The Standard - 2016 May 31 - Tuesday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXX NO. 108 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 TUESDAY : MAY 31, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Only half of 30 posts in Cabinet filled up

WITNESSES TELL OF QUEZON SCAM

‘Roxas, Robredo, Drilon beneficiaries of cheating’ By Macon RamosAraneta, Christine F. Herrera and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

ASIDE from administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and his running mate Leni Robredo, Senator-elect Franklin Drilon was the biggest beneficiary of vote manipulation orchestrated by the Liberal Party in the May 9 elections, three whistleblowers from Quezon province said Monday. Concealing their faces behind scarves and sunglasses, the three witnesses told a press conference at the Senate that they participated directly in the rigging of election results upon the order of a top LP official, whom they declined to name. At the start of the press conference, a man who described himself as a logistic supervisor, said they faced the media and sought the help of Council on Philippine Affairs (Copa) secretary-general Pastor Saycon to expose the whole truth. He also said they wanted to reveal all the circumstances around the manipulation and cheating that occurred in the counting of votes. Saycon, who earlier questioned the Comelec’s refusal to conduct a manual audit of votes, joined the witnesses during a press conference at the Senate. He underscored the need to look into the votes from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat. He also said they have testimony to back up their assertions that there was vote buying and disenfranchisement of voters in the May Whistleblowers. Three men claiming that the Liberal Party orchestrated a massive cheating operation during the May 9 elections talk to reporters at 9 election. Next page the Senate in Pasay City on Monday. LINO SANTOS

Drilon could retain top post

Without Digong, Congress proclaims Leni CONGRESS on Monday proclaimed Rodrigo Duterte the nation’s next president following his landslide election win this month, but he snubbed the high-profile event. A joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate in Manila endorsed the official count of the ballots, which saw Duterte win by more than six million votes. Du-

terte declined to attend, remaining instead in his southern hometown of Davao. Duterte’s refusal to attend broke tradition and disappointed even some of his supporters, reinforcing the foulmouthed politician’s reputation as a maverick who is happy to offend the political establishment. “I am not attending the proclama-

tion. I’ve never attended any proclamation all my life,” Duterte told reporters on the weekend in Davao, a city that he has ruled as mayor for most of the past two decades. Duterte, who won largely due to an incendiary law-and-order platform headlined by a vow to wipe out crime within six months, is due to be sworn in on June 30. Next page

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Duterte fills up only half of 30 Cabinet-level posts In a radio interview Monday, former national treasurer Leonor Briones said she has accepted Duterte’s invitation to be his Education secretary, heading the biggest department in the bureaucracy. Briones, who was in Davao City to discuss her appointment with Duterte, said she still needs to ask him if she can retain her posts as chairman of the board of trustees at Siliman University and chairman-designate of the Universidad de Manila. Duterte earlier said that her first task would be to address the problems caused by the implementation of the K-12 program. “She’s very quite familiar with the problem that we are facing because of the implementation of K-12. There are lot of students who will be marginalized and a good number of teachers also who lost their positions,” Duterte said. The incoming president earlier said, he now favors the K-12 program. Aside from Defense and the DILG, top-level Cabinet posts that have yet to be filled are the departments of Health, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry, Tourism, and Energy, the Commission on Higher Education,

the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, and the newly formed Department of Information and Communications Technology. Acknowledging that the Defense and DILG portfolios were the hardest to fill, Duterte had earlier offered the first to former Defense chief Gilbert Teodoro, who turned down the offer. Duterte said he has also talked to a retired military man who is in the United States for the Defense post, but is still awaiting his reply. At the same time, Duterte said he has changed his mind about naming his campaign manager and former Maribojoc mayor Leoncio Evasco as Interior chief. “I had a change of mind, Evasco is a former rebel soldier, a political prisoner and he will head the police. The police may not follow his orders,” Duterte said. Evasco instead will be offered the post of Cabinet secretary. Duterte said he wanted Health and Science and Technology to be headed by career officials. Other vacancies are the head of the Presidential Management Staff,

the Metro Manila Development Authority, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the Mindanao Development Authority and the National Anti-Poverty Commission. Duterte said he will be strict, particularly with corrupt agencies such as the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Land Transportation Office, which he said would be assigned to former military men. He said he had offered the BIR to one of the most honest men he knew—Rear Admiral Guillermo—but he turned down the job. Duterte’s personal lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, will serve as the incoming president’s executive secretary and is part of the transition team. Medialdea previously served under the Estrada administration as undersecretary in the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs. Duterte’s long-time confidante, Salvador Panelo, has been designated as press secretary, replacing the threeheaded communications group under the Aquino administration. Panelo’s appointment was criticized by members of the press, because he was the lawyer of the Ampatuan clan, which was accused of the Maguindanao Massacre in which more than 30 journalists were killed. In response, Duterte said Panelo’s appointment would be “temporary.” Others named to the Duterte Cabinet are: Carlos Dominguez III, former Agriculture secretary, to head the Finance Department;

Witnesses...

votes, the logistics officer replied in Filipino: “A high-ranking official of the government.....in particular— from the LP.” He refused again to identify the official, however. When asked which candidates benefitted most from the manipulation, the witness said the votes were added to Roxas and Robredo. He said Robredo’s closest rival, outgoing Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., had lost about 200,000 votes in (Quezon) province alone while Robredo allegedly received additional 300,000 votes. He said at least 300,000 votes taken from other vice presidential candidates were added to the tally for Robredo. The witnesses also said most of the shaved votes came from winning presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte. Some 400,000 of these votes, they added, went to Roxas instead. The witness said there was vote manipulation in the senatorial race as well, but declined to name those that benefitted, except for Dilon. “It’s difficult to name names because there were many candidates,” the logistics supervisor said. Saycon said they are still preparing the affidavits of the witnesses who belong to the Iglesia Ni Cristo, but were given clearance by the religious group to speak out. He said they still will not bring the matter to the Comelec, which would only cover it up. The two other witnesses did not speak in the press conference. Saycon said the three witnesses were scheduled to meet Senators Teofisto Guingona III, Sergio Osmeña III, Vicente Sotto III and Nancy Binay to expose the cheating.

Robredo on Monday refused to answer allegations that she benefitted from the cheating, and asked her lawyer instead to respond. Robredo, who won over Marcos by 263,000, held a press conference shortly after her proclamation in Congress but answered questions related only to what she plans to do as vice president. At the press conference, the question of cheating was the only one she refused to answer. Robredo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal described the allegations of fraud as a “figment of the imagination.” “It is impossible for Smartmatic or the Comelec to allow other people they don’t trust to witness their illegal acts if indeed cheating was done,” he said. Macalintal, an election lawyer, challenged Marcos to present as evidence—even a single election return that would not match the result that reflected in the Certificate of Canvass. He also said it would take a long time for an electoral protest to prosper. “Senator Marcos would probably spend some P100 million for the electoral protest and it would be deemed moot and academic by the time the next election comes in three years and he runs for senator again just like in the case of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago when she filed an electoral protest against her rival for President Fidel V. Ramos. The case did not push through and was deemed moot and academic because Senator Miriam ran for the Senate,” Macalintal said. Macalintal also said it would have been impossible for the whistle-

By John Paolo Bencito

DAVAO CITY—President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has already filled 16 of the 30 Cabinet posts a month before he assumes the presidency, but he has yet to name secretaries to head two key posts—the Defense Deparnment and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

From A1

“We decided to show up because we witnessed and were used in this incident [poll cheating],” said the logistic supervisor. He said the manipulation of votes was done in a privately owned building where computers and counting machines were used. He said Smartmatic personnel were also there to help in the operations. He said the fraud affected the votes in Quezon province, which has over 1 million registered voters. “The counted votes from the municipalities were transmitted to us so we could manipulate the numbers and put them in their favored candidates. After receiving the votes, we transmitted them to our accomplices on the second and third floors who control the Smartmatic machines which transmit votes to corresponding servers. They manipulated the numbers and put them in favored candidates,” the logistic supervisor said. Since he is not an information technology (IT) expert, the witness said he and his companions were taught how to manipulate the results. His other accomplices, he said, were the ones who encoded the results transmitted from the municipalities. He insisted they were not aware they would have a role in the cheating until Election Day. He said they initially thought their training for 10 days to two weeks were just given so that they would be knowledgeable about the computers being used. When reporters inquired on who had ordered them to manipulate the

Former Budget secretary Benjamin Diokno to the same post; Ernesto Pernia of the UP School of Economics, to head the National Economic and Development Authority; Former Justice secretary Silvestre Bello III, Labor and Employment; Former Press secretary Jesus Dureza to head the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Perfecto Yasay Jr. as acting Foreign Affairs secretary; Duterte’s law school fraternity brother, Vitaliano Aguirre II, as Justice secretary; Former North Cotabato governor Emmanuel Piñol, Agriculture secretary; Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar, Public Works and Highways; Former lawmaker and peasant leader Rafael Mariano, Agrarian Reform; Former Clark Development Corp. President Arthur Tugade, Department of Transportation; and Former Armed Forces chief Hermogenes Esperon as National Security Adviser Both Yasay and Aguirre were dorm mates of Duterte at the YMCA hostel in Manila while they were studying. The incoming president said he will also appoint former Immigration chief Andrea Domingo as head of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Jose Calida as Solicitor-General. Duterte earlier offered four Cabinet positions to the Communist Party of the Philippines—Agrarian Reform, Environment and Natural Resources, Labor and Employment and Social Welfare and Development. With Junex Doronio blower to claim that some 200,000 votes had been shaved from the votes obtained by Marcos and added to Robredo’s votes. “How is that possible that hundreds of thousands of votes were shaved from other candidates when the total surpassed the number of votes cast. It is simply impossible,” Macalintal said. The Marcos camp said Monday it hoped the Comelec and a Manila prosecutor’s office would decide favorably on the case they filed against Comelec employees and Smartmatic officials headed by project director Marlon Garcia, for violation of the Automation Election Law. Marcos’ campaign adviser, Jonathan dela Cruz of Abakada partylist, said Garcia and his cohorts in the Smartmatic and concerned employees of the poll body have committed “illegal acts” for their “unauthorized change” in the script of the transparency server of the Comelec. Earlier, the Marcos camp, through lawyer Jose Amor Amorado, filed cases, respectively, with the Comelec for violation of the automation law; and Manila City Prosecutors Office for violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2010 against Smartmatic executives Marlon Garcia and Elie Moreno, project director Neil Banigued, and Mauricio Herrera, a member of the technical support team. Comelec Commissioner Luie Guia on Monday said the poll body welcomed any complaints and randomly audits such irregularities. In a forum, Guia, however, said the Random Manual Audit team is ready to physically and manually audit some provinces with vote discrepancies. With Maricel V. Cruz

Without... From A1

Duterte pledged to give security forces shoot-to-kill orders, and vowed that tens of thousands of criminals would die. Since the election Duterte has repeatedly encouraged police to kill drug suspects, and said he would bring back the death penalty. Also on the campaign trail, he variously denied and acknowledged links to vigilante death squads in Davao. Duterte has promised to stay in Davao until his term starts, and has been holding midnight news conferences at various hotels. This has forced politicians, power brokers, business leaders and courtiers to fly from Manila for an audience. He has also begun forming his Cabinet from Davao, naming many regional politicians to key posts. He has also met with communist and Muslim guerrilla emissaries ahead of planned peace talks. Duterte has said he wants to stay in Davao because he is comfortable there. He has also repeatedly expressed his disdain for spending time in Manila, which he described last week as a “dead city” that is overrun by slums. At Monday’s congressional session, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo was declared the winner of the vice president election, narrowly edging out Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late strongman. Robredo, a member of outgoing President Benigno Aquino III’s Liberal Party, attended the event along with her family and supporters. Highlighting the importance of the event to many in the Philippines, the ceremonies were broadcast live on national television. Outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon said Duterte was the first president to be proclaimed in absentia. He and other congressional leaders noted that his absence would have no legal effect on his proclamation. The leader of the independent minority bloc in the House, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, said he believed Duterte would be able to heal the divisions in the country that were aggravated by a rancorous presidential election. “My best wishes for the success of President-elect Rody, let us rally behind to support his administration for the betterment of Filipinos,” Romualdez said. “President-elect Rody has a clear vision for the country and has a great ability to get the job done. We look forward to a productive government that will heal political bickering, continue to inspire and influence many Filipinos to work for the inclusive growth in the countryside,” Romualdez added. The proclamation was briefly disrupted by a congressman who questioned his removal from the congressional roster. Immediately after the joint session of Congress proclaimed Duterte and Robredo, former Northern Samar congressman Harlin Abayon questioned his exclusion from the roster. Abayon had earlier been replaced by Rep. Raul Daza, after the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal decided an election protest in his favor. When Abayon refused to back down, the sergeant at arms escorted him out of the session hall. Maricel V. Cruz, Macon RamosAraneta, AFP

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Drilon could retain Senate post SENATE President Franklin Drilon will likely retain his grip on the chamber if Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Aquilino Pimentel III fail to settle who of them should represent PDP-Laban in the race for the Senate presidency. Drilon, who emerged No. 1 in the May 9 elections, is serving his third term as Senate president. Cayetano, the defeated running mate of newly-proclaimed President Rodrigo Duterte, and Pimentel are both staunch allies of the outgoing mayor of Davao City. Both are eying the Senate presidency along with Drilon and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III. Duterte has said he is leaving it up to Cayetano and Pimentel to contest the Senate presidency. Pimentel, the president of PDP-Laban, says his edge over the other senators vying for the Senate presidency position is that he knows the personal agenda of Duterte, the party’s chairman. He says he has knowledge of the personal pledges made by Duterte since they were together during the election campaign sorties. He says Sotto belongs to the well-organized Nationalist People’s Coalition while Drilon has six to eight senators under the Liberal Party. Cayetano, the outgoing majority leader, says at least 15 senators have already committed to support him. “If the election were held today there are more than 15 that have committed but the election is not today,” Cayetano said. The Nacionalista Party senator says some of the senators have already signed a resolution backing him as Senate president, while the others have given their commitment pending permission from their respective parties. When asked how many have signed the resolution supporting him, Cayetano said: “I don’t want it to be a game of numbers at this point. And as I said, others signed while others gave their commitment but they still need to ask permission. “Until the final day that we get elected, nothing is 100 percent.” Sotto showed reporters a photo of Senatorelect Manny Pacquiao holding Cayetano’s resolution with no signature from the other senators. Drilon said he would yield his position to whoever had the vote of 13 senators including Cayetano. “I have always said that whoever has 13 signatures electing Senator XYZ to lead the 17th Congress, I am willing to yield the Senate presidency,” Drilon said. “As I have said, those who have 13 signatures, just present to me the resolution and there’s no problem.” Macon Ramos-Araneta

Proclamation. Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. proclaim Vice President-elect Leni Robredo during the joint session of Congress on Monday. REVOLI CORTEZ

Court ordered to submit records of Arroyo case THE Supreme Court has ordered the Sandiganbayan to submit the records of the plunder case against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo over her alleged illegal use of P366 million in funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. In an order she issued on May 25, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno required the anti-graft court to forward to

her the complete records of the case “immediately” upon receipt of it. The ailing Arroyo, who was reelected representative of Pampanga in the May 9 elections, had earlier sought an urgent resolution of her plea for house arrest pending a decision on her bail petition. She said the high court had yet to resolve her plea for house arrest that she filed in

December last year. She reiterated her plea to be transferred from “hospital arrest” at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City to “house arrest” in her residence at the La Vista Subdivision in the same city. Arroyo’s latest appeal came after the high court granted her pleas for several furloughs. In December last year, the high court allowed her to

spend Christmas and New Year with her family in La Vista. And in March, the Court allowed her to celebrate her 69th birthday on April 5 with her family at the same residence. The high court also allowed her to vote in her home province in Pampanga on May 9, and to be treated by her dentist in her clinic in Makati City for four days. Rey E. Requejo

Rody rejects postponement of Barangay, SK election

Website. Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Emerson Carlos leads the launching of the Metro Manila ShakeDrill Website #MMShake Drill, which aims to raise awareness of the 2nd Metro Manila Shake Drill on June 22. Among the features of the site are downloadable topics such as earthquake tips and how to organize drills. DANNY PATA

DAVAO CITY—President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has rejected a proposal from the Commission on Elections to defer the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled in October. “I’m not in favor. The law says that when you end there, you end there,” Duterte told reporters at a hotel here on Sunday. He said a postponement of the polls would only mean that the sitting officials would remain in their posts beyond their terms. The Comelec had cited “election fatigue as the reason to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to a later date.’’ In April, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said it was not practical for the poll body to hold another voting exercise in October given that the national and local

elections had just ended. He added it would be “costly” for them to conduct a manual election in over 420,000 villages in the country. “We have this so-called election fatigue. We don’t want to have too many elections in the country,” Bautista said. “Aside from fatigue, holding elections is expensive and mainly because we have to pay more teachers who will serve as Board of Election Tellers.” Although he had no any idea when it would be best to hold the Barangay and SK elections, Bautista said they would be asking Congress to consider deferring them. A bill filed by Pasay Rep. Emmy Calixto-Rubiano calling for a deferment of the polls is pending in Congress. John Paolo Bencito

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54 jihadists slain in Lanao Sur By Florante S. Solmerin

THE military claimed on Monday to have killed 54 members of a Maranao jihadist group in Lanao del Sur that had harbored an Indonesian terrorist who had been training local extremists in making bombs, according to the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command. Westmincom spokesman Major Filemon Tan said the fighting in Butig, Lanao del Sur, which first broke out last February, resumed on May 26. “The series of encounters resulted in two killed-in-action and nine wounded-in-action for the government side while 54 [terrorists] were killed,” Tan said. “The troops continue to advance towards the enemy stronghold and defeat the LTGs in the area.” “This terrorist group was responsible for the beheading of two civil-

ians in the area,” he added. The fighting has so far affected more than a thousand civilians in six villages of Butig town, said Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., identifying the affected barangays as Coloyan, Samer, Bayabao, Raya Timbab, Sandab and Ragayan. Adiong said a total of 1,517 villagers were affected by the fighting and are now housed in evacuation centers in the nearby barangays of Crossing Samer, Sandig and Malungon. Tan said the extremists belong to the group of Abdullah Maute, who

inherited leadership of the group after his brother Omar was killed by a military offensive last February. Omar is believed to have been killed last Feb. 25 when the military unleashed a ground and air offensive after it was learned that the group was harboring Indonesian and Malaysian jihadists who fled to Mindanao after they were hunted down by lawmen in their homelands. The group included Indonesian terrorist Mohammad Muktar, who was killed in the clashes at Butig. Muktar is believed to have been part of a group that included Salahudin Hassan, a member of the Al Khobar group supporting the Jemaah Islamiyah, and Mumanda Ali, alias Mauwiya, a former military officer from Singapore, who took part in the 2001 bomb attack in Bali, Indonesia. The foreign jihadists were the ones who trained the group of 100 extremists in bomb making some-

where in Liguasan Marsh near Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, the military said. As part of their training, the local extremists planted explosive devices in the towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hofer and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao and in Pikit and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato, the source added. The military had earlier reported that at least 18 government soldiers were injured by these bombs. Five civilians, including the town treasurer of Datu Salibo, were also among the casualties of the bombs planted by the extremist group earlier this year. Tan said the military will continue intensified operations, involving troops of the 103rdn Infantry Brigade, the police and Philippine Air Force.

Jail Noynoy. Student activists stage a protest at the Mendiola Bridge in San Miguel, Manila to demand the prosecution and detention of President Benigno Aquino III for his involvement in the misuse of public monies through the pork barrel system, neglect of disaster victims and the wrongful deaths of government troops. DANNY PATA

Duterte eyes new roadmap to peace By John Paolo Bencito DAVAO CITY—The Duterte administration will follow a different “roadmap” in resolving the longstanding conflict with Moro secessionists and communist insurgents, but stakeholders will be properly consulted in the process, veteran peace negotiator Jesus Dureza said Monday. Dureza, whom Duterte has named as his presidential adviser on the peace process, said the incoming Duterte administration is looking at new ways to reach peace in Mindanao, including the possibility of ditching the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law which was defeated in the 16th Congress. “We are working on our own, possible roadmap from here onwards. We will be doing a lot of consultations and, of course, we will get our directions directly from Mayor Duterte,” Dureza told The Standard in an interview. Dureza noted that while the BBL was a by-product of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro that was signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on March 27, 2014, it failed to get congressional approval because of perceived constitutional infirmities. “For the CAB, we will have to see what are the results, the possible lay-out of the roadmap,” Dureza said. But Dureza declined to predict how the roadmap would take shape because he and designated peace negotiator with the communists, Silvestre Bello III, have yet to assume office.

New Westcom chief named By Florante S. Solmerin PHILIPPINE Fleet commander Rear Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado was installed commander of the Western Command on Monday with the principal task of protecting the West Philippine Sea, particularly the Kalayaan Island Group. Mercado, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class 1983, replaced Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez (PMA “Sandigan” Class ’82) who retired April 29, but will remain fleet commander until his successor is named. Marine Brig. Gen. Elvin

Hermogino, who assumed the Westcom post after Lopez’ retirement, will re-assume his earlier position of vice WestCom chief. Both Mercado and Hermogino are from Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. Mercado, who was Philippine Fleet commander before he was assigned to Westcom, will keep his position at the Philippine Fleet in a concurrent capacity until his replacement is named. Outgoing acting AFP chief of staff Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda presided over the change of command ceremony at WestCom.

Brigada Eskwela.

Teachers and parents help fix classroom chairs as the Nippon Paint company launched its adopt-a-school program at the Pamplona Elementary School in Las Piñas City on Monday. EY ACASIO

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Labor blasts SSS execs’ perks By Vito Barcelo

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa on Monday condemned the granting of ‘midnight perks and benefits’ to Social Security System executives including its president and chief executive officer emilio De Quiros, its chairman Juan Santos and other managers under a thinly disguised restructuring scheme. TUCP described the benefits as “pabaon” or send-off money similar to that extended to former military generals who retired from the service. The SSS-proposed Compensation and Position Classification System covers all governmentowned and-controlled corporations and government financial institutions. Under the scheme, De Quiros, for instance, stands to receive an increase of P500,000 from SSS coffers in his monthly salary alone. De Quiros, Santos and other SSS officials were all Aquino appointees, the TUCP said. Once the proposed changes take effect, De Quiros will get an additional P300,000 more out of workers’ blood money in the form of more benefits and privileges. However, around 1,000 rank-and-file workers will not get any increase, TUCP said. “In the light of very recent veto action of President Aquino to the proposed P2,000 pension increase for 2.4-million pensioners, we strongly oppose the plan to increase the salaries and benefits of SSS top executives including De Quiros and SSS chairman Juan Santos. As paying members and as representatives of the millions of SSS paying members, we demand that Mr. De Quiros and Mr. Santos be severed from SSS in order for the plan to be stopped,” the TUCP-Nagkaisa coalition said. “It is unjust for De Quiros and Santos to tinker with it to enrich their selves at the expense of workers’ blood money,” the group added.

