The Standard - 2016 June 27 - Monday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXX NO. 135 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 MONDAY : JUNE 27, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Duterte: Sorry to families of users

POLL CHIEF AWOL Comelec work left hanging, commissioners say By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

COMMISSION on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista left for Japan Thursday without authority from the en banc, leaving the six other commissioners with unsigned procurement documents and resolutions piled up, a poll official said Sunday.

File photo shows Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista before the May 9 elections. His fellow commissioners have issued a memo decrying his alleged ‘failure of leadership.’ Bautista flew to Japan Thursday without authority from the Comelec en banc, leaving nobody in charge.

Lower income taxes likely

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said Bautista did not follow the standard procedure for taking a vacation leave, which calls for the appointment of an acting chairman by the en banc while he is away. “Chairman Bautista did not have en banc authority to travel abroad and thus the en banc was not able to designate an acting chair,” Guanzon said in a text message. Guanzon expressed frustration that the Comelec could not start preparing for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October because Bautista was not around. “There are documents still not signed, including notices of awards to suppliers of election materials, thus payments are delayed,” she said. She said the en banc wanted to appoint Commissioner Christian Robert Lim as acting chairman, but Lim refused because Bautista had not brought up the need for a temporary turnover of tasks. Earlier, all six commissioners issued a memo that decried Bautista’s “failure of leadership” and took him to task for the delayed payment of teachers who served as board of election inspectors, and the costs incurred in his failed mall voting project. Bautista played down the memo, which raised 15 “grave concerns,” and said he was able to talk to some of the commissioners Next page about these issues.

Tiamzons among 21 Reds eyed for release By John Paolo Bencito SOME 21 jailed communist leaders, all of them facing criminal charges for murder and other violent crimes, are likely to be released and get safe conduct passes as consultants in peace talks between the Duterte administration and the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNational Democratic Front (CPP-NDF),

a member of the incoming government peace panel said Sunday. A list obtained by The Standard shows that the 21 include Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, chairman and secretary-general, respectively, of the CCP, who were arrested on murder charges in Cebu in March 2014, and Adelberto Silva who replaced the Tiamzons as the head of the CPP. Silva, too, was arrested for outstand-

ing arrest warrants for murder. Over the weekend, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte confirmed that he and CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison are in talks to formally declare a ceasefire between the government and the rebel group’s armed wing, the New People’s Army, as the incoming leader seeks to put an end to the longest-running communist secessionist Next page movement in the region.

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Users ‘as good as dead’ when Rody takes office By John Paolo Bencito

PRESIDENT-ELECT Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday night he would apologize to the families of drug users who cannot kick the habit because they are “as good as dead” once he takes office on June 30. Speaking before his supporters who braved the heavy rains at the One Love, One Nation Cebu thanksgiving party, the president-elect expressed his plan to kill at least 10 drug addicts a day to lower the number of drug users in the country. “This will be finished. Six years. You just think if I will kill 10 per day,” Duterte told crowd. “If I couldn’t convince you to stop, I’ll have you killed... If you’re into drugs, I’m very sorry. I’ll have to apologize to your family—your father, mother, spouse and children—because you’ll surely

get killed. Believe me. If I won’t kill you, many will be like you,” the president-elect said. Duterte’s vow to kill 10 drug offenders a day would mean a total death count of 21,900 by the time he steps down from office in 2022. On Saturday, incoming Philippine National Police director-general Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa revealed that some of the 35 mayors who are being investigated for their alleged involvement in the narcotics trade come from Davao province. Duterte cited statistics from the Philippine Drug

Enforcement Agency to emphasize the severity of the problem. “According to PDEA, [there are] three millionplus drug addicts in the country today... Let’s just assume that [they are] in every barangay… You have a problem because they can be also thieves, rapists or just dysfunctional,” he said. “The problem is once you’re addicted to shabu, rehabilitation is no longer a viable option,” he added. Duterte said that while many critics have slammed the recent killing of suspected drug lords as “embarrassing,” he said the crimes committed by drug pushers and addicts are the “bigger embarrassment.” Earlier this month, Duterte said there are politicians as well as three police generals who are into illegal drugs. He warned them to resign before he becomes president or he will humili-

ate them publicly. An end to the drug problem, he said, was the only way the country could attract investors. “Our only chance is investments so that many businesses would enter. But I have to make this country peaceful. Because of drugs, there is rape, criminality, robbery—I have to control the source,” he added. Taking a different tack, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista offered basic skills and technical education and even seed capital for drug users and pushers who surrender and give up the illicit drug trade. On Friday, Bautista gave drug users in Quezon City seven days to surrender to the authorities but warned those who ignored his plea. Quezon City police have rounded up 738 drug users and peddlers since they launched a new anti-drug campaign. With Rio N. Araja

Alleged leader of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, led by Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, raise their clenched fists in this file photo. The Tiamzons are among 21 incarcerated communist leaders who might be released and get safe conduct passes as consultants in peace talks with the government. MANNY PALMERO

Poll... From A1

Malacañang on Sunday said it would leave it up to the Comelec to solve its internal problems, since the agency is a constitutional body independent from the Palace. “Most of the issues they are citing are internal affairs. So it would be better that they be the ones to discuss about it,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on staterun radio dzRB. In their memo, the commissioners also criticize Bautista for failing to act swiftly

after the Comelec website was hacked and a huge voter database was stolen. Bautista, they said, declined to assume direct control and supervision of the task force created after the incident, “asserting that he is constrained by his limited information technology knowledge.” But the commissioners said the Comelec chairman is mandated to direct and supervise operations and administration—including the IT department. “The lackadaisical attitude towards complying with relevant laws fosters a suspicion of a complete

abandon of the functions and duties of a head of agency,” the memo read. “Further, even the National Privacy Commission has aired its complaint of the difficulty as well as slow pace in obtaining documents from the commission relevant to their investigation,” the commissioners wrote. The commissioners hit Bautista for unexplained absences or the refusal to attend crucial en banc meetings days before the May 9 elections, saying this was a sign of “misplaced priorities.” They also deplored his unilateral declarations to the press on matters that the en

banc should have discussed and decided, such as his statement that barangay elections need to be postponed. “This is not a solitary incident. The chairman should not grant interviews on matters not yet decided by the commission en banc. He must make clear that his personal opinion is his alone and not attributable to the entire organization,” the commissioners said. Bautista said he is ready to answer the complaints raised against him, and added that 99.8 percent of election workers had already been paid. With Sandy Araneta

Tiamzons... From A1

In an interview, Hernani Braganza, an incoming member of the government peace panel, said that both sides would have to assess who should be included in an amnesty. ‘‘When you talk about Jasig [joint agreement on security and immunity guarantees], it’s not just about those who will be moved out of jail. It includes their staff, as their team of experts who will face the government’s experts. Their security personnel and their secretariat will also be covered by Jasig so that they can also move freely and consult with their constituency,” Braganza said. The list of communist leaders, obtained from the rights group Karapatan, included 21 people, all of whom are in jail on criminal charges. Aside from the Tiamzons and Silva, the list includes: Tirso Alcantara, senior NDF consultant captured by the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command after he was wounded in a gunfight; Emeterio Antalan and Eduardo Fraginal, both charged with murder, kidnapping and illegal possession of firearms, detained at the Nueva Ecija provincial jail; Eduardo Sarmiento, detained at the Philippine National Police custodial center in Camp Crame for arson and illegal possession of firearms; Jaime Soledad, detained at the Leyte provincial jail for multiple murder; Alfredo Mapano, detained at the Cagayan de Oro City police office for double murder and robbery charges; Pedro Codaste, top NPA leader in Agusan del Sur who was arrested in December for multiple murder cases; and Ma. Concepcion AranetaBocala, a former UP Journalism student who led the NPA ranks in Panay Island. Also included are Renato Baleros Sr., Porferio Tuna, Ariel Arbitrario, Kennedy Bangibang, Ruben Saluta, Renante Gamara, Alan Jazmines, Ernesto Lorenzo, Ma. Loida Magpatoc and Leopoldo Caloza. Braganza said that there are currently 543 political prisoners from the CPPNDFP, 18 of whom are NDF consultants, 88 of whom are sick, and 48 of whom were elderly. The incoming administration had said that agreements that the government has signed with the communist rebels will be honored, but these need congressional approval. Braganza said that a general amnesty might be possible for all political prisoners through legislation or presidential proclamation—which also needs congressional approval.

Braganza said that the leftist bloc in the House might sponsor a measure in seeking to grant total amnesty to all political prisoners. “There are processes that we need to follow. There are progressive blocs inside Congress. They can take the initiative of filing that bills. How long will that take in Congress? Let’s see,” he said. Leftist groups that won in the last election inlcude Bayan Muna, ACT Teachers, Anakpawis, Kabataan, and Gabriela, who altogether have eight seats in the House. It is unclear if they will join the “supermajority” being formed by incoming House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to facilitate President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda. Braganza, together with peace panel chairman, Silvestre Bello III and Jess Dureza, went to The Netherlands to sign a five-point agenda with the communists upon resumption of the talks, which includes an affirmation of previously signed agreements; an accelerated negotiation process, reconstitution of the previously signed Jasig, an amnesty proclamation with the concurrence of Congress; and the mode for an interim ceasefire. At his thanksgiving party in Cebu Saturday night, Duterte expressed hope that the incoming administration’s efforts to resume peace talks with communist rebels will bear positive results. In the same speech, Duterte revealed that he’s already talking with Sison, his former mentor, for a unilateral ceasefire after the start of the formal peace talks. He also appealed to communist rebels to honor the declaration of a ceasefire so that the peace process won’t get stalled as it did in the past administrations. “I’m talking to the communists right now. I might succeed,” he said. Aside from efforts to resume peace talks with communist rebels, Duterte said he is also holding dialogues with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front to iron out “whatever arrangement is acceptable for all.” Duterte said he would feel accomplished if he succeeds in bringing lasting peace to the country, and eliminating illegal drugs and crime. Braganza said that Duterte has only given them 12 months to finish the talks and come to an agreement with the communists. Earlier, Bello said that simultaneous talks will be pursued to accelerate the negotiations and to come up with a final peace agreement in nine to 12 months. “We are only given 12 months to finish the job,” Braganza told reporters on Saturday.

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Customs misses its target by P43.25b CUSTOMS Commissioner Alberto Lina missed the revenue collection target in the past five months by P43.25 billion, which translates to close to P300 million a day that President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said is lost due to rampant smuggling and corruption. Records show that in May 2016 alone Customs recorded a deficit of P8.85 billion or P295 million in losses per day. Lina refused to believe Duterte’s assertion that smuggling and corruption are causing Customs’ collection shortfall. Instead, he blamed the deficit on cheaper crude oil prices. Duterte has said Customs is one of the most corrupt government agencies, and that has prompted him to order “zero tolerance” for smuggling and corruption at the agency. The Swine Development Council and the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura or Sinag has backed Duterte’s assertion and said the smuggling of agricultural products alone had gone unabated under Lina’s watch. Citing figures from the United Nations Commission on Trade or UNComTrade, Sinag head Rosendo So said smuggling and corruption in pork meat alone cost the country some P1.17 billion in lost revenue in 2015. Also under Lina’s watch, So said, some 203 20-foot container vans carrying five million kilos of expired pork meat worth P420 million would have flooded the wet market and put at risk public health had their group not stopped their release. Of the 203 container vans, only 160 had been traced and the rest had gone missing, So said. He said SDC and Sinag provided Lina and the Department of Agriculture with the names of the smugglers but nothing was done about them. “If not from our sources from the ground, these containers could have easily slipped out of the Bureau of Customs premises as importers were said to have ‘secured’ clearances and demanded the authorities release these containers,” So said. Christine F. Herrera

Duterte willing to talk with Abu Sayyaf group THE terrorist group Abu Sayyaf must be clear if it wants to be seen as an enemy, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said late Saturday night even as he declared his openness to hold a dialogue with the same group that recently affirmed its allegiance to the Islamic State.

Conference. Outgoing Health Secretary Jannet Loreto Garin (right) confers with incoming

secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial during the 1st Nationa Health Colloquium organized by the Health Department and Zuellig and held at the Manila Diamond Hotel on Saturday. REVOLI CORTEZ

“The Abu Sayyaf, they are not my enemies,” Duterte told his Cebuano supporters. “I know that is connected with the issue of Mindanao. Are they willing to talk or just fight it out?” Duterte vowed a “day of reckoning” against the Abu Sayyaf who beheaded two Canadians recently after no ransom was paid for their release. He made his statement even as Malacañang said Sunday the military and the police will continue to fight any terrorist threat, including the recent IS statement urging its members to go to the Philippines to sow terror in the country. “The threat of terrorism, wherever it comes from, is addressed by our Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told the state-run dzRB radio. The Islamic State has called on its followers in Southeast Asia to fight for the terror group either in Syria or in the Philippines. On Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped seven Indonesian sailors in the Sulu Sea on June 22. The terrorist group had recently pledged their support for the Islamic State in its “pivot to Asia,” with extremist Isnilon Hapilon as one of its leaders. In a propaganda video released by the extremist terror group, a man who spoke in Filipino urged his “brothers” not to hesitate in their fight. “Take care and be strong, do not be swayed by the deceptive tactics of the newly elected [President Rodrigo] Duterte. May he be cursed by Allah,” the man said. On Friday, Duterte said the kidnappings and beheadings perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf must stop, and that he would soon confront the extremist group. Duterte also warned his fellow Mindanaoans not to join the bandit group because he would unleash war on them. John Paolo Bencito and Sandy Araneta

Coalition deal may not happen, says Belmonte

After the downpour. Motorists and peddlers negotiate San Andres Street in Manila after a sudden downpour on Sunday afternoon. EY ACASIO

HOUSE Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Sunday a coalition agreement between the outgoing ruling Liberal Party and the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan may not materialize. He said the LP will not allow its roster to be reduced to only 20 members, and because “in that case I cannot be a member of such group.” He said this was the reason the LP’s negotiations to coalesce with PDP-Laban to create a super majority in the 17th Congress was stalled. Belmonte is one of the LP’s vice chairmen while President Benigno Aquino III is its national chairman. “If we can be at par with the other groups, then it’s a real option for me to be the head of the Liberal members who would like to form part of the coalition,” Belmonte said. The LP has yet to sign a coalition agreement to form a super majority to be led by incoming Speaker Pan-

taleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte, a stalwart of PDP-Laban. “There’s still a long way to go. We have not yet signed or come to any agreement with the majority group because there are various decisions [to be made],” Belmonte said. “There’s one group wanting to reduce the number of Liberals to 20, which is way below the other groups.” Belmonte did not identify the group wanting to reduce the LP’s membership. He earlier said at least 15 LP members would take a leave of absence from the ruling party immediately after President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s assumption into office on June 30 to oppose the coalition with PDP-Laban. The PDP-Laban’s super majority is composed of the Nacionalista Party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the National Union Party and the 57 allied party-list groups. Rio N. Araja

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Lower tax rates seen under Duterte By Macon Ramos-Araneta Senator Juan edgardo angara has expressed confidence that his proposal to lower income tax rates across-the-board will be passed into law under the administration of President-elect rodrigo Duterte, who has included tax reforms in his 10-point priority socioeconomic agenda.

