voter went into town with their electoral choices and duties. In this long acidic phase of showmanship and persuasion, the trapos literally showed the back of their tongues. In Filipino we have a more apt expression: “Kita ang ngala-ngala.” How to translate that into King’s English? “Their tonsils are in full view”?

Fortunately only their tonsils are showing, not their brains; granted that the latter watery organ has not dried up in this summer of electoral madness. For the discerning voter, there is not much in the voting menu. As I mentioned in an earlier column: walang mapag-pilian. It’s a Sahara Desert out there when it comes to intelligent choice. Why go for wants cheaper electricity in the country. What hogwash! When Petilla was Energy Secretary under President Aquino, he favored increases in electricity rates. In 2014, after the Supreme Court issued a restraining order against an increase in Meralco rates, Petilla urged Meralco to oppose the order.

Juan Miguel Zubiri was once elected to the Senate but the Commission on Elections eventually unseated him. Zubiri denied being involved in any election anomaly, but he never explained why he willingly relinquished his Senate seat.

An advertisement which frequently appears in the newspapers promotes Gatchalian Lechon with the phrase “win ka sa sarap,” which sounds like Gatchalian’s campaign line. Gatchalian denied that this advertisement is part of his campaign, but he has not done anything to stop this indirect violation of the Fair Elections Act. Will Gatchalian allow an indirect violation of other laws if he is senator?

Former Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s campaign advertisements portray her as an advocate of justice.

Really? When de Lima was DoJ Secretary, convicted drug lords enjoyed special privileges at the national penitentiary. Under her watch, the DoJ took several years just to resolve even simple cases.

The Commission on Audit also has been historically undercounted by poll surveys. In 2004, her father FPJ was also projected to lose to President Arroyo by a landslide. In 2013, Senator Poe herself was ranked fifth to eighth place in the final surveys. Both times, the polls were wrong. My sense, as I joined Senator Poe in her sorties yester-

fast-food when there is healthy cuisine? Our problem is that these wannabes are all fast-food choices. Okay, there are choices galore when one is frustrated. So, guys, vent our frustration.

Why not just scribble the name of waiter Allan Carreon?

Not really a bad choice. Who wouldn’t want free Wi-Fi from Jolo to Batanes? At least he is being honest about his simplistic platform of deliverance for millions of Filipinos. Forget his bad choice of a CV summary as “Ambassador of Intergalactic Space”—the guy is simply truthful, and in my barometer of truthfulness I would rather be waited on by someone with a hint of absurdity than by a type of absurdity that is anchored on dishonesty. Or worse, the lack of integrity which is the middle name of most of the presidential wannabes.

Carreon bragged about aliens as his advisors. Credit him for having the temerity to admit that his choice of wisdom is way off the beaten track. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with that and I’m sure if we probe into his records we wouldn’t find skeletons of moneyed financiers, untaxed bank accounts, terminal diseases or stowed-away misdisclosed that the DoJ, under de Lima, made illegal expenditures.

Using public funds, De Lima went to Holland to attend the hearing in the Philippine arbitration case against China even if she had no role whatsoever in that hearing.

Francis Tolentino, the exchairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, is the least qualified among the senatorial candidates. When he was MMDA chairman, the traffic mess in Metropolitan Manila was so bad that policemen of the Highway Patrol Group had to do his job for him. He also allowed traffic lights meant for Metropolitan Manila to end up in Bicol. Tolentino spent almost a million pesos to beautify a small rotunda in Pasay City which he knew was going to be demolished anyway. His dreams of running under the LP banner ended when he was identified with a political gathering which had scantily dressed female dancers for entertainers.

Manny Pacquiao must be made to account for his endless absences as a member of the House of Representatives, the salary he received for government work he did not do; and his recent boxing match which was broadcast on local television in violation of the Fair Elections Act. There are many others who should be listed here, but there is not enough space for all of them. day and saw crowds shouting her name and following her everywhere, is that history will repeat itself.

It would be such a joy if a Poe victory came to pass. I am proud of the campaign I have been affiliated with. I am proud to have met the inner core of her campaign—her loyal friends from

tresses that grate on our collective moral, political and cultural inhibitions.

The problem with elections or a popularity contest is that we often project our dreams and expectations on wannabe candidates, while knowing all along how callous they are, and how their sense or lack of integrity often hits the rocky bottoms of the Marianas and Surigao Trenches. There is no redemption for such callousness in those unlit depths. I wouldn’t go as far as to vote for Carreon’s other rival who goes by the name of Archangel Lucifer. I have nothing against Lucifer, Lucy or Cifer, but I would draw the line when there is a malignant suggestion of a shameless, 18-karat poseur. But again, in our current menu all names are poseurs, albeit in various shades of luciferian gray.

Don’t we have the DoT slogan that “It’s more fun in the Philippines”? That’s advertising truthfulness, if you ask me and a rarity in these days of slick and skin-deep promotion, these halcyon days of twittering banality.

Don’t send Carreon back to Wendy’s. A long time ago when our islands was as disparate as the natural environment, the ar-

chetypes of Carreon were seen as shining beacons. Never mind if the beacons of light were shining out from the depths of their armpits. They possessed a built-in purpose. It is only in our cynical age and hyper-consuming societies that we distrust the absurd.

And in the scale of unprogressive mutation the quirky archetypes such as Carreon may even prove to be much more benign than the least malignant Binay.

How I wish I can celebrate with my father on his birthday.

I would ask him to switch off the radio and take a break from the static noise and madness of popularity contests. I would ask him to share his nuggets of wisdom, and we can turn our eyes to the distant peaks of mountain ranges cutting across Central Leyte. For all we know, perhaps the alien links of Carreon are beaming from those heights their benevolent and shining vibes on us, dwellers of this benighted archipelago.

It’s a comforting thought, much more comforting than dictatorial scenarios, of secret bank accounts and shady alliances.

Let’s... From A9

ties as a senator. During the campaign, she displayed readiness to take on all the other candidates who are considered veteran politicians. She emerged as a very organized, well-prepared, and articulate candidate.

She may be the youngest and with the least political experience but these can even be her strong points. As someone young, she can be more creative and open to out-of-the-box solutions to problems. She is not tied to the usual way of doing things. Because she has not been in politics for too long, she may not adhere to the “system” but instead find more efficient and effective ways of doing things.

Poe has a presidential demeanor. Her manner of presenting herself, her manner of speech, her being direct but respectful, I can see her with other heads of states and will feel proud that she is our president. She will be able to represent our country well, and handle international issues diplomatically.

Poe definitely is the presidential material the people want, and the country needs.

Let’s reject tyranny, let’s reject the status quo. Let’s #Go4POE!

Grace Poe, on the other hand, represents hope, a fresh start, change through peaceful means.

Her platform of government recognizes and builds on advances already made. Very concrete programs on important concerns, i.e., health, education, employment and livelihood, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and security, even information and communication technology (ICT), are clearly outlined. The Poe agenda for marginalized sectors like farmers, fisherfolk, women, youth, LGBT, etc. are very well laid out. I especially like it that her platform is a product of consultations with many groups.

This shows that she listens to people.

Poe was the only candidate who announced her intent to run with the presentation of her 21-point general platform. Throughout the campaign period, she has been very focused on and consistent in making people know what her presidency will do to address public welfare. Even at the time when she was the subject of a demolition job, she stuck with her message: What she would do for the country.

Poe is smart, diligent, and hardworking. Her work ethic has been consistently shown as she was discharging her responsibiliAssumption College, St. Paul’s College, University of the Philippines, MTRCB colleagues, Senate staff, the legal team, the politicians and young people that support her. We did not play dirty; we certainly did not abide by the reverse golden rule. It would be such a great civic lesson for the country if Poe won

Joel Vega is an award-winning poet who now lives in The Netherlands.

bethangsioco@gmail.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook with such an ethical campaign.

To all of us and for the country, may we have a safe, if not happy, hopefully one free from cheating and violence, landing on Election Day! Facebook: tonylavs5 or Dean Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

SAT URDAY : M AY 7 , 2 0 1 6

A12

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Raptors turn up heat in OT vs Miami WASHINGTON—DeMarre Carroll finished with a team-high 21 points as the Toronto Raptors evened the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series at 1-1 with a 96-92 overtime win over the Miami Heat on Thursday.

DeMar DeRozan tallied 20 points and eight rebounds and Kyle Lowry finished with 18 points and six assists for the host Raptors, who scored six consecutive points to start the overtime then held on for the second round postseason victory.

“We decided to be the more physical team tonight in overtime,” said Lowry. “It was a must win game.

“Even though we had home court it is now 1-1. It is even series, it is 0-0 in our minds. They got to beat us three times, we got to beat them three times.”

The series moves to Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena for game three on Saturday.

Goran Dragic led Miami with 20 points, while Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson had 17 points each in the loss.

Hassan Whiteside contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Heat who made 21 turnovers that resulted in 24 Toronto points.

“I feel like if we don’t keep committing 20-something turnovers, we will be fine,” said Miami’s Wade.

Toronto centre Jonas Valanciunas had nine fourthquarter points to help erase what was once a seven-point Heat lead.

Lowry then scored backto-back Toronto baskets but Dragic hit a three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining to force the overtime.

Miami outscored Toronto 24-15 in the third quarter, closing on a 13-2 run to take a 65-63 lead into the fourth.

The Heat matched a franchise worst by committing 11 first-quarter turnovers, helping the Raptors to a 29-19 lead after one period. Toronto scored 14 points off Miami’s first-quarter giveaways.

“This loss left a bad taste in our mouth,” said Dragic.

Indeed, Dragic, who had a team-high 11 points through two quarters, left the game with less than four minutes remaining in the second quarter with a bleeding lower lip after taking a DeRozan elbow to the chin.

Dragic received three stitches on the inside of his lip and five on the outside. His bottom teeth were pushed through the lip.

The Heat played on Thursday without Chris Bosh, who spent his first seven seasons in Toronto.

The 32-year-old veteran has not played since the AllStar break after a blood clot was discovered in his left leg.

AFP

DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. AFP

Pacquiao pushes 1Pacman’s bid SPORTS being the least of priorities for the country’s presidential candidates, eight-division boxing world champion and senatorial aspirant Manny Pacquiao wants to make sure that it gets due attention in the legislative branch of the government.

Pacquiao, who has a lock on one of the 12 Senate seats at stake, is endorsing 1Pacman in the party list race for Congress.

“I am appealing to the voters nationwide to vote for 1Pacman this coming elections.” Pacquiao said Friday. “1Pacman will fight for people’s interest in Congress in promoting good governance and in improving the ailing sports program in the country.”

Chosen as 1Pacman’s top nominee is businessman-sportsman Mikee Romero, who like Pacquiao is an action man.

1Pacman stands for One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals.

Owner of Globalport Batang Pier in the Philippine Basketball Association, the 1Pacman nominee also bankrolled the national team that

ROMERO

handily won the 2007 Southeast Asian Games cage crown. He also supported teams that won several titles in the ASEAN Basketball League and the defunct Philippine Basketball League.

Aside from being a one-time godfather of Philippine amateur basketball, Romero also once head the shooting and cycling groups – a testament of his being an action man.

A business administration graduate from De La Salle, Romero holds Master and doctorate degrees, and is also an accomplished polo player.

Being a billionaire, Romero said, if ever elected, he will donate his salary for sports development and promised to tap his businessmen friends for the revival of the “godfather” system to fund national teams, particularly for the Olympics.

Apart from Pacquiao, who beat Timothy Bradley in his farewell fight on April 9 in Las Vegas, 1Pacman is being endorsed by two-time PBA MVP James Yap, Globalport star Terrence Romeo, Talk N Text ace Jayson Castro, Star pillar Marc Pingris and Ginebra skipper LA Tenorio.

Volleyball stars Rachel Anne Daquis and Aby Marano are also pushing for 1Pacman in the May 9 elections.

Aside from bringing AirAsia to the country and becoming a part owner of one the most affordable airlines in the world, the No. 1 nominee of 1Pacman was also responsible for the establishment of a world-class port terminal in the country.

Calma dominates Cebuana netfest

Largest regatta. Participants compete in the Tahiti Pearl Regatta, in the South Pacific off the coast of the French polynesia island of Tahiti. Over the years, the Tahiti Pearl Regatta has become the largest regatta in the Pacific Islands. The route takes the boats between the islands of Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine and Tahaía.

AFP

CAGAYAN de Oro’s Mary Aubrey Calma re-asserted anew her dominance in the on-going Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championship Series as she won two singles’ crowns and one doubles’ title at the Surigao City leg of the series, now on its first decade of producing young tennis champions.

Calma posted similar easy victories over Davao’s Ma. Angelica Novis and Sharon Mae Bulangis, disposing of Novis, 6-1, 6-1, for the 16-under crown, before repeating with the same score over Bulangis in the 18-under finals.

Later on, she teamed up with Stephanie Geraldino to collect her third title, dominating Bulanis and Anna Pozo in the under 18 girls’ doubles event.

“This girl is definitely good

material as she has been consistent in her performances in the series,” said sportsman/businessman Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/CEO of sponsoring Cebuana Lhuillier and current Philippine Tennis Association Chairman.

Sultan Kudarat’s Minnete April Bentino actually matched Calma’s feat in the singles’ event as she also ruled two categories, beating Casey Padilla from CDO, 6-1, 6-2 in the 12-under girls’ finals. She followed it up with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Novis for the 14under girls’ crown in the tournament hosted by the DPWH Tennis Club and supported by Dunlop Sports as official ball.

In the boys’ side, Koronadal’s Janus Ringia surprised Clyde Mari Casino in the 18-under finals, winning, 6-1, 6-1, to make up for his losing

effort against Sultan Kudarat bet Vince EJ Tugade in the 16-under finals.

Tugade won, 6-1, 6-2.

Lanao del Norte’s Richard Bautista made short work of 12-under titlist Rupert Tortal, 6- 2, 6-3, to win the 14-under crown, Bautista also shared the 14-under boys’ doubles’ crown with partner Aaron Jacque Geromo.

The duo beat Tortal and Melvyn Ligaya, 8-1, in the finals.

Tortal, who hails from host province Surigao, meanwhile took home the 12-under title after defeating Cebu City’s Harland Hogan, 6-2, 6-3.

Heinz Asian Carbonilla from Lanao del Norte remains undefeated in the 10-under unisex category, this time with Padilla as his victim in the finals, 4-0, 4-1.

SAT URDAY : M AY 7 , 2 0 1 6

A13

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

2-way tie for Fargo lead WASHINGTON—Steve Wheatcroft and Andrew Loupe had to battle the elements to shoot 65s and share the first-round lead at the USPGA Tour’s Wells Fargo Championship on Thursday.

Anirban Lahiri of India was one stroke behind after a 66. Kevin Chappell and South Africa’s Dawie van de Walt were another stroke back at 67.

Not only were the delays due to wind and rain difficult for the players, but defending champion Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler had to avoid a golf ball with an earplug attached thrown at them by a spectator on the sixth tee at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Fowler was beginning his swing on the par-three, 250-yard hole when the ball came flying onto the tee box.

The fan was caught by police and removed from the course.

Fowler was able to refocus and par the hole.

“I was getting ready to go up on

Best Center accepting enrollees for cage clinics THE multi-awarded Best Center (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center), supported by Milo, is still accepting enrollees for its summer clinics at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.

Best Center founder and president Nic Jorge, a recipient of the Philippine Olympic Committee Olympism Award and the Philippine Sportswriters Association Hall-of-Fame trophy, said interested students have until May 10 to list up for its Tuesday and Friday clinics from 8 to 11 a.m.

The Amoranto clinics are for students in Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Jorge also announced the opening of the Best Center basketball and volleyball clinics at the Angeles University Foundation beginning May 10.

The basketball clinic is for Levels 1, 2 and 3, while the volleyball clinic is for students in Levels 1 and 2.

The clinics will run from May 10 to 15 and is being organized by Eddie Velasquez (0927-554-3254 and 0927382-6748)

the tee, and a ball flew over from the left side,” Fowler said. “Didn’t really know what it was. It looked like a golf ball, something was attached to it, later finding out it was an earplug.

“So random. The guy tried to say it was a gift. I don’t know why you would give a gift of a golf ball with an earplug attached to it.”

“It was one of those things,” said McIlroy, who won by seven shots last year. “It was a golf ball with an ear plug stuck on it, so it was sort of strange. Charlotte’s finest (the police) sorted it out and got him off the property, thankfully.”

It wasn’t the only wayward golf ball of the day for Fowler and McIlroy. Fowler, the 2012 Wells Fargo winner, shot a 71 to tie for 30th.

McIlroy, a only two-time winner of the event, finished with a 73 to tie for 75th.

McIlroy, ranked third in the world, struggled with a 40 on his first nine holes. AFP

Members of the UP women’s football team celebrate their championship win in the 78th UAAP football tournament with school officials in background. They are joined by board member Sen. Pia Cayetano and UP chancellor Michael Tan. The team dedicated their win to a fallen teammate Rogie Maglinas of the men’s team.

UP booters dedicate win to late teammate

By Peter Atencio WITH a fallen teammate in mind, booters from the University of the Philippines completed a sweep in the 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines football competitions.

After taking the women’s football honors, the Fighting Maroons banked on the heroics of rookie Kintaro “King” Miyagi, who delivered a hat trick to carry UP to a 4-1 swamping of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Thursday to earn the men’s championship at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

It was the sixth men’s crown for the Maroons, who dedicated their victory to Roger Maglinas, a 19-year-old team member, who passed away last February due to rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer affecting the

skeletal muscles.