BLT Award. President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Grand Excellence Award to Francisco Laya Memorial Integrated School represented by FLMIS principal Susan Pirante during the 2nd BLT Excellence Awards at the Edsa Shangri-La Manila in Mandaluyong City on Monday. Looking on is Jollibee Group Foundation chairman Tony Tan Caktiong. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Tight supply jacking up pump prices By Alena Mae S. Flores Oil prices went up by as much as P0.55 per liter amid tight world supply, according to the Energ y Department. The oil firms increased the price of kerosene by P0.55 per liter, gasoline by P0.40 per liter and diesel by P0.35 per liter. “Seaoil oil will adjust its pump prices per liter effective 6 a.m., May 31 as follows: gasoline, increase of P0.35 per liter, diesel, increase of P0.40 per liter and kerosene, increase of P0.55 per liter,” the company said. The oil firms said the price increase

“reflect the movement in the international petroleum market.” Energy director Melita Obillo said the increase in oil prices was due to the recent wildfires which curbed production in Canada and rebel attacks disrupting exports from Nigeria, improved demand in the US. Among the companies that issued price advisories as of press time are Seaoil, Unioil Philippines, PTT Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum and Eastern Petroleum. According to the latest report of the Energy Department, oil prices slightly went up recently after Goldman Sachs disclosed a short-term supply deficit in the market

brought about by production outages. The department said a better overall demand coupled with the disruption of supply in Nigeria reportedly created a surprising supply crunch in the short run. Production outages in Canada due to wildfires and a political crisis in Venezuela is expected to suppress output. The department also said that Platts has reported that the glut of cargoes in Asia was said to be gradually clearing. A slowdown in arbitrage cargoes from Europe and the US, typically the case over the summer as demand for gasoline in the US spikes, has also capped the supply surplus in the region.

Fresh grads gain fee exemption By Maricel V. Cruz

Non-toxic. Volunteers use lead-free, non-toxic paint to renovate classrooms during the week long ‘Brigada Eskwela’ at the Sto. Cristo Elementary School in Bago Bantay, Quezon City. MANNY PALMERO

THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that seeks to exempt fresh graduates from government charges and fees. Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares, one of the authors of House Bill 6416, said the waiver on government fees and charges would enhance the youth’s access to employment. The bill mandates all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned andcontrolled corporations and local government units to refrain from collecting fees or charges from new graduates in relation to documentary requirements for employment. These include fees and charges paid in connection with the application for and granting of licenses, proofs of

identification, clearances, certificates, or other documents usually required in the course of employment. The bill states that the application for such license, proof of identification, clearance, certificate, or other documents is submitted within one year after graduating from high school, college or any vocational or technical course. To avail of the waiver on government fees and charges, the bill said the new graduate should submit a copy of his/her diploma or a certification from the concerned academic, vocational or technical institution that the said graduate has successfully completed the course required. The diploma or certification should clearly state the date of graduation or completion of the degree earned, and should be signed by the institution’s duly authorized representative.

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MMDA: Brace for ‘Big Shake’ By Joel E. Zurbano

CHAIRMAN Emerson Carlos of the Metro Manila Development Authority on Monday urged various sectors in the National Capital Region to join the second earthquake drill scheduled on June 22 for the people to prepare in case of a major earthquake. “Six million [participants last year] is not enough. We need all sectors of our society to participate. We need to engage the 14 million residents of Metro Manila. We need to engage the residents of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna,” said Carlos. The MMDA on Monday officially launched w w w:mm shakedr ill .ph , where the public will get basic, but very vital, survival

tips and list of evacuation centers in the event of the 7.2-magnitude earthquake. “What is the purpose of this website? To minimize the victims. They will be able to get all the answers that they need here. All the procedures that we are going to do and all other data like Oplan Metro Yakal,” said Carlos. Under the Metro Yakal Plus, the MMDA is respon-

sible for command and control, and search and rescue operations if the Big One jolts Metro Manila. “You can also see here [website] the staging areas and evacuation areas for different local government units. The local disaster risk reduction management offices will have their own evacuation sites. You can see in the website a map of those evacuation areas near you, as well as hospitals and field hospitals,” he added. “We are encouraging everybody now to use not only the website but also the hashtag #MMShakedrill.” Last week, the MMDA conducted a series of meetings with members of the Association of Barangay Chairmen in the 16 cities and one municipality in

Metro Manila to encourage more people to participate in the event. “This time, we are targeting residents because last year school children and business communities joined the event. We want residents to join, it is highly possible that the quake will happen inside the house,” Carlos said. The event was organized in close coordination with local and regional disaster risk reduction management officers, public information officers in Metro Manila, and different media organizations. To ensure maximum public participation, the website will feature the instructions on how to sign up as participants, whether by individual or by group, in the 2nd Metro Manila

ShakeDrill, according to Carlos. MMDA officials, along with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, have already been sitting down with various government agencies and different sectors of society for the review of the 1st Metro Manila ShakeDrill held July 30 last year. During the series of coordination meeting, MMDA executives also encouraged participants to simulate a more realistic and new scenarios to challenge the disaster preparedness and response of every group. The MMDA earlier advised motorists and commuters to brace for traffic

along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue where participants will hold a scenario wherein the Guadalupe Bridge in Makati City will collapse. The scene will also feature 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 Shake Drill 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 at a standstill for approximately an hour.

Cop in drug raps accuses NBI men AN ANTI-NARCOTICS policeman who was arrested in Manila last week on drug charges has accused agents of the National Bureau of Investigation of extortion and planting of evidence. In his counter-affidavit submitted before the Department of Justice, Police Officer 2 Jolly Aliangan claimed that NBI agents asked him to give them P6.9 million in exchange for the dropping of the case against him and his wife, Rosalie, who was also arrested by the NBI during a raid in his house. Aliangan asked Assistant State Prosecutor Jocelyn Dugay during the preliminary investigation to dismiss the complaint against them. The NBI opted not to respond to the counter-affidavit. The Aliangan couple and a certain Jeffrey Flores Gutierrez were charged before the DoJ for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunitions and Obstruction of Justice. Rey Requejo

Caparas posts bail for tax cases FILM director Carlo J. Caparas on Monday posted a bail of P80,000 before the Court of Tax Appeals for the four counts of tax evasion cases filed against him by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The tax court’s First Division has set Caparas’ arraignment on June 22 for one count of tax case, while the arraignment for three counts of tax evasion is set on June 8 at the Second Division. Last May 17, the Court of Tax Appeals issued an arrest warrant on the movie director after the Department of Justice filed the new set of tax evasion charges in April for his non-filing of his income tax return in 2008 to 2009. The tax court indicted Caparas for violation of the National Internal Revenue Code. Caparas was also accused of failing to declare his earnings for producing the “Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot” television drama of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Rio Araja

Poll recount. Supporters of Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos stage a protest in front of the Senate office in Pasay City demanding a recount of votes and denouncing the Comelec and Smartmatic for the alleged cheating in the May 9 elections. LINO SANTOS

Senate bill seeks to stop text-and-drive practice By Macon Araneta

Kapihan topics. Congressman Rodel Batocabe (right) of the

Party-lists Coalition takes up President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda while Joel Tovera, chief of the NBI antiillegal drugs unit, is all ears during the Samahang Plaridel’s Kapihan Sa Manila Hotel Media Forum. LINO SANTOS

THE rising incidence of vehicular accidents due to motorists’ use of cellphones or other mobile equipment while driving is sought to be stopped under a proposed law that has passed the third and final reading in the Senate. The proposed measure is premised on the findings of the World Health Organization which said that “drivers using a mobile phone are approximately four times more likely to be involved in a crash than when a driver does not use a phone.” The agency noted that using mobile phones can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel, and their minds off the road and the surrounding situation. “Evidence shows that the distraction caused by mobile phones can impair driving performance in a number of ways, e.g. longer reaction times, impaired ability to keep in the correct lane, and shorter following distances,” also said WHO.

Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Ejercito Estrada, principal author of Senate Bill 3211, says there is a need to regulate use of electronic devices among drivers, impose discipline among motorists, and proscribe distracted driving in order to promote road safety. The chamber’s passage of the bill coincides with the observance of the Land Transportation Safety and Accident Prevention Month this May in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 115-A (1966). The legislative proposal declares the following acts in a moving vehicle, whether diplomatic, public or private, as unlawful: 1) use of mobile communications device, including cellular phones, wireless telephones, two-way radio transceivers, pagers, among others, to write, send, or read a text-based communication or to make or receive calls; and 2) using an electronic entertainment or computing device, including laptop computers, tablets, video game consoles, among others, to play games, watch movies, surf the internet, compose messages, read e-books, perform calculations and other similar acts.

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Storm, quake victims from PNP to receive P86.7-m help By John Paolo Bencito A TOTAL of P86.7 million will be disbursed to more than 3,225 employees of the Philippine National Police that were affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” and the Bohol earthquake, the Interior Department said Monday. Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento in a statement said that the amount is the first of two tranches to be donated by the President’s Social Fund through the Department of the Interior and Local Government to PNP employees whose houses were either partially, heavily or totally damaged in the two worst calamities that hit the country in recent years. The tranche for PNP employees is part and parcel of the total amount of P218.380-million financial assistance allocated by the OP for 4,176 calamityaffected employees of the DILG and its attached agencies (PNP, BFP, BJMP). DILG Undersecretary for Operations Edwin Enrile said that the release of the first tranche was somewhat delayed because the Comelec informed the DILG that the program of giving calamity assistance in the form of donation to the calamity victims may fall within the purview of the prohibition against fund releases during the campaign period. “Therefore, in order to be prudent about the matter, we delayed release of funds until after the election,” Enrile added. Beneficiaries with totally or heavily damaged houses can avail of as much as P100,000 to defray the cost of repair or reconstruction of their own housing units. Beneficiaries with partially damaged houses, on the other hand, can reimburse up to P30,000 for the rehabilitation of their housing units. A Deed of Donation was executed between the PNP as ‘Donee,’ represented by PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, and the DILG as ‘Donor,’ represented by secretary of the Interior and Local Government. Under the Deed of Donation, the donor, which in this case would be the DILG, shall have the right to monitor the implementation and to conduct a financial and physical performance evaluation in order to determine the compliance of the donee or the PNP with the terms of the deed. The PNP, on the other hand, shall have the responsibility of monitoring the utilization of the financial assistance by the beneficiaries, and submit a report and liquidation of fund utilization.

All in the family. Children in Buguias, Benguet help out in the family’s farm chores during the last days of summer break. DAVID CHAN

Cops foil blast try on Basilan bridge ZAMBOANGA CITY—Police have foiled an attempt to blow up a bridge by lawless elements in Lamitan City, Basilan province. Senior Insp. Gean Gallardo, Lamitan City police chief, said this came about after they recovered an improvised explosive device that was placed under the bridge in Barangay Balagtasan in that city.

Gallardo said the IED was recovered around 3:34 p.m. Sunday after they received information that an abandoned backpack was seen under the bridge in Balagtasan, Lamitan City. Gallardo said they imme-

diately cordoned the place and coordinated with the explosive ordnance demolition of the 54th Special Action Company. He said the EOD personnel conducted disruption procedure after it was confirmed that the backpack’s content was an IED. He said the IED, which is cellphone triggered, consisted of an 81-mm mortar

round as the main charge of the explosive, blasting cap, an electronic circuit board and a nine-volt battery. He said investigation continues in a bid to identify the suspects behind the attempt to blow up the bridge. The bridge in Balagtasan links Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province, to Lamitan City. PNA

DoST refurbishes Region 8 early warning systems

Sendoff. Four-hundred men of the 19th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Aquiting, Ormoc City get ready for deployment to North Cotabato. MEL CASPE

TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Science and Technology is rehabilitating 128 early warning systems in Eastern Visayas in preparation for the expected heavy rainfall towards the second half of this year. DoST Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla said 60 percent of these facilities have been repaired as of this week. The target is to complete the rehabilitation works next month. “In preparation for La Niña, we have to fix warning systems to ensure more accurate, integrated, and responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system, especially in high-risk areas,” Esperancilla said.

Of the 128 early warning systems, 102 of these are hydrometeorological (hydromet) devices set up in 2012 and 26 are disaster early warning system installed in 2014. Hydromet include the automated weather station, automated rain gauge and the water level monitoring system produce data that enhance local disaster management. The AWS measures wind speed direction, air temperature, humidity, pressure and the amount of rainfall, its duration and intensity. The ARG, on the other hand, gathers the amount of rainfall incident in an area. Another device, the WLMS,

measures the rate by which the water level rises within the river system or bodies of water. “All three devices automatically send data to a central base station on a pre-determined interval. The data gathered from these stations are being used by government agencies for further risk evaluation and hazard analysis,” Esperancilla explained. The 26 units of disaster early warning systems were set up in major river basins in the region’s six provinces. A major component of the project is the community-based flood early warning system piloted in Binahaan River in central Leyte. PNA

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

TRANSITIONS BIG AND SMALL

[ EDI TORI A L ]

COMFORT ZONES DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Rep. Leni Robredo, who were proclaimed president and vice president, respectively, on Monday, both said they were not keen on governing from the places traditionally used by their predecessors. Duterte said he did not want to live in Malacañang because there were ghosts there—of what kind, he did not explain. In fact, the President-elect said he would like to come home to his native city every day, and would plan his schedule around the earliest and the last flights he could take shuttling between the capital and his hometown. “My bed is here, and so is my comfort zone,” said Duterte, who stayed in Davao on the day of his proclamation. He said he could begin his work day at one in the afternoon and stretch it until the night. By his proposal, Duterte may take the meaning of “commuting to work” to another level. While remaining visible down South may lessen the sense of Metro Manila being the imperial capital, the arrangements may present practical difficulties to the people he is expected to interact with regularly. Of course, the President-elect can easily say he spoke on a whim and would further study the arrangements under which he could best govern. On the other hand, Ms. Robredo said she found the P500,000 monthly rental of the Coconut Palace too high. Her team had started scouting for cheaper office space. She would much rather spend that money on satellite offices and other items. Robredo, widow of the late Interior and Local Governments Secretary, was proclaimed winner of the vice presidential race despite a pending protest from her rival, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who claims the counting was electronically rigged to take his legitimate votes from him. Robredo is said to have won by the slimmest of margins. Robredo, of course, may feel the need to be consistent with the image she has portrayed of herself—a humble official who takes public transportation and who champions the interest of the marginalized. That Duterte and Robredo have expressed their workplace preferences is no different from ordinary workers having a liking for specific working conditions under which they feel they would be at their best. Duterte’s and Robredo’s reasons, while different, will boil down to the same question once they actually begin to hold office—wherever that may be. Are the arrangements conducive enough for them to discharge their duties effectively? If they utter these to be cute, they should be reminded that the campaign season is over. What the people expect is work accomplished, without excuses, from wherever it is best performed.

PLAN CAYETANO LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES IF I were Leni Robredo, a top political operative told me last weekend, I’d take the cheating charges against her very, very seriously—or any charges that may be filed against her, for that matter. Now that she’s been proclaimed vice president by Congress, she may be in for a wild ride that could, this guy told me, culminate in the installation of none other than Alan Peter Cayetano to

the second-highest post in the land, just like Cayetano always wanted. Forget about Robredo being Plan B of the Aquino administration, the Trojan horse left behind by Noynoy as a “gift” to Rodrigo Duterte, to take over and preside over a Yellow restoration in case “The Punisher” is somehow unable to finish his term. The newest plot purportedly being batted around in the smoke-filled rooms of political conspirators is “Plan C,” the impeachment not of Digong but of Leni, in order to reunite Cayetano with his wildly popular and victorious running mate by the

backdoor. If the supposed template for Duterte’s ouster is the impeachment of Joseph Estrada, the removal of Robredo has its roots in the takeover of Teofisto Guingona Jr. as vice president of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in January 2001, after she replaced Erap. That was when, by operation of an obscure provision of the 1987 Constitution, Arroyo chose Guingona (the elder, not his son TG, who just lost in the May 9 elections) to be her vice president after her assumption to the presidency. Article 7 Section 9 of the charter provides that “[w]henever

‘Plan C’ involves the impeachment of Leni, in order to get Cayetano the vice presidency via the backdoor.

there is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President during the term for which he was elected, the President shall nominate a Vice President from among the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who shall assume office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the Members of both Houses of the Congress, voting separately.” This was how Guingona assumed the vice presidency from among a field of six senators at the time (Guingona, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Senators Franklin Drilon, Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Loren Legarda) who were short-listed by Arroyo as her replacement as VP after she assumed Estrada’s post.

Guingona was basically rammed down Arroyo’s throat by the anti-Estrada crowd as a result of the senator’s role in the impeachment trial of Erap. That was because Guingona delivered his “J’accuse” speech against the sins of Estrada—even if Guingona soon fell out of favor with Gloria and was replaced in the 2004 ticket by broadcaster Noli de Castro. Hey, it could happen, my friend told me. And all it takes is to get Robredo impeached by the Duterte-controlled House and ousted by the Cayetano-

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-

controlled Senate (assuming he becomes Senate president) on any impeachable charge, not just cheating in the last elections. *** So I asked my friend, wouldn’t Senator Ferdinand Marcos be the beneficiary of the ouster of Robredo on the charge of cheating and by rights replace her? Why would it be Cayetano instead of Marcos who becomes VP? “You are talking about the election protest that Bongbong will soon file,” he explained. “I’m talking about

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impeachment—and Leni could be impeached on other charges, not just cheating, which is why she should watch her back.” According to my friend, even Marcos understands that an election protest may take years to resolve, maybe the entire six years of Robredo’s term. “And if Bongbong runs for the Senate in 2019, as I predict he will, in order to prepare for a run at the presidency in 2022, his protest against Robredo will fall under the Loren ruling,” he added. 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

YESTERDAY was a big day for the country. With the proclamation of Rodrigo Duterte and Leni Robredo as winners of the 2016 elections, the official transition period to a new administration begins. It has been a tough and divisive campaign but the process has culminated and the country must now come together. There will be elections again in the future, opportunities for renewed political combat. But for now, lets stand down and work together. People should stop attacking each other: for the victors to be magnanimous and humble, for the losers to accept defeat without rancor, and for everyone to forgive and offer their other cheek to each other. As for Duterte’s Cabinet appointments, let’s cut him some slack. Under our system, the President alone is accountable for the executive department. He must have a Cabinet he trusts and can work with. In many ways, President-elect Duterte is similar to outgoing President Aquino—they both have a small circle of colleagues from which to choose their Cabinet. Other former presidents had wider pools to choose from because of their longer engagement in national politics or governance. Thus Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada had Cabinet members with diverse backgrounds. They had appointees coming from the political elite, the bureaucracy, the military and the private sector. Eventually, presidents do widen their circles. One saw this in President Aquino’s excellent appointments to the Judiciary and the constitutional commissions, where he went beyond the usual suspects, the so-called KKK of classmates, friends, and gun-hobby and other buddies. President-elect Duterte actually is already bold in opening his Cabinet to the nominees of the National Democratic Front. One wishes Duterte would also be as bold in the role he would give the vice president-elect, a competent and exceptionally trustworthy woman. It could actually work for us to have a president and vice president who are both lawyers, the former with a prosecutorial background and the latter with experience in human rights and alternative law. In any case, that is within Duterte’s discretion—what he will assign Robredo to do—and his decision must be respected. For sure, we will have an interesting next six years. A president who thinks out of the box and whose work hours are from 1pm to early morning, one who talks freely and in visceral language, will surely surprise us. Personally, I can live with such a presidential style. All the other presidents we have had did have their own quirks. Soon, even the Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T U E S D AY : M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

TRANSITIONS BIG AND SMALL

[ EDI TORI A L ]

‘Plan C’ involves the impeachment of Leni, in order to get Cayetano the vice presidency via the backdoor.

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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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

T U E S D AY : M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

I WILL MISS PNOY TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

IF THERE’s one legacy that the nation can remember BS Aquino for, it’s the fraudulent May 9, 2016 elections. This was not only committed by the “Little Garcis” at the Commission on Elections but by the minions of President Aquino, the Liberal Party, working with Smartmatic and the Comelec as a whole. The nation had hoped that the “hocus-PCOS” that took place in 2010 and 2013 would not be repeated. But those who committed it this time around were too brazen that it seemed Malacañang took us all for fools. My gulay, cheating occurred nationwide in the form of what is called “undervoting.” Votes for the rivals of administration candidates Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo in fact came from their rivals. Ballots were pre-shaded and then the votes were shaved, resulting in “bawas-dagdag” or “dagdag-bawas.” In the case of the presidential race, the more than 16 million votes of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte was too big a margin. Mar had to settle for being No. 2, beating Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jojo Binay even in their own bailiwicks. The case of independent Senator Bongbong Marcos was much easier to manage. His rival, Rep. Leni Robredo, was leading only by over 200,000 votes, according to the count of the congressional Board of Canvassers. This was enough to proclaim her as vice president. Well, BS Aquino got his wish that “anybody but Marcos” should be elected vice president. It is said that his Plan B has Leni becoming president after Duterte is impeached and ousted. Leni is, indeed, the Cinderella of politics. What is tragic is that the Comelec itself appears involved in the conspiracy to frustrate the will of the people. The Comelec is an agency mandated by the Constitution to ensure free, honest and clean elections. Its commissioners denied the call of Marcos— and of his many IT experts and supporters—for a systems audit before anybody could be proclaimed. Why?

Simply because a systems audit would show the participation of Comelec in frustrating the people’s will and making the May 9 polls a mockery. Instances of election fraud are made public every day. Transmission of votes from the precinct level to the municipality is hijacked by fraudsters. Cheating has been recorded not only in the Lanao provinces, Maguindanao, and Sulu. It was also observed in provinces near Metro Manila, like Quezon and Laguna. After that Venezuelan project director of Smartmatic interfered with the hash code of the transparency server, the administration fraudsters went to town. Comelec chairman Andy Bautista, whom I had earlier thought was a man of honesty and integrity, branded the interference as cosmetic change. What was worse was that the chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting agreed with Bautista.

He gave me more than enough material for this column.

