The Standard - 2016 May 28 - Saturday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXX  NO. 105  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  SATURDAY : MAY 28, 2016  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

PEASANT LEADER PICKED FOR DAR

ELECTION FOR SALE Ex-poll execs sell ‘victory’ for P12M to P200M

By Christine F. Herrera, Joel Zurbano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

INFORMATION technology expert and former Biliran congressman Glenn Chong bared evidence Friday that former poll executives had sold guaranteed victories to candidates who could be “programmed to win” in the May 9 automated elections.

At the Contra Canvass forum in Quezon City, Chong, vice chairman and spokesman of the election watchdog Reform Philippines Coalition, said he has received a video showing how a former election officer was selling the system to a politician in the Visayas. “I have heard of the system being sold for P12 million to one candidate to as high as P200 million depending on the number of candidates programmed to win, but this is

the first time I have received a concrete evidence of how it was peddled to candidates,” Chong stated. Showing a screen grab of the video, Chong said the former election officer offered to make the candidate win by giving him the database of voters in his area. The candidate would then choose the voters who will be retained and the edited database would be given back to the elecNext page tion officer.

Official canvass. Members of the National Board of Canvassers examine a Certificate of Canvass from Iloilo City during the final day of counting of the votes cast during the May 9 elections amid charges of cheating in the lower levels of the counting process. VER NOVENO

RODY, LENI TOP FINAL TALLY House deputy minority leader and 1-BAP By Maricel V. Cruz party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III, the House CONGRESS, sitting as the National Board of contingent head for the minority bloc of the Canvassers, finished its official tally of all votes NBC, said this was the “fastest in the history Friday night and confirmed the victory for of canvassing in Congress.” The results of the congressional canvassDavao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as president and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo as ing confirmed the earlier tally of votes made the by the Commission on Elections, where vice president. At 7:15 p.m., the 14-member congressional Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte emerged canvassing panel headed by Senator Aquilino as the next president with an overwhelming Pimentel III and House Majority Leader Nep- 16,601,997 votes and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni tali Gonzales II finished canvassing all 166 Robredo as the vice president with a total of Next page 14,418,817 votes. Certificates of Canvass on its third day.

DROUGHT TO TEST DUTERTE GOVT

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LEFT NOMINATES CASIÑO, MARIANO By John Paolo Bencito

DAVAO CITY—Former University of the Philippines professor Judy Taguiwalo and former Bayan Muna congressman Teddy Casiño confirmed Friday that they were among the candidates nominated by the National Democratic Front to join the incoming administration of President-in-waiting Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte, who said he was impressed by the list of nominees, said he was inclined to give them positions in his Cabinet. “I have submitted the documents to a screening committee. The reason why I am talking to them is, I was once upon a time left of center,” said Duterte, who has offered Cabinet posts to the communists as a confidence-building measure for resuming talks with the NDF. “The left gave me a very impressive list of people who have the talent,” Duterte said. “I am inclined to give in. If we can talk smoothly and Jose Maria Sison [the exiled founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines] would come home in July, I’m ready to give more of them positions in government.” He declined to name the NDF nominees, except to say that they were less than 10 and four of them were women. Taguiwalo, the faculty regent of UP, confirmed she was nominated to head

the Department of Social Welfare and Development. “I am honored to be nominated by the CPP/NDF to the post of secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. That an incoming president of the Philippines is extending his hand to the Left and inviting the latter to be part of government is a historic act,” Taguiwalo said in her Facebook post. Former Bayan Muna lawmaker Casiño confirmed that he is on the NDF shortlist, but denied any knowledge of the selection process. “All I know is I am being considered for something. At this point, it could be premature if I mention anything. It is very good that President-elect Duterte is very open-minded and of course, he knows of our track record in Congress. We are incorruptible and we stick to our principles,” Casiño said in Filipino over radio dzMM. Sources in leftist circles told The Stan-

dard on Thursday that among those recommended by the NDF panel are former Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano for Agrarian Reform, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate for the Environment and Natural Resources, and Taguiwalo for Social Welfare and Development. Casiño could replace Zarate for the DENR, if the latter serves another term as first nominee for the Bayan Muna partylist group. Duterte had also offered the Labor and Employment portfolio to the left, but that position has since been offered to former Justice secretary Silvestre Bello III. In the same radio interview, Casiño defended Duterte from accusations linking him to the death squad killings in Davao City. “There’s no… smoking gun or proof that he himself ordered all of these. As I said, it is an issue that we are engaged in with Mayor Duterte, and we hope that if he’s already president, these [extrajudicual killings] won’t happen in the Philippines,” he said. “[Human rights] will always be an issue that we will always argue with Mayor Duterte when he becomes president,” he added. Also on Friday, the leftist Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas welcomed the nomination of Mariano to head the Department of Agrarian Reform. With Rio N. Araja

Questions unanswered. Members of the National Board of Canvassers, including chairmen Senator Aquilino Pimentel III (left) and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga (back to camera), examine Certificates of Canvass as critics continued to question the integrity of the elections where former election officials supposedly offered ‘victory’ to candidates who could pay for their services. AVITO C. DALAN

Rody... From A1

Duterte was followed by Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II with a total of 9,978,175 votes; then Senator Grace Poe, 9,100,991 votes; Vice President Jejomar Binay, 5,416,140; Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, 1,455,532; and deceased OFW Family party-list Rep. Roy Señeres, with 25,779 votes. In the vice presidential race, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. obtained 14,155,344 votes; followed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, with 5,903,379 votes;

Senator Francis Escudero, with 4,931,962 votes; Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, 868,501; and Senator Gregorio Honasan, 788,881 votes. Before the canvassing was finished, the Marcos camp once again raised the issue of undervotes in the hotly contested vice presidential race—or the difference between the number of votes cast for president, and those cast for vice president. George Garcia, head of the Marcos legal team, said the fact that the Comelec would look into it only confirmed the fact that it was a serious matter. But Robredo lawyer Romulo Macalintal said undervoting

does not mean there was electoral fraud, and said the situation was common in all positions. Gonzales said the joint session would reconvene on Monday to sponsor the committee report on the canvassing, and approve it afterward. Then it would pass a resolution proclaiming the winners for president and the vice president, he said. Gonzales said the proclamation of Duterte and Robredo will likely take place on Monday. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said Duterte would most likely attend the proclamation, despite earlier reports that he might not. Earlier, Duterte’s spokesman

Salvador Panelo said the mayor didn’t need to be physically present during the proclamation ceremony. After the final tally, Duterte’s campaign spokesman issued the following statement: “Finally victory has been achieved. The official results of 2016 presidential race with Rody Duterte as winner may be anti-climactic, but we should not lose its historic significance. His victory is the triumph of the people, by the people and for the people. Let us celebrate this milestone of Philippine democracy by uniting and working for genuine change.”

Election... From A1 The election officer would then replace the discarded voters with other names complete with biometrics, and these would be used to rig the elections. “Of course the candidate will just retain the names of his supporters in the database and discard those from the other party. That is the reason many were disenfranchised with names missing or transferred on Election Day,” Chong said. Those who were programmed to win in the provincial level had the whole slate win from governor down to councilors, he said. He did not identify them, however. Chong said the technology in the particular video was sold for P12 million. He declined to show the video, saying he would show it during a hearing of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee in the Senate headed by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III. “I will show this whole video in the JCOC and the witness who is very willing to testify so that everything will be public and official,” he said. Chong also disclosed that the same technology had also been sold to a party in a province in Luzon for P200 million as it involved the whole provincial slate. “I already predicted... three months ago that a whole provincial slate from the governor down will win and the rival party will get nothing because I know for a fact that they talked to the same people on the automated election system [AES]. “I am right because the whole ticket eventually won and the other party was wiped out so don’t tell me I’m a fortune teller. I know because they had this same system,” he said. He also said he received many feelers from witnesses of election fraud and that he was in the process of evaluating each one, including any evidence they could produce. Chong also disputed the claim of elections lawyer Romulo Macalintal, the counsel for the administration’s vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo, who played down the importance of “undervotes” in the vice presidential race, referring to the difference between the number of votes cast for president and the number cast for vice president. Chong said international election expert and election book author Douglas Jones, a professor at the University of Iowa, said undervotes should not exceed 1 percent of the total votes cast. He said that according to Jones, if the number of undervotes reaches 5 percent, it is suspicious and if it reaches 10 percent, it is highly suspicious. “In the recent polls, the undervotes recorded were at 3.3 million for vice president. That means some 8.43 percent did not vote for vice president,” he said. Chong said the 8.43 percent undervote was way past the “suspicious category” and near the category of “highly suspicious.” “This is definitely an anomaly that the Comelec has to explain,” Chong said. At the national canvassing of the joint committee, George Garcia, the lawyer for vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Macalintal debated the significance of undervotes. Garcia insisted the 3.2 million undervotes was “unusually high” while Macalintal dismissed it as “nothing unusual.” Garcia said it was impossible for some 14,000 Ilocanos in Ilocos Norte not to vote for vice president when their fellow Ilocano, Marcos, was among the candidates.

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Rice importation to continue DAVAO CITY—The importation of rice will continue for the meantime to address the country’s impending rice self-sufficiency issues, former North Cotabato governor and incoming Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Friday Piñol, who was appointed to his new post by President-apparent Rodrigo Duterte, said they will look at overhauling policies and review existing rice purchase plans by the state. “I cannot make projections on the country’s efforts to achieve rice sufficiency until I have fully reviewed the existing infrastructure. In the meantime, importation is the only answer to the shortfall,” Piñol told The Standard Friday. He made his statement even as Senator Cynthia Villar said the country now had a better shot at curbing the perennial smuggling in the agriculture sector after President Benigno Aquino III signed into law a measure imposing higher penalties on the crime that she sponsored. “Harsher penalties are now imposed to serve as a deterrent to smuggling activities,” said Villar, the head of the Senate’s agriculture and food committee. Republic Act 10845, or the act declaring large-scale agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage, was signed into law by Aquino on May 23. The importation of rice is a politically charged issue in the world’s third largest rice importer, with the past administrations pushing to keep the tariffs high to protect local farmers but sometimes needing to quickly import thousands of tons of rice to boost rice stocks. Private traders are allowed to bring in annual shipments of up to 805,200 tons with a 35-percent tariff. Rice importation is regulated by the NFA, which issues import permits and allocations. In a radio interview, Piñol earlier said the new administration will bar private traders from importing rice and put the task entirely in the hands of the National Food Authority. John Paolo Bencito and

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Watering hole. Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte signs T-shirts from his fans at his favorite watering hole, the After Dark bar in Davao City. JOHN PAOLO BENCITO

G7 meets with members of outreach program ISE-SHIMA, Japan—The leaders from the Group of Seven advanced democracies met Friday with representatives of emerging and developing countries in Asia and Africa. The so-called outreach program involves Chad, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam and Laos. G7 host Japan said ahead of the meeting that it would zero in on Asia’s stability and prosperity, including “open and stable seas,” as well as United Nations sustainable development goals with a focus on Africa. The reference to maritime issues comes as ten-

sions build up over Beijing’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea, a strategic body of water that encompasses key global shipping lanes. China’s maritime claims and ongoing militarization of islets and outcrops have angered some of its Southeast Asian neighbors, including the Philippines and Vietnam. At the close of their formal session in Ise-Shima, the G7 leaders fired a broadside across China’s bows over its behavior in the region, without mentioning Beijing by name. “We are concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas, and empha-

size the fundamental importance of peaceful management and settlement of disputes,” the summit-ending statement said. Beijing is also locked in a dispute with G7 host Japan over the rocky outcroppings in the East China Sea, stoking broader concerns about Beijing’s growing regional might and threats to back up its claims with force, if necessary. China, for its part, is engaged in a furious diplomatic charm offensive among the developing countries, offering aid and trade in what critics see as a naked bid to rally international support to its cause. AFP

Romualdez backs federalism

Visit. Ambassador Kim Jae-Shin recently paid a visit to the temporary evacuation center accommodating the victims of a fire that broke out in Barangay Tuktukan, Taguig City.

THE Philippine Constitution Association on Friday expressed full support to the proposal of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to push a federal form of government. Group leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, the head of the House’s Independent Bloc, underscored the need to reform the 1987 Constitution to guarantee inclusive economic growth that will be felt by ordinary Filipinos. “We support the legislative agenda of incoming President Duterte, including his proposal to push a federal form of government,” Romualdez said. He said Philconsa, the oldest association of legal luminaries in the country, will convene soon to discuss the proposal for federalism to come up with a position on the matter. “Philconsa officials will meet soon

to discuss this [federalism] very important measure that would guarantee development in the countryside,” Romualdez said. He is batting for the empowerment of local government units, the devolution of government agencies and the equitable share in the national resources. He said LGUs faced many challenges in the performance of their mandate, especially in the efficient delivery of basic services such as jobs, livelihood, education and health care. He said that, with more income for LGUs from taxes, they could improve both their infrastructure and the quality of their basic services to their constituents. “We all know that we can do more. We can do better. We can vastly improve the quality of services and the quality of life of our constituents,” Romualdez said. Maricel V. Cruz

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Palace: Aquino caused poverty reduction By Sandy Araneta

Canvass winner. Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo speaks at the unveiling of bust of her husband at the Cararayan National High School hours before the National Board of Canvassers declared that she garnered the most number of votes in the vice presidential race.

Digong to be stricter on contractualization By John Paolo Bencito THE incoming Duterte administration will be stricter on contractualization, particularly among mall operators, where salespersons are hired then fired by the fifth month to avoid promoting them to regular status by the sixth month as required by law, the incoming Labor and Employment secretary said Friday. Despite the country’s laws disallowing the practice of contractualization—a labor contract system that is good only for five months, incoming Labor secretary Silvestre Bello III admitted that many employers, particularly mall operators, usually find a way to circumvent labor laws. “Mall operators usually circum-

vent the contractualization law. After five months, they would replace you so there won’t be any security of tenure,” Bello said in an ABSCBN interview. “It’s not right. There’s a penalty, and you can stop their operations [if they are found guilty],” he added. Latest statistics from the Labor Department showed that the coun-

try has almost 35-million contractual workers out of 67.1-million workers as of 2016. Contractualization or “endo” (end of contract) or “555” is a work arrangement whereby workers are only hired for only about five months without security of tenure, monetary, non-monetary and social protection benefits. The law requires regularization or termination of those employed for six months. During the last presidential debate, Duterte vowed to put an end to contractualization. Bello said that while the “endo” (end of contract) or the “555” work arrangement is illegal, he said he would review the practice of most malls not to hire salespersons directly but go through employment agencies. Bello said that he will also review

labor laws which consider other forms of subcontracting as “lawful” that most businessmen use as excuses to circumvent the spirit of the law. Laws on temporary contracting cover industries which are projectbased by nature, such as business process outsourcing, car manufacturing, construction and even entertainment. In May, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said that while the Philippines had one of the best performing economies in Asia, workers have not benefitted from the growth, partly because of the widespread use of contractual labor. Many employers undermine the Labor Code by hiring workers through third-party manpower agencies and cooperatives, the TUCP said.

ABOUT 10.5-million Filipino families consider themselves poor, with figures decreasing compared to last year’s, while an even fewer 6.9 million reported they barely have enough food to put on their tables, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey. The SWS survey, conducted from March 30 to April 2 with 1,500 respondents, has placed both self-rated poverty and food poverty rates at multi-year lows. Malacañang welcomed the findings and claimed that good governance has strengthened the economy and increased opportunities for Filipinos. “We welcome the most recent survey results released by the Social Weather Stations, which put both self-rated poverty and food poverty rates at multi-year lows,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. “This percentage is the lowest recorded in over four years, since December 2011,” Secretary Lacierda said. He further said that the results reflect declining quarterly rates noted in all regions except Mindanao, with self-rated poverty falling by 14 points in Visayas and by seven points in Metro Manila. “At 53 percent, even the poverty rate for Mindanao has fallen considerably compared to the 63 percent full-year average for 2015,” he said. In terms of self-rated food poverty, the poll showed a decline to 31 percent—equivalent to 6.9-million families— from 33 percent—equivalent to 7.4 million families—last December. “In real numbers, this means about 500,000 families no longer consider themselves foodpoor,” Lacierda said.

Only 66,000 mentors unpaid By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Soroptimists for women. Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region

Foundation Incorporated president Teresita Choa, governor Myra Abubakar and newly elected president Rosemary Reid announced their group’s partnership with Philippine National Police to address abuses against women and children. DANNY PATA

THE Commission on Elections admitted that tens of thousands of election inspectors have not been paid their honoraria for their service in the May 9 election, but Chairman Andres Bautista said they are not as many as 100,000 teachers. Actually, Bautista said there are only 66,000 election inspectors who have not been paid and that is mainly because election inspectors in far-flung areas have been been given their debit cards. “About 86 percent have been paid. So some 14 percent remains to be unpaid,” Bautista said, adding that 410,000 of the 486,000 teachers who served in the last elections have already been paid. The number is in contrast to the 100,000 BEI members and support staff that have yet to get their honoraria as claimed by the Alliance for Concerned

Teachers, Bautista said. For the May 2016 polls, the chairperson and members of the BEIs as well as support staff members are entitled to receive a per diem of P1,000 for three days; P500 each for the verification and sealing of the Book of Voters, for the final testing and sealing of the vote counting machines, and for transportation allowance; and P2,000 for undergoing training for a total per diem of P6,500. According to Bautista, of the P1.745 billion they have allocated and deposited to the Land Bank of the Philippines, some P1.5 billion have already been en-cashed. “The only remaining amount is about P245 million, which constitutes for the 14 percent,” the poll chief noted. Asked what could be the reason why the honoraria have yet to be withdrawn by the teachers, Bautista cited the geographical challenges it presents.

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Solon: Legalize medical marijuana By Maricel V. Cruz The principal author of a bill seeking to legalize medical marijuana on Friday vowed to revive his proposal in the incoming 17th Congress. Reelected Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III urged incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to include in his administration’s list of priorities the bill legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Albano said the bill, which he will refile when 17th Congress convenes this July, would provide accessible, affordable and safe medical cannabis sativa to patients with debilitating medical conditions. He filed House Bill 4477 in the 16th Congress but it was not acted upon. “I have high hopes under the Duterte administration that this measure would be enacted into law. Finally, there is hope for our people, especially our children, who suffer from medical conditions like epilepsy, cancer, and multiple sclerosis,” he said At a press briefing in Davao, Duterte said he supports the legalization of medicinal marijuana. “Medical marijuana, yes, because it is really an ingredient of modern medicine now. There are medicines right now being developed or already on the market that [contain] marijuana as a component,” the president-elect said. According to Albano, marijuana has confirmed beneficial and therapeutic uses in treating chronic or debilitating diseases or medical conditions. These include cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; and severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis, he said. Under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis bill, there shall be legalized and regulated use of cannabis for medical purposes, Albano said. It establishes under the Department of Health a medical cannabis regulatory office that will supervise cannabis’ medical use. Under Albano’s proposal, registered identification (ID) cards shall be issued to qualified patients after a careful review of the documents required and included in the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed law. “An entity shall operate as a Medical Cannabis Compassionate Center (MCCC) after approval of its application and registration. A MCCC shall guarantee the appropriate dispensation of cannabis and shall not release more than the prescribed dosage for one month to a registered qualified patient or designated caregiver, Albano said.

Parade of Beauties. Fashion models from different modelling agencies join the Flores de Mayo-Parada ng mga Sagala and Kasuotang Filipino fashion show from Luneta to Remedios circle. DANNY PATA

PNoy to take a break after term By Sandy Araneta AFTeR six years of what for him was long and hard work, President Benigno Aquino III will take a vacation, lead a normal and quiet life, read books he has collected, and listen to his favorite music, a Malacañang spokesman said on Friday. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told The Standard that during the past years of the Aquino administration, the Philippine economic condition improved more than it did in the previous administrations. Coloma said that over the past six years, the Aquino administration implemented a number of programs and undertakings that improved the quality of life of Filipinos and tangibly addressed pervading systemic problems that enabled the Philippines to achieve its status as the new Darling of Asia. He added that among the notable accomplishments of the outgoing government are: • Enhanced transparency in governance and an improved budgeting process which plugged leaks and corruption throughout the bureaucracy; • A 6.2-percent annual average economic growth, the highest in the past 40 years;

• A low inflation environment, averaging 1.4 percent, that enhanced the purchasing power of Filipino consumers; • A significantly lower incidence of selfrated poverty and food hunger owing to targeted and purposive poverty alleviation and food security programs; • Attainment of a good credit standing, with over 20 positive actions earned for the Philippines’ credit rating, including outlook changes to “positive” and actual hikes in credit ratings from various agencies; • A higher employment rate, from 92.7 percent in 2010 to 93.5 percent in the last quarter of 2015 and 94.2 percent for January 2016; • An enhanced revenue collection anchored on vital tax reform measures such as the increase in excise tax on so-called “sin” products; • Increased investments in public infrastructure and active promotion of publicprivate partnerships; • Increased tourist arrivals with an annual growth rate of 8.77 percent from the period covering 2010 to 2015; • extensive education reform anchored on the enactment of the enhanced Basic education Act of 2013 which institutionalized the K-to-12 basic education program,

aimed at ensuring the basic education graduates’ readiness for tertiary education as well as provision of specialized training and preparation for specific career options; • And the signing of the historic Framework Agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that serves as a foundation to achieve long-term peace, stability, and development in Mindanao. Coloma said the Aquino administration has also devoted substantial resources to expanding the Conditional Cash Transfer Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which serves 4.6-million poor households, while enlarging the scope of the government’s Universal Health Care Program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. covering free health services to over 93.45-million Filipinos. The continued expansion of the economy hinged on a favorable business environment, responsive social protection programs, efficient fiscal management, sound macroeconomic fundamentals and transparent and principled leadership, has generated a well-spring of economic opportunities for the Filipinos whether in gainful employment or in entrepreneurial pursuits, he further said.

Negros mayor dies of heart failure By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Light from the Sun. President Benigno Aquino III leads the unveiling of the marker

of the 10-megawatt Solar Project in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija on Thursday. The project is operated by First Cabanatuan Renewable Ventures Inc. and will provide the people of Nueva Ecija with electricity from clean solar energy. With the President are DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Cris Chiong, chairman of FCRVI, congresswoman and FCRVI president Rosanna Vergara, and Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara of Cabanatuan. MALACAÑANg PhoTo BureAu

A MAyoR of a Negros occidental City, Mario Magno, who had just won his third term as the city chief of San enrique during the recent national and local elections, died of cardiac arrest yesterday morning. Since early this year, Magno, 64, has been in and out of hospital for complications from a recent kidney transplant. “He suffered a cardiac arrest in hospital Thursday afternoon and died around 3:15 a.m. Friday,” a report stated. Meanwhile, Commission on elections spokesman James Jimenez said there was no need for the commission en banc to call for special elections and that they will apply the rules of succession of the local government code.

“The vice mayor will take over,” Jimenez said. He said that Magno died after the elections and after he was proclaimed. “So, since the election is over and he was proclaimed, the rules of succession will apply, which means that he will be succeeded by the vice mayor,” Jimenez explained further. The Comelec mouthpiece said that the vice mayor will take his oath as the successor of the late mayor. Then his position, Jimenez said, will be succeeded by the councilor who ranked number one or who got the highest number of votes during the elections. “once the leading councilor candidate moves up, the ranking of the other councilors will not change,” Jimenez further said.

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No-show passport applicants barred for 30 days By Vito Barcelo

PASSPORT applicants who fail to show up on their appointment will be barred from reapplying for 30 days starting next month, said Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene Almendras. Almendras lamented that the practice of disregarding the schedule given to applicants by the DFA’s consular division has resulted in a two-month waiting period for hundreds of applicants. “People complain they have to wait two months to be interviewed. Statistics showed that 47 percent of people who applied for appointment do not show up,” the secretary said. “They just apply and don’t come back so starting June 1, if you do not show up for your appointment you’re going to be set aside for at least a month. You do not need to apply for a new slot,” he said. As there is no fee for passport application reservations, Almendras observed that many Filipinos take their slots for granted because they could easily reschedule a new one. The DFA receives at least 15,000 passport applications daily. Meanwhile, Almendras acknowledged that apart from problems with passport reservations, the DFA was experiencing challenges in cutting down the processing time, which normally takes two and a half hours. he asked Filipinos to be patient as the DFA is transitioning to a new system to accommodate the huge volume of passport applications. Another cause of delay is the stringent security check that applicants have to go through due to thousands of cases of identity fraud encountered by the department.