In taking both crowns, UP became the second team to win a double championship after Far Eastern University first did it in 2007.

Miyagi, a Filipino-Japanese from Cebu, put the Maroons in the lead very early, when he struck in the 28th minute.

After that, team captain Daniel Gadia found the net in the 34th minute to give the Maroons a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Two minutes later, Ateneo’s skipper Mikko Mabanag sent

in a volley, right through UP keeper Ace Villanueva in the 36th minute off a free kick.

Miyagi continued scoring for UP in the 70th minute, handing the Maroons a 3-1 cushion.

With 10 minutes left, the Cebuano rookie scored off midfielder Soheil Bidar’s assist, drawing a big ovation from supporters at the stands, with emotional teammates unfurling a banner which read “For Rogie.”

“We appreciate the support of everyone, especially the

UP community. May mga teachers na nag-cancel ng klase nila para makapanood ang mga students nila,” said coach Anton Gonzales, after players, coaches, staff and some fans gathered around in one area to offer a prayer for Maglinas.

Earlier, Angeliza Sta. Clara headed in the winning goal in the 67th minute, sending the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons to a 2-1 victory over La Salle in the women’s finals at the Rizal Memorial turf.

She went for a header from inside the penalty, never thinking her attempt would hit the net and handing the Lady Maroons their first-ever crown since 1995.

It was their first title since they last took it in 2010.

Qatar could host Summer Olympics

Olympic torches are shown in Brasilia. Embattled President Dilma Rousseff greeted the Olympic flame in Brazil on Tuesday, promising not to allow a raging political crisis, which could see her suspended within days, to spoil the Rio Games. AFP

DOHA—The head of world athletics, Sebastian Coe, refused on Thursday to rule out a summer Olympics being held in the desert state of Qatar.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, Coe said athletics aspired to being a global sport.

“We have consistently turned up to conferences to talk about globalisation and using sport to impact and imprint on the lives of young people,” Coe told reporters.

“And we have to make sure where possible giving those countries that want to stage these events to do exactly what we have been, for the last 30 or 40 years, encouraging them to do.”

Asked about concerns over Doha’s climate -- where temperatures can reach 50 degrees celsius

(122 fahrenheit) in the summer -- Coe said there were other considerations to take into account before awarding a host, including commercial concerns and the quality of infrastructure.

In February this year, a senior official of Qatar’s Olympics Committee (QOC) told AFP his country had a “vision and target” of hosting a summer Olympics.

QOC secretary general Thani Al-Kuwari said Qatar would undoubtedly bid to host an Olympics and although it had ruled itself out for 2024, Qatar could bid for the 2028 games, said Kuwari.

“The vision and the target is to host one of the Olympics, one day,” he said.

Qatar has previously bid unsuccessfully for the 2016 and 2020 games but remains un-

daunted.

Qatar has already been chosen to host the World Athletics Championships in 2019, as well as the football World Cup in 2022 and the 2023 FINA world swimming championships.

Since the beginning of 2015, Qatar has also hosted a world handball championships and the paralympics athletics world championships.

The Khalifa International Stadium in Doha will be the venue for the 2019 athletics championships.

This stadium—which will also be used in 2022—was recently cited by Amnesty International in a report which alleged workers there suffered abuse and had been subjected to forced labour.

AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Carlos hangs on to 1-stroke lead BINANGONAN, Rizal—Jobim Carlos overcame a fumbling start and Jay Bayron’s eagle-spiked 70, scrambling for a one-over 73 to barely hang on to a one-stroke lead in the third round of the P3.5 million ICTSI Manila Masters at the Eastridge Golf Club here yesterday. gey in the first three holes but pounced on his veteran rival’s mishap on No. 15th to regain control. He then matched Bayron’s third straight birdie on the

Carlos blew an overnight four-shot lead over a hot-charging Bayron as he lost his focus and putting touch, stumbling with a bogey and a double bo-

closing par-5 hole from three feet to salvage a 35 and a 73.

With a 211 aggregate over 54 holes, Carlos moved 18 holes away from scoring a breakthrough early in his pro career but the 20-yearold shotmaker has a lot of shielding to do with at least four players within striking distance for the top P650,000 purse in this fifth leg of this year’s ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour.

“I lost my focus and suffered a mental lapse,” rued Carlos, who four-putted for 5 on the par-3 No. 3. “But I was lucky to still be in the lead. I’ll just have to play extra cautious and avoid getting into trouble in the final round.”

Four down halfway through the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., Bayron gained on Carlos’ shaky start then gunned down an eagle on the

par-5 seventh to draw level. But the former Asian Development Tour Order of Merit winner bogeyed No. 9, birdied No. 14 from close range to tie again only reel back again with a missed green bogey on the 15th.

He finished with a 70, grabbed second place at 212 and bolstered his bid for another win after besting Miguel Tabuena and Tony Lascuna at ICTSI Summit Point Golf Classic last year.

But unheralded Rene Menor stayed in the hunt at 213 despite a 73 while Clyde Mondilla also birdied the last hole to fire a 71 and tie the surprise first round leader at third even as veteran Frankie Minoza likewise put himself in rare contention for the crown in the event backed by Custom Clubmakers, adidas, KZG, Summit Mineral Water, Srixon, Pacsports, TaylorMade, Sharp and Champion.

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

Supply of Labor and Materials for Construction of New ORMECO District-V Office Building at Papandayan, Pinamalayan.

Approved Budget Cost: Php 3,000,000.00 Source of Funding: E.C. Loan Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1.

Interested parties may secure BID DOCUMENTS / INFORMATIONS from the Procurement Section, ORMECO, Inc., Simaron, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. A non-refundable fee of Php 15,000.00 and shall be collected as payment for BID DOCUMENTS.

2.

Interested Bidder must be accredited as contractor before joining the pre-bidding accreditation will start on May 10, 2016 of 8:00am until May 12, 2016 of 5:00p.m. You can call at telephone number 043-2882349 or email at ormeco_coop@yahoo.com, and

3.

PRE-BID CONFERRENCE will be held at ORMECO, Inc. compound at 2:00 p.m. of May 13, 2016.

4.

SEALED PROPOSALS will received at 2:00 p.m. of May 26, 2016, immediately after which, the said proposals will be opened during the actual bidding in the presence of the attending bidders.

5.

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

6.

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

7.

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

8.

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

Jobim Carlos moved 18 holes away from scoring a breakthrough early in his pro career.

ORMECO, INC. ENGR. PATROCINIO M. PANAGSAGAN, JR. General Manager

(TS-MAY 7, 2016)

Republic of the Philippine CITY OF NAGA BIDS & AWARDS COMMITTEE

INVITATION TO BID The CITY GOVERNMENT OF NAGA (CGN), through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites interested persons/entities to submit bid proposals for the LEASE of PORTIONS OF THE BICOL CENTRAL STATION (BCS) COMPLEX as provided under City Ordinances 2014-028 and 2014-061, as amended by Ordinance 2016-019, subject to the terms and conditions stipulated hereunder: 1) Name of Contract

Lease, Development and Utilization of Portions of the Bicol Central Station (BCS) Complex

2) Areas Available for Lease

Currently undeveloped and underutilized second floor facing SM City Naga and Second Street with an area of more or less 2,291 sq. m., the adjacent airspace also facing SM City Naga and Second Street from about 10 feet above the ground with an area of more or less 2,291 sq. m. and/or the lot at corner of Second Street and Ninoy-Cory Ave. with an area of more or less 491 sq. m.

3) Minimum Development Guidelines

- One-storey development on the second floor including on the airspace and/or such development as may be necessary on the appropriate portion of the 491 sq. m. lot to enhance accessibility, visibility and viability of the business - Business use is for department store, grocery, fastfood and other related commercial stores or a combination thereof - Business areas are enclosed and fully air-conditioned - Should be compliant with the requirements of the National Building Code and the Revised - Building Code of the City of Naga as to requisite facilities and spaces; - Should show design for customers’ access from the ground floor using existing building stairs or additional stairs that may be constructed or other facilities, without destroying the overall aesthetic design of the entire BCS Complex - Should show separate cargo/supply loading and unloading facilities -Design must blend with the design of the BCS - Should have reasonable access to the existing Migrants’ Resource Center also found at the second floor.

4) Minimum Lease Amount

- P 50.00/sq. m./month for the second floor facing SM City Naga and Second Street - P 25.00/sq. m./month for the adjacent airspace - P 75.00/sq. m./month for the lot at corner of Second Street and Ninoy-Cory Ave.

5) Minimum Escalation Rate

Three percent (3%) compounded every three (3) years. This escalation rate shall be reviewed for rate adjustments to be implemented, if any, beginning the 15th year of the lease period.

6) Duration of Lease

Maximum of fifty (50) years, renewable under terms and conditions that may be agreed upon between the CGN and the lessee

7) Security Deposit

Equivalent to four (4) months rental, payable upon signing of the Lease Agreement

8) Advance Rental

Equivalent to three (3) months rental, payable upon turn-over of possession and control over the leased premises

9) Turn-over of Improvements

All permanent improvements introduced by the lessee shall be deemed owned by the City Government of Naga upon expiration of the Lease Contract. They shall be fully turned over to the CGN, unless a new Lease Contract is executed with the City Government.

10) Construction Timetable

Construction on all or portions of the leased Property must commence within one month from the date of ratification of the Lease Contract by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and must be completed in eighteen (18) months. Failure to comply with this condition shall result in the forfeiture of the security deposit.

Sole proprietorships, Partnerships or Corporations duly organized under Philippine laws are eligible to participate in the said bidding. Entities with existing tax arrears with the national government and/or the local governments where they are currently doing business are disqualified from participating in the bidding process. This eligibility requirement also applies to their affiliates and subsidiaries.

Prospective bidders shall submit their bid proposals through their authorized representative in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes, and which shall be submitted simultaneously. The first shall contain the technical component including the eligibility requirements; and the second shall contain the financial component of the bid.

All bids shall be valid for one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the date of opening of bids and must be accompanied by a bid security payable to the City Government of Naga in an amount equal to a percentage of the total bid price in accordance with that specified in the Instruction to Bidders (ITB).

Bids shall be evaluated by the BAC using the following criteria: CRITERIA 1. Lease Value, including escalation 2. Business Operations Concept and Validated Project Cost 3. Expertise and Experience 4. Financial Capability

POINT VALUE 30% 30% 20% 20%

The Bidder with the Highest Points generated based on the prescribed criteria above shall be recommended by the BAC to the City Mayor for award as the Winning Bidder. The Winning bidder shall agree to hire at least eighty percent (80%) of its workers, from construction to operation, from among registered voters of Naga City. For this purpose, a list of the names and addresses of all its employees shall be submitted to the City Government of Naga at the beginning of each year from the signing of the Lease Contract .

The following schedule shall be observed: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

ACTIVITY Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Deadline for the Submission of Letter of Intent (LOI) Issuance of Eligibility and Bid Documents Pre-bid Conference Deadline for the Submission and Receipt of Bids Opening of Bids

DATE AND TIME May 7 to June 6, 2016 May 16, 2016, 5:00PM May 7 to June 6, 2016 May 23, 2016, 3:00PM June 6, 2016, 3:00PM June 6, 2016, 3:00PM

PLACE/VENUE City Planning and Development Office, 2nd Floor, City Hall Building City Planning and Development Office, 2nd Floor, City Hall Building City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building City Planning and Development Office, 2nd Floor, City Hall Building City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building

Eligibility and Bid Documents shall be available based on the above schedule upon submission of LOI and payment of a non-refundable amount of PhP 25,000.00. For details and inquiries, please contact: MR. REUEL OLIVER, Investment and Trade Promotions Office, City Hall Compound, Naga City The City Government of Naga reserves the right to accept or reject any interested party or bidder, or proposals or bid therefrom, or any part thereof and/or waive any defects contained in the proposal or bid and accept the offer advantageous to the government, without offering any reason whatsoever. The City Government of Naga does not assume any obligation to compensate or imdemnify parties for any expense or loss that may incur as a result of the participation, nor does it guarantee that an award will be made. Further, the City Government of Naga reserves the right to modify, supplement or change the bidding procedures at any time, including the schedule and venue provided herein, for any reason whatsoever and without giving prior notice. Interested parties or bidders will be notified subsequently of such modifications, supplements or changes.

Issued this 7th day of May, 2016, at Naga City ( T S - M AY 7, 2 016)

(SGD) FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR BAC Chairperson

Kim, Alido seal match play duel TOP seed Tom Kim and Ira Alida knocked off their respective semifinal rivals with similar onesided romps yesterday to arrange a showdown for the 2016 Philippine Junior Amateur Match Play Golf Championship boys’ crown at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa.

Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso and Korean Hwang Min-jeong, meanwhile, pulled off victories in varying fashions to forge a face-off for the girls’ title in the annual event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, Smart, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Kim, chasing a sweep of the junior crowns after copping the stroke

play championship last month, rolled past Peter Tyler Po, 5&4, in the morning quarterfinals then blasted Ryan Monsalve, 6&5, to seal an explosive title duel with Alido.

The second-seeded Alido survived Luis Castro’s stubborn stand in the quarters, hacking out a 2&1 decision but outclassed the third ranked Aniceto Mandanas in their afternoon semis clash to fashion out a 5&4 victory for a crack at the crown in the event held as part of the PLDT National Amateur Golf Tour and organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Monsalve earlier trounced John Jun, 3&1, while Mandanas crushed Adrian Romero, 6&4.

Saso, who dominated the 36-hole stroke play elims, sustained her form and whipped Jona Magcalayo, 5&4, in the quarters then dominated Kristine Torralba, 5&4, to earn a crack at the championship.

But she will be up against a rising Korean star Hwang, who eased past Ashia Nocum, 4&3, in the morning quarters before bundling out last year’s champion Harmie Constantino on the 19th hole.

The second ranked Constantino, looking forward to sealing another title clash with Saso, whom she beat in last year’s finals, edged Koh Eun A, 2&1, in the quarters but lost steam in her grueling duel with the young Korean, losing the battle on the 19th hole.

Azkals move to no. 115th in the world THE Philippine Azkals men’s football team moved a notch higher in the current FIFA world rankings.

They are now at no. 115th, one spot higher from 116 last month.

This came two months after they climbed 19 places from their previous rank.

Their rise comes after they pulled off a 3-2 win over two-time World Cup veteran North Korea last March.

Argentina, Belguim, Chile, Colombia, and Germany stayed in the top five in the FIFA world rankings. Peter Atencio

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

LOTTO RESULTS 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 4 DIGITS 00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Marano learning from teammate

By Peter Atencio

Wholistic health module. Some 93 national athletes and coaches finished the Personal Enhancement Program for Sports’ wholistic health

module by the Philippine Sports Commission on May 4 and 5 at the Philsports Multi-Purpose Arena in Pasig City. Ten athletes and 15 coaches were likewise awarded special certificates for completing all three PEP for Sports modules, including financial literacy and personality development.

The last PEP module featured sessions with Pinoy Laughter Yoga founder Paolo Martin Trinidad, physiatrist Vivien “Sckye” Mercado-Ner, MD and cardiologist Willie Ong, MD on ABS-CBN’s “Salamat Dok.” The PEP in Sports’ module on wholistic health was also supported by UniLab. PSC Commissioner and PEP program director Iggy Clavecilla joined the participants for their class picture as seen above.

Abueva’s focus is title, not best player award

By Jeric Lopez

WHILE he is the frontrunner and favorite to win his first-ever Best Player of the Conference Award in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, Alaska superstar Calvin Abueva made it clear that his attention is focused on a much bigger accomplishment.

Abueva is the lone contender for the per- fueled by the Aces’ failed bid to win any sonal accolade as he carried the Aces on his championship in their last three trips to the burly back to the championfinals in these last two seasons Game Tomorrow ship round. despite coming close a couple (Finals, Game 2 - Smart The do-it-all swingman, of times.

Araneta Coliseum) despite being the leading can- 7 p.m. - Alaska vs. Rain or Shine This time around, Abueva didate for the BPC Award, is wants a different ending for the solely focused on a certain goal that he con- Aces, who finished a bridesmaid in the last tinues to chase—end Alaska’s title drought. two Philippine Cups, as well as the Gover“Hindi ko iniisip ‘yan (BPC Award). Ang nors’ Cup last season, losing to San Miguel mindset namin ay nasa finals lang talaga,” Beer each time. said Abueva.

“Sana makuha na (‘yung championship),” Understandably, Abueva’s hunger was said the man who’s also known as “The Beast”

Sporting spectacles INSIDE SPORTS RONNIE NATHANIELSZ WHILE the presidential election campaign continues to sap our collective energies as a people and be mired in a litany of charges and counter-charges devoid of substantial or solid evidence, we can at least look forward to an event far more ennobling—the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where the Philippines will once again strive to win its first Olympic gold medal, which eluded us in 1964 in Tokyo, Japan and in 1996 in Atlanta in the United States.

In Tokyo, talented Anthony Villanueva ripped through his opponents en route to the finals, where he lost what was considered a questionable if not controversial decision to Russia’s Stanislav Stepashkin.

Anthony, the son of Los Angeles 1932 Olympic bronze medalist Cely Villanueva, who broke

down, embraced us and cried in our studios when the inimitable Joe Cantada, who did the radio coverage for dzHP, “The Sound of the City” from ringside, shouted out in his booming voice, “we wuz robbed! We wuz robbed!!”