Recyclable goods. Workers help a colleague load a bale of collected recyclable materials at a junk shop near the former dumpsite ‘Smokey Mountain’ in Quezon City on June 26, 2016. AFP

Comelec hit for ‘LP bias’ By Christine F. Herrera A losing congressional candidate on sunday accused the commission on elections of being “partisan and biased” in favor of administration allies after it went ahead in proclaiming a liberal Party-backed candidate even if she was an “American citizen.” the camp of outgoing nueva ecija gov. Aurelio Umali said the comelec proclaimed rosanna “ria” Vergara as the congresswoman-elect of the province’s third district even if she had allegedly falsified legal documents to show she was a Filipino citizen. “the comelec surprisingly ignored the evidence and did not give due attention to the disqualification case filed against Vergara,” said Phillip Piccio, who filed a petition for disqualification against Vergara at the Municipal trial court of cabanatuan city early this year. Vergara ran for the third district of nueva ecija and won by a slim margin of 2,500 votes against Umali.

Vergara’s victory, however, was tainted with allegations of massive vote buying, cheating and falsifying her citizenship documents, Piccio said. “Vergara was publicly known in nueva ecija as a green card holder since 1998 when the Us government granted her petition for American citizenship. this should have stripped her of all the rights and privileges of a Filipino citizen including her right to participate in Philippine elections,” Piccio stressed. in october 2015, Vergara filed her certificate of candidacy to run for congress and submitted several documentary requirements to comelec to prove her eligibility. “these documents apparently are spurious,” Piccio said. Among these documents were Vergara’s notarized Pledge of Allegiance to Philippine laws and the constitution and her notarized renunciation of her Us citizenship. the municipal court granted the petition of Piccio against Vergara on Feb. 4, 2016, but the regional trial court reversed the decision

two weeks after. Piccio had since elevated the petition to the comelec and the court of Appeals. on June 7, the comelec First division handed down its resolution dismissing Piccio’s petition, arguing that the poll body has no jurisdiction on cases concerning citizenship even as it ruled that the petition should be dismissed for lack of merit. “the comelec’s logic is twisted. How can it declare the petition was lacking in merit and at the same time safely claim that it has no jurisdiction over the matter? if comelec has no jurisdiction on the case, it has no right to declare whether the petition has merit or not,” Piccio said. Piccio said the Umali camp has found new documentary evidence that would prove Vergara and her party falsified documents to comply with comelec eligibility requirements. “ria Vergara had made a mockery of our laws, our constitution and our whole electoral system. they made fools of the novo ecijano electorate,” he added.

“We’re happy that the sentiments of our workers, who feel that they are being excessively taxed, are now being heard,” said Angara, chairman of the senate ways and means committee. “We’ve been pushing for income tax reform since we were elected in 2013 when we saw how outdated, unfair and oppressive our current system of taxation is,” he added. duterte’s incoming Finance secretary, carlos dominguez, earlier assured business leaders that they will review the tax system, “initially to update the income tax brackets and eventually to lowering corporate and individual tax rates.” Angara’s initial proposal, senate Bill no. 2149 filed in February 2014, aims to lower income tax rates across-the-board, reducing the highest tax rate from 32 to 25 percent and compressing the tax brackets from seven to five. subsequently, in november last year, the senator filed sB no. 3003 that seeks to adjust the levels of taxable income to take into account inflation. dominguez said the incoming administration will submit a tax reform package to congress by september to “institute progressive tax reform and more effective tax collection, indexing taxes to inflation.” “corporate taxes will also be adjusted to be competitive with the rest of the region to make our economy more competitive for investments,” dominguez added. “i’m looking forward to the tax reform package that will be submitted to us. We’ll make sure that the congress passes a version that will ease the tax burden of our workers and at the same time, would not pose risk to the country’s fiscal health but would help improve revenue collection, attract foreign direct investment and boost job generation in the country,” Angara said. A recent study by the University of the Philippines school of economics showed that while a decrease in corporate income tax rate will initially lead to lower corporate income tax collection, the offset will come in the form of greater net collections given the projected increase in investments when corporate income tax rates are reduced.

Rody wants simple June 30 By Sandy Araneta President-elect rodrigo duterte is set to prove to the Filipino people his campaign slogan of implementing “real change” in the country on the very first day of his term as the country’s highest official, starting with a simple inauguration where “adobo, durian sweets, maruya and buko juice” will be served, his incoming communications secretary, Martin Andanar, said. Andanar said duterte, known for his simplicity, opted against a fancy presidential inauguration on June 30. “the guests will partake of simple food in the menu such as adobo, durian sweets, maruya [banana fritters] and buko juice,” Andanar said. “the President wants his oathtaking to be a simple one,” he added.

Andanar said duterte, a seven-term mayor of davao city, wants solemn rites for his inauguration, to be followed by a “modest reception” at Malacañang’s rizal Hall. the guest list has reached 627 and Andanar said the number is not likely to go more than that. duterte likewise did not tap any famous couturier to prepare his attire for the occasion, as he prefers to wear a simple barong and slacks. Andanar said the inauguration will also be historic as it will be the first ceremony of its kind in Asia to be streamed live via the popular social media platform Facebook. “We talked about how Facebook can help us technically in streaming the entire inauguration. We also talked about how important this is for the Filipino people,” Andanar said.

Ramadan. A vendor sells tinapa (smoked fish), a favorite dish of local Muslims during the month of Ramadan, near the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila. DANNY PATA

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Duterte installs 24-hour hotline vs graft By John Paolo Bencito The public can now directly inform President-elect Rodrigo Duterte of the graft and corrupt practices in government with his move to put up a 24- hour hotline. “You can call whoever you are. I will place around seven or 10 person to man the hotline 24 hours a day,” Duterte told his Cebuano supporters at a thanksgiving party. Duterte said that up to 12 phone numbers can be used anywhere in the country to access him 24 hours a day and will be manned by persons who will take note of their calls and complaints. Unlike before, Duterte said that even subordinates can now tell on the illegal acts of their superiors through the phone lines. The president-elect also stressed that he won’t think twice in humiliating corrupt government officials in public. In previous speeches, Duterte reiterated that among the government agencies that he is targeting to rid of corruption are the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and highways.

SC, Aussies team up vs human trafficking The Supreme Court through the Philippine Judicial Academy in partnership with the Australian Government’s Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Person launched a new training course and resource materials for judges and other trafficking responders as part of the fight against human trafficking, at the Supreme Court’s Dignitaries Lounge, ermita, Manila. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, former Justice and Philja Chancellor Adolfo Azcuna, Philja Academic Affairs Chief Justice Delilah Magtolis, and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorley attended the event. According to Sereno, “The Supreme Court and the Philippines is aggressively pushing for many reforms in the past years, where decisions on TIP and other cases come out speedily and we are taking a strong stand for justice.” She added that, “As a Filipino, we have the bragging rights excelling in almost everything as known globally but we are poor in documenting our efforts especially on the good practices that can be shared to the world. The modules on TIP, being encapsulated, will allow us to leverage as a people.”

Standstill. Traffic gets snarled for several hours along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City after a streetlight post fell down. MANNY PALMERO

Poll experts, watchdogs bolster Consla probe bid By Rey E. Requejo A former Commission on elections official and two poll watchdogs on Sunday supported the petition filed by the Confederation of Non-Stock Savings and Loan Associations Inc. party-list group seeking an investigation on the discrepancies in the results of the may 9 party-list election, which they said could be an indication of votes manipulation. Former Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal stressed that the Comelec should not dismiss outright the petition made by Consla for the sake of transparency and truthful elections. Consla earlier asked the poll body to conduct a probe of the discrepancy of the votes it received, noting that based on the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting’s quick count, its votes reached 342,513 on May 9, the first day of counting. The next day, the group noted the PPCRV tally showed its votes went up to 523,753 votes at 11 a.m. and 555,896 at 12 noon to occupy Rank #14 in the tally. however, the party- list learned that based on Comelec’s own canvassing it only garnered a total of 213,814 votes. “When you say you’ll have transparent elections, you have to back that up with action. Otherwise, it’s just lip service,” Larrazabal pointed out. The fact that the alleged inconsistency took place at the server managed by the Comelec and used by the PPCRV, its sole accredited citizens’ arm, makes it all the more impera-

tive for the poll body to act on the matter, Larrazabal said. “You need to look at it because the data sent to the transparency server is the same data sent to the various consolidation and canvassing system [CCS],” Larrazabal said. The Reform Philippines’ Coalition headed by lawyer Glenn Chong said Consla’s case “is a strong indication” that the 2016 elections are far from being honest. “They have screenshots of the PPCRV transparency server update showing they had garnered over 555,000votes only to be deducted by over 300,000 votes in the final/official Comelec tally,” Chong lamented. Chong said he was baffled by the conflicting results of the tally of the PPCRV and the Comelec with regard to Consla considering that they used the same transparency server during the last elections. “The updates of election results are always additions as there are no negative votes to justify a reduction of their already tallied votes,” Chong said. “We join Consla in their demands for Comelec to explain the anomaly. Cases of this na-

ture cannot be simply ignored or disregarded. They screamed for credible answers from the Comelec and Smartmatic,” the lawyer added. The Legal Network for Truthful elections (Lente) also expressed support for Consla’s call for an investigation into the votes manipulation in the partylist election. Lente executive director, lawyer Rona Ann Caritos said it is the right of Consla to call for an investigation if it believes that it has sufficient evidence to prove vote manipulation in the recently concluded elections. Caritos, said an explanation from the PPCRV and the Comelec on the supposed discrepancies would build public confidence not only on the process but also on the Comelec as a constitutional body. When asked the repercussions of denying Consla’s demand for probe, Caritos said: “It will affect the credibility of the AeS [automated election system].” She noted that in the past, 2010 election issues were brought up in the 2013 elections due to Comelec’s failure to provide answers to various issues, particular on allegations of fraud and vote manipulation. Larrazabal, on the other hand, has long been pushing for the audit of the Comelec’s AeS. In particular, Larrazabal has asked the commission to disclose to concerned parties the Internet Protocol (IP) address, Media Access Control (MAC) address, and Server Logs used in the last May 9 polls. “Over a month after the elections, the Comelec and Smart-

matic have not yet provided the IP and MAC addresses, and Server Logs. Why are these being withheld?” Larrazabal asked. Aside from asking the Comelec to conduct an investigation, Consla through its lawyer Rodolfo San Diego has also filed a letter-complaint with the PPCRV seeking an explanation for the discrepancy. The group anchored its claim of vote manipulation during the last elections on various documents and statements made by witnesses which include a representative from its fellow party-list group, Buhay. In his sworn-affidavit, Arnold Arriola, Buhay’s partylist candidate, attested that Consla’s number of votes had reached 342, 513 as of 10:40 pm of May 9 with 68,262 clustered precincts counted or roughly 74.18 percent of all clustered precincts and was ranked number 17 among contending party-list organisations. Consla’s first nominee Retired Col. Ricardo L. Nolasco Jr., of the Philippine Air Force, in an earlier statement, said both Comelec and PPCRV are dutybound to explain not only to its supporters but also to the Filipino people the discrepancy in their canvassing of votes for the sake of transparency. “how can votes canvassed by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting [PPCRV] from the Comelec Transparency Server, which essentially are the same votes canvassed by the Comelec in its official canvass, churn out completely different results?” Nolasco, a multiawarded and bemedalled officer who served the military for almost 30 years, asked.

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SC clears 3 justices, turns vs accuser By Rey E. Requejo

tHree justices of the Court of Appeals have been cleared of administrative case filed by a lawyer who accused them of impartiality. In a 10-page decision, the supreme Court dismissed for lack of legal and factual merit the complaint for impartiality filed by lawyer Mariano Pefianco against Associate Justices Maria elisa sempio Diy, ramon Paul Hernando and Carmelita salandanan-Manahan after they rejected outright his petition for review in a case in CA-Cebu station. the sC ruled that bare allegations “will not suffice to sustain a claim of impartiality” and that “[t]he evidence of bias must be clear and convincing.” the high tribunal stressed that it found nothing in the administrative complaint and in the records to sufficiently convince that the respondent-justices were impartial in issuing their assailed resolution dated Jan. 17, 2013. the sC accepted the explanation of the CA justices who maintained that the outright dismissal was due to procedural infirmities and was warranted and supported by the rules of Court and by jurisprudence. Justice Hernando said that the complaint was baseless and vexatious and must be dismissed outright because the remedy for the complainant’s case is judicial, not administrative, in nature. the sC instead turned the table on Pefianco and issued a show cause order against him. It ordered the lawyer to justify why he should not be punished for indirect contempt of court “for his apparent tendency to file unsubstantiated administrative cases against judges and justices.” the tribunal noted that Pefianco has earlier filed an administrative complaint against Justice Hernando which was also dismissed by the High Court.