Circle of life. On the International Day of Women’s Health, health workers and Gabriela members formed a human chain to symbolize their protest against the abolition of Fabella Hospital, also known as the National Maternity Hospital in Manila. LINO SANTOS

MMDA website to post earthquake survival tips By Joel E. Zurbano

The government will launch a website that will teach the public what to do in the event of a big quake. Chairman emerson Carlos of the Metro Manila Development Authority said visitors to the website, //www.mmshakedrill.ph. will get basic, but very vital, survival tips and a list of evacuation centers if the predicted 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurs. The website, according to Carlos, is also part of the Authority’s preparation for its second earthquake drill set on June 22. he said the agency will spearhead the launching Monday at 10 a.m. at the MMDA Auditorium in Makati City.

The event was organized in close coordination with local and regional disaster risk reduction and management officers, public information officers in Metro Manila and different media organizations. The website will also detail the Oplan Metro Yakal Plus, the MMDA’s disaster contingency plan drawn up for regional disaster response. To ensure maximum public participation, the website will post instructions on how to sign up as participants, whether individually or by group,

DoJ sets hearing on charges against Manila ‘shabu cop’ By Rey E. Requejo The Department of Justice will start hearing on Monday the string of criminal charges against the police officers and two others arrested by National Bureau of Investigation agents in a drug raid in Manila last Wednesday. Assistant State Prosecutor Jocelyn Dugay has set the hearing for the preliminary investigation against PO2 Jolly Aliangan, his wife Ronalie and their driver Jeffrey Gutierrez at 9 a.m. Aliangan and the two others were charged before the DoJ

last Thursday for possession of illegal drugs and illegal drug paraphernalia under Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and also for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions under RA 10591, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.” The three were brought to the prosecutor for inquest proceedings, where charges are supposed to be resolved in just a couple of days from the time of their arrest. But they waived their right for immediate resolution of the

charges and instead opted for a full-blown preliminary investigation. In its complaint, the NBI alleged that more than 100 grams of shabu were confiscated from the respondents during the raid on Aliangan’s house in Sampaloc, Manila. Apart from illegal drugs, arresting agents also seized several firearms, ammunition and P6.91 million in cash from the respondents. The NBI agents also filed an additional charge of illegal drug use against the policeman’s wife after she tested positive in a laboratory test.

in the 2nd Metro Manila ShakeDrill. The Authority, under the Metro Yakal Plus, will be responsible for command and control and search and rescue operations if the Big One jolts Metro Manila. MMDA officials, along with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, have sat down with various government agencies and different sectors of society to review the 1st Metro Manila ShakeDrill held July 30 last year. During the series of coordination meetings, MMDA executives also encouraged participants to simulate more realistic and new scenarios to challenge the

disaster preparedness and response of every group. The agency has advised motorists and commuters to brace for traffic on epifanio de los Santos Avenue where participants will simulate a scenario in which the Guadalupe Bridge in Makati City will collapse. The scene will demonstrate the quick arrival of rescuers at the site to save the victims from drowning while others scour the water for survivors. “With the success of the first Metro Manila ShakeDrill last year, we would like to challenge ourselves to do better and be better prepared in the event of a catastrophic earthquake,” said Carlos. During the simulation of the Guadalupe

Bridge collapse scenarios, the MMDA chief said traffic on the outermost northbound lane of edsa will be stalled for approximately an hour. “So this early, we are appealing to motorists and the riding public to please bear with us. This drill is meant to save lives in the event of the ‘Big One’.” Carlos said they will be permanently placing 20foot container vans in the four quadrants in Metro Manila where command and control centers will be set up to facilitate the deployment of resources and rescue personnel. The provincial governments of Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan also expressed their intention to participate in the event.

Indecency.

Jeepney driver Emmanuel Escalona asks forgiveness from Angge, the mother of Rexalita Bonifacio. Escalona is charged with sexual harrasment for grabbing Rexalita’s vital part on his public jeepney, an act captured in a viral video uploaded on the social media. mANNy pALmERO

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Indigents fear effects of road rehabilitation By Brenda Jocson

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela—Residents living along the more than P2-billion worth Ilagan-Divilacan road rehabilitation project have expressed concern over the impending destruction of indigenous trees serving as sanctuary for the already dwindling Philippine Eagle species. Pedro Vicente, who belongs to the Agta tribe, said that a major part of the Sierra Madre mountains will be affected with the said 82-kilometer road rehabilitation project and will open up to easy

access among illegal loggers. “Thousands of indigenous trees and different bird species will be displaced which may result in the extinction of those already threatened if the con-

tractors wouldn’t be responsible enough in their rehabilitation activities,” Vicente said. Vicente said the Sierra Madre Mountains is also home to the threatened Philippine Eagle and the Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) tree, one of the Philippines’ endangered forest trees. But the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in this province has assured that the forest of the Sierra Madre mountains will be preserved and protected even after the start of said road rehabilitation project. Forester William Savella,

PENRO-Isabela, made the assurance that his office and the provincial government have surveyed the project and that measures are being prepared to minimize cutting of trees along the road for the Ilagan–Divilacan road project. “The Eagle Sanctuary will not be disturbed,” Savella said. “And as much as possible the affected trees should be uprooted and to be replanted in identified planting areas in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park,” he added. The road project is expected to traverse the natural park.

Southern dancers go north. Members of the Sabaonon tribes of Bukidnon perform a traditional welcome dance during the Pasandayag Festival

in Baguio City. DAVID CHAN

‘Bicol airport, cityhood of Daraga top agenda’ DARAGA, Albay—Getting the Bicol International Airport completed and operational on schedule and converting Daraga town, where the BIA is located, into a city are Albay Gov. Joey Salceda’s two top legislative priorities when he takes over as the newly elected representative of Albay’s second congressional district. The district, which covers Legazpi City, is also the government regional center. Converting Daraga into a city is a priority since it supports developments the new BIA brings about when it becomes operational in 2018. These priorities will hasten Albay’s transformation as Bicol’s economic development hub. Two other infrastructure projects that must be pushed are the South Luzon Expressway extension to Legazpi and the South Luzon Railway connecting Manila and Bicol, he added. These projects complement the BIA which is seen to bring to Albay about five million tourists by 2025, investments of about US$1 billion and 235,000 jobs in 10 years. The Railways South Line project, which was already started last year, will cut the present 12-hour Manila-Albay travel time by 5 to 6 hours. Together with the BIA and the four-lane SLEX Extension, this will ensure that Bicol would become the new investment haven in southern Luzon. The SLEX extension to Bicol will include road tunneling sections of mountains that separate Region V from the rest of Luzon. Members of Batch 1972, Pola Central School and Batch 1976, Pola Catholic High School are all invited to attend a Homecoming and 40th year Reunion on May 29, 2016 at Oloroso’s Garden, Bayanan, Pola, Oriental Mindoro. For more information, please call Erik de Castro 09189212715; Elpie Dligente 09209699386 and Marilou Francisco at 09399151538.

Radio manager gains Gawad Plaridel Award By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—Veteran broadcaster and radio station manager of Manila Broadcasting Co.-DyVL Aksyon Radyo in Tacloban Francisca “Babes” Custodio is this year’s recipient of the UP Gawad Plaridel award. The annual UP Gawad Plaridel, named after the Filipino journalist and nationalist Marcelo H. del Pilar and established by University of the PhilippinesCollege of Mass Communication, “recognizes Filipino media practitioners who have excelled in any of the media (print, radio, film, and television) and who have performed with the highest level of professional integrity in the interest of public service.” Custodio, whose media profession spans 50 years, is recog-

nized for “reviving the Siday, a traditional form of poetry and an important expression of regional identity, and revitalized it into a new medium [radio].” “DYVL Siday has become an important platform for Waray creative writers to showcase their poems addressing issues of social concern. Through the use of a form that is close to the people, she has turned the medium of radio into a two-way communication, where listeners are given opportunities to be heard as well,” the awarding body said in its press statement. “Like Plaridel, the recipient of the award must believe in a vision of a Philippine society that is egalitarian, participative and progressive, and in media that is socially responsible, critical and vigilant, liberative and

transformative, and free and independent,” it added. Custodio, who was on duty as station manager during the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in November 2013 which killed over 6,000 people particularly in Tacloban, is also commended for her continuous efforts in rebuilding the radio station. Her two employees—anchorman Ronald Vinas and technician Allan Medino—died during the typhoon while doing their job. Custodio rose from the ranks as an aide in the station’s accounting and traffic departments in 1964 to being a station manager today. The UP Gawad Plaridel awarding ceremony will be on Aug. 24 at the UP Film Center where Custodio will also deliver a lecture.

It takes a village. Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation turned over its temporary housing village to displaced earthquake victims in Inabanga, Bohol on April 25.

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OPINION

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OPINION

CENTRAL BANKS CAN’T GO IT ALONE ANYMORE

[ EDI TORI A L ]

A DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

By Mohamed A. El-Erian

THIS week’s signing into law of the bill creating the Department of Information and Communications Technology is one of the last acts of the Aquino administration over which we are tempted to ask “why only now?” Still, this is so much better than seeing it stuck in the legislative mill as it has been these past few years. The DICT will promote ICT development, institutionalize e-government, and manage the country’s ICT environment. The new department will be the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national ICT development agenda, according to the letter of the law. The wait has been overdue. ICT’s has increasingly played a central role in the country’s economic development. Unfortunately, these concerns tended to be relegated to the sidelines when put alongside transportation concerns under the Department of Transportation and Communications. Three undersecretaries and four assistant secretaries will provide support to the department secretary. All of them have to be licensed professional electronics engineers with at least seven years of experience in the ICT sector. This requirement would guarantee that appointments to the post wold be based on merit and expertise, not political or connections or personal affinities. Aside from being technical experts, however, they would have to be practical managers and decision-makers as well. The next six months will see the transfer of functions, assets and personnel. This coincides with the transition into a new administration which has promised to deliver change, big and small, in all aspects of governance. Perhaps it could start by whipping into shape local internet service providers that have been giving customers slow, unreliable and expensive internet connectivity. Customers have been suffering this for years, finding themselves with no choice because the current provider’s competitor is just as bad. Despite the terrible service, Filipino internet users—and there are millions of them—have managed to advance their businesses, improve their research, make government transactions a little more efficient and transparent, be aware of what happens beyond borders and even earn the reputation of being one of the most active social media users in the world. Filipinos, after all, are known for their resilience, in making do with what they have. What we see on social media, of course, is not everything. Online presence is hardly an indicator of the internet penetration rate, estimated at 43.5 percent this year. A bigger portion of the population has never used a computer, much less the internet, in their lives, even as knowledge that would come from being wired would immensely improve the way they live. Of course, it is one thing to acknowledge the country’s need for good ICT services. It is another thing altogether to adequately address this need.

OTHER ELECTION CASUALTIES HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA THE defeat of Sergio Osmeña III in the May 9 senatorial election came as a surprise to many. Osmeña III is the grandson of Sergio Osmeña, the second president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines (who was known for his honesty and fairness), and the son of Sergio Osmeña Jr., a controversial pre-martial law era senator and Liberal Party candidate for

president in the November 1969 election. Osmeña, Jr. lost to Ferdinand Marcos, who ran for reelection under the Nacionalista Party. Because the Osmeña family was identified with the political opposition during the early months of Martial Law in the country, Sergio Osmeña III was among those detained at Fort Bonifacio by military authorities. His dramatic escape with fellow detainee Eugenio Lopez Jr. was recounted in the 1995 film Eskapo. Actor Richard Gomez, who is now a city mayor, portrayed him.

After his escape, Osmeña stayed abroad. He returned to the country after President Marcos relinquished power in 1986. Thereafter, Osmeña easily won a seat in the Senate on account of his surname. He won in his subsequent bids for reelection because of his surname, and also on account of his industry, and to the publicity generated by his 1995 bio-flick. Six months into the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, Osmeña headed a Senate investigation into the status of missing public

Here are some lessons to be learned.

funds emanating from the Malampaya natural gas find off the coast of Luzon. His computations indicated that some P130 billion was missing. Eventually, the National Treasurer, the Secretary of Finance, and the Secretary of the Budget admitted to Osmeña and his colleagues that P136 billion (not P130 billion as suspected) was missing and unaccounted for. Ironically, the Aquino administration earlier accused the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s camp of stealing P999 million of the same fund. Louis “Barok” Biraogo, a public-interest advocate, sued the three Aquino administration officials before the Office of the Ombudsman on the strength of

the findings made by Osmeña. Despite all that, why did Osmeña get clobbered in the recent polls? For starters, Osmeña aligned himself with presidential candidate Grace Poe. This move cut whatever ties he had with President Aquino III and the proadministration LP. It meant Osmeña was on his own. Every political observer knows that it isn’t easy to campaign when one is neither aligned with the administration party nor identified with the genuine political opposition party.

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-

How can Osmeña, a political veteran with a track record, get less votes than Risa Hontiveros (who unsuccessfully ran for senator in 2010 and 2013), and Leila de Lima, the ex-Justice Secretary under whose watch the drug lords detained at the national penitentiary were allowed to enjoy extraordinary perks and privileges? The answer—Osmeña was not aligned with the LP while Hontiveros and De Lima were. More specifically, the LP national headquarters was located at the Novotel at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Que-

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zon City. Recall that it is the same hotel where a number of automated voting machines were reportedly sighted on the morning of election day. It is also the hotel where 20 foreign executives of Smartmatic, the controversial Venezuelan company that provided the voting machines and their computerized technology, were billeted before and for the duration of the canvassing of ballots. Why the Smartmatic executives chose to stay at the same hotel used by the LP, instead of staying in other hotels in 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

WHETHER through signals from the Group of Seven meeting this week or in the outcome of the latest round of European negotiations on Greece, officials of advanced countries increasingly are acknowledging that the problems facing their economies require a new response to take over from the overlong use of narrow short-term tools. This recognition has been too long in the making and, judging from the regrettable lack of credible and detailed action plans, still needs time to be translated into progress on the ground. Before the G-7 meeting in Japan, several member countries indicated they understood that their individual and collective policy stances needed to evolve. Germany warned against continued over-reliance on central banks, simultaneously stressing the need for structural reforms. Canada and Japan urged a more aggressive and imaginative use of fiscal policy. And the US warned Japan to resist the temptation to intervene to depreciate the yen. Earlier this week, Greece’s European partners concluded that they needed a greater emphasis on debt relief for that beleaguered economy. In a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, an International Monetary Fund official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said there was agreement among all stakeholders that Greece’s debt was “highly unsustainable” and needed relief. In addition, the official said the parties “accept the methodology that should be used to calibrate the necessary debt relief. They accept the objectives in terms of the gross financing need in the near term and in the long run. They even accept the time periods, a very long time period, over which this debt has to be met through 2060.” These notable developments reflect an important evolution in mindsets, which are shifting more decisively toward looking at structural and secular conditions, and away from an excessive emphasis on cyclical considerations. This shift is driven by three developments: recurring disappointing economic growth despite extraordinary monetary policy stimulus and, in the case of Greece, eye-popping bailout packages; concern that the benefits of unconventional Continued on A11

POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO Ms. Angsioco’s column will resume next week. 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

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OPINION

CENTRAL BANKS CAN’T GO IT ALONE ANYMORE

[ EDI TORI A L ]

A DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

By Mohamed A. El-Erian

Here are some lessons to be learned.

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

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A10

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HUWAG KANG MAGNANAKAW BACK BENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN Part II THE Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting is today the most lethal instrument of the ultra-conservative Catholic Church in thwarting the people’s will through deceit. The Church has allowed itself to be used as a subsidiary of the US imperialist. Instead of helping the Commission on Elections conduct a clean, fair and honest election, the PPCRV has become an active party in the rigging, tampering and substituting of the results using the modern facilities of computerized voting machines. Since the automation of the country’s electoral system in 2010, our socalled democratic electoral system has never been the same. The Comelec and the so-called advance and unofficial tabulation conducted by the National Movement for Free Election and now by PPCRV are suspected to be the creation and funded of the US Central Intelligence Agency through its various front organizations led by the National Endowment for Democracy. The hypocritical Church and their captive laities are made to support their yellowbranded lackeys without examining that they are hooting for a brainless stooge who will lock our people with the devil by reducing our Constitution to toilet paper, like when PNoy allowed the return of the US military bases with the right to select the sites and number of bases they want to build. The wholesale fraud of the people’s mandate was repeated after their controlled poll surveys conditioned the dazed people that their groomed candidate is likely to win the vice presidential race. It was a classic example of apostasy committed by the hypocritical Church hierarchy because they ludicrously presented Leni Robredo as virtuous—one who can continue the morality started by this abominably corrupt government, which is the opposite of what they termed “sacrilegious” but more popular candidate Rodrigo “Digong” Duteete. Many believe that the President who has hypocritically chosen to adopt the slogan of “tuwid na daan” is himself a product of the hocus-PCOS computer machines. Many shook their heads when

he was elected despite his lackluster record when he served as congressman and as senator. As if to deliver their final insult, the automated election result gave him an overwhelming mandate against the ousted President Joseph Estrada who enjoyed the support of the grassroots. The Catholic Church has departed from its role of providing spiritual guidance to its converts by allowing itself to become an instrument of exploitation of our people by ensuring that only screened US lackeys are elected. The PPCRV has been linked with the notorious CIA-operated NED, which in turn is supplemented by the dubious organizations of George Soros called the Open Society Foundations. NED has been banned in Russia, China and in many countries for meddling in their electoral exercise or for agitating the colored revolution as what it did in Serbia and Ukraine. Its entry port is to establish ties with local organizations styling as NGOs claiming to work for electoral reforms and in ensuring democracy. NED was founded by Reagan’s CIA Director William “Bill” Casey. He said that NED needs to “create a funding mechanism to support groups inside foreign countries that would engage in propaganda and

Instead of helping the Commission on Elections conduct a clean, fair and honest election, the PPCRV has become an active party in the rigging, tampering and substituting of the results.

political action that the CIA has historically organized and paid for covertly.” Wikipedia pointed out that PPCRV has links with other similar organizations purporting and styling themselves to be NGOs having as their advocacy electoral reforms though in truth are working to secure that only their puppets and lackeys win in their makebelieve election. These NGOs which both Namfrel and PPCRV have ties are the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening, the International Foundations for Electoral Systems,

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA EARLIER this week, on Monday and Tuesday (May 23-24), I had the privilege and fortune to attend, as an observer, the first World Humanitarian Summit. Fifty-five heads of state joined 9,000 participants. Officials and representatives from 173 memberstate governments, private sector networks and firms, and citizen organizations participated in the summit. Indeed, the Summit Chair is correct: “The United Nations in its 70 years has never come together at this scale, with this many different stakeholders, to discuss the pressing challenges that are resulting in so much suffering today.” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon echoed these words on Monday. “We are all here because global humanitarian action is unprecedentedly strained. I proposed this Summit four years ago out of concern for rising humanitarian needs and declining political will. Today, the urgency has only grown.” “This is a 21st century United Nations gathering,” Mr. Ban continued, adding that its Agenda for Humanity, the guiding document of the summit document, was based on three years of consultations with 23,000 people in more than 150 countries. Ban emphasized: “We are here to shape a different future. Today we declare: We are one humanity, with a shared responsibility.” The World Humanitarian Summit was a best practice of an inclusive, open, comprehensive, and multi-stakeholder process. Doing it this way was essential to harness the skills, experience and resources the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, World Movement for Democracy, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the International Endowment for Democracy (USA). The WMD chapter in the Philippines is the headed by a member of the Steering Committee, Melinda Quintos de Jesus. For instance, WMD says its objective is to unite the global community of democracy, advocacy and practitioners, to facilitate exchange of information, knowledge and experiences, and to build cross-border solidarity. The NDI, on the other hand, states that its core programs include citizen participation, elections, debates, democratic governance, democracy and technology; political inclusion of marginalized groups, and gender, wom-

THE WORLD HUMANITARIAN SUMMIT required to respond to the magnitude of the humanitarian challenges that confront the world. The summit did not fail in this respect. As the first Chair describes: “Over the past three years, the Summit has consulted world leaders, civil society, international, national and regional organizations, NGOs, the private sector, academia, technical experts and, most importantly, people affected by crises. The Summit brought together the thousands of participants who responded to my Call to Action by making commitments and launching initiatives in the leaders’ segment, seven high-level roundtables, 15 special sessions, 132 side events, and two days of plenary; as well as the exhibition fair and innovation market place.” I was there to attend and speak at one side event. “Time to Collaborate: Enabling Local Leaders” was jointly convened academic institutions, private companies, and citizen organizations. These included Alwaleed Philanthropies, Ateneo School of Government, BRAC, Concern Worldwide, Forum Bangun Aceh, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Humanitarian Leadership Academy, International Medical Corps, Kenya Red Cross Society, Oxfam, Start Network, and Unilever. Our event emphasized the importance of collaboration at all levels—global, regional, national and local—so that humanitarian efforts are more effective. During my talk, I emphasized that strong humanitarian leadership is essential to deliver timely and appropriate humanitarian

responses at the quality and scale required. But humanitarian leadership is not limited to the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinators who are deployed to lead large scale responses. In fact, as I illustrated through concrete examples from the Philippines, humanitarian leadership exists at all levels—from the head teacher of a high school to a farmer or indigenous person to a corporate humanitarian worker. I emphasized the importance of identifying, enabling, nurturing and supporting a critical mass of leaders for the necessary humanitarian work while also paying attention to build institutions. As for outcomes, the final document of the summit describes what has been achieved: Governments recognized the importance of political will to effectively prevent and end conflicts, to address root causes, reduce fragility and strengthen good governance. Such prevention and resolution “would be the biggest difference leaders could make to reduce overwhelming humanitarian needs.” The truth is that humanitarian action cannot replace necessary political action: “Leaders recognized this could only happen if words and good intentions were now replaced with united leadership, collective and decisive action, and a genuine commitment to comply with the international frameworks countries had agreed on. A complementary approach to conflict prevention would be necessary, bringing together preventive diplomacy and sustainable development, addressing climate change, upholding human rights,

and building inclusive societies.” The summit also overwhelmingly affirmed that there must be greater attention to address root causes of conflict, and to reduce fragility by greater investment in inclusive and peaceful societies. Participants called for an approach that truly engaged communities, civil society and youth, and for the equal participation of women in leadership roles and peace building processes. The refugee issue, among others, was prominent in the summit, because there are over a million refugees in Turkey. Participants praised the leadership and generosity of countries and communities hosting large numbers of refugees, but recognized that global displacement is our shared responsibility. Many agreed on the need to better share responsibilities to address large movements of refugees. They also resolved to pursue a new approach to address the needs of internally displaced persons and refugees that would meet immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term development outcomes to enhance the self-reliance of refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities. To bring this vision into action, a number of participants pledged to create livelihood and education opportunities for displaced people and committed more predictable and multi-year funding. Education Cannot Wait —a Fund for Education in Emergencies was launched at the Summit to support the delivery of quality Continued on A11

en and democracy. It was founded in 1983, shortly after the US Congress created NED, and was followed by the establishment of three related institutes, namely: the Center for International Private Enterprise, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and the National Republican Institute. A report about the Philippines made by CEPPS, which both PPCRV and Namfrel coordinate, stated that the Comelec asked CEPPS to assess the political situation leading to the May 10, 2004 elections. CEPPS agreed to take part in the mission funded by USAID. The project was meant to observe the elections in order to make recommendations to Comelec and other political players, to host a post election program to evaluate and make recommendations to these political

players and to make recommendations to the media following the election. These various NGOs all receive their funding from the NED, and are all listed as sponsors by PPCRV to ensure that their goal of promoting democracy and electoral reforms, the institutionalization of the neoliberal ideology, in rigging the election to ensure that their lackey win, coordinate with semi independent groups like influencing the mainstream media, and poll surveys to condition the minds of the voters to vote for their lackeys. The conditioning and deception is a continuing process. The PPRCV was founded in February 1991 in anticipation that Namfrel would soon be replaced as the socalled advanced and unofficial tabulator of votes because many Filipinos were getting suspicious that its purpose is to “sanitize” na-

tionalists or candidates unfriendly to the US interest. Substituting it with an organization operated by the Church through its meddling bishops and zealot laities like Henrietta de Villa would supposedly regain the confidence of the people to “assist” the Comelec in counting the votes. Despite the so-called triumph of “democracy” and “freedom” in this country which saw the installation to power of Mrs. Aquino through the most undemocratic process of coup d’ etat, people continue to long for the Marcos era because he succeeded in differentiating what the Left would say “metaphysical” from concrete freedom. People continue to demand for economic rights rather than political freedom which only begins and end up in their right to vote. rpkapunan@gmail.com