Thirty-two years later, little light flyweight Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco was only able to salvage a silver medal, losing to Bulgaria’s solidly built Daniel Petrov by a 6-19 score that hardly reflected the closeness of the bout or the courage of the gallant little Filipino. The score was a travesty.

Joe, who was an outstanding collegiate athlete and won a gold medal in the heavyweight division in the national collegiate championships representing San Beda College and covered several professional bouts during his lifetime, which was regrettably cut short at the age of 50, knew the sport perhaps like no other.

Businessman Juan Ibazeta recalled that he went to the collegiate boxing finals and hardly had time to take his seat when Joe, with one thundering right

hand, the first punch he threw, knocked his opponent out cold.

The hopes of our nation this time around once again wrests with our boxers, two of whom have so far qualified for Rio 2016 —lightweight Charly Suarez and light flyweight Rogen Ladon.

ABAP president Ricky Vargas is hoping that we will be able to get two more boxers, led by hardhitting welterweight Eumir Felix Marcial and perhaps Mario Fernandez, as well as female boxer Nesthy Petecio, who was victim of a bum decision when she lost to five-time world champion Mary Kom of India in the recent qualifying tournament in China.

But Petecio hasn’t given up hope and is determined to qualify for the Olympics in the Women’s World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, which opens on May 19.

ABAP has reserved a slot for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in the Rio Olympics boxing squad, hoping that AIBA president Dr. Wu ching-kuo will be able to successfully pursue

for his monster-like type of play. “Nag-pursige talaga kami para makarating ulit dito sa finals kaya gustong-gusto namin makuha na ‘to.”

The last time the Aces tasted a title was way back in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup, during the time of then head coach Luigi Trillo.

As of this report, Alaska and Rain or Shine are feeling each other out as they battle in Game 1 of their best-of-seven finale to see who gets first blood.

Meanwhile, NLEX and Phoenix have completed a multi-player swap in an attempt to improve their chances in the Governors’ Cup ahead.

The Road Warriors acquired veteran gunners Mac Baracael and Emman Monfort, along with a second-round pick for 2018, from the Fuel Masters in exchange for promising rookie Simon Enciso and veteran forward Mark Borboran.

This came after both teams finished in the lower half in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup. his bid to have the International Olympic Committee approve the plan to have professionals compete in the Rio Olympics.

The AIBA president had earlier met with Manny during a trip to Doha, Qatar and has in fact offered him a wild card entry, where he won’t have to compete in any of the qualifiers but will go straight into the competition in Rio. Pacquiao has said he wants to represent the country in the Rio Olympics and if allowed to participate is eager to help the Philippines win its first gold medal.

Talking of pro boxing, the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN is on a roll with the fantastic TV ratings for the world title defense of super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, who battered former Hungarian Olympian and world-ranked No. 4 Zsolt Bedak in three rounds, before a wildly cheering throng of 23,000 fans at the Cebu Sports Center.

The fight indeed finished in a flash, with Donaire retaining his title in a short but action-packed battle in which he bloodied and battered Bedak in three rounds, before referee Russell Mora called a halt at 2:44 of the third round.

IT WILL be a learning experience for first timer Aby Marano when the tight and wide-open race to the title gets going Saturday in the 2016 Philippine Superliga Challenge Cup beach volleyball tournament at the Sands, SM By the Bay in Mall of Asia.

Action starts at 7:30 a.m. when Marano suits up with Danika Gendrauli for the F2 Logistics Cargo Moves team. Their fight with the Petron Sprint 4T team of Maica Morada and Frances Molina will be Marano’s baptism of fire.

“Focus ko ang matuto sa kanya (Gendrauli). Tinuturuan niya ako,” said Marano, who has won a lot of accolades as an indoor player.

Gendrauli won the crown last year with Norie Jane Diaz playing for Team Gilligan’s. Diaz is now with Pau Soriano as part of the Standard Insurance-Navy A team.

The talented pair of Jovelyn Gonzaga and Nene Bautista(RC Cola-Army A) will have their first fight as well, taking on Far Eastern University-Petron’s Bernadeth Pons and Kyla Atienza.

Cherry Rondina and Patty Orendain of Foton then clash with Aileen Abuel and Princess Listana of Accel Quantum Plus.

Bang Pineda and Aiza Pontillas of Petron XCS meet Shaira Hermano and Niella Ramilo of Mapua, while RC Cola-Army B’s Jeannie Delos Reyes and Genie Sabas for RC Cola-Army-B take on Jasmine Alcayde and Angelica Dacaymat of UE-Manila Then, it will be matches between Petron Sprint 4T and Standard Navy Insurance-B; Foton and Accel Quantum Plus; Meralco and FEU-Petron; Petron XCS and Mapua; Standard Navy Insurance A and RC Cola-Army B; Meralco and Cignal Team Awesome.

Later, FEU-Petron takes on Gonzaga and Bautista of RC Cola-Army A, while F2 Logistics battles Petron Sprint 4T.

The 25.4 percent rating in the telecast over the pre-eminent Channel 2 overwhelmed GMA 7’s “I Bilib,” which rated 8.4 percent and Spongebob Square Pants, the movie which turned in a rating of 14.1 percent.

The tremendous crowd and the massive ratings have sparked the interest of Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who was represented in Cebu by the extremely likeable executive producer Brad Jacobs, who saw for himself how well the entire event was handled by ALA Promotions and its broadcast partners ABS-CBN. The tremendously successful event titled “The Time Has Come,” is a prelude to edition No. 36 of the immensely successful “Pinoy Pride” series when the longest-reigning Filipino world champion Donnie Nietes defends his WBO light flyweight crown against former world champion Raul “Rayito” Garcia, the identical twin brother of Raul Garcia Hirales from whom he won the vacant title in Bacolod City before a huge crowd on October 8, 2011.

Nietes returns to fight before his hometown fans, who had clamored for a his return since he comes

from Murcia, which is on the outskirts of Bacolod.

The exciting fight card will also see the return of world-rated super flyweight, King Arthur Villanueva, who dropped a controversial technical decision to McJoe Arroyo in a clash for the vacant IBF world title in El Paso, Texas, and Milan Melindo, who also dropped a somewhat controversial technical decision in a title fight against Javier Mendoza, against whom Milan is eyeing a rematch.

The unprecedented success of the Donaire-Bedak title fight followed the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Finals, where La Salle bested Ateneo in another classic showdown before some 22,000 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The public response to sports, which also includes the NBA Playoffs on ABS-CBN Sports and Action and the PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven finals between the Alaska Aces and Rain Or Shine augurs well for the future and with the upcoming coverage of the Olympic basketball qualifying tournament by the host broadcaster TV 5, millions of Filipinos can look forward to sporting spectacles second to none.

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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

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

Donaire’s next WBO title defense in Cebu or Dubai

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

THE crowd of over 23,000, who watched WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire successfully defend his title with a dominating third-round TKO over No. 4-ranked Hungarian Olympian Zsolt Bedak and the huge 25.4 TV ratings on ABS-CBN, has attracted the attention of Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who had to skip the fight because of a bad back, but sent executive producer Brad Jacobs to represent him.

Jacobs saw how ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN combined to present a world-class event.

The result is Top Rank wants to continue staging Donaire’s next title defense, either at the sprawling Cebu Sports Center or in Dubai, where ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN have staged highly successful “Pinoy Pride” events in the past at the International Trade Center.

UP booters dedicate win to late teammate TURN TO A13

However, if the next title defense of the five-division world champion is staged in Dubai, it will be at one of the larger venues in the United Arab Emirates.

The two possible opponents are both handled by Top Rank—WBO No. 1-ranked super bantamweight, unbeaten Jessie Magdaleno, or undefeated featherweight Oscar Valdez, who has a fight lined on July 23

at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, possibly against WBO featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko.

This leaves Magdaleno as the possible challenger, especially after he told Steve Kim of Boxing Scene: “I would love a crack at Donaire (22-0, 16 KOs) next.”

“I’ve been waiting for a while and now that he (Nonito) has a WBO title, I want it even more,” said Magdaleno, who praised Donaire as “a great fighter.”

“He put on a great show Friday night (when he beat Cesar Juarez to win the vacant title), but I feel like his time is done and it’s time for the new generation to make their mark in the history books. I feel like that fighter who can do that,” he added.

Magdaleno’s manager Frank Espinoza told BoxingScene.com that he and Arum had spoken about a possible title fight and they both liked the idea.

“I think Jessie is more than ready to

step up at this point,” said Espinoza.

Both Donaire and Magdaleno are promoted by Top Rank, but Arum said that while he is more than willing to make the fight, he has one condition that “We have to have a clear understanding and a program that (Jessie) is going to be able to make the 122 limit because his last three or four fights, he’s been way over the limit and we can’t tolerate that.”

In his last fight on Oct. 17, Magdaleno came in at 127.5 pounds, stopping Filipino Vergel Nebron in one round.

“I’m not going ahead with that fight unless I have complete assurances, plus a plan, a nutritionist, that he’s going to make the fight,” Arum said.

But the veteran promoter likes the idea of this match-up, saying: “I like the fight because it’s a fight that resonates in Las Vegas, both of the guys live in Vegas.”

As for when Magdaleno fights again, the 24-year old southpaw explained, “It’s in the works, right now.”

Carlos hangs on to 1-shot golf lead TURN TO A14

Djokovic, Murray, Nadal win MADRID—World number one Novak Djokovic racked up his 30th win of a dominant season with a 6-2, 6-1 destruction of Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut to reach the Madrid Masters quarterfinals on Thursday.

The resurgent Rafael Nadal and defending champion Andy Murray also remained on course for a semi-final clash as they eased past Sam Querrey and Gilles Simon respectively in straight sets.

Djokovic is playing in Madrid for the first time in three years, but hasn’t taken long to adjust to the different conditions in the altitude of the Spanish capital as he has reached the quarters for the loss of just nine games.

The Serb will continue his quest for a fifth title of the season against Milos Raonic as the big serving Canadian dumped out seventh seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-4.

Nadal stretched his perfect start to the European clay-court season to 12 matches as he fought back from going down an early break to beat Querrey 6-4, 6-2.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion is in fine form after victories in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and is seeking to break Guillermo Vilas’ record with a 50th clay-court title in Sunday’s final.

Nadal started slowly as Querrey stormed into a 3-0 lead and had a break point to lead 5-2.

Nadal next meets Portugal’s Joao Sousa who overcame Jack Sock 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2.

Murray extended his impressive record over Simon to 14-2 with a 6-4, 6-2 win over 16th seed. AFP

SATURDAY: MAY 7, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

Economic commitment. Key drivers and game changers from various Philippine industries and sectors, government agencies development partners and other stakeholders gather on May 5 in an appreciation lunch to renew their commitment to collaborate efforts in supporting the competitiveness of Philippine industries. Shown at the gathering at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City are (from right) Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Trade Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba, Catherine Ileto of the Information Technology and Business Processing Association of the Philippines, Vicente Mills Jr. of the Philippine Automotive Federation Inc. and Dan Lachica of the Semiconductor & Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc.

LRT Line 6 bidding deferred PSe comPoSite

index

Closing May 6, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

6,991.87 7.88

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing May 6, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P47.090

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P47.070 LOW P47.350 AVERAGE P47.247 VOLUME 725.000M

P426.00-P637.00 LPG/11-kg tank P35.40-P42.60 Unleaded Gasoline

o

il P PriceS today

P23.49-P27.07 Diesel

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, May 6, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

47.2050

Japan

Yen

0.009325

0.4402

UK

Pound

1.449000

68.4000

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128846

6.0822

Switzerland

Franc

1.033592

48.7907

Canada

Dollar

0.778089

36.7297

Singapore

Dollar

0.735998

34.7428

Australia

Dollar

0.746400

35.2338

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655267

125.3419

Rial

THE Transportation Department said Friday it extended the deadline for the bid submission of the P65.09-billion Light Rail Transit Line 6 to next month on the request of prospective bidders.

“In view of the requests for extension and in order to give bidders ample time to prepare their submission, please be advised that the dialled for submission of pre-qualification documents [is] moved from May 12 to June 2,” Edwin Lopez, chairman, prequalification, bids and awards committee of the Transportation said.

Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp.,

0.266738

12.5914

Brunei

Dollar

0.733299

34.6154

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.028504

1.3455

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.8533

Euro

Euro

1.140600

53.8420

Korea

Won

0.000857

0.0405

China

Yuan

0.153657

7.2534

India

Rupee

0.015027

0.7093

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.249875

11.7953

New Zealand

Dollar

0.688200

32.4865

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030876

1.4575 Source: PDS Bridge

a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., and San Miguel Holdings Corp., a unit of San Miguel Corp., earlier purchased pre-qualification documents for the LRT Line 6 private-public partnership project.

MPIC vice president for business development Karim Garcia earlier asked the Transportation Department to extend the deadline by six months from the origi-

nal date of April 5.

Garcia said the government should set a realistic timeline for the project.

MPIC’s concern over the timetable of the bidding was supported by San Miguel Corp., another company that was looking into the project.

The Transportation Department earlier said the opening of the bids for the project would be in September while awarding was expected by October.

The project is a 19-kilometer railway from Niyog, Bacoor, which is the terminus of the P64.9-billion LRT 1 Cavite extension to Dasmariñas City.

The proposed LRT Line 6 will have seven stations at Niyog, Tirona, Imus, Daang Hari, Salitran, Congressional Avenue and

Governor’s Drive.

Light Rail Manila Consortium, the joint venture of Ayala Corp. and MPIC, earlier won the LRT Line 1 Cavite extension project from Baclaran station to Bacoor.

Under the concession, LRMC will assume the operations and maintenance of the existing 20-kilometer LRT Line 1 and construct the 11.7-kilometer extension of the rail line to Bacoor.

The consortium will build eight new stations after Baclaran. These include Aseana, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Piñas, Zapote and Niyog.

The project will increase the span of LRT 1 from 20.7 kilometers to 32.4 kms, and provide commuters from Cavite and other parts of Parañaque and Las Piñas access to central Manila.

Foreign reserves climbed to $83.5b in April—BSP

By Julito G. Rada

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene

Saudi Arabia

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GROSS international reserves climbed to a two-year high in end-April, on higher gold holdings and foreign investments of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Data from Bangko Sentral showed the foreign reserves hit $83.5 billion in April, up by $490 million from $83 billion in March and $80.85 billion a year ago.

Bangko Sentral officer-incharge and Deputy Governor Vicente Aquino said in a statement the increase in GIR was due mainly to revaluation gains on gold holdings resulting from the increase in the price of the precious metal in the international market.

Bangko Sentral’s gold holdings jumped to $8.152 billion in April from $7.764 billion in March.

Other reasons for the increase in reserves were the net foreign currency deposits by the national government and Bangko Sentral’s income from investments abroad.

Bangko Sentral’s foreign investments, mainly in US securities, reached $71.6 billion in April, up from $71.4 billion in March.

“These were partially offset by payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations,” Aquino said.

The end-April reserves can

cover 10.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to 5.5 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity.

Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months.

Net international reserves, which refer to the difference between the GIR and total shortterm liabilities, also increased by

$490 million to $83.45 billion as of end-April from $82.96 billion in March.

Bangko Sentral said earlier it expected reserves to settle at $82.7 billion by end-2016, or equivalent to nine months’ import cover. This would be supported the expected improvement in the overall balance of payments position this year to $2.2 billion from $2 billion in 2015.

The current account this year is expected to remain in surplus at $5.7 billion but lower compared to $8.9 billion in 2015 due mainly to the expected increase in the imports of goods and improvements in the services and secondary income accounts.

SATURDAY: MAY 7, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Friday, May 6, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 4.2 17 30.45 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.68 12.02 19.6 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 148 20.6 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 79 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 1450 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 1.3 26 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 32 15.32 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 34.1 1.63 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 801 4.1 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 0.640 10.02 1.2

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 5.29 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 0.0670 2.31 1.61 2.99 84.9 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 3 4.84 0.59 12 4.2 0.030 1.23 0.550 2.26 59.3 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.48

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 0.97

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.93 2.82 45.5 45 100.00 98.50 91.00 89.65 40.1 39.7 1.55 1.45 14.2 14 15.46 15.04 0.570 0.550 79.5 78 0.97 0.97 15.00 15.00 50.50 49.90 103.5 103.5 263 259 30.2 30.15 171.6 167 1360.00 1360.00 60.00 57.70 1.5 1.5 INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp.

44.5 44.4 43.7 Agrinurture Inc. 4.28 4.25 4.08 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.75 0.76 0.76 Alsons Cons.

1.37 1.42 1.38 Asiabest Group 14 13.9 12.7 C. Azuc De Tarlac 188.00 209.60 188.00 Century Food 19.08 19.12 19.02 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 187.4 187.4 187 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 18 18.02 17.4 Concepcion 47.9 45.05 45.05 Crown Asia 2.26 2.27 2.19 Da Vinci Capital 4.77 4.75 4.62 Del Monte 10.78 10.78 10.6 DNL Industries Inc. 8.850 8.960 8.790 Emperador 7.79 7.98 7.70 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.65 5.67 5.59 EEI 7.13 7.14 7.08 Euro-Med Lab 1.67 1.67 1.6 First Gen Corp.

19.6 19.68 19.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 63.55 64.5 63.55 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 14.80 14.70 14.70 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.20 14.06 14.00 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.45 5.45 5.4 Ionics Inc 2.230 2.270 2.200 Jollibee Foods Corp.