The fight of Marcos against cheating may not be over, but it’s Leni, the beneficiary of the fraud, who will now sit as vice president. I guess eventually, this fight of Bongbong will end up at the Presidential Electoral Tribunal where all the Supreme Court justices sit as members. It’s a tragedy for Bongbong because he was deprived of the chance to sit as vice president by a vengeful BS Aquino, who is so desperate to save his skin after he steps down on June 30. *** When BS Aquino hands over the reins of government to Rodrigo Duterte on June 30, we the people would likely give a sigh of relief that the worst president the country has ever had would finally be gone. As for me—as a concerned citizen, journalist and columnist—I will miss

UNRESOLVED CASES DUTERTE SHOULD ORDER RESOLVED CHANGE will come. That was incoming President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign slogan in the recently concluded elections. It is also a statement against the corruption and incompetence characterizing the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. Duterte also promised to act on cases against pro-Aquino officials which the investigation and prosecution agencies of the Aquino administration conveniently ignored or deliberately left unacted upon. That promise is an indictment that the Aquino administration actually implements a selective system of justice designed to protect palace allies and to persecute palace enemies. It will be recalled that political personalities considered hostile by the Aquino regime have been quickly dealt with by the government. Examples include ex-Makati City Mayor Jun-Jun Binay, who was unseated from city hall, and incumbent Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ramon Revilla, Jr., who were detained and prevented from attending sessions in the Senate. Having been elected to the presidency by an overwhelming majority, Duterte must make good on his campaign promises. For starters, Duterte should look into the many graft cases filed against Aquino Cabinet members and staunch political allies years ago, but which remain pending or unacted upon in the Office of the Ombudsman or related agencies. Take the case of ex-Makati City vice mayor Ernesto Mercado, an Aquino ally who provided evidence against Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, then Makati City Mayor Jun-Jun Binay, in a Senate investigation concerning the controversial, overpriced parking building constructed near the Makati City him. I will miss him because of his vindictiveness, incompetence, lack of empathy and compassion for the poor. I will miss his selective justice and the abuse and misuse of public funds. BS Aquino gave me more than enough material for this column. Can you imagine if he did well during his six years in office? I would have ended up praising him and singing paeans to him all the time. I would have forgotten the essence of democracy—that assent and dissent are primordial. I admit that BS Aquino was honest in a way that he did not profit from his position. Still, he was mentally dishonest. He betrayed the public trust given him. He defended members of his Cabinet he knew to be corrupt. He misused public funds. My gulay, that massacre of the 44 police comman-

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA Hall. Mercado testified that commissions were illegally given to key city officials, including the two Binays, by the contractor of the parking building. In addition, Mercado categorically admitted that he had received an estimated P80 million as his share of the bribe money allotted for the construction project. Criminal cases were eventually filed against the Binays and several officials of Makati. Surprisingly, however, Mercado was not charged, despite his admission of having received bribe money. In view of the unwarranted special treatment extended to Mercado, public interest advocate Louis “Barok” Biraogo filed a separate case for plunder against Mercado before the Ombudsman. That was more than two years ago. Biraogo revealed that as of this writing, he has not received any notice or resolution from the Ombudsman regarding the plunder case. Back in 2013, it was discovered in a Senate investigation that P136 billion in the Malampaya natural gas find was missing. Then-National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon, together with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, testified that the said amount could not be specifically accounted for. Armed with a transcript of their testimonies, Biraogo filed criminal charges against the three officials before the Ombudsman in January 2014. It appears that Biraogo’s complaint was later referred to the Commission on Audit for appropriate action, but as of this writing, the CoA has not yet acted on the case.

dos in Maguindanao was the litmus test of his leadership. He failed as president, chief executive, commander-in-chief and top cop. To top it all, he wanted to hand, on a silver platter, a portion of Mindanao to one separatist movement—the Moro Islamic Liberation Front—even as this territory belonged to the republic, at all costs. All in the name of “peace.” To me, this is treason. BS Aquino may not realize it, but he was 90 percent the reason why we now have Duterte, supposedly in the name of change. The May 9 polls was actually a referendum on the Aquino administration by the people who longed for real change. Now, whether or not that change will come is another thing. As for me, I have drawn the line against some of the things Du30 said he would do. I have lowered my

Equally disturbing is the case involving Negros Oriental Representative Jocelyn Limkaichong of the pro-Aquino Liberal Party. In 2013, two complainants filed plunder raps against Limkaichong and her husband Lawrence Limkaichong, who was the mayor of the municipality of La Libertad of the same province. According to the complaint, Jocelyn Limkaichong illegally channeled her pork barrel funds to La Libertad, and that measures were taken to enable her husband to spend the funds likewise illegally. Documents accompanying the complaint indicate that from 2007 up to 2013, some P220 million was released by the Department of Budget and Management to La Libertad, and that the money was distributed among different barangay captains outside of La Libertad but within the Limkaichong congressional district. It is also alleged that the checks given to the barangay captains were payable to the officials themselves, and not to the barangay, and that one barangay captain used his share to buy a vehicle which he registered in his name. Another allegation has it that the funds were used to purchase vehicles for the barangays, but the vehicles turned out to be used ones which were passed off as brand new. The plunder case against the Limkaichongs were filed in the Visayas office of the Ombudsman. According to the complainants, the case remains unacted upon by a certain Paul Clemente, an alleged appointee of President Aquino. So far, the complainants are optimistic that under the Duterte administration, the plunder case will be resolved once and for all. Their only fear is that if the Limkaichongs join or affiliate themselves with the PDP Laban, the plunder case may remain unresolved. Continued on A11

expectations of him. Still, I am ever the optimist who sees the glass halffull rather than half-empty. After all, as I have been saying, whether or not we voted for Du30, we are all on the same boat. We either sink or swim with him. *** I have been talking to some Palace reporters and they told me, generally speaking, they have reservations about lawyer Salvador Panelo as press secretary and presidential spokesman. This reservation springs from the fact that traditionally, a press secretary should always come from the ranks of present and past members of media. It’s a crucial position, to speak on behalf of the President. I have been a Palace reporter myself. I know that a press secretary and spokesman must always be ap-

proachable. Members of the media must consider him a friend. I understand Panelo is a square peg in a round hole insofar as the press is concerned. It’s for this reason that Du30 should appoint somebody else. Another Du30 appointment where a lot of people, even businessman in real estate and construction, have reservations about is that of Mark Villar as public works secretary. Given that the Villar family is both in housing and construction, Villar’s appointment is suspect. That’s truly a conflict of interest. The Villars may have aligned themselves with the PDP-Laban of Du30. But should a crucial department, where the Villars have interest, be given to them on a silver platter? Duterte has enough time to appoint another secretary to this department.

T U E S D AY : M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

A11

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

LESSONS FROM A BANK HEIST Bloomberg editorial SWIFT can’t do it alone. The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, an organization that enables money transfers worldwide, has come under fire after a rash of bank hackings —some of which bear fingerprints of nation-states including North Korea. In response, it announced this week a series of new measures aimed at protecting the global financial system from cybercrime. These steps can’t hurt. They’ll probably help. But the more urgent security

problem rests with the banks, not with the messaging system they use. The story began in February, when Bangladesh’s central bank fell victim to an $81-million heist. Hackers used the Swift network to access the bank’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and transfer funds to accounts in the Philippines, from which they vanished. Similar breaches have happened at banks in Vietnam and Ecuador, and possibly elsewhere. Troubling as the heists may be, it’s important to put a few things in perspective. While

Transitions... From A9 midnight press conference of the incoming president will become boring as people realize that more important than what he says to the press are the documents he signs and the orders he issues to the people in government. More critical is the fact that we have a president and vice president who come from provincial cities. I support Duterte and Robredo going home regularly to Davao and Naga; it would be good for them to be always to draw strength from their roots and to be given feedback by those who have known them the longest. I am of course worried about the transition to a government that is stronger on crime by disregarding human rights. At the same time, I look forward to big steps forward on federalism and the peace processes with both the Moro revolutionary organizations and the National Democratic Front. *** While these big transitions in government are happening, I will be undergoing a major change myself. Today—May 31, 2016—I step down as the Dean of the Ateneo School of Government. Thanks to Fr. Ben Nebres SJ and Fr. Jett Villarin SJ, presidents of Ateneo de Manila University during my 10-year tenure as dean, I was given four terms (the last one was just for a year) to lead ASoG. I pass the baton now, with excitement, to Dr. Ronald Mendoza, a colleague from a different generation, and whose work experience and academic discipline are also different from mine. If there is a perfect transition, this is it, as I know ASoG is in good hands. From a school of around 50 students and an average of five to 10 graduates a year, our student population now hovers at 300 and we graduate 75-100 Masters in Public Management a year. This year, we also expect to graduate our first batch of PHD in leadership graduates. Our most successful executive education initiative is the Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship program for overseas Filipino workers and other global Filipinos. Implemented with partners, we are in 14 cities worldwide—Rome, Naples, Milan, Florence, Turin, Brussels, The Hague, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore, and have more than 1000 alumni and students. ASoG pioneered new approaches to governance and development. We promoted social accountability, social entrepreneurship, a base of the pyramid approach, and

$81 million is nothing to sniff at, it’s small in comparison to the hundreds of billions of dollars in transfers that the system facilitates every day. What’s more, Swift itself did not fail, any more than a telephone fails if somebody uses it to commit fraud. The network passes messages among banks, which then move money on their own. Hackers were able to impersonate the banks thanks to weaknesses in the systems they used to connect to Swift. This gave the hackers access only to the compromised banks’ funds, not to the funds of the thousands of other institutions that use Swift.

inclusive mobility. These are now widely accepted. ASoG convened and supported diverse and vibrant communities of practice in governance and development, working particularly with reform constituencies. We also incubated independent organizations like the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, the University Network for Inclusive Development, the Inclusive Mobility Network, the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia, and the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance. Finally, we also assisted Ashoka: Innovators for the Public Interest, the largest network of social entrepreneurs in the world, set up shop in the Philippines. On climate change, ASoG played a leadership role in enabling a broad global movement of citizen organizations that successfully lobbied for the integration of human rights, indigenous people’s rights, ecosystem in integrity and good governance in the Paris Agreement. Our team also provided critical negotiation and communication support to the Philippine delegation in the climate negotiations. As I leave the deanship of ASoG, I will take a sabbatical from political commentary. I owe it to my successor to yield the platform I have used extensively in the last 10 years. I also find the current atmosphere very toxic and want to disengage from that for now. I will continue to teach in ASoG, the Loyola Schools of ADMU, and several law schools. For the first time in 25 years, I will not have a leadership position for an organization or institution. I hope its stays like that for a while. But if duty calls again, I will probably say yes if there is a contribution to make. I just came from Turin, Italy to preside over an LSE graduation ceremony. There, I challenged our LSE graduates to become nation builders. Many of them believe that change is coming. I told them that was good but reminded them, that if change does not come, they should not be blaming Duterte nor any one else. Instead, it should make them work harder to build a better Philippines. I will follow my own advice. As a private citizen, as a teacher and writer, I will continue to help build this country. I truly believe: another Philippines, a much better one, is possible. Facebook: tonylavs5 or Dean Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

Nevertheless, the breaches are a big deal for an organization founded on trust: For the system to work smoothly, banks must be able to assume that the messages they receive are legitimate. To that end, Swift has wisely offered to take on more responsibility for the security practices of its members. It plans, for example, to toughen software requirements, expand the use of two-factor authentication (which provides an added identity check), monitor compliance more rigorously, and facilitate sharing of frauddetection know-how.

Unresolved... From A10 Duterte also promised to look into anomalies possibly committed by key officials of the Aquino administration. He can start with Senator-elect Leila de Lima, who has been repeatedly critical of a Duterte presidency. When De Lima was the secretary of Justice, it was discovered that the drug lords in the New Bilibid Prison were given extraordinarily special treatment and privileges, consisting of catered restaurant food, air-conditioned quarters, sauna facilities, access to computers and telephones, and many others. Likewise, De Lima should be investigated for joining the government junket to The Hague, in Holland, to attend the hearing in the arbitration case the Philippines lodged against Communist China

Ultimately, though, Swift can only do so much. The network is fast and efficient because it’s neutral and passive—a feature that any major effort to police some 11,000 member institutions could impair. The real solution must come where the failure happened: at the banks. If institutions in developing nations somehow prove unable to defend against state-sponsored attacks, some assistance from the developed world might be in order. That said, keeping their money safe is something banks themselves should have the resources and expertise to do. for the latter’s expansionist activities in the West Philippine Sea. De Lima obviously had no role in that hearing because the country was already sufficiently represented by lawyers with acknowledged expertise in Public International Law. As the secretary of Justice, De Lima had no involvement in what was obviously the exclusive concern of the foreign affairs and national defense departments of the Philippine government. The CoA also reported that under De Lima, the Department of Justice spent public funds earmarked for a particular project, for another purpose. Before De Lima decides to hit Duterte again, she should engage in some introspect and explain to the public why numerous anomalies took place in the DoJ during her watch.

Plan... From A9 “Bongbong will have been deemed to have abandoned his protest, just like Loren was deemed to have done to her case against Noli de Castro after she ran again for the Senate.” In an impeachment case, my source said, the people who want Robredo out will not have to wait for the resolution of an election protest. They will only attempt to impeach her in the House as soon as it is possible to do so and to elevate the case to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court. Sounds pretty complicated to me, I said. My friend disagreed. “All it takes is political determination, as Noynoy Aquino showed us,” he said. “You didn’t think it was possible to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona in the beginning, as I recall.” Oh, but I said, seeing an opening of my own, your whole plot will depend on Cayetano convincing Duterte to buy into it. It’s not going to happen if Digong puts his foot down and rains a torrent of invectives on Alan’s head. “But you are now discounting Cayetano’s deviousness and persistence,” was my friend’s retort. “Remember how Alan basically stalked Duterte to get chosen as Digong’s running mate—and how he is now blocking all attempts to get people identified with “AlDub” [the informal but very popular Duterte-Marcos pairing] appointed to high office?” Then I remembered how one AlDub adherent named by Digong to a lucrative post recently suddenly became the subject of seven white papers explaining why she was not fit for the post. And the white papers, people in the Duterte camp tell me, have all been traced to Cayetano and his minions. In the end, I had to agree: Leni Robredo should watch her back. Or as they say back in Naga City, “Loay-loay sana, manay.”

T ue s day : M ay 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

A12

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Spieth birdies last 3 to win WASHINGTON—Shaking off a Masters meltdown as he prepares to defend his US Open crown, world number two Jordan Spieth birdied the last three holes Sunday to win the Dean and Deluca Invitational. The 22-year-old Texan won his first home-state US PGA title in astonishing fashion, firing a fiveunder par 65 final round at Colonial to finish on 17-under 263 for a three-stroke victory. Spieth led last month’s Masters with nine holes remaining and appeared set for a second consecutive wire-to-wire victory at Augusta National, only to collapse on the back nine and hand England’s Danny Willett the green jacket, literally doing so at the award ceremony with a grim facial expression. “I knew it was going to be tough to put the Masters behind me,” Spieth said. “I don’t wish that

on anybody. It’s no fun out there when you hear people yelling, ‘Remember the Masters.’ “To get over that hurdle in our third tournament back says a lot about our character out there.” Since his major stumble, Spieth has battled back in May, missing the cut at the Players Championship and falling out of the hunt with a last-day fade at last week’s Byron Nelson Championship only to save his best for last at Fort Worth. “As much as you play it off, that’s a tough hump to get over, after Augusta,” Spieth said. Spieth, who defends his US Open title next month at Oakmont, curled in a 20-foot birdie putt at the par-3 16th Sunday to seize the lead for good, pumping his right fist with excitement. At 17, Spieth found the rough on his first two shots but chipped his third into the cup, a stun-

ning 42-foot pitch that brought a shocked smile to his face. To complete his closing hat trick, Spieth dropped a 34-foot birdie putt at 18 and raised in arms in celebration. “It was difficult to stay patient but that’s the thing we told ourselves to do,” Spieth said. Harris English fired a 66 to finish second on 266 with Ryan Palmer and Webb Simpson on 267 and Kyle Reifers fifth on 268. The only non-US player in the top 10 was India’s Anirban Lahiri, who shared sixth on 271 after a 68. Next week will see Spieth face top-ranked Jason Day of Australia and third-ranked Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland at the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial tournament. All three have built confidence with recent wins. AFP

Former WBO champ stops Pinoy boxer By Ronnie Nathanielsz FORMER World Boxing Organization minimum weight champion Kosei Tanaka scored a sixth-round technical knockout over the Philippines’ Rene Patilano in a 10-round non-title bout at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Japan. Boxing man Joe Koizumi, who once managed two-division world champion Luisito Espinosa, reported that Tanaka was “too fast and too ferocious” for Patalino, who is ranked No. 10 by the IBF, demolishing him at 2:23 of the sixth round. But it was by no means an easy fight as Patalino displayed a courageous heart in retaliating with some solid combinations against the fast-moving and swift punching former world champion Tanaka, who recently relinquished his 105-lb belt as he could no longer make the weight. Patalino was reportedly frustrated by the sharper jabs of Tanaka, which forced the Filipino to back pedal. However, at the start of Round 5, Patalino went for broke but Tanaka responded quickly and in the fatal sixth round, Tanaka swarmed all over the rapidly fading Filipino with a flurry of punches that sent him to the canvas on the seat of his trunks for the count.

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite—Rookie pro Jobim Carlos returns to resume his hunt not only for a breakthrough victory but also for a payback against the hottest player on the Philippine Golf Tour as the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational unfolds today (Tuesday, May 31) at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s Aoki course here. Carlos, who missed scoring his maiden win with a playoff setback to Clyde Mondilla at Eastridge three weeks ago, skipped the last leg at Calatagan, also ruled by Mondilla, but is confident of his chances this week over a course that requires length, accuracy and steady putting. “The course seems to fit my eye well,” said Carlos, who closed out with 67 and 69 here to finish fourth in the PGT QSchool last December. The former national champion drew a pair of long-hitting pros in Marvin Dumandan and Rufino Bayron in the 7:50 a.m. flight on No. 10 but if he plays true to form, he is expected to face Mondilla again in the last two rounds of the 72-hole championship sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

Aussie eyes Regent 5150 repeat win Volley queens. The RC Cola-Army A tandem of Nene Bautista (left, back row) and Jovelyn Gonzaga (right, back row) are shown after being declared the women’s division champions of the 2016 Philippine Superliga Challenge Cup beach volleyball tournament on Sunday at the SM By the Bay sand court at the Mall of Asia. PSL President Ramon Suzara (right, front row) presented the award, along with Accel representative Dang Navarro. ROMAN PROSPERO

Moreno, Mendiola, Ortiz fastest in Phoenix slalom JEVOY Moreno of AF Racing Team ruled the 2016 RACE Motorsports Club Phoenix National Slalom Series’ fifth leg Sunday at Malolos Sports and Convention Center. Moreno captured both the overall and front wheel best time of 47.04, with Dr. Peewee Mendiola placing second overall after suffering from a broken axle of his race car and had to use his teammate’s car. Mendiola also grabbed the rear wheel production best time of 47.44. Abet Reyes of Team Big Chill placed third with a time of 48.24, with Paolo Santos (48.78) and Dion Ortiz (49.20) finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Ortiz of AF Racing Team bagged the novice best Time of the day . Winners of the fourth leg got their awards while all class winners received four liters of Phoenix Accelerate fully synthetic motor oil. The 2016 Phoenix National Sla-

Carlos seeks payback

lom Series is powered by Phoenix Premium 98 and Phoenix Accelerate fully synthetic oil and co-sponsored by Federal Tyres, the official tires of the slalom series, Outlast Battery and Robinsons Malls. The event is also supported by Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter and Aeromed, media partners Stoplight TV, Inside Motoring, DZRJ-Am, Pinoy Speed sa mga Pahayagan and Spin.Ph Sports Interactive Network and C! Magazine, Ride and Drive Philippines, Targa Pilipinas and Auto Industriya. All events are sanctioned and affiliated by the Automobile Club of the Philippines. The sixth leg for the year will be on June 5 at Robinsons Sta Rosa. For details, contact Bing Bang Dulce at 09178119337 or email at racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com, like our FB page racemotorsportsclub and phoenixpetroleum.

Jevoy Moreno of AF Racing Team steers his car to both the overall and front wheel best time of 47.04 seconds in the Phoenix National Slalom Series.

All event pictures can be viewed at FB page of racemotorsportsclub. Official Results: Novice Modified A: 1st Dion Ortiz 49.20; 2nd Reden Dizon 50.86; 3rd Adriel Pacis 54.98 Novice Modified B: 1st Dion Ortiz 49.92; 2nd Reden Dizon 50.78;

3rd John Carlo Alvarez 54.80; 4th Ino Ortega 61.10 Novice Modified C: 1st Dion Ortiz 49.72; 2nd Reden Dizon 50.78; 3rd John Carlos Alvarez 53.70 Pro Stock A: 1st Dr. Peewee Mendiola 48.18; 2nd Abet Reyes; 48.24 3rd Richard Gallardo 49.22

TOWERING Aussie champ Sam Betten banners a crack field racing for top honors when 2016 Regent 5150 Triathlon – the local version of the world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon series – fires off June 5 in Subic. The 6-foot-4 Betten sets out to retain the male pro crown against compatriots Mitch Robins, winner of the first Safeguard 5150, and Dan Brown and Slovakia’s Michal Bucek in the race organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with the country’s leading snack manufacturing company, Regent Foods. Australia’s 2015 runnerup Dimity-Lee Duke aims to strike gold this time as she battles Kiwi Amelia Rose Watkinson and Aussie Michelle Duffield for the female pro crown, which is now an open race following the retirement of champ Belinda Granger from pro racing. Competitors in the Filipino elite male and female divisions and age-groupers also showcase their competitive spirit and skills in tackling the 1.5km open-water swim at the Acea Beach, 40km bike and 10km run along the undulating and hot roads of Subic Bay.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Please be informed that the following accountable forms of INVESTORS ASSURANCE CORPORATION (IAC) have been lost: TYPE OF POLICY

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5092981 5092989 5092991 5092996 5093005 5093015 5093020 5093024 5093026 5093037 5093060 5093072 5093089 5093117 5093153 5093160 5093180 5093191 5093215 5093230 5093235 5093243 5093247 5093702 5093709 5093712 5093722 5093753 5093755 5094146 5094564 5094568 5094604 5094617 5094654 5094671 5094673 5094675 5094677 5094679 5094687 5094691 5094698 5094708 5094733 5094744 5094746 5094801 5094823 5094864 5094878 5094894 5094905 5094922 5094928 5094933 5094938 5094946 5094982 5094996 5095023 5095050 5095051 5095105 5095109 5095112 5095116 5095131 5095145 5095153 5095179 5095190 5095199 5095205 5095232 5095250 5095257 5095288 5095294 5095296 5095298 5095301 5095354 5095360 5095392 5095400 5095403 5095409 5095437 5095801 5096501 5096603 5096801 5097013 5097040 5097043 5097046 5097049 5097052 5097055 5097066 5097071 5097075 5097337 5097576 5097580 5097876 5098180 5098225 CTPLCV - Commercial Vehicle CTPL Policy 14065 14069 14071 14072 14078 14085 14098 14100 14108 14192 14356 14394 14405 14443 15182 15616 15621 15633 15635 15639 17903 17914 17923 17925 18581 18588 18601 18613 18616 18651 18717 18803 18806 19501 19601 19901 20551 20751 20760 21026 21051 35110 35117 35120

5092981 5092989 5092991 5092996 5093005 5093015 5093020 5093024 5093026 5093037 5093061 5093072 5093091 5093117 5093158 5093171 5093186 5093200 5093216 5093232 5093236 5093243 5093248 5093702 5093710 5093716 5093751 5093753 5093800 5094146 5094564 5094600 5094614 5094617 5094661 5094671 5094673 5094675 5094677 5094683 5094687 5094692 5094698 5094709 5094742 5094744 5094753 5094821 5094860 5094876 5094891 5094894 5094919 5094925 5094931 5094936 5094940 5094974 5094983 5095016 5095048 5095050 5095101 5095105 5095109 5095112 5095121 5095134 5095150 5095177 5095185 5095191 5095200 5095207 5095232 5095251 5095259 5095292 5095294 5095296 5095299 5095350 5095358 5095390 5095392 5095401 5095404 5095432 5095450 5096000 5096600 5096750 5096850 5097013 5097040 5097043 5097046 5097049 5097052 5097056 5097066 5097073 5097075 5097337 5097578 5097580 5097910 5098180 5098225 14066 14069 14075 14075 14083 14094 14098 14100 14149 14192 14360 14394 14441 14450 15186 15616 15630 15633 15637 15640 17911 17922 17923 17950 18586 18589 18610 18613 18650 18715 18800 18803 18950 19550 19700 19907 20650 20755 20800 21029 21060 35110 35117 35120

CTPLEND - CTPL Endorsement 10152 10302 14501 14521 CTPLLTO - Land Transpo Oprtr CTPL Policy 22664 22668 22672 35154 35156 35162 35166 35182 35186 35199 35201 35208 35212 35220 35226 35232 35242 35244 36401 36801 38651 38657 39418 39432 39444 39460 39480 39486 39604 39609 39629 39645 39803 39815 39820 39829 39837 39841

10200 10302 14520 14525 22666 22670 22674 35154 35160 35163 35180 35184 35186 35199 35205 35208 35218 35224 35226 35238 35242 35250 36415 36809 38651 38700 39422 39441 39450 39460 39481 39500 39604 39617 39635 39650 39812 39817 39824 39835 39837 39842

39841 39844 39847 39954 39961 40105 41602 41609 41653 139412

39842 39845 39900 39959 40000 40600 41607 41651 41700 139416

CTPLMC - Motorcyle CTPL Policy 15349 15353 15360 18186 18200 18201 18203 18205 18217 18281 58229 58231 58251 58273 58277 58279 58283 58289 59213 59215 59218 59227 59234 59241 59246 59612 59657 59738 59748 63334 63339 63342 64101 64120 64128 64132 64143 64151 64162 64174 64177 64203 64211 64214 64220 64234 64299 64305 64311 64314 64322 64342 64379 64415 64420 64423 64437 64451 64466 64474 64478 64481 64491 64499 64501 64558 64562 64565 64569 64602 66153 66190 66205 66651 67455 68451 68827 68927