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IF CHINA CAN’T BEAT DISNEY... By Adam Minter WHEN Disney opens its largestever theme park in Shanghai on June 16, the competition won’t be idle. Wang Jianlin, China’s second-richest man and CEO of Wanda Group, is promising to unleash a “pack of wolves” —his affectionate term for his own network of family-friendly theme parks—on the Disney “tiger,” rendering it unprofitable. In its place, he promises a theme park experience less Western in feel and characters, and more in keeping with Chinese culture and values. Wang isn’t totally crazy. The Chinese government is keen to build up its “soft power” to compete against the globally dominant cultural exports of the US. But there’s just one problem. After years of trying, China has yet to develop its own popular versions of Mickey Mouse, the Marvel Comics heroes and the other globally-known characters and products that allow Disney to market “Disneyland” as an immersive, universal experience. Unfortunately, recognizable characters and dreamscapes aren’t something that can simply be ordered up from central plan-

Other... From A9 order to avoid suspicion, is a question Smartmatic and the LP refuse to answer. There is also the admission by Smartmatic’s Marlon Garcia that hours after the canvass began, he tampered with the computer script of the transparency server used in the canvass, without getting permission from the Commission on Elections. That act was a clear violation of the pertinent protocols established by the Comelec. No wonder the camp of vice presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos is furious at Smartmatic. On the first day of the canvass, Bongbong was leading by more than a million votes over his nearest rival, Leni Robredo of the LP. The next day, Bongbong lost his lead. Since then, he has been consistently trailing Robredo. Another casualty of the senatorial race is Francis Tolentino, the ex-chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority, who

ning. They require creative freedom, technical expertise and the patience to develop both. Conditions in China should be ripe. The country boasts an expanding middle-class with disposable income, as well as lots of real estate developers and local governments looking for projects in which to invest. As of 2011, China was home to at least 2,500 theme parks—ranging from simple water parks to elaborately-themed amusement parks. But that’s where the fun ends. Only around 10 percent of those parks are making money, and as of 2014 none could be found among the world’s 15 most visited theme parks, despite China’s massive population. Even a brief afternoon at an average Chinese theme park quickly exposes some of the execution problems, starting with a lack of coherent themes. The handful I’ve visited feature plenty of princesses, fairies, superheroes and castles. Those that aren’t Western knock-offs appear to be there for no other reason than the belief that theme parks are supposed to have princesses because princesses are “fun.” Meanwhile, food is uniformly terrible, lines

was running purportedly as an independent candidate. Reckoned from the volume of his political advertisements, Tolentino must have spent hundreds of millions of pesos in his campaign. When Tolentino was MMDA chairman, the traffic mess in the metropolis was so horrible that President Aquino had to enlist the help of the Highway Patrol Group just to straighten up the traffic mess. In early 2015, Tolentino was often out of town. He was also criticized for allowing traffic lights meant for Metropolitan Manila to end up in the Bicol region. The Commission on Audit also scored Tolentino for spending almost a million pesos to renovate a rotunda near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport which he knew was going to be demolished in a matter of months. Prior to the election season itself, the media reported Tolentino’s alleged involvement in an LP provincial meeting held south of Manila, and

Central... From A9 central bank involvement are being offset by a mounting risk of collateral damage and unintended consequences; and recognition that the political context is becoming more complicated as anti-establishment movements gain momentum amid growing popular mistrust of “elites” both in government and the private sector. Such thinking should, one would hope, lead to the implementation of pro-growth structural reforms, tax reform in conjunction with lessened fiscal austerity; debt relief for segments with crushing debt overhangs; and effective global policy coordination. Nonetheless, the translation of greater collective awareness into

are always excessive and ride safety—sometimes compromised by power outages—is always an open question. Repeat visits are rare. Simply fixing the technical glitches isn’t enough. Wanda Group’s sprawling billion-dollar Movie Theme Park in Wuhan is stuffed full of striking architecture and effects-laden rides. But its biggest selling point is supposed to be “The Han Show” —a high-tech, special-effectsdriven, patriotic celebration of ... China’s dominant Han ethnic group. It’s a spectacle, but it’s no Lion King. What’s stopping Chinese— who are no less creative than anyone else—from developing their own Lion King? Censorship, unsurprisingly, is a big part of the answer. In 2008, the Beijing Olympic Committee hired Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan to make 100 short films promoting the Games’ childlike cartoon mascots, one of which resembled a panda. Lu wrote a script in which one of the characters misbehaved. That turned out to be a problem: The panda is a national icon and national icons aren’t supposed to go offscript on the global stage. “Every character had to be perfect,”

where scantilly-clad girls provided entertainment. The criticism the LP got as a result of that embarrasing event prompted LP leaders to delete Tolentino from the list of official LP senatorial candidates. In sum, many voters noted Tolentino’s anomalies and refused to vote for him. Although Tolentino got the endorsement of at least three presidential candidates, their endorsements did not translate to votes that Tolentino badly needed. Each presidential candidate who endorsed Tolentino must have realized that it was impossible for one person to support all three presidential candidates, and that in the end, Tolentino can support only one of them. In all likelihood, therefore, all three presidential candidates saw through the lopsided deal and decided in the end to junk Tolentino. What’s the lesson to be learned here? An independent candidate for senator should align himself with only one presidential candidate.

credible actions remains frustratingly patchy. Take the case of Greece. Despite the overdue acknowledgement of reality by European creditors—that debt relief is a necessary (though not sufficient) condition for Greece to have any realistic chance of restoring durable economic and financial viability—this recognition hasn’t been turned into clear action. “Fundamentally, we need to be assured that the universe of measures that Europe—is willing to commit to is consistent with what we think is needed to produce debt relief,” said the IMF official who described the negotiations Wednesday. “We do not yet have that.” As a result, the fund is unwilling to back with loans the compromise understanding on Greece reached

Lure called to the Los Angeles Times. “It was impossible to create anything.” Interestingly, Chinese censors were open to delinquent pandas—so long as the characters weren’t developed by Chinese. In June 2008, the government allowed the movie “Kung Fu Panda” to play in China, where it became a massive hit. In response, Lu coined the term “the Kung Fu Panda Problem,” which has come to signify the greater freedom that foreign artists have to manipulate Chinese culture. That points the way toward a solution perhaps. As long as the cultural product in question isn’t politicized and there’s money to be made, censors are fairly open to collaborations between Chinese and Western producers. In 2012, Dreamworks, producer of the “Kung Fu Panda” series, partnered up with Chinese investment companies to create a Shanghai-based film studio that would give Dreamworks wider access to the Chinese market and give Chinese investors and filmmakers a chance to learn from the masters. Their first major project—“Kung Fu Panda 3”—was a critical and commercial smash this spring. Although

The world... From A10 education to all children in emergencies and protracted crises by 2030. Multi-stakeholder groups also launched the first-ever Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, and a Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action. Finally, a new global partnership for preparedness (GPP), led by the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group of Ministers of Finance of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, which represents 43 high-risk developing nations, was launched in Istanbul. The partnership will strengthen preparedness capacities initially in 20 countries, so they attain a minimum level of readiness by 2020 for future disaster risks mainly caused by climate change. Roberto B. Tan, treasurer of the Philippines, representing the chair of the V20, pointed out that the goal of the partnership with the international community is to make sure that when disasters strike, the mechanisms and support are in place so people can get back on their feet as soon as possible, therefore minimizing the impact on development gains and preventing uncontrolled

this week. Meanwhile, it is unlikely that the G-7 will implement a much different policy stance once officials return to their national capitals. As a result, the crucial handoff from reassuring words to effective measures on the ground will once again fail to materialize. Yet greater awareness is a critical ingredient of durable mindset adaptations and related course corrections, so there is hope that the advanced economies are getting closer to putting in action a much-needed comprehensive policy response. So if not this time, maybe next time. Still, time is not on their side. A troubling aspect of structural impediments to growth is that the longer they remain unaddressed, the deeper they become embed-

it was also submitted to censors, it encountered few problems— most likely because it was a foreign co-production. Wang Jianlin should understand this well. In recent years, he’s been one of several Chinese tycoons to acquire US entertainment properties, including the AMC Cinema chain and Legendary Entertainment, producer of everything from the Dark Knight series to “Straight Outta Compton.” The moves have partly been driven by a desire to diversify outside of China. But Wang is also clearly hoping to bring US entertainment properties and know-how to the Chinese market. At this point, it seems unlikely that Disney would have much interest in collaborating with the mogul threatening to sic a “wolf pack” on the Little Mermaid. But Wang doesn’t need Disney; he owns his own Hollywood studio and has a bigspending reputation. If he really wants to beat the world-beaters, he should be open to collaborating with Hollywood and looking to develop hybrid characters and storylines that can appeal both in China and abroad. Even the censors won’t be able to argue with success. Bloomberg

humanitarian crises. According to Tan: “We know investment in preparedness saves lives and dollars and thus makes financial and economic sense. If we plan ahead, we will create a situation where instead of wave after wave of climate-driven natural disasters destroying what gains communities have made, they can pick up their lives again as soon as possible. Crises such as those from natural disasters and effects of climate change should no longer spin out of control.” Aside from Treasurer Tan, the Philippines was also ably represented by its head of delegation, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman and our disaster chief Undersecretary Alexander Pama. Aside from government officials, Philippine civil society and the private sector were also active members of the delegation. Clearly, with our recent disaster experiences, we are now better in responding to them. Other countries look up to us. One hopes that the lessons we have learned and the capacity we have built will not be lost as we transition to the new administration. Facebook: tonylavs5 or Dean Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

ded in the system. Today’s growth shortfalls become harder to reclaim even as tomorrow’s growth potential is undermined. That, in turn, erodes the potency of any given policy response. These unsettling economic consequences are amplified by fluid political conditions. Anti-establishment movements are benefiting from the recent history of insufficient growth whose limited benefits have accrued to a small (and already well-off) segment of the population. As the system awaits policy actions, politics is likely to further erode support for established political parties and simultaneously reduce the potential for constructive bipartisan policy making. Meanwhile, the alternative —a radical shift to the implemen-

tation of the more extreme policies advocated by anti-establishment movements—is likely to be contained by the checks and balances in the system. Indeed, the experience of the Syriza party in Greece provides a vivid illustration of the constraining effect of these institutional guardrails. Advanced economies should be congratulated for their willingness to incorporate a larger dose of structural and secular considerations into their economic deliberations. But every quarter they wait to enact credible and comprehensive measures adds to the difficulty of removing the impediments to inclusive growth and makes the political context even more complicated. Bloomberg

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Molder grabs Colonial lead

Bryce Molder putts on the seventh green during the First Round of the DEAN & DELUCA Invitational at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. AFP

Olivarez 5 stuns Letran DWIGHT Saguigit scored on a charity in the last 1.5 seconds to power Olivarez College to another upset win, a 79-77 stopping of reigning NCAA champion Letran in the 22nd Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball Tournament Monday at the Coyuito gymnasium of the San Beda CollegeManila campus in Mendiola. Saguiguit’s basket off McJour Luib’s foul gave the Olivarez College Sea Lions a 3-3 slate at the end of their pre-season campaign in Group B. The Knights, coached by Jeff Napa, went on to advance to the quarterfinal round with their 5-1 slate. The Sea Lions drew a gamehigh 19 points from Saguiguit, while Pruvil Bermudes added 15, and Jboy Solis shot 14. It was the Sea Lions’ second surprise win after they won over defending champion Jose Rizal University-A, 78-70. In the junior division, the reigning UAAP titlist National University Bullpups, who are the defending champions, got 17 points from John Clemente in stopping Hope in Hopes.

WASHINGTON—Bryce Molder, seeking his first US PGA title in five years, fired a bogeyfree six-under par 64 to grab a one-shot lead after Thursday’s opening round of the Dean and Deluca Invitational. The 37-year-old American, whose only tour triumph came at the 2011 Frys.com Open, birdied his last four holes at Colonial to grab a onestroke lead over compatriots Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson and India’s Anirban Lahiri at Fort Worth, Texas. “I got some good looks late,” said Molder, who began on the 10th tee and opened with nine pars. “I may have just been still asleep. it was dark and cloudy. We were laughing they were about to blow the horn for darkness.” Molder blasted out of a greenside bunker at the par-5 first hole to two feet and then put his approach at the second hole to three feet to begin his last nine holes with back-to-back birdies. Lecus eic testiaspe velest, culpa sunt, sunt a coritibus endi re, eum qui beatistrum et maxim num non eaquam et preperibusam dis maionsentio conempo ruptatur, siment. AFP

Pocari takes on UP in V-League opener Games today (The Arena, San Juan) 1 p.m. – Navy vs IEM (men’s) 4 p.m. – NU vs Laoag (women’s) 6:30 p.m. – Pocari vs UP (women’s))

WOMEN’S volley takes center stage again beginning today (Saturday) as the pioneering Shakey’s V-League launches its 13th season at its home at The Arena in San Juan with eight teams of varied strengths chasing the same goal – win the Open Conference crown. Pre-season favorite Pocari Sweat gets the chance to showcase its wares early as it tangles with University of the Philippines while National University starts its rebuilding process following the graduation of two mainstays as it collides with newcomer Team Laoag in a pair of matches kicking off

the seven-week season-opening tournament of the country’s longest-running league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza. Meanwhile, the Spikers’ Turf also unveils its second season with Navy and Instituto Estetico Manila clashing in the lone match at 1 p.m., preceding the Shakey’s V-League games

pitting National U versus Team Laoag at 4 p.m. and Pocari Sweat against UP at 6:30 p.m. The league, organized by Sports Vision, also got a big boost as it signed a three-year contract with television giant ABS-CBN, which will air all its Shakey’s V-League games live on its ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel 23. The Tai Bundit-coached Pocari Sweat Warriors are tipped this early as the team to watch what with a talent-laden, experienced squad headed by former collegiate stars Michelle Gumabao and Melissa Gohing of La Salle and Myla Pablo of NU. “We’ll be relying on our experience and familiarity with each other to help us through,” said Pocari team manager Eric Ty, who encourages their fans to wear the team’s color of blue in their encounter with the Lady Maroons.

But the Warriors are wary of their equally strong rivals from Diliman, who bucked the odds and crashed into the Final Four in the recent UAAP season. Kat Bersola, Nicole Tiamzon, Issa Molde, Diana Mae Carlos and Justine Dorog are raring to slug it out with the best in the league with coach Jerry Yee also confident of his wards’ chances to pull off some surprises in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Accel. NU, for its, part, will be banking on its new setters following the graduation of Ivy Perez and Myla Pablo while Rica Diolan didn’t make the cut. Larni Abarin, a 5-9 setter who was born in the US to Filipino parents, should fill the void left by Perez and Diolan although the Lady Bulldogs will have to wait a little longer since she will only arrive late next month.

Shakey’s tilt debuts on ABS-CBN ABS-CBN Sports via Sports + Action brings another actionpacked weekend straight to your TV with the debut of the “Shakey’s V-League” as part of the ABS-CBN Sports family and “Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making” headlined by the longest-reigning Filipino champion, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, on Saturday and Sunday. Volleyball never ends in Sports + Action as the famed Shakey’s V-League, which is now on its 13th season, has joined the Kapamilya fold and is set to debut on Saturday, live on ABS-CBN Sports + Action starting at 4 p.m. for the NU vs Laoag game, followed by the showdown between Pocari Sweat versus UP at 6 p.m.

Not to be outdone, the Beach Volleyball Republic’s National Championship leg’s semifinals and finals will be aired live on Sports+ Action this Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Down south in Bacolod City, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes tries to further cement his legacy as the longest-reigning Filipino champ when he trades blows with Raul Garcia in “Pinoy Pride 36,” dubbed “A Legend in the Making.” Boxing fans will surely get a treat this Sunday, 10 a.m. when ABS-CBN broadcasts the fight, which features three WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight Championship fights on the undercard on free TV, while the primetime airing will be at 6pm on

ABS-CBN Sports+Action. Also in combat sports will be the telecast of One Chamiponship’s “Kingdom of Champions” fight card on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Meanwhile, basketball fans need not sulk for all the hoop fanatics get their fair share of love from the Kapamilya network’s sports arm. On deck for hardcourt action is the ongoing NBA Playoffs where the Eastern Conference Finals can probably end as the Cleveland Cavalier face the Toronto Raptors as they try to wrap things up on their end on Saturday live on ABS-CBN. For details and more information, follow ABS-CBN Sports on Facebook and Twitter (@ abscbnsports) or logon to their website, sports.abs-cbn.com.

Participants of the BVR On Tour gear up for one final leg with a title on the line.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Curry, LeBron lead All-NBA First Team

Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves the ball to Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis during their men’s second round match at the Roland Garros 2016 French Tennis Open in Paris. AFP

NEW YORK—NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James led selections named Thursday for the All-NBA First Team announced by the league. Curry, who sparked the Warriors to last year’s NBA crown and the best record in league history this season at 73-9, was a unanimous pick with all 129 voters in a media panel that decided the lineup. James, trying to reach the NBA Finals for the sixth season in a row, was selected to the All-NBA First Team for the 10th time, matching the second-most appearances on the list in league history, with 125 votes.

Djokovic, Nadal reach Grand Slam milestones PARIS—World number one Novak Djokovic and nine-time winner Rafael Nadal racked up personal Grand Slam milestones at the French Open Thursday as Serena Williams coasted into the third round. Top seed Djokovic, looking for a Roland Garros title to complete a career Grand Slam, claimed his 50th win at the tournament by seeing off Belgian qualifier Steve Darcis 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. It was the Serb’s third win in three career meetings with Darcis, a player nicknamed ‘Shark’ who dumped Nadal out of Wimbledon in 2013. But it was a far from a smooth display from the 11-time major winner and three-time French Open runner-up who committed 42 unforced errors. “He plays with a lot of speed, is good from the baseline and it was not easy for me to play the points the way I wanted,” Djokovic said of 32-year-old Darcis.

“He has a lot of talent and it was tough. I am happy to have won in three sets.” Djokovic next takes on Britain’s Slovenian-born Aljaz Bedene who reached the third round of a major for the first time with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 6-2 win over Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta. Nine-time champion Nadal became just the eighth man to record up 200 Grand Slam match wins as he saw off Argentina’s world number 99 -- and fellow left-hander -- Facundo Bagnis 6-3, 6-0, 6-3. Nadal, 29, dropped the first two games against Bagnis but then won 18 of the next 22 to ease into a last-32 clash against Spanish compatriot Marcel Granollers.

“The most important thing is a victory in the second round more than the 200 victories,” said Nadal, who now has a 72-2 win-loss record at Roland Garros. Roger Federer, missing from the French Open this year, tops the all-time list of Grand Slam matches won on 302. Djokovic is sixth with 216 after his win on Thursday. - Cornet under fire Top seed and defending women’s champion Williams cruised into the last 32 with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Teliana Pereira of Brazil. It was a routine victory for the world number one that keeps her on course to win a 22nd Grand Slam title and equal the modern day record of 22 held by

Steffi Graf. “Today I played very well and I am happy to have won,” said Williams who fired 31 winners to just six for her outclassed opponent. The 34-year-old American will next go up against France’s Kristina Mladenov ic. Venus Williams followed her sister on Court Suzanne Lenglen and beat 20-year-old compatriot Louisa Chirico, who came through qualifying, 6-2, 6-1. The elder sister will play Alize Cornet in the next round after the Frenchwoman won a controversial three-setter against Germany’s Tatjana Maria 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4. Cornet needed regular treatment on a thigh injury throughout the final set, even having to be theatrically helped to her chair at one stage by the trainer and tournament referee. AFP

Three other players were chosen for the top-five for the first time -- Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan. The All-NBA Second Team included forwards Kevin Durant of the Thunder and Draymond Green of the Warriors, center DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings and guards Chris Paul of the Clippers and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. James was the only Eastern Conference player picked among the top 10 with the Second Team entirely comprised of Western Conference talent. AFP

Messi gives tax fraud testimony BARCELONA—Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi will give evidence along with his father for allegedly defrauding Spain’s tax office of over four million euros ($4.5 million) in unpaid taxes on June 2, a court source confirmed on Thursday. The trial, which is expected to last four days, will start on May 31, but Messi is not obliged to attend the full hearing as Spanish prosecutors are seeking a jail sentence of less than two years. The five-time World Player of the Year and his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are accused of using a chain of fake companies in Belize and Uruguay to avoid paying taxes on 4.16 million euros of Messi’s income earned through the sale of his image rights from 2007-09. They have been charged with three counts of tax fraud. Prosecutors are seeking a jail sentence of 22-and-a-half months for Messi and his father if they are found guilty, plus fines equivalent to the amount that was allegedly defrauded. However, any such sentence would likely be suspended as is common in Spain for first offences carrying a sentence of less than two years. AFP

Real Madrid seeks to embellish record MILAN—Cristiano Ronaldo insists personal goals will be put to one side as Real Madrid seek to embellish their incredible European record with victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday. Ronaldo, a three-time world player of the year, has never scored a goal at the San Siro but has the chance to match and surpass his own record of scoring 17 Champions League goals in a season. Yet two years after Real defender Sergio Ramos levelled at the death to inspire a stunning, extra-time comeback and secure a 10th triumph in Lisbon, the Portuguese superstar insists winning an 11th crown is far more important than who hits

the net at the San Siro. “It would be nice to equal or even pass the (scoring) record, but I am not obsessed with that because the most important thing is to win,” Ronaldo said when asked about adding to his 16-goal tally in the competition this season. Victory would see Real Madrid embellish their reputation as the most successful club in Europe having won the inaugural edition, the European Champions Clubs’ Cup, in 1956 when Argentinian Hector Rial struck the winner in a 4-3 victory over fallen French giants Stade Reims in Paris. Atletico’s achievements may pale in comparison, but the threat from Diego Simeone’s men, who have restricted Real

to only one win in their past 10 meetings since the 2014 final, is real. Before winning two Europa League titles in 2010 and 2012, the ‘Rojiblancos’ last continental trophy was the now defunct European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1962. Yet only two years after Lisbon, Simeone’s men are back having stunned Barcelona in the quarterfinals, and ended the hopes of the Catalan giants’ former coach Pep Guardiola when they ousted his Bayern Munich side on away goals in the semi-finals. Real fans may have the history, but Zinedine Zindane’s men have beaten Atletico only once in 10 meetings since their 4-1 victory in Lisbon two years ago. AFP

Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo smiles as he addresses journalists during the club’s Open Media Day at Real Madrid sport city in Madrid. AFP

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Republic of the Phillipines Congress of the Philippines Metro Manila Sixteenth Congress Third Regular Session

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Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-seventh day of July, two thousand fifteen. —g—