Blessed bikes. Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo sprinkles holy water on police motorcycles at the Philippine Bible Society along United Nations Avenue, Manila. The riders will ride on the new motorcycle to bring copies of the Holy Bible to public schools in the provinces as their mission. MANNY PALMERO

Duterte duns Congress for emergency powers By John Paolo Bencito and Rio Araja President-elect rodrigo duterte has admitted that he cannot solve the long-festering traffic problems in Metro Manila unless congress gives him “extraordinary” powers to deal with the worsening situation. “Ma’am, I would need extraordinary powers to do it [solution to traffic.] If Congress would allow, we will declare a crisis. It’s really that heavy,” Duterte said in an interview with singer Mocha uson. Incoming transportation secretary Arthur tugade earlier said that Duterte and his team would be asking Congress to provide the

President with “emergency powers” of up to two years to make a “dramatic” solution to the worsening traffic in Metro Manila. An immediate intervention from the incoming government is needed, tugade said, citing studies from the Japan International Cooperation Agency which said the country loses P2.4 billion daily to traffic. “If this is not a crisis what is? our quality of life is being damned. We lose precious time passing through traffic,” tugade told reporters. Proposed emergency powers for the President-elect include favoring direct contracting over public biddings for transportation-related projects, opening private subdivision roads to traffic, and removing transport terminals and public markets located on busy highways. several lawmakers in the senate and House of representatives have expressed support for the proposal but underscored the need to study the extent of the emergency powers Duterte will be allowed to have. outgoing speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.,

for his part, pushed for the creation of a congressional oversight committee to review all negotiated contracts on transport-related projects deemed disadvantageous to the government. “We always want the best deal for the government and a strong congressional oversight is needed to achieve this goal,” Belmonte said. Belmonte supported the proposal of former President and now Pampanga rep. Gloria Arroyo for the granting of a two-year emergency powers to Duterte. Arrroyo proposed the Metro Manila traffic Crisis Act of 2016, taking note that the gridlock costs the country billions of pesos a day in fuel use and productivity losses. other lawmakers like Barry Gutirerrez of Akbayan expressed fears of abuse of government discretion once the emergency powers have taken effect. Guttierez, former spokesman of the liberal Party, wanted limitations imposed on Duterte’s emergency powers.

ONB volunteers join Brigada Eskwela

Embodying the bayanihan spirit, volunteers from One Network Bank and BDO branches participated in the Brigada Eskwela 2016, helping prepare schools in Tarlac, Bacolod and Albay for the start of a new academic year.

Volunteers from the newly opened tarlac branch of one network Bank, a rural bank of BDo, have participated in Brigada eskwela 2016 as part of community development initiatives supported by BDo Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDo unibank. the participation of the volunteers was coordinated by Karen Cua of the onB Project Management office. led by sonny Agapito, AVP and nCr regional sales head of BDo, onB employees worked with local officials to en-

sure that schools are ready and safe for students. they helped clean up school premises and repainted classrooms in response to the call of the Department of education for community members to prepare schools for the opening of classes. the efforts of onB volunteers benefited tibagan elementary school, tarlac West Central elementary school, Apalang Primary school, sepung Calzada Panampunan elementary school, suizo resettlement elementary school, Don Florencio P. Buan elemen-

tary school, san Vicente elementary school, san nicolas elementary school, the schools Division library and the schools Division records office. BDo branches in Bacolod and Albay also took part in Brigada eskwela. BDo employees, under the leadership of BDo Bacolod-Araneta branch head Carmie Paderna and BDo Albay-tabaco branch head Yora Adrales, participated in activities in san Jose elementary school in Albay and sumag national High school in Bacolod City.

M O N D AY : J U N E 2 7, 2 0 1 6

NEWS

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Half of Bicol area prone to flooding, landslides LEGAZPI CITY—More than half of the towns in Bicol are prone to flood and landslides, prompting the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to warn people living in low-lying villages and near river channels, shorelines and mountain slopes to be extra cautious in the light of the creeping La Niña phenomenon. Arlene Dayao, MGB chief geologist, said four of seven cities and 90 of 107 municipalities in Bicol are prone to floods and landslides as indicated by the geo-hazard mapping study conducted by the agency. This means that more than half or 79 percent of the 114 local government units (seven cities and 107 municipalities) in Bicol are under threat of flood and landslides. Susceptible to high and moderate landslide occurrences are 52 towns and the cities of Ligao and Sorsogon, while flooding are prone to 43 towns—including the cities of Legazpi, Tabaco, in Albay and Naga in Camarines Sur. High landslide susceptibility means these areas are to be declared by the local government units as “no dwelling zones” as these are highly vulnerable to landslides. In the moderate category are areas where dwelling and development of institutional, commercial and industrial sites may be allowed subject to detailed engineering geological and geohazard assessment. All of three cities of Albay—Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco— are vulnerable to flood and landslides as well as 14 of its 15 towns, the MGB geo-hazard map showed. The flood-prone towns are Bacacay, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Oas, RapuRapu, Sto. Domingo, Pio Duran, Polangui and Tiwi. Manito and the island-town of Rapu-Rapu are also landslide-prone areas. In Camarines Sur, 22 of 35 municipalities aside from the city of Naga are prone to flooding and landslides. These are Bato, Bombon, Buhi, Bula, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Magarao, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Pasacao, Presentacion, Sagnay, Sipocot, Pili, Ocampo, Tigaon and Tinambac. In Camarines Norte, prone to landslides are the towns of Capalonga, Labo, Basud, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente and Sta. Elena. Vulnerable to flooding are the towns of Talisay, Vinzons, Basud, Capalonga, Daet, Mercedes, and Paracale. In Sorsogon, the towns facing risk of landslides are Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Sta Magdalena and Bulan, and Sorsogon City while the towns of Juban, Barcelona, Bulan, Bulusan, Donsol, Irosin, Magallanes, Pilar, Prieto Diaz, and Sta. Magdalena are flood prone. In Catanduanes, prone to landslides and flooding are all of the 11 towns of the island-province: Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, San Andres, San Miguel, Pandan, Panganiban, Viga and the capital, Virac. PNA

Backpacker. A father in Baguio City brings his children to school by carrying them on his back. DAVID CHAN

E. Visayas educ exec bags int’l award anew By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Education’s regional director in Eastern Visayas has won another international education award in India. Dr. Luisa Bautista-Yu received the Education Leadership Award in this year’s World Education Congress in Mumbai last June 23. During the two-day congress, participants also discussed evolving trends in education where they examined both modern and traditional knowledge systems, along with partnerships among institutions in various countries around the globe. In 2015, Yu also received the prestigious Albert Shanker Education Awards named after the legendary American education leader Albert Shanker during the Education International’s 7th World Congress in Ottawa, Canada. The awarding body recognized Yu’s leadership and commitment to the education sector particularly in her efforts to rebuild the schools after the devastation from Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in November 2013. The typhoon hit over 25,000 teachers and employees and more than 676,000 learners. “Amidst numerous problems is the challenge for us…but we made it due to the support of our benefactors,” Yu earlier said.

Another lawmaker joins push for Mindanao rail system

Morning commute. A boat ferries students across the Chico river in Tabuk, Kalinga. DAVID CHAN

ZAMBOANGA CITY—A lawmaker has said he supports the move of the other members of the Mindanao bloc in Congress in pushing for the establishment of the Mindanao Railway System. District 1 Rep. Celso Lobregat said the rail system would be vital to the economic movement of Mindanao. Lobregat said it should be pushed to make easier the transportation and movement of people as well as goods from one region to another. “As you can see, in our city alone, if you want to go to Cagayan de Oro you still have to fly to Manila or Cebu just to reach your destination. Or else, you ride a bus or use your car for a long-range drive. It’s very hard,” Lobregat stressed. He said the proposal to establish a railway system is long overdue but has lacked substantial support from

the national government and has been excluded from its development plan. “This is why the project remains in the offing.” Lobregat said farmers in Mindanao complain that their products are damaged due to lack of proper transport and shipping system in the region. He said landlocked agricultural areas with no access to ports or cargo-loading airports will greatly benefit from the railway system project. He said President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has included in his political agenda the establishment of a 200-kilometer railway system, which will be among his economic priorities, stressing the P75-billion project will ensure low-cost food supply not only for Mindanaoans, but for the entire country as well. PNA

M O N D AY : J U N E 2 7, 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

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OPINION

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO

‘TO BE OR NOT TO BE’

[ EDI TORI A L ]

TRIAL BY FIRE FOR President Benigno Aquino III, the first trial by fire was the Luneta hostage crisis in August 2010. Two months into his term, Mr. Aquino dropped the ball and eight Chinese tourists died. In the aftermath of a mismanaged police operation, the President was seen at the crime scene—smiling. He then made matters worse by refusing to apologize to the Chinese. His subsequent failure to swiftly punish those guilty of botching the rescue soured relations with China, a development that could not have helped efforts to come to terms with Beijing over territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea that were to hound his administration. Only three days before he takes office, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte already faces his first trial by fire, and we can only hope he can show better leadership under pressure. Campaigning on a hard anti-crime platform, the tough-talking Davao City mayor is being tested by the Abu Sayyaf bandits, who have made a mockery of law enforcement by kidnapping foreigners and locals with alarming regularity, and growing stronger with each ransom paid. The bandits’ greed is matched only by their barbarity. Hostages whose ransoms are not paid are routinely beheaded—a fate suffered recently by two Canadians, John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, who were snatched from a posh resort on Samal Island in Davao del Norte in September 2015. Hall’s Filipina girlfriend, who was taken with him, was released last week in what the bandits called a show of goodwill to the incoming administration— though it is near impossible to associate the word with these bloodthirsty criminals. The “goodwill gesture” rang hollow, too, since Hall was beheaded less than two weeks ago, in what many saw as a taunt and an act of defiance toward the incoming president. Duterte, who has promised to eradicate crime in three to six months, would do well to begin with the Abu Sayyaf and all those who aid and abet them in their criminal activities. They are, after all, not ideologues fighting for what they believe is a just cause. Rather, they are a cynical criminal enterprise operating in Duterte’s own home turf of Mindanao. Like Aquino’s Luneta hostage crisis, the Abu Sayyaf challenge also has international implications, and has already damaged the country’s image as a safe tourist destination. Duterte says he needs time to talk peace with legitimate Muslim rebels before dealing with the Abu Sayyaf bandits. When he can ascertain they are not aiding the kidnap gang, he will move against the bandits and bring about their day of reckoning. But to succeed in his first trial by fire, Duterte needs to make this happen sooner rather than later.

SAD ABOUT BREXIT PENSÉES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO THERE is not a single drop of English blood in my veins. It would be nice to be able to claim that when the British occupied Manila, they left behind as a memento of their rather brief occupation, one who would, decades later, become my ancestor—but it just is not the case. I like England, and when my mea-

ger finances allow it and I am somewhere in Europe, England comes after Rome in my list of priorities. But I am not an Anglophone if by that one means “excitability over anything English.” I am sad though over Brexit as a citizen of the world—and as an observer of world affairs. My disappointment that the United Kingdom voted against remaining in the European Union is the other side of my excitement at developments in the world towards supra-national organi-

Is that not why many Britons woke up after the referendum?

zations and multi-territorial unions. Aside from enhancing commerce and trade, and making boundaries more porous, eroding walls that were set up to “keep out,” the EU, and in a lesser way, an Integrated Asean are modes of “letting in.” Perhaps, it is part of my fascination with the Roman Empire—not so much the imperial conquest part, but the inclusion of so many in a cohesive though intriguingly, enchantingly multi-faceted, multi-dimensional whole! As a student

of law, it is that particular dynamic between jus civilis and jus gentium that fires both thought and imagination. As a student of philosophy, it is the erosion of constructs of nationality and sovereignty in the discovery of a common albeit fractured humanity that lures cogitation. Those who campaigned most earnestly for Brexit used the slogan “Getting our country back” to ignite nationalist sentiment against the Brussels bureaucracy.

But “country ,” “state,” “sovereignty” are constructs—useful no doubt — that should, at one time, yield to deconstruction. I am not by any means advocating the obsolescence of “state” and “sovereignty”—no matter how nebulous the latter may be—nor do I foresee it. But these must not disengage us from the challenge of entertaining alternate, perhaps parallel, constructs: one that has unions, organizations, super-states offering alternate, more

inclusive forms of cohesion—and certainly, new meanings as well to “cohesion.” Globalization is exactly that, and what happens when you have some retrogressive step like Brexit is that while you cannot halt globalization on other fronts (the globalization of data-dissemination and sharing, intellectual ferment and darker things like terrorism), “exits” of the Brexit kind do nothing to strengthen the legal framework for the unstoppable drive of

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rendering national boundaries irrelevant on many other fronts! “Tribalism” which is what you have when you entertain sentiments of building walls and fences both to keep others out and keep oneself in is the panicky response to what may appear to be anomic in the face of ill-defined frontiers and the erosion of mechanisms of existential security. Government, language, customs, frontiers lent one a sense

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THIS line from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet is the question that has bedeviled Britain 43 years after joining the European Union. It probably never crossed the mind of the Brits that the Bard’s famous quote would one day vex their own lives. But in a referendum on Wednesday, Britain voted 52 percent (15,615,964) to disengage from the EU against 48 percent (14,584,002) choosing to remain. Will the UK exit from EU also affect its membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? Nato membership is a separate security issue that involves not only that of Britain but the whole of Europe. But then, England has always been an island. While there was a mad rush to join the Eurozone by the new members like Romania and Estonia, Britain chose to retain its own currency which is much higher than the euro adopted by the rest of EU. Many in the UK also felt the EU single market had not improved their lives particularly on getting health and social benefits from either the Conservative or Labor parties. To leave or to remain? To be or not to be a member of the fractured EU that was further eroded when millions of migrants crossed the Mediterranean by boat for Greece and then trekked across Europe to reach Austria and Germany to seek a better life than the one they fled in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan? The shooting in a movie house in a suburb outside Frankfurt, has sent shivers to the rest of Germany which has opened its gates to a million war refugees. The phobia gripping Europe is that many Muslim extremists including ISIS terrorists who embedded themselves with the refugees could pose a threat to the security of Europe. This fear has fanned the flame, making many in the UK opt to leave the EU. Britain is already grappling with immigrants from its former colonies in Africa and South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan. Brexit, as the issue is known, has the whole of Europe unsettled. Foreign investors in the United Kingdom fearing the repercussions of Brexit, have started looking for safe havens to which they can move their money. Asia, which is enjoying an economic boom, beckons. Even the

Publisher Rolando G. Estabillo Managing Editor Jojo A. Robles AssociateRamonchito Editors L. Tomeldan News Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano City Editor Francis Lagniton Senior Deskman Joyce Pangco Pañares Art Director Adelle Chua Chief Photographer Romel J. Mendez Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus,Roberto EditiorialCabrera Board

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M O N D AY : J U N E 2 7, 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO

‘TO BE OR NOT TO BE’

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Is that not why many Britons woke up after the referendum?