15350 15357 15400 18195 18200 18201 18203 18214 18254 18285 58229 58231 58269 58274 58277 58281 58283 58289 59213 59215 59220 59232 59237 59241 59250 59630 59657 59747 59750 63337 63339 63350 64118 64120 64128 64141 64147 64160 64162 64174 64200 64203 64212 64214 64220 64255 64299 64306 64312 64320 64340 64350 64380 64418 64420 64427 64439 64451 64471 64474 64478 64481 64494 64499 64550 64558 64562 64566 64600 64700 66176 66203 66250 66850 67463 68475 68828 68951

CTPLPC - Private Car CTPL Policy 60921 60927 60935 60937 60945 61258 61262 61267 61276 61278 61282 61285 61287 61290 61292 61295 61297 61324 61344 61348 61459 61463 61466 61476 61539 62219 62557 62619 66631 66633 66635 66651 66669 66676 66696 66701 66723 66725 66730 66733 66752 66765 66769 66777 66780 66790 66803 70351 70379 70398 70400 71004 71058 71182 71199 71208 71214 71224 71283 71346 71551 71764 71798 71804 71825 71852 71870 71889 71893 71899 71901 72101 72272 72284 72290 72451 72453 72459 72542 72824 72851 73651 73776 74001 74051 613389

60925 60931 60935 60939 60946 61258 61263 61274 61276 61280 61282 61285 61288 61290 61293 61295 61297 61341 61346 61350 61459 61463 61473 61500 61541 62219 62564 62619 66631 66633 66650 66665 66670 66677 66696 66721 66723 66728 66731 66744 66756 66767 66769 66777 66783 66800 66850 70366 70380 70398 70400 71053 71179 71194 71200 71208 71218 71224 71284 71346 71751 71764 71798 71804 71825 71865 71870 71889 71893 71899 72000 72250 72272 72288 72435 72451 72453 72497 72550 72826 73350 73675 73825 74024 74053 613400

CV - Commercial Vehicle Comprehensive 6085 6100 10351 10599 10626 12201 12209 12213 12258 12319 12360 12365 12368 12379 12382 12385 12389 12405 12452 12489

6085 6100 10353 10599 10650 12202 12209 12213 12260 12320 12362 12366 12376 12380 12382 12387 12401 12405 12465 12500

E1 - Fire Invoice E3 - Casualty Invoice

E4 - Bond Invoice

F - Fire Policy Set FEND - Fire Endorsement FID(1) - Fidelity Bond G(13) - Performance Bond

G(16) - Surety Bond

12551 12563 12583 12893

12561 12581 12600 12893

4402

4411

4639 4643 6812 7303 7305 8404 8951 9158 9160 9251 9259 9276 9280 9288 9293 9316 9558 9560 9651 9658 9663 9701 10014 10023

4640 4645 6812 7303 7306 8404 9050 9158 9184 9257 9260 9278 9285 9291 9296 9340 9558 9596 9655 9661 9689 9710 10018 10050

32719 32729 35052 35054 36737 36951 36955 39187 39190 42678 42689 43856 43900 45308 46765 46861 47675 47807 47853 47876 47959 47961 47964 47975 47978 47997 48001 48201 48287 48289 48515 48600 48651 48800 48881 48902 49238 49271 49355 49510 49511 49529 49532 49540 49620 49623 49627 49642 49881 49885 50230 50240 50264 50267 50281 50285 50290 51027 51161 51181 51193 51197 51209 51218 51220 51225 51265 51271 51281 51286 51297 51410 51458 51470 51479 51500 51533 51713 53941 53951 53990 53998 54027 54034 54091 54101 54295 54320 54326 54347 54923 54924 55201

32720 32729 35052 35054 36737 36953 36956 39187 39190 42679 42694 43856 43900 45308 46765 46861 47687 47850 47875 47889 47959 47961 47964 47975 47978 47997 48049 48250 48287 48289 48523 48600 48652 48800 48881 48902 49238 49271 49355 49510 49522 49529 49532 49540 49620 49623 49628 49650 49883 49885 50230 50240 50264 50267 50281 50285 50290 51027 51161 51181 51194 51207 51216 51218 51223 51231 51266 51272 51283 51295 51350 51410 51459 51470 51479 51500 51533 51713 53946 53984 53990 54000 54028 54050 54092 54150 54295 54323 54328 54347 54923 54950 55247

14361

14370

2451

3101

3110

14075 14804 16194 16251 16254 16281 16501 16600 16601 16609 16631 16633 16637 16701 16751 16955 16996 17101 17124 17140 17145 17150 17152 17481 17758 17776 17788 17800 17813 17817 17926 18099 18100 18111 18114 18314 18324 18954 19072 19093 19127 19131 19142 19148 19151 19229 19235 19301 19317 19522 21251 21553 23745 24502

14076 14804 16195 16251 16254 16281 16502 16600 16605 16628 16631 16634 16650 16738 16800 16955 17000 17115 17124 17141 17147 17150 17152 17481 17758 17779 17788 17804 17813 17829 17950 18099 18100 18112 18119 18314 18324 18954 19075 19094 19127 19131 19142 19150 19200 19233 19250 19315 19325 19522 21251 21553 23745 24502

14054 17457 18454 18842 19158

G(2) - Bidder’s Bond

19322 19375 19616 19624 19628 20107 20913 21704 21711 21716 21719 21736 21741 21743 21760 21901 21909 21914 21916 21921 21924 21932 21934 21937 21973 21976 21986 21993 21999 22045 22047 22523 22555 22742 22757 22770 22772 22783 22785 22792 22795 22901 22905 22911 22945 23051 23193 23198 23202 23747 23808 24174 24187 24190 24199 24220 24454 24457 24459 25147 25164 25188 25380 25383 25385 25400 25431 25453 25461 25471 25504 25519 26265 26739 27054 27070

19324 19375 19616 19624 19628 20109 20913 21705 21711 21716 21719 21736 21741 21750 21760 21905 21910 21914 21916 21921 21927 21932 21934 21937 21974 21976 21986 21993 22000 22045 22048 22523 22557 22742 22761 22770 22772 22783 22788 22792 22795 22902 22905 22921 22960 23100 23193 23198 23327 23748 23808 24174 24187 24190 24199 24220 24454 24457 24459 25147 25164 25188 25380 25383 25385 25400 25450 25457 25461 25500 25506 25520 26265 26739 27054 27070

15897 17086 17093 20165 20497 20519 20810 20901 20922 20951 20953 20993 21033 21035 21042 21229 21261 21278 21290 21456 21782 21784 21802 21840 21850 21857 22026 22076 22079 22081 22086 22373 22379 22391 22862 22865 22901 23051 23156 23170

15897 17086 17093 20168 20498 20519 20810 20905 20922 20951 20991 21000 21033 21038 21047 21248 21261 21279 21290 21456 21782 21784 21802 21840 21850 21879 22032 22076 22079 22081 22086 22374 22387 22393 22862 22900 23000 23059 23156 23170

GPA - Group PA Insurance Policy 2176 2196 JCL(7) - Heir’s Bond (Two Years) JCR(2) - Personal Bail Bond

2185 2205

674

700

13579

MCEND - Motor Car Endorsement 5104 5106 5124 5134 5151 5527 5701 5828

5104 5108 5133 5134 5200 5550 5720 5828

MCY - Motorcycle Comprehensive 4209 6502

4250 6502

ORGA - Official Receipt (for TPL Use Only) 177401 178051 179701 179851 180601 181801 182401 182901 191141 191666 192266 192941 193616

177404 178550 179850 180300 181050 182400 182800 182950 191665 191815 192440 193115 193690

ORHO - Official Receipt (for General Use) 218771 218902 218908 218915 218918 218927 218930 218946 218949 218960 218967 218973 218994 218999 220053 220065 220109 220116 220127 220166 220170 220205 220235 221491 222155 222162 222177 222206 222209 222212 222217 222229 222232 222236 222243 222245 222247 222250 222255 222382 222751 222753

218771 218906 218909 218915 218918 218928 218930 218946 218950 218964 218968 218973 218995 218999 220053 220065 220112 220116 220127 220166 220170 220207 220235 221491 222156 222162 222177 222206 222209 222213 222217 222229 222234 222239 222243 222245 222247 222252 222379 222400 222751 222753

222785 223401 223854 223863 223875 224003 224010 224013 224015 224020 224028 224031 224038 224041 224047 224082 224085 224090 224092 224095 224220 224258 224309 224347 224412 224417 224434 224438 224442 224503 224513 224651 224670 224684 224751 224815 224836 224867 224883 224892 224897 224900 224906 224911 224929 224937 224942 225251 225368 225378 225387 225501 226404 226406 226437 226713 226753 226756 226759 226767 226773 226776 226794 226797 227023 227058 227112 227129 227132 227166 227177 227182 227184 227186 227190 227194 227659 227682 227703 227722 227730 227737 228548 228587 228594 228751 229357 229364 229370 229377 229385 229388 229394 229714 229719 229725 229733 229742 229748 229768 229771 229787 229797 230001 230401 230406 230412 230424 230432 230443 230449 230465 230485 230751 230754 230772 230777 230781 230785 230807 231306 231314 231316 231319 231329 231751 231807 231851 232852 232856 232858 232862 232874 233351 233377 233388 233601 233933 233934 234503 245410 245412 245415 245417 245419 245423 245425 245430 245435 245437

222786 223500 223854 223863 223875 224004 224010 224013 224015 224020 224028 224031 224038 224041 224080 224083 224086 224090 224093 224100 224220 224259 224309 224347 224412 224417 224434 224438 224444 224504 224514 224652 224671 224700 224800 224815 224836 224868 224883 224892 224897 224901 224906 224911 224929 224937 224942 225300 225375 225385 225400 225550 226404 226406 226437 226713 226753 226756 226759 226768 226774 226776 226794 226797 227050 227109 227125 227129 227150 227166 227177 227182 227184 227186 227192 227196 227659 227682 227703 227722 227730 227737 228548 228587 228594 228850 229358 229364 229375 229380 229385 229391 229400 229714 229723 229725 229735 229745 229750 229769 229772 229789 229800 230050 230403 230410 230417 230425 230432 230443 230449 230465 230485 230752 230754 230772 230777 230781 230801 230850 231306 231314 231316 231319 231329 231805 231850 231900 232854 232856 232858 232871 232900 233375 233380 233400 233601 233933 233934 234503 245410 245413 245415 245417 245419 245426 245425 245431 245435 245445

ORHOMOR - Official Receipt (MOR) 218860 219070 219076

219065 219071 219109

PA - Personal Accident

PC - Private Car Comprehensive

3651 3761 5041 5101 5713 13850

3700 3780 5050 5115 5716 13850

1309 8576 8597 8651 10614 11318 11326 11333 11336 11356 11364 11382 11552 11555 13106 13107 13118 13120 13125 13132 13137 13812 13817 13858 13873 13956 14059

1312 8577 8600 8652 10615 11321 11330 11333 11352 11361 11378 11400 11554 11556 13105 13116 13118 13120 13130 13135 13150 13814 13821 13860 13890 13980 14080

T UESDAY : M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

A15

Tabal makes Rio games cut, but... By Peter Atencio

CEBUANA runner Mary Joy Tabal, who quit the national team last December to train on her own, made the cut to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Tabal, representing Cebu City, clocked two hours, 43 minutes and 31 seconds, to finish eighth overall in the women’s division of the 2016 Scotia Bank Marathon in Ottawa last Sunday(Monday morning in Manila). She became the second Filipino trackster to hit the Olympic qualifying standard, which was reset from 2:42 to 2:45 last December. The 26-year-old Tabal surpassed the national record which Jhoann Banayag set in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games at 2:44.2. Her efforts surprised the Philippine Athletics Track and Field

Association, and Tabal will need to seek reinstatement with the national team to be able to make it the Olympiad. PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico congratulated Tabal for her performance, saying they are now in the process of verifying her time with tournament officials. They will also inform the International Amateur Athletic Federation of this development. Juico added that Tabal needs to follow the proper procedure to be able to join the national contingent to the Rio Games. “She has nothing to represent.

She is not part of the national team because she resigned last December. So she has to write a letter to us and apply for reinstatement,” said Juico. Tabal joined sprinter Eric Cray as the only other legitimate qualifier to the Games. This also put in doubt long jumper Marestella Torres-Sunang’s own bid to go to the Games. Juico explained that TorresSunang’s named was entered under the presumption that there was no other qualifier in the women’s division. “Mag-iiba na naman. I don’t know what will happen (to Marestella) and what we can do in one and a half month’s time,” added Juico. Tabal’s feat comes some 13 days before the final qualification date for the Rio Games, which ends on July 11.

Cignal turns back B Fresh in 5 Game tomorrow 1 p.m. • Sta. Elena vs Air Force

CIGNAL leaned on the hardspiking duo of Ysay Marasigan and Raymark Woo as it outhit Bounty Fresh in the decider to pull off a 25-18, 23-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10 victory yesterday to join Instituto Estetico Manila in the early lead in the Spiker’s Turf Season 2 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City. Marasigan and Woo, former collegiate rivals for Ateneo and La Salle, respectively, took turns on the firing end and finished with 20 and 14 hits, respectively, including a combined 28 on kills to help propel the HD Spikers to the victory while setting in motion their bid for a second straight title after winning the Reinforced Conference late last year. Marasigan and Woo also

anchored Cignal’s net defense as they combined for six of the team’s 12 blocks, four times more than their rivals. “I’m happy they’ve played well together even though they were rivals in college,” said Cignal coach Michael Carino, who also drew 13 and 11 points from Herschel Ramos and Edmar Bonono, respectively. Carino also made mention of his squad’s need to minimize their errors after the HD Spikers ended up with 41 as against the Fresh Spikers’ 34. “It almost cost us this game and we really need to do something about it,” said Carino. Four players also churned out double-digit scores for Bounty Fresh with Jason Sarabia and Romnick Rico putting in 15 hits apiece and Jeric Gacutan and Michael Bagalay backing them up with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Air Force’s Joy Cases (12) soars for a kill against BaliPure’s Janine Marciano during their Shakey’s V-League showdown at The Arena.

Huey, partner fall in quarterfinals FILIPINO-AMERICAN Treat Huey and Belarusian Max Mirnyi reached the third round of the 2016 French Open doubles’ competition at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. The 10th-seeded Huey and Mirnyi then fell to a 4-6, 4-6 setback to French duo Julien Benneteau and Edouard Roger Vasselin. Earlier, they whipped Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania and Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic in a 6-3, 6-4 win in the second round.

Earlier, Huey and Slovenian partner Andreja Klepac prevailed in their first partnership in the mixed doubles, stopping Oksana Kalashnikova of Georgia and veteran Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands, 6-4, 6-4. They are set to face fifth seeds Bruno Soares of Brazil and Elena Vesnina of Russia, who pulled of a 6-4, 6-2 win over American Abigail Spears and Colombian Juan Sebastian. Huey and Klepac are also assured of 8,500 Euros. Peter Atencio

Romero at PSA Forum

Should you have any of the foregoing IAC forms in your possession, please coordinate with our office immediately and bring the said form/s to our office within thirty (30) days from the date of this publication, for possible replacement of the form/s or reimbursement of payments, if warranted. IAC reserves the right to require presentation of other adequate proof of issuance and/or payment in addition to the presentation of the original form/s. INVESTORS ASSURANCE CORPORATION Unit 1/20th Floor, BDO Plaza, Paseo de Roxas near cor. Makati Avenue, Makati City 1200 Tel Nos.: (632) 822-4000 / 822-5000 / 891-0994 / 891-0996 / 891-0976 (TS-MAY 31, 2016)

NEWLY elected party list representative Mikee Romero will discuss his platforms and programs when he appears as the special guest today in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate. The team owner of the Globalport franchise in the PBA, Romero was the no. 1 nominee of the party list One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals or 1-Pacman, which received 1,637, 795 votes in the last national elections. Romero has long been advocating for the creation of a Department of Sports. The opening half of the session aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., features the national karate team, which recently competed in the Vietnam Open.

LOTTO RESULTS 6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

P0 M+ P0 M

T U E S DAY : M AY 3 1 , 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 Murray, Wawrinka make last 8 Britain’s Andy Murray returns the ball to US player John Isner during their men’s fourth round match at the Roland Garros 2016 French Tennis Open in Paris. AFP

PARIS—World number two Andy Murray and defending champion Stan Wawrinka reached the French Open quarter-finals Sunday as Richard Gasquet kept alive hopes of a first home triumph in 33 years by knocking out Japan’s Kei Nishikori. Murray made the last-eight for the sixth time with a 7-6 (11/9), 6-4, 6-3 win over John Isner of the United States. The 29-year-old, a three-time semi-finalist, will face Gasquet, the last French player standing, in the last-eight. Murray has a 7-3 career lead over the 29-year-old Gasquet, including wins at Roland Garros in 2010 and 2012. Gasquet outplayed fifth seed Nishikori 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

The ninth seed had trailed Nishikori 2-4 early in the first set, but after an hour-long rain delay, he won nine out of the next 10 games to turn the match on its head. “I started badly, but everyone helped me and it was difficult for Nishikori to play against that,” he said. “He re-started badly (after the rain) and that gave me confidence to play my game and go for my shots.” The last French winner of the men’s singles title at Roland Garros

was Yannick Noah in 1983. Murray will be playing in his 20th quarter-final at the last 21 majors after braving an Isner storm in the first set where he faced down three set points in the tie-breaker. Isner was bidding to become the first American man in the lasteight in Paris since Andre Agassi in 2003. Rain delay Having not allowed Murray a single break point, the 31-year-old squandered the three set points before the British star pounced to pocket the opener. Rain forced the pair off Suzanne Lenglen court for an hour with Murray 2-1 ahead in the second set before Isner was broken for the first time in the 10th game. Murray broke for 3-1 in the

Football festival lures over 500 participants By Homer Vidal THE 20th Alaska Football Power Camps, for boys and girls 3 to 18 years old, concluded over the weekend at the Alabang Country Club Fields with the Alaska Summer Football Festival. Boys and girls from all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces—including students of Sampaloc National High School in Tanay, Rizal and other public schools— joined the camps. They had a fun-filled and productive summer learning the most important aspects of the sport.

Over 500 participants from the camps competed against players of their agegroup and skill level during the festival. Blen Fernando, Alaska Milk Marketing Director said the Alaska Football Power camp teaches participants the basics of football and also instills the value of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and determination. “Our Alaska Football Power Camp furthers our commitment to nation building through professionally run programs which help the youth de-

velop physically, emotionally and adopt proper values such as hard work and integrity,” said Fernando. Former Real Madrid professional Spanish football player and founder-director of Makati Football School Tomas Lozano led a competent team of football coaches in teaching the most important aspects of the sport during the camps held April and May. There were five Alaska Football Power Camps, hosted by the Makati Football School and Alabang Football School, held the past summer.

third while Isner clung on saving two more break points in the sixth game. But the world number two wrapped up victory—and his sixth win in six clashes with the big American—with his ninth ace of the tie. Isner was undone by Murray’s superior returning which contributed to his 57 unforced errors. Murray said he had wanted the match halted earlier as the rain made conditions dangerous. “I know it’s difficult sometimes when the right time to stop is, but I think on clay courts that the players really need to be the ones that kind of decide that,” he said. “If they don’t feel comfortable then you have to stop, because it’s a surface if you get that wrong you can hurt yourself.”

Wawrinka, the third seed, saw off Serbia’s Viktor Troicki 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (7/9), 6-3, 6-2 for his 11th straight win in the year’s second Grand Slam. He will next face a Spanish left-hander who isn’t named Rafael Nadal after unheralded Albert Ramos-Vinolas reached his first Grand Slam last-eight with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Canadian eighth seed Milos Raonic. Sunday was a fifth win in five meetings for Wawrinka over Serbia’s Troicki whose challenge fizzled out following a right thigh injury at 4-1 down in the third set. “It was far from easy with tough conditions—heavy and cold, but I am happy to have come through it,” 31-year-old Wawrinka said. AFP

Maria Esmeralda Mendoza (left) bursts past two defenders on her way to another goal. Mendoza, incoming Grade 10 student at La Salle Zobel, was named Most Valuable Player for girls during the festival.

TUESDAY: MAY 31, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

PLDT sells 25% stake in Meralco

PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan (left) and head of regulatory affairs Ray Espinosa talk to reporters in a news briefing in Makati City regarding the acquisition of San Miguel’s telecom business. PLDT and Globe Telecom are each taking a 50-percent stake in San Miguel’s Vega Telecom Inc. in a deal valued at P70 billion.

San Miguel fetches P70b for telco assets

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SAN Miguel Corp. fetched P70 billion for its telecommunication assets which it sold to the duopoly of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Globe Telecom Inc.

PLDT and Globe said Monday they jointly acquired 100-percent equity interest in San Miguel’s Vega Telecom Inc. for P52.08 billion and the assumption of P17.02 billion of liabilities. Vega owns an 87-percent stake in Liberty Telecom Holdings Inc., the unit formed by San Miguel. Vega also owns direct and indirect stakes in companies including Bell Telecommunication Philippines Inc., Eastern Telecom Philippines Inc., Express Telecom and Tori Spectrum. They will pay P897 million more for New Century Telecoms Inc. and eTelco, Inc. PLDT and Globe are each taking a 50-percent stake in the business and saw their shares soar after the announcement. PLDT’s share price jumped 9.1 percent to P1,901 Monday, while Globe Telecom Inc. climbed 5.6 percent to P2,310. San Miguel Corp. advanced 5.8 percent to P80.30, while unit Liberty Telecom Holdings plunged 19.6 percent to P3.62. San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the company decided to sell its telecom business after the collapse of talks with Telstra Corp. of Australia due to commercial and legal risks. “This is a sacrifice we have to make to finally unlock the full potential of our highquality mobile, mobile broadband spectrum faster and allow consumers to its benefits through the combined resources, network and expertise of the two carriers,” Ang said. San Miguel earlier said it would offer very fast mobile broadband service in the Philippines this year, using the 700-megahertz bandwidth, which both PLDT and Globe also took interest in.

PLDT and Globe would have a 50-50 ownership structure of Vega Telecom and other telecom assets of San Miguel. The equity portion will be paid in three tranches, with the first payment of 50 percent made upon signing and the second payment of 25 percent six months later. The final 25 percent would be paid 12 months after first payment. The liabilities of P17.5 billion will be assumed by PLDT and Globe upon signing. PLDT and Globe will fund the accession through debt and internal cash. “San Miguel wanted to divest from telco business while we were keen on acquiring it. It was just mutual,” PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters in a news briefing in Makati City. Pangilinan said the transaction offered a breakthrough opportunity not only for the companies involved but also for the industry and the country. “This will enable existing operators to provide significantly improved Internet and data services to the public and to our customers in the shortest possible time,” he said. Pangilinan said he expected to improve the company’s mobile broadband service in six months as PLDT could now access much-needed frequencies, especially the 700 megahertz. “For us, we will make it affordable pricing,” he said. Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said

the company signed the deal as a solution to harmonize the spectrum assets in the county and immediately unlock the benefits of the underutilized frequencies.

PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. on Monday revised upward its core income guidance this year after selling some of its stake in Beacon Electric Assets Holdings. “We are prepared to revise our core income for 2016 to P30 billion from P28 billion [because] there will be some gains from Beacon transactions,” PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters Monday. PLDT Communications and Energy Ventures Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. on Monday signed a sales purchase agreement for the latter to acquire a further 25 percent stake in Beacon for P26.2 billion. Beacon owns 35 percent of Manila Electric Co. and 56 percent of Global Business Power Corp., a unit of GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon Geroge Ty. The purchase will be settled in a cash payment of P17 billion, with the balance of P9 billion to be paid over the next four years. Upon completion of the purchase, MPIC will continue to own a direct 15 percent interest in Meralco and through its 75-percent interest in Beacon, a further 26 percent, thereby taking its effective ownership interest in Meralco to 41.2 percent and in Global Power to 42 percent directly and about 9.1 percent indirectly through Meralco. PCEV’s interest in Meralco will be reduced to an effective interest of 8.7 percent. There will be no change in the aggregate interest of MPIC, PCEV and Beacon in Meralco, which remains at 49.96 percent. Darwin G. Amojelar

TUESDAY: MAY 31, 2016

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Monday, May 30, 2016

52 Weeks

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 0.92 2.6 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 0.74 1.02 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 148 20.6 85 36 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 79 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 0.62 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 7.34 1450 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 1.3 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 32 15.32 20.2 10.08 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 34.1 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 0.335 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 1.65 5.9 801 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 0.640 1.2

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 76 6.5 5.29 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 0.0670 2.31 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 49.55 3.43 3 4.84 0.59 12 4.2 0.030 1.23 0.550 2.26 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96

6.74 12 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.94 3.66 46.05 45 104.20 100.70 95.00 94.50 38.4 38 2.92 2.92 1.50 1.43 14.3 14.26 17.34 17.1 0.73 0.73 1.84 1.83 607.00 607.00 0.570 0.550 86 84.6 0.94 0.94 14.90 14.90 50.00 49.70 102.3 96.4 262 260.6 31.85 31.6 200 194.7 1400.00 1401.00 64.50 64.15 1.54 1.54 INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp. 45.45 47 45.45 Agrinurture Inc. 3.4 3.49 3.35 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.9 0.9 0.89 Alsons Cons. 1.91 1.99 1.88 Asiabest Group 12.38 12.38 11.96 C. Azuc De Tarlac 200.00 200.00 200.00 Century Food 21.8 21.95 21 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 190 200 189 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 17.48 17.3 16.9 Crown Asia 2.18 2.19 2.15 Da Vinci Capital 4.62 4.77 4.62 Del Monte 10.78 10.84 10.78 DNL Industries Inc. 9.600 9.760 9.580 Emperador 7.39 7.46 7.21 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.66 5.73 5.60 EEI 7.40 7.40 7.28 First Gen Corp. 22.45 23.1 22.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 68 68.7 67.7 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 12.50 12.50 12.50 Holcim Philippines Inc. 15.04 15.24 14.98 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.75 5.75 5.7 2.150 Ionics Inc 2.260 2.260 Jollibee Foods Corp. 236.60 238.20 236.80 Liberty Flour 43.00 43.90 43.90 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.3 3.38 3.2 Manila Water Co. Inc. 27.2 27.85 27 Maxs Group 24.5 26.65 23.95 Megawide 6.67 6.71 6.65 Mla. Elect. Co À’ 301.80 307.00 300.20 MG Holdings 0.280 0.275 0.275 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.39 3.48 3.39 Petron Corporation 11.50 11.50 11.40 Phil H2O 3.07 3.07 3.07 Phinma Corporation 11.62 11.64 11.52 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 5.21 5.21 5.03 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.63 1.72 1.63 Pryce Corp. À’ 2.7 2.79 2.68 RFM Corporation 4.25 4.25 4.20 Roxas and Co. 2.3 2.31 2.31 Roxas Holdings 4.49 4.42 4.42 San Miguel ‘Pure Foods À’ 220 217 216.4 Splash Corporation 2.5 2.53 2.5 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.153 0.153 0.151 2.00 2.08 1.81 TKC Steel Corp. Trans-Asia Oil 2.52 2.53 2.48 Universal Robina 201.8 201.8 194.6 Vitarich Corp. 0.9 0.91 0.88 Vulcan Ind’l. 1.26 1.26 1.25 HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. À’ 0.425 0.430 0.410 Aboitiz Equity 75.90 78.00 75.90 Alliance Global Inc. 15.30 15.80 15.24 Anglo Holdings A 1.12 1.19 1.13 ATN Holdings A 0.380 0.390 0.370 ATN Holdings B 0.380 0.380 0.370 Ayala Corp À’ 831 836 825.5 Cosco Capital 7.75 7.8 7.7 DMCI Holdings 12.60 12.82 12.60 F&J Prince ‘A’ 5.1 5.1 5.1 Filinvest Dev. Corp. 6.40 6.40 6.33 Forum Pacific 0.231 0.245 0.231 GT Capital 1440 1454 1430 JG Summit Holdings 82.70 83.80 82.70 Jolliville Holdings 4 4.45 4.45 Keppel Holdings À’ 5.2 5.2 5.2 Lopez Holdings Corp. 7.94 7.94 7.8 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.69 0.7 0.69 LT Group 14.06 14.24 13.9 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.99 6.22 6 Pacifica À’ 0.0320 0.0320 0.0320 1.280 Prime Media Hldg 1.290 1.310 Prime Orion 1.820 1.870 1.790 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.65 2.66 2.66 San Miguel Corp À’ 75.90 80.70 75.90 Seafront À’ 2.25 2.24 2.14 SM Investments Inc. 966.00 966.50 950.00 Solid Group Inc. 1.19 1.20 1.18 South China Res. Inc. 0.90 0.83 0.80 Top Frontier 166.000 182.000 166.000 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3200 0.3200 0.3150 Wellex Industries 0.2030 0.2140 0.2030 Zeus Holdings 0.340 0.340 0.325 PROPERTY 8990 HLDG 7.800 7.950 7.800 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 7.01 6.70 6.70 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.19 1.18 1.16 Araneta Prop À’ 2.400 2.740 2.400 Arthaland Corp. 0.270 0.260 0.255 Ayala Land `B’ 36.850 37.100 36.650 Belle Corp. À’ 3.32 3.31 3.2 Century Property 0.520 0.52 0.500 City & Land Dev. 0.98 0.98 0.98 Cityland Dev. À’ 1.010 1.000 0.990 Crown Equities Inc. 0.129 0.136 0.129 Cyber Bay Corp. 0.520 0.540 0.510 Double Dragon 53 52.95 52.15 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 First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings 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 12,045,991 152,367,429 1,403,367,429 97,172,135 127,785,939 885,665,699 2,684,046,500

3.81 46.2 104.00 95.00 38.2 2.95 1.43 14.26 17.3 0.7 1.83 607.00 0.570 85 0.96 14.90 50.25 102.3 262 31.8 196.6 1410.00 64.15 1.56

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.66 45 102.70 94.90 38.2 2.92 1.48 14.26 17.14 0.73 1.83 607.00 0.550 86 0.94 14.90 49.85 102 260.6 31.8 196 1400.00 64.30 1.54

-3.94 -2.60 -1.25 -0.11 0.00 -1.02 3.50 0.00 -0.92 4.29 0.00 0.00 -3.51 1.18 -2.08 0.00 -0.80 -0.29 -0.53 0.00 -0.31 -0.71 0.23 -1.28

252,000 76,400 1,630,810 793,180 44,200 1,000 94,000 1,300 80,900 1,000 17,000 240 483,000 2,917,380 63,000 33,200 192,360 2,260 1,390 47,000 3,602,640 565 20,900 35,000

46.5 3.38 0.89 1.99 12.1 200.00 21.35 198.9 16.9 2.16 4.76 10.82 9.750 7.45 5.65 7.32 23 68 12.50 15.10 5.75 2.190 237.60 43.90 3.38 27.15 26.5 6.65 301.00 0.275 3.39 11.50 3.07 11.64 5.20 1.69 2.68 4.20 2.31 4.42 217 2.5 0.152 1.88 2.52 198.5 0.9 1.25

2.31 -0.59 -1.11 4.19 -2.26 0.00 -2.06 4.68 -3.32 -0.92 3.03 0.37 1.56 0.81 -0.18 -1.08 2.45 0.00 0.00 0.40 0.00 -3.10 0.42 2.09 2.42 -0.18 8.16 -0.30 -0.27 -1.79 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.17 -0.19 3.68 -0.74 -1.18 0.43 -1.56 -1.36 0.00 -0.65 -6.00 0.00 -1.64 0.00 -0.79

3,768,600 685,000 12,000 88,070,000 12,100 50 358,000 510 302,600 697,000 325,000 11,900 1,817,400 993,100 24,740,000 72,300 5,329,900 39,420 3,000 179,700 100,700 3,683,000 245,260 100 34,000 877,800 1,328,400 204,800 699,050 50,000 302,000 1,970,600 3,000 800 485,800 568,000 110,000 99,000 170,000 14,000 560 25,000 1,170,000 5,117,000 346,000 2,384,320 1,936,000 356,000

0.420 78.00 15.50 1.18 0.380 0.380 830.5 7.7 12.66 5.1 6.40 0.245 1450 83.15 4.45 5.2 7.89 0.69 14.2 6.05 0.0320 1.280 1.800 2.66 80.30 2.24 950.00 1.19 0.83 180.000 0.3150 0.2120 0.330

-1.18 2.77 1.31 5.36 0.00 0.00 -0.06 -0.65 0.48 0.00 0.00 6.06 0.69 0.54 11.25 0.00 -0.63 0.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 -0.78 -1.10 0.38 5.80 -0.44 -1.66 0.00 -7.78 8.43 -1.56 4.43 -2.94

1,910,000 1,727,010 6,309,900 35,000 5,740,000 11,190,000 355,520 243,300 3,773,200 200 76,800 150,000 68,365 4,877,570 10,000 9,400 779,800 152,000 1,712,200 41,942,900 9,600,000 16,000 627,000 2,000 2,128,260 12,000 257,300 81,000 34,000 25,910 2,580,000 410,000 4,930,000

7.930 6.70 1.16 2.520 0.255 36.800 3.2 0.520 0.98 1.000 0.134 0.540 52.45

1.67 -4.42 -2.52 5.00 -5.56 -0.14 -3.61 0.00 0.00 -0.99 3.88 3.85 -1.04

127,000 3,000 656,000 16,046,000 1,700,000 6,766,900 3,267,000 3,796,000 17,000 21,000 10,550,000 3,027,000 1,277,140

2,517,520.00 6,174,853 -23,961,162.50 -183,360.00

-178,000.00

-51,920,293.00 -8,760,213.50 14,460.00 -65,450.00 12,735 367,338,410.00 -294,000.00

63,792,645.00 7,973,400.00 -948,905.00

50,370.00 7,909,176.00 -2,742,226.00 -6,320,163.00 10.00 50,054,360.00 -392,335.00 -377,980.00 -3,050.00 14,593,328.00 -14,384,145.00 11,221,300.00 -360,133.00 57,273,190.00 3,400.00 238,868.00 -184,600.00 -50,560.00 -106,180.00

258,190.00 124,000.00 -170,730,018.00 43,000.00

32,213,276.50 2,058,240.00

8,272,610.00 246,924.00 -5,289,624.00 103,900.00 -7,148,890.00 -82,959,245.50 -807,198.00 686,772.00 33,056,967.00 278,400.00 -135,000.00 -22,163,177.50 1,790,600.00 -8,794.00

228,065.00 -20,100.00 -1,564,960.00 -22,234,930.00 1,970,210.00 -107,610.00 -104,800.00 -1,080.00 2,572,408.50

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

High

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.83 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 23 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

Empire East Land 0.810 Global-Estate 0.97 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.94 Interport `A’ 1.27 Megaworld 4.4 MRC Allied Ind. 0.094 Phil. Estates Corp. 0.2900 Phil. Realty `A’ 0.460 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 48.00 Primex Corp. 8.5 Robinson’s Land `B’ 29.00 Rockwell 1.59 Shang Properties Inc. 3.13 SM Prime Holdings 24.80 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.9 Starmalls 6.4 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 1.040 Vista Land & Lifescapes 4.960

-1.23 2.06 0.52 0.79 -1.36 0.00 0.00 1.09 -1.04 1.06 -0.34 -3.14 0.32 -0.81 3.33 0.00 -2.88 1.81

418,000 2,270,000 11,972,000 396,000 16,680,000 890,000 60,000 60,000 41,400 94,100 1,815,000 59,000 107,000 6,702,400 2,065,000 4,600 501,000 5,762,000

10.5 66 1.44 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 0.017

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

0.8200 2.2800 5.93

0.041 1.200 2.34

12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 95.5 1 15.2

6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 3.1 0.650 6

1.040 22.8 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp. Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils. Yehey

0.00 0.00 0.78 1.61 -3.68 1.68 0.00 0.66 -0.90 0.00 -1.10 3.73 13.92 5.58 -0.76 -4.24 2.99 1.73 -3.51 0.00 0.21 -4.41 -2.35 -5.08 7.14 -0.52 -19.56 2.68 -0.73 0.00 1.72 1.27 0.25 -10.42 0.11 -0.99 -0.41 0.00 0.00 9.13 2.56 0.00 0.60 0.00 -0.79 1.45 1.72 -1.19 -5.56 -1.90

43,200 109,550 62,000 518,000 76,100 2,553,000 10,410,000 493,000 603,950 4,400 26,000 382,900 89,000 72,795 121,000 267,000 1,026,130 45,300 10,100 7,000,000 750,000 24,560,000 1,800,000 52,000 175,400 64,700 27,365,000 21,000 759,000 600 11,000 2,599,000 940,000 32,997,000 3,100 2,900 80,000 8,870 58,200 507,435 420,000 4,706,000 424,200 239,560 164,500 3,714,000 355,000 292,000 340,000 22,200

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

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

2.38 -0.43 -0.45 -1.23 0.43 -2.50 -2.94 -1.92 0.22 -1.11 0.00 -4.23 1.85 0.00 -12.50 -1.05 0.45 -2.28 0.00 0.00 2.04 -3.59 1.80 7.69 0.78 0.25 9.09

715,000,000 -58,800.00 99,000 49,000 -8,800.00 3,500 90,000 15,500 121,000 256,000 -32,000.00 2,700 10,354,000 391,060.00 70,000 38,470,000 1,020,000 15,200,000 57,100,000 45,000.00 773,000 3,526,000 -3,167,390.00 58,000 76,000 30,480.00 5,400,000 12,000,000 810,300 42,000.00 2,511,000 153,330.00 1,200,000 430,540 -5,696,674.00 486,000 20,400,000

70 553 525 118 120 8.21 111 1060

33 490 500 101 101.5 5.88 101 997

1047

1011

78.95 84.8

74.5 75

1.34

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen F First Gen G GMA Holdings Inc. MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred H Swift Pref

-0.69 -0.56 0.00 -1.20 1.19 -5.69 0.19 -1.71 0.47 -0.10 -0.47 0.00 -0.63 0.00 0.13 -6.13

303,610 5,900 1,250 80 72,600 10,000 1,000 100 20 100 4,000 5,000 500 22,850 41,000 23,000

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

-1.36

69,000

-1.42 -1.02 2.74

2,340,000 72,000 2,970,200

-7,057,882.00

0.49

103,770

-1,220.00

Alterra Capital Italpinas Xurpas

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,687.47 (DOWN) 3.54 INDUSTRIAL 11,691.28 (DOWN) 2.04 HOLDING FIRMS 7,443.19 (UP) 29.32 PROPERTY 3,191.44 (DOWN) 13.76 SERVICES 1,530.53 (UP) 67.41 MINING & OIL 11,120.45 (DOWN) 62.45 PSEI 7,464.34 (UP) 52.66 All Shares Index 4,459.81 (UP) 24.62 Gainers: 85; Losers: 104; Unchanged: 45; Total: 234

0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 27 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.810 0.800 0.800 1.00 0.96 0.99 1.95 1.91 1.95 1.29 1.27 1.28 4.42 4.3 4.34 0.096 0.092 0.094 0.2900 0.2600 0.2900 0.465 0.465 0.465 53.00 44.00 47.50 8.59 8.53 8.59 29.00 28.60 28.90 1.6 1.52 1.54 3.14 3.07 3.14 24.80 24.25 24.60 0.93 0.9 0.93 6.4 6 6.4 1.030 1.010 1.010 5.080 4.960 5.050 SERVICES 7.31 7.49 7.31 7.31 50.95 51.4 50.9 50.95 1.28 1.29 1.29 1.29 0.620 0.630 0.610 0.630 11.42 11.1 11 11 4.16 4.23 4.12 4.23 0.0530 0.0530 0.0520 0.0530 3.01 3.05 3 3.03 94.85 96 93 94 9.55 9.55 9.18 9.55 1.82 1.8 1.8 1.8 6.70 7.05 6.85 6.95 3.88 4.60 3.88 4.42 2188 2330 2212 2310 6.59 6.55 6.45 6.54 1.18 1.20 1.13 1.13 58.5 60.8 58.55 60.25 15.04 15.80 14.80 15.30 11.98 11.56 11.52 11.56 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 9.62 9.65 9.50 9.64 0.340 0.340 0.325 0.325 1.7000 1.7100 1.6600 1.6600 2.56 2.45 2.43 2.43 11.48 12.5 11.22 12.3 7.74 7.74 7.53 7.70 4.50 5.05 3.60 3.62 1.12 1.15 1.12 1.15 2.73 2.71 2.50 2.71 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 0.580 0.590 0.560 0.590 2.36 2.42 2.36 2.39 3.95 3.97 3.88 3.96 3.550 3.600 3.140 3.180 17.48 17.5 17.5 17.5 5.05 5.00 5.00 5.00 2.42 2.41 2.41 2.41 124.00 124.50 124.00 124.00 23.90 23.90 23.55 23.90 1742.00 1940.00 1836.00 1901.00 0.390 0.405 0.390 0.400 0.890 0.890 0.870 0.890 41.95 42.20 41.80 42.20 79.25 80.00 79.00 79.25 6.30 6.30 6.25 6.25 2.76 2.82 2.76 2.80 0.580 0.590 0.580 0.590 3.36 3.43 3.31 3.32 0.360 0.340 0.340 0.340 6.830 6.850 6.700 6.700 MINING & OIL 0.0042 0.0043 0.0041 0.0043 2.31 2.39 2.22 2.30 4.42 4.48 4.40 4.40 12.96 12.80 12.02 12.80 0.233 0.234 0.234 0.234 8.0000 7.8 7.65 7.8000 0.68 0.68 0.66 0.66 0.520 0.520 0.500 0.510 9.10 9.18 8.32 9.12 0.900 0.920 0.880 0.890 0.300 0.300 0.295 0.300 0.260 0.255 0.249 0.249 0.270 0.275 0.265 0.275 0.0140 0.0140 0.0130 0.0140 0.0160 0.0150 0.0140 0.0140 1.9 1.9 1.87 1.88 4.48 4.54 4.38 4.5 2.63 2.65 2.53 2.57 1.3000 1.3000 1.2500 1.3000 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 0.0098 0.0110 0.0100 0.0100 7.25 7.04 6.96 6.99 3.88 4.00 3.83 3.95 0.0130 0.0140 0.0130 0.0140 128.40 129.80 128.60 129.40 3.99 4.03 3.92 4 0.0110 0.0120 0.0110 0.0120 PREFERRED 50.85 51.2 50.5 50.5 533 530 530 530 535 535 535 535 116.4 115 115 115 118 119.5 119.4 119.4 6.5 6.13 6.13 6.13 108 108.2 108.2 108.2 1050 1032 1032 1032 1070 1075 1075 1075 1027 1026 1026 1026 107 106.5 106.5 106.5 112 112 112 112 79 78.5 78.5 78.5 81 81 81 81 76 76.1 76.05 76.1 2.61 2.56 2.1 2.45 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.940 2.940 2.900 2.900 SME 4.24 4.35 4.15 4.18 2.95 2.92 2.8 2.92 17.52 18.12 17.52 18 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 122 122.6 122 122.6

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,395,677,796.262 1,578,692,033.32 9,847,682,256.82 725,482,132.555 1,647,042,900.9685 115,012,817.0084 15,385,769,318.4305

Low

-13,193,850.00 -435,200.00 -27,804,980.00

-25,511,020.00 25,240.00 -67,136,270.00 20,200.00 1,406,830.00

520,520.00 3,255,950.00 18,050.00 15,672,176.00 -1,194,561.00 11,321,140.00 15,366,383.00

4,818,167.00 60,050.00 1,670.00 -86,100.00 6,375,710.00

2,843,710.00 -162,090.00 -10,666,500.00 -192,800.00 184,740.00 -9,480.00 371,568,525.00 -3,480.00 13,109,080.00 577,169.50 -2,477,940.00 36,180.00 112,200.00

-6,033,747.00

-23,890.00

-22,000.00

46,050.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Easy Call "Common"

4.42

13.92

Liberty Telecom

3.62

-19.56

Jolliville Holdings

4.45

11.25

Manila Mining `B'

0.0140

-12.50

PLDT Common

1901.00

9.13

NOW Corp.

3.180

-10.42

United Paragon

0.0120

9.09

South China Res. Inc.

0.83

-7.78

Top Frontier

180.000

8.43

Swift Pref

2.45

-6.13

Maxs Group

26.5

8.16

TKC Steel Corp.

1.88

-6.00

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0140

7.69

GMA Holdings Inc.

6.13

-5.69

LBC Express

12.3

7.14

Arthaland Corp.

0.255

-5.56

Forum Pacific

0.245

6.06

Waterfront Phils.

0.340

-5.56

San Miguel Corp `A'

80.30

5.80

Jackstones

2.43

-5.08

TUESDAY: MAY 31, 2016

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

Toyota suppliers. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. holds its 2016 Toyota Supplier Conference and 16th Toyota Suppliers Club General Assembly at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City. TMP president Satoru Suzuki thanked and lauded all Toyota suppliers for helping TMP attain important milestones, such as the achievement of the one million cumulative sales mark and 14th consecutive Triple Crown in 2015, as well as the successful launch of the All-New Innova earlier this year.

Maynilad spending P42b for expansion

BDO declares cash dividends of P1.09b

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

By Julito G. Rada

MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. said Monday it alloted P42 billion for capital expenditure from 2016 to 2018. The concessionaire of the west zone of Metro Manila said it would use the amount to improve and expand water and wastewater services to customers. Maynilad plans to spend P22 billion for service expansion, management of water losses or non-revenue water, operational support programs such as the upgrade of pumping stations, and the development of new water sources. Maynilad said it would spend about P20 billion for sewerage and sanitation program. This covers the construction of sewage treatment plants, laying of conveyance systems, acquisition of lots for new wastewater facilities, and maintenance of the existing wastewater infrastructure. The company said funding for infrastructure investments would come from local and international bank loans and internally generated funds. “Through this three-year capex program, we hope to ramp up our massive investments by accelerating the completion of new projects so we can meet our service obligations to our customers and the government,” said Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez. Maynilad provides water services to certain portions of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon.

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s biggest lender controlled by retail tycoon Henry Sy, is paying P1.094 billion in cash dividends to stockholders of record as of June 15, 2016. BDO said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday the source of the dividend payment would come from the surplus profits of the bank. The bank said the board in a meeting Saturday approved the declaration of cash dividends in the amount of P0.30 per common share, or approximately P1.094 billion, to be paid to all

stockholders of record as of June 15, 2016 and payable on June 27, 2016. It said the payment of cash dividend was subject to the approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. BDO posted a record P25billion net income in 2015, a 10-percent increase over 2014, matching the earnings guidance

for the year. The bank attributed the solid expansion to all business segments and the contribution of One Network Bank, the biggest rural bank in Mindanao, which it acquired in July 2015. BDO’s net profit in the first quarter of 2016 declined 11 percent to P5.5 billion from P6.1 billion year-on-year, due mainly to lower trading and foreign exchange gains. Trading and FX gains in the first three months declined 58 percent to P1.5 billion from P3.4 billion on year. BDO is aiming for a minimal 4-percent growth in net income to P26 billion this year from P25 billion a year ago due mainly

to election uncertainties and weakness in global economies. Bank president and chief executive Nestor Tan said in an earlier briefing the P26-billion income guidance this year would translate into a 12.5 percent to 13 percent return on equity. BDO remained the country’s biggest universal and commercial bank in terms of assets, capital, loans and deposits as of end-2015. Data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed BDO had total assets of P1.943 trillion as of Dec. 31 last year. It was followed by Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. at P1.461 trillion, and Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands with P1.241 trillion.