227.00 228.00 224.20 Liberty Flour 34.50 35.00 34.80 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.58 3.55 3.5 Macay Holdings 35.30 35.75 34.00 Manila Water Co. Inc. 28.2 28.25 27.45 Maxs Group 21 21.35 20.5 Megawide 6.2 6.44 6.32 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 338.50 338.00 335.00 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 4.30 4.40 4.40 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.42 3.45 3.4 Petron Corporation 10.64 10.76 10.30 Phil H2O 3.16 3.16 3.16 Phinma Corporation 11.60 11.60 11.58 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 4.80 4.82 4.75 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.53 1.53 1.50 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.7 2.84 2.69 RFM Corporation 4.11 4.12 4.10 San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’ 206.8 206 205 SPC Power Corp.

4.1 4.14 4.14 Splash Corporation 2.59 2.59 2.59 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.150 0.151 0.150 TKC Steel Corp.

1.24 1.24 1.08 Trans-Asia Oil 2.50 2.50 2.45 Universal Robina 203.8 207.8 203 Vitarich Corp.

0.9 0.91 0.88 Vivant Corp.

30.10 35.80 34.00 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.27 1.28 1.25 HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.350 0.360 0.340 Aboitiz Equity 64.30 65.00 63.65 Alliance Global Inc. 14.36 14.36 14.12 Anscor `A’ 5.97 6.00 6.00 ATN Holdings A 0.455 0.460 0.450 ATN Holdings B 0.445 0.475 0.425 Ayala Corp `A’ 733 735 728 Cosco Capital 7.76 7.87 7.67 DMCI Holdings 11.74 11.82 11.56 F&J Prince ‘A’ 5.05 5.1 5.08 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

5.65 5.73 5.69 Forum Pacific 0.205 0.204 0.204 GT Capital 1345 1398 1331 House of Inv. 6.20 6.20 6.20 JG Summit Holdings 79.00 79.10 77.90 Keppel Holdings `A’ 5.35 5.33 5.31 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.08 7.12 6.9 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.7 0.7 0.68 LT Group 14.4 14.6 14.38 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.64 5.68 5.6 Pacifica `A’ 0.0320 0.0330 0.0320 Prime Media Hldg 1.440 1.440 1.430 Prime Orion 1.780 1.810 1.770 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.79 2.79 2.7 San Miguel Corp `A’ 68.50 68.50 66.80 SM Investments Inc. 918.50 918.00 904.00 Solid Group Inc. 1.14 1.14 1.12 South China Res. Inc. 0.75 0.80 0.74 Top Frontier 143.000 145.000 143.900 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3100 0.3150 0.3050 Wellex Industries 0.1920 0.2000 0.1970 Zeus Holdings 0.295 0.290 0.265 PROPERTY 8990 HLDG 7.500 7.500 7.400 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.03 1.05 1.02 Araneta Prop `A’ 2.080 2.160 2.010 Arthaland Corp.

0.280 0.320 0.265 Ayala Land `B’ 33.800 33.950 33.750 Belle Corp. `A’ 2.93 2.97 2.9 Cebu Holdings 5.1 5.1 5.1 Century Property 0.510 0.51 0.500 Cityland Dev. `A’ 0.970 0.980 0.980 AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

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

Close

SHARES 12,329,021 83,518,672 125,348,932 210,083,102 176,708,229 2,123,983,606 2,733,995,146

2.83 45.45 100.30 90.30 39.9 1.55 14.2 15.18 0.550 78.8 0.97 15.00 50.20 102.9 263 30.2 168.5 1370.00 57.80 1.5

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.85 45.5 99.50 90.95 39.75 1.46 14.2 15.3 0.570 78 0.97 15.00 50.00 103.5 260 30.2 171.5 1360.00 59.00 1.5

0.71 0.11 -0.80 0.72 -0.38 -5.81 0.00 0.79 3.64 -1.02 0.00 0.00 -0.40 0.58 -1.14 0.00 1.78 -0.73 2.08 0.00

38,000 12,200 3,713,950 1,387,000 100,000 560,000 2,400 78,200 264,000 2,200,350 8,000 67,500 193,460 10 1,550 76,900 996,120 265 114,570 24,000

44.05 4.2 0.76 1.4 13.9 190.00 19.12 187 18.02 45.05 2.26 4.62 10.7 8.870 7.98 5.65 7.10 1.61 19.64 64 14.70 14.00 5.4 2.260 226.80 35.00 3.5 35.50 28.25 21.35 6.4 336.60 4.40 3.4 10.50 3.16 11.60 4.82 1.53 2.69 4.10 206 4.14 2.59 0.150 1.23 2.50 204.4 0.9 35.00 1.27

-1.01 -1.87 1.33 2.19 -0.71 1.06 0.21 -0.21 0.11 -5.95 0.00 -3.14 -0.74 0.23 2.44 0.00 -0.42 -3.59 0.20 0.71 -0.68 -1.41 -0.92 1.35 -0.09 1.45 -2.23 0.57 0.18 1.67 3.23 -0.56 2.33 -0.58 -1.32 0.00 0.00 0.42 0.00 -0.37 -0.24 -0.39 0.98 0.00 0.00 -0.81 0.00 0.29 0.00 16.28 0.00

2,285,700 321,000 100,000 2,211,000 2,100 870 1,058,500 550 149,500 1,200 314,000 256,000 14,800 27,281,800 606,100 7,859,000 46,900 22,000 3,014,000 76,610 200 58,000 109,600 1,095,000 768,720 900 11,000 11,000 1,600,600 248,300 137,000 193,720 12,000 273,000 7,118,700 10,000 1,000 150,000 57,000 260,000 715,000 2,950 400 19,000 230,000 99,000 844,000 1,930,490 1,460,000 2,000 456,000

0.350 64.30 14.36 6.00 0.440 0.435 735 7.82 11.70 5.08 5.70 0.204 1363 6.20 78.40 5.33 6.9 0.68 14.4 5.65 0.0320 1.440 1.770 2.7 66.95 913.00 1.14 0.79 145.000 0.3100 0.2000 0.290

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 -3.30 -2.25 0.27 0.77 -0.34 0.59 0.88 -0.49 1.34 0.00 -0.76 -0.37 -2.54 -2.86 0.00 0.18 0.00 0.00 -0.56 -3.23 -2.26 -0.60 0.00 5.33 1.40 0.00 4.17 -1.69

20,230,000 1,903,500 5,426,400 2,000 29,070,000 2,060,000 312,990 2,795,300 4,251,900 11,000 460,700 400,000 103,900 248,000 2,553,620 200 3,047,400 102,000 1,110,700 14,110,600 32,200,000 20,000 863,000 31,000 260,390 215,850 75,000 185,000 1,180 1,900,000 640,000 410,000

7.410 1.05 2.050 0.270 33.850 2.95 5.1 0.510 0.980

-1.20 1.94 -1.44 -3.57 0.15 0.68 0.00 0.00 1.03

16,158,300 1,369,000 2,036,000 28,170,000 17,950,500 3,024,000 13,000 7,406,000 2,000

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 3.1 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

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. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ 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 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 2720 8.41 119.5 7 5.8 12.5

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 1600 5.95 102.6 3.01 4 8.72

0.8200 2.2800 5.93

0.041 1.200 2.34

12.28 3.32 2.53 1 15.2

6.5 1.91 1.01 0.650 6

1.040 22.8 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

324,250.00

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 1.71 5 0.315 1.14

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

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

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ Imperial Res. `B’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Manila Bulletin Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

133,828,878.00

2,863,416.00 -24,747,041.00

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

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

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `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’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

-72,980.00

70 525

33 500

-13,220,057.00 -38,464,460.00

12.28

6.5

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ FPH Pref C Leisure and Resort PCOR-Preferred B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I Swift Pref

469,915.00 -99,528,108 53,309,801.00 270,950.00 104,826.00 -36,750.00 -42,610,907.00 -37,500.00 -2,187,317.00 259,000.00 -872,590 34,109,739.00 -118,699.50 -20,555,030.00 4,150.00 69,500.00 106,686.00

-23,540.00 919,300.00 1,146,992.00 -15,707,457.00 -56,815.00 3,280.00 9,582,380.00 -1,308,352.50 -232,914.00 2,700.00 -321,950.00 24,287,528.00

7,146,905.00 2,760,455.00 112,000.00 16,803,940.00 -112,980.00 -11,535,238.00

-7,500.00

-50,616,778.00 -49,704,916.00 31,300.00 -94,804,850.00 -6,546,877.00 -31,159,780.00 2,282,600.00 -61,200.00 9,611,490.00 483,600.00 -105,560,616.00 -729,840.00

-133,200.00

118,943,510.00 167,100.00 -341,390.00 103,800.00 -85,300,545.00 1,974,220.00 -292,500.00

1.34

1

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15

3.5

12.88

5.95

Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

VALUE 936,300,262.04 1,442,472,152.01 1,224,089,970.81 1,687,178,186.5221 1,842,058,656.05 104,359,715.9039 7,266,807,678.2931

FINANCIAL 1,584.20 (up) 0.76 INDUSTRIAL 11,592.79 (down) 0.91 HOLDING FIRMS 6,841.73 (down) 13.52 PROPERTY 2,898.86 (up) 9.52 SERVICES 1,436.01 (down) 2.42 MINING & OIL 10,728.94 (down) 11.15 PSEI 6,991.87 (down) 7.88 All Shares Index 4,163.06 (up) 0.94 Gainers: 80; Losers: 95; Unchanged: 47; Total: 222

Close

0.130 0.455 38.5 0.830 0.158 0.92 1.80 4.30 3.57 0.082 0.2500 0.520 27.00 1.52 3.03 22.60 0.87 6.45 1.020 4.550

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.130 0.129 0.129 0.455 0.450 0.455 38.3 36.85 38.05 0.830 0.830 0.830 0.149 0.149 0.149 0.95 0.92 0.95 1.85 1.78 1.85 4.60 4.60 4.60 3.7 3.51 3.7 0.083 0.082 0.082 0.2600 0.2600 0.2600 0.560 0.530 0.530 27.05 26.50 26.70 1.54 1.5 1.51 3.1 3.1 3.1 22.70 22.35 22.65 0.87 0.86 0.86 6.45 6.45 6.45 1.020 1.000 1.010 4.620 4.530 4.580 SERVICES 7.5 7.8 7.3 7.75 55.25 55.25 54.6 54.9 1.22 1.25 1.24 1.25 0.560 0.580 0.560 0.580 28.5 28.4 25 28.4 4.00 4.17 4.03 4.08 0.0550 0.0550 0.0530 0.0550 3.08 3.07 3.03 3.07 87.5 87.5 86.5 86.75 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5 1.74 1.74 1.7 1.7 6.90 6.80 6.67 6.80 2170 2200 2152 2178 6.78 6.90 6.75 6.86 62.7 64.05 62.45 63 17.76 17.68 17.00 17.28 187 178 178 178 11.52 1152 11.52 11.52 9.68 9.66 9.53 9.66 0.370 0.380 0.355 0.355 1.8200 1.9500 1.7800 1.8700 2.11 2.1 2.08 2.09 10.4 11 10.32 11 7.70 7.47 7.47 7.47 4.22 4.25 4.10 4.24 1.14 1.12 1.12 1.12 0.580 0.580 0.560 0.580 2.2 2.25 2.16 2.25 3.75 3.78 3.71 3.74 2.610 2.650 2.430 2.530 17.6 17.6 16.88 16.88 4.90 5.13 5.09 5.09 2.42 2.46 2.41 2.41 115.00 110.00 108.90 110.00 22.85 22.85 22.50 22.75 1681.00 1684.00 1651.00 1660.00 0.420 0.415 0.400 0.400 0.850 0.850 0.820 0.850 39.10 40.00 38.50 39.95 75.00 76.00 74.80 74.95 6.06 6.10 6.05 6.08 3.24 3.29 3.21 3.29 0.570 0.590 0.570 0.570 2 1.99 1.76 1.99 3.27 3.37 3.26 3.34 0.330 0.335 0.325 0.335 5.350 5.350 5.150 5.230 MINING & OIL 0.0042 0.0042 0.0041 0.0041 2.04 2.03 1.95 2.03 4.20 4.26 4.20 4.20 0.247 0.245 0.236 0.236 7.9000 8.29 8 8.0000 7.7500 7.7600 7.7500 7.7500 0.61 0.68 0.61 0.65 0.500 0.510 0.490 0.510 0.870 0.860 0.830 0.840 0.285 0.290 0.280 0.290 0.238 0.260 0.237 0.250 0.260 0.275 0.255 0.275 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0120 2.01 2.01 2 2 5.18 5.1 4.9 5.03 2.45 2.46 2.36 2.42 1.2500 1.2500 1.2500 1.2500 0.0099 0.0099 0.0093 0.0093 3.70 3.71 3.70 3.71 6.18 6.15 6.06 6.14 2.25 2.25 2.18 2.20 0.0120 0.0120 0.0110 0.0120 126.50 126.50 126.00 126.40 3.2 3.19 3.08 3.18 0.0083 0.0086 0.0083 0.0086 PREFERRED 54.35 54.9 53.55 53.55 530 530 530 530 510 500 500 500 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1045 1050 1050 1050 105 105 105 105 110 110 110 110 76 77 77 77 76 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 75.6 75.4 75 75.05 75.5 75.4 75.15 75.15 1.81 1.81 1.81 1.81 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.870 2.940 2.790 2.880 SME 4.08 4.05 3.82 3.82 2.99 3.12 2.88 2.99 16.28 16.28 16.12 16.2 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115 115 114.6 115

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-0.77 0.00 -1.17 0.00 -5.70 3.26 2.78 6.98 3.64 0.00 1.92 -1.11 -0.66 2.31 0.22 -1.15 0.00 -0.98 0.66

2,730,000 660,000 1,608,200 32,000 40,000 2,125,000 2,846,000 13,000 76,209,000 300,000 30,000 1,103,000 1,887,700 28,000 5,000 17,370,200 653,000 1,500 262,000 14,794,000

3.33 -0.63 2.46 3.57 -0.35 2.00 0.00 -0.32 -0.86 0.00 -2.30 -1.45 0.37 1.18 0.48 -2.70 -4.81 0.00 -0.21 -4.05 2.75 -0.95 5.77 -2.99 0.47 -1.75 0.00 2.27 -0.27 -3.07 -4.09 3.88 -0.41 -4.35 -0.44 -1.25 -4.76 0.00 2.17 -0.07 0.33 1.54 0.00 -0.50 2.14 1.52 -2.24

79,800 308,430 232,000 811,000 400 3,852,000 -3,927,130.00 8,460,000 530.00 94,000 54,540.00 559,940 -27,482,141.00 1,500 8,000 48,100 101,120 -4,950,590.00 129,700 2,857,750 -1,674,824.00 57,400 80 5,000 411,000 100,630,000 69,500.00 9,897,000 89,500.00 100,000 600 500 598,000 -121,090.00 20,000 -22,400.00 127,000 1,825,000 303,510.00 594,000 11,330.00 10,893,000 1,127,610.00 56,400 42,000 20,000 1,879,330 0.00 56,800 -174,695.00 361,695 -301,304,555.00 1,030,000 11,776,000 -245,800.00 4,561,400 32,144,200.00 2,292,770 -12,656,229.00 301,900 1,596,000 -38,080.00 4,391,000 3,000 3,523,000 9,276,270.00 20,000 37,900 -18,864.00

-2.38 -0.49 0.00 -4.45 1.27 0.00 6.56 2.00 -3.45 1.75 5.04 5.77 -7.69 -0.50 -2.90 -1.22 0.00 -6.06 0.27 -0.65 -2.22 0.00 -0.08 -0.63 3.61

357,000,000 110,000 23,000 -4,240.00 1,810,000 7,080.00 2,100 27,400 -43,400.00 891,000 413,000 -14,700.00 31,731,000 2,875,450.00 200,000 42,580,000 2,060,000 5,400,000 28,000 4,453,700 56,000 31,000 2,000,000 18,000 746,000 -183,197.00 592,000 -45,000.00 50,000,000 161,090 2,717,350.00 76,000 1,622,000,000 -13,437,700.00

-1.47 0.00 -1.96 0.00 0.48 0.00 0.00 1.32 1.32 0.00 -0.73 -0.46 0.00

165,330 1,330 10,000 240,000 200 1,700 4,000 100 100 16,260 194,220 76,030 1,000

-8,083,926.50

0.35

146,000

-112,770.00

-6.37 0.00 -0.49

33,000 239,000 1,739,700

29,100.00 -8,147,920.00

0.00

11,460

6,491,045.00

-1,210,290.00 -41,210,520.00

-20,661,115.00 25,670.00 35,547,955.00 -100,000.00 20,111,020.00

7,700.00 7,700.00 4,995,000.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Vivant Corp.

35.00

16.28

Manila Mining `A'

0.0120

Keppel Properties

4.60

6.98

Makati Fin. Corp.

3.82

-7.69 -6.37

Century Peak Metals Hldgs

0.65

6.56

Oriental Pet. `A'

0.0093

-6.06

Lepanto `B'

0.275

5.77

Concepcion

45.05

-5.95

LBC Express

11

5.77

Bright Kindle Resources

1.46

-5.81

South China Res. Inc.

0.79

5.33

Ever Gotesco

0.149

-5.70

Lepanto `A'

0.250

5.04

Imperial Res. `B'

178

-4.81

Wellex Industries

0.2000

4.17

PremiereHorizon

0.400

-4.76

PAL Holdings Inc.