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A10

OPINION

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CHANGE IS HAPPENING OUT OF THE BOX RITA LINDA V. JIMENO IN THREE days, Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte will formally assume the leadership of the Filipino nation. True to his campaign mantra, change has come. It started happening as early as after his electoral victory. Some cities and municipalities have enforced curfews for minors and some 58 suspected drug pushers have been slain since the May 9 election. For those who love our nature-blessed country and the environmental advocates, the best and most promising change began with the selection by the President-elect of Gina Lopez of the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, to head the Environment Department. Citizens of the many provinces she has been helping—which includes the municipality of Lobo, Batangas—cheered and celebrated. She is not without detractors, however. An opinion writer has even

called her a broken record for her repeated campaign against destructive mining. Some mining giants silently reacted with horror. One even said that mining is not the problem—poverty is. But this statement begs questions. If mining were supposed to be a good industry, shouldn’t it be part of the solution to end poverty? Why lump mining along with poverty? Could it be because the poorest communities and places in the country are those with mining operations? Look at Samar, one of our poorest provinces. A former House representative and Supreme Court justice said that if you want to see for yourself if there is such a thing as responsible mining, go to Samar. What used to be fertile grounds with good vegetation, he said, is now a barren desert. Nothing grows on the soil; the river is murky and dead; the sea and what used to be beaches are swathes of poisoned water and sands. At the risk of sounding like a broken record myself, I repeat this. No matter how much minerals there are be-

I pray that under the leadership of incoming President Duterte change will happen, too in the mining industry.

neath the ground, it is no excuse to extract them if it means poisoning the water, the soil, the air and taking away from animals, birds, and all living things their habitat. Extracting the wealth beneath the ground will never justify impoverishing communities while enriching only the mining companies, most of which are owned by foreign nationals. Papers on the hazards of mining, especially openpit mining, say that when rocks which have lain unexposed for geological eras are

crushed, they release radioactive elements, asbestos-like minerals, and metallic dust. During the separation of the minerals from the rocks, toxic and radioactive tailings are produced. This which can leak into the bedrock, contaminating not only the soil but the water. We now ask, how much is the mining industry contributing to the Philippine economy, anyway? According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau chief in a recent radio interview, mining contributes less than one per cent. According to research done by Ibon Foundation, in a period spanning 20 years beginning 1995, the mining industry has contributed a mere three percent of its entire income to the Philippine economy. Yet, the damage caused by mining—destroying entire villages, displacing people, and killing all terrestrial life including—is not only way more costly than what the industry contributed but irreparable, too. Mining may be justified in countries with huge tracts of unpopulated lands like Australia and Canada. Yet, Ca-

nadian and Australian firms operate mining projects outside their own territories. Why? In a report, titled The Impact of Canadian Mining in Latin America and Canada’s responsibility, states that Canadian firms are exploiting weak legal systems in Latin American countries. These mining firms fail to respect indigenous peoples’ rights, international human rights and social responsibility principles, including the supposedly “protected” areas. Does the strong presence of mining firms in our country— owned in reality by foreign nationals—indicate that our legal systems are weak, making our country attractive to mining? I pray that under the leadership of incoming President Duterte change will happen, too in the mining industry. Our lawmakers must seriously revisit the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and not be cowed by the pressure of the powerful and moneyed mining giants. Email: ritalindaj@gmail. com Visit: www.jimenolaw. com.ph

BREXIT, WPS AND TRUMP? SO I SEE LITO BANAYO BY FRIDAY afternoon, the whole world was agog about the imminence of the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Economic Union. A week before that, all seemed calm and reassuring. In a morbid sort of way, some European experts even saw the murder of a woman British Member of Parliament as a sign Britons would ponder well before making that crucial decision to leave. But leave the Brits did, in a stunning 52-48 majority on Thursday (Friday here). Prime Minister David Cameron had no other alternative than to announce his resignation at 10 Downing. Stocks fell—in Asia, France, Germany, the United States, all over the world. The pound lost, and so did the euro. And the monies quickly went into the “safe” havens: the US dollar, US treasuries, and of course, that old reliable—gold. The Philippine Stock Exchange had been suffering for days after the presidentelect offered the Department

of Environment and Natural Resources post to staunch (and blinders-equipped) antimining activist Gina Lopez. And then Brexit came to cap the week. Stock brokers must have been specially active, downing bottles of single malt whiskey on Friday’s usually traffic-struck night. Or Yamazaki, because Scots voted to remain. Note the composition of the “Leave” vote. It was the revolt of the ordinary Brit, the rural folks, the factory workers, the less fortunate who found their placid lives threatened by immigration-cum-terrorism, as against the upwardly mobile ones who profited immensely from the UK’s being part of the huge common market that was the EU. Note how the countryside “revolted” while the urban centers of London and Glasgow wanted the status quo. The same eerie occurrence is somehow happening in the US of A, with the political rise of a Donald Trump amid conservative Republicans. The party of the Right is getting ultra-rightist, after years of an America buffeted by the insecurities of terrorism, economic downturn, and immigration-related labor

competition. And the “irascible” Donald Trump has become the poster boy of these pent-up negativities. “Brexit” may in fact be symptomatic of something brewing in the insides of the White Anglo-Saxon Protestant mind of their English cousins. And should Donald trump Hillary come November, imagine the consternation it will cause, inside the US of A and beyond. The Brits, the Europeans and Americans will be shouting, “Stop the World, I Wanna Get Off”—a take from a 1966 Hollywood movie or a Matthew West song. Back home in the Philippine islands, of course, we will be ushering in a new president three days from now. He has got his hands full with fighting drug lords and criminals, and has made no bones of his intent to exterminate and send these scum to kingdom come. That may be the easiest of the incoming president’s problems. The way it is going, lesser mortals in the druglaced criminal syndicates are either surrendering in droves, or getting prematurely executed by a police force trying to show-off to the incoming

commander-in-chief. After June 30, when Duterte makes good his promise to “kill” some big-time drug lords and their protectors in the police, the justice system and the local governments, he might be able to indeed deliver on his three-to-six-month timeline. But while all may quiet down on the crime front, the seas to our west and to China’s east may be roiling in the suspense of possible confrontation. In fact, a week or so after Duterte sits in Malacañang, the UN Arbitral Tribunal in Den Haag might come out with its decision on the Aquino administration’s case filed against China over territorial sovereignty in what PNoy calls the West Philippine Sea and Beijing (and the whole world) calls the South China Sea. This would put the Duterte administration on a crossroads in its foreign relations. Everyone and his mother know that China will not— in fact, has not—given the UN tribunal recognition whatsoever. Its expected ruling notwithstanding, China will not buckle down from its “historic” nine-dash line claims. Duterte has said, and prudently so, that he would not

plunge the nation into a war which we can never hope to win, and over which our “traditional” ally, the mighty US of A, will not come rushing to our defense. How he gingerly untangles the mess created by a six-year freeze between us and our giant neighbor and strategic trading partner will be a test of Duterte’s statesmanship and, above all, nationalism. How he maneuvers the country between the shoals of “territorial sovereignty,” American pressure, and the people’s economic interests will be the supreme test of his sagacity as leader in these troubled times. Brexit may be distant enough, though with possible medium-term downside effects to us. Donald Trump may be a nightmare to most, hopefully outside the realm of political possibility. But the China Sea issue is not only physically proximate, its landmark ruling is frighteningly soon. For all these, it is a relief to think that we have elected a strong leader in Rodrigo Duterte. We pray that he exercises political will with utmost wisdom as the country (and the world) goes through these trying times.

M O N D AY : J U N E 2 7, 2 0 1 6

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WHO WINS FROM BREXIT? CHINA

Sad... From A9 of security, and when government must yield, in many respects to a regional or an international organization (for the EU, this meant largely the primacy of community law over national law), when one’s community suddenly speaks in various tongues and when frontier guards leave their posts because travel documents have become relics of a bygone age, then one’s sense of security is severely tested—and taking to the apparent safety of the “tribe,” rebuilding walls, re-asserting “sovereignty” are attempts at recuperating the lost or threatened sense that all is well! It is not surprising then that Brexit has triggered talk of other “exits,” including the possible exit of Scotland from the Kingdom that shall then no longer be united. Northern Ireland is returning to a vision of a single Ireland. I took a bus ride from Dublin to Northern Ireland, and the sentiment was very much evident that many Irish found it an affront that at some point in the journey, it was the Union Jack that fluttered in the wind over what should have been a single Ireland. Never mind the common currency, to which the United Kingdom consistently took exception, but the European Union meant common standards—human rights standards among the most important, of which the European Court of Human Rights at Strasbourg was the embodiment. Exits like Brexit are a step backwards from these common standards, from these significant strides made in the direction of a common understanding of what our common humanity demands. If all that is to be gained by all this talk of “exits” following Brexit is the assertion of “national sovereignty,” then we may just find out, after having given claims to sovereignty a long, hard and and cold philosophical look, that all we may have traded the Union for is a handful of loose change. Is that not why many Britons woke up after the referendum, agitating for a second round at the polls so that they could exit from the exit side? rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

A11

By Michael Schuman THE United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union is creating a lot of losers: London’s finance industry. British Prime Minister David Cameron. The pound. The grand cause of European integration. But out of all of the market turmoil and uncertainty will emerge at least one big winner: China. In the short term, of course, China’s struggling economy may take a hit from the chaos in the EU, its second-largest trading partner. A smaller, less-stable European market and more cash-strapped consumers aren’t good news for Chinese exporters. Over the longer term, though, Brexit is almost certainly in China’s economic and political interests. Even a fully united Europe—burdened as it is by debt woes, high costs, overbearing bureaucracy and, in some cases, dubious competitiveness—has had a tough time competing and contending with China. Now fractured, the EU can’t help but pose less of a counterweight to China’s rise on the world stage. Remember why the European Union was formed in the first place. Proponents like to stress the EU’s mission to promote peace and democracy. More practically, a key goal of unification was to enhance the region’s clout in the global economy. The varied nations of Europe understood that they’d be much stronger if they forged a common market with shared institutions and even a regional currency, the euro, than if they

‘To be... From A9 Philippines could benefit from Brexit. But I will leave the discussion of the implications of Brexit to the business people who would have a better grasp of its ramifications in the world financial market. My views on the matter are only culled from diplomatic posting— four years in London, four years in Brussels, and another eight years in Hungary and Poland—countries which are all EU members. The British pound sterling took a tumble and hit an all-time low not seen since 1985 during the time of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, when I was assigned as press attaché in the Philippine Embassy in London. Because the embassy staff were paid in US dollars, we rejoiced, considering the high cost of living in the British capital. When the British pound went through the floor ($1.33 to the pound), a Philippine embassy officer made money because he had enough sense to save his dollars which enabled him to buy a house. But PM Thatcher showed the world the kind of leader she was when she pulled up the pound and Britain from the abyss, even winning the Falklands War

#FAILOCRACY

tried to compete as independent units. Europe hoped to evolve from a collection of rich but contentious states into a giant economic bloc on par with the US and more recently, China. In reality, Europe has struggled to fulfill that ideal and has suffered for it. Persistent nationalism has repeatedly limited its ability to forge a common front on both trade and geopolitical issues. Nowhere has this failure been more obvious than in Europe’s relations with China. As a whole, the EU should in theory wield significant power in pressing Beijing to open its markets and play fair on trade. Instead, European nations have routinely squandered that advantage by competing with each other for Chinese investment and favors. Shortly after the UK’s Cameron fawned over visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping last year, German Chancellor Angela Merkel showed up in Beijing, seeking her own business deals. The opportunities for China to divide and conquer—both to strike better bargains and to undercut complaints about its own market-distorting behavior—will only increase now that Europe’s second-largest economy has gone its own way. European businesses would certainly have been better served if the EU could have cobbled together a common policy towards China.While Chinese companies have gone on a major shopping spree in Europe—even buying stakes in beloved football clubs—Merkel, on a recent visit to Beijing, was left griping that foreign

firms deserved to “enjoy the same rights and privileges as domestic companies” in China. If she and Cameron and Europe’s other leaders had locked arms and fought for those rights together, they’d have had a much greater chance of success. Now instead, a truncated common market in Europe will undercut the global competitiveness of its companies. European firms—from big banks to tech start-ups— would be much better positioned to take on rising Chinese champions if they were able to capitalize on a full-fledged Europe-wide market. Politically, too, Brexit can only widen China’s scope for action. As China challenges the West’s cherished institutions and ideals, from navigation rights to human rights, the importance of defending those rules and values is rising steadily. A united EU could have presented a serious check to Beijing’s growing assertiveness. We’ve already seen the alternative: When the US expressed concerns last year about China’s plans to set up a rival to the World Bank, the Europeans stumbled over themselves to sign up, undermining any hope of extracting concessions from China’s leaders. By choosing “leave,” British voters demonstrated an unfortunate short-sightedness about how the world is changing and how hard it will be for any country with global ambitions to go it alone. With Brexit, both the UK and Europe are losing a lot more than a partnership. They’re losing their best chance to stay relevant in a greatly altered world order. Bloomberg

against Argentina. The fate of British Prime Minister David Cameron and his ruling Conservative government now remains uncertain after the defeat of the “remain” bloc and his campaign to keep the UK in the EU. “There’s a time when the people have to be asked what they want and the British people have spoken,” said the Prime Minister in a statement in front of 10 Downing Street. There will be no leadership vacuum before Cameron steps down in October while he deals with the divisive result of the Brexit referendum. The outcome of the referendum, however, could see a return to power of the Labor Party which had its heady days when Tony Blair was prime minister. Also affected are the British citizens in Spain and Gibraltar where many found refuge from England’s cold and constant rainy weather. Interviewed over CNN, many of them are now worried they might lose their resident status in Spain and will have to go back to England where the cost of living is prohibitive. When the EU adopted a borderless Europe, nationals of the poorer EU countries—Poland, Hungary and Romania took

advantage of the no-visa requirement under the Schengen Treaty which allowed citizens of EU members to enter without visa and work in EU states which are better off—the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Sweden. Britons living on The Rock which Gibraltar is known will now have to decide whether to return to Britain or opt for Spanish citizenship. Brexit is more than a milestone in British history. This dramatic change, which some called Black Wednesday, could also spawn a stronger demand for a unified Ireland or a Scotland declaring independence that could leave the United Kingdom no longer united. The result of the British referendum rippled across the continent. It is seen as a sad day for Europe when ranged against the present challenges it is facing from the migrant crisis and the terror spawned by ISIS in France, Belgium and more recently in Germany. Worse, other EU members might follow the British example and hold their own referendum to exit EU. Despite the volatility of the political and economic situation, expect the British to remain calm and carry on.