Market climbs; PLDT, Globe Telecom advance THE stock market advanced Monday, led by PLDT and Globel Telecom Inc., after San Miguel Corp. agreed to a $1.5-billion deal to sell its telecommunication assets. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 52.66 points, or 0.7 percent, to 7,464.34 on a value turnover of P15.4 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 104 to 85, with 45 issues unchanged. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the biggest telecommunications company, jumped 9.1 percent to P1,901, while rival Globe climbed 5.6 percent to P2,310. San Miguel gained 5.8 percent to P80.30. PLDT and Globe acquired the telecommunications business of San Miguel for about P70 billion, including debt, according to statements from the companies Monday. PLDT and Globe are each

taking a 50 percent stake in the business and saw their shares soar after the announcement. San Miguel is selling its telecommunication business two months after it ended talks with Telstra Corp. for a joint investment in a new mobile network in the Philippines after they failed to agree on terms. Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc., part of the assets sold by San Miguel, plunged 19.6 percent to P3.62. Tokyo stocks, meanwhile, led Asia higher Monday, boosted by hopes the government will delay a sales tax hike and by a weaker yen after Federal Reserve boss Janet Yellen hinted that a US interest rate increase was looming. Tokyo ended up 1.4 percent and above 17,000 points for the first time in a month as the dollar surged against the yen. Hopes the

government would delay a consumption tax hike also powered shares higher. Hong Kong rose 0.3 percent, while Shanghai and Sydney were flat. Seoul shed 0.1 percent, but Jakarta and Taipei gained 0.5 and 0.9 percent, respectively. “There has been a deliberate move on the part of the Fed to steer the market toward prospects of near-term tightening,” Philip Borkin, a senior economist at ANZ Bank New Zealand Ltd., said in a client note according to Bloomberg News. “The Fed will probably be reasonably chuffed at the way the market is absorbing that message.” Yellen said Friday she believed growth and the strengthening of the labor market would continue, and in that case, “probably in the coming months such a move

would be appropriate”. That timeframe, which other Fed policymakers have also referred to in recent weeks, would put the Fed’s action at its June 1415 or July 26-27 meeting. The US central bank has repeatedly stated its intention to continue raising rates this year after December’s first hike in nine years. “Janet Yellen’s remarks on Friday confirm that at least one increase in the Fed rate is likely this year,” Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, said in an email commentary. “Traders will take confidence from the fact that stock markets are firm in the face of this confirmation. As far as the markets are concerned, the timing of the next Fed increase now becomes the central issue.” With Bloomberg and AFP

B4 Korean bank buys PH lender By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas approved the application of Woori Bank, South Korea’s second-largest, to take over Wealth Development Bank, the financial arm of the Gaisano family’s Viscal Development Corp. A news article posted on The Korea Times website quoted Woori Bank as saying it got an approval from the “Central Bank of the Philippines to purchase a 51-percent stake in the Wealth Development Bank.” Woori Bank said it planned to complete the transaction in the first half of 2016. Wealth Bank was established in 2002 and boasts of $170 million in assets, with 16 branches that employ 300 employees. “Following the deal, Woori Bank now has 225 networks overseas. Through our customized overseas strategy, we aim to expand the number of networks to 400 by the end of this year,” the South Korean lender said. Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. did not make any official announcement on the approval, only telling The Standard through a text message to “check out announcement in Korea Times today.” Available information on its Web site said that Woori Bank is a bank headquartered in Seoul, South Korea and a subsidiary of the parent company Woori Financial Group. The bank was established in 1899, originally called Daehan Cheon-il Bank, and renamed Joseon Sangup Bank in 1911, then Commercial Bank of Korea in 1950s. The Monetary Board’s approval of Woori Bank’s application to expand in the Philippines was the first approval given to a foreign bank this year. Espenilla earlier said the board was evaluating the applications of three foreign banks eyeing to locate in the Philippines. Meanwhile, WealthBank, which was established in 2002, has 16 branches nationwide, including seven in Metro Cebu, four in Visayas-Mindanao and five in Metro Manila and Luzon. Most branches are located at Ayala Malls where Metro Stores are the anchor tenants or in Pacific Malls which are owned by Viscal Development.

Discounted prices. The Trade Department National Capital Region Office and the local government of Mandaluyong City hold the Diskwento Caravan Balik-Eskwela Edition at the City Hall Grounds in Maysilo Circle in Mandaluyong City. The caravan provides consumers access to basic and prime commodities, particularly school supplies, at discounted prices. Shown are DTI-NCRO officials led by officer-in-charge director Emma Asusano (right), DTI-NCRO Area 3 division chief Elma Viray (2nd from right) and DTI-Negosyo Center Mandaluyong City manager Lily Flor Alejandro (extreme left) together with Mandaluyong City councilor Charisse Marie Abalos (center).

Ayala’s QualiMed set to open in 5 new sites By Jenniffer B. Austria

QUALIMED Hospital, a network of healthcare facilities owned and operated by Ayala Land Inc. and Mercado General Hospital, identified five new sites for expansion. QualiMed president and chief executive Edwin Mercado said in a news briefing during the opening of the 105-bed Qualimed Hospital in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan the company was looking at Davao, Cebu, Cavite, Balintawak and Arca South as potential sites for hospital expansion in line with the target to have 10 hospitals by 2020. Mercado said the group was

eyeing to build a 200-room to 300-room QualiMed Hospital in Balintawak, which would be its base hospital in the northern part of Metro Manila and another 200-room to 300-room Qualimed Hospital in Arca South, which would be the group’s base hospital in the south of Metro Manila. “By 2020, we target to have 10 hospitals that will be in various

stages of development and 10 clinics” Mercado said. QualiMed’s network of healthcare facilities include parent hospital Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center in Tanauan City, Batangas; QualiMed Clinics in Makati; TriNoma and UP Town Center in Quezon City; QualiMed Surgery Centers in Manila and Fairview Terraces; QualiMed Hospital in Mandurriao, Iloilo City; and the newly opened QualiMed Hospital in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. QualiMed said for the rest of the year, the group was set to open QualiMed Hospital in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; QualiMed Clinic in Cebu IT Park, Cebu City; QualiMed Clinic in Bonifacio

Global City, Taguig; QualiMed Clinic Alabang Town Center and QualiMed Hospital Bacolod. QualiMed Hospital – San Jose Del Monte, a 105-bed level 2 general hospital, is strategically located within the 100-hectare Altaraza Town Center in Bulacan. “QualiMed Hospital – San Jose Del Monte in Altaraza has the quality service, ambience and medical capabilities of a premier city hospital, but at a more affordable price point. The presence of QualiMed Hospital supports the comprehensive and sustainable lifestyle offerings in the Altaraza estate and will greatly benefit the surrounding community as well,” said Alfonso Javier Reyes, head of ALI Capital Corp.

Ten rural banks agree to participate in consolidation program TWO groups involving 10 rural banks have applied for the Consolidation Program for Rural Banks, a bank strengthening program that aims to bring about a stronger and less fragmented banking system, state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. said Monday. PDIC said in a statement the program would provide opportunities to enhance rural banks’ business prospects and ability to face increased competition. CPRB, a tripartite program of PDIC, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Land Bank of the Phil-

ippines was launched in August 2015 to encourage consolidation among rural banks to improve financial strength and enhance their viability. PDIC president Cristina Que Orbeta expressed optimism that more rural banks would soon avail of the CPRB and maximize its benefits for expansion and institutional strengthening. “I trust that more banks will see CPRB as a beneficial program for the whole rural banking industry and will therefore take advantage of this opportunity,” she said.

PDIC assured the depositing public that consolidation among banks would be beneficial to the industry and would strengthen the banking system. Consolidation reduces the number of operating banks and ensures that the remaining consolidated banks are financially stronger with higher capital base and equipped to provide improved services to depositors in terms of upgraded facilities, expanded banking products and enhanced management and governance. The applications from the

rural banks signify their recognition of the advantages to be gained from CPRB in improving their business capabilities and diversifying their respective markets, according to PDIC. Rural banks that avail of CPRB will receive assistance in financial advisory, business process improvement and capacity building. These include training on credit evaluation and administration, audit and internal control, personnel management, accounting/record keeping, treasury, information technology

and governance. Equity participation may also be provided by the LandBank, while the BSP will observe full f lexibility in the grant of incentives to participating banks. Proponent banks that comprise a group of at least five rural banks with head offices or majority of branches located within the same region or area are eligible to avail of the CPRB. A rural bank with head office in a nearby region may also avail, provided that all program objectives are met.

T U E S D AY : M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

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

Microsoft’s $11-b mistake NO matter how you spin it, it’s never a good sign to lay off 1,850 people—even if you’re a software giant called Microsoft. The official press release called this a “streamlining,” but there was no doubt that this meant the company was getting out of the consumer smart phone business, and that it was going to spend about $950 million—including $200 million in severance pay—to do it. Most of the lay-offs will come from Finland, where Microsoft had bought the struggling cell phone pioneer Nokia for $7.2 billion in April 2014, in a deal initiated by then chief executive Steve Ballmer. Barely a year after the deal was closed, in July 2015, Microsoft announced that it was writing off $7.6 billion and laying off 7,800 employees as part of a restructuring of its mobile phone business. The company also booked a restructuring charge of $2.1 billion and $435 million for “integration expenses.” The announcement last week brings the running total of Microsoft’s costly phone misadventure to at least $11 billion, with current Chief Executive Satya Nadella trying to contain the damage wrought by Ballmer’s ill-advised decision back in 2013 to buy Nokia, which was already struggling because it had chosen to use Windows Phone as the primary operating system for its smart phones. Nadella’s move to get out of the consumer smart phone business was a no-brainer, given the company’s failure to make a dent in the market. The market research company Gartner recently reported that while smart phone sales had increased by nearly 4 percent in first quarter this year, Microsoft’s Windows Phone saw its share of the market shrink below 1 percent. Gartner estimated that the company was able to sell only 2.4 million Windows Phones for a market share of 0.7 percent—a decline from its 2.5 percent share in the first quarter of 2015. In a memo to all employees, the head of Microsoft’s Windows and Devices group Terry Myerson said the company was scaling back but was not out altogether of the phone business. The new direction, he said, was to focus on the enterprise market. “[O]ur phone success has been limited to companies valuing our commitment to security, manageability, and Continuum, and with consumers who value the same. Thus, we need to be more focused in our phone hardware efforts,” Myerson wrote. But in the same memo, Myerson said Microsoft would be pragmatic and “embrace other mobile platforms.” “Regardless of a person’s phone choice, we want everyone to be able to experience what Microsoft has to ofter them,” he added. Despite a general assurance that the company was still in the game (“we’re scaling back but we’re not out!”), Myerson’s memo was short on specifics on how the company would go about selling more Windows Phones to corporate customers, most of whom are probably already using Apple iPhones or Android smart phones. Nor did the memo lay out any sort of a hardware roadmap for future phone models, or say how the company could grow the business by scaling back. It is probably also worthwhile to note that another phone company that abandoned the consumer market to focus on the enterprise—BlackBerry—isn’t doing all that well, either. Ironically, the only one that might gain from Microsoft’s missteps is Nokia, which is looking at a revival of its phone business. Earlier this month, when Microsoft sold its feature phone business to Taiwan’s Foxconn, Nokia said it has signed a deal to license its brand to HMD Global, a new Finnish company run by ex-Nokia employees to create “a new generation of Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets.” TechCrunch reports that Nokia has already been working with Foxconn on an Android tablet while HMD will have a portfolio of smart phones based on Android. Turning to Android, in fact, was what Nokia was doing belatedly in an effort to arrest its decline—just before it sold its mobile phone business to Microsoft. Column archives and blog at: http://www.chinwong.com

Govt readies third round of FiT rates By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE National Renewable Energy Board submitted to the Energy Department the proposed third round of feed-in tariff rates for solar and wind power projects. NREB chairman Pete Maniego did not disclose the additional installation targets, pending a final resolution from the department. “Yes, next round of FIT. We don’t want to preempt DoE by announcing the installation targets before their approval,” Maneigo said. Maniego said NREB submitted the recommendations based on the feedback from the department, which was expected to come out with a final report on those who qualified for the second wave of solar feed-in tariff. The feed-in tariff is provided by the government as incentives to renewable energy developers under the Renewable Energy Law of 2008. Among the renewable energy tech-

nologies, wind and solar power projects were already oversubscribed. The entire 400-megawatt capacity for the wind installation target was fully taken up while the department has yet to release the final list of those who qualified for the 450-MW second wave of solar installation targets. Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada said there were 750 MW to 800 MW of total capacity of solar projects, pending before the department. The 450-MW second wave installation target for solar came with a provision that the power projects would be completed by March 15, 2016 to provide additional capacity for the summer months. ERC, however, granted a lower

rate of P8.69 per kilowatt-hour for the second wave of installation targets covering 450 MW. The department previously approved a 50-MW installation for solar project under the first round at a feed-in tariff rate of P9.68 per kilowatt-hour. Sources said the third round of feed-in tariff proposed by the NREB was less than P8 per kilowatt-hour. ERC earlier appealed to the department to limit the solar power projects availing of the feed-in tariff rate at 500 MW, pending a study on the impact of additional rates to power consumers. “We computed the FIT rate based on 500 MW, so if it’s going to exceed 500 MW, definitely we have to adjust the rates,” ERC chairman Jose Vicente Salazar said. The regulator earlier approved an FIT-allowance rate of P0.1240 per kilowatt-hour, which is being collected by the National Transmission Corp. from all consumers and used to pay the renewable energy developers.

Earth Day. Employees of construction solutions company Holcim Philippines participate nationwide in various community initiatives for the environment such as a tree planting activity along Davao City’s Ilang River in celebration of Earth Day.

Loyola set to pay P27m to policyholders By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE Insurance Commission said Monday Loyola Plans Consolidated Inc. is set to pay an additional P27 million to affected plan holders in the next two weeks. IC said Loyola Plans submitted a detailed action plan with specific timeline relative to the payment of the unsettled outstanding claims of plan holders. Loyola Plans said in a letter addressed to Insurance commissioner Emmanuel Dooc payment to “plan holders would be based on the ‘first in-first out basis’ principle.” This means plan holders whose plan matured first would be paid first. Loyola Plans chairman and president Jesusa Concepcion said the

company already paid P82 million since April to settle the outstanding claims of plan holders. Concepcion said in the next two weeks, the company was expected to generate additional P27 million to settle the remaining obligations. Concepcion said that “our assets are of good quality thus liquidating them is not too difficult.” Loyola Plans offered last month to infuse non-cash assets consisting of real properties to fully cover up the deficiency in the trust fund. Loyola Plans offered about P1.8 billion worth of non-cash assets to IC for liquidation to fund its P238million trust fund deficiency. Data showed of the 464 claims endorsed by IC to Loyola Plans,

only 287 accounts were verified and 25 were removed from the list due to the duplication of entries. The remaining 152 accounts are pending verification due to lack to supporting documents submitted to the company. Plan holders are required to submit complete documents including original certificate of full payment, duly signed and filled up time plan benefit availment request form and photocopy of valid ID with signature and picture. Dooc advised the plan holders of Loyola Plans with matured and availing benefits to submit the complete documentary requirements in order to avoid any delay in the processing of claims.

TUESDAY: MAY 31, 2016

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

Alliance Select to hike UK sales A minority behaving like a majority THE things that Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte and his spokespersons were declaring, asserting and proclaiming to the nation during the last three weeks have sent me scurrying to Webster’s Dictionary to remind myself of the meaning of ‘minority’ and the significance of being in a minority. And because the word ‘minority’ has a particular application in the corporate world, I consulted my law-school textbook on private corporations. It turned out that I really didn’t have to go to the dictionary and my law book, because they merely confirmed—as I thought they would—what I had known all along. Given a total of 100, the majority is any number in excess of 50 and the minority is the smaller number. The minority can be made up of more than one number, but the majority must be higher than 50. My re-reading of the textbook on private corporations likewise confirmed what I already knew, viz., that a majority is any number greater than 50 percent out of 100 percent and that in order to be able to control a corporation, a stockholder must own voting shares representing at least 50 percent of the total outstanding voting shares. This explains why 50 is the magic number in corporate governance; a stockholder deserving to control a corporation must own at least that percentage of the total of outstanding voting shares. In the governance of corporations this rule—50 percent or more controls—is applied strictly. Thus, there would seem to be a glaring variation between the application of the words ‘majority’ and ‘minority’ in the corporate setting and their application to the situation that this country is facing in the post-2016-election milieu. In the corporate setting a stockholder cannot exercise control over a corporation unless he (or it) owns at least 50 percent of the corporation’s outstanding shares; having less than 50 percent makes a stockholder a minority stockholder and therefore incapable of controlling the corporation. That, it appears, is not the case with the administration of this country. The formal turnover of governmental power from the Aquino administration to the group of President-elect Duterte has yet to take place—that will take place on June 30—but already the latter is declaring, announcing and proclaiming the policies that will govern this country during the period up to June 30, 2022, some of which are highly controversial. The people of this country, even those who did not vote for him, have no problem with Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters behaving like a government-in-waiting long before June 30; ater all, in the absence of an Election Code provision on a runoff election, the Davao City mayor is effectively the nation’s next President and his group is the incoming administration. He may be a minority President, but he is the minority President-elect. What they have a problem with is the fact that Rodrigo Duterte and Co. are behaving like the majority stockholders of the corporation known as the Philippine Duterte did not win a majority in the election: nearly two out of every three Filipinos (62 percent) did not vote for (read: rejected) him. Nor can he be said to have won by a landslide, for he only gathered close to 17 million votes out of 41 million votes cast. Being a minority President-elect, Rodrigo Duterte should behave the way a minority behaves. He should not be announcing, declaring and proclaiming, the way a majority President-elect does, national policies on such highly deeply-felt and contentious matters as CCP-NDF-NPA inclusion in the Cabinet, the giving of a hero’s burial to former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (the martial-law strongman of 1972-1986), the restoration of the death penalty and extrajudicial punishment of drug-trade participants. The voters who cast their ballots for Mar Roxas, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Grace Poe and Jejomar Binay—all 23 million of them—very probably do not want Rodrigo Duterte to behave as though he won more than 50 percent of the total votes cast in the recent election. Rodrigo Duterte is a minority President. They don’t want him to behave like a majority President. E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ALLIANCE Select Foods Inc. plans to sell more tuna products to the United Kingdom to further expand its presence in the European Union. Alliance Select said in a statement with the Philippines obtaining a GSP+ (generalized system of preferences plus) status in 2015, the company would attract more clients because of the competitive price it could offer. “The UK is one of the leading destinations of processed tuna in the EU and Alliance Select is well-positioned to meet that demand,” Alliance Select president Raymond See said. The European Union is listed as top two in the world in terms of the tuna import market while the UK is among the top five importing countries in the EU. Philippines exports to the EU in 2015 rose 27 percent to €743

million. The UK is the fith biggest export market of the Philippines. Latest data from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources showed that the Philippines exported 17,324 metric tons of fishery products valued at P2.4 billion to the region About 29 percent of the seafood supplies in the UK is imported, with the top two species consumed being salmon and tuna. Alliance Select earlier said it would focus on improving operations and maintaining financial stability to bring positive financial results for the company in 2016. The group’s strategy has started to pay off as the company im-

proved its net income by over 2,700 percent in the first quarter of the year to $519,000 driven by an improvement in the firm’s gross profit margins. The improvement is attributed to new management’s optimization efforts in 2015, including strategies to secure lower cost raw materials, execution of costcutting initiatives across all areas of operations, and improvement of customer relationships. “We are very encouraged by the company’s first quarter performance. The meticulous cleanup and aggressive cost efficiency efforts implemented by new management beginning 2014 are now steadily bearing fruit, and we believe that these efforts will continue to sustain the company as we contend with the coming challenges of 2016 such as the illeffects of El Niño and anticipated steep increase of fish cost,” See said.

Benilde awards. The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde bags six Awards of Excellence and

five Awards of Merit in the recently-concluded concluded Philippine Student Quill Awards. Student representatives from the Benildean yearbook office, stage production operations team-cultural promotions team, and Benildean press corps pose with Carmelita Lazatin, Benilde’s vice president for Lasallian Mission and Student Life (rightmost); Dianne May Torres, head of the student publications office (second from right); Virgilio Castillo Jr., head of the office of culture and arts (leftmost); and Alleyne Julia Enriquez Cristobal, cultural events promotions coordinator of the office of culture and arts (seated third from left).

Trade, Jica push PH automotive sector By Othel V. Campos THE Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Trade Department agreed to aggressively position the Philippine automotive industry in the global value chains to create jobs and spur foreign and domestic investments in the Philippines. Jica chief representative Susumu Ito and Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. recently signed a two-year technical cooperation project that will start by July or August 2016. “Jica remains committed to supporting the Philippines’ inclusive development agenda by promoting the manufacturing industry and helping create jobs for Filipinos. The GVC is important because we understand that for private sector, it is a primary element of new industrial policy

for both global and regional production. We hope that the new project with DTI will help further integrate Philippine automakers in the global value chain,” said Ito. Through consultation with relevant stakeholders, the project will come up with industrial promotion plans for the target industries and eventually be incorporated into the manufacturing industry roadmap. “As a strong driver for economic growth and job creation, the automotive industry has been regarded to have substantially multiplier effects on knowledge transfer and linkages creation within the domestic economy,” Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said. “This has become the empirical basis for JICA and Trade Department to target automotive, auto-

parts and auto-electronics as the focused industries for the two year project,” he said. Rodolfo will be responsible for the overall administration and implementation of the project, while the BoI executive director for industry development meanwhile will act as project manager and be responsible for the smooth implementation of the project. Jica, meanwhile, will give the needed technical guidance and recommendations to the Trade Department. Jica added that the technical cooperation project with department complemented the Philippines’ Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program that aimed to provide fiscal support for investments in the manufacture of whole body large plastic parts and other strategic parts not currently produced locally.

T U E S D AY : M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Rescuers expand search for missing boy Japanese public opinion reacted with outrage at the actions of the parents. “This is not punishment but abuse!” one Twitter post read. “The parents are so stupid that I am speechless,” said another. Many also worried about the fate of the child in the forest alone and reportedly with no food or water as heavy rain fell overnight. Mitsuru Wakayama, a spokesman for the local town of Nanae, said the mountainous area is a place that only local residents pass through occasionally as a short-cut. “Not many people or cars pass by, and it gets totally dark as there are no lights,” Wakayama said. “It’s not surprising to encounter bears anywhere in the area.” AFP

TOKYO—Japanese rescuers on Monday expanded the search for a seven-year-old boy missing for three days after his parents left him in a mountain forest inhabited by bears as punishment in a case that has infuriated public opinion. The parents originally told police the boy got lost on Saturday while they were hiking to gather wild vegetables, but later admitted they had left him in the forest to punish him. The boy, Yamato Tanooka, went missing in the mountains on the northern main island of Hokkaido inhabited by wild bears. Yamato, his older sister, mother and father came to a park near the forest on Saturday, but the parents became angry as the boy

threw stones at cars and people, Japanese police and media reports said. On the way back home, they made Yamato get out of the car and left him alone in the forest, driving the car about 500 meters away, TV Asahi and other reports said. “They said they went back to the site immediately but the boy was no longer there,” a local police spokesman earlier told AFP. Some 180 rescuers and police officers widened the search area on Monday, mobilizing sniffer dogs and horses to go deeper into the woodlands, NTV footage showed. “I feel very sorry for my child,” the father told an NTV reporter. “I am so sorry for causing trouble for many people.”