[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10822] AN ACT GRANTING THE PIPOL BROADBAND AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, ESTABLISH, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Nature and Scope of Franchise. - Subject to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and'applicable laws, rules and regulations, there is hereby granted to Pipol Broadband and Telecommunications Corporation, hereunder referred to as the grantee, its successors or assignees, a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest, throughout the Philippines and between the Philippines and other countries and territories, wire and/or wireless telecommunications systems including, but not limited to, mobile cellular, paging, fiber optics, satellite transmit and receive systems, switches, and their value-added services such as, but not limited to, transmission of voice, data, facsimile, control signs, audio and video, information services, and all other telecommunications systems technologies as are at present availabie or will be made available through technological advances or innovations in the future; and/or construct, acquire, lease, and operate or manage transmitting and receiving stations, lines, cables, or systems as are convenient or essential to efficiently carry out the purpose of this franchise. SEC. 2. Manner of Operation of Stations or Facilities. - The stations or facilities of the grantee shall be constructed and operated in a manner as will, at most, result only in the minimum interference on the wavelengths or frequencies of existing stations or other stations which may be established by law, without in any way diminishing its own privilege to use its assigned wavelengths or frequencies and the quality of transmission or reception thereon as should maximize rendition of the grantee's services and/or the availability thereof. SEC. 3. Authority of the National Telecommunications Commission. - The grantee shall secure from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity or the appropriate permits and licenses for the construction, installation and operation of its telecommunications systems/facilities. In issuing the certificate, the NTC shall have the power to impose such conditions relative to the construction, operation, maintenance, or service level of the telecommunications system. The NTC shall have the authority to regulate the construction and operation of its telecommunications systems. The grantee shall not use any frequency in the radio spectrum without authorization from the NTC. Such certificate shall state the areas covered and the date the grantee shall commence the service. The NTC, however, shall not unreasonably withhold or delay the grant of any such authority, permits, or licenses. SEC. 4. Excavation and Restoration Works. - For the purpose of erecting and maintaining poles or other supports for the said wires or other conductors for the purpose of laying and maintaining underground wires, cables, or other conductors, it shall be lawful for the grantee, its successors or assignees, with the prior approval of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or the local government unit (LGU) concerned, as may be appropriate, to make excavations or lay conduits in any of the public places, roads, highways, streets, lanes, alleys, avenues, sidewalks or bridges of said provinces, cities and/or municipalities: Provided, however, That a public place, road, highway, street, lane, alley, avenue, sidewalk or bridge disturbed, altered, or changed by reason of erection of poles or other supports or the underground laying of wires, other conductors, or conduits shall be repaired and replaced in workmanlike manner by the grantee, its successors or assignees,in accordance with the standards set by the DPWH or the LGU concerned. Should the grantee, its successors or assignees, after the ten (10)-day notice from the said authority, fail, refuse or neglect to repair or replace any part of public place, road, highway, street,lane, alley, avenue, sidewalk or bridge altered, changed or disturbed by the said grantee, its successors or assignees, then the DPWH or the LGU concerned shall have the right to have the same repaired and placed in good order and condition at double expense to be charged against the grantee, its successors or assignees. SEC. 5. Responsibility to the Public. - The grantee shall conform to the ethics of honest enterprise and not use its stations or facilities for obscene or indecent transmission, or for dissemination of deliberately false information, or willful misrepresentation, or assist in subversive or treasonable acts. The grantee shall provide basic or enhanced telephone service in any city and/or municipality in the Philippines where it has an approved Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the establishment, operation and maintenance of a local exchange service, without discrimination to any applicant therefor, in the order of the date of their applications, up to the limit of the capacity of its local telephone exchange and, should the demand for the telephone service at any time increase beyond the capacity thereof, the grantee shall increase the same to meet such demand: Provided, That in case the total demand to be satisfied by the expansion is less than the smallest viable local exchange available in the market as determined by the NTC, the grantee shall not be obliged to furnish such service unless the applicant for telephone service defrays the actual expenses for the installation of the telecommunications apparatus necessary for such services and in such case, the NTC may extend the time within which the grantee shall furnish such service. The grantee shall operate and maintains all its stations, lines, cables, systems and equipment for the transmission and reception of messages, signals, and pulses in a satisfactory manner at all times and , as far as economical and practicable, modify, improve, or change such stations, lines, cables, systems, and equipment to keep abreast with the advances in science and technology. SEC. 6. Rates for Services. – The charges and rates for telecommunications services of the grantee, except the rates and charges on those that may hereafter be declared or considered as nonregulated services, whether flat rates or measured rates or variation thereof, shall be subject to the approval of the NTC or its legal successor. The rates to be charged by the grantee shall be unbundled, separable, and distinct among the services offered and shall be determined in such a manner that regulated services do not subsidize the unregulated ones. SEC. 7. Right of Government. – A special right is hereby reserved to the President of the Philippines, in times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster or disturbance of peace and order: to temporarily take over and operate the stations, transmitters, facilities, or equipment of the grantee; to temporarily suspend the operation of any station, transmitter, facility or equipment in the interest of public safety, security and public welfare; or to authorize the temporary use and operation thereof by any agency of the government, upon due compensation to the grantee, for the use of the stations, transmitters, facilities, or equipment during the period when these shall be so operated. The radio spectrum is a finite resource that is part of the national patrimony and the use thereof is a privilege conferred upon the grantee by the State and may be withdrawn any time after due process. SEC. 8. Term of Franchise. – This franchise shall be in effect for a period of twenty-five (25) years from the date of effectivity of this Act, unless sooner cancelled. This franchise shall be deemed ipso facto revoked in the event the grantee fails to comply with any of the following conditions: a. Commence operations within one (1) year from the approval of its operating permit by the NTC; b. Commence operations within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act; and c. Operate continuously for two (2) years. SEC. 9. Acceptance and Compliance. – Acceptance of this franchise shall be given in writing to the Congress of the Philippines, through the Committee on Legislative Franchises of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Public Services of the Senate, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act. Upon giving such acceptance, the grantee shall exercise the privileges granted under this Act. Nonacceptance shall render the franchise void. SEC. 10. Bond. – The grantee shall file a bond with the NTC in the amount that it shall determine the guarantee compliance with the fulfillment of the conditions under which this franchise is granted. If, after three (3) years from the date of the approval of its permit by the NTC, the grantee shall have fulfilled the conditions, the bond shall be cancelled by the NTC. Otherwise, the bond shall be forfeited in favor of the government and the franchise ipso facto revoked. SEC. 11. – Right of Interconnection. – The grantee is hereby authorized to connect or demand connection of its telecommunications systems to other telecommunications systems installed, operated and maintained by any other duly authorized person or entity in the Philippines for the purpose of providing extended and improved telecommunications services to the public, under such terms and conditions mutually agreed upon by the parties concerned and the same shall be subject to the review and modification of the NTC. SEC. 12. Gross receipts. – The grantee, its successor or assignees, shall keep a separate account of the gross receipts of the business transacted by it and shall furnish the Commission on Audit (COA) and the National Treasury a copy of such account not later than the thirty-first (31st) day of January of each year for the preceding twelve (12) months. SEC. 13. – Books and Accounts. – The books and accounts of the grantee, its successors or assignees, shall always be open to the inspection of the COA and its duly authorized representatives. It shall be the duty of the grantee to submit to the COA two (2) copies of the quarterly reports on the gross receipts, the net profits, and the general condition of the business. SEC. 14. – Warranty in favor of the National and Local Governments. – The grantee shall hold the national, provincial, city and municipal governments of the Philippines free from all claims, accounts, demands, or actions arising out of accidents or injuries, whether to property or two persons, caused by the construction or operation of the stations, transmitters, facilities or equipment of the grantee. SEC. 15. – Sale, Lease, Transfer, Usufruct, or Assignment of Franchise. – the grantee shall not sell, lease, transfer, grant the usufruct of, nor assign this franchise or the rights and privileged acquired thereunder to any person, firm, company, corporation, or other commercial or legal entity, nor merge with any other corporation or entity, nor shall transfer the controlling simultaneously or contemporaneously, to any such person, firm, company, corporation, or entity without the prior approval of the Congress of the Philippines: Provided, That Congress shall be informed of any sale, lease, transfer, grant of usufruct, or assignment of franchise or the rights and privileges acquired thereunder, or of the merger, or transfer of controlling interest of grantee, within sixty (60) days after the completion of the said transaction: Provided, further, That failure to report to Congress such change of ownership shall render the franchise ipso facto revoked: Provided, finally, That any person or entity to which this franchise is sold, transferred, or assigned shall be subject to the same conditions, terms, restrictions, and limitations of this Act. SEC. 16. – Dispersal of Ownership – In accordance with the constitutional provision to encourage public participation in public utilities, the grantee shall offer to Filipino citizens at lease thirty percent (30%) or a higher percentage that may hereafter be provided by law of its outstanding capital stock in any securities exchange in the Philippines within five (5) years from the commencement of its operations: Provided, That in cases where public offer of shares is not applicable, establishment of cooperatives and other methods of encouraging public participation by citizens and corporations operating public utilities must be implemented. Noncompliance therewith shall render the franchise ipso facto revoked. SEC. 17. – Reportorial Requirement – The grantee shall submit an annual report to the Congress of the Philippines, through the Committee on Legislative Franchises of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Public Services of the Senate, on its compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise and on its operations on or before April 30 of every year during the term of the franchise. The reportorial compliance certificate issued by Congress shall be required before any application for permit or certificate is accepted by the NTC. SEC. 18. – Penalty Clause – Failure to submit the requisite annual report to Congress shall be penalized with a fine of five hundred pesos (P500.00) per working day of noncompliance. The fine shall be collected by the NTC from the delinquent franchise grantee separate from the reportorial penalties imposed by the NTC. All proceeds from said fines or penalties shall accrue to the monitoring fund of the NTC in line with its supervisory and regulatory functions. SEC. 19. – Equality Clause – Any advantage, favor, privilege, exemption, or immunity granted under other existing franchise, or which may hereafter be granted, upon prior review and approval of Congress, shall become part of this franchise and shall be accorded immediately and unconditionally to the herein grantee: Provided, however, That the foregoing shall neither apply to nor affect provisions of telecommunications franchises concerning territory covered by the franchise, the life span of the franchise or the type of service authorized by the franchise. SEC. 20. – Separability Clause - If any of the sections or provisions of this Act is held invalid, all other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid. SEC. 21. – Repealability and Nonexclusivity Clause. – This franchise shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the Congress of the Philippines when the public interest so requires and shall not be interpreted as an exclusive grant of the privilege herein provided for. SEC. 22. – Effectivity.. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,

FRANKLIN M. DRILON President of the Senate

FELICIANO BELMONTE JR. Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of Representatives on May 19, 2015, amended by the Senate on January 18, 2016, and which amendment was concurred in by the House of Representatives on February 1, 2016.

OSCAR G. YABES Secretary of the Senate

MARILYN B. BARUA- YAP Secretary General House of Representative

Approved: Approved

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President of the Philippines

(TS-MAY 28, 2016)

sports@thestandard.com.ph

Movers grab Galang; Petron takes Rosario By Peter Atencio

ARA Galang took hold of an opportunity to take her game to the next level, joining the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers during the Philippine Superliga’s Annual Rookie Draft Friday at the Music Hall Oval Venue of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The 5’8” open hitter was the league’s top pick, chosen by the RC Cola-Army Lady Troopers, who instead shipped the former La Salle stalwart to the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. The Lady Troopers, owners of the no. 1 pick, passed up on their choices, saying they already have a complete roster. “Ayokong palampasin ito. This is the perfect time to join the draft. Opportunity din, baka maglaho,” said Galang, who initially did not want to join the draft. The 21-year-old Galang, one of the vital cogs of La Salle during its title conquests in Seasons 74, 75 and 78, was welcomed by Movers’ assistant coaches Benson Bocboc and Noel Orcullo. Bocboc said the Cargo Movers will be a formidable team with La Salle spikers Mika Reyes, Aby Marano, Joy Baron, Kim Dy, Dawn Macandili, Cyd Demecillo and Kim Fajardo

in the roster, with ex-La Salle players Cha Cruz and Stephanie Mercado. They also have Danika Gendrauli. CJ Rosario, Arellano University’s top spiker, was the second overall pick, who will suit up with Petron, while third choice Renelyn Raterta was drafted by Amy’s Kitchen-Perpetual Help. Generika then picked Gen Casugod, a 6’1” middle spiker from Far Eastern University, while Cignal HD took in Mary Grace Berte, a 21-yearold standout from Holy Cross of Davao. Foton, sixth in the first round, went for Dana Henson, an outside hitter from Arellano University. Standard Insurance-Navy accepted Jonah Sabete, a 5’6” outside hitter from Bulacan State University. Six-foot-one Arellano spiker Angelica Legacion went to Generika in the second round of the draft, while Southwestern U’s Marlyn Llagoso joined Foton.

Pague, Guarde strike again in Cebuana netfest THE duo of Zamboanga Sibugay’s Jose Maria Pague and Sultan Kudarat bet Carlyn Bless Guarde struck anew at the recent Tubod, Lanao del Norte leg of the Cebuana Lhuillier AgeGroup Tennis Championship Series, now on its first decade of producing young tennis champions from all over the country. Pague, who has been lording it over the field in the past few legs, won both the 16- under and 18-under boys’ age groups, while Guarde duplicated the feat in the distaff side. Pague blanked Andre Cuevas from the host province, 6-0, 6-0 for the 16-under title and beat another local bet John Renest Sonsona, 6-0, 6-4, in the finals of the 18-under category of the tournament supported by Dunlop Sports as official ball. Meanwhile, Guarde faced off with Carcar City bet Elizabeth Abarquez in the finals of the both the 16-under and 18-under categories with the same results. She defeated Abarquez with a come-from-behind victory, 5-7, 6-1, 10-6, in the 16-under and went through another three setter against the same foe in the 18-under finals before pulling off the win, 6-3, 2-6, 10-6. “These young players that we have been discovering and developing through this tennis age-group series will form the next wave of tennis champions and future national team members,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier,

President/CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Group. He is also the current Chairman of the Philippine Tennis Association and was cited early this year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association for his continuous support for Philippine tennis particularly at the grassroots level. Other familiar names surfaced anew in the leg that attracted 166 entries, like Richard Bautista from Maranding, Lanao del Norte, who won the boys’ 14-under, beating Zamboanga del Norte player Eric Jay Tangub, 6-4, 6-1, in the finals; his female counterpart Sydney Ezra Enriquez from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, as she disposed of 12-under girls’ champion Ma. Maxiel Rica Labrador, 6-0, 6-0, in their championship match earlier; and Labrador, who easily beat local bet Kristin Guia Bandolis, 6-1, 6-1 in the 12-under finals. Lanao del Norte’s Heinz Asian Carbonilla continued his domination of the 10-under unisex category as he swept Ozamis City’s Judy Ann Padilla, 4-0, 4-0 in the finals, while another perennial age-group champion, Brent Sigmond Cortes did Tubod proud by winning the 12-under boys’ crown with an easy 6-2, 6-0 victory over Oroquieta City’s Nash Agustines, 6-2, 6-0, in the championship match. Ozamis City hosts the next leg of the series.

S AT U R D AY : M AY 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Nietes, Garcia make weight; Melindo overweight THE longest-reigning Filipino world champion in Donnie Nietes, the World Boxing Organization light flyweight king and his Mexican opponent Raul “Rayito” Garcia tipped the scales exactly at the limit of 108 pounds. But former two-time world title challenger Milan Melindo was a shocking 4 ¾ pounds over the limit for his 10-round bout against

Maximino Flores set at 110 pounds at the St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City on Saturday. Flores had no problem making the stipulated weight at the official weigh-in at the Robinson’s place in Bacolod City. One of the well-known boxing writers from Manila told The Standard that Melindo was given two hours to shed the excess

weight, but that the fight will still continue since it is a non-title bout. The reporter told The Standard he believes Melindo, who has a record of 33-2 with 12 knockouts, “has no drive and feels his career is almost over.” Flores has an impressive record of 13 knockouts in 19 wins with just 2 losses. Nietes and Garcia are fight-

ing for the WBO light flyweight a world title in the main event of “Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making” Saturday night at the Saint La Salle University stadium. Both Nietes (37-1-4, 21 KOs) and Garcia (36-3-1, 22 KOs) looked ripped and ready with both fighters predicting a possible knockout victory within five rounds. Ronnie Nathanielsz

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

Pacquiao’s decision not to fight in Rio welcomed By Ronnie Nathanielsz

THE decision of eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao not to compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games from Aug. 6 to 21 has been welcomed all around. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who has been a major influence in Pacquiao’s career, welcomed the decision and told The Standard: “He followed good advice. It could have been terrible seeing him beat up 17-year-old kids.” The promoter continued: “I’m not talking to Manny about doing any fights or anything because I want him to set-

tle down as a Senator. But Arum said he will, if Pacquiao wants to fight again, in the face of speculation about a rematch of his Fight of the Century with Floyd Mayweather Jr., which turned out to be a major letdown. Pacquiao underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder five days after the fight.

“The first thing he (Manny) has to do is to solidify himself as a senator,” said Arum. Pacquiao, who was given a May 27 deadline to make a decision on whether he would compete in the Olympics by the ABAP, the national sports association for boxing, headed by president Ricky Vargas, said he had decided “to prioritize his legislative duties.” Vargas said ABAP respects Senator Pacquiao’s decision and wishes him well in his work in the Senate. The ABAP president added: “He (Pacquiao) will be most welcome to Rio to cheer our athletes on.”

At the height of the backand-forth rhetoric between AIBA president Dr. Wu Ching-Kuo and several former boxing world champions, trainers and officials, led by World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman, Arum branded the decision to allow pro boxers to fight in the Olympics as “madness.” At the same time, Arum told The Standard that Pacquiao, who was recently proclaimed as a Senator after garnering more than 16 million votes, “owes an obligation to the people who elected him to the Senate and needs to fulfill that obligation. He has a lot of work to do in the Senate.”

Republic of the Philippines

Casimero’s sweet revenge INSIDE SPORTS RONNIE NATHANIELSZ

FORMER International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion John Reil Casimero, the 26-year-old fighter from Ormoc City, exacted just revenge on Thai flyweight world champion Amnat Ruenroeng in Beijing, China on Wednesday to capture the world title from the Thai. Ruenrong tried to use the same roughhouse tactics the first time they clashed some 11 months when the absolutely incompetent referee Larry Doggett tolerated all the infractions of the Thai in a foul-infested bout that included two takedowns, a 40-second armlock and several other ugly tactics. Doggett, who received a barrage of criticism from the media and fight fans, failed to call a clean knockdown in the third round, when Casimero dropped him, but quickly signaled a knockdown when Ruenroeng pushed Casimero to the canvas. In the end, the American referee deducted a point from Ruenrong, when the fight was almost over and it made no difference to the final outcome. In the rematch which to the credit of the IBF, headed by its president Daryl Peoples, approved after the promoters of Casimero, internationally respected Samposon Lewkowicz and well-known Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani requested that Casimero’s No. 1 status be retained, the Filipino exacted his revenge in style, dropping the

Thai twice in the fourth round before renowned international referee Tony Weeks, who quickly stepped in to thwart Amnat’s dirty tactics earlier in the fight, counted him out. We watched Casimero train resolutely for the fight at the gym of Dr. Rajan Yraola, along Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, and were impressed by his commitment to discipline and hard work. In fact, we were so mindful of Casimero’s burning desire to avenge his loss and to bring the title back to the Philippines and to wave our country’ s flag in victory, that we produced a onehour special, which we aired on the top-rating weekly Viva boxing show “The Main Event” at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday nights, over Sky Cable with a replay at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. The program provided an insight into the training of Casimero, under the watchful eyes of veteran mentor Jhun Agrabio and the inspiration of Dr. Yraola. We spoke to all three and as we filmed Csimero’s final afternoon in the gym, when he tried to shake off some excess poundage, we read the game-plan to near perfection, pointing out that the biggest punch of John Reil was the left hook and that was the punch that did the damage on fight night. We couldn’t quite figure out how two of the three judges gave the first three rounds to Amnat by a shutout of 30-27, while the third judge also had the champion ahead, 29-28. It didn’t seem to fit what we had seen on television and smacked of another questionable attempt to probably deprive the Filipino of his just due.

But Casimero was wise to whatever maneuverings there were and when he got the opportunity ripped a left hook to the jaw of Ruenroeng that sent him crashing to the canvas. And when the Thai beat the mandatory eight-count, Casimero went after him with reckless abandon wanting to finish him off. But the wily Thai held on and grappled the challenger to the floor before Ruenrong made the mistake of raising his gloves to protect his jaw, allowing Casimero to crack the champion with a vicious left hook to the liver that sent him crumpling to the canvas in agony to be counted out by referee Weeks. It was a deadly finish to a bout that effectively made the IBF look bad because the organization had named the Thai champion the recipient of the Jersey Joe Walcott award for the “Fighter of the Year.” It was absolute vindication for Casimero and his team, headed by promoters Lewkowicz and Gello-ani and trainer Agrabio. We were pleased that our spending time with Casimero in training and providing him with the little encouragement, which we always treasure, paid off handsomely. With Casimero’s smashing victory, our country now has three world champions--WBO light flyweight champion and the longestreigning Filipino world champion Donnie Nietes and five-division world champion, WBO super bantamweight king Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire. Casimero’s triumph was a testament to discipline, hard work and courage and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino.

Philippine boxing icon and newly elected Senator Manny Pacquiao waves to the photographers at the Commission on Elections proclamation of senators at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. AFP

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE DOF 6TH FLOOR (OSEC-PHASE 2) AND 4TH FLOOR OFFICES RENOVATION - SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF FURNITURE/WORK STATIONS (REBID) 1.

The DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE (DOF), through the Government of the Philippines under the General Appropriations Act for FY 2016, intends to apply the sum of FIVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED NINETY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (PhP5,595,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments for the DOF 6TH FLOOR (OSECPHASE 2) AND 4TH FLOOR OFFICES RENOVATION – SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF FURNITURE/ WORKSTATIONS (the “Project”). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DOF, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) registered suppliers to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder projects. Bidders should have completed, within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project which is equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the ABC for the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Lot

Name of Project

Approved Budget for the Contract

Cost of Non-refundable fee for Bid Documents

tion (OSECDOF 6 Floor Office Renov a Phase 2) - Supply, Delivery and Installation of Furniture and Work Stations

PhP4,223,000.00

PhP5,000.00

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

PhP1,372,000.00

PhP5,000.00

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. However, only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens, sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA No. 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act No. 138.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders starting May 28, 2016 until June 20, 2016, 8:45 am at the General Services Division, 7th Floor, EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Roxas Blvd., Manila, upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount provided above. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the DOF websites, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The DOF will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the DFG Conference Room, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

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

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

Bids must be delivered to the BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila on or before June 20, 2016, 8:45 A.M. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

10.

Bid opening shall be on the date indicated above at the DFG Conference Room, 4th Floor DOF Building. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. “LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED”

11.

The schedule of bidding activities is as follows: ACTIVITIES Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Issuance and Availability of Bid Documents Pre-Bid Conference Requests for Clarification Issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletin Deadline for Submission of Bids Opening of Bids

12.

SCHEDULE May 28, 2016, 2016 starting May 28, 2016 June 6, 2016, 10:00 am June 10, 2016 June 13, 2016 June 20, 2016, 8:45 am June 20, 2016, 10:00 am

The DOF reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: Lilia R. Tan, Head- BAC Secretariat Department of Finance BAC Secretariat, General Services Division 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila Telephone N.: 526-8475 Telefax No.: 525-4227 Email Address: ltan@dof.gov.ph./rramirez@dof.gov.ph

(TS-MAY 28, 2016)

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

S AT U R DAY : M AY 2 8 , 2 0 16

A16

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

Dubs live to fight another day Stephen Curry and the bench of the Golden State Warriors react to a score against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Five of the Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 26, 2016 in Oakland, California. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Stephen Curry scored 31 points as the defending champion Golden State Warriors kept their record-setting season alive with a 120-111 win over Oklahoma City in game five of their Western Conference playoff. Curry, who has been plagued by injuries throughout the postseason, saved his best game of the series for Thursday night as he also had seven rebounds and six assists. “We did what we are supposed to the do—win at home,” said Curry. After a record-setting 73 regular season wins, desperation set in for Golden State on Thursday as they trimmed the Thunder’s lead to 3-2 in the series. The Warriors have a daunting task ahead of them when the teams square off for game six Saturday in Oklahoma City as just nine NBA

Nadal, Djokovic reach milestones TURN TO A13

teams have rallied from being down 3-1 to win a playoff series. Game seven, if necessary, would be Monday in Oakland. “We know they are not going to quit. It is going to be the toughest game of our lives in game six. We got to be ready,” Curry said. Andre Iguodala and Harrison Barnes drained three-pointers on consecutive possessions during an eight-point flurry that opened a 12-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Curry went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, as the Warriors

overcame a 40-point performance by Thunder star Kevin Durant to keep their hopes of a title repeat alive. Prior to Thursday’s game, media reports listed Curry as being 70 percent healthy, saying his injuries were one of the main reasons the Warriors were on the brink of elimination. ‘91 percent’ “I though he looked like 91 percent,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr joked after the game. Klay Thompson supported Curry with 27 points for the Warriors, who are now 4-1 after losses in the playoffs. “He came out and played a really good game. He is going to compete every night,” said Kerr of Curry. The Warriors won despite making just nine of their 24 three-point attempts. Andrew Bogut tallied 15 points

Pacman’s decision not to fight in Rio welcomed TURN TO A15

and 14 rebounds, and Draymond Green had an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double performance for the Warriors. The Warriors led just 81-77 before backup guard Shaun Livingston opened the fourth period with a short jump shot. Iguodala and Barnes then nailed their three-pointers, opening an 8977 advantage, Golden State’s largest lead of the game to that point. Curry’s biggest basket of the night came with the Warriors holding a 103-98 lead with 4:34 to play. He made a driving lefthanded floater while being fouled. He converted the three-point play, pushing the lead to eight. The Golden State’s solid defense took over from there, holding the Thunder without a field goal until a Durant dunk with 56 seconds remaining. AFP

Clarkson leads jersey unveiling By Jeric Lopez JORDAN Clarkson is back home.