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Thurman retains WBA crown NEW YORK— Keith Thurman put his stamp on the deeply talented welterweight division Saturday, beating challenger Shawn Porter by a unanimous decision to retain his World Boxing Association title.

Phelps faces final hurdle OMAHA—Michael Phelps, aiming to add a fitting finale to his stunning Olympic career in Rio, will start this week with the familiar frenzy of the US Olympic swimming trials. Even with 18 gold among his astonishing 22 Olympic medals, Phelps said Saturday that “nobody is a lock” to make the American team for Rio de Janeiro. “More pressure here than the Olympics for sure,” Phelps said of the trials, where the top two in each individual event will make the team. “It’s harder here. Nobody is a shoo-in and nobody is a lock.” Phelps has come through four prior trials with flying colors, making his first Olympic team at the age of 15 in 2000. There followed an eight-medal haul, including six gold, in Athens in 2004, and his zenith in Beijing 2008, where he won an unprecedented eight gold medals. Along the way his cross-over appeal helped enable USA Swimming to transform the trials into what executive director Chuck Wielgus calls their Super Bowl – complete with 14,000-strong crowds at every session and ondeck fireworks. But Phelps’s last Olympic campaign left a sour taste – despite yielding another four gold among six medals in London. “I wasn’t happy doing what I was doing,” Phelps says of 2012. “I sure as hell wasn’t training. I don’t like allowing myself to do that, and that was something that haunted me for a while.” Things are different now. Phelps has emerged from the post-London period of turmoil that included a drunk driving charge and rehab with strengthened family ties— and with new ones. AFP

Keith Thurman raises his hands in triumph after beating Shawn Porter by unanimous decision during their 12-round WBA welterweight championship bout at the Barclays Center on June 25, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. AFP

Serena eyes seventh Wimbledon title LONDON, United Kingdom— Serena Williams finds herself under siege from revitalized rivals and an army of doubters as the defending champion starts her bid for a seventh Wimbledon title and a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam crown. Since she walked off Wimbledon’s Centre Court cradling the Venus Rosewater Dish awarded to the women’s champion nearly 12

months ago, Williams has found herself engaged in a losing battle with the history books. That Wimbledon final victory over Garbine Muguruza meant Williams had won all three of the year’s major titles, putting her within touching distance of becoming the first woman to secure a calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988. But her historic bid came to

stunning end in the US Open semifinals when she was beaten by 300-1 outsider Roberta Vinci. In the aftermath of that chastening September day in New York, Williams has appeared a more vulnerable figure. For so long, Williams’ power game and competitive instincts intimidated opponents into submission, but this year she has won only one of her five tournaments,

in Rome in May, while enduring a pair of shock defeats in the Australian and French Open finals. There is a growing sense the emotional scars from the US Open haven’t fully healed for Williams and Germany’s Angelique Kerber took advantage to shock her in Melbourne in January, while Spain’s Muguruza avenged her Wimbledon loss by beating Serena in Paris earlier this month. AFP

Irving, Barnes go to Rio

Kyrie Irving (2) of the Cleveland Cavaliers protects ball against Harrison Barnes (40) of the Golden State Warriors during the NBA Finals. Both players will join the US team to Rio. AFP

WASHINGTON—Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving and Golden State forward Harrison Barnes have agreed to play for the United States at the Rio Olympics, completing the American roster, ESPN reported Saturday. Citing unidentified sources, the US-based sport’s network’s website said Irving, who helped the Cavaliers win their first NBA crown last weekend, and Barnes, whose Warriors were on the losing end in the finals, agreed to the Brazil trip Saturday. Australian-born Irving, Most Valuable Player of the 2014 Basketball World Cup, averaged 19.6 points and 4.7 assists for Cleveland this season. USA Basketball is expected to unveil a Team USA roster Monday that includes Irving, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan as guards, DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan at centre and Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes as forwards. The US squad will be favored to win a third consecutive Olympic gold medal in Rio under coach Mike Krzyzewski, who will leave after the games following a decade in the job. Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs is set to replace him after Rio. AFP

Thurman kept his undefeated record alive and showed he deserves to be regarded as the kingpin of the welterweight division, which is moving on from the retirements of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. The 27-year-old Thurman landed several solid lefts that either wobbled or staggered Porter as he won the close contest at the Barclays Center arena in New York by scores of 115-113 on all three judges scorecards. “Defense, defense, defense,” said Thurman who improved to 27-0 with 22 knockouts. The clash between two Americans was supposed to be held earlier this year, but Thurman was involved in a car crash on a rain-slicked Florida street which pushed the bout back three months. Thurman, who has been on fringes of boxing celebrity, is hoping this is a breakthrough moment for him as the former champion Porter proved to be the biggest test of his career to date. “Everybody said he was going to be my toughest opponent,” Thurman said. “I was unable to drop him but I did rock him.” Former IBF welterweight champ Porter lost the first 12-round fight of his career. Porter figured he had done enough to wrestle the title away and some in the crowd agreed with him, booing the scores when they were announced “I thought I won the fight. But I am satisfied because the competitor came out. We need that rematch,” Porter said. Thurman said after the slugfest he is willing to give Porter another chance. “He’s a great warrior,” Thurman said. “But I knew defense would be key. “I was able to rock him at least once each round with clear effective blows and I believe that was the key to victory.” Thurman did most of his damage with his left while Porter had his jab working effectively. Thurman buckled Porter’s knees with a left hook in the fourth round and landed another left on the button in the 10th when Porter walked into a punch. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Cray breaks 400-m mark By Peter Atencio FIL-AMERICAN sprinter Eric Cray broke the national record again in the men’s 400-meter hurdles. He did it for the second time this year when Cray went below 49 second-mark in the 2016 World Athletics’ Challenge meet in Madrid last June 23, according to results released on the meet’s official website. Cray ran it in 48.98 seconds to earn the silver behind American Jeshua Anderson, who took the gold in 47.83 seconds. Sergio Fernandez of Spain took the bronze in 49.07 seconds. This kept Cray on track for his preparations for the coming 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Anderson is the 2011 World University Games champion and the titleholder in the world juniors as well. Cray reset the new national record he achieved at 49.07 seconds in the World Challenge in Japan last May 8, thereby shattering two records in settling for the silver medal in the men’s 400-meter action of the 2016 Kawasaki Golden Grand Prix Athletics World Championship in Tokyo.

Former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant appreciates the cheers of an adoring crowd as he is introduced during a public appearance in Manila. AFP

Bryant preaches his ‘Mamba Mentality’

Amateurs out to sustain run KOREAN Hwang Min Jeong hopes to sustain the amateurs’ surge on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour as she leads eight other young players slugging it out with the pros in the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship firing off Monday at the Orchard Golf and Country Club’s Player course in Dasmariñas, Cavite. Bernice Olivarez-Ilas and Sam Martirez posted a 1-2 finish by the amateurs at the Beverly Place leg in Pampanga last April then Yuka Saso beat Korean Kang Ji-won, Thai Chatprapa Siriprakob Princess Superal to reign in the last LPGT stop at Eagle Ridge last month. Hwang, 15, has actually beaten the pros when she won the Mt. Malarayat Ladies Classic last year, besting now LPGA Tour campaigner Cyna Rodriguez and Superal among others, making the Grade 10 student at Holy Infact School in Muntinlupa the player to watch in this week’s P750,000 event sponsored by ICTSI.

By Jeric Lopez

KOBE Bryant is certainly one of the alltime greats in basketball and he once again reminded Manila why. His presence was felt and his legacy was honored by his thousands of fans in the Philippines after having yet another memorable trip in the country with his Mamba Mentality Tour Manila 2016 this past weekend. Despite already being retired, the five-time National Basketball Association champion showed that he still has the charisma, and the indelible impact he established lives on as he wowed his Manila fans by sharing the approach,

passion and work ethic that propelled him to the top of the basketball world. Last Saturday, Bryant held court in a day-long event which saw him discussing his outlook on basketball, retirement and life in his press conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. He later conducted mini-clinic, while his lasting legacy was remembered and revisited in the Mamba Mentality Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with over

10,000 in attendance. With his tons of Filipino followers celebrating his basketball greatness in front of him, Bryant couldn’t help but be emotional and grateful for all the love that he continues to receive. “I just want to say thank you so much for inspiring me in this journey. It’s really crazy. I started playing basketball when I was two years old and never in my wildest dreams did I envision everything that came after,” Bryant told his adoring fans at the Big Dome. Bryant followed up by leaving Filipinos with hope and inspiration as he explained his main purpose in his seventh return in Manila. “If I can leave anything with you guys in my retirement, I want you to understand that dreams do come true. They

do come true. I would love for everyone here to follow their dreams. Make sure you work hard every single day. Make today better than yesterday and your dream will come true as well. Thank you from the bottom of my hear. I retired professionally as a basketball player but I’m not retired from coming to Manila and working with you guys to make your dreams come true.” The crowd then started chanting his name after a huge banner of his likeness was raised to the Big Dome rafters right across the “Thrilla in Manila” streamer. Bryant exited by continuing to thank the Filipino people who witnessed his 20-year legacy. “Thank you. I’m deeply honored by that. I’m speechless about it. I love you and I will see you soon. God bless,” he said.

Top MMA promotions keen on PH fans THE Philippines may not the best market in Asia in terms of economics, but it prides itself of fans who are the most passionate about combat sports. No wonder the world’s top Mixed Martial Arts organization has taken keen interest on expanding in Asia with the Philippines as the doorway. The Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting will be holding its first event in the country with the fightcard entitled Philippines vs. the World on July 30 at the Araneta Coliseum. Five fighters, bannered by undefeated MMA lady fighter Jujeath Nagaowa and Mario Sismundo, a hard-hitting, Manny Pacquiao look-alike, will take on athletes from China, Brazil, Pakistan, and two from Malaysia. Sismundo (3-1) will be on spotlight as the comain event, when he takes on China’s Keremuaili Maimaitituoheti (5-3). Mario’s charisma and charm has captivated the Philippines’ fan base. It doesn’t hurt, too, that he carries a striking resemblance to boxing great Pacquiao. The relationship between Philippines and China has been toxic due to disputes over territories in the West Philippines Sea and South China Sea.

combatants against some of their This fight will have national pride LOCKER local heroes. It also gives Filipino on the line. ROOM fighters a chance to measure The featured female bout of the themselves against their counnight showcases Jujeath Nagaowa RANDY terparts. I can say with certainty (2-0), a former professional boxer CALUAG that there has never been an event who won the WBC Asian Boxing Council Female Atomweight Title and WIBA In- like this here in Philippines,” said WSOF owner ternational Light Flyweight Title. The “Bad Girl” Dunessa Hesser, a Filipina-American. *** will be taking on Malaysia’s Audreylaura BoniOther exciting things are happening in the Philface (1-1), who is a doctor in her daily profession. Jason Lilly, international matchmaker and Vice- ippine MMA scene in the last quarter of the year president for operation of WSOF, couldn’t hide as the Ultimate Fighting Championship anhis excitement with the type of card that has been nounced to hold the UFC Fight Night Manila 2 on Oct. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena. successful in other countries. The UFC Fight made its successful debut last “I have goosebumps! We used a similar concept in Japan with the international fighters winning, year with long-time rivals Frankie Edgar and 5-3. These Filipino fighters are up to the chal- Urijah Faber bannering the event. The night lenge though and expect to set a new precedent,” belonged to Filipino-American Mark Munoz, though, as he announced his retirement after a said Lilly. To sweeten the pie for the fans, WSOF has offered dramatic win over his rival on the cage. UFC Asia general manager Kenneth Berger P1 million as top prize in a raffle for ticket holders. This a first time in the history of MMA pro- promises another slam-bang event as they are looking out for fighters, with Filipino blood to be motion in the Philippines. “The fans are the real winners here. This is an included in the card. As part of the UFC promotional tour, Fil-Am opportunity for them to see other international

sensation John Dodson made a three-day visit to the country over the weekend and made known his wish to be part of the Fight Night Manila 2. “I want to come back. I want to fight before my kababayan,” said bantamweight contender Dodson in a chat with select media people. “We are very excited to be back in the Philippines,” said Berger. “The consistently warm reception we receive from Filipino fans and last year’s sold-out event shows us that UFC has an incredibly strong following in the country. Manila is a fighting city and we hope to put on another unforgettable show that will capture the hearts of Filipino sports fans throughout the country.” Playing a big part with UFC is local coverage partner Cignal and TV5, which beams the UFC telecast live via Hyper Channel 53 and Hyper HD Channel 130. MMA is definitely a growing sport in the Philippines with local promotions Underground Battle, Balikatan, URCC taking the lead locally. Considered the biggest in Asia is ONE Championship. But all of them have to take the backseat when the world’s best take their turn.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT (PSA) BETWEEN BILIRAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC. AND GNPOWER LTD. CO. WITH PRAYER FOR CONFIDENTIAL ERC CASE NO. 2016-026 RC TREATMENT OF INFORMATION AND THE ISSUANCE OF PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY BILIRAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (BILECO) AND GNPOWER LTD. CO. (GNPOWER), Applicants. x---------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: On 15 March 2016, Biliran Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BILECO) and GNPower Ltd. CO. (GNPower) filed their joint Application for approval of their Power Supply Agreement (PSA), with prayer for confidential treatment of information and issuance of provisional authority. In support of said Application, BILECO and GNPower alleged, among others, the following: 1. Applicant BILECO is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative, duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address atBrgy. Caraycaray, Naval, Biliran. It is authorized to distribute and provide electricity services to its member-consumers in the Municipalities of Naval, Almeria, Biliran, Kawayan, Culaba, Caibiran, Cabucgayan, actually the whole Province of Biliran, except Maripipi, all in the Province of Leyte (collectively, the “Franchise Area”); 2. Copies of BILECO’s Articles of Incorporation, ByLaws, Certificate of Registration and Certificate of Franchise are attached to the Application as follows: Annex “A” “B” “C” “D”