Starving Iraqis risk all to flee cruel IS

Soldiers move to retake jihadist bastion Fallujah

AMRIYAT AL-FALLUJAH, Iraq— Eight hands stretch towards the aluminum plate—the first meal of rice this Iraqi family who just escaped jihadist rule in the Fallujah area has had in two years. The tent has just been put up, a sheet of bubble wrap strewn on the gravel as a makeshift rug and the heat is searing but Nasra Najm, her daughter and grandchildren have a smile on their face. “We had been dreaming of this. I wasn’t sure rice existed anymore, so when we saw this plate, we couldn’t believe it,” said the elderly woman with traditional tattoos on her fac She and her relatives reached the camp in Amriyat al-Fallujah 12 hours earlier, after walking through much of the night to dodge the surveillance of the Islamic State group. Iraqi forces a week ago launched a broad operation aimed at retaking the city of Fallujah, one of IS’s most emblematic bastions, in the western province of Anbar. The progress of pro-government forces has created a window for some civilians to flee from the city’s outlying areas and attempt to reach safety. The Norwegian Refugee Council, which runs several camps in Amriyat al-Fallujah, south of Fallujah, is providing shelter and assistance to around 3,000 people who fled over the past week. Their stories give an insight into the dire conditions endured by the estimated 50,000 people still trapped inside a city that has been largely cut off from the rest of Iraq for months. In Nasra’s tent, Maher Sabih, a tall middle-aged man explained it this way: “Look, I used to weigh 103 kilos (235 pounds), now I’m on 71.” All the newly-arrived displaced civilians from the Fallujah area have the same stories of being deprived of rice or bread. “It was an ordeal over there. We had to grind the stones from the dates to make flour,” said Madiha Khudhair, sitting in her empty tent with her two daughters. AFP

Operation. Israeli soldiers patrol a street in the northern West Bank

village of Salem, east of Nablus, during an operation to arrest wanted Palestinians early on May 30, 2016. AFP

BAGHDAD—Iraqi forces thrust into the city of Fallujah from three directions on Monday, marking a new and perilous urban phase in the week-old operation to retake the jihadist bastion.

Still rocking. Joe Walsh performs during Joe Walsh & Bad Company One Hell Of A Night Tour at Perfect Vodka Amphitheater on May 29, 2016, in West Palm Beach, Florida. AFP

Led by the elite counter-terrorism service, Iraq’s best trained and most seasoned fighting unit, the forces pushed in before dawn, commanders said. “Iraqi forces entered Fallujah under air cover from the international coalition, the Iraqi air force and army aviation, and supported by artillery and tanks,” said Lieutenant General Abdelwahab al-Saadi, the commander of the operation. “CTS forces, the Anbar (provincial) police and the Iraqi army, at around 4:00 am (0100 GMT), started moving into Fallujah from three directions,” he said. “There is resistance from Daesh,” he added, using an Arabic acronym for IS. CTS spokesman Sabah al-Noman told AFP: “We started early this morning our operations to break into Fallujah.” The involvement of the elite CTS marks the start of a phase of urban combat in a city where in 2004 US forces fought some of their toughest battles since the Vietnam War. The week-old operation had previously focused on retaking villages and rural areas around Fallujah, which lies just 50 kilometers west of Baghdad. Only a few hundred families have managed to slip out of the Fallujah area ahead of the assault on the city, with an estimated 50,000 civilians still trapped inside, sparking fears the jihadists could try to use them as human shields. The only families who were able to flee so far lived in outlying areas, with the biggest wave of displaced reaching camps on Saturday night. “Our resources in the camps are now very strained and with many more expected to flee we might not be able to provide enough drinking water for everyone,” said Nasr Muflahi, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Iraq director. “We expect bigger waves of displacement the fiercer the fighting gets.” In Amriyat al-Fallujah, a government-controlled town to the south of the jihadist bastion, civilians trickled in, starving and exhausted after walking through the countryside for hours at night, dodging IS surveillance. “I just decided to risk everything. I was either going to save my children or die with my children,” said Ahmad Sabih, 40, who reached the NRC-run camp early on Sunday. Fallujah is one of just two major urban centres in Iraq still held by IS. AFP

T U E S D AY : M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

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WORLD

Sorry sight. This undated handout photo received on May 30, 2016, shows dead coral in shallow waters at Cygnet Bay in Western Australia. At least 35 percent of the corals in the northern and central regions of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are dead or dying from a mass-bleaching event, scientists said on May 30, 2016. The assessment was made after months of aerial and underwater surveys after the worst bleaching in recorded history first became evident in March as sea temperatures warmed. AFP

Barrier Reef corals dead, dying SYDNEY—At least 35 percent of corals in parts of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are dead or dying from mass bleaching caused by global warming, scientists said Monday. The assessment was made following months of aerial and underwater surveys after the worst bleaching in recorded history first became evident in March as sea temperatures rise. Global warming was wreaking havoc on the World Heritage-listed site, said Terry Hughes, director of the Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at the James Cook University. “We found on average, that 35 percent of the corals are now dead or dying on 84 reefs that we surveyed along the northern and central sections of the Great Barrier Reef, between Townsville and Papua New Guinea,” he said in a statement. “This is the third time in 18 years that the Great Barrier Reef has experienced mass bleaching due to global warming, and the current event is much more extreme than we’ve measured before.” At least a decade is needed for the coral to recover, “but it will take much longer to regain the largest and oldest corals that have died”, the joint statement from three leading universities said. The reef is already under pressure from farming run-off, development, the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish, along with the impacts of climate change. Researchers from James Cook said in April that 93 percent of the 2,300-kilometer long site—the

world’s biggest coral ecosystem—had been affected by the mass bleaching event. Bleaching occurs when abnormal environmental conditions, such as warmer sea temperatures, cause corals to expel tiny photosynthetic algae, draining them of their color. The impact was less severe in the southern parts of the reef as the water temperatures were “closer to the normal [southern hemisphere] summer conditions”, the scientists said. Although fewer corals have died in the south, the stress from bleaching is likely to temporarily slow down their reproduction and growth rates, they added. The phenomenon has also damaged corals off Australia’s west coast, with “extensive and patchy” bleaching and mortality. “On the Kimberley coast where I work, up to 80 percent of the corals are severely bleached, and at least 15 percent have died already,” the University of Western Australia’s Verena Schoepf said. The Australian Marine Conservation Society urged officials to heed calls to do more to save the reef. “The federal government must release a climate policy that makes a credible contribution to delivering a healthy future for our natural wonder,” said spokeswoman Imogen Zethoven. AFP

tuesday : m ay 31, 2016

tatum aNCHeta EDITOR

BING PaReL

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

BeRNadet te LuNas

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFeatstandard

a Rts, Cu Lt u Re & t eCH

LIFE Janus Past/Present by Malaysian artist James Seen

The Process 1 by Indonesian artist Dr. Ahadiat Joedawinata

BOlD AnD ARTISTIC: KOHlER CElEBRATES CRAfTSMAnSHIP AnD CREATIvITy

Wisconsin-based global brand features masterpieces in first manila exhibit

ver 40 years ago, premier kitchen and bath brand Kohler launched its world-renowned art/industry residency program to support emerging artists in the United States. These promising artists are then invited to the Kohler campus to hone and showcase their talent and to date, more than 500 emerging and established artists have benefited from this initiative. Just recently, Manila art lovers had an opportunity to view select creations from six Asian artists in an exhibition dubbed as “Kohler Bold. Art. Exhibition.” The exhibit which ran from May 18 to 24 at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati showcased the works of Ahadiat Joedawinata from Indonesia, James Seet from Malaysia, Thomas Cheong from Singapore, Sudsiri Pui-Ock from Thailand, Nguyan Ngoc Lam from Vietnam and Hadrian Mendoza of the Philippines. According to Angel Yang, vice president and general manager for Kitchen & Bath Southeast Asia & Australasia, the exhibit is part of Kohler’s vision to “promote art and put the spotlight on local artists” in the region, with the company passing on the artistic tradition to China in 2010, followed by Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea in 2013-2014, with artists invited to create pieces guided by the theme of “Asian Contemporary Art: Rooted in the Past; Looking Into the Future.” Each of the 12 pieces featured during the exhibit drew inspiration from each artist’s personal experience and cultural perspective. Explained Yang, “The theme looks into how each artist, with their diverse backgrounds and experiences, views issues such as continuing urbanization, Asia’s consistent rise to economic power, and the

The Tree by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Ngoc Lam

tradition – past and present – helped shape who he is today, while Janus Present/Future provokes viewers to contemplate the finite and infinite, inviting one to look beyond tradition. For one to live in the now, one must allow his mind to travel beyond, the artist says.

Thomas Cheong, Singapore

From left: Peter Oesch, director of Kohler Kitchen & Bath Asia Pacific; Angel Yang, VP and general manager of Kohler Kitchen & Bath Southeast Asia and Australasia; Hadrian Mendoza, Kohler Bold. Art. Philippine representative and founder of SEApots; and Adam Quek, general manager and commercial director of Kohler Kitchen & Bath Southeast Asia PHOtO BY StAr SABrOSO

impact that innovation and technologies are making in today’s society.”

Hadrian Mendoza, Philippines

Currently based in the US, this ceramic artist and founder of SEApots combines cultural undertones with modern expressionism and abstract forms in his works, with the new ones predominantly finished with ash and rutile glazes. For the exhibit, Mendoza has chosen Time that urges everyone to make drastic changes to save the environment as time is running out. Manunggul, his other piece for the exhibit, is a rendition of the ancient burial jars that carried the deceased’s belongings to the afterlife. Mendoza’s artwork features an empty ring at the center to show that we take nothing in the next life except our good deeds on this earth.

Time Artifacts by Singaporean artist thomas Cheong

Ahadiat Joedawinata, Indonesia

Dr. Joedawinata is known for his ceramic work and for the exhibit, his creation titled The Process 1 reflect the interaction between heritage and modern global phenomena with the use of old Chinese ceramics and icons found in Indonesian traditional artifacts. The Process 2 communicates the artist’s view of natural ecological phenomena with water being one of the important elements as seen in the six stoneware elements in the basic form of water drops attached onto each other.

James Seet, Malaysia

An ad agency creative director by day and an artist by night, Seet creates whimsical sculptures that catch the attention of and interact with people. For the exhibit, Janus Past/Present reveals the artist’s thoughts and how culture and

Worldly Wisdom by thai Sudsiri Pui-Ock

Graduating with distinction from the LaSalle College of the Arts in 2002 and Master of Fine Art (Ceramics) from Tainan National University of the Arts in Taiwan, Cheong’s Time Artifacts uses primitive forming and firing techniques to communicate a sense of nostalgia and curiosity on how artifacts were made, and not to take technology for granted. The Shower Experience on the other hand is an installation resembling a modern day showerhead that invites interaction with the viewer in the hope that fond memories of the bathing experience (under the rain or the waterfalls) will be evoked.

Sudsiri Pui-Ock, Thailand

This female contemporary artist from Chiang Mai uses a variety of techniques including sculptures, interactive media, painting and printmaking to convey her concept about life and existence. In Worldly Wisdom, three hand gestures symbolize different meanings – love, meditation and the search for ultimate truth. World Dweller shows the classical feet form of Buddha statues being deconstructed and reconstructed into a new form that shows the footprint of the main continents: Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas. Continued on C3

Manunggul by Filipino artist Hadrian Mendoza

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@LIFEatStandard

ARTS AND CULTURE ROUNDUP What’s on in theaters and galleries this week

ExhibiTS

CONCERTS

Loom ArtInformal, Mandaluyong City Ongoing until June 25

Liederabend: A Night of German Songs Ground floor, Ayala Museum, Makati City June 2, 6:30 p.m.

Contemporary visual artist Zean Cabangis turns views of familiar landscapes into astonishing works of art using different medium in his latest solo exhibition. Being a constant traveler, Cabangis continues to gain new ground while seeing new sceneries, which he then turns into collage and paintings featuring fields and vistas that take form as reconstructed realities. The University of the Philippines Fine Arts graduate combines photography, acrylic paint and his technique of using emulsion transfers along with other interventions to give way to visions of structures that seem like they are sitting on the horizon.

LIED Duo Knut Schoch and Carsten Linck are coming to the country for one night of German guitar music in this concert staged by Ayala Museum and Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc. The duo’s captivating concert appearances, enhanced by short introductions to the works and their respective composers, give an unforgettable insight into rarely heard but exciting repertoires. Their usual repertoires include both original compositions from the 1800s and original arrangements of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Johannes Brahms. For the show, Linck will play a 19th century guitar replica by Johann Georg Staufer which is said to have a very similar sound to a fortepiano (the earlier version of the piano).

To know more about this ongoing solo show, visit www.artinformal.com. Lawig Bulwagang Fernando Amorsolo, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila Ongoing until July 3 Bacolod-based artists Moreen Austria and Peter James Fantinalgo present their respective sculptures and installations that illustrate the uniqueness of the Negros and Panay relationship as shaped by their past and reflected by the vitality of their present. The exhibit, whose title is the Hiligaynon word that means umbilical cord, probes into the historical and cultural connection between the two neighboring provinces in the Visayas region. Through the artworks on display, Austria and Fantinalgo create a venue to re-evaluate the transformations that have happened in the two provinces and in the entire region. Contact CCP’s Visual Arts and Museum Division, Production and Exhibition Department at (02) 832-1125 local 1504 and 1505 or email ccp.exhibits@gmail.com for inquiries and more details.

Ticket prices range from P300 to P700. Call (02) 759-8288 local 31 or email concerts@ayalamuseum.org for inquiries and reservations.

ThEATER PLAyS The Normal Heart PETA Theater, Quezon City June 3 to 5 This Larry Kramer-written autobiographical play is set to pierce through the hearts of the audience on its three-day run here in the Philippines. The story follows the life of Ned Weeks, a passionate writer in New York City in the early 1980s, as he rallies for recognition and cure of HIV/AIDS that was plaguing his community. For its second showing here in the country – the first one was staged in July 2015 – Bart Guingona, who’s also directing, plays the lead character while Richard Cunanan portrays Ben Weeks, Topper Fabregas as Felix Turner and TJ Trinidad as Bruce Niles. Joining the cast are Roselyn Perez, Red Concepcion, Nor Domingo and Jef Flores. Ticket prices for the play range from P500 to P1,200. For ticket reservations, log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph or call the PETA Theater Center office at (02) 725-6244 local 23.

Surviving the Burning Fields ArtistSpace, Ayala Museum, Makati City June 2 to 15 Visual artist Tristram Miravelles conjures a world that is in perpetual melee by painting strange, dissonant and corrupt images that impress on the futility of finding life’s meaning. The struggle of his characters in finding a place and meaning in an irrational world is evident in each piece. Miravelles’ current series is a product of his observations on the chaos that besieged him and of his trepidations regarding his position on the subject. By surveying the themes of life and death, human conditions and limitations, freedom and volitions, it’s apparent that the exhibit locates itself in the immediate reality. Apart from a showcase of creativity, the exhibition also serves as a fundraiser for the Art Beat project of the Rotary Club of Makati West. Art Beat raises funds in conjunction with the Gift of Life to provide free medical attention to children suffering from congenital heart disease.

wORkShOPS Photographic Essay Ayala Museum, Makati City June 4 and 11 Travel and lifestyle photographer Paco Guerrero will help shed light on how photography can become a powerful narrative tool through the form of photo essay in this two-day workshop. Participants will look back at the origins of the first documentary photographs by studying W. Eugene Smith and his work for Life magazine. Using this working knowledge of the photo essay, participants will be given a chance to work on their own image sets by embedding at several locations around Makati City. The objective is to give them a taste of the challenges involved in shooting a short photo essay. For more information on the exhibit, contact Ysobel Art Gallery at (02) 576-4758 or email mark.sancheztiongco@gmail.com.

The P5,500 workshop fee is inclusive of materials, handouts, snacks and one day free access to the Ayala Museum and Filipinas Heritage Library. Call (02) 759-8288 local 35 or email villaflores.md@ayalafoundation.org or visit www.ayalamuseum.org for inquiries and more details.

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Citrus Singers continue to cultivate, refine, and develop talents who could eventually become the next performers on stage and screen, ascending to the top of the music industry

thE BESt oF Broadway From CItruS SIngErS American performing group takes center stage at the CCP via KMP artists

For their show in Manila, the Citrus Singers will perform popular Broadway songs from the time of Irving Berlin to this year’s Tony winners

Broadway fans will surely enjoy the repertoire from American performing group Citrus Singers as they stage “The Best of Broadway” on June 11 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater. A top college performing group in the United States, the Citrus Singers is internationally renowned and universally admired, often mentioned in the same breath as performing groups at New York University and Yale. Founded in 1968 by Ben D. Bollinger, the group’s aim is to cultivate, refine, and develop talents who could become the next performers on stage and screen, ascending to the top of the music industry. For their performance in Manila, the Citrus Singers will sing popular Broadway songs from the time of Irving Berlin to this year’s Tony winners, with 40 of the most familiar songs of the Great White

Filipino filmmakers invited to send entries to International Children’s Film Festival Since 2006, Cine Central, Calcutta – the largest film society in India – has been holding the International Children’s Film Festival aimed at reaching underprivileged children by hosting film showing for kids in city slums, suburbs and districts. With the support of various NGOs, Nandan, the West Bengal Film Centre and UNICEF, the organization created the program to help the children of India become familiar with various cultures around the globe. This year, CCC is inviting Filipino filmmakers to participate in the 16th International Children’s Film Festival to

be held from July 1 to September 30 in Calcutta and other districts of the West Bengal state. Interested participants may submit short stories or animated films that are appropriate for children aged six to 15. The entry should not exceed 100 minutes and should be submitted in DVD or Blu-ray format containing the film title, synopsis, production credits and running time. Last year, Cine Central, Calcutta received 35 films across 14 countries and shown to children in various districts of West Bengal. Films have a profound effect on the younger generation, with

the help of talented film makers around the globe, the International Children’s Film Festival hopes to bring joy and spark inspiration among unprivileged children in impoverished areas. Entries should be mailed not later than June 10 and addressed to Parimal Mukherjee, General Secretary of Cine Central, Calcutta 2, Chowringhee Road, Calcutta - 700 013. CCC has been conducting film festivals, film sessions, seminars, and exhibitions on a non-commercial basis for over 50 years. For more information about the Festival, visit www.cinecentralcalcutta.org.

Way to be performed by 40 young stars of stage and screen. Alumni of Citrus Singers have performed in many places across the globe while some are already on Broadway, in Las Vegas, at Disney and Universal theme parks worldwide, in concert halls and in theaters across the United States and Europe. The Best of Broadway is made possible by KMP Artists, a management firm and production company for the live performing arts since 2004 that also provides publicity support and tour management services. The successful international company tours multiple genres including theater, music, circus and dance, and acts as executive producer for other producers. For more details, contact CCP at 832-3704 or email Domer Balao-as of KMP Artists at domer@kmpartists.com.

BoLd and artIStIC... From C1

Nguyen Ngoc Lam, Vietnam

A pioneer of contemporary sculpture in Vietnam who obtained his master’s degree from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, Ngoc Lam sees art as the language of dreams, with his sculptural artworks inspired by turning dreams into reality. For the exhibit, the artist features The Seeds – brass treated through high temperature and poured into mixed clay and chaff mold. Through the piece, the artist expresses humankind’s origins and the transformation toward the future. The Tree meantime uses carving and sculptural techniques to create the tree from metal, resulting in a sculptural piece that explores the tree or human being as the bridge that connects the sky with the earth. “It’s truly an honor to be part of this and I’m even happier that the show is here in the Philippines. It’s a great way for Asian artists to get exposure on an international scale,” Mendoza shares. “Moving forward, we hope to partner with more artists, and collaborate with more organizations who share our vision of bringing the arts closer and more accessible to the public,” Yang promised.

Every year, the International Children’s Film Festival schedules film showings for kids in city slums, suburbs and districts

Last year, Cine Central, Calcutta received 35 films across 14 countries that were shown to children in various districts of West Bengal

For more information on the Kohler Bold. Art. Exhibition, visit blog.kohlerboldart.com/about.php.

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M&M’s Red wins the PeoPle’s Vote

ecause the recent elections was too much for Filipinos to bear, the favorite chocolate that “melts in your mouth, not in your hand” created a funny twist to the polls by asking people to vote for their favorite color of M&M’S. For almost a month, the beloved M&M’s have been rallying social media fans to cast their vote. Last April 22, Red, Yellow, and Green, tried to get the crowd’s attention with their cute version of a miting de avance. Last May 20, M&M announced the people’s choice – and the winner is… Red! Garnering 10,243 posts or 47 percent of the total votes, Red has been heralded as the undisputed M&M leader. Maybe it’s the color, or maybe its Red’s appealing charm – but people say they voted for him because he looks tough and brave. Hmm… does it sound like our president-elect? With 21,762 valid entries from more than 30,000 responses across social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, this chocolaty electoral campaign sure lightened up the heated political content in our social media feeds. Twenty participants who joined in the voting won P5,000 each while 50 participants winners won cool merchandise from M&M. One insight from the campaign shows that color does have a profound effect on people. Red has always been a powerful color, perceived as something physical and exudes courage, excitement and energy. At the same time, the negative correlation is aggression or defiance. Yellow on the other hand is something that stimulates the emotion; it either lifts a spirit or shows optimism but its a downside is that it can be construed as giving rise to fear or anxiety. Green meanwhile possesses a

Garnering 47 percent of the total votes, Red has been heralded as the undisputed M&M leader

refreshing and balancing effect. Nature has taught us that where there is green, there is life. Second placer Green which received 6,972 or 32 percent of the votes was perceived as charismatic, inspirational, and someone who sets a good example for the team. The Yellow one came in last with 21 percent of the votes or 4,547 social media posts. The color was preferred by people who perceived the character as down-to-earth with a service-oriented style of leadership.

For almost a month, the beloved M&M’s have been rallying social media fans to cast their vote

The Hello Kitty Instax camera design now comes in its original color version of ‘lil Ms. Kitty in a red bow

The Hello Kitty Instax camera still comes in its compact design

Fujifilm’s Instax mini Hello Kitty’s new look Whether she’s a cat, a little girl, or just a cartoon character, people don’t seem to care as nothing is stopping them from turning Hello Kitty’s version of Fujifilm Instax mini camera in a pink bow into one of the best selling Instax cameras in town. We’re honestly not sure who is buying them but boy, the appeal of this anthropomorphic white Japanese bobtail cat seems to be timeless. Ever since it said “Hello” to the world in 1974, Hello Kitty has been a favorite collectible item among kids and kids-at-heart.