The Filipino-American guard of the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association arrived last night to attend several basketball activities over the weekend. The 6’5” spitfire’s weekend stay in the country will be highlighted by his appearance today as a special guest in Nike’s unveiling of the new Smart Gilas Pilipinas jersey. The jersey that will be showcased in Shangri-La Global City in Taguig this afternoon will be the one that Gilas Pilipinas will use in the coming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July. With Clarkson as guest, the entire Smart Gilas squad, including naturalized import Andray Blatche, who already arrived last night as well, will spearhead the event. National coach Tab Baldwin will likewise be at the event. Right after the jersey event, the Nationals will turn their game faces on as they plunge right back to training with a scheduled night practice. Clarkson may also attend Gilas’ training to have a glimpse of the team’s development.

SATURDAY: MAY 28, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Pepsi cash dividend. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. holds its annual stockholders’ meeting Friday in Muntinlupa City. The company declared an annual dividend of P0.066 per share to all stockholders of record, payable on June 3, 2016. PCPPI expects to pay total cash dividends of P243.8 million representing approximately 30 percent of its net income after tax of 812.1 million in 2015. Independent director Rafael Alunan III leads the proceedings with PCPPI chief executive Yongsang You (left).

MPIC, GT Capital swap shares PSe comPoSite

index

Closing May 27, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,411.68 35.30

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing May 27, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P46.635

44.00

43.00

HIGH P46.610 LOW P46.710 AVERAGE P46.668 VOLUME 405.500M

P427.00-P620.00 LPG/11-kg tank P35.15-P42.25 Unleaded Gasoline

il P PriceS today

P23.75-P28.60 Diesel

The infrastructure unit of First Pacific Co. Ltd. said its associate, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings Inc., through wholly-owned subsidiary Beacon PowerGen Holdings Inc., signed an agreement with GT Capital Holdings Inc. to acquire 56 percent of Global Business Power Corp. for P22.6 billion. Metro Pacific said the transaction would be settled through the payment of P11.03 billion in cash on closing and the balance via a vendor financing facility, which will be replaced with long-term

By Julito G. Rada

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, May 27, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.6650

Japan

Yen

0.009112

0.4252

Pound

1.467600

68.4856

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128761

6.0086

Switzerland

Franc

1.011327

47.1936

Canada

Dollar

0.770654

35.9626

Singapore

Dollar

0.728120

33.9777

Australia

Dollar

0.722500

33.7155

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

123.7798

Rial

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. said on Friday it formed a strategic alliance with the holding company of tycoon George Ty by swapping shares and acquiring a majority stake of the latter’s power generation unit. bank debt within 90 days from May 27. The cash payment will be funded by a combination of internal resources and bank debt. After the transaction, GT Capital shares in Global Business would be reduced to 22 percent and which those of Manila Electric Co. would be trimmed to 22 percent. Metro Pacific also said 3.6 billion in new common shares were placed in GT Capital at a price of P6.10 apiece or a total of P21.96 billion. Upon completion of the

subscription, GT Capital would hold 11.4 percent of the enlarged common share capital base of MPIC. In addition, GT Capital will acquire 1.3 billion shares from MPIC’s majority shareholder, Metro Pacific Holdings Inc., bringing its stake in MPIC’s common share capital to 15.6 percent. “I am delighted to announce this new alliance with the GT Capital Group. This investment has strengthened MPIC’s finances and together we will work to accelerate our investment in, and development of, the infrastructure of our country,” MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said. Pangilinan said the investment in Global Power was part of the company’s drive to accelerate the pace of overall participation in the power generation sector, while allowing Meralco to focus on servicing its Luzon customers. Global Power is the leading

power supplier in Visayas with an aggregate 852 megawatt of coal- and diesel-powered generating capacity, including 150 MW that will start operations later this year, and 670 MW for further expansion. The main development project is a 670-MW coal-fired plant in La Union, Pangasinan. GT Capital vice chairman Alfred Ty said the company would become a strategic investor of MPIC, which is into power, water, toll roads, railways and healthcare. “This is a significant milestone for GT Capital since it expands and strengthens our core sector coverage with an infrastructure platform ensuring sustainable growth,” Ty said. MPIC president and chief executive Jose Ma. Lim, said the company was positive about deepening its investment in the power sector in the Philippines.

Businessmen turned more bullish in 2nd quarter—BSP

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene

Saudi Arabia

By Darwin G. Amojelar

0.266738

12.4473

Brunei

Dollar

0.725479

33.8545

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028070

1.3099

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.7063

Euro

1.119600

52.2461

Korea

Won

0.000848

0.0396

China

Yuan

0.152441

7.1137

India

Rupee

0.014944

0.6974

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.245218

11.4431

New Zealand

Dollar

0.673800

31.4429

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030782

1.4364 Source: PDS Bridge

BUSINESSMEN turned more bullish in the second quarter on higher spending related to the national elections, results of a survey by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show. “The overall confidence index rose to 48.7 percent from 41.9 percent in the first quarter, indicating that more businesses are optimistic on the country’s economic prospects for the second quarter,” Bangko Sentral said, based on the latest business expectations survey.

Bangko Sentral said respondents were more upbeat due to election-related spending in the run-up to the May 9 national elections; sustained increase in orders and projects leading to higher volume of production; anticipated increase in demand during summer; and introduction of new and enhanced business strategies and processes. Other reasons for the more bullish outlook were expansion of businesses and new product lines, improving conditions in the local economy and other Asian economies.

“Their more positive outlook was further driven by expectations of more favorable macroeconomic conditions in the country, particularly low inflation and stable interest rates, and sustained foreign investments inflows,” Bangko Sentral said. Bangko Sentral said the sentiment of businesses in the Philippines mirrored the improving business outlook in South Korea, Canada, France and The Netherlands but was in contrast to the deteriorating views of those in the US, the United Kingdom, Germany, China and Australia.

Outlook for the third quarter remained positive, although the outcome was lower compared to the previous quarter’s results, with the confidence index declining to 45.3 percent from 49.6 percent. Respondents cited the interruption of business activities during the rainy season, lower consumer demand as households prioritize enrollment expenses and expectations of higher oil prices as some of the reasons for lower optimism. The survey was conducted on April 1 to May 17, 2016, involving 1,482 companies nationwide.

SATURDAY: MAY 28, 2016

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Friday, May 27, 2016

52 Weeks

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

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 1.02 625 0.225 78 62 276 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 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 0.62 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.34 1450 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 32 15.32 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 0.335 3.37 3.87 8.45 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 5.9 801 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 9.66 0.0670 2.31 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 4.84 0.59 12 4.2 3 0.030 1.23 0.550 59.3 1.5 751 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 0.201

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 0.97 0.083

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.89 3.8 46.2 45.2 104.30 103.40 95.05 93.00 38.25 38.1 2.95 2.95 1.43 1.43 14.26 14.1 17.36 17.26 1.99 1.75 607.00 607.00 0.570 0.570 86 84.2 50.40 50.20 265.6 262 32 31.35 198.4 195.2 1415.00 1400.00 65.00 64.15 1.58 1.56 INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp. 45.4 46 45.25 Agrinurture Inc. 3.3 3.4 3.21 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.88 0.93 0.9 Alsons Cons. 1.94 1.98 1.89 Asiabest Group 12.28 12.48 11.7 C. Azuc De Tarlac 200.00 200.00 200.00 Century Food 21.95 21.9 21.8 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 190 194 190 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 17.5 17.5 17.2 Concepcion 46.25 46.5 46 Crown Asia 2.22 2.2 2.16 Da Vinci Capital 4.73 4.73 4.6 Del Monte 10.72 10.78 10.68 DNL Industries Inc. 9.540 9.610 9.490 Emperador 7.36 7.46 7.37 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.74 5.80 5.65 EEI 7.30 7.40 7.21 First Gen Corp. 21.5 23.2 21.55 First Holdings ‘A’ 67.6 68.2 67.4 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 12.50 12.54 12.50 Holcim Philippines Inc. 15.02 15.06 15.00 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.72 5.75 5.69 Ionics Inc 2.280 2.300 2.240 Jollibee Foods Corp. 233.60 237.80 234.60 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.34 3.3 3.28 Manila Water Co. Inc. 27.95 27.9 26.95 Maxs Group 24 24.5 23.1 Megawide 6.71 6.75 6.67 Mla. Elect. Co À’ 316.00 322.60 300.40 MG Holdings 0.270 0.285 0.270 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 4.40 4.59 4.04 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.41 3.41 3.38 Petron Corporation 11.48 11.50 11.42 Phinma Corporation 11.62 11.62 11.60 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 5.15 5.30 5.05 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.63 1.66 1.61 Pryce Corp. À’ 2.7 2.77 2.7 RFM Corporation 4.21 4.30 4.25 Roxas Holdings 4.42 4.49 4.49 San Miguel ‘Pure Foods À’ 218 220 217 Splash Corporation 2.51 2.51 2.5 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.152 0.153 0.151 TKC Steel Corp. 1.66 2.01 1.69 Trans-Asia Oil 2.49 2.54 2.50 Universal Robina 204.8 207 201.2 Victorias Milling 4.86 4.78 4.61 Vitarich Corp. 0.89 0.91 0.89 Vulcan Ind’l. 1.25 1.30 1.25 HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. À’ 0.400 0.440 0.400 Aboitiz Equity 75.50 75.90 75.65 Alliance Global Inc. 15.00 15.38 15.10 Anglo Holdings A 1.15 1.14 1.10 Anscor À’ 6.10 5.97 5.97 ATN Holdings A 0.390 0.415 0.375 ATN Holdings B 0.390 0.415 0.380 Ayala Corp À’ 830 839 829 Cosco Capital 7.67 738 7.65 DMCI Holdings 12.60 12.60 12.50 F&J Prince ‘A’ 5 5.1 5.1 Filinvest Dev. Corp. 6.25 6.40 6.21 Forum Pacific 0.245 0.245 0.230 GT Capital 1425 1450 1415 House of Inv. 6.30 6.46 5.60 JG Summit Holdings 82.40 83.00 81.30 Lopez Holdings Corp. 7.85 8 7.85 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.7 0.71 0.69 LT Group 14.32 14.5 13.9 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 6.02 6.12 5.93 MJCI Investments Inc. 3.5 3.4 3.4 Pacifica À’ 0.0320 0.0320 0.0320 Prime Media Hldg 1.330 1.350 1.290 Prime Orion 1.790 1.820 1.790 San Miguel Corp À’ 73.80 76.00 73.95 Seafront À’ 2.21 2.25 2.21 SM Investments Inc. 961.00 975.00 961.00 Solid Group Inc. 1.19 1.21 1.17 South China Res. Inc. 0.83 0.94 0.85 Top Frontier 161.500 166.000 161.800 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3200 0.3250 0.3200 Wellex Industries 0.2180 0.2030 0.2030 Zeus Holdings 0.370 0.365 0.340 PROPERTY 8990 HLDG 7.700 7.800 7.700 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.19 1.22 1.17 Araneta Prop À’ 2.340 2.430 2.300 Arthaland Corp. 0.260 0.270 0.260 Ayala Land `B’ 36.900 37.050 36.500 Belle Corp. À’ 3.32 3.33 3.26 Cebu Holdings 5.15 5.15 5.12 Century Property 0.510 0.52 0.510 Cityland Dev. À’ 1.010 1.010 1.010 Crown Equities Inc. 0.129 0.130 0.129 AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Phil. National Bank PSE Inc. RCBC À’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

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

SHARES 10,993,837 54,061,857 163,196,603 107,283,624 79,920,504 1,119,408,715 1,542,704,478

3.98 46.2 103.90 94.50 38.1 2.92 1.46 14.26 17.34 1.8 609.00 0.570 85.1 50.40 265 31.8 194.8 1416.00 64.15 1.54

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.81 46.2 104.00 95.00 38.2 2.95 1.43 14.26 17.3 1.83 607.00 0.570 85 50.25 262 31.8 196.6 1410.00 64.15 1.56

-4.27 0.00 0.10 0.53 0.26 1.03 -2.05 0.00 -0.23 1.67 -0.33 0.00 -0.12 -0.30 -1.13 0.00 0.92 -0.42 0.00 1.30

419,000 22,300 1,738,580 616,200 130,700 150,000 24,000 21,000 159,100 225,000 10 11,000 2,190,550 399,030 910 55,700 3,698,170 215 34,980 15,000

45.45 3.4 0.9 1.91 12.38 200.00 21.8 190 17.48 46.5 2.18 4.62 10.78 9.600 7.39 5.66 7.40 22.45 68 12.50 15.04 5.75 2.260 236.60 3.3 27.2 24.5 6.67 301.80 0.280 4.59 3.39 11.50 11.62 5.21 1.63 2.7 4.25 4.49 220 2.5 0.153 2.00 2.52 201.8 4.78 0.9 1.26

0.11 3.03 2.27 -1.55 0.81 0.00 -0.68 0.00 -0.11 0.54 -1.80 -2.33 0.56 0.63 0.41 -1.39 1.37 4.42 0.59 0.00 0.13 0.52 -0.88 1.28 -1.20 -2.68 2.08 -0.60 -4.49 3.70 4.32 -0.59 0.17 0.00 1.17 0.00 0.00 0.95 1.58 0.92 -0.40 0.66 20.48 1.20 -1.46 -1.65 1.12 0.80

2,029,400 342,000 66,000 9,652,000 2,200 10 322,800 750 258,700 3,000 514,000 492,000 24,100 512,700 231,900 2,667,000 175,200 10,364,000 189,330 12,100 695,200 148,600 1,277,000 362,890 8,000 1,358,100 1,274,800 147,700 1,247,660 910,000 34,000 473,000 1,674,700 24,800 604,700 340,000 388,000 6,000 3,000 6,590 409,000 590,000 10,926,000 603,000 1,495,630 3,000 994,000 173,000

0.425 75.90 15.30 1.12 5.97 0.380 0.380 831 7.75 12.60 5.1 6.40 0.231 1440 6.20 82.70 7.94 0.69 14.06 5.99 3.4 0.0320 1.290 1.820 75.90 2.25 966.00 1.19 0.90 166.000 0.3200 0.2030 0.340

6.25 0.53 2.00 -2.61 -2.13 -2.56 -2.56 0.12 1.04 0.00 2.00 2.40 -5.71 1.05 -1.59 0.36 1.15 -1.43 -1.82 -0.50 -2.86 0.00 -3.01 1.68 2.85 1.81 0.52 0.00 8.43 2.79 0.00 -6.88 -8.11

3,790,000 4,421,510 7,044,400 24,000 33,000 24,560,000 2,520,000 408,870 1,198,800 3,375,700 200 1,118,500 1,120,000 265,855 203,700 10,062,880 3,175,800 204,000 1,891,000 68,677,200 5,000 6,300,000 245,000 329,000 478,620 14,000 249,640 41,000 4,000 10,300 1,540,000 100,000 14,800,000

7.800 1.19 2.400 0.270 36.850 3.32 5.15 0.520 1.010 0.129

1.30 0.00 2.56 3.85 -0.14 0.00 0.00 1.96 0.00 0.00

228,300 599,000 1,092,000 610,000 11,239,300 4,136,000 21,300 4,445,000 5,000 3,020,000

873,240.00 34,484,342 45,619,279.00 0.00

-456,890.00

-38,091,080.50 -18,381,131.50 -13,280.00 127,670 188,322,523.00 9,605.00 27,373,140.00 2,458,070.00 3,056,130.00 17,240.00 1,186,210.00 1,303,124.00 612,128.00 -7,946,413.00 1,060,101.00 62,695,300.00 3,944,325.00 -9,286,396.00 12,753.00 -6,780.00 26,964,506.00 1,240,700.00 -16,620,425.00 -300,840.00 -8,417,576.00 1,024,180.00 5,507,322.00 -196,718.00 -195,920.00

1,090,676.00 -189,570.00 -96,066,220.00 -78,320.00

232,711,887.50 12,411,502.00

38,800.00 59,554,600.00 1,768,670.00 -2,669,424.00 957,646.00 91,318,310.00 239,075.00 -285,946,973.50 8,335,179.00 1,686,426.00 44,604,791.00 -17,000.00 89,600.00 -1,820.00 -4,494,718.50 -2,250.00 11,371,600.00 -900.00

710,548.00 143,400.00 -311,170.00 -27,000.00 69,042,750.00 5,878,290.00 -15,441.00 -161,670.00 13,100.00

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

High

0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.72 27 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 4.13 0.090 0.39 23 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

Cyber Bay Corp. 0.520 Double Dragon 53 Empire East Land 0.780 Ever Gotesco 0.153 Global-Estate 0.96 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.95 Interport `A’ 1.23 Keppel Properties 4.70 Megaworld 4.35 MRC Allied Ind. 0.096 Phil. Realty `A’ 0.460 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 49.15 Robinson’s Land `B’ 29.00 Rockwell 1.54 Shang Properties Inc. 3.11 SM Prime Holdings 24.35 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.88 Starmalls 6.4 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 1.040 Vista Land & Lifescapes 4.850

10.5 66 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 4 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 7 12.5

1.97 35.2 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 2.58 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 3.01 8.72

0.8200 2.2800

0.041 1.200

12.28 3.32 95.5 15.2

6.5 1.91 3.1 6

1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 0.330 12.7 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 0.020 0.021 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 9.43 0.236 6.5 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 0.012 0.013 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. À’ IPeople Inc. À’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Manila Broadcasting Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp. Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils. Yehey MINING & OIL Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Atok-Big Wedge À’ Basic Energy Corp. Benguet Corp À’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto À’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining À’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 120 515 1047 84.8

1.34 6.98 15 12.88 130.7

7.33 51.3 0.620 11.1 4.16 0.0520 3.05 96 9.55 1.81 6.70 2.80 2126 6.54 1.18 60.5 15.50 11.54 9.64 0.340 1.6900 11.6 7.74 4.50 19.02 2.37 3.99 3.430 17.4 5.08 120.00 23.90 1662.00 0.405 0.900 41.50 78.40 6.35 2.74 0.590 3.34 0.350 6.850

0.530 0.510 54 52.75 0.810 0.780 0.152 0.150 0.97 0.95 1.94 1.91 1.27 1.26 4.60 4.60 4.47 4.34 0.098 0.093 0.465 0.460 60.00 48.00 29.85 28.90 1.59 1.52 3.14 3.05 24.90 24.30 0.91 0.88 6.4 6.4 1.040 1.020 5.080 4.840 SERVICES 7.41 7.31 51.2 50.9 0.630 0.620 11.42 11.1 4.24 4.11 0.0530 0.0520 3.06 3 95.9 94.55 9.55 9.18 1.82 1.82 6.90 6.60 3.88 3.37 2220 2148 6.60 6.54 1.18 1.18 60.95 58.5 15.48 15.00 11.98 11.98 9.64 9.50 0.345 0.335 1.7200 1.6800 11.58 11.06 7.77 7.53 4.72 4.40 20.00 20.00 2.46 2.34 3.99 3.93 3.620 3.270 17.48 17.4 5.08 5.05 125.00 120.00 23.90 23.50 1760.00 1670.00 0.410 0.390 0.900 0.870 41.95 40.90 79.80 78.40 6.35 6.21 2.79 2.74 0.600 0.580 3.4 3.35 0.360 0.340 6.830 6.830

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.520 53 0.810 0.150 0.97 1.94 1.27 4.60 4.4 0.094 0.460 48.00 29.00 1.59 3.13 24.80 0.9 6.4 1.040 4.960

0.00 0.00 3.85 -1.96 1.04 -0.51 3.25 -2.13 1.15 -2.08 0.00 -2.34 0.00 3.25 0.64 1.85 2.27 0.00 0.00 2.27

995,000 1,014,260 32,000 620,000 1,537,000 8,125,000 265,000 3,000 42,479,000 3,100,000 690,000 35,300 2,678,600 42,000 35,000 8,197,600 1,719,000 300 144,000 10,155,000

7.31 50.95 0.620 11.42 4.16 0.0530 3.01 94.85 9.55 1.82 6.70 3.88 2188 6.59 1.18 58.5 15.04 11.98 9.62 0.340 1.7000 11.48 7.74 4.50 20.00 2.36 3.95 3.550 17.48 5.05 124.00 23.90 1742.00 0.390 0.890 41.95 79.25 6.30 2.76 0.580 3.36 0.360 6.830

-0.27 -0.68 0.00 2.88 0.00 1.92 -1.31 -1.20 0.00 0.55 0.00 38.57 2.92 0.76 0.00 -3.31 -2.97 3.81 -0.21 0.00 0.59 -1.03 0.00 0.00 5.15 -0.42 -1.00 3.50 0.46 -0.59 3.33 0.00 4.81 -3.70 -1.11 1.08 1.08 -0.79 0.73 -1.69 0.60 2.86 -0.29

153,200 132,760 1,308,000 25,200 11,076,000 7,690,000 1,529,000 679,430 2,200 2,000 107,600 21,000 87,850 48,700 10,000 1,486,970 15,600 1,000 731,200 6,750,000 1,424,000 11,200 17,000 5,258,000 100 6,417,000 745,000 16,230,000 3,000 6,300 45,930 43,800 339,230 1,230,000 8,251,000 1,761,900 446,440 60,100 1,408,000 2,107,000 2,084,000 50,000 18,400

0.00 -4.94 2.55 -0.15 -4.90 3.90 6.25 1.96 0.22 2.27 0.00 -1.89 -3.57 -6.67 0.00 0.00 3.46 0.00 0.00 10.00 0.00 0.42 -3.96 0.00 1.02 -3.86 0.00

8,000,000 225,000 -243,000.00 14,000 5,900 720,000 1,100 255,000 475,000 15,000.00 1,700 896,651,000 461,814,580.00 30,000 53,690,000 2,240,000 40,000.00 81,400,000 4,700,000 499,000 6,526,000 -18,003,770.00 55,000 54,000 29,000,000 1,000,000 888,300 826,714.00 8,044,000 -76,220.00 4,100,000 1,736,670 23,459,407.00 1,627,000 12,450.00 17,300,000

-0.88 0.57 0.00 0.39 1.90 0.20 0.00 1.25 -3.45 -1.60 -0.39 -0.39 -6.79

78,510 6,090 160 10,000 40 1,030 310 44,310 45,610 30,070 15,000 74,030 19,000

0.34

14,000

-2.53 -1.06 -0.34 0.23

5,137,000 13,000 17,000 2,646,700

0.58

19,140

0.0042 0.0043 0.0042 2.40 2.30 2.31 4.42 4.40 4.42 12.96 12.02 12.96 0.240 0.231 0.233 8 8 8.0000 0.68 0.64 0.68 0.520 0.500 0.520 9.15 8.43 9.10 0.940 0.870 0.900 0.300 0.295 0.300 0.260 0.250 0.260 0.275 0.265 0.270 0.0150 0.0140 0.0140 0.0160 0.0150 0.0160 1.93 1.88 1.9 4.5 4.36 4.48 2.66 2.6 2.63 1.3100 1.2800 1.3000 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 0.0098 0.0098 0.0098 7.34 7.08 7.25 4.22 3.84 3.88 0.0140 0.0130 0.0130 129.00 127.10 128.40 4.34 3.98 3.99 0.0120 0.0110 0.0110 PREFERRED 33 ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. 51.3 51.3 50.8 50.85 490 Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ 530 533 531 533 101.5 First Gen G 118 118 118 118 480 GLOBE PREF P 517 520 518 519 PCOR-Preferred B 1050 1070 1070 1070 1011 PF Pref 2 1025 1030 1027 1027 PNX PREF 3B 112 112 112 112 75 SMC Preferred C 80 81 81 81 SMC Preferred E 78.3 78.4 75.6 75.6 SMC Preferred F 78 78 76.75 76.75 SMC Preferred G 77.5 77.2 77.2 77.2 SMC Preferred I 76.3 76.4 76 76 1 Swift Pref 2.8 3.6 2.56 2.61 WARRANTS & BONDS 0.8900 LR Warrant 2.930 2.940 2.930 2.940 SME Alterra Capital 4.35 4.55 4.2 4.24 3.5 Makati Fin. Corp. 3.79 3.76 3.56 3.75 Italpinas 2.96 2.96 2.93 2.95 5.95 Xurpas 17.48 17.96 17.2 17.52 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 105.6 First Metro ETF 121.3 122 121.3 122

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,691.01 (UP) 4.73 INDUSTRIAL 11,693.32 (DOWN) 70.50 HOLDING FIRMS 7,413.87 (UP) 34.97 PROPERTY 3,205.20 (UP) 21.82 SERVICES 1,463.12 (UP) 26.05 MINING & OIL 11,182.90 (UP) 56.10 PSEI 7,411.68 (UP) 35.30 All Shares Index 4,435.19 (UP) 18.33 Gainers: 99; Losers: 75; Unchanged: 46; Total: 220

0.0042 2.43 4.31 12.98 0.245 7.7000 0.64 0.510 9.08 0.880 0.300 0.265 0.280 0.0150 0.0160 1.9 4.33 2.63 1.3000 0.0100 0.0098 7.22 4.04 0.0130 127.10 4.15 0.0110

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,323,414,170.888 1,301,985,684.33 2,885,843,655.63 1,030,551,813.54 1,248,326,041.26 1,106,115,503.248 8,967,348,788.238

Low

-12,356,056.50 -3,120.00 9,500.00 -4,105,550.00 30,248,700.00

660,205.00 21,580.00 46,924,485.00 20,400.00 -13,863,090.00 -524,774.00 44,400.00 -24,141,900.00 45,150.00 24,775,628.00 -627,725.00 -11,024,100.00 -56,304,413.50 4,811,200.00 -17,200.00 90,030.00 4,764,350.00 679,990.00 2,222,600.00 395,880.00 -33,290.00 -128,926,610.00 3,950.00 82,910.00 21,793,905.00 8,591,718.50 8,107.00 -1,081,300.00 -471,010.00 3,400.00 -68,300.00

-3,937,608.00

-759,980.00

1,993,965.00

-489,590.00 -10,412,944.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Easy Call "Common"

3.88

38.57

Zeus Holdings

0.340

-8.11

TKC Steel Corp.