Document BILECO’s Articles of Incorporation BILECO’s By-laws Certificate of Registration with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Certificate of Franchise

3. Applicant GNPOWER is a duly registered limited partnership existing under Philippine laws, engaged in the business of developing, constructing, operating and owning power generation facilities and in the sale and trade of electric power. Its principal office is at 28th Floor, Orient Square Building, Don FranciscoOrtigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City; 4. GNPOWER’s pertinent documents evidencing its due registration as a limited partnership are appended to the Application, as follows: Annex “E” “F”

proportion to their declared demand. A bidder was allowed to offer to supply capacity that is less than or equal to the aggregated baseload requirement in any or all of the contract years in increments of 1MW. In the event that some winning bidders offered less than 11 MW, the loads were optimally allocated in such a way that the blended price of generation resulting from the R8 JCPSP transaction is almost the same for all ECs. In the event multiple bidders who collectively satisfy the total baseload demand of R8 ECs are declared winners for any contract year, all winning bidders entered into individual PSAs with each of the 11 ECs; 12.4 Bidders who signified their intention to join by buying the bid documents, attended pre-bid conferences where they gave their comments and sought clarification on the bidding requirements and process. The BAC issued bid bulletins and the Final Instruction to Bidders; 12.5 The process followed the 2-envelope system – the legal requirements and proof of financial and technical capability in the first, and the commercial offer in the second. Bids were evaluated based on an Evaluation Framework and Evaluation Methodology released to the Bidders; 12.6 After evaluating the bids of each supplier, on 14 November 2014, the BAC declared Applicant GNPOWER as a winning bidder of a total of 43 MW for Contract Year 2016, with a Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid with a Base Price offer of PhP5.0481/kWh and an evaluated Effective Price of PhP6.6658/kWh; 12.7 On 14 September 2015,GNPOWER and the Region 8 ECs commenced the final negotiations for the other commercial and technical terms and conditions of the PSA and negotiated the further reduction of the Contract Price from PhP5.0481/ kWh to PhP4.9653/kWh and for the increase in capacity to 52MW; Attached to the Application are copies of the relevant documents issued relative to the Joint Competitive Selection Process undertaken by the Region 8 ECs for the supply of their aggregated base load demand: Annex “H” “H-1” “H-1-a” “H-2” “H-3” “H-4” “H-5” “H-6” “H-7” “H-8”

Document Certificate of Registration issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) GNPOWER’s Amended Articles of Partnership

14. A.

Dec. 26, 2014 – Dec. 25, 2015 Dec. 26, 2015 – Dec. 25, 2016 Dec. 26, 2016 – Dec. 25, 2017 Dec. 26, 2017 – Dec. 25, 2018

Aggregated Baseload 65 MW 78 MW 83 MW 93 MW

8. The contracts of most of the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) in Region 8 with the National Power Corporation – Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (NPCPSALM) expired on 25 December 2014; 9. On 07 November 2013, the eleven (11) ECs of Region 8 participated in the bidding for PSALM’s 200 strips of energy from the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant, but lost; 10. Typhoon Yolanda hit the region on 08 November 2013 stalling any efforts to contract additional power supply and shifting the focus instead on the massive restoration efforts in the area; 11. Thus, the Region 8 ECs decided to bid out their power supply requirements for the period 2015-2018. In the middle of 2014, the Region 8 ECs conducted a Joint Power Supply Planning. Later, the Region 8 ECs decided, through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), to conduct a joint procurement of their short-term aggregated baseload requirement, specifically, their power supply needs beginning 26 December 2015 until 25 December 2016.From September to December 2014, the competitive bidding for the region’s power requirements was held; 12. For such purpose, a Bids and Awards Committee was created to conduct the Region 8 Joint Competitive Power Supply Procurement (“R8 JCPSP”) as follows: 12.1. The Region 8 ECs initially prepared their respective least-cost power supply plans and subsequently their aggregated baseload demand for competitive bidding; 12.2. The competitive tender was published and announced in the coverage areas of the Region 8 ECs. In addition, prospective bidders (Generation Companies, IPP Administrators and Wholesale Aggregators whose names are listed on the Department of Energy (DOE) website) were invited; 12.3. The capacity offered by the winning bidder/s was allocated among the eleven (11) Region 8 ECs in

ABSTRACT OF THE PSA AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION The following are the salient features of the PSA: Term The Agreement shall be effective from 18 September 2015, the date of the execution of the PSA. For the delivery of the contracted capacity, it shall have a term of one (1) year, starting on 26 December 2015 (12:00 A.M.) to 25 December 2016 (12:00 M.N.) Contracted Capacity GNPOWER shall sell and deliver, or cause to deliver to BILECO a contracted capacity of 1MW at the delivery point of the facility. Unutilized Capacity. The unutilized capacity of the Buyer may be made available for utilization of other Region 8 ECs or sold to the WESM.

STATEMENT OF FACTS 7. The aggregated uncontracted baseload demand of Region 8 for the years 2015 to 2018is continually increasing as shown in the table below: Contract Duration

PHCPI0

= the base Philippine Consumer Price Index for the month of December 2014. PHCPI0 = 140.5.

CUF

= the Capacity Utilization Factor between 70% and 100%, provided that if the actual CUF is below 70% (the “Minimum Capacity Utilization Factor”), the Capacity Price shall be calculated based on the Capacity Fee and quantity associated with the Minimum Capacity Utilization Factor.

The corresponding Capacity Fee price component for a given Capacity Utilization Factor is set forth in the Table below: Capacity Fees for Specific Capacity Utilization Factors CAPACITY FEE LOCAL PRICE COMPONENTS (PHP/kWh) C.U.F.

Capital Recovery (LCRCUF)

Fixed O&M (LFOMCUF)

100% 99% 98% 97% 96% 95% 94% 93% 92% 91% 90% 89% 88% 87% 86% 85% 84%

2.2944 2.3176 2.3412 2.3654 2.3900 2.4152 2.4409 2.4671 2.4939 2.5213 2.5493 2.5780 2.6073 2.6372 2.6679 2.6993 2.7314

0.6204 0.6267 0.6331 0.6396 0.6463 0.6531 0.6600 0.6671 0.6743 0.6818 0.6893 0.6971 0.7050 0.7131 0.7214 0.7299 0.7386

13. On 18 September 2015, BILECO and GNPOWER executed the subject PSA, providing the terms and conditions for the supply of 1MW baseload power to BILECO, to assure the adequate and reliable supply of power to BILECO’s franchise area;

5. Applicants may be served with orders, notices and other legal processes of the Commission through its counsels of record; 6. The instant Application is filed pursuant to Sections 23, 25, 43 (u), and 45 (b) of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA Law), itsImplementing Rules and Regulations, and other pertinent rules and regulations. A copy of the PSA signed by Applicantson 18 September 2015 is attached as Annex “G“ and forms an integral part of the Application;

Contract Year 2015 2016 2017 2018

Document Invitation to Bid Copy of the page of the newspaper where the Invitation was published Affidavit of Publication of the Invitation to Bid Memorandum of Agreement among Region 8 ECs Emails confirming participation of interested suppliers in the bidding Final Instruction to Bidders Bid Forms Bid Evaluation Slips Comparison of Bids Notice of Award

Items (2006=100), as published by the Philippine National Statistics Coordination Board (or its substitute or replacement agency, as the case may be).

Exchange of Contracted Capacities. To maximize capacity utilization, Region 8 ECs may exchange quantities of their Contracted Capacities. (Exchange in MW Capacity Protocol annexed to the PSA) Contract Price Under Schedule 1 of the PSA, the Total Monthly Charge, before taxes, for a Billing Period shall be computed according to the following:

Total Monthly Charge = Capacity+Charge+Energy Charge C. 1. Capacity Fee and Capacity Charge The Capacity Fee is the component of the Contract Price allocated to pay for the cost, as well as, the operations and maintenance of the Facility and is designated as the Capacity Fee in Schedule 1 of the PSA as such may be adjusted from time to time based on BILECO’s CapacityUtilization Factor.

Where: Q ACTUAL CC HT

= the actual energy delivered, in kWh, to the Buyer at the Delivery Point for the Billing Period. = is the Contracted Capacity in kW. = is the total number of hours in the Billing Period.

EHTO

= the sum of the duration, in Equivalent Hours, of Scheduled Outages and Unscheduled Outages in such Billing Period

CFCUF

= the CapacityFee in PhP/kWh for a given CUF in a Billing month.

LCRCUF

= the local component of the Capital Recovery Fee in PhP/kWh at the given CUF.

LFOMCUF = the local component of the Fixed O&M fee in PhP/ kWh at the given CUF. PHCPIn-1 = Philippine Consumer Price Index of the calendar month prior to the month corresponding to the Billing Period, for All Income Households – All

83%

2.7643

0.7475

82% 81% 80% 79% 78% 77% 76% 75% 74% 73% 72% 71% 70%

2.7980 2.8326 2.8680 2.9043 2.9415 2.9797 3.0189 3.0592 3.1005 3.1430 3.1867 3.2315 3.2777

0.7566 0.7659 0.7755 0.7853 0.7954 0.8057 0.8163 0.8272 0.8384 0.8499 0.8617 0.8738 0.8863

For the resulting CUF which is not a whole number, the corresponding Capacity Fee Price Component shall be computed using the formula below:

LCRCUF = LFOM CUF =

LCR@100% CUF

LFOM

LFOM @100% CUF

Where, LCRCUF

- is the local component of the Capital Recovery fee in PHP/kWh at the given CUF.

LCR@100%

– is the local component of the Capital Recovery fee in PHP/kWh at 100% CUF.

LFOMCUF

– is the local component of the Fixed O&M fee in PHP/kWh at the given CUF.

LFOM @100%

– is the local component of the Fixed O&M fee in PHP/kWh at 100% CUF.

CUF

– is the Capacity Utilization Factor between 70% and 100%, provided that if the actual CUF is below 70% (the “Minimum Capacity Utilization Factor”), the Capacity Price shall be calculated based on the Capacity Fee and quantity associated with the Minimum Capacity Utilization Factor. The Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) shall be computed as follows: CUF = max Where: Q ACTUAL

= the actual quantity of energy, in kWh, delivered to BILECO at the Delivery Point in the Billing Period

= the Contracted Capacity, in kWh, as set forth in Schedule 1 = the total number of hours in such Billing Period

HT EHTO

= the sum of the duration, in Equivalent Hours, of Scheduled Outages and Unscheduled Outages in such Billing Period C. 2. Energy Fee and Energy Charge The Energy Fee is the component of the Contract Price allocated to pay for the coal, including Government Charges, designated as the Energy Fee in Schedule 1 of the PSA as adjusted from time to time due to changes in the delivered price of coal and Governmental Charges. The Energy Fee shall be computed in accordance with the following formula: Energy Charge = Q ACTUAL x EF

EF = 0.2874 x

+ 1.5256 x

+ 0.2375

Where: Q ACTUAL

= Actual energy delivered by GNPOWER to BILECO, in kWh, for the Billing Period

= Energy Fee in PhP/kWh

PHCPIn-1

= Philippine Consumer Price Index of the calendar month prior to the month corresponding to the Billing Period, for All Income Households – All Items (2006 = 100), as published by the Philippine National Statistics Coordination Board (or as substitute or replacement agency, as the case may be)

PHCPI0

= base Philippine Consumer Price Index for the month of December 2014 for All Income Households – All Items (2006 = 100), as published by the Philippine National Statistics Coordination Board (or its substitute or replacement agency, as the case may be)

ICI n-1

= Indonesian Coal Price Index of the calendar month prior to the month corresponding to the Billing Period, in US$/Mton

ICI0

= Base Indonesian Coal Price Index for the month of December 2014 = US$67.28/Mton D. Currency of Payment The Contract Price shall be paid by BILECO in Philippine Peso only. E. Scheduled and Unscheduled Outages Under the PSA, GNPOWER shall be allowed Scheduled and Unscheduled Outages not to exceed forty-five (45) days per Contract Year, during which time reduced or no delivery will be available to BILECO. Unutilized Equivalent Hours for Scheduled Outages and Unscheduled Outages in the Contract Year cannot be carried forward to subsequent Contract Year. F. Replacement Power During any Scheduled or Unscheduled Outages, GNPOWER and BILECO shall cooperate to arrange for Replacement Power from, including but not limited to, other facilities of GNPOWER, third parties and the WESM. GNPOWER, at its own cost and in consultation with BILECO, shall negotiate on behalf of BILECOfor the supply and delivery of capacity and energy from third parties for a price as close as possible to the Contract Price. G. Prompt Payment Discount Provided BILECO has no arrears from previous billings, including the Security Deposit or any unpaid charges or penalties, if BILECO pays the invoice amount in full within 10 days from its receipt of the invoice, BILECO shall be credited on the next subsequent bill a PPD equivalent to eight centavos per kilowatt-hour (PhP0.08/kWh). H. Security Deposit In the event of BILECO’s failure to pay on Due Date, GNPOWER shall draw, at its option, from the Security Deposit on the working day immediately following the Due Date. Within thirty (30) Business Days from the Start of Delivery Date, BILECO shall establish the Security Deposit and submit to GNPOWER documentary proof sufficient to allow GNPOWER to draw therefrom. The Security Deposit shall be in the form of cash and or irrevocable letter of credit and shall be equivalent to BILECO’s projected maximum electricity bill, to be determined not later than sixty (60) calendar days prior to Start of Delivery.

COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE OF THE GENERATION RATE AND IMPACT ON BILECO’S RETAIL RATES 15. BILECO, together with the other Region 8 ECs, needs to address the insufficiency of its power supply due to the increasing demand within its franchise area and the expiration of its contract with NPC-PSALM; 16. Currently, BILECO receives a total of 3MW from its existing suppliers, out of its peak requirement of 1.451MW. With an annual average growth rate of 4%, BILECO forecasts that its peak demand from 26 December 2015 to 25 December 2016 will be 6.67MW; 17. The additional supply from GNPOWER will significantly augment the supply deficiency of BILECO and will decrease the adverse effects thereof by providing a stable and adequate source of electricity; 18. Among alternative suppliers capable of providing additional energy to BILECO and the rest of the Region 8 ECs, GNPOWER’s rates proved to be more reasonable and competitive. While GNPOWER’s offer is primarily intended for its base load requirements, the Capacity Factor Pricing under the PSA provides flexibility in the DUs’ utilization of the Contracted Capacity; 19. BILECO simulated a rate impact analysis which resulted in a Php0.0661 decrease /kWh decreasewith the execution of the PSA with GNPOWER, to wit: Simulation of Generation Mix Rate with GNPOWER for the year 2016

GMCP

21,290,565.96

102,914,597.50

62.48%

Resulting Capacity Factor (%) 80%

GNPOWER

8,760,000.00

48,715,236.00

25.71%

100%

WESM

4,024,020.20

20,354,136.31

11.81%

TOTAL

34,074,586.17

171,983,969.81

100%

Power Supplier

Forecasted 2016 Quantity (kWh)

Amount (PhP)

Percent Share (%)

2015 Average Rate (P/kWh) 4.8339 5.5611

Weighted Average Rate (P/ kWh)

5.0473

4.3310

Simulation of Generation Mix Rate without GNPOWER for the year 2016 Power Supplier

Forecasted 2016 Quantity (kWh)

Amount (PhP)

Percent Share (%)

Resulting Capacity Factor (%)

2015 Average Rate (P/kWh)

GMCP

21,290,565.96

102,914,597.50

62.48%

80%

4.8339

0.00

0.00%

WESM

12,784,020.20

71,320,496.26

37.52%

TOTAL

34,074,586.17

174,235,093.76

100%

GNPOWER

Weighted Average Rate (P/ kWh)

5.4240

5.1133

Generation Rate Impact: -0.0661 Notes: •

Analysis and simulations is based on coop’s forecasted 2016 hourly load profile

•

GNPower rate based on effective price

• •

GNPower Resulting Capacity Factor of 80% GMCP rate is based on (i) Capacity Fee at Resulting Capacity Factor; (ii) November 14 coal and shipping prices; (iii) Jan 1 2015 ~ Feb 2 2015 FOREX; (iv) PPD not included WESM Prices is based on 2011~2013 Average prices of Ex-Ante & Ex-Post Price per Nodal Point

•

20. In addition to the lower generation cost of the power supply from GNPOWER, BILECO is also entitled to a Prompt Payment Discount (PPD), if conditions are met, equivalent to PhP0.08/kWh; 21. In compliance with Rule 20 of ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure relative to the submission of supporting documents and information for the approval of the PSA and the rate structure embodied therein, Applicants attached to the following documents to form integral parts hereof: ANNEX “I” “J” “K” “K-1” “L” “M” “N” “O” “P” “Q” “R” “S”

“T”

”U”

DOCUMENT Executive Summary of the PSA Rate Impact Simulation Sources of Funds/Financial Plans with Cost Assumptions Compact Disc containing a soft copy of Annex “K” Breakdown of the Contract Price Sample Computation of Power Rates GNPOWER’s Audited Financial Statement for 2014 GNPOWER’s Certificate of Registration No. WA-13-01-001 valid until January 2018 BILECO’s Distribution Development Plan (DDP) BILECO’s Actual and Forecasted Energy and Demand BILECO’s Average Daily Load Curve BILECO’s Board Resolution authorizing the approval and signing of the PSA, authorizing its Board President, Juan R. Avila Jr. and/or Officer-in-Charge, Gerardo N. Oledan, to sign the PSA on behalf of BILECO, and the filing of the Application with the ERC for the approval of the PSA BILECO’s Secretary’s Certificate attesting to the resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing its Officer-in-Charge, Gerardo N. Oledan, to jointly file with the ERC the Application for the approval of the PSA between BILECO and GNPOWER, and designating Engr. Laurence De la Pena as witness GNPOWER’s General Partner’sCertificate attesting to the resolution of the Board to execute the subject PSA with BILECO, designating signatories thereto

30. In accordance with Section 1(b), Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, Applicants submit one (1) copy each of Annexes “H-2” to “H-8”, “K” and “K-1” in a sealed envelope, with the envelope and each page of the documents stamped with the word “Confidential”. PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 31. All the foregoing allegations are re-pleaded by reference in support of their Prayer for the issuance of Provisional Authority (PA) to implement the subject PSA; 32. BILECO and GNPOWER pray for the issuance of a PA or interim relief prior to final decision pursuant to Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to wit: “Section 3. Action on the Motion. – Motions for provisional authority or interim relief may be acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations of the application or petition and supporting documents and other evidences that applicant or petitioner has submitted and the comments or opposition filed by any interested person, if there be any.” 33. In recognition of the fact that a substantial amount of time is customarily needed to evaluate the documents submitted to support the approval of herein Application, Applicants seek consideration of the Commission to approve the instant Application, immediately, albeit, provisionally; 34. Owing to the short term of the contract, which is only for a period of one (1) year, a PA is all the more imperative to allow the timely delivery of energy by GNPOWER to BILECO, which is set to start on 26 December 2015 at 12:00 A.M.; 35. The Region 8 EC’s, including BILECO, after careful evaluation if theywill defer the commencement of the delivery due to delayed filing, decided and required GNPower to commence its delivery immediately after its previous power supply agreement expired last 25 December 2015, this beingthe reasonable plan to mitigate the risks of WESM exposure,speciallywith the assumption that the 2015 occurrence of El Nino has an adverse impact on the supply of electricity and the WESM price,particularly during the summer season.BILECO, Moreover, it was projected, as shown in the table below, that the exposure to volatile market prices will cause significant increases in prudential guarantee payments which will constrain Region 8 ECs to avail of high interestbearing loans in order to comply with PEMC requirement;

22. Applicants reserve their right to submit other documents, either in the course of the hearing or as may be required by the Commission; COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 23. Applicants manifest compliance with the prefiling requirements mandated under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EPIRA and Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to be established by the following: 23.1 Certifications acknowledging receipt of the Application with annexes to be issued by the Legislative Bodies of Pasig City, Municipality of Naval, and the Province of Biliran, to be appended as Annexes “V”, “W” and “X”, respectively; 23.2 Notarized Affidavit of Publication stating that the Application was published in a newspaper of general circulation within BILECO’s Franchise Area, to be appended to the Application as Annex “Y”; and 23.3 Complete newspaper issue where the Application was published, to be appended to the Application as Annex “Y-1”, and the relevant page thereof where the Application appears, as Annex “Y-2”; MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF ANNEXES“H-2” to “H-8”,“K”, and “K-1” 24. Under Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, a party to any proceeding before the Commission may request that certain information not be disclosed and be treated as confidential, by describing with particularity the information to be treated as confidential, specifying the ground for the claim of confidential treatment of the information and, if applicable, specifying the period during which the information must not be disclosed; 25. BILECO requests for the confidential treatment of Annexes “H-2” to “H-8” of the Application, consisting ofthe MOA among Region 8 ECs, e-mails confirming participation of interested suppliers in the bidding, Final Instructions to Bidders, Bid Forms, Bid Evaluation Slips, Comparison of Bids, and Notice of Award, respectively. These annexes show the individual offers of the bidders which participated in the R8 JCPSP. The Region 8 ECs, BILECOincluded, are bound by their undertaking to secure and keep in confidence the offers and the proposed terms of supply, so as not to prejudiceor pre-empt any future CSPsin which these bidders will participate.Otherwise, BILECO and the rest of the Region 8 ECs may be held liable for damages for breach of confidentiality, and eventually, risk their good relations with the suppliers concerned; 26. Similarly, GNPOWER respectfully moves for the confidential treatment of Annexes “K” and “K-1” hereof, consisting of GNPOWER’s Sources of Funds and Financial Plans with Cost Assumptions.These annexes, exclusively owned by GNPOWER, contain information which areconsidered part of its business and trade secrets. As such, GNPOWER has the sole proprietary interest and will be unduly prejudiced should they be disclosed to the public; 27. These annexes contain numbers, data, formula, methodology, and calculations involving valuable and sensitive commercial, financial information reflecting GNPOWER’s business operations and financial trade secrets. Therefore, GNPOWER’s confidential, proprietary, and private information included in the aforesaid annexes should be protected from public dissemination. Otherwise, such information can be illegally and unfairly utilized by business competitors who may use the same for their own private gain and to the irreparable prejudice of GNPOWER.Negotiations with prospective customers may also be affected. 28. The information contained in Annexes “K” and “K1”, constitute “trade secrets”, for which GNPOWER has actual and valuable proprietary interest. As explained by the Supreme Court, a trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that is used in one’s business and gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not possess the information1. It is indubitable that trade secrets2 constitute proprietary rights and jurisprudence has consistently acknowledged the private character of trade secrets. Further, as ruled in Garcia vs. Board of Investments3 , trade secrets and confidential, commercial and financial information are exempt from public scrutiny; 29. Accordingly, Annexes “H-2” to “H-8”, “K” and “K1” be accorded confidential treatment. As such, they are to be used exclusively by the Commission and for the sole purpose of evaluating this Application, thereby protecting these data from unnecessary public disclosure;

36. The additional power from GNPOWER is needed to curtail any power interruptions that may be experienced by BILECO’s member-consumers due to inadequate power supply in the region; 37. To further support the Prayer for PA, anaffidavit emphasizing the necessity thereof is attached to the Application as Annex “Z”, and form an integral part thereof; PRAYER 38. Applicants BILECO and GNPower pray before the Commission that: i. All information attached asAnnexes “H-2” to “H8”, “K” and “K-1” to the Application be treated as confidential; ii Pending hearing on the merits, a PA beissuedauthorizing the immediate implementation of the subject PSA, including the rate structure therein, as applied; iii. After due notice and hearing, the instant Application, the PSAand the rate structure contained therein be duly approved; and iv. In the event that a Final Authority shall be issued after GNPOWER starts actual delivery of power to BILECO under the terms of the subject PSA, said Final Authority be retroactively applied to the date of such actual delivery. The Commission has set the Application for the hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference, and presentation of evidence on 20 July 2016 (Wednesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at BILECO’s Main Office, Brgy. Caraycaray, Naval, Biliran. All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by filing, at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verified petition with the Commission giving the docket number and title of the proceeding and stating: (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and (3) a statement of the relief desired. All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the proceeding may file their opposition to the Application or comment thereon at any stageof the proceeding before the Applicants conclude the presentation of its evidence. No particular form of opposition or comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon. All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from the Applicants that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours. WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman, JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners, ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT,, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA,, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 18th day of May 2016 in Pasig City.

ATTY. TTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office ffice of the Chairman and CEO 1 2 3 4

Air Philippines Corporation vs. Pennswell Inc., G.R. No. 172835, December 13, 2007. Ibid., 177 SCRA 374 (1989). Additional equivalent rate due to additional Prudential Guarantee required by PEMC (for the undelivered contracted capacity from GNPower) with a conservative loan interest of 6% per annum and baseload load factor of 81%. ( T S - J U N E 2 7/J U LY 7, 2 016)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A16

M O N DAY : J UN E 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Meet Gilas PH’s final 12 in Mandaluyong City by Gilas assistant coach Jimmy Alapag in three batches of THE Gilas Pilipinas team compet- four players each, with Blatche, along Castro, Fajardo and Norwood ing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying with comprising the first group. Tournament to be hosted by the Phil- Their leadership and assertiveness on court led to the decision by coach ippines next week will be composed of the Tab Baldwin to choose them, according former NBA star Andray Blatche, Jay- to Alapag. The selection was made while the son Castro, JuneMar Fajardo, Gabe players are playing tuneup games in Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Ranidel Bologna, Italy, where the team suffered De Ocampo, Terrence Romeo, Marc a 70-106 defeat at the hands of the National Team at the Land Pingris, Jeff Chan, Ryan Reyes, Bobby Italian Rover Arena last Saturday. “We have to build up a team which Ray Parks Jr. and Troy Rosario. has the experience and the right LA Tenorio and Calvin Abueva didn’t make the mentality. It’s a long process, it’s a tough final cut. process,” said Baldwin. The announcement was made at the TV5 studios Three bigs, Aguilar, De Ocampo

By Peter Atencio

and Pingris made up the second batch, along with Romeo. Their versatility, shooting range and experience, according to Alapag, became the criteria for their choice. In the final batch, the names of Rosario, Parks Jr., Chan and Reyes were announced by Alapag, saying their versatility, size and speed made them ideal for multiple roles within the team. SBP president Manny Pangilinan congratulated the members of the Gilas squad. “I commend them for the time and sacrifice they give. Come July 5, the Philippines is again on the world stage and on the road to glory,” said Pangilinan, some five hours before the nationals’ tuneup game against China.

Stags welcome new coach with a win Junior Games Today (The Arena in San Juan) 9 a.m. Mapua vs JRU 10:45 a.m. San Beda vs Letran 12:30 p.m. Perpetual Help vs Arellano 2:15 p.m. San Sebastian vs CSB 4 p.m. EAC vs LPU

THE San Sebastian College Stags gave new coach Egay Macaraya a fitting debut, holding off the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 54-49, Sunday in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Arena in San Juan. Jerick Fabian led the Stags with 12 points, while Michael Calisaan and Regile Ilagan provided 8 apiece for the Stags, who squandered a 12-point spread in the final period due to fatigue. But defensive stops in the final minute

allowed the Stags to keep their five-point advantage until the end. Meanwhile, the University of Perpetual Help Altas, playing without big man Akhuetie Bright and mainstay Gerald Ylagan, fell to the Arellano University Chiefs, who escaped with an 83-78 triumph. Zach Nichols and Kent Salado provided the answers in the last 1:21 as the Chiefs finally pulled away decisively, joining opening-day winners San Beda Red Lions and the Mapua Cardinals in the early lead. The Altas, whose setback spoiled the debut of Jimwell Gican as coach, played inspired basketball even with Bright out for two weeks because of an MCL injury on his right knee, and Ylagan serving out a suspension imposed on him following a fight-marred game with the Emilio

Aguinaldo College Generals last season. The two teams kept matters close with 13 lead changes, until Nichols fired a triple in the last 2:26, and 6’5” Lervin Flores forced a turnover with his rebound off a pair of misses by the Altas. Salado then drove past Nigerian big man Prince Eze in the remaining 1:21, and the Chiefs went on to enjoy an 82-76 edge in the remaining time. “Ang hirap ng first win. But na lang at nakuha namin this early,” said Chiefs coach Jerry Codinera. Meanwhile, the action in the junior division starts today, with the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs battling the Letran Squires at 10:45 a.m., and last year’s finalist Arellano meeting the Perpetual Help Junior Altas at 12:30 p.m. Peter Atencio

BaliPure’s Alyssa Valdez (right) hammers in a kill against Pocari Sweat’s Michelle Gumabao (7) and Lutgarda Malaluan during their Shakey’s V-League showdown before a huge crowd at the Philsports Arena Saturday night.