5.09

3.88

Basic Energy Corp.

0.236

-4.45

Megaworld

3.7

3.64

Phil. Seven Corp.

110.00

-4.35

SATURDAY: MAY 7, 2016

B3

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

Market declines; Puregold, SBC rise STOCKS fell for a second day, ahead of the May 9 national elections as lingering worries over global growth sent traders running from higher-risk assets.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, lost 7 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 6,991.87 Friday. Despite the loss, the bellwether was still up 0.6 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, ended flat at 4,163.06, on a value turnover of P7.3 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 95 to 80, while 47 issues were unchanged.

Twelve of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by property developer Megaworld Corp., which climbed 3.6 percent to P3.70. Retailer Puregold Price Club Inc. rose 2.2 percent to P39.95, while Security Bank Corp. gained 1.8 percent to P171.50.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks traded lower, on speculation a US jobs report will add to evidence the world’s biggest economy is strong enough to justify higher interest rates.

Japan’s Nikkei suffered big losses as it reopened from a three-day holiday to play catchup with a global sell-off. However, analysts said the losses were tempered owing to a fall in the yen against the dollar from 18-month highs.

Confidence on trading floors has been sparse the past two weeks following disappointing data and announcements from China to the United States that tore a hole in hopes the global economy was showing signs of recovery.

The US Labor Department later Friday will release jobs figures for April, with expectations of a slowdown in new posts.

But while the report is forecast to show the world’s number two economy is not as strong as hoped, the dollar has managed to hold its gains after two Federal Reserve bosses argued the case for an interest rate hike as early as June. with Bloomberg, AFP

Holcim’s safety program.

Holcim Philippines Inc. signs a memorandum of agreement with Transnational Diversified Group and Uyeno Yuso Ltd. to send its drivers and those of transport partners to the Safety Academy of TDG-Uyeno. This will help develop driver discipline and safety behavior. Shown signing the agreement are (from left) Uyeno Kosan Ltd. director Masahiro Nomura, Holcim Philippines president and country chief executive Eduardo Sahagun, TDG president Rashid Delgado and Holcim Philippines head of procurement and logistics Kevin Savory.

DMCI plans to invest $300m in hydro sites

By Alena Mae S. Flores

DMCI Power Corp., a unit of the Consunji Group, plans to invest $300 million to build 100 megawatts of run-of-river hydro power projects to expand its power generation portfolio.

“We’re looking at some minihydro opportunity, run-of-river,” DMCI Power president Nestor Dadivas told reporters.

The projects include four different hydro potential areas in Sultan Kudarat with a combined capacity of 90 MW and a 9-MW hydro project in Cagayan de Oro City.

“In Cagayan de Oro… we’re looking at buying in. They have a service contract but it expired and they are renewing it,” Dadivas said.

“In Sultan Kudarat, it’s around 90 MW, but there are like three or

four different areas there,” he said.

The projects are estimated to cost $3 million per megawatt to construct.

Dadivas said the company was focused on run-of river hydro projects among the renewable energy technologies.

“Too many people are getting into solar, biomass. We’re not convinced on feedstock availability. It must be significant to make it happen and the seasonality of it,” he said.

Davidas said while hydro projects were more costly to build at $3 million per MW, compared to

$2.5 million for coal plants, the fuel of the hydro projects is free.

“What is good about hydro is that the fuel is free. You just have to look at the capacity factor. The capacity factor should be high for the project to earn because your project cost is also high,” Dadivas said.

He said the government was looking at a capacity factor of 46 percent for hydro, compared to solar at 20 percent and biomass at 30 percent.

“If we ever go into renewable, we’re going hydro because it has a bigger capacity factor and a big percent of project cost would be civil works which can be undertaken by DMCI,” he said.

Davidas said the company was carefully studying hydro power development, because “we’ve never done hydro in our life yet.”

“We’re in the due diligence stage right now. We also have funding

for the CDO project of P2 billion from LandBank,” Dadivas said.

Dadivas said the company was in the initial stage of identifying locations for the renewable energy projects.

“Right now, we have identified one or two areas. But the locations could still change depending on the results of our feasibility studies,” Dadivas said.

The company cited market conditions and government incentives as the reasons for its planned foray into renewable energy.

“Having priority dispatch, government support and a competitive price at a growing but highly competitive power industry makes these RE projects more attractive,” Davidas said.

DMCI Power was established in 2006 to provide sufficient and reliable electricity to areas that are not connected to the main transmission grid.

Max’s Group posted 8% net income growth to P162m in first quarter

By Jenniffer B. Austria RESTAURANT chain operator Max’s Group Inc. said Friday net income rose 8 percent in the first quarter to P162.3 million from P150.6 million in the same period last year, following the rollout of more stores.

Max’s Group said in a disclosure to the stock exchange firstquarter sales advanced 12 percent to P2.68 billion, including P2.32 billion in restaurant sales, which rose 13 percent from

P2.05 billion a year ago.

Max’s Group said it opened nine stores across star brands Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza and Krispy Kreme in the first three months.

These included three international outlets, including Max’s Restaurant in Qatar, Yellow Cab Pizza in the United Arab Emirates and a Sizzlin’ Steak concept store in California.

MGI was operating a chain of 577 stores including 37 abroad, as of end-March 2016.

“The numbers are in line with our estimates. We are now starting to realize the revenue impact of new stores that came onboard in the latter part of 2015. By recalibrating our design and build plan, we expect a leveled and systematic rollout of stores for the entire year,” Max’s Group president and chief executive Robert Trota said.

“For 2016, we are positive that the prevailing macroeconomic backdrop will remain favorable spurred by continuous consum-

er spending. We are primed to open another 60 to 70 stores in key strategic locations. Essentially, we have laid the groundwork to anchor our growth moving forward,” Trota said.

Max’s Group said it signed five development agreements to open stores in other countries in 2016.

These agreements covered 25 Yellow Cab Pizza stores in China, five Pancake House stores in Qatar, five Yellow Cab Pizza stores in Singapore, five Yellow

Cab Pizza stores in Jordan and 10 Yellow Cab Pizza stores in Egypt.

This translates to a firm overseas pipeline of more than 130 outlets, which are set to be operational in the coming years.

“We have gained a lot of traction since launching our offshore expansion program. Exposure and interest in our brands is scaling up faster than expected as we tap new territories,”said Max’s Group International chief executive Peter King.

SATURDAY: MAY 7, 2016

B4

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

IN BRIEF Gaisano firm bullish CEBU-BASED retailer Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. plans to double its retail footprint in the next five years to further cement its position as one of the country’s leading retail players.

Metro Retail chairman and chief executive officer Frank Gaisano said in a statement the company aimed to double its current gross floor area of approximately 400,000 square meters and beef up logistics and supply facilities.

“We aim to build on our gains and bring our best-in-class products and services to more areas underserved by modern retail,” Gaisano said.

The company recently opened its 48th outlet in UP Town Center in Quezon City, bringing the total network to 11.

Another department store is also set to open in Fairview Terraces Mall, part of Metro Retail’s acquisition of assets from SIAL Specialty Retailers Inc., a joint venture between Ayala Land Inc. and Store Specialists Inc. “We look to these exciting opportunities on the horizon, as our readiness to expand is underpinned by our strong financial performance last year,” said Gaisano. Jenniffer B. Austria

PH improves rank THE Philippines ranked 10th among countries with the least number of corruption problems, outperforming six other Asian countries, according to the latest Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd survey.

The Philippines was the most improved country in the PERC’s Integrity Perception Survey, where respondents were asked on the problem of corruption in the country in which they are working.

The Philippines scored 7.05 points in the scale of 0-10, with 0 being the highest grade. This marked a 5.1-percent improvement from its score of 7.43 points last year.

The latest score of the Philippines was an improvement from 12th place last year. The annual survey covers 16 countries—14 in Asia, plus the United States and Australia.

All the other 15 countries registered either weaker, less improved or unchanged score.

The latest score and rank of the Philippines in the 2016 survey marked the country’s best performancein seven years. Gabrielle Binaday

Aboitiz Equity hikes group income to P5b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ABOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc., the holding company of the Aboitiz Group, posted a consolidated net income of P5 billion in the first quarter of 2016, up 24 percent year-on-year, on the strong performance of its power, banking and financial services, and infrastructure business units.

Power accounted for 70 percent of the earnings, followed by banking and financial services, 15 percent; food, 7 percent; infrastructure, 7 percent; and land, 1 percent.

The company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange core net income inthe quarter stood at P4.9 billion, up 19 percent on year.

“The contribution from

our cement business is a clear manifestation of the momentum in our thrust to create a fifth leg for AEV. We expect strong growth in cement and the full-year recognition of income from Republic Cement to positively impact AEV’s earnings this year,” Aboitiz Equity president and chief executive Erramon Aboitiz said.

“We are also very pleased with

the growth in contributions coming from our power and banking and financial services units,” he said.

Unit Aboitiz Power Corp., meanwhile, said consolidated net income in the first quarter rose 15 percent to P5 billion, while core net profit rose climbed 10 percent to P4.8 billion from P4.3 billion last year.

“Our performance in this year’s first quarter ref lects the strength of our right-mix strategy with our portfolio of renewable and non-renewable energy sources,” said Aboitiz Power president and chief operating officer Antonio Moraza.

Capacity sales of the power generation sector rose 12 percent to 2,014 megawatts from 1,804 MW due to additional capacities from Therma South Inc. and

Cybersecurity leader.

Amir Ofek, a retired captain in the elite Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Unit and now the chief executive of CyberInt, a leading international cyber security company that offers cuttingedge defense solutions, stresses a point during the recent media launch held at New World Hotel in Makati.

CyberInt is now available in the Philippines through IPV Network for businesses in the financial industry, such as banks and accounting firms, gaming industry, ecommerce players and key utilities companies.

Water crisis looms THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines is calling for the holding of an immediate multisectoral dialogue to address and avert a looming water crisis in the country.

ECCP vice president Henry Schumacher cited a need for the government, private sector and water stakeholders to meet and come out with solutions amid the current El Niño and water levels dropping to critical levels.

Schumacher said the two top priorities were to ensure enough water supply for the agriculture sector and the consumers.

“Metro Manila along with several key cities in the country including Angeles, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao will most likely experience severe water shortage by 2025. What we are experiencing right now are telling signs that point in that direction,” Schumacher said.

The Philippines is the second Southeast Asian country to sound the alarm on scarcity of water supply after Thailand did last month. Othel V. Campos

PSE: Tanco can run THE Philippine Stock Exchange allowed STI Group chairman Eusebio Tanco to seek re-election as director of the exchange despite money laundering allegations from Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and a pending plunder complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman.

PSE chief operating office Roel Refran in a text message said Tanco was still qualified to be elected as PSE director as ruled by exchange’s nomination and elections committee.

As stated on PSE’s nomination form, a nominee for PSE director must certify that he is not the subject or convicted of a case involving any of 12 listed offenses that could impair his ability to carry out his duties as one of the gatekeepers of the capital markets.

Tanco is one of the 15 directors up for re-election for the local bourse’s annual stockholders meeting slated on May 7.

The PSE, meanwhile, said it found no basis for the exchange to conduct an investigation on Tanco. Jenniffer B. Austria

higher available capacities from SN Aboitiz Power Group’s hydro power plants.

Electricity from power distribution increased 8 percent to 1,201 gigawatt-hours from 1,111 GWh a year ago, driven by higher electricity sales across all customer segments.

Union Bank of the Philippines and its subsidiaries contributed an income of P837 million in the first quarter, more than double a year ago.

The bank attributed the higher income to the strong growth in net interest income and fees Aboitiz Equity’s non-listed food subsidiaries—Pilmico Foods Corp., Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corp. and Pilmico International Pte Ltd.—posted a 6-percent decline in first-quarter income contribution to P389 million from P416 million.

12 British companies keen on doing business in PH

By Othel V. Campos AT LEAST 12 companies from the United Kingdom are seeking access in the Philippine market, the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said Friday.

BCCP chairman Chris Nelson said UK expects doing business in the Philippines to ease now that many British companies have expressed interest in the expanding Philippine economy.

“We have many companies that are here [Philippines] now.

There are many more that wishes to come and establish operations here, as well. Right now, we are assisting these companies and we

may be able to close some deals soon enough,” he said.

Under negotiations are deals with the retail sector, pharmaceutical, professional and educational services and product distributorship.

The BCCP identified the companies as Guralp Systems Ltd., Westrade Group Ltd., Semaphone Software, Symphony Environment Ltd., Brunty’s Premium Cider, Tectonic Interactive Ltd., PRQA Solutions, Miomni Gaming Ltd., Rosemont Pharmaceutical, Big Oz Cereals, A&C Associates and the University of Derby.

Rosemont and Brunty’s are in the most advanced stages and

are just waiting for the potential partners for the go signal.

Investments of the UK to the Philippines have been rising yearly with the expansion of existing projects and the entry of new investors.

The Philippines in the next few months may secure at least two new big investment projects from the UKin the manufacturing sector.

Total investments of UK companies have reached over £5 billion.

“Our companies are looking at more power and energy project as well as infrastructure and investments in food and beverage,” Nelson said.

UK exports to the Philippines rose 44 percent in the first half of 2015 year-on-year.

Bilateral trade between the two countries averages $1.8 billion annually.

Meanwhile, BCCP announced its successful accreditation from the British Chamber of Commerce.

“This reinforces our commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations between the Philippines and the UK. The Philippine is an emerging market that remains abundant with business opportunities that British companies can take advantage of and we are here to support [them],” said Nelson.

S AT U R D AY : M AY 7, 2 0 1 6

B5

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Fires force airlifts in Canada LAC LA BICHE, Canada— Canada on Thursday began airlifting to safety up to 25,000 people from the city of Fort McMurray, who were forced from their homes by raging forest fires in Alberta’s oil sands region.

China not present in N. Korea congress BEIJING—Delegates from China were absent from North Korea’s once-in-a-generation party congress, Chinese media said Friday, in a potential sign of fraying ties between Pyongyang and its most important ally.

Beijing is a key supporter of the hermit kingdom, providing an economic lifeline that has allowed it to ride out waves of international sanctions.

But China’s representatives were not invited to the gathering of North Korea’s top political leaders, according to the Global Times, a newspaper with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

“North Korea wants to maintain its independent stance,” Zheng Jiyong, director of the Center for Korean Studies at Fudan University told the newspaper.

“It can’t decide who to invite because it involves the interests of many sides.”

Details about the secretive party congress have been scant, and it is not clear if any foreign delegates were invited to attend.

The relationship between the two nations, once said to be as close as lips and teeth, has become increasingly strained since the death of North Korea leader Kim Jong-Il. His son, Kim Jong-Un, has yet to visit China and frequently thumbs his nose at his ally, despite Pyongyang’s reliance on Chinese trade. AFP

Brunch. Hanna Montazami attends the Sunshine Squad Brunch by Dole Packaged Foods at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage on April 17, 2016, in Rancho Mirage, California. AFP

The authorities ordered the oil city of 100,000 people to be evacuated after firefighters backed by air tankers and helicopters failed to prevent the monster blaze from engulfing entire neighborhoods.

Some 4,000 people who fled to the north of the city have been airlifted to Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said, adding that the hope is to airlift 8,000 by the end of the day.

“Right now we are working with industry to do as much air evacuation as possible,” she said.

“And we are doing everything we can to open the highways so we can get fuel up there and then get those folks moving south as quickly as we can.”

The airlift, carried out with government and petroleum industry aircraft, began after evacuees who found refuge north of the city risked becoming trapped if shifting winds were to send the flames spreading toward them.

The government has declared a state of emergency in Alberta, a province the size of France that is home to one of the world’s most prodigious oil industries.

More than 1,100 firefighters are battling 49 separate blazes across the province―seven of them totally out of control.

The fires have engulfed 85,000 hectares of forest, including 12,000 in the area surrounding Fort McMurray, now the epicenter of the inferno where 2,000 homes have been destroyed.

Television footage from the center of the disaster zone showed trees ablaze on the edge of highways crowded with bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to leave as billowing black smoke darkened the sky. Bright orange embers whizzed through the air and floated down onto cars.

“The footage we’ve seen, the cars racing down highways while fire rages on all sides, is nothing short of terrifying,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told lawmakers in Ottawa.

The Alberta government has sent a tanker under guard to help rescue vehicles stranded south of Fort McMurray, with three mobile fuel stations set up along a 200 kilometer stretch of road.

Thousands of evacuees thronged the tiny hamlet of Lac La Biche, about 300 kilometers south of Fort McMurray, after making a chaotic escape. AFP

No satisfaction from Trump’s song ban WASHINGTON—It seems Donald Trump believes you can always get what you want. The US Republican presumptive presidential nominee appears to have dismissed a demand by the The Rolling Stones that he stop using the band’s songs during his campaign events.

“You know, we use so many songs,” Trump told CNBC. “We have the rights to use them. I always buy the rights.”

Trump has frequently used hits

by The Rolling Stone’s to fire up supporters at campaign events, but the band have joined a growing number of musicians who have

expressed anger at his use of their music.

“The Rolling Stones have never given permission to the Trump campaign to use their songs and have requested that they cease all use immediately,” the legendary rock group said in a statement on Wednesday.

But Trump doubled down on The Rolling Stones’ music as he wrapped up a rally in Charleston, West Virginia, on Thursday, his first since dispatching his last Republican presidential rivals.