2.00

20.48

Wellex Industries

0.2030

-6.88

Oriental Pet. `A'

0.0110

10.00

Swift Pref

2.61

-6.79

South China Res. Inc.

0.90

8.43

Manila Mining `A'

0.0140

-6.67

Century Peak Metals Hldgs

0.68

6.25

Forum Pacific

0.231

-5.71

Abacus Cons. `A'

0.425

6.25

Apex `A'

2.31

-4.94

Manila Broadcasting

20.00

5.15

Basic Energy Corp.

0.233

-4.90

PLDT Common

1742.00

4.81

Mla. Elect. Co `A'

301.80

-4.49

First Gen Corp.

22.45

4.42

AG Finance

3.81

-4.27

Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

4.59

4.32

PhilexPetroleum

3.88

-3.96

SATURDAY: MAY 28, 2016

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

Market rebounds; PLDT leads advances STOCKS rose Friday, ahead of a speech from the US central bank head that will provide clues on the imminent interest rate hike. The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, gained 35 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 7,411.68 Friday. The bellwether was also up 6.6 percent since the start of the year. The heavier index, representing all shares, added 18 points, or 0.4 percent, to settle at 4,435.19, on a value turnover of P9 billion. Advancers led losers, 99 to 75, while 46 issues were unchanged. Fifteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. which climbed 4.8 percent to P1,742. First Gen Corp. advanced 4.4 percent to P22.45. Globe Telecom Inc. gained 2.9 percent to P2,188. Meanwhile, Asian stocks slightly rose Friday, as oil pulled back below $50 a barrel. Comments from the Group of Seven leaders Friday morning stressed the importance of global economic growth while stating the potentially disastrous economic consequences of Britain’s exit from the EU. Traders are sitting tight for clues about the prospects of an imminent US rate hike as Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen makes a speech at Harvard University later Friday, after recent hints of an increase in June or July from Fed officials. “The market is off to a good start this morning. However, high valuations and the uncertainty created by Janet Yellen’s speech tonight may keep buyers from getting too optimistic today,” Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets said in a commentary. Tokyo stocks rose 0.3 percent after Japanese inflation data showed prices falling in April and media reports about a consumption tax hike delay bolstered hopes of extra Bank of Japan stimulus measures. The negative reading dealt a blow to Tokyo’s faltering war on deflation, raising pressure on the BoJ to expand its vast monetary easing programme, analysts said. with AFP

IEC president’s visit. The Trade Department’s Bureau of Philippine Standards led by director-in-charge Ann Claire Cabochan (center)

welcomes International Electrotechnical Commission president Junji Nomura (left) and IEC-APRC director Dennis Chew at the Investments Building in Makati City. IEC is a leading global organization that develops consensus-based international standards and manages conformity assessment systems for electric and electronic products.

Alsons set to build three power projects By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALSONS Consolidated Resources Inc., the publicly-listed energy company of the Alcantara Group, plans to start construction of three major power projects with a combined capacity of 225 megawatts in Mindanao before the end of the year. Alsons said in a statement the three projects included the second 105-MW unit of the 210MW coal-fired power plant of Sarangani Energy Corp. in Maasim, Sarangani; the 15-MW Siguil run-of-river hydroelectric plant also in Maasim; and the 105-MW San Ramon Power Inc. baseload coal-fired power plant in Talisayan, Zamboanga City.

The second unit of the Sarangani Energy power plant is expected to begin operations in 2018. “For SEC 2, we expect to award the engineering procurement and construction contract within the next few days. And we expect the construction within the year,” Alsons executive vice president and chief operating officer Tirso San-

tillan said. Alsons earlier said Saragani Energy’s first unit began operating in April, providing 105 MW of baseload power to more than three million residents of Sarangani province, General Santos City and other parts of Mindanao to help ensure an ample and steady supply of electricity ahead of the May 9 elections. The Sarangani power plant, once it reaches full operations, will serve six million people in the region. The $570-million Sarangani Energy power plant is the single largest investment in Sarangani province and the entire Region 12. Meanwhile, the 15-MW Siguil run-of-river power plant is Alson’s first renewable energy venture. The hydropower project is expected to be completed by 2018.

The company also plans to develop other run-of-river hydropower projects with a total potential capacity of 185 MW in Mindanao and Negros Occidental. The 105-MW San Ramon coalfired power plant is projected to begin operating in 2019 to provide baseload power to Zamboanga City. Alsons currently operates three diesel power facilities, including the 103-MW Mapalad Power Corp. diesel plant in Iligan City, the 55-MW Southern Philippines Power Corp. facility in Alabel, Sarangani and the 100-MW power plant of the Western Mindanao Power Corp. in Zamboanga City. All four Alsons power plants have significantly contributed to alleviating the power shortage in Mindanao.

LBC, First Gulf Bank team up to offer installment payment for cargo LBC Express Inc., the Philippines’ largest courier, logistics and remittance company teamed up with First Gulf Bank of the United Arab of Emirates to offer customers an installment payment scheme at zero percent interest for cargo services. “We are proud to announce our tie-up with FGB, allowing customers to settle cargo services in easy installment payments using their FGB credit cards,” said LBC vice-president for the Middle East Mark Agalo-os.

The installment payment scheme is available for sea cargo, air cargo, Express Air and rest of the world services. UAE residents can take advantage of the service to send packages to 236 destinations across the globe. “As part of FGB’s commitment to provide the best innovative products and services to our customers, it is a privilege to collaborate with LBC Express to offer an accessible payment scheme for cargo services for all UAE residents,” said Girish Ad-

vani, head of personal banking at FGB. “This innovative product, which is the first of its kind in the UAE, provides customers with convenient payment terms for courier services based on their preferred instalment plan,” Advani said. “As we continue to present better user experience, consumers of this service also have the added advantage of a simple fee structure, enabling them to send packages to families and loved ones

without having to worry about making an upfront payment,” he said. Customers can choose to pay within three, six, nine or 12 months. “Our valued clients can send as many packages and parcels, as well as choose from any of the monthly payment options for a minimum requirement of 150 Dirham. It is like easily sending cargo for less than 15 Dirham per month up to 12-month installment,” Agalo-os said. FGB credit card customers

can now redeem their earned reward points against LBC discount vouchers as part of the FGB Rewards program. “LBC Express has always been a customer-centric organization and working to offer UAE residents world-class services along with best industry rates. Our new scheme makes our proposition far more exciting,” Agalo-os said. LBC Express has presence in over 25 countries worldwide including the Middle East.

SATURDAY: MAY 28, 2016

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

IN BRIEF Jollibee stores in BC BRITISH Columbia said Friday it reached an agreement with fastfood giant Jollibee Foods Corp. over the establishment of several stores across the Canadian province. British Columbia Premier Christy Clark said she was optimistic the deal with Jollibee would the first of the many business collaborations between the Philippines and British Columbia. “This economy [Philippines] is growing quickly. We see huge opportunity for British Columbia to further the relationship not only in trade but in education and clean energy,” she said. The newly established British Columbia Trade and Investment Representative Office and the Embassy of Canada arranged two diplomatic events Thursday and Friday for the first trade mission of British Columbia to the Philippines. Members of the mission signed Thursday five agreements on IT, education and healthcare. The IT deal covers a supply agreement where Incognito Software will provide the software requirement of Globe Telecom Inc. for internet protocol management. Othel V. Campos

Labor row at PAL PHILIPPINE Airlines said on Friday it is open into an agreement with the legitimate members of the airline’s union to end an outsourcing dispute. “We simply want to make sure that we talk to the duly-elected and legitimate leaders of the union so we can enter into a CBA [collective bargaining agreement] with the remaining and legitimate members of PALEA in our joint quest for industrial peace,” PAL president and chief operating ofﬁcer Jaime Bautista said. PAL said it was ready to resume CBA negotiations with PALEA once the labor Department resolved the issue on the legitimate leaders of the union, which had been pending since February 2015. Bautista’s statement came after protest actions were carried out on Thursday by current and former PALEA members, who were calling for a stop to third-party outsourcing. PAL on October 1, 2011 restructured its operations by placing airport services, call center reservations and catering under the jurisdiction of third-party service providers. Darwin G. Amojelar

Australia seeks more direct flights from PH By Othel V. Campos

Australia is seeking additional direct flights to the Philippines through the Adelaide gateway. Visiting Australian Trade and Investment minister Martin Hamilton-Smith said Friday Adelaide Airport Ltd., a member of the first-ever South Australian trade mission to the Philippines, had asked Philippine Airlines to introduce direct flights from Manila to Adelaide. “While we’re in this trade mission we are meeting with PAL and also with your secondary airline. We’re very keen to see direct flights from Manila to Adelaide,” Hamilton-Smith said

at the sidelines of a breakfast forum held at the Shangri-La Hotel Makati City. “We believe there is enough business in Adelaide to support at least two to three days a week of direct flights, possibly more,” he added. At least 9,000 Filipino residents and workers shuttle between Manila and Adelaide. About 10,000 Filipino students are also taking up tertiary programs in Adelaide, another reason for south Australia to push

for increased air flights. Opening up direct connection to Manila also presents opportunities for freight business for food and wine, said Hamilton-Smith. “Where Bali figures prominently with Adelaide travellers, I think [Adelaide] needs a new tourism destination,” he said He noted the lack of direct connection flights to Manila, which could provide international linkage to the world. Adelaide has direct flights to Singapore and Hong Kong in Southeast Asia, Dubai in the Middle East, Bali in Indonesia. Qatar recently opened the Adelaide-Qatar direct route. Hamilton-Smith said South Australia was keen on developing trade and investment relations with the Philippines, including

air agreements, and other areas of cooperation like defense, education, food, healthcare and mining. He cited bilateral opportunities in the supply of food and wine, commodities such as wheat, dairy, fruit and vegetables, provision for training and education, professional services and development assistance, oil, gas and mineral exploration and related services and technologies and the chance for emerging exporters to join the marketplace. “We want to have closer engagement with the Philippines which is why we have put together a Southeast Asia team dedicated to the implementation and oversight of our strategy,” said Hamilton-Smith.

Iran-PH relations STATE-OWNED PNOC Exploration Corp. is optimistic of business opportunities with Iran following the recent visit of the Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines. Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Tanhaei recently made a courtesy call to PNOC Exploration president Pedro Aquino. Aquino expressed optimism Tanhaei’s visit would result in a fruitful working relation with Iran. “No agreement. The Iranian ambassador only made a visit to my ofﬁce. The agreement, if any, will be in Iran with either National Iranian Oil Co. or National Iranian Gas Co.,” Aquino said. Tanhaei expressed interest to work with PNOC Exploration and discussed a wide array of possible areas of cooperation, such as oil exploration, production and other ﬁelds in the energy sector, including petroleum product trade. The ambassador, according to PNOC Exploration, was optimistic about the trade relations between the Philippines and Iran as a result of the lifting of the US-led embrago. Alena Mae S. Flores

SSS housing loans THE state-run Social Security System said Friday it disbursed about P51.8 billion worth of housing loans to members as of end 2015. The pension fund said the amound funded the construction or acquisition of 331,000 units of houses, and over 5,000 projects through various business lending windows amounting to P23.82 billion. “Housing loans can be used for the construction and purchase of residential units, home repair and improvement, and site development for subdivisions. Meanwhile, employers in good standing with SSS can borrow SSS funds for various purposes such as working capital, acquisition of equipment, and upgrade of facilities, among others,” SSS vice president Pedro Baoy said. SSS has teamed up with Enterprise Bank (A Thrift Bank) to provide accessible credit to members to further improve accessibility to members in the southern part of the Philippines. Baoy said Enterprise Bank was the ﬁrst thrift bank accredited by the SSS in 2016 as a participating ﬁnancial institution. Oonly four commercial banks were earlier accredited as PFIs. Gabrielle Binaday

BDO-IFC partnership. BDO Unibank Inc. renews its Sustainable Energy Finance Program partnership with International Finance Corp., the private sector arm of the World Bank, as part of efforts to impart to clients the best international practices on clean energy. Signing the agreement are (from left) Valentino Bagatsing, IFC principal investment ofﬁcer; Aileen Ruiz-Zarate, IFC senior investment ofﬁcer; Walter Wassmer, senior executive vice president and head of BDO’s institutional banking; and Edward Wenceslao, SVP and head of BDO’s international desks.

Globe investing $500m to expand corporate data network By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. said on Friday it will invest close to $500 million over a five-year period beginning this year to expand its corporate data for enterprises. “A growing number of enterprises today use software applications delivered via cloud which require significant bandwidth. Deploying fiber in key areas will enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness of businesses that will sustain the growth momentum of the Philippine economy,” Globe acting chief finance officer Rizza ManiegoEala said. Eala said the corporate data expansion aimed to support the

growth of business clients, capitalizing on the changing business landscape with the strategic use of digital technologies. Expansion of the company’s corporate data network will address client needs for additional bandwidth as they embrace new network technologies such as Software Defined Network/ Network Function Virtualization, Cloud, Big Data, among others. The initiative supports the information communication technology requirements of finance, services, retail, IT-BPO and manufacturing enterprises as they expand their operations to Visayas, Calabarzon and Davao. The infrastructure build for enterprises runs parallel with

the company’s initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber in 20,000 barangays across the country by 2020 to provide ultra-fast access to around 2 million homes nationwide. The massive infrastructure build also involves a capacity expansion program for both mobile and wireline using the different technologies that include 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi. “With the deployment of fiber broadband technology, the infrastructure for data connectivity of enterprises allows for fast, critical connections involving huge amounts of data at all times. We’re hoping that with the twin projects for enterprises and indi-

vidual customers, they will have access to a more reliable and resilient network that addresses their need for ultra-fast data connectivity,” Eala said. Globe earlier reported a net income of P4.34 billion in the January-to-March period, up 3 percent from last year’s P4.15 billion. Globe’s core profit, which excludes the impact of the nonrecurring items, one-time gains, foreign exchange and mark-tomarket charges, amounted to P4.19 billion in the first quarter from P4.18 billion last year. Globe posted consolidated revenues of P29.9 billion in the first quarter, up 14 percent from P26.2 billion in the same period in 2015.

S AT U R D AY : M AY 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Obama nears historic visit HIROSHIMA—President Barack Obama was on the verge of making history Friday as he readied to visit Hiroshima and become the only sitting US leader to set foot on ground that was seared by the world’s first nuclear attack.

Hollande defiant in face of unrest PARIS—A defiant French President Francois Hollande vowed to “stand firm” over a controversial labor law, hitting back Friday at the unions that urged workers to step up a wave of industrial action. The latest war of words between the government and the unions came as France reeled from fuel shortages, transport disruption and violent demonstrations, two weeks to the day that it begins hosting the Euro 2016 football championships. “I will stand firm because I think it is a good reform,” Hollande told reporters at a G7 summit in Japan. He said the government’s top priority was to ensure the “normal functioning of the economy” in the face of blockades of oil refineries and fuel depots that have left gas pumps running dry. While there were still long lines at the gas stations in some parts of the country, the fuel situation appeared to have eased early Friday, as the government dipped into its strategic reserves for a fifth consecutive day. But the social unrest showed little sign of easing as the unions urged workers to pile the pressure on Hollande’s deeply unpopular Socialist government. Representatives of all the main unions urged workers to “multiply and support” the strikes. AFP

Red Nose Day. Comedian Grace Helbig attends the Second Red Nose Day Special on NBC in Universal Studios, California. AFP

The trip comes more than seven decades after the Enola Gay bomber dropped its deadly atomic payload, dubbed “Little Boy”, over the western Japanese city. The bombing claimed the lives of 140,000 people, some of whom died immediately in a ball of searing heat, while many succumbed to injuries or radiation-related illnesses in the weeks, months and years afterwards. A second nuclear bomb was dropped on Nagasaki three days later. Coming in Obama’s final year in office, the visit also marks seven years since he used his trademark soaring rhetoric to call for the elimination of atomic arms in a landmark speech in Prague that helped him win the Nobel Peace Prize. And while the world today appears no closer to that lofty vision, Obama is expected to use the symbolism of his presence in Hiroshima to highlight a push for peace. Anticipation was high in Hiroshima, where crowds of Japanese and visiting foreigners gathered near the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park where Obama was to appear. “We welcome President Obama,” said 80-year-old Toshiyuki Kawamoto. “I hope this historic visit to Hiroshima will push for the movement of abolishing nuclear weapons in the world.” Japanese and American flags flew on the street in front of the site, with a city official saying it was the first time the Stars and Stripes had been raised there. Obama, who arrived at a US military base west of Hiroshima to address troops after attending a Group of Seven summit elsewhere in Japan, is expected to lay flowers at the cenotaph in the memorial park in Hiroshima and will be accompanied by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The cenotaph lies in the shadow of a domed building, whose skeleton has been left standing in silent testament to the victims of the first ever nuclear attack. He told American troops at a base in Iwakuni in the west of the country that visiting Hiroshima was a chance to “honor” the memory of all who died in the war. “It’s a testament to how even the most painful divides can be bridged,” he said. “How two nations can become not just partners but the best of friends.” AFP

Chinese commercial draws outrage BEIJING—A Chinese detergent commercial showing a black man stuffed into a washing machine and transformed into a fair-skinned Asian has provoked outrage, although more so overseas thaN at home, where it was greeted with apparent acceptance. The commercial for the “Qiaobi” brand shows a black man whistling and winking at a young Chinese woman, who calls him over, puts a detergent packet into his mouth, and forces him headfirst into a washing machine. She sits on the lid while the man shrieks. Moments later an Asian man emerges in clean clothes, and

the woman grins. The advertisement has provoked an uproar on US news websites, which cited it as an example of the racist attitudes towards black people in China. “This ad is blatantly racist... it’s also a reminder that attitudes over race and skin color in China can be very bad,” said Vox.com But it has attracted little attention in its home country, with few comments on social media, and fewer than 2,000 views of the same ad on the popular video-sharing site Youku. China has historically experienced almost no migration by peo-

ple of African descent, although the population has grown in recent years as China has risen to become the continent’s biggest trading partner. Traditional attitudes prizing white skin in women have contributed to the bias against dark-skinned people. The Shanghai Leishang cosmetics company, which produces the gelcapsule product, did not respond to a phone call seeking comment. The commercial, which was reportedly shown in cinemas earlier this month, uses the same music and sound effects as a previous Italian commercial showing a white man forced into a washing machine and transformed into a black man. AFP

Survivor. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looks on as US President Barack Obama hugs a survivor of the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima during a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. AFP

S AT U R D AY : M AY 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

WORLD

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘Global economy is priority’ ISE-SHIMA, Japan—Pumping up the world economy is an “urgent priority”, G7 leaders said Friday as they warned there could be dire global consequences if Britain decided to leave the EU.

mix approach to dealing with the malaise that has lingered since the financial crisis erupted in 2008. “Global growth is our urgent priority,” the G7 said in a final statement. “Taking into account country-specific circumstances, we commit to strengthening our economic policy responses in a cooperative manner and to employing a more forceful and balanced policy mix, in order to swiftly achieve a strong, sustainable and balanced growth pattern.” The strained consensus reflects behindthe-scenes clashes within the grouping of rich nations. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe argued that the global economy faced the risk of a “crisis”, and drew comparisons with the mood when Japan last hosted the exclusive club in 2008, just months ahead of the collapse of Lehman Brothers. “To that, one leader questioned whether the degree of the current situation was negative enough to use the term ‘crisis’,” a senior Japanese official said. That leader was Angela Merkel, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper said Friday, who was backed by International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde, according to Bloomberg News. At his post-summit press conference, however, Abe put a different gloss on it. “We shared a strong sense of crisis,” he told reporters of his discussions with fellow leaders. Some observers, however, said the high-

profile meeting didn’t deliver much. “We know there are different views on fiscal policy but the statement simply concludes that fiscal policy should be implemented ‘flexibly’ in order to ‘promote growth’,” said Andrew Kenningham, Senior Global Economist at research house Capital Economics.” “That really says nothing at all.” The leaders were unequivocal though on their attitude to one of the risks facing the global economy, and came out firmly against the prospect of a so-called “Brexit”. “A UK exit from the EU would reverse the trend towards greater global trade and investment, and the jobs they create, and is a further serious risk to growth,” they said in a declaration after two days of talks. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has campaigned for his nation to remain in the 28-country bloc, seized on the unified G7 position. “The communique is very clear about the economic dangers and economic risks” of Brexit, he told a press conference. The grouping the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy, France and Canada found easy common ground on the hot-button issue of refugees, agreeing it was a worldwide problem. “The G7 recognizes the ongoing large scale movements of migrants and refugees as a global challenge which requires Protest. Students clash with riot police during a march held to protest the slow pace of a global response,” the leaders said in a educational reform in Santiago, Chile. AFP statement. Last year, some 1.3 million refugees, mostly from conflict-ridden Syria and Iraq, asked for asylum in the European PMO – Negros Occidental/Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO PMO – Negros Occidental/Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO Union more than a third PORT OF BANAGO, BACOLOD CITY PORT OF BANAGO, BACOLOD CITY of them in Germany. TeleFax Nos. (034) 441-1225; 441-1041 ;Email Add: ppapul@globelines.com.ph TeleFax Nos. (034) 441-1225; 441-1041 ;Email Add: ppapul@globelines.com.ph “We commit to inINVITATION TO BID crease global assistance Invitation to Bid (RE – POSTING) for FOR to meet immediate and Repair of Riprap Underdeck and Underwater Investigation Ports of long-term needs of Port of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental Hinobaan and Himamaylan, Negros Occidental refugees and other disThe Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office-Negros Occidental /Banago/ Bacolod-BREDCO, The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office-Negros Occidental /Banago/ Bacolod-BREDCO, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2016, intends to apply the sum of P 5,066,950.56 through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2016, intends to apply the sum of P 5,976,938.02 placed persons as well being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Repair of Riprap, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Underdeck and Port of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected as their host communiUnderwater Investigation, Ports of Hinobaan and Himamaylan, Negros Occidental. Bids received in at bid opening. excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. ties,” they said. The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office – Negros Occidental/Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office – Negros Occidental/Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO “The G7 encourages now invites bids for the Repair of Riprap, Port of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. Completion of the Works now invites bids for the Underdeck and Underwater Investigation, Ports of Hinobaan and Himamaylan, is required for the project is Ninety (90) Calendar Days. Negros Occidental. Completion of the Works is required for the project is Sixty (60) Calendar Days. international financial Equipment Requirements : institutions and bilatEquipment Requirements : 10 set Diving Equipment (Wet suit, mask, regulator, depth gauge, Owned eral donors to bolster 1 unit Jack Hammer with compressor : Owned dive computer, dive booties, weight belt, fins, buoyancy 1 unit Backhoe : Owned their financial and compensator and other accessories) 1 unit Dumptruck : Owned 4 units Motorized Banca (Including fuel, oil and operator) Owned/leased technical assistance.” 4 units Underwater Video/ Recording Camera Owned Required PCAB Registration : Small B – Ports, Harbor & Offshore Engineering 8 units Underwater Flashlight Owned Merkel told reporters Bidding Documents : P 11,200.00 inclusive of VAT Date and Time of Pre-Bidding : June 6, 2016, 1:30pm Required PCAB Registration : Small B – Ports, Harbor & Offshore Engineering the G7 had decided to Conference Bidding Documents : P 11,200.00 inclusive of VAT Date and Time of Deadline of : June 20, 2016, 10:00am Date and Time of Pre-Bidding : June 6, 2016, 1:30pm dedicate its attention this Submission of Bids Conference Date and Time of Opening of Bids : June 20, 2016, 10:30am Date and Time of Deadline of : June 20, 2016, 10:00am year “especially to Iraq” Submission of Bids Bidders must have an experience of having completed at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract -- one of the chief sourcDate and Time of Opening of Bids : June 20, 2016, 10:30am to be bid, and whose value must be at least 50% of the ABC. es of the tide of migrants Bidders must have an experience of having completed at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion to be bid, and whose value must be at least 50% of the ABC. fleeing conflict and seekas specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act” which took effect on September 2, 2009. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail ing refuge in Europe. criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act” which took effect on September 2, 2009. China which is not a seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least member of the G7 and Interested bidders may obtain further information from Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. – Negros Occidental/Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given was not at the two-day below from 8:00am – 5:00pm. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office summit in Ise Shima, 300 – Negros Occidental/Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased starting May 30, 2016 by interested Bidders from the below from 8:00am – 5:00pm. kilometers southwest of address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents as mentioned above for each project inclusive of 12% VAT and must present a valid PCAB License together with the Letter of Intent. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased starting May 30, 2016 by interested Bidders from the Tokyo made its expected address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents as mentioned above for The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office – Negros Occidental /Banago /Bacolod-BREDCO each project inclusive of 12% VAT and must present a valid PCAB License together with the Letter of Intent. cameo appearance in the will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on the date stipulated below the corresponding project at Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office – Negros Occidental /Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office – Negros Occidental /Banago /Bacolod-BREDCO final statement. will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on the date stipulated below the corresponding project at Philippine Ports Conference Room, Port of Banago, Bacolod City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have Although it was not Authority, Port Management Office – Negros Occidental /Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO Conference Room, purchased the Bidding Documents. Port of Banago, Bacolod City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the mentioned by name, there Bidding Documents. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before the date stipulated on each project at Philippine was no room for doubt Ports Authority, Port Management Office – Negros Occidental/Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO, Port of Banago, Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before the date stipulated on each project at Philippine Bacolod City. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the Ports Authority, Port Management Office – Negros Occidental/Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO, Port of that Beijing was in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Banago, Bacolod City. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. crosshairs when the leadBids will be opened on the date stipulated on each project in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. Bids will be opened on the date stipulated on each project in the presence of the bidders’ representatives ers expressed unanimous who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annual the bidding process, disquiet about the tenand to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annual the bidding process, bidder or bidders. and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected sions in the Asia-Pacific. bidder or bidders. “We are concerned For further information, please refer to: For further information, please refer to: about the situation in the Maylene G. Arante Maylene G. Arante Philippine Ports Authority, East and South China Philippine Ports Authority, PMO – Neg. Occ./Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO PMO – Neg. Occ./Banago/Bacolod-BREDCO Port of Banago, Bacolod City Seas, and emphasize the Port of Banago, Bacolod City Tel No. 034-4411225 & 4411041 Tel No. 034-4411225 & 4411041 Fax No. 034-4411225 fundamental importance Fax No. 034-4411225 Signed Signed of peaceful management ARLYN A. CARAIG ARLYN A. CARAIG Chairperson Chairperson and settlement of disBAC-Engineering Projects BAC-Engineering Projects putes,” they said. AFP (TS-MAY 28, 2016)