Since Sanrio opened the licensing of Hello Kitty for different items, this endearing cat has been popping up in different forms – in this case a crowd favorite, the Fujifilm Instax mini camera. The Hello Kitty Instax camera has been in the market for a couple of years and this year, they are launching the original color version of ‘lil Ms. Kitty in a red bow. Nothing much has been changed on the specs, it’s just that she’s now back in her old stylish ribbon. The camera still has the best features of the classic Instax Mini 8 camera such as auto

To see the posts of the polls on social media, check out the hashtags #mmsred, #mmsyellow and #mmsgreen. For more fun activities from M&M’S visit M&M’S Philippines Facebook.

focus, auto flash, a brightness adjustment dial and a Fujinon lens that captures vibrant pictures even in low lighting. The best part is that it is still in its cute compact design and takes instant credit card-sized photos that everyone can enjoy. The new look is already up for grabs, so it might be a good birthday gift for a person in love with Hello Kitty, a friend or a kid – or who knows, maybe even your brother. We ain’t judgin’. For more information, visit www.instax.ph/dealers.

t uES DAy : m Ay 3 1, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

STaRS alIgnED fOR SmaRTBRO POckET WI-fI P888’S maSSIvE naTIOnWIDE TOuR

Celebrity Smart Bro-kadas lending fun and adventure, glitter and glam to SmartBro pocket wifi 888’s nationwide tour. Shown (clockwise from top right) are celebrity athlete Gretchen Ho, Smart’s top gun Gary Dujali, beauty queen mJ Lastimosa, miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, volleyball superstar michele Gumabao and balladeer michael Pangilinan invading Davao City and Pampanga, respectively

e were part of the group that trooped to this city over the weekend, this beautiful city that finds itself on global spotlight nowadays, but not to have a meet and greet session with President-elect Rody Duterte. We were there to witness the festive occasion of SmartBro, the country’s No. 1 mobile broadband, and the launch of its SmartBro 888 for the Davaoeños. The city was filled with much excitement as they meet up close and personal their very own Bb. Pilipinas-Universe and proud Mindanaoan MJ Lastimosa and TV personality and celebrity-athlete Gretchen Ho, who are but two of the nationwide caravan’s Bro-kadas touring the country for this great news of connectivity. The beautiful ladies upped the ante when Smart Bro toured the city in colorful motorcade, visited the stores that offer this amazing deal of a SmartBro 4G pocket wi-fi for only P888 (with free 350mb per month for three months) so they can enjoy fast and reliable connectivity of up to 10 gadgets. The good news is, this worthwhile endeavor is not unique to Davao only. Smart’s Consumer Broadband Marketing Head and concurrent PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Director Gary Dujali tells us that the Davao leg was just one of the many caravans being held all over the country. “These events are in full swing, the Smart Bro-kadas are invading cities and spreading great fun to Bro-kadas nation-

wide. This is the best time to own a SmartBro Pocket Wi-fi with our best price offering ever,” he said. The star-studded Smart Bro 888 caravan started in Cagayan de Oro, came in full force here in Davao, while it was held simultaneously in Pampanga and other parts of Metro Manila joined by popular balladeer Michael Pangilinan and beauty queen Bea Rose. On June 4, it will be coming to Cebu to replicate the same excitement and extravaganza, and then onward it marches to the different major cities nationwide. The Smart Bro 4G Pocket WiFi offers fast and reliable mobile connectivity for up to 10 gadgets, making it the perfect companion for sharing online fun with the barkada – from streaming videos and music, playing online games, to sharing files and photos wherever the whole barkada goes. With its best deal ever, Smart Bro invites everyone to experience firsthand its fast and reliable mobile broadband service as the country’s unrivaled mobile services leader continues to boost its coverage and connectivity experience in key areas across the country, including the Davao region, with the latest network technologies. For more of Smart Bro’s awesome offers, visit www.smart.com.ph/bro and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www. facebook.com.ph/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).

Enjoy Spanish thrillers at the FDCP Cinematheque

Instituto Cervantes and the Embassy of Spain, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), present the film cycle “Spanish Thrillers”, a series of Spanish movies to be shown every Saturday in June at the FDCP Cinematheque. With the arrival of the Democracy to Spain in 1976, these thrillers reflect a fresh outlook brought about by a new generation of filmmakers. Thanks to their intriguing storyline, out-of-the-box concepts combined with clever acting and direction as well as a perfect execution, Spanish thrillers have won popularity worldwide. This film cycle is an opportunity to enjoy four gems of a genre that is booming in Spanish cinema. The film series kicks-off June 4 June 4 p.m. with Tesis, a disturbing thriller about the depiction of violence by the media. Angela is a university student preparing a thesis on media violence. To complement her work, her adviser agrees to search the reserved area of the university library for material, but the next day he is found dead. Angela meets Chema, a fellow student and expert of gore and porn films, and Bosco, a strange boy and close friend of a young woman who was murdered in a snuff movie. Released in 1996, the opera prima of Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar garnered seven Goya Awards (Best Film and Best Script among them), and has become over the years a classic of the genre. Enrique Urbizu’s La caja 507 (Box 507) will be the second installment of this film cycle. The movie, to be shown on June 11, at 4 p.m., is a gripping thriller with a social message, as well as a prime example of the film quality Spain is known for.

Modesto, an honest and responsible professional, is a manager of a small bank branch in the Costa del Sol. His daughter dies in a forest fire that is believed to be accidental. One day due to a robbery that takes place in the bank several safetydeposit boxes are pried open. Modesto mistakenly looks into one of the deposit boxes and stumbles across documents that prove that his daughter’s death was not an accident. From that day on, he sets on a personal crusade for justice. A movie that is well-directed and acted, La caja 507 won several awards both in Spain and abroad, and enjoyed a very successful career at film festivals around the world. Also directed by Enrique Urbizu, who has become a master of the genre, is No habrá paz para los malvados (No Rest for the Wicked). This film will be shown on June 18, at 4 p.m. The film, produced in 2011, tells the story of Santos Trinidad (played by José Coronado), a cop with an outstanding record but was relegated after an obscure incident that ruined his career and turned him into an alcoholic and angry loner. One night Santos finds himself implicated in a triple homicide in an after-hours club. José Coronado’s monumental performance rewarded him several acting awards, as did Urbizu’s fine directing win him two Goyas as the Best Director and Best Screenplay. Directed by Jaume Balagueró in 2011, Mientras duermes (Sleep Tight) will close the film series on the 25th of June at 4 p.m. César works as a doorman in an apartment building in Barcelona. He goes about his day-to-day work mainly unnoticed by the residents of the building yet he pays close attention to them. He knows all the intimate details of their lives, everything

“No habrá paz para los malvados” is a 2011 multi-awarded Spanish thriller

“tesis” is a Spanish thriller film that features debut of director Alejandro Amenábar

“mientras duermes” is a Spanish horror thriller film directed by Jaume Balagueró and stars marta Etura

about them and one in particular --Clara, a happy-go-lucky young woman, who always looks on the positive side of things, and whose cheery attitude to life makes Cesar’ skin crawl. In Clara he has found the perfect target, and he will go to extreme lengths to make her life miserable. An artistic and commercial success, Mientras duermes enjoyed quite a success in film festivals worldwide, receiving more than 30 awards and nominations.

All films will be shown in original version in Spanish with English subtitles. The screenings will take place at the Cinematheque of FDCP, at 855 T. M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila. Starting at 4 p.m. and admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information please log on to Instituto Cervantes’ website www.manila. cervantes.es or www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila, or call 526-1482.

t uES DAy : m Ay 3 1, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

HAS RyAn yllAnA founD HIS tRuE cAllIng? By AngElIcA cRuz

When Ryan Yllana finally appeared at the Parañaque City Hall (which is later than his usual arrival in the office) with his brother District 1 Councilor Jomari Yllana, the people seemed surprised to see two celebrity brothers together. They couldn’t avoid staring at them. Inside Ryan’s yellow-and-greenpainted-office were a couple of people, presumably assisting him. And since waiting for him took me almost five hours - well, two at SM Sucat and three inside his office, I was able to observe the kind of councilor that the residents of Parañaque re-elected. Ryan seemed to be as cheerful in the office as he is in showbiz. “His presence stirs up a comic atmosphere inside this office,” one employee said. However, the time Ryan spends in his office sometimes gives way to his work as a celebrity. He said that he still accept offers from GMA although refuses to work in soap operas.

In 2005, Ryan became active in the entertainment industry. Aside from doing hosting, he also starred in movies under GMA films. But during the 2010 elections, Ryan surprised the public when he announced that he’s running for councilor in Parañaque’s 2nd District. “It was like a call to public service. And since this is something shared among the family, I decided to run as politician as well,” shared Ryan in an interview with The Standard. Despite the more operational and complex challenges now accounted to him, the La Salle alumnus decided not to leave showbiz industry. In fact, he was able to make movies with GMA during his first two terms as councilor. “I don’t see any outright conflict of interest in being a celebrity politician”, Ryan said. “It comes with proper setting of priorities. I’m not that active in my career as celebrity since I en-

gaged in politics because public service is still at the top of my priorities,” he explained. The actor admits that he cannot quit showbiz permanently since the industry is his first love. Furthermore, he asserted that it wouldn’t undermine his political career as long as he gets his priorities straight. Ryan, as far as his office is concerned, is very open to people who seek financial assistance. As a matter of fact, there was a woman who came to his office asking for P20 because she had no money left to go back to her family. And there also came another who asked if Ryan could actually sponsor her for her outing with friends. While a councilor giving financial support may not sound new to us, it must be clear that their job is beyond those entertaining and accommodating people. The seats they have are dedicated to a higher level of service.

Politicians may be known as bearers of bad tidings. So, for another celebrity to engage in politics, we may argue that reputation matters, but not so much as when translated into action. Perhaps it’s not only prestige but unblemished record that helped Ryan secured a second term. And if he plays his cards right, and not get marred by any controversy, he might as well find his place running for a higher post in the next elections to come. Being a public figure takes an extraordinary display of prowess and appealing character. And in order to secure this kind of superiority or elite status, one must afford to give satisfaction to the general public. For an actor-turned-politician like reelected Councilor Ryan Yllana, this is something readily taken advantage of. (Angelica Cruz is an incoming senior at Colegio de San Juan de Letran majoring in communication arts.)

comedian Ryan yllana wins a reelection as councilor in Parañaque

All about pets on Animal Planet Whether you are a dog lover or a certified cat person, there is one thing all pet owners can agree on: pets are part of the family, and we will do everything to love and care for them. This June, celebrate the universal love we have for the furriest members of our household with Pet Week, which airs from June 6 to 10 on Animal Planet. We consider these furry companions part of our families, our best friends and confidants, but how much do we really know about the secret lives they lead? In The Secret of Life of Pets, find out that while we think we may know the meaning of each sultry purr or excitable slobber, the reality is that we actually understand very little. Our pets are animals with their own agendas. Once we leave the house, close the cage or turn the lights off and

It’s “Pet Week” on Animal channel featuring shows like “the Secret life of Pets,” “America’s cutest,” and “Dogs 101”

cROsswORD puzzlE

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

ACROSS 1 Bud holder 5 Goalie’s feat 9 Minty quaff 14 Commodious ships 15 Noted groundhog 16 All kidding — 17 One pursued by a rake (2 wds.) 19 Raise reason 20 This — — stickup!

21 It may be raw 22 Officer wannabe 23 Flooded 25 Left the plane 26 Enlightened Chinese dynasty 27 Coffee additive 30 Chain mail 33 Brahma, Vishnu and — 34 Belly dance

instrument 36 Wordy Webster 37 Open-eyed 38 Friendly 39 “Car Talk” network 40 Bete — 41 Unwieldy 42 Quote 44 Director’s shout 45 Troubadour prop 46 Yuletide quaff 50 Persona non — 52 Sash filler 53 Merkel of “Destry Rides Again” 54 Romance in France 55 One lion to another (3 wds.) 57 Zesty dip 58 He played Obi-Wan 59 Tarzan, really 60 Pay homage 61 Job benefit 62 Whodunit terrier DOWN 1 Logically sound 2 Popped up 3 Cheers! 4 Hairpin curve 5 Internal organ 6 Winning 7 Mini-bottle 8 Brownie 9 Reggae’s island 10 Did, once

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

11 12 13 18 22 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 37 38 40 41 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56

(2 wds.) Milan money, once Proofread Favorite Psychic — Cayce Cussler of “Sahara” Oops! (hyph.) Take — —! Horoscope Make cloudy Ick! Abby’s sister Snare a steer Harpo or Chico Lift, slangily “L.A. Law” star Main artery Sundae topping Idling gear Urban transport Will provision Vancouver puckster Ice, actually Mystiques Sluggish Clapton tune FBI agent (hyph.) Audition hope Soccer star Get nosy Lick Edible seed

go to bed, our pets continue their remarkable stories away from prying human eyes. This Pet Week special brings you a collection of heart-warming, informative and often hilarious tales that reveal not only the astonishing truth about our pets’ behaviour, but also shed a light on what that behaviour really means. The Secret Life of Pets airs 8 p.m. from June 6 to 9, Monday to Thursday. Pet Week is not complete without a celebration of man’s best friend. Which breed was JFK Junior’s best friend? Which spaniel is known for clearing counters? Which herding dog climbs on the backs of sheep? Which is the only breed native to Argentina? Find out the answers on this episode of Dogs 101. We’ll meet the Briard, the Canaan dog, the Dogo Argentino, the Japanese Chin, the Clumber Spaniel, and the Austra-

lian Kelpie. This special episode of Dogs 101 airs 9 p.m. June 6. Besides being the furriest, without a doubt, pets are also the cutest members of the family. See all these adorable creatures in America’s Cutest. From talking kitties and slumbering cats to dancing dogs and dogs that doze, we count down the cutest clips in the web-o-sphere to crown America’s Cutest Cat and America’s Cutest Dog. This special presentation of America’s Cutest airs 9 p.m. June 7 and 8. And to culminate Pet Week, the cuteness competition continues as Animal Planet’s GEICO Stadium hosts the 12th annual championship battle for cuteness – Puppy Bowl XII. Tune in as for the second straight year, Team Ruff meets Team Fluff for bragging rights. Puppy Bowl XII airs 8 p.m. June 10.

t uES DAy : m Ay 3 1, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

DENNIS AND HEARt DISPlAy GOOD cHEmIStRy

F GmA News tV’s “Reel time” bested entries sent by producers from all over the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and North and South America

GmA News tV’s ‘Reel time’ wins Best Program in World tV Awards

GMA News TV’s documentary program Reel Time was recognized as Best Program in “Promoting Children’s Rights” under the Humanity category at this year’s Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)’s World Television Awards, besting entries sent by producers from all over the AsiaPacific, Europe, Africa, and North and South America. The awarding ceremony was held on May 25 in Incheon, South Korea. Reel Time’s winning episode, “Isang Paa sa Hukay (The Price of Gold),” tells the story of small-scale mining in Camarines Norte, where children risk their lives diving down narrow shafts with only an air compressor to support their breathing, in search of very little pieces of gold. It was written and directed by the show’s executive producer, Jayson Bernard Santos. Earlier this year, the same episode earned the bronze award in the Human Concerns category at the prestigious New York Festivals. “Reel Time, being one of the

youngest documentary programs on Philippine television today, is grateful for the numerous international and local recognitions it has received, so far. May our documentaries serve not only as eye-openers but also as vehicles for experimental solutions to be determined to address the ills of our society,” Santos said. This is the second time that GMA brought home an award from AIBD. Last year, the Network won the Best Documentary citation under the “Humanity Category Dealing with Natural Disaster” for its “Pagbangon” documentary about the recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda. The World TV Awards was initiated by AIBD in 2004 with the objective of recognizing the critical role played by media in promoting the awareness of the audience on major issues such as cultural diversity, religious understanding, tolerance, natural disasters, and children’s rights. The award is open to broadcasters worldwide from public, private sector and freelance producers.

iphOTO

Reel time Executive Producer Jayson Bernard Santos (3rd from left) receiving the award during the Asia media Summit 2016 in Incheon, South Korea.

Skyjet Airlines’ brand envoys Skyjet Airlines, manila’s boutique airline, introduced recently its brand ambassadors. they are troy montero, Aubrey miles and Phoemela Baranda. Skyjet gave each a plaque of appreciation. Skyjet Airline President Dino Reyes chua and Joaquin Po, chief operating officer, awarded the plaque during the first appreciation night held on may 26 at Bar 360 at Resorts World Hotel, Pasay city. With them is. mia mancio, marketing manager, Skyjet Airline.

ollowers of the new soap on GMA 7 are happy that its lead stars Dennis Trillo and Heart Evangelista have an indubitable chemistry. The rom-com Juan Happy Love Story is emerging to be the top choice of prime time viewers as they say it leaves them with a happy heart before finally going to bed. The show’s funny dialog makes it the perfect late night show for those who have gotten tired of crying with the characters. Heart says she is very happy that the audience is enjoying her new show. Dennis, meanwhile, is grateful to everyone who stays up later than usual to watch him and Heart in this romantic comedy, The actor says, “Masaya ako dahil iba’t iba yung proyektong binibigay sa amin ng GMA lalo na ngayon, may time kami para mag-experiment. Kaya lahat kami masaya dahil nakakagawa kami ng bago and may mapapakita kaming kakaiba sa programang ito.” Juan Happy Love Story airs weeknights after Once Again on the Kapuso network.

Dennis trillo and Heart Evangelista reunite in “Juan “Happy love Story

‘magtanggol’ champions OFWs Investment banker Jojo Dispo doesn’t consider his initial foray into scripting and producing a movie a gamble. Magtanggol, the first offering of Felix and Bert Film Productions, is an undertaking fueled by passion and compassion. Directed by Sigfreid Barros Sanchez and conceptualized by Jojo Dispo, it tackles the issue of abuses committed against Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by their employers. “I’ve traveled to a lot of places with high concentration of OFWs,” Dispo discloses. “I’ve talked to many ambassadors around the world about them, have had first hand exposure with many OFWs. I’ve heard their stories. I want to help.” Magtanggol dares to ask the question “Sino ang bayani ng mga bagong bayani?” It zeroes in on Senator Juan Magtanggol, a member of the powerful Magtanggol political clan, who is one day thrust into the limelight for being a suspect for the spate of killings of international employers of Filipino OFWs victimized by abuse. Tom Rodriguez, who plays Senator Juan Magtanggol, considers Magtanggol his first venture in the political thriller genre, an eyeopener. “I didn’t realize the gravity of violence committed against our kababayans who only want to improve the plight of their respective families. Leaving your family behind to work overseas is already painful.” Tom relishes working on this indie project. “Ibinalot ‘yung pelikula sa isang masayang panoorin na kuwento pero nakatago rin doon ‘yung larawan ng totoong sinasapit minsan ng mga kapatid nating OFWs,” shares the Kapuso leading man. “The production people and the director, grabe! Pinag-iisipan nila lahat ng shots. I’ve learned so much from all the

other projects I’ve done in the past. I’m learning so much more just being here. How they compose the shots. How they color and light the scenes. There is a reason behind everything.” Seasoned actress Dina Bonnevie who plays the second wife of the Magtanggol patriarch (played by Joonee Gamboa) says that the movie is call to action. “It is very timely in light of the upcoming elections. If you have discontent over the way the government is running the country, then you have to speak up.” Playing a very challenging role

is emerging young actor Ejay Falcon. “It is an honor for me na makasama sa project na ito.” Magtanggol also stars Yam Concepcion, Kim Domingo, Albie Casino, and Denise Laurel. Like everyone who experiences hardships, OFWs need all the help and assistance they can get. One way of doing that is by watching “Magtanggol” when it opens on June 8 in theaters nationwide because whatever the movie earns sue will be used to fund projects to promote the welfare of OFWs. In our own little way, we too can become heroes.

“magtanggol” is a film that centers on the life of OFWs

A scene from “magtanggol” featuring tom Rodriguez, EJ Falcon and Albie casino

t uES DAy : m Ay 3 1, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR NICKIE WANG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

#SunVsStar. Daniel Padilla (third from left) flanked by Hashtags members Elmo magalona (rightmost)

Cagers for a day: (From left) Aaron Villaflor, Gerald Anderson, young JV, Xian Lim, JC de Vera and a Gerald Acao

BIg STaRS In 7Th STaR MagIc gaMES

n its seventh year, Star Magic artists and personnel have once again devoted a day in their busy schedules to get on the courts and don their sports hats. For the second year in a row, the Star Magic Games carried the title Sun vs. Stars title in lieu of its retained partnership with Sun Life Financial Financial. The friendly star-studded sporting event held at the Celebrity Sports Plaza on May 22 once again paved the way for the stars to showcase their sporty sides. Love teams were also seen at the venue like Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga, Ylona Garcia and Bailey May, Loisa Andalio and Joshua Garcia, Alexa Ilacad and Nash Aguas, Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona, among others. Teen stars Jane Oineza, Sofia Andres, Marco Gumabao, Maris Racal, Marlo Mortel, Inigo Pascual, Julia Barreto, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto, Xyriel Manabat and Zaijian Jaranilla were also in attendance, as well as members of Gimme 5 and It’s Showtime’s Hashtags and GirlTrends. This year the four teams were named after superheroes. There was the Black Widow team led by Daniel, Blue Captain America team led by Hashtags member Ronnie Alonte, Yellow Wolverine team led by comedian Eric Nicolas, Green Hulk team led by Jairus Aquino and Star Magic’s Red Iron Man Dream Team led by Xian Lim. The day started with the parade of the participating teams with their respective muses. Black Widow team had rising stars Heaven Peralejo and Ysabel Ortega while the Blue Captain America team had Chienna Filomeno and Alexa Ilacad. Meanwhile, the Green Hulk team had Andrea Brillantes and Loisa Andalio. While the Yellow Wolverine team had GirlTrends member Kelley Day, Red Iron Man Team had GirlTrends member Mica Rivera. The Sun Life Financial team, meanwhile, was led by Maja Salvador.

competitive. (from left) Kapamilya celebrities Gretchen Ho, Piolo Pascual, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, and Daniel matsunaga and Erich Gonzales

Comedienne Kitkat with kid participants

The program began with Angeline Quinto leading the singing of the national anthem, which was immediately followed by Xian’s opening prayer. Sun Life Financial ambassador Piolo Pascual gave the opening remarks after which Gerald Anderson initiated the Oath of Sportsmanship. The actual event began after the Teen King Daniel Padilla lighted the torch. Robi Domingo, Erika Abello and Eric Nicolas hosted this year’s sports event. Kitkat ,Tippy Dos Santos and Drei Felix also served as side hosts that day. Sun Life Financial participants dominated the swimming relay but Zonia Mejia and Erika Abello placed second while newbie Kira Balinger and Enchong Dee were among the runners up. Under the volleyball category, the Yellow Wolverine team won against the Black Widow team. While the Blue Captain America team beat

Kapamilya darling Julia Barretto (center) with an official from one of the event sponsors

the Green Hulk team. Budding star Ashley Colet bagged volleyball’s Most Valuable Player and Mythical six award, while Gretchen Ho, Marco Gumabao, Joseph Marco, Jed Montero and Julia Barretto are the Mythical six awardees. Star Magic kids and teens participated in the fun games which also revolved around the superhero concept. Among them were Boost Your Boosts, Shield of Justice, Saving Earth, and Slam N’ Jam. Under the badminton sport, Green Hulk’s Heaven Peralejo and Hatima Bien won in the women’s category while Black Widow’s Neil Coleta and Inigo Pascual won in the men’s category. Neil Coleta took home the Best Male Player award. Piolo was eventually declared as the Overall Most Valuable Player in the badminton category. OPM Sweetheart Janella Salvador and Teen Queen Kathryn Bernardo played for the first

time in women’s badminton. In the teen’s basketball division, the Green Hulk team of Jairus Aquino, Bugoy Carino, and Zaijian Jaranilla beat the Blue Captain America team of Nash Aguas with the score of 36-27. The Green Hulk team of Robi Domingo and Jerome Ponce, meanwhile, continued their winning streak in the mixed adults division. Eventually Jairus Aquino was named teen division’s Most Valuable Player while Bugoy Cariño took home the Rookie of the Year award. The much-awaited adult basketball division game of the annual Star Magic Games saw the face off between Daniel Padilla’s Black Widow team and Hashtag Ronnie Alonte’s Blue Captain America team for the first time. Touted as the Royalty Teams, the intense game ended with the score of 7069 in favor of Black Widow team.

Teen King Daniel eventually bagged the Most Valuable Player award for the third time. His first two MVP awards were for the junior division in 2015 and 2013, respectively. Ronnie, who was a first-timer at the Star Magic Games, took home the Rookie of the Year Award under the exhibition game division where he also participated in. The adult division’s Rookie of the Year award, meanwhile, was bagged by Doble Kara star Anjo Damiles. Star Magic’s Red Iron Man Dream Team lead by Xian Lim, JC De Vera, Rayver Cruz and Gerald Anderson competed with Sun Life Financial Team in the basketball exhibition game. Six points win in favor of Sun Life Financial. The day ended with a smile as all, especially Star Magic celebrities, were able to meet old and make new friends in the annual Star Magic Games.