He walked off stage to John Denver’s “Almost Heaven” blaring from the public address system, which was

followed up by The Rolling Stones hits “Start Me Up” and “You Can’t Always Get What you Want”.

The Trump campaign has honored previous requests to stop using music at its rallies.

Everlast last month demanded Trump stop playing “Jump Around” by the rapper’s former band House of Pain, while Neil Young, R.E.M. and Adele have also spoken out.

Political campaigns do not typically need musicians’ express permission to use their songs during rallies as long as they obtain “blanket licenses” from licensing associations.

However, performers usually can ask to have certain songs excluded. AFP

Rescue attempt. This picture taken on May 3, 2016, in Alue Bilie, in the Tripa peat swamp area, shows a five-year-old wildlife orangutan trapped and being rescued by Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program and Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari in Aceh province. AFP

B6

S AT U R D AY : M AY 7, 2 0 1 6

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Beijing turns pressure on Taiwan’s new head TAIPEI—When Tsai Ing-wen becomes Taiwan’s president later this month, she will end a period of unprecedented rapprochement with rival Beijing and China is already ramping up the pressure on her new government.

Tsai’s Democratic Progressive Party is traditionally pro-independence and refuses to chime in with Beijing’s message that self-ruling Taiwan is part of “one China”.

Tsai won the presidency by a landslide in January as the voters wary of closer China ties turned their backs on the ruling Beijingfriendly Kuomintang.

Since then, with a transitional government in power until Tsai is officially inaugurated on May 20, Beijing has increasingly made life

difficult for Taiwan in what observers say is an early challenge to Tsai’s presidency.

Taipei was furious in April after Taiwanese fraud suspects were deported to China from Kenya and Malaysia, rather than back to their home territory.

China also recognized Taiwan’s former ally Gambia in March, ending an unofficial diplomatic truce between the two sides.

Taiwan has hemorrhaged allies in recent decades as they jump ship to align with a rising

China, and is now only recognized by 22 states.

“Beijing wants to teach Tsai a lesson. The incidents are intentional and send a very clear message that it is tightening the screws,” said Francis Hu, a political scientist at Taiwan’s Tunghai University.

Some local tourism operators have reported a decline in Chinese visitors since January after a boom prompted by the thaw in ties with some speculating they are being discouraged from heading to Taiwan.

Tsai’s KMT predecessor, outgoing President Ma Ying-jeou, agreed there was “one China”, but with different interpretations on each side of the strait.

That earned him a landmark meeting with Chinese President Xi

Jinping and a slew of trade deals.

Beijing wants Tsai to do the same.

“It’s their bottom line,” said Hu. However, faced with increasing voter skepticism over China relations and a staunch pro-independence wing in her own party, it is a demand she is unlikely ever to meet.

Taiwan split from mainland China in 1949 after a civil war, but has never formally declared independence, despite being a fully-fledged democracy.

Beijing still considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

China has been clear about its distaste for Tsai since she won the presidency on the day she was voted in, Beijing warned her against making any move towards formal independence.

For her part, Tsai has vowed to

maintain the “status quo” with China and has given a measured response to the recent bouts of diplomatic sparring.

But she has also made clear future cross-strait policy will be “based on the principle of democracy and people’s desires”.

Tsai now has “a huge balancing act” to perform, said Kerry Brown, director of Lau China Institute at King’s College London.

Not only must she handle Beijing and appease the electorate, she must also reassure Washington Taiwan’s greatest ally and leading arms supplier that she will not rock the boat in the region, said Brown.

Her inaugural speech on May 20 is likely to reflect that high-wire act.

“She will try to maintain the moral high ground, to continue to have support from the US and the international community, by sounding reasonable, moderate, and diplomatic,” Brown said.

“But she will also send Beijing a message that she will not be bullied and humiliated in front of her own people.”

Observers predict Beijing will keep up the pressure when Tsai takes office, with the possible suspension of high-level dialogue between the two sides and a push for Taiwan’s further diplomatic isolation. AFP

Gucci says sorry after row over funeral fakes

Meeting. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (R) chats with Peru’s President Ollanta Humala during a meeting at La Moncloa palace in Madrid on May 6, 2016. AFP

HONG KONG—Luxury fashion brand Gucci apologized Friday after warning Hong Kong’s funeral shops not to sell paper fakes of its products, traditionally burned as tributes to the dead.

Burning paper replicas of everything a loved one could ever want in the afterlife is an enduring tradition in Hong Kong from mundane daily life items, including pairs of socks and false teeth to high-end status symbols like cars, smart phones and designer handbags.

Gucci sent letters to store owners last month asking them not to sell paper replicas bearing Gucci-like logos, saying it was an infringement of their trademark.

That led to criticism from some shops and customers who said the brand was interfering in an age-old custom they felt was harmless.

“We regret any misunderstandings that may have been caused and sincerely apologize to anyone we may have offended through our action,” Gucci said Friday.

The company said its letters were sent out as part of efforts to protect its global intellectual property and said it held the funeral traditions “in utmost respect”.

“We trust that the funeral store owners did not have the intention to infringe Gucci’s trademark.

Accordingly, we did not suggest any legal action or compensation,” the statement added. AFP

Air strikes against gangs in Colombia BOGOTA—Colombia on Thursday authorized the use of all military force, including air strikes, against the country’s three biggest criminal gangs in a major escalation against “organized armed groups.”

Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas announced the directive late Thursday after a special session of a Senate committee in a violence-torn region of northwestern Colombia.

“Directive 15 permits the application of all the force of the state, without exception, against organized armed groups or groups who have major hostile capacity,” he said.

Until now the military has been used only against leftist guerrilla groups, who have been negotiating an end to their half-century-old conflict.

The new strategy specifically targets three major crime groups the Clan Usuga, Los Pelusos and Los Puntilleros.

“Those three organizations from today will be pursued autonomously or in coordination by the armed forces and the police,” Villegas said, speaking from the region of Apartado, a stronghold of the Clan Usuga.

They have been classified as “organized armed groups” because they

use camps, uniforms, long arms usually taken to mean weapons with longer barrels and have a territorial presence, he said.

A government source said that besides air strikes, the state’s use of force could include “air assault operations with special forces, ambushes, high precision snipers, supporting artillery fire.”

The decision to use the military comes amid an intensifying government crackdown on the crime groups, which emerged from right-wing paramilitary death squads that were disbanded during the 2002-2010 presidency of Alvaro Uribe. AFP

Concert. Russian conductor Valery Gergiev leads a concert in the amphitheater of the ancient city of Palmyra on May 5, 2016. AFP

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PROPERTY PROPERTY maannaa@ @ggm maaiill..ccoom m jjddllaaccssaam

What to look...

From B5

risk. But one should always keep in mind that real estate is the only investment wherein there are no mistakes that cannot be corrected by time,” he said.

Manalac emphasized that real estate is a long-term investment, so even if the agents offer tempting, quick turn-around deals, it will always be safe to be prepared for a long-term commitment.

The ‘waiting time’ can be shorter, said Manalac, if you look for the following signs: 1. Potential of the location. Some areas look nice, fancy and fully developed. But it might also be a mature location that gives little movement in terms of appreciation. Look at the surroundings, and ask about the planned, or ongoing developments in the area.

2. Infrastructure projects. The area may be choked by traffic now, but this may be due to ongoing infrastructure projects like road widening, improving of drainage, new rail stations, etc.

3. Population of office workers. Can the type of workers in a particular location afford the rent for the project you are buying? Right now, the biggest market for tenants for affordable condominium units are the employees of BPO offices. Beware of nice projects in upscale locations, where the workers cannot afford the rent.

4. The cost of living of the workers where the project is located. While the units may be affordable especially if the tenants share the rent, the standard of living within the immediate vicinity may not be practical.

A specific example of this is Bonifacio Global City (BGC) where everything seems too expensive for the typical worker.

5. Size of the unit to match target market. If you are eyeing expatriates as your tenants, then invest in bigger-sized units ( at least 60 square meters for one bedroom units). But if you can only afford to invest in smaller units like 23-29 square meter cuts, then expect to have regular employees who are looking for affordable rent as your target tenants. If you invested in a small unit in a high end project located in an upscale location, you may also consider short term leasing, like daily or weekly at higher rates.

6. 24 hour access to major public transportation.

One of the best examples for this factor is the Washington area in Buendia, Makati where you will find residential condominiums that are almost fully occupied. You will always find available transportation from pedicabs, to tricyles, to jeepneys, buses, and even PNR trains just a few steps away from your building.

This area also provides the BPO workers, who are the major tenants of these condominiums, a plethora of affordable restaurants and eateries serving low-priced, but good home-cooked meals.

7. Property management. Ask your agent who will be managing the property after the project is turned over to the condominium corporation. Check the background of that property management company.

Ask about the other projects that they are handling, and see how they maintain the properties they manage. Ask also if they offer lease management services.

Once all of above check out positively, the timing of your decision is critical.

Sometimes windows of opportunity in property-hunting do not last long. Be ready to make an immediate, but not rushed, decision.

JOEL D. L ACSAMANA JOEL D. L ACSAMANA

EDITOR EDITOR

B7

Make mine Cebu. The ‘queen city of the south” topped the list as the second most ideal area for Filipino house-hunters

(with emphasis on house and lot packages over condos and townhouses) in a survey conducted recently by Lamudi Philippines.

More than half or 55.05 percent of the respondents of the survey cited Metro Manila as their preferred area for buying properties. Quezon City was the most cited city within the National Capital Region, followed by Makati, and the capital city Manila. Property hunters opted for Cebu and Cavite provinces as their next top-of-mind destinations, after Manila. Interestingly, these provinces are home to highly populated, economically-booming cities for homebuyers, including Cebu city, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue, and Bacoor, Imus, and Dasmariñas in Cavite . Not surprisingly, property developers, notably Ayala Land, Megaworld and SMDC, are focusing their big real estate projects in these two provinces,

Kitchen cabinet. Expect good chi when whipping up a

gourmet spread for guests in your unit at Viridien in Greenhills.

Kitchens at the luxury condo’s 141-square-meter unit, for example, are contemporary-classic affairs complete with a pantry, Viro Casa cabinets, Kohler sink and Grohe faucets fit for a Michelin chef, or one aspiring to be. The Viridian, a 53-storey residential tower, is at the corner of Connecticut and Missouri Streets. Units range from 38 to 207 square meters, and residents can take a pick of unobstructed views of the mountains, Ortigas skyline, and Wack Wack Country Club.

Ortigas & Co. is the property developer of the Viridian.

In the know. Real estate entrepreneurs and corporate

Seaside development winner. SM Seaside City Cebu

recently won the Best Retail Development, Best Commercial Development and Best Retail Architectural Design at the Philippines Property Awards held at the Fairmont Makati.

The project, which includes office and residential buildings, a convention center, and a 5-star hotel, is part of SM Prime’s 30-hectare complex at the South Road Properties, located a few meters from Cebu’s central business district. Accepting the award for SM Prime were Architect Fides Hsu, VP - engineering and design, and Steven Tan, SVP – SM Supermalls. The Philippines Property Awards is part of the Asia-Pacific region’s biggest real estate awards program.

executives in Manila recently buckled down to business when the PAREB - Quezon City Real Estate Board (QCRB) conducted its annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at the Bulwagang Amoranto of the Quezon City Hall.

The seminar was accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission, which seeks to professionalize the practice of real estate service in the country. The CPD featured a panel discussion of real estate experts who shared their views on the market, current opportunities and challenges, and their projections for 2016. Some of the speakers and officers of PAREB-QCRB at the event were (from left): Jojo Salas, consultant of HMR Philippines and director of Pinnacle Real Estate Consulting Services, Inc.; external vice president Dr. Mary Gaw-So; Trent Frankum of Tan Frankum and Associates; Liz Silvestre, director for leisure and hospitality, Pinnacle Real Estate ; public relations officer Sheryl Leveriza; treasurer Remy Datiles and board secretary Nancy Domingo.

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JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PROPERTY

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN

Words for the wise.

PROPERTY-HUNTING

By Joel D. Lacsamana

NEWLY-minted Republican nominee Donald Trump put it simply: “It’s tangible, it’s solid, it’s beautiful. It’s artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate.”

Trump’s enthusiasm is par for the course, certainly in the Philippines where land values continue to appreciate, despite slow-paced GDP growth in 2015.

The optimism about the real estate sector’s prospects in 2016 is further backed up by the results of stress tests conducted early this year by the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which declared that there are no signs of a property bubble in the Philippines.

Hence, we can safely say that the popularity of real estate as an investment vehicle in the country will not sputter this 2016.

“There may be some locations that have more than enough supply of residential units and may take a few years to have these absorbed by actual occupants,” acknowledged Andy Manalac, former chairman of the president and Chairman of the National Real Estate Association (NREA). “But there are still a lot of areas not only in Metro Manila, but actually all over the country, that present a lot of potential.”

Manalac, one of the most active local executives in the field of real estate sales and marketing, said he is optimistic despite persistent predictions of some economic experts about the impending glut in the residential property section of the industry.

“Investors are starting to realize that the actively growing market for tenants to lease their units are the BPO workers, and no longer limited to the expats, although the latter are still the ones patronizing the highend and luxury condominium projects,” he said.

“The industry is now generating almost the equal amount of dollars as our OFW and the number of their employees is multiplying faster than originally expected,” he explained.

Manalac, a prime mover of “Think Invest”, also stressed that these new breed of condo dwellers are now appreciating the convenience of living within walking distance from their place of work.

“Now, there are actually projects where these work-

ers can live, work and play within the same building thus making traffic, flooding and security concerns practically irrelevant” he said.

He forecasted that developers will also be offering more practical projects with lesser amenities to keep not only the selling price low but the monthly dues as well.

Investment opportunities galore Other industry experts said that major players will definitely be more active this year in affordable horizontal developments and even low-cost housing all over the country.

Rick Santos, founder, chairman of real estate advisor C.B. Richard Ellis (CBRE) Philippines supported this claim as he cited that “from Clark up north to Davao City down south, the playing field is becoming more exciting especially for the BPO sector which will sustain the momentum and drive for the coming years” “We are very positive on the way things are going for the real estate market,” Santos said. “As we have noted before, the trans-

“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

formation of areas outside of the central business districts are continuously creating more investment opportunities.”

Buyer beware!

But Manalac warns prospective investors about missing their “investment objective” with the property they are buying.

“Everyone has a different reason for buying,” he explained. “Some may have been dreaming about having their own property for a long time while some have absolutely no plans of buying but were enticed by the beautiful collaterals, presentation videos, and the convincing power of the sales agents.”

The pitfall, Manalac said, is when buyers base their decisions on their personal preferences rather than the important factors to consider to improve their chances of having a profitable investment.

“I said ‘to improve their chances’ because just like any other investments, it will always involve a certain amount of Next page

Living the dream. Acqua Private Residences, a project of the Century Properties Group, recently bagged the best

condominium development at the 2016 Philippines Property Awards. The fourth Philippines Property Awards is a prequalifier for the Asia Property Awards, the largest regional real estate awards that honors property players in the fields of design and development. Acqua Private Residences earned the judges’ nod due to its “excellence in design and amenities, location, value for money, use of space, construction and materials, and unique selling points, state of completion, and sales success.” Shown here is The Pebble, Acqua’s country club by the water. Fronting it is Riverwalk Promenade, a stretch of restaurants, cafes and boutique stores.

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C1

TATUm ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

P oP CU LT U RE

LIFE

I taught Basti what it's like to be responsible and accountable for something by entrusting him with the care of Rambo the chihuahua.

Motherhood by choice:

Thoughts and tips from a KSP (kool single parent)

#CoffeeWiThKai

Basti has grown into a good young teenager

place and I couldn’t afford to take him there, I told him. I would bring Basti to work with me, even in shoots and coverages, so he would see how much work goes behind every peso we earned and spent.

The result: Basti doesn’t feel bad or sad or hold a grudge whenever he asks me to buy something and I say no. He understands why, with very little or no explanation from me. There is no drama, no fight, no hard feelings. (The only thing he asks me to buy that I have a hard time saying no to is a book.)

Basti on his first day at Beeffalo

4. Support your child’s passion and interests the best way you could Basti took his first cooking classes in Vicky Veloso-Barrera’s Tiny Kitchen when he was five years old. He took his first art classes at Mind Gym when he was eight years old. He took Baking 101 at the Center for Culinary Arts in Podium when he was 11 years old. He took a calligraphy workshop with Kaye Etong of The Word Affair when he was 13 years old.

Notice the gaps in between? That’s because I had to save up for them, slowly but surely (the CCA baking class was a treat from the Cravings Group). When I could afford to enroll him in swimming classes (he was born with weak lungs so we knew swimming would do him good), I would enroll him in short courses in school.

“You don’t take a class; you’re thrown into motherhood and learn from experience.” — Jennie Finch

By KAI MAgSAnOC

I

look around at my current day job where I am surrounded by millennials, and I am reminded that when I was their age, I was already a mom. I was responsible for another human being, with a lot of help from my own mom.

In 2001, I was 21, and found out I was pregnant one month after my father passed away. I had only been a year out of college and was working towards my dad’s dream for me to become the next Loren Legarda, Korina Sanchez, or Ces Drilon.

“Sayang ka,” a lot of people said, disappointed that I would no longer be able to pursue their dreams of me becoming a flight attendant or joining a beauty pageant. Their reactions made me feel like motherhood was a death sentence.

It wasn’t fair.