The Group of Seven industrial powers cautioned that the worldwide economy was patchy and faced unwelcome headwinds, but disputes erupted over how bad things actually are and the best course of action. Wrapping up their meeting in rural Japan, the leaders endorsed a pick-and-

(TS-MAY 28, 2016)

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PROPERTY PROPERTY maannaa@ @ggm maaiill..ccoom m jjddllaaccssaam

JOEL D. L ACSAMANA JOEL D. L ACSAMANA

EDITOR EDITOR

“Countryside chilling.” After

a round of golf, who wouldn’t want to kick back with this view?

Living life at the top You’ve got to love Woodbridge Place, a project of Tagaytay Highlands, the SM Group of Companies’ leisure development arm. A 70-minute drive from Metro Manila, the nine-building condominium development harks back to

Cool for school. More private schools and institutions of higher learning have been putting air-conditioning units in their classrooms in the last decade. A no-brainer given given the hotter temperatures and more congested urban environments. But do you know that classroom temperatures impact greatly on a student’s performance in school? For school and university buildings, the Toshiba super modular multi-system evolution (SMMS-e) seems just what the doctor ordered. The SMMS-e features a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated 2-stage vane, a wide range compressor, slim heat exchanger, a dual split heat exchanger, and four-way heat exchanger, which result in greater energy efficiency and performance.

an architectural concept replete with mountain resorts and ski lodges. Sitting over 1, 500 feet above sea level in Tagaytay, residents and their guests can get a kick out of views of the surrounding countryside. Lennie A. Mendoza, senior vice president of Tagaytay Highlands, said living in Woodbridge means “living your life at the top, literally and figuratively.” The last two buildings of the development – namely Mahogany and Linden – are oriented on an eastwest axis which allows the passage of natural daylight, and the mountain breeze. Both buildings have 11

residential floors where units sizes vary from one-bedroom to four-bedroom. Each that are designed with the client’s comfort and convenience in mind. Each unit has large picture windows that allow homeowners to witness nature’s everyday miracle. The two buildings also share a viewing deck that can be used as an activity area for group events. Families can go on picnics or strolls in the two pocket parks on sunny days. Designed to provide first-class amenities, Tagaytay Highlands is also home to the first and only Swiss Cable Car System in the country, the funicular train, and two challenging golf layouts.

In search of leaders. The Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) recently launched the first Leadership Council

Conference for its board officers at the Pioneer House, Makati City. The conference was spearheaded by AFFI honorary member Sonia Roco (shown here leading the pledge of commitment), Philippine Environmental Sustainability advocate Antonio Ingles, and motivational speaker, author, Jayson Lo. With the theme “Thriving nation through empowered business leaders”, the event focused on instilling the organization’s five core values, nationalism, integrity-leadership, camaraderie, enterprise, and service (NICES) in its leadership council.

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JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PROPERTY

Chinatown wonders. Anchor Land Holdings, Inc., a real estate player that specializes in high end residential developments, is drawing a bead on Binondo to meet the growing demand

for bigger units close to commercial establishments, schools, and other city conveniences in the area. Anchor Land is ostensibly targeting the niche market of Filipino-Chinese families who want to stay close to their ancestral homes, while enjoying amenities not otherwise available in Binondo. One of its projects is the 39-storey Princeview Parksuites along Quintin Paredes street which offers units from studio-sized up to 4 bedrooms. Another is the 39-storey Oxford Parksuites, a reflection of the successful formula of Wharton Parksuites. Adding to the gentrification of the district is the 63-storey Anchor Grandsuites along historic Masangkay Street in Binondo.

Education infra in Munti.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi recently threw his local government unit’s support behind “Brigada Eskwela” 2016, the national schools maintenance program of the the Department of Education (DepEd). The Muntinlupa LGU sprung for the cleaning and painting materials for thousands of volunteers and stakeholders who shared their service and time to spruce up pubic schools throughout the city. Shown in photo are the ongoing construction activities at the Muntinlupa national high school, senior high building in Poblacion, which will take in secondary students by June 14. The Muntinlupa LGU is deep into building more classrooms, buildings to support the full implementation of K+12 program .

At play at the vineyards of Taal. The Vineyard Residences, a residential development at the 1,200-hectare Twin Lakes estates near Tagaytay, recently bagged the “best residential development - resort” award during the 2016 Philippines Property Awards held in Makati City. The low-rise condominium cluster, developed by Megaworld’s Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), will compete with its counterparts from other countries at the 2016 Asia Property Awards in Singapore, to be held later this year. With over 69 hectares of land, The Vineyard will have a 10-hectare landscape, with a view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, that mirrors the world’s renowned vineyards in Tuscany and Napa Valley. Producing its own vineyard products, the vineyard will be overseen by Filipino farmer-scientist Avelino Lomboy, while Spanish consultants will be on top of making brandies and wines.

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TATUm ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

P oP CU LT U RE

LIFE

Beautiful Destinations founder Jeremy Jauncey

ExplORIng phIlIppInES’ bEST DESTInATIOnS WITh ThE ‘WORlD’S hOTTEST TRAvElER’ by bERnADETTE lunAS

m Jeremy met with his fans in Fort Santiago Intramuros

any Filipinos online were recently busy “liking” and “sharing” stunning images and videos of some of the most captivating sites in the Philippines. The places featured are considered popular destinations known to us locals, but there is something about the social media content that made Pinoys extremely proud and inspired. It is perhaps because the travel photographs and short clips were documented by Scottish-Colombian Jeremy Jauncey and the rest of his Beautiful Destinations (@BeautifulDestinations) team. Jeremy, who’s been called the

Beautiful faces visit beautiful destinations. From left: Sam Kolder, James Relf-Dyer, Jacob Briglin, Tom Jauncey and Jeremy Jauncey came to the Philippines to explore and promote some of the most beautiful places in the country PReSScon PhoToS By STaR SaBRoSo

“world’s hottest traveler” more than once, was here in the country for a 10day exploration and promotion of the Philippines’ beautiful spots. Beautiful Destinations is a popular Instagram account with 6.2 million followers to date, and it aims to showcase the most beautiful places in the world and inspire people to travel. The Department of Tourism (@tourismphl) partnered with Jeremy in a bid to tell the beautiful story of the Philippines through the perspective of a world famous traveler.

‘Mind-blowing sceneries, amazing people’

At 31, Jeremy has been in many places and seen different breathtaking sights. In fact, he has been collecting passport stamps even before he can pack his own luggage. “I have a Colombian mother, was born in Venezuela and grew up in Scotland. Also, my father was a professional photographer, so I think traveling has always been in my blood,” relates the globe trekker. He then lived in New Zealand for a year and a half, an experience which he considered as “one of the best times in my life,” before moving to London to study and build his career. Currently, he is based in New York running his business Beautiful Destinations. The good-looking traveler-entrepreneur has already lived in high-profile countries, visited well-known destinations and saw one too many sceneries, but he says the things he witnessed and experienced in the Philippines were nothing like he has seen in other countries he’s been to. From May 12 to 22, Jeremy, together with his brother Tom and friends Jacob Briglin, James Relf-Dyer and Sam Kolder, explored some of the beautiful destinations in Bohol, Cebu, Sorsogon, Palawan and Manila for the first time.

“Nowhere is near as beautiful as the Philippines, which has the combination of mind-blowing sceneries and really amazing and passionate people who made us feel welcome during our stay,” enthuses Jeremy. But he wasn’t exactly surprised to see the stunning sights the Philippines has to offer; in fact, he expected to be awed, and the country didn’t fail him. “My very first encounter with the Philippines was from two and a half years ago when many Filipinos were posting photos using the Beautiful Destinations hashtag. I posted Continued on C2

TRAvElIng WITh JEREMy • He will never travel without his roaming Wi-Fi, chargers, multivitamins, eye mask, ear plugs and headphones • His favorite travel companion is his brother Tom • Tokyo, New York, Santorini, Cape Town and the Philippines are currently the five most favorite places he has visited • His travel bucket list includes Iceland, Cuba, Canada and the rest of Southeast Asia • His best travel experience at the moment was his one-week sojourn in Santorini, Greece last summer • His worst travel experience was when he slipped, cut his foot open and got a bad infection that nearly resulted in getting his foot amputated while in Thailand • He considers New York his home and the place where he will settle down

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

A rave is a music and dance event, like a music festival, except it only happens for one night and there are DJs instead of live performers

BLAmE IT on YoUTh

just want to call BS on all these high-and-mighty holier-thanthou writers and commentators who say that drugs are what kids nowadays do because YOLO. This piece is, of course, in response to the conversations popping up all over social media about the deaths allegedly caused by drug misuse at a recent rave. For the uninitiated, a rave is a music and dance event, like a music festival, except it only happens for one night and there are DJs instead of live performers. And when talking about “kids,” let’s assume the age range between late teens and early twenties. So going back. Drugs are not something that “the kids do.” Illegal and regulated substances have been around for as long as any of us can remember and their consumers are not exclusively “kids.” In fact, party drugs are ingrained in the clubbing scene; their presence is not a new development. They sure were at Studio 54 in the 1970s, and I

suspect in many different places around the world at that time. I’ve been to quite a few raves and clubs when I was a kid – I started at 18ish about a decade and a half ago – and I distinctly remember that all those people popping pills and sniffing essences and snorting powders were all older than me. They were the ones who exposed me to the availability of party drugs and other related substances meant to make the experience more euphoric. Someone even gave me a comprehensive tutorial on how to “safely” take Ecstasy if you’re a first timer. But I’ve always declined any invitation to try them out because I was afraid of what they would do to me. As far as party drugs are concerned, I think that “the kids” are not to blame. They are impressionable people who sometimes do stupid things to look and act cool. And that’s not a phenomenon that’s observable only right now. Through the ages, the youth have always been at that place where they have to fit in and not appear to be wimps, lest they get bullied. And through the ages, there’s always been a hip new drug that the kids of each era are into. So if a “cool” person offers you drugs, your fragile confused wantingto-fit-in mind will tell you to take them.

Because of TV shows and movies, I used to think that doing a line of coke in a nightclub bathroom is cool. Though admittedly, to this day, I still have this twisted dark desire of actually doing it. But thankfully, the angel on my right shoulder still prevails, even if I’ve actually witnessed people, some of whom I admire, do this during my club rat days. One time, I caught a celebrity – a beautiful human being with an angelic face – come out of the ladies room with excess white powder on her nose. And we all know that it’s not talc. Being the Good Samaritan that I am, I casually touched my own nose while looking at her as we passed each other. She got the signal, wiped herself and smiled at me before going back to her group of equally beautiful people. There’s a fantasy connected with party drugs: “It’s what the rich, popular and beautiful creatures do. And if they’re doing it, maybe it’s not so bad. It might even be good.” This mindset exists because we live in a society that not only tolerates but also glamorizes the use of recreational drugs. The point is that the sweeping generalization and condemnation of the younger millennial and postmillennial sets that is being peddled online is, at best, problematic and tragically misinformed. It’s most definitely not the modern YOLO

Exploring Philippines'... From C1

them on the page and they performed really well, so we knew even before we arrived that we will be excited to see this country,” he recounts.

The beach-loving farm boy

With a childhood spent on a farm, Jeremy has grown to become a fan of the kind of living that he did not have as a kid but dearly wanted. “I grew up in Scotland on a farm in the middle of nowhere. I went to a school that looks just like Hogwarts in

the middle of a countryside, basically very different from an island. So I really became a sucker for beaches,” he shares. Thus, within the short 10 days of exploring the tropical wonders of the Philippines, one place really stood out for Jeremy: Palawan’s piece of heaven, El Nido. “El Nido is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,” raves Jeremy. “And it’s not only because I am in the Philippines that I’m saying that, but that has been truly a memorable place.”

Illegal and regulated substances have been around for as long as any of us can remember and their consumers are not exclusively 'kids'

lifestyle that’s perpetuating drug use out in the open. If anything, it’s the adults – the people with influence, reach and access – who are responsible for the rampant substance use and abuse at raves and at the clubs. So

He even looks forward to coming back to El Nido – and we can’t blame him.

Responsible traveling

Having had the enviable opportunity to go to different places and be a traveling inspiration to many, Jeremy is aware of his duty to practice sustainable and responsible traveling. “Our whole business is about telling stories – we tell stories of the people, of the culture and of the nature of a country, so we make sure that we always try to be respectful and appreciative of all the beings that we meet,” shares Jeremy. However, many environment advocates were up in arms in Beautiful Destinations team’s trip to a province which is said to be

before you summarily judge “the kids” for flaunting their poor life choices, think about what made them that way. I’m @EdBiado on Twitter and Instagram

exploiting the giant whale sharks for the sake of tourism. “I got a lot of comments from people that I found really informative when I posted that [picture on my Instagram account @ jeremyjauncy],” admits Jeremy. “I learned so many environmental impact that tourism brought to the place and now what I hope for us is to raise awareness and focus on places that are more environmentally aware.” The bottom line, he says, is that when traveling, it is important to understand the balance of nature and not leave any mark that would damage it. When Jeremy and his team flew out of the country, all they left were footprints and breathtaking images and videos showcasing the beautiful destinations in the Philippines.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

en youthful Filipino achievers plus a world-renowned pop group of four sisters have been unveiled as the newest batch of Yumbassadors by the country’s number one family fast food chain, Jollibee. Composed of talented artists and reel/ real-life couple James Reid and Nadine Lustre, international model Kelsey Merritt, social entrepreneur Rachel de Villa, young inventor Angelo Casimiro, spoken word artist and performer Juan Miguel Severo, model and agricultural entrepreneur Jairus Ferrer, record-breaking runner Mea Gey Ninura, outstanding student and aspiring doctor Christopher Valentin, international race car driver Marlon Stockinger and world-renowned all-girl group 4m Impact, these young individuals are the epitome of excellence, continuing to blaze a trail in their respective fields and serving as role models for today’s Generation Y. “This year’s batch of Yumbassadors… are impressive individuals and each of them are out to change the world,” says Jollibee Philippines head of Marketing and Global Brand chief marketing officer Francis Flores. “Jollibee puts utmost value on excellence and we always strive to recognize those who manifest it,” Flores adds. “Our Yumbassadors were chosen because of their passion for langhap-sarap ng buhay – they do not settle for mediocrity and welcome challenges as opportunities to grow and become better people. I am confident that their individual journeys and success stories will inspire many young people,” Flores shares.

JAMes reiD, 22

Popularly known as the other half of “JaDine,” Filipino-Australian actor-singer James was propelled into the limelight after he was declared the Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash in 2010, opening up many opportunities for James. His breakthrough role as Clark Media in the hit show On the Wings of Love captured the hearts of this generation, while his latest film with on- and off-screen sweetheart Nadine Lustre opened to an impressive P15 million at the box office.

NADiNe lUstre, 22

Nadine found performing as an opportunity to make other people happy, with her string of top-grossing movies and the hit TV romcom On the Wings of Love

@LIFEatStandard

JoLLIbEE InTRoDUcES 2016 YUmbASSADoRS

InSpIRIng YoUng AcHIEvERS EpITomIzE wHAT #pRoUDgEnYUm IS ALL AboUT

Spoken word artist and performer Juan Miguel Severo

Young inventor Angelo Casimiro

bringing smiles, laughter, and a lot of kilig to Pinoy viewers here and abroad. Aside from being one of the country’s hottest and busiest young stars, Nadine is also into producing, directing and editing her own short films.

technology and design to improve crucial aspects of Filipino life including education, agriculture and health services, envisioning a world where farmers are debt-free, dignified and empowered.

Kelsey Merritt, 19

Inspired by those with limited access to electricity, young inventor Angelo developed shoes that generate electricity by converting foot pressure into energy. Angelo’s in-sole power generator gives new meaning to the term “power walk” – where a deceptively simple device slipped under the sole can turn an ordinary speaker into a power bank to light up LED lamps and charge mobile devices. The La Salle Physics major has since gained international attention, the latest one generated by his life-sized replica of lovable droid BB-8 made completely of household materials.

Kelsey Merritt didn’t originally intend to become a model, but her photos caught the eye of prestigious international talent agency Wilhelmina Models, flying to New York in 2015 to start her career as an international model and gracing covers and editorials for Nylon and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as global fashion and beauty campaigns for Uniqlo, Steve Madden, Shiseido, Missguided and Vera Wang.

rACHel De VillA, 23

The founder of Cropital, a social enterprise that aims to provide local farmers access to scalable and sustainable financing, Rachel – who was in Forbes’ 2016 “30 Under 30 Asia” list – has always wanted to make the world a better place even as a young girl. She took up Computer Science and focused on the integration of

ANGelO CAsiMirO, 17

JUAN MiGUel seVerO, 27

Initially known for his intense spoken word performance titled “Ang huling Tula na Isusulat ko Para Sa’yo” that went viral online and got millions of views and shares,

International model Kelsey Merritt

and inspired many not only to appreciate the overlooked art of the spoken word, but the Filipino language, Juan Miguel soon rose to mainstream fame through his recurring role in the hit teleserye On the Wings of Love. His emotionally charged spoken word performances reach thousands of young Pinoys going through the pains and joys of modern love and life through his popular social media accounts.

JAirUs Ferrer, 25

Young agricultural entrepreneur Jairus used the confusing teenage years to discover himself, signing up for a fourmonth agricultural course in his native Bukidnon that convinced him he wanted to be a farmer. He is the founder of Pronic Foods, an enterprise that channels the logistics and distribution of niche products such as Cenyu Probiotic Chicken. He is also a prominent member of the reforestation group Hinelaban Foundation, which aims to restore the lush rainforests in Mindanao and create livelihood programs for locals and indigenous people through transformational business partnerships. Continued on C4

marvel’s Iron man Experience set to open late 2016 in HK Disneyland

Tomorrowland’s new Marvel-themed area Stark Expo is the latest attraction in Hong Kong Disneyland

Finally! After getting so ecstatic about the latest installment from the Avengers series Captain America: Civil War, kids and kids-at-heart will get to enjoy one of the first Marvel ride-through attractions in Hong Kong Disneyland late this 2016 as HK Disneyland recently announced that ride system tests have begun for Marvel’s Iron Man Experience. It doesn’t matter which side you are on, but we’re sure even non-Iron Man fans will love the Disney experience when cult favorite Mr. Stark finally ushers in the Stark Expo, Tomorrowland’s new Marvel-themed area where interactive activities await the eager market. Visitors can experience how it is like to be in the iron suit in the interactive experience “Become Iron Man.” Before guests get to challenge the evil forces of Hydra, the experience begins when the energetic billionaire industrialist and inventor Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) decides to bring the Stark Expo to Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland. From here on, one can imagine the adventures that will follow next. Just like in the movies, guests can visit the Expo and explore the latest

and greatest innovations from Stark Industries. Tourists can then go aboard an Iron Wing vehicle, the latest flying transport invented by Stark Industries, and journey through Hong Kong’s streets, which will look like the West Kowloon and Causeway Bay. During the ride, familiar landmarks will be seen in the attraction like the Tsing Ma Bridge, the city’s pristine mountain ranges, iconic urban taxis and the harbor front. But the ride won’t be as smooth as expected because the guests will battle against the forces of Hydra. Marvel’s Iron Man Experience is estimated to have cost more than $100 million to build. With the amount of money and effort put into it, fans will definitely get the experience of a lifetime – with everyone waiting for the time when it finally opens to welcome its first riders. For information on attractions and vacations at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, visit hongkongdisneyland.com, hongkongdisneyland.tmall.com or call (852) 3550-3388 or download the mobile app Hong Kong Disneyland both available for Android and iOs users.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Jollibee introduces... From C3

MEA GEY NINURA, 16

When this student-athlete from Davao del Sur crossed the finish line of the 2016 Palarong Pambansa girls’ 3000-meter run, she won more than just the gold medal, surpassing the 36-year record set by Rosalinda Catulong in the 1980 National Open by 5.6 solid seconds. The road to success wasn’t always easy but the young woman used every defeat as a motivation to train harder and run faster. The future looks bright for the 16-year-old sprinter, who wishes to clinch an athletic scholarship from a prominent university.

CHRISTOPHER VALENTIN, 20

This young man dreams of becoming a doctor to help fellow Filipinos and not even poverty can stop him, as he received a full scholarship from the Far Eastern University to study Psychology as his pre-med course. To make ends meet, he sold customized t-shirts to classmates, tutored fellow students, transcribed data for a drug company – and graduated summa cum laude which became his ticket to a tuition-free medicine degree. Christopher aims to make

Record-breaking runner Mea Gey Ninura

quality health care services more accessible to the urban poor.

MARLON STOCKINGER, 25

The first Filipino to win a European formula race, F1 race car driver Marlon sped through the circuits of Formula BMW Europe, Formula Renault UK, the GP3 Series, and until 2015, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. The 25-year-old Filipino-Swiss racer also won titles from the Asian Karting Championship, the Philippine Shell Super Karting Series and the Senior Rotax Max World Finals, among others. Marlon is currently racing with the Team ISR for the 2016 MS Biancplain GT Series and is gunning for faster track times to share his victory with every Pinoy who aspires to live their dreams.

4TH IMPACT

Getting thousands of pokerfaced Britons to rise from their seats and dance along to a pop tune, is no mean feat, but this is exactly what 4th Impact – a pop ensemble of four sisters from Santiago City, Isabela – accomplished when they auditioned for the British X

Outstanding student and aspiring doctor Christopher Valentin

4th Impact

Factor, conquering London’s Wembley Stadium in the process. Sisters Almira (28), Irene (26), Mylene (24), and Celina (20) Cercado are veterans of local singing contests and have represented the country in the World Championships of

Performing Arts. While their pop dream remains elusive in the Philippines, propelling them to join the popular South Korean talent show, Superstar K6. It’s an ongoing journey to success for the Cercado sisters but they are not giving up, determined to conquer

International race car driver Marlon Stockinger

Social entrepreneur Rachel de Villa

the world with their amazing talent, and determination. To know more about Jollibee’s new Yumbassadors, check cut Jollibee Philippines’ official YouTube channel by typing in Jollibee Philippines in the keyword search.

Model and agricultural entrepreneur Jairus Ferrer

The Hope for a bright future Since tablet computers have replaced paperbound notebooks and the new K-12 educational system has been firmly implemented nationwide, it has become a prerogative among schools to keep up with the evolving theories in learning. One such learning institution that prioritizes a child’s welfare and education in this technologically advanced period is Hope Christian High School. HCHS has been one of the leaders in primary and secondary

education for the youth in the past 70 years. And not to be left behind, the school says it has prepared for many changes in educational system and teaching way in advance. In a statement, HCHS asserts that its teachers are well trained in the new K-12 curriculum to ensure that students are on the right track, but that teachers are also “vigilant when something needs to be adjusted or revised.” Being a non-traditional school, HCHS offers the STEM program. STEM, which stands for Science,

Hope Christian High School’s computer laboratory

Technology Engineering and Math, is an international-based program that puts a certain emphasis on these subjects which are integrated into the curriculum. Students who have expertise in these areas have better advantage should they choose to work in Information Technology or in other related fields. Furthermore, the school puts a premium on bilingual fluency in both Mandarin and English, which gives students a good head start in the global arena.

“We are a non-traditional school where students’ individualism and uniqueness are greatly appreciated and acknowledged,” emphasizes HCHS principal Angeline Kua Tan. She adds, “We offer innovative subjects like STEM, Aquaponics and Robotics in our curriculum.” Moreover, high school students use tools like iPads and other e-learning devices for a more hands-on experience which the school believes is an integral part of learning.

HCHS offers innovative subjects like STEM, Aquaponics and Robotics in its curriculum

HCHS also believes in holistic growth and development. It boasts of a well-rounded program that encourages participation in sporting activities such as track and field, volleyball and basketball as well as in the arts such as theater and dance. Enrollment at Hope Christian High School is currently ongoing. For more details and information, visit http://www.hchs.edu.ph. HCHS is located at 1242 Benavidez St., Sta. Cruz, Manila.

HCHS prepares children for the future with the help of its state-of-the art facilities, well-trained teachers and updated learning system

SAt uRDAy : m Ay 2 8, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Guests are entitled to a complimentary bowl of freshly popped popcorn at Director’s Club Cinema

Plush leather recliners enhance the movie going experience at the Director’s Club Cinema

TwO ways TO EnjOy ThE magIc Of mOvIEs aT sm cInEma

hen we talk of the magic of the movies, we are not only referring to unforgettable films, but also the amazing experience we have watching these in theaters. While home entertainment has become part of our lives, there is nothing like viewing films with family and friends in cinemas with wall to wall giant screens with state of the art picture quality and a world-class sound system. And the good news is that SM Cinema has innovative ways of enhancing the movie experience at its IMAX and Director’s Club Cinema in select SM Cinemas nationwide. More than that, these two very different types of cinemas cater to the tastes of two very different types of moviegoers. With an exciting line-up of blockbuster, adventure films such as Marvel’s X-Men Apocalypse this month, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and Finding Dory in June, SM Cinema invites you to the world’s most immersive movie experience at IMAX and to indulge in the comfort of your personalized theatre at Director’s Club Cinema. If you like an over the top, larger than life movie experience, IMAX Theatres are for you. Lo-

Cinema lobby of the Director’s Club Cinema at Sm Aura Premier

ImAX cinemas have their own snack counters

cated at SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA, SM Southmall, SM City Clark, SM City Cebu and SM Lanang Premier, IMAX offers the world’s most riveting and innovative movie-going experience. Whether 2D or 3D, IMAX’s state of the art dual projection system delivers crystal clear, lifelike images that create a visual feast so real, as if the moviegoers are part of the movie. Combining it with IMAX’s digital re-mastering enhancement process, which enhances hundreds of details in every frame of the movie, the images are 60% brighter and 40% greater in contrast than any other regular cinema.

you are the movie star. With only 40-50 seats per theater, the Director’s Club Cinema is a perfect retreat from jam-packed movie houses. Yet, screen size of each room equals that of a regular cinema, the Dolby sound system creates powerful, moving audio through their overhead speakers. With its very own concierge and lobby, you are sure to enjoy the exclusivity offered only to Director’s Club Cinema guests. It’s the best way to avoid large crowds and indulge in a luxurious movie experience at your very own private theatre. Here, you can sink into your personal and plush leather recliner, and enjoy a complimentary bowl of freshly popped popcorn. If

With its wall-to-wall, ceilingto-ceiling curved screen, IMAX fills even the viewers’ peripheral vision with increased viewing angles up to 70 degrees - regular cinemas only show 54 degrees on average - so fans get to see more of the entire movie set. Spacious private spaces are also rewarded to IMAX moviegoers -- from the guests’ very own ticket booth to their own snack counter. If you prefer small, intimate private screenings with friends or colleagues, the Director’s Club Cinema is for you. Located at the SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, SM City BF Parañaque, SM Megamall and SM Seaside City Cebu, it is your dream escape into a world where

still craving for a movie snack, you can select from a specially created menu for Director’s Club Cinema guests – a quick push of a button summons your own butler to receive and conveniently deliver the order to your seat -- all while watching the movie of your choice. Expand your movie horizons at the IMAX Theatres or step into luxury cinema at the Director’s Club Cinema, and enjoy the innovative and personalized theatre experience at SM Cinemas. Purchase your tickets now at www. smcinema.com or dial 470-2222 for more information. Follow and like SM Cinema on twitter @SM_Cinema or on facebook at facebook.com/SMCinema.

‘the Amazing Race Asia’ Season 5 casting call kicks off Chinese_ American host and actor Allan Wu

The Amazing Race Asia, the world’s most popular adventure reality series, is returning to AXN later this year and this time it’s more adrenaline-fueled than ever before. In this latest season, 10 teams of socially savvy, fearless warriors from all over Asia will embark on once-in-a-lifetime experience, traversing the globe and proving their mettle on a quest to be crowned the all-out champion. ChineseAmerican actor Allan Wu will host this new season. He was the face of the race for AXN’s first four seasons. “The Amazing Race Asia takes viewers on the world’s most thrilling adventure where drama, surprise and intensity all collide in a highly dramatic edge-of-yourseat experience,” said Virginia Lim, vice president and head of

Content and Marketing. “We’re seeking dynamic teams who embody the AXN attitude that is smart, tenacious, determined and strong. A passion for social media is also a key requirement as contestants will be engaging with AXN’s viewers and sharing their heart-pumping experiences throughout the race.” Travelling to multiple countries in the shortest amount of time, each team will arrive at a new destination where they must compete in a series of physical, mental - and often emotional -challenges. Only when the tasks are completed will the teams learn of their next exotic location. Teams who fall the farthest behind will gradually be eliminated as the contest progresses, with the first team to arrive at the final destination winning The Amazing Race Asia

and the $100,000.00 cash prize. The casting call is ON via AXN’s website: www.AXN-Asia. com/TARA. All interested participants can submit their applications in teams of two, and must be living and/or working in Asia. All contestants are required to be over 21 years of age, must speak English, and possess both a valid passport and an international

driving license. Participants can visit www.axnasia.com/TARA, fill out the application details and send AXN a link to their audition video of up to three minutes’ in duration. All information on The Amazing Race Asia can be found on www.AXNAsia.com/TARA. The Amazing Race Asia is brought to you by Wonderful Indonesia.

SAt uRDAy : m Ay 2 8, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

JAclyn JoSE AnD cAnnES BESt ActRESS AwARD

he great late National Artist film director Lino Brocka saw a potential for greatness in a young actress which she helmed in his 1985 film White Slavery, the first of critically acclaimed line of films that Jaclyn Jose would star in, in a span of three decades. Jaclyn earned her first acting nomination for best actress from the Urian Awards the following year. In 2006, Jaclyn was honored by Urian with a third best actress award for her endearing performance of a prostitute who falls for a young man in Emmanuel de la Cruz’s Sarong Banggi. A decade later, Jaclyn was the toast of the 2016 Festival de Cannes, winning best actress for her understated portrayal of a troubled mother engaged in illegal drug in

A scene from Brillante mendoza’s ma’Rosa featuring Jaclyn Jose

Brilliante Mendoza’s Ma’Rosa, her fourth collaboration with the Cannes-winning film director after Masahista (2005), Tirador (2007) and Serbis (2008).

Predictions for incoming President Duterte The newest weight loss craze is here. Water or aqua Zumba blends the ground Zumba philosophy with water resistance in a low-impact, high-energy aquatic exercises for muscle toning. No need to stress too much on those weight-lifting routines in a regular workout regimen. Let loose with Aqua Zumba and enjoy the splash of water to keep fit. Gandang Ricky Reyes, Todo na Toh (GRR TNT) goes back to smile specialist Dr. Edgar Dungo to witness how the dentist puts a smile back to a shy mother to regain her confidence. Will the surgery be successful? Watch how Dr. Dungo does his magic on his patient. One happy and satisfied lady will benefit from Ricky Reyes’s newest hair care treatment. She has tried everything possible in the market and other salons as well but was not pleased at all and just made her hair worse than ever. Gandang Ricky Reyes salon has the newest Soft Wave treatment which makes every hair bring back to life, making it soft, shiny and much more manageable. Even women with damaged, treated, permed and colored hair can be addressed with this amazing tech-

Host and beauty guru Ricky Reyes

nology, perfect alternative for Rebond and an absolute value for money. See how Mother Ricky transforms her lifeless mane into a shiny, silkier and healthy hair. A person’s character can be seen through one’s facial features. And as they say, the eyes are the window to our souls. So take note of that big nose, his thin eyebrows, stinging eyes and the very distinct “Buddha’s Ear” of the much talked-about incoming president. What does all of those mean and how will incoming president Rody Duterte fare as the new leader of the nation? Find out as one of the country’s most prominent Feng Shui expert, Master Hanz Cua reveal his character through face reading. The brusque, crime-fighting presidentelect Rody as everyone can see is a very simple man who does not even wear jewelry. His favorite attire is checkered polo, denims and loafers minus the socks. So what does a beauty guru and stylist like Ricky Reyes recommend for him? Find out at 9:00 a.m. today on GRR TNT on GMA NewsTV, produced by Scripto Vision.

ACROSS 1 Actress — Powers 5 Flits about 10 Break-even amount 14 Gridder — Alonzo Stagg 15 Ready for anything 16 Big laugh (hyph.) 17 Keep — on 18 Excessive

enthusiasm 19 Way, way off 20 Grand 22 Teahouse hostess 24 Pre-equinox mo. 25 Bearing 26 — bag 29 Temperature scale 33 Place to anchor 34 Abs are below them 36 Electrical unit

37 — Maria (coffee liqueur) 38 Biased sort 39 Coffee-break treat 40 “— -Tiki” 41 Sluggish 42 Dunaway’s “Eyes of — Mars” 44 Firedog 47 One-dimensional 48 Machine teeth 49 Nutritious grain 50 Languishing 53 Gather information 58 Dissipated one 59 Vent like Vesuvius 61 Exude moisture 62 Holds the deed 63 Deejay’s medium 64 Indy champ — Luyendyk 65 Enormous 66 Technical details 67 Cattle-call reward DOWN 1 James Arness, — Dillon 2 Memsahib’s nanny 3 Timber wolf 4 Relieve 5 Price, slangily 6 Mr. Greenspan 7 Wrench apart 8 Part of TNT 9 Most histrionic

ro Film Festival in 1995, and in Maryo J. de los Reyes’ Naglalayag for which Aunor won best actress at the Brussels International Independent Film Festival in 2004. It is quite ironic that the FAMAS Awards gave recognition to Jose only in 2012 with a Best Actress Supporting Award for Nuel Naval’s A Secret Affair. Before her historic win in Cannes, only the third Asian to win best actress after Hong Kong’s Maggie Cheung in 2004 and Korea’s Jeon Do-yeon in 2007, Jose was honored with a special retrospective and tribute (Body of Work) at the 14th International Du Film D’ Amiens in France in 1994, the only Filipino accorded with such honor. – Eton B. Concepcion

It’s carla Abellana vs. Rafael Rosell in ‘lip Sync Battle Philippines’

cROsswORD puzzlE

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

Jaclyn is the first Filipina to win at Cannes, considered as one of the world’s leading and most prestigious international film festivals. The 52-year-old actress, born

Mary Jane Santa Ana Guck, is mother to Andi Eigenmann, also featured in Ma’Rosa, her daughter with the late Mark Gil who she met in 1989 on the set of Chito Roño’s Itanong mo sa Buwan for which she won her second Urian best actress award. Jaclyn won her first Urian in 1987 for William Pascual’s Takaw Tukso. Jaclyn, one of local filmdom’s most revered and highly esteemed actresses, has been likened to the great Nora Aunor for her method of restrained and subdued acting. Their films together were wellreceived by critics and awardgiving bodies, including Joel Lamangan’s The Flor Contemplacion Story for which Aunor won the country’s first ever international best actress award from the Cai-

SATuRDAY, MAY 28 , 2016

10 11 12 13 21 23 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 34 35 38 42 43 45 46 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 60

Mountain ranges Klutzes Jahan was one Fictional plantation Interview wear Conger The real — NFL’s “Iron Mike” Scallion Pancreas, e.g. Saturate Lieutenant under Kirk Fish finder Subatomic particles Goose — Online journalists Truth stretcher Kind of protest Most aloof Jimmy’s successor Jackpot games B.C. or N.S. Plains state Sisters Roughly built Spectacular Mr. Saarinen Bridal attire “En garde” weapon Talk to a beat

Lip Sync Battle Philippines brings the stars of the recently concluded successful romantic comedy series Because of You to a face off in becoming the last Pinoy Lip Sync Champion of the first season. Setting their best foot forward, Kapuso leading lady Carla Abellana and hunk Rafael Rosell are ready to bring out their A-game, proving to everyone that they are not just prime actors but they can also be total performers… but off mic. Excited to show her fun and crazy personality while personifying her favorite singer, Carla admits that she is challenged by Rafael who has been performing as a dancer in the past. Meanwhile, Rafael will definitely surprise everyone with his song choice and costume. Lip Sync Battle Philippines host Michael V. and color commentator Iya Villania said that viewers should expect a hard-to-forget performance that both stars will leave. “Magandang book end ito para sa season one kasi siksik. Si Carla, ma-

Screen couple carla Abellana and Rafael Rosell

susorpresa ka kasi hindi mo aakalaing gagawin niya yun. Ito naman si Rafael, wildcard performance kasi grabe yung pag-career niya sa performance niya. Hindi niyo basta-basta makakalimutan ‘to. Para silang indelible ink sa utak. Mahirap matanggal agad,” the multi-talented artist and Kapuso ace comedian said. Catch Lip Sync Battle Philippines tonight after Pepito Manaloto on GMA7.

SAt uRDAy : m Ay 2 8, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

‘LAff, CAmERA, ACtIon!’ bEgInS toDAy

MA Network’s comedy-improvisational show Laff, Camera, Action! pilots today after Wish Ko Lang. Expect non-stop laughter as two teams of comedians slug it out in an hour of improvisational comedy, showcasing unscripted and unrehearsed acting performances. Betong Sumaya and Sheena Halili host Laff, Camera, Action! For the initial episode, stand-up comedians Pepay, Pepita Smith and Patricia Ismael go head-tohead with Doktora Beki Belo, Kris Aquino impersonator Tetay, and Candy Pangilinan. Seasoned Kapuso actress Lotlot De Leon will be the special celebrity

Sheena Halili

C7 bentong Sumaya

guest performer who will join each team in one round of impromptu acting. No props will be provided for the contestants as they act out two different scenarios with Lotlot. Making this episode extra special is award-winning comedienne/actress and TV host Eugene Domingo who will be the Director of the Week. She is tasked to give the scenarios to the competing teams. Whose live and improvised performances will get the nod of MapanghusGang - the three judges composed of ace comedian Sef Cadayona, comedienne and live performer Gladys Guevarra and veteran comedy writer and director Caesar Cosme?

be a winner in gmA’s Kapuso milyonaryo 2016

“Sarap Diva” host Regine Velasquez with “Encantadia” beauties glaiza de Castro, Kylie Padilla, gabbi garcia and Sanya Lopez

‘Sarap Diva’ ready to receive Sang’gres Amihan, Alena, Danaya, and Pirena are the special guests of Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in today’s episode of the cooking-talkmusical show Sarap Diva. They are the Sang’gres in the upcoming reboot of Encantadia on GMA Network and played by Kylie Padilla, Gabbi Garcia, Sanya Lopez, and Glaiza de Castro. The Encantadia beauties will participate in a beauty-contest like game.

Inday Teri and comedian Donita Nose will saturate Sarap Diva with laughter. And for lunch, Sarap Diva will prepare a dish wrapped in banana leaves. Regine will teach her guests how to prepare it and ask them to taste it as well. The show will end with a lively banter capped with Regine and her guests singing a song for the audience. Sarap Diva airs every Saturday morning after Maynila on GMA 7.

GMA’s Kapuso Milyonaryo 2016 (KM2016) will be giving away the most number of prizes to more winners, with over 750 Kapuso viewers from different parts of the country to be chosen as lucky winners. Now on its 5th year, the promo continues to have a positive impact in the lives of Filipinos nationwide. Exciting grand prizes await 13 winners who will receive P1 million cash, while there will be one winner each of a house and lot, and a brand new car, and five winners of brand new scooters. More prizes will be given away throughout the duration of the promo with seven weekly winners of P7,000 cash, two surprise winners of P1 million, one surprise winner each of P500,000, P300,000 and P150,000, and three daily winners of P1,000, and nine daily winners of home appliances. All prizes are tax-free. To join, simply enclose a proof-of-purchase from any participating brand and include your complete contact details in a white envelope. Entries may be submitted to drop boxes located in participating Mercury Drugstore outlets and all GMA stations nationwide. Submission of entries is until July 16. You can also try your luck anytime, anywhere with the new and improved Kapuso Milyonaryo mobile app, which features a new gameplay and a new look. Winning is easy and players could end up being one of five (5) daily winners of cell phone load, and may win even bigger prizes by sending proof of purchase entries with their mobile promo code. Seven weekly winners of P3,000, one weekly winner of P10,000, and one grand winner of P300,000 will be

tV host Joey de Leon

produced from the mobile app promo. The app will be available for download on Google Play Store for Android devices and App Store for iOS devices starting June 14. The promo period will run until Aug. 8. From the past eight seasons, the network promo has produced 91 millionaires, seven house and lot winners, 14 winners of brand new vehicles, and almost 1,500 winners of cash prizes. Kapuso Milyonaryo 2016 participating sponsors are Zonrox Bleach, Porksavor® All-In-One Seasoning Mix, Milo®, Del Fabric Softener, Bear Brand Sterilized, Tang, Nescafe, Eden, Oreo, Sunsilk, Cream Silk, Green Cross Moisturizing Germ-Protection Bar Soap, and Funky Potato Snacks. For more details, like the Facebook page www. facebook.com/GMAKapusoMilyonaryo, or visit the website www.gmanetwork.com/kapusomilyonaryo.

Wish 107.5 ultimate fandom Challenge top contenders in final round After over two weeks of intense battle, the recently named top contenders of the first Wish 107.5 Ultimate Fandom Challenge are now ready for the competition’s final round. Vying for the championship tilt are the Darrenatics (Darren Espanto), Juanistas (The Juans), Dyfenders (Jason Dy) and Mowienatics (Morissette Amon). Also competing to be hailed as the 4th, 5th and 6th runners-up are the Wish Fandom Survivors – Juan Karlos United Families Club (JK Labajo), Francisnatics (Francis Lim) and Darylnatics (Daryl Ong). During the elimination round, the fandoms’ final score was com-

puted through their performances in online voting (50 percent) and Twitter trending battles (50 percent). The faculty of the Ateneo De Manila University’s Department of Mathematics served as the official tabulating partner. The fandom of total performer Darren Espanto topped the online voting and also emerged victorious during the Twitter trending battle held on May 15. The group made it to the number one and eight spots of the Philippines and worldwide trends lists, respectively. Apart from another round of online voting and Twitter trending battles, the remaining fandoms will go through a set of

more intense challenges for the competition’s final stage. This includes an adventure race and a special collaboration with their favorite artist to be judged by prominent figures in the industry. The finals night will be held on June 28 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum where a total of P2.3 million will be given away to the winning fandoms, their artists and chosen beneficiaries. Other fandoms that participated in the Wish 107.5 Ultimate Fandom Challenge include Callalista United (Callalily), Esang’s Angels (Esang De Torres), JBKlisters (JBK), Paollowers (Paolo Onesa) and SweetBryterNatics (Bryan Termulo).

Participants in Wish 107.5 ultimate fandom Challenge

sat urday : m ay 2 8, 2016

IsaH V. rEd EDITOR NICKIE WaNG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

New addition. megastar sharon Cuneta joins the Voice Kids coaches Lea salonga and Bamboo in finding the next music stars

LEa, BamBOO, ShaRON TO hELp yOuNg aRTISTS achIEvE DREamS ISAH V. RED

op-rating singing competition The Voice Kids is back to give young singers a shot at stardom and help them achieve their dreams for their family as another season begins today on ABS-CBN. On its third season, the best singing competition for kids will again try to search for the next singing superstar with the help of its superstar coaches: Broadway diva Lea Salonga, rock superstar Bamboo, and new coach Megastar Sharon Cuneta. “Our Top 4 last season was pretty crazy. It’s like, where do we go from here? Now, we’re turning for special kids who have immense potential for improve-

Broadway diva Lea salonga

ment. Our standard is pretty much the same – you got to have something we can absolutely work with and we have to be able to see that you have the potential to be the champion of this competition,” said coach Lea. Coach Bamboo, meanwhile, will try to score a back-to-back win after her artist Elha Nympha was named grand champion last season. “I’ll try. I can’t control things but I’ll try my best. That’s my goal – to pull out the best from every child and see which of them reaches the finals. Here in the country, we have a lot of great singers. But a kid or an adult who can connect, that has a heart and character, is rare.” But Sharon is not letting the two coaches get their way easily, as she is ready to pull out all the stops for the competition. “It’s my first time to coach here. Every one all over the world knows The Voice. It is prestigious. Just to be part of this family gives you a lot of extra points. I am

rock artist Bamboo mañalac

praying that the champ comes from my camp. I’ll really give it all I’ve got – my 38 years of experience.” This Saturday, the blind auditions – the first part of the competition – will kick off with the coaches using new tricks to try to woo young artists to join their respective teams. “So far we have found some amazing, talented boys and girls. They’re not just vocally wonderful but they’ve got some really interesting personalities, which have been entertaining for all of us,” shared coach Lea. The chemistry among the three coaches is also evident in their banter. “I am so grateful to God for the chemistry. There was no way to find out if there was such a thing among us until we started taping. It seems like the audience laugh a lot, we laugh a lot, we have a lot of fun bantering. It’s great to be working with two super pros, experts, and icons. I am so honored to be in such great com-

pany,” Sharon said. “It feels great. It feels at home. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam especially with these kids I got recently. It’s been great and fun so far working with Sharon. It’s fun for me because it’s something different. It’s a change, and change is always good,” added Bamboo. Meanwhile, the third season of The Voice Kids will be led by the country’s premier host Luis Manzano, reality starturned-host Robi Domingo, and the newest addition to the family, “chinita princess” Kim Chiu. As they join forces, they will guide every young artist in every stage of the competition to help them achieve their dreams. Don’t miss the premiere of The Voice Kids Season 3 today on ABS-CBN. For updates on the program, visit thevoice.abs-cbn.com, like www.facebook. com/thevoiceabscbn, or follow @thevoiceabscbn on Twitter and @abscbnthevoice on Instagram.

megastar sharon Cuneta