The challenges didn’t stop there: Basti was born with pneumonia, and was left for two weeks at the neonatal ICU. I never rested a day at home. I went to hold Basti in the hospital everyday, even if I couldn’t feed him. Going home was always hard.

These events shaped the kind of mom I decided I was going to be: Hands-on and progressive. I was going to be my child’s best friend, not just his parent. I would rather my child trusted me than feared me; for him to know I am for him, not against him.

Today, Basti is 14 years old, from the generation that comes after the millennials. Parenting him has been one great adventure, and it has taught me a lot about myself, too. Allow me to share some lessons I have learned, and tips that have worked:

1. There’s no such thing as holding your baby too much, or spoiling him with hugs “’Wag mo laging kargahin, baka masanay,” people told me a lot when Basti was a baby. He was tiny when I took him home from the hospital; his lips a dark purple. I thought that holding him close would help him recover faster, since loving energy from the mom is healing. So I held him, as much as I could, as often as I wanted.

2. The sacrifices you make as a mother build you as a woman, and you become unfazed by life’s challenges When Basti was about to turn two years old, I was working part-time in an English language school. I wanted to celebrate his birthday in Jollibee, but my income was not enough, unless I made cuts from my own spending. So for a month, I ate once a day, only when I got home. I was able to give Basti the birthday party he deserved.

This phase of my life was cathartic. Until today, my takeaway from that experience still holds true: I am unafraid to lose everything, because I know what it’s like to have nothing. A situation is only a problem if nothing can be done about it anymore. But if it can still be fixed, it’s not a problem. I will deal with it and I will survive.

3. Don’t sugarcoat reality to your child; this builds his character as an individual Whenever Basti wanted a toy and we didn’t have enough to buy it, I told him.

Whenever he wanted to try a new eating

Basti shortly after recovering from his two-week stay at NICU

5. Entrust him with a responsibility.

Count on him. Empower him When I brought Rambo the chihuahua home in 2011 — when Basti was nine years old — I told him that Rambo was going to be his responsibility. He should make sure Rambo is fed, bathed, and healthy.

Basti took the responsibility seriously. The two became inseparable. Today, they sleep together, too. Rambo has never been sick.

This summer, I had Basti help out at Beeffalo, an American everyday comfort Continued on c3

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M

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

A TRIbUTE To moTHERS FRom Uno DE 50

others deserve the best, which is why a lot of brands are pulling out all stops to come out with iconic pieces that pay homage to the special women in our lives.

For Mother’s Day, Spanish brand Uno de 50 is paying tribute to moms with versatile and irresistible pieces set in unique designs that combine silver plating with Swarovski crystal pearls. Pieces in the collection evoke fluidity courtesy of the metal while sophistication is attained with Swarovski crystals that go very well with the elegance of pearls.

In many ancient societies, pearls symbolized the moon and were imbued with magical properties.

Pearls also symbolize wisdom through experience – characteristsics that define mothers. Known for their calming effect, pearls are said to balance one’s karma, strengthen relationships, and keep children safe, aside from the fact that they are believed to attract wealth and luck.

Swarovski crystal pearls have an unparalleled harmonious and lustruous shimmer – the first production in the world to combine the quality of a perfect crystal core with the exquiste beauty of a pearl coating. This innovative technology gives a mysterious glow that seems to radiate from the pearl itself.

Young mothers will particularly find the Uno de 50 jewelry attractive because of the creativity in craftsmanship, unique style and bold spirit that truly set them apart from the rest. A big attraction for the 100 percent Spanish handcrafted pieces is the fact that only 50 units are produced for each design – which explains the brand’s trademark name, a philosophy adopted by the designers who established the brand in the late 1990s.

For that special gift for a special mom, check out UNO de 50 branches located at the Second Level of SM Aura Premier; the Third Floor of SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall; the Second Level of the SM Mall of Asia ‘s ‘Main Hall; the Ground Floor of SM Makati; and the Ground Floor of SM Store’s Branded Accessories Section in SM City Cebu.

Visit and like UNO de 50’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/unode50.es.

The fluidity of the metal pieces go well with the sophistication of Swarovski crystals and the elegance of pearls

Silver plated asymmetrical choker with a central mechanism that makes it easy to put on and remove

Silver plated open ring

Silver plated metal earrings with a crimped Swarovski® Elements pearl

Two-fingers ring bathed in silver with an open design

Versatile and irresistible pieces in unique and unmistakable designs

Silver plated asymmetrical bracelet that evokes a timeless touch

Silver plating combined with Swarovski crystal pearls

Say Happy mother’s Day with Toblerone Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and Toblerone is giving you the cutest way to greet the special woman in your life. Say it with Toblerone!

Known for creating special sleeve greetings, this time, Toblerone wants you to share your love for Mama. Honor moms on their special day with a uniquely special Swiss triangle made from high quality ingredients, rich with the flavor of honey and almond nougat. Each special Mother’s Day Toblerone comes with a limited-edition sleeve that features a lovely pink rose and a greeting that says, “You’re the best MAMA.”

Be creative with your gift, stack up these triangles in a bouquet or make the Toblerone chocolate a centerpiece for your flower arrangement. You’ll surely make mom smile as she reads the greeting. After all, no one can argue that chocolates make women smile.

Nothing can spell thoughtful and caring love better than a 100 percent Swiss-made chocolate from Toblerone. If you’re still not set on what to give mom for tomorrow, head to the nearest store and get creative by giving her a unique and special Toblerone chocolate experience.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

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Elections get social

A

couple of weeks ago, I unfriended someone on Facebook because of his politics. And I know that someone else unfriended me as well for precisely the same reason. To say that the upcoming elections have made us all crazy on social media might just be an understatement.

This election season is perhaps the noisiest, buzziest and most divisive in recent memory. It’s the perfect recipe of controversial candidates, rabid supporters, above-average levels of social engagement, and a general feeling of being fed up. Now, it seems like everyone wants to be heard.

No one wants to be quiet anymore.

As a democracy, we have always been encouraged to speak our minds. We are urged to participate in the discourse, to be critical, to be inquisitive so that the truths will be uncovered. And with all our social media accounts at our disposal, we make sure that we are contributing to the discussion.

There is a growing sentiment among the electorate, particularly younger ones, of disgruntlement and discontent.

Regardless of the candidate they’re supporting, online Filipinos today refuse to be silenced. The past few months have been a testament to this, with Facebook and Twitter being hotbeds of politically charged rants. Social media has always been a venue for sharing thoughts and opinions, but never has it been utilized as it has this election season.

Estimates say that there are 42 million Facebook users in the Philippines (49 million, according to others), or about 40 percent of the population. That’s a huge deal – and if used effectively and efficiently, social networking really could help decide this year’s elections. But instead of being a force for good, social media is notorious for spreading negativity and malicious intent.

“Social media has dramatically changed the dynamics of elections in the Philippines, sent spin doctors a-spinning, and apologists a-flurry whenever the damaging sound bytes, slurs, and insensitive remarks are let loose by their candidates. The posts, tweets, and viral videos have polarized the nation, making this the most vicious election season in history,” writes Maribel Buenaobra for The Asia Foundation.

You know this is true when Facebook friends are unfriending each other because they can’t agree to disagree, as what I have experienced.

This election is probably one of the most divisive ever, with Facebook friends unfriending each other

Regardless of choice, what important is to cast your vote

There is a growing sentiment among the electorate, particularly younger ones, of disgruntlement and discontent.

Regardless of the candidate they’re supporting, online Filipinos today refuse to be silenced.

(In my defense, I only unfriended one person – an acquaintance – and only because he’s being very passive-aggressive in the way he talks about politics.)

But really, I think this is a sign of a healthy democracy. It’s a wonderful feeling to not be afraid of truly saying whatever it is you want to say. Unlike anonymous message boards, Facebook and Twitter are based on identity. We are identified as ourselves whenever we post a statement or share an article and that counts for something. It says a lot that we are able to own what we post, that we aren’t hiding behind an avatar.

It can’t be denied that sometimes, someone would post a piece that defies

logic, or something that can be so combative, or even something that’s simply meant to stir the pot. But that’s the very essence of having discussions and leaving no stone unturned for the purpose of an informed electorate. We can’t all be logical and sane and analytical. And having all those voices in the mix is what makes democracy a democracy.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that it may be vicious, it may be chaotic, it may seem like it’s getting out of hand, but I think that we – as a people – are actually using social media well in trying to decide on who will be the next leaders of this nation. It’s a good thing that we are all passionate (sometimes to a fault, but still), interested and engaged. This all goes to show how willing and determined we are to fight for a brighter future, and that we will stop at nothing to finally get what we think we deserve.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @EdBiado

motherhood by choice...

From C1

food place my friends Louie and Girlie Abad and Caren Diaz own, all the way in Marikina. He would assist the staff and dine with them, sharing in their staff meal. I wanted Basti to know how to serve others, and to learn to deal with different kinds of people. I wanted him to learn the value of humility.

Anyone who ever thought that my early pregnancy was a failure would probably now realize that I made it into my life’s greatest achievement.

People who get to know Basti appreciate him, and tell me I am doing the right thing with how I raise him to be — independent, selfless, passionate, artistic, and emotionally strong.

Of course, parenting is not without its challenges and tough times, especially now that my son is a

teenager. He is no longer a boy; he is a young man.

I call on my kumpadres to help me guide him. He needs friends, mentors, and models; those who can show him what it’s like to be a man — a normal but proper one.

I look back at my life, at the plethora of freelance projects, at the starts and stops of regular employment, and have no regrets that — whenever I have had to choose — I chose to put family first.

To my fellow moms, a Happy Mother’s Day to all of us!

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @kaimagsanoc

Twinning! People mistake Basti as my youngest brother because he is now taller than me... and we have similar tastes!

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ig spy

InSPIRIng momS oF InSTAgRAm

T

here is nothing ordinary about being a mother – she feeds her family, protects her kids and makes sure that love, peace and harmony rule the household. As we celebrate their special day – mother’s Day – let us take

the time out from our busy schedules to honor and recognize some amazing mommies and mamas who share a piece of their lives on Instagram. Perhaps you’ll learn life-hacks from their accounts, too. – Marjaleen Ramos

@pattylaurel Hosting, teaching blogging – these are the things Patty Laurel-Filart does for a living. Her jobs may be covetable, but one can see on her Instagram account that no profession can compare to the sense of fulfillment she gets whenever she gives her son Theo the best of her love and care. At the end of the day, the hats she wears don’t matter if she’ll be missing out on the joys of motherhood. Check out her IG for images of her adorable kid, charming family and her interesting life inside and outside of her home.

@amandagriffin_j Despite Amanda Griffin Jacob’s many responsibilities as television host, VJ, book author, publisher, swimwear boutique proprietor and event company owner, she never lacks the time when it comes to her three adorable children Kieran, Kalon and Lila. She loves posting photos of her kids, as well as her and her family’s wholesome lifestyle, on her Instagram account.

@rhizaoyos Aside from colorful flatlays, seasoned blogger Rhiza Oyos is also fond of sharing pictures of her cute twins and her life as a mother. For more than a decade, she has been sharing inspiring, educational and heartwarming stories that will encourage anyone who reads them. Get parenting tips and a daily dose of cuteness and inspiration from her Instagram account.

@stellapastores Stella Pastores-Esquivias is the happy mom behind the blog From Stilettos to Ballet Flats where she shares stories of her family and does lifestyle reviews. A bite-size version of her website is her Instagram account, where she shows how she balances her life as a lawyer, a traveler, a blogger, a wife and a mother to her adorable son and daughter. Check out her Instagram account to witness how a mother, wearing a lawyer’s hat, manages to keep a well-rounded home.

@biancaelizalde Bianca Araneta Elizalde’s passion for organic food, healthy living, design and wellness is nothing compared to the passion she has in being a mother. Being a founder of an organic restaurant, Bianca’s Instagram feed is replete with delectable, healthy treats. But on top of those, she also lets her followers in to her life as a mom. With beautiful photos and a lovely family, Bianca’s account truly deserves an immediate follow.

SAt uRDAy : m Ay 7, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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Ben Hardy as the mutant with bird like feathered wings, Archangel

Oscar Isaac playing the world’s most powerful mutant, Apocalypse

“X-men: Apocalypse,” directed by Bryan Singer, with a screenplay by Simon Kinberg, is the ninth installment in the X-men film series

FOuR hORSEMEN uNlEaShED IN ‘X-MEN: aPOcalyPSE’

t

he critically hailed blockbuster XMen: Days of Future Past was a tough act to follow. Following his acclaimed work, director Bryan Singer takes the franchise to new heights with X-Men: Apocalypse, in which the XMen battle the original and most powerful mutant -- Apocalypse.

Staged in 1983, the invincible and immortal Apocalypse is set free after being entombed for several millennia. Enraged that his kind are no longer treated as gods, Apocalypse assembles a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to destroy humankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. To end Apocalypse’s path of global destruction, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) and Professor X (James McAvoy) lead a team of young X-Men in an epic showdown with a seemingly unstoppable enemy.

Once again fueled by rage and revenge, Magneto is vulnerable to Apocalypse’s offer to join him as one of his newly-reformed Four Horsemen. Inspired by the biblical vision of Four Horsemen, who unleash a divine apocalypse upon the world, Apocalypse’s Four Horsemen are minion mutants who, says Fassbender, “are living on the margins and have been ostracized or bullied.”

Apocalypse’s Four Horseman, circa 1983, are: Magneto, Psylocke (Olivia Munn), Angel (Ben Hardy) and Storm (Alexandra Shipp). Psylocke is a powerful telepath and trained ninja assassin. Introduced as the bodyguard for Caliban, an underground mutant tracker, Apocalypse senses Psylocke’s power and persuades her to join his cause. “She’s a fascinating character,” says Munn. “Unlike many of her fellow mutants, who kill only when they must, Psylocke has always enjoyed killing, or at least she has no problem doing it.”

Storm (whose given name is Ororo Mon-

roe) is an orphan raised as a thief on the streets of Cairo. Storm possesses the ability to control all aspects of the weather. Storm can also fly, thanks to her ability to control wind currents. While she will become one of the most valued leaders of the X-Men, the Storm we meet in this film is struggling with who she is, before Apocalypse convinces her to join his team. “This Storm is more reckless and emotionally driven than the adult Storm we know from the previous X-Men films, starring Halle Berry,” says Shipp. “She’s confused about who she wants to be, and her lack of opportunity leads her to join Apocalypse as one of his modern Horsemen.”

The Fourth Horseman is Angel, whose mutation gave him large wings and the ability to fly. Angel’s agility, strength and reflexes make him a lethal hand-to-hand combatant. In X-Men: Apocalypse, after suffering severe damage to his wings, Angel is like an angry punk rocker. He’s a drunk, disheveled mess, and surviving out of pure instinct. Angel is approached by Apoca-

American actress Olivia munn as Psylocke, a mutant with telepathic and telekinetic abilities

lypse, who gives him the opportunity to channel his anger and join his Horsemen.

In exchange for his allegiance, Apocalypse repairs Angel’s wings by transforming them into a techno-organic metal, which allows him to shoot deadly razor projectiles from his now indestructible wings. Ben Hardy, who takes flight as Angel, knew the character is one of the most anticipated by fans, and worked hard to bring Angel to life.

That included a training regimen that was no less demanding than Hugh Jackman’s muscle-pumping workouts for his appearances as Wolverine. Hardy trained six days a week and followed a strict diet, “to look as superhuman as possible,” he says. For flying scenes, Hardy trained for and executed many complicated stunt wire-work, an often dizzying experience. “I mean, to be 30 feet in the air and swoop down was like being on a rollercoaster all day,” says Hardy.

The most awaited epic battle begins when X-Men: Apocalypse opens May 18 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

michael Fassbender as magneto who becomes the third of Apocalypse’s horsemen

Smart unleashes ‘X-men: Apocalypse’ experience for subscribers With Superhero fans all hyped up to witness the world’s powerful mutants in X-Men: Apocalypse, the country’s unrivaled mobile services leader Smart Communications has teamed up with 20th Century Fox through its local distributor Warner Bros. for one of this year’s most anticipated films, which opens in 3D and IMAX cinemas on May 18.

As the official mobile partner for X-Men: Apocalypse, Smart is unleashing the most epic round of awesome experiences, perks and prizes exclusive to its subscribers, giving them a chance to win the SMART XPERIENCE, an ultimate adventure that features a trip for two to any Airbnb listing in Southeast Asia; a group pass for an X-Men-themed activity at Mystery Manila; and Uber Black vouchers.

Also up for grabs are brand new devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 and LTE Pocket WiFi, perfect for taking their

dose of X-MEN: APOCALYPSE content on the go.

Text XMEN to 9999

To join the promo, just register by texting XMEN REG <NAME/AGE/ ADDRESS> to9999 free of charge. For the complete mechanics, simply send a text XMEN to 9999.

Smart users can accumulate e-raffle entries with every top-up of select Smart Prepaid Big Bytes offers (50, 99, 299, or 799); purchase of a Smart Prepaid or Smart Bro Prepaid SIM; and sign-up or renewal for select Smart Postpaid and Smart Bro Postpaid Plan.

FREE Mystery Manila Pass for Smart subscribers

To take the X-men: Apocalypse experience to another level, Smart has also joined forces with Mystery Manila to give

all Smart subscribers a FREE PASS to the X-Men-themed challenge at Century Mall in Makati City. This unique experience will allow X-Men fans to gather their squad and summon their inner superhero in unraveling a thrilling mystery – for the perfect group activity this summer.

To secure a slot for your FREE PASS, simply register a twww.smart.com.ph/ XMENAPOCALYPSE. Smart’s dedicated portal also offers exclusive digital offers and interactive online challenges that give subscribers a chance to take home premium X-men: Apocalypse merchandise.

Super-sized digital and real-life experiences

“After the smashing success of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, we are excited with X-Men: Apocalypse,” another sure-fire blockbuster X-perience for our beloved subscribers. This further stretch-

es their film enjoyment through our arsenal of digital content and our brand of awesome experiences,” said Smart Brand Head Kathy C. Carag.

“With our supersized data offers, especially our doubled-up Big Bytes 50 with 700MB data valid for three days plus 600MB for YouTube and iflix, Smart subscribers have more than enough to boost their X-Men: Apocalypse experience – from streaming trailers and video features on YouTube to rooting for their favorite mutants on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.”

For more information on Smart’s exclusive X-Men: Apocalypse offers, visitwww.smart.com.ph/XMENAPOCALYPSE and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook. com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram(@LiveSmart).

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SAt uRDAy : m Ay 7, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

WInnERS of QuEzon’S top moDEl QuESt 2016

T

he winners of national beauty pageants usually have modeling backgrounds like current Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and newly crowned Bb. Pilipinas Universe Maxine Medina. Model searches around the country are the

jumping board to national beauty pageants for future beauty queens.

The recent Quezon’s Top Model Quest 2016, held at the Quezon Convention Center, is no exception.

Twenty pairs of male and female aspiring models competed

top model Quest winners joined by organizers and other candidates

in the Province of Quezon’s annual grand and most prestigious modeling competition produced and organized by JOP Production and Galaxy Events Management headed by CEO Jaylo Pizarra and Production Head Domz Ramos, discoverers of most promising new faces in the local modeling profession and entertainment.

Crowd favorites Ian Anthony Tan and Charisse Gutierrez topped the field of 40 candidates while Jush Rosales and Yzabelle Gonzaga Urdaneta were named First Runners up and Ali Mohammad Imran and Aira Elloso as Second Runners up. Ramil Permigones and Melofe Gaa and Nhiel Borja and Vanessa Sumocol finished third and fourth runners-up respectively.

Urdaneta bagged the special award as Miss Model of Beauty while Imran took home the special

winners’ circle. Victors at the recently concluded top model Quest 2016 held in Quezon province

title as Mister Model Gentleman.

The 40 candidates rocked the stage in Edwin Uy creations and Pegarro swimwear of Julius Jaguio and Domz Ramos before a distinguished board of judges that included Miss Universe 2014 - Top Ten Finalist MJ Lastimosa, Miss International 2015-Best Dresser Janicel Lubina, Mister World 2012- First RunnerUp Andrew Wolff, top male model Kirst Viray, Asia’s Next Top Model

Cycle -2nd Runner-Up Jodilly Pendre, FDAP President Digna Rosales, ABS-CBN’s Mario Dumaual, GMA-7’s Lhar Santiago and top designer Albert Andrada.

The exciting and well-attended competition was hosted by Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Angelee delos Reyes and ABS-CBN’s Robi Domingo with the guest performance of Asia’s Got Talent winner El Gamma Penumbra. – Eton B. Concepcion

Inspiring ‘mommypreneur,’ summer Celebrities in #weaREfoRmar tribute home and bathroom makeover

It was a heartwarming reunion of the local showbiz industry’s movers and shakers, OPM icons, reigning teen stars and other big-name celebrities who braved the traffic and the scorching summer heat to show their support for Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas.

The gathering, dubbed “Artists for Mar,” was held at Mesa restaurant on T. Morato Ave. in Quezon City Conceptualized as a fitting show of support from the stars, the thanksgiving press conference was also attended in full force by the various TV networks as well as editors, columnists and writers from the entertainment media.

Spearheading the tribute were talent managers Arnold Vegafria, Girlie Rodis and Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, along with their prized wards headed by OPM legends Gary Valenciano, Celeste Legaspi, Noel Cabangon, Jessa and Dingdong Avanzado with daughter Jayda, together with Jay-R, Karylle, Kris Lawrence, Karla Estrada, Daniel Padilla and loveteam partner Kathryn Ber-

nardo, and artist managers Carlo Orosa and Sandra Chavez.

Actors and hosts Isabelle de Leon, Eagle Riggs, Martin del Rosario, Bernadette Allyson, Samantha Lopez, comedians Chokoleit, Kedebon and Donita Nose, Quezon City councilor Alfred Vargas, Jason Francisco, and ex-APO Hiking Society member/actor Boboy Garovillo also came.

OPM legends Leah Navarro and Jim Paredes emceed the program, where the stars took turns sharing their touching personal messages and anecdotes onstage.

Gary also sang an appropriately themed OPM tune in time for the coming elections.

Special guest of honor Mother Lily (Monteverde), well regarded as the industry’s matriarch, also caught up with the festivities, thanked her colleagues and expressed her support for Mar. The highlight of the affair was the arrival of ABS-CBN host Korina SanchezRoxas, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the touching gesture given her by her dear showbiz colleagues.

cROsswORD puzzlE

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

ACROSS 1 Vegan staple 5 Bossa nova cousin 10 Giant ant movie 14 Starfleet phaser setting 15 Nimbus or cirrus 16 Comet — -Bopp 17 Chicken style 18 Lodges 19 Hoarfrost 20 Roof job

22 Sitcom demo 23 Chenille item 24 Thwart a villain 26 Amiable look 28 Turns around 32 Pegasus or Grani 33 Caesar’s tongue 34 Wimple sporter 35 Ancient ointment 36 — away from attention 37 Lone Ranger or

Batman 38 Eyebrow shape 39 Professor’s charge 40 — Marley (Scrooge’s partner) 41 Prissy flower?

43 Soft colors 44 Cross-legged exercises 45 Lean toward 46 Peep 49 Jersey (2 wds.)

52 Insinuate 53 Minnie of Nashville 55 Luau strummers 57 Black-hearted 58 Quiz-show host 59 Lady of the haus 60 Neural network 61 Sofa-bed user 62 Bogus DOWN 1 For shame!

2 He gave us a lift 3 Power source 4 Constant 5 Book copier of old 6 Single-handed 7 Type of synthesizer 8 — a ride 9 Classified info 10 Electrify 11 Icy precip 12 “Blondie” kid

Don’t miss PhilSTAR TV’s Modern Living TV’s latest episode airing today, as celebrity hosts and lifestyle columnists Bianca Gonzalez and Stephanie Zubiri speed you up on the top trends for new mommies—from child-friendly design to glamorous makeovers for mommies.

Thinking of giving your bathroom a makeover? Get tips to transform washroom into one you will love as you join Steph as she goes window-shopping for some design concepts and covetable bathroom fixtures at Villeroy & Boch and Dornbracht.

Up next, Steph gets up close and personal with inspiring “mommypreneur” Martine De Luna, the woman behind the “Make It Blissful” project. Make it Blissful, a community blog about living a meaningful life, is motivatingly geared towrds helping women live inspired, informed lives, no matter where they are in life.

Meanwhile, Bianca meets up with the hardworking couple behind the summer home Casa del Pio and its interior designer, Grace Moslares. Learn how to recreate the perpetually sunny look of this summer villa

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2016

13 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 36 37 39 40 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 53 54 56

Shake hands Related Subatomic particle Big bashes Classical poet Ringo or Brenda Maurice’s thanks Pull up Sweater style (hyph.)

German coins Uppity one Ginger cookie Buddhist sacred city Wade through Restrain, as a prisoner Field’s yield Quick turn Crape — BB shot Loses steam One-name entertainer It’s full of cells — — for the money Armor-crushing weapon Slimy vegetable Diluted Secure a tent Low-fat meat Haul into court

“modern living tV” host Stephanie zubiri with the “mommypreneur” behind “make It Blissful” project

with a sneak peek of the quirky home.

The fifth season of Modern Living TV has 13 episodes, running every Saturday on ANC at 6 p.m., with replays on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Modern Living TV is the first lifestyle TV show by a news media organization.

Every 30-minute episode of Modern Living TV features the latest eye candy in the form of breathtaking living spaces and other elements of modern living. The show will also present informative and entertaining segments that feature the hottest lifestyle trends.

SAt uRDAy : m Ay 7, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

T

C7

SupERStAR NORA AuNOR IN mmK’S mOtHER’S DAy SpECIAl

he one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor, is featured in MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya) Mother’s Day special episode tonight (8:30 p.m.) on ABSCBN 2 (Channel 8 on SkyCable and Channel 167 ABS-CBN HD).

Nora plays Yolly, a mother who will do anything and everything for her children, four of whom have disorders.

Yolly and her husband (Joel Torre) dream of having children of their own and build a family.

Unfortunately, their genes are incompatible. Their firstborn has

Down syndrome, while their second and third babies suffer from cerebral palsy.

Despite the misfortune that has befallen their children, the couple loves them like they are normal children, like their fourth child who turns out to be the only one without physical and or mental disability.

When Nick leaves to work overseas, Yolly is left with the responsibility of taking care of the children.

While Yolly has accepted the fact that she is the mother of

four disabled children, she isn’t able to embrace the successive deaths of her two children. This is the fact that has made her despondent while holding on to her two other children, one of which also has disability.

This is Nora Aunor’s fourth appearance in MMK. She previously starred in Lot 8 BLk 13 in 1991, Retaso with Joel Torre in 1997, and Lubid in 2002.

Also starring with Aunor in this episode, apart from Torre, are Gloria Sevilla and Suzette Ranillo.

“my Super D’s” super marathon starts today

Dodong (Dominic Ochoa) has finally fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a superhero as he transforms into Super D and saves his son’s life with the help of the powerful blue gem in the Kapamilya primetime series My Super D. Desperate to save Dennis (Marco Masa), Dodong asked help from Pablo (Nonie Buencamino), a friend of the late superhero Super D (Richard Yap), in getting his son back from the kidnappers.

Pablo then helped him find the blue gem, which turned him into the new Super D. And as soon as he had the gem, Dodong rushed to his son and bravely fought the kidnappers using his newfound super powers.

Will Dodong accept the responsibility of being a superhero now that he already has the blue

Dominic Ochoa as Dodong, the unlikely superhero in “my Super D”

gem? Is this the start of his battle against evil forces?

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN TVplus subscribers will ge the chance of watching Dodong as he fight crimes and save lives as Super D with no commercial breaks on “Yey!” starting at 6 p.m. today.

Don’t miss the newest-drama

fantasy that tells everyone that they can be superheroes through the power of love, My Super D, weeknights before TV Patrol on ABS-CBN or on ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

Catch up via iWant TV andskyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

Dennis Quaid and Kate Bosworth in ‘the Art of more’

Premiering May 24 on Sony Channel, The Art of More is an original Sony production, which exposes the secretive, exclusive and corrupt world of auction houses.

The critically acclaimed original series is a winning combination of thrilling storylines and outstanding casting. Delving into the business of art collectors who employ modern day treasure hunters to pursue

priceless artifacts at any cost, it is hard to tell a collector from a criminal. This outwardly glamorous occupation is layered in deceit, fraud and racketeers.

Graham Connor (Christian Cooke) is a new executive at ParkeMason working for Arthur Davenport (Cary Elwes), a shrewd and eccentric world-class collector of art and illegal antiquities. Utilizing

Christian Cooke, Cary Elwes, Kate Bosworth, and Dennis Quaid as members of the elite world of New york auction houses in the Sonny Channel drama “the Art of more”

Connor’s connections with a smuggling ring he encountered during his tour in Iraq, they procure priceless artifacts for his clients who don’t care how their objects of desire are acquired.

Dennis Quaid, also an executive producer, stars as charismatic real estate shark Samuel Brukner, who has a penchant for ill-gotten art, and Kate Bosworth as Roxanna Whitman, daughter of the CEO of one of the two warring auction houses.

Whether buyer, seller or something in between, everyone in The Art of More is chasing something they covet and struggling with the extent they will go when unchecked by morality.

Sony’s first one-hour scripted drama series from its U.S based streaming service Crackle.com, will air from May 24, Tuesday at 8.50pm, first and exclusively on Sony Channel, still not available to HD viewers.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Superstar Nora Aunor plays a mother of four disabled children in an episode of maalaala mo Kaya this Saturday

‘Ani-may’ festival on Hero

As the month of May rolls in, Hero TV will be bringing in an amazing Ani-May Festival with a new wave of Japanese series that Anime fans will surely love!

The second installment of YuGi-Oh! Zexal is now on Hero!

In Yugioh Zexal II, a new enemy has arrived in the form of Barian. The primary target now is to gather the “numbers” and destroy the Astral world where Yuma and his friends live because the new enemy is slowly conquering Heartland City without any hesitation. Get your hearts pumping with this new and exciting action series.

Yugioh Zexal II premieres on May 24 at 11:30 p.m. with new episodes Mondays to Fridays with replays at 5:30, and 11:30 in the morning, and 5:30 in the afternoon.

Otakus (anime and Japanese culture fan in English) should also not miss out on Hero TV’s another offering this May – Fruits of Grisaia.

The series revolves around the story of Yuuji Kazami, a transfer student who has just been admitted into Mihama Academy. He wants to live an ordinary high school life but this dream of his may not come true any time soon

as Mihama Academy is quite the opposite. Consisting of only the principal and five other students, all of whom are girls, Yuuji becomes acquainted with each of them, discovering more about their personalities. Slowly, he begins to learn about the truth behind the small group of students occupying the academy—they each have their own share of traumatic experiences, which are far away from the world. It is up to Yuuji to become the catalyst to save them from themselves, but how can he save another when he cannot even save himself?

Watch how their stories unfold, 10:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, with a replay at 4:30 in the morning.

Aside from new titles, the iconic series Devil Survivor, The Eccentric Family, Folktales From Japan, Hetalia World, Initial D:5th Stage, Leviathan, Log Horizon Season 2, Naruto Shippuuden 7, and Ouran Highschool Hostclub will also return on Hero.

Hero is available on SKYcable Channel 44.

For updates, like Hero on Facebook (facebook.com/myheronation) and follow their Instagram @herotvofficial and Twitter @myHEROnation.

Ani-may features well-loved Japanese series as well as a new wave of animated series like “yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal” and “Fruits of Grisaia”

sat urday : m ay 7, 2016

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IsaH V. rEd EDITOR NICKIE WaNG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Luis manzano is known for his business casual manner of dressing, a look the dockers embodies

tV host and actor Luis manzano always goes for layering essential pieces to create his signature look

LuIs ManzanO LIkE a bOss In DOckERs ISAH V. RED

F

rom the way he dresses to his interactions with colleagues and staff, Luis Manzano knows his business.

The actor-TV host is best known for his business casual manner of dressing, a look that he has perfected. As the Dockers man, he goes for layering essential pieces like his favorite Dockers Signature On-The-Go Khaki Stretch Straight-Fit FlatFront pants.

“I like mix-matching different pieces especially if I have several appointments or events during the day. These pants look good and are very comfortable and that’s very important,” said Luis, who is also an entrepreneur.

With his busy schedule, he needs clothing that’s made of breathable material crafted in the sartorially pleasing style that he prefers. He also goes for clothes that are comfortable and can be worn from the stage to a casual lunch at a restaurant.

Luis is also known for being feisty on social media, a trait that he brings to his real life.

“I’m not one of those people who will take things sitting down, so to speak. I always fight for my rights, especially when I know I am right.”

“be confident and be yourself.

Dressing like a winner can help people treat you like one. I always rely on my Dockers staples.

You can never go wrong in them” – Luis Manzano, actor/TV host He gives his fans tips on dealing with different characters in the workplace. The Bully, said Luis, can smell fear a mile away. How to handle one? “Fight brawn with brains. You can outwit The Bully.”

As for The Perv—that guy who ogles your female officemates and makes inappropriate remarks, Luis has one rule: he has to be reported.

If your problem is The Rumor Monger, Luis said you can outtalk this person. “Confront him or her to clarify things and make sure to warn him to stop or else.”

“Be confident and be yourself. Dressing like a winner can help people treat you like one. I always rely on my Dockers sta-

dockers apparels are Luis manzano’s wardrobe staples

ples. You can never go wrong in them,” he added.

The essentials? The Dockers Signature On-The-Go Khaki Straight-Fit Flat-Front pants, of course. These pants are the canvas upon which Luis bases his look.

Luis has worn Dockers since he started buying clothes for himself.

“I love Dockers Signature OnThe-Go Khaki Straight-Fit FlatFront pants because I can wear them with a T-shirt and sneakers when I am outdoors. If I have to

this summer, dockers collections offer crisp, clean and welltailored clothes where the focus is on fit, fabric and finish

run to a meeting after that, I can just throw on a jacket and change my shoes to something dressier.

It’s versatile and comfortable,” said Luis.

For spring/summer 2016, Dockers offers crisp, clean and well-tailored clothes where the focus is on fit, fabric and finish.

Dockers is having the modern man dress in a slimmer, sleeker and sexier silhouette of casual and refined khaki trousers. The trousers are made in comfortable

stretch fabrics providing great elasticity in a bright and light color spectrum. This season is all about tone-on-tone. This summer is all about being practical and functional while looking stylish.

“At Dockers, it’s always about looking your best. Luis Manzano’s business-casual look should be every man’s goal. It is dressing for success without compromising your comfort,” said Kaths Laudit, Dockers Philippines marketing head.