Laoag, UP dispute semis slot Games today (Philsports Arena) 1 p.m. – Air Force vs IEM (S Turf) 4 p.m. – UP vs Laoag (V-League) 6:30 p.m. – Pocari vs Air Force (V-League)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines and Team Laoag clash Monday in what promises to be a fierce, intense duel for the fourth and last semifinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. The Lady Maroons gained a crack at the Final Four by ousting the fancied Naitonal U Lady Bulldogs, 25-22, 25-27, 25-13, 25-22, last Saturday, tying the Power Smashers at fourth with 3-3 slates heading to today’s final elims playdate of the season-opening conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s. Laoag swept Baguio in its last outing last June 18 with the Power Smashers coming into the 4 p.m. match well-rested and motivated for a possible Final Four stint right on its maiden season in the league where it all started. Mylene Paat and Jessica Galanza, along with Jovielyn Prado, Katherine Villegas and Wenneth Eulalio hope to come out strong coming off a long break as they slug it out with the young, but gutsy UP side raring to prove its worth. Laoag actually showed its true potential when it upended powerhouse Air Force in three last June 11, capped by its tough stand in the last two sets, but UP is riding the crest of back-to-back victories, including against NU in a knockout match over the weekend. Meanwhile, Pocari Sweat tries to complete its sweep of the elims of the tournament backed by Mikasa and Accel as it tangles with fellow semifinalist Air Force at 6:30 p.m. for the top seeding in the Final Four where the No. 1 plays the No. 4 and No. 2 clashes with No. 3 in a pair of best-of-three series.

MONDAY: JUNE 27, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

PH may lose Indonesian coal By Alena Mae S. Flores

COAL power plants in the Philippines risk losing their supply from Indonesia in the wake of the recent kidnapping of Indonesian nationals in Philippine waters. Indonesia has issued a moratorium on coal exports until the Philippines guarantees the security of its shipping vessels and crew. “As of now, DoE [Department of Energy] is... looking at coal inventories of importers and the power plants. And also their replenishment schedules if this is being followed,” Energy Secretary

Zenaida Monsada told reporters over the weekend. Coal power plants accounted for 51 percent of the country’s generation mix in May this year. Most of these power plants rely on Indonesian coal, which is cheaper than other sources because of the proximity to the Philippines.

The Philippines imported 14,975,355 metric tons of coal from Indonesia in 2014, accounting for 98.6 percent of the total imports of 15,182,165 MT during the year. Other imports come from Vietnam and Russia. Monsada said the Philippines could not afford to lose coal supply from Indonesia. “At the moment, no. Because our dependence on Indonesia for our coal power plants is huge,” the energy chief said. Indonesia in April also temporarily suspended some coal exports to the Philippines due to security concerns. “We’re still verifying if it [ex-

port ban] is official,” Monsada said, adding the department was coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard and Foreign Affairs Department. The country’s coal plants have varying level of inventories, from 30 days to 60 days depending on their storage capacity. Coal plant operators, however, said their suppliers could obtain the fuel from Australia if Indonesian coal was not available. Semirara Mining Corp., the country’s biggest coal mining firm, can also supply to the power plants, although some power plants could not use the local source.

“We can always shift exportable coal to local. Some power plants cannot use Semirara coal or at reduced capacity. Currently, we can channel all production of one million tons a month locally,” Semirara Mining chairman Isidro Consunji said when asked for comment. Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. vice president for business development Joseph Nocos, meanwhile, said its contracts stipulated alternative suppliers. Aboitiz Power Corp. executive vice president Luis Miguel Aboitiz said the company to date was still receiving Indonesian coal.

PSe comPoSite index Closing June 24, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,629.72 100.06

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing June 24, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P46.950

44.00

43.00

HIGH P46.600 LOW P46.975 AVERAGE P46.866 VOLUME 621.500M

P427.00-P620.00 LPG/11-kg tank

Brexit aftermath. A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest against the outcome of the UK’s June 23 referendum on the European Union,

in central London on June 25, 2016. The result of Britain’s June 23 referendum vote to leave the European Union has pitted parents against children, cities against rural areas, north against south and university graduates against those with fewer qualiﬁcations. London, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU but Wales and large swathes of England, particularly former industrial hubs in the north with many disaffected workers, backed a Brexit. AFP

Bangko Sentral approves 81 new bank branches By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas approved 81 applications for new bank offices in the first quarter, as the industry continues to expand coverage to seize growth opportunities in unserved areas. Universal and commercial banks accounted for the bulk of the applications in the first three months with 47, followed by rural banks and cooperative banks with 18 and thrift banks with 16. Bank of Commerce had 15 applications approved in January to March while Security Bank Corp. and BDO Unibank Inc. had 11 each.

Bangko Sentral approved seven new branches for Land Bank of the Philippines, two for China Banking Corp. and one for Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Banks also opened 108 branches in the first quarter. Universal and commercial banks accounted for 33, thrift banks for 46 and rural banks and cooperative banks for 29. RCBC opened 14 branches in the first quarter, followed by BDO Unibank Inc. with five, Robinsons Bank Corp. with three, and Development Bank of the Philippines and Security Bank with two each. Asian United Bank of the Rebisco group, China Bank, East West Banking Corp., Maybank

Philippines, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., Union Bank of the Philippines and Singapore-based United Overseas Bank opened a branch each. Latest report from Bangko Sentral showed the Philippine banking system remained strong as balance sheets were marked by a sustained growth in assets and deposits. Total deposits as of end-January hit P7.3 trillion, up by 11.3 percent or P700 billion from a year ago. Demand, savings and time deposits expanded by 17.4 percent, 13.7 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively. Foreign currency deposits owned by residents also grew 12.5 percent to P1.5 trillion.

Banks’ initiatives to improve asset quality along with prudent lending regulations helped maintain the gross non-performing loan ratio below the pre-Asian crisis level of 3.5 percent. Total resources of the banking system grew 7.6 percent to P12.4 trillion as of end-December 2015 from P11.5 trillion a year ago. As a percentage of gross domestic product, total resources hit 93.4 percent. Banks also remained well capitalized amid tighter capital requirements. The industry’s capitalization was predominantly composed of common equity Tier 1, the highest quality among instruments eligible as bank capital.

P36.35-P43.45 Unleaded Gasoline

oPriceS il P today

P24.75-P29.60 Diesel P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, June 23, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.5110

Japan

Yen

0.009579

0.4455

Pound

1.471200

68.4270

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128899

5.9952

Switzerland

Franc

1.043515

48.5349

Canada

Dollar

0.778695

36.2179

Singapore

Dollar

0.747440

34.7642

Australia

Dollar

0.750000

34.8833

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653083

123.3975

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266738

12.4063

Brunei

Dollar

0.744657

34.6347

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028401

1.3210

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

12.6650

Euro

1.129900

52.5528

Korea

Won

0.000871

0.0405

China

Yuan

0.152091

7.0739

India

Rupee

0.014828

0.6897

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.248016

11.5355

New Zealand

Dollar

0.716100

33.3065

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031136

1.4482 Source: PDS Bridge

MONDAY: JUNE 27, 2016

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

The STandard BuSineSS Weekly STockS revieW STOCKS

JUNE 20-24, 2016 Close Volume

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine Trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

3.4 46.75 107.00 97.05 38 4.18 1.39 14 17.5 6.86 0.7 1.85 594.00 0.550 87.25 0.94 14.80 22.80 57.40 104.9 445 260 31.95 198.8 1361.00 65.25 1.5

Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons. Asiabest Group Bogo Medellin C. Azuc De Tarlac Century Food Conc. Aggr. À’ Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab. First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp. Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp. Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co À’ MG Holdings Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. À’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel ‘Pure Foods À’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vivant Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

46.2 3.72 0.85 1.94 12.3 55.1 204.00 21.2 179 16.3 45.5 2.1 5.56 11.46 9.280 7.18 5.60 7.39 1.8 24.4 66.95 12.00 14.84 5.5 2.280 235.00 32.50 1.76 3.16 36.00 26.95 28.1 6.5 312.20 0.270 4.30 3.35 10.92 3.19 11.02 5.99 1.68 2.73 4.20 2.31 4.01 208 2.5 0.147 1.58 2.39 204 4.71 0.86 35.00 1.27

Abacus Cons. À’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor À’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp À’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ F&J Prince ‘B’ Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings À’ LT Group Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp. Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica À’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp À’ Seafront À’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.370 74.35 15.60 1.11 6.06 0.365 0.375 850 7.74 12.42 5.05 6.5 6.30 0.223 1467 6.31 83.70 5.8 5.68 7.85 0.69 15.88 6.6 3.09 0.0320 1.270 1.800 2.63 77.00 2.23 965.00 1.17 0.79 190.000 0.3100 0.1960 0.300

8990 HLDG Anchor Land Holdings Inc. A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop À’ Arthaland Corp. Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. À’ Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. À’ Centennial City City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. À’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport À’ Keppel Properties Megaworld Prop. MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp. Phil. Realty À’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry

7.450 7.30 1.18 2.140 0.270 38.200 3.32 5.11 5.45 0.500 1.01 1.080 0.130 0.620 60 0.790 0.150 0.95 1.97 1.24 4.71 4.5 0.091 0.2750 0.445 41.00

Value

FINANCIAL 5,448,830.00 8,223,450.00 1,129,761,486 532,301,229.50 20,096,970.00 6,692,780.00 459,850.00 497,630.00 85,652,496.00 121,663 7,000 356,710.00 2,178,160.00 1,448,420.00 2,573,322,023.00 299,030.00 19,260,382.00 475,120.00 112,882,551.00 1,378,382.00 63,050.00 11,259,664.00 44,935,485 428,979,492.00 1,228,330.00 53,306,918.50 340,970.00 INDUSTRIAL 4,999,600 233,664,055.00 3,604,000 13,491,380.00 1,055,000 853,190.00 50,482,000 102,709,410.00 9,500 115,186.00 1,450 79,932.50 1,822 422,403.00 4,955,300 106,029,850 13,580 2,488,877.00 10,288,200 170,220,492.00 84,800 3,911,535 25,458,000 54,504,380.00 3,201,500 17,715,044.00 130,200 1,469,144.00 13,074,400 125,399,739.00 7,054,600 50,417,582.00 134,139,200 751,327,488.00 1,758,800 13,461,734.00 83,500 267,350.00 45,948,500 1,124,077,775.00 1,657,480 112,212,947.00 155,100 1,859,690.00 1,594,200 24,060,380.00 1,489,300 20,210,482.00 8,799,000 20,171,120.00 3,164,250 743,274,682.00 205,800 6,743,670.00 106,000 192,490.00 33,000 106,600.00 7,600 281,715.00 13,148,400 356,174,530.00 1,559,900 43,670,825.00 1,253,700 8,165,549.00 953,790 303,327,016.00 565,200 84,950.00 38,000 160,860.00 27,205,000 92,569,200.00 119,170,598 125,909,930.00 10,000 30,990.00 65,200 724,084.00 5,240,700 32,238,267.00 1,684,000 2,825,880.00 745,000 2,052,490.00 4,867,000 20,452,280.00 14,000 32,380.00 23,004 97,280.00 3,560 756,900.00 2,357,000 6,038,500 8,260,000 1,216,080.00 3,494,000 5,662,390.00 13,839,000 33,846,770.00 7,135,030 1,462,808,356.00 75,000 340,850.00 30,740,000 27,215,420.00 1,100 38,150.00 1,222,000 1,521,580.00 HOLDING FIRMS 7,030,000 2,575,750.00 7,819,500 583,649,139.50 32,642,900 514,741,448.00 328,000 374,920.00 112,200 688,825.00 150,370,000 58,464,200.00 4,060,000 1,601,950.00 2,362,970 2,009,758,335.00 7,654,600 60,279,089.00 32,156,500 410,381,830.00 176,600 910,247.00 170,900 1,012,045.00 560,300 3,594,901.00 120,000 26,350.00 1,006,935 1,491,444,350.00 1,199,600 7,599,296.00 16,698,080 1,410,966,035.50 207,100 1,152,851.00 743,000 4,582,446.00 14,426,700 111,076,661.00 3,887,000 2,694,660.00 17,685,100 279,345,146.00 245,528,800 1,278,933,558.00 6,000 18,570.00 49,800,000 1,593,900.00 53,000 71,110.00 3,674,000 6,641,790.00 51,000 132,550.00 1,064,150 83,183,525.50 115,800 269,920.00 874,180 857,879,105.00 1,157,000 1,333,160.00 95,000 75,290.00 44,740 8,450,697.00 7,460,000 2,309,900.00 2,790,000 547,450.00 21,620,000 6,598,300.00 PROPERTY 5,277,700 39,625,077.00 9,100 66,529.00 14,090,000 17,272,790.00 3,733,000 8,012,900.00 2,640,000 712,550.00 76,713,600 3,000,660,365.00 6,802,000 22,909,260.00 369,900 1,897,014.00 100 545.00 33,642,000 16,859,320.00 6,000 6,240.00 489,000 528,170.00 30,370,000 4,112,870.00 214,044,000 138,443,600.00 10,843,870 630,908,479.50 2,485,000 1,990,720.00 450,000 69,080.00 21,584,000 21,057,440.00 112,856,000 224,261,010.00 166,000 204,360.00 149,100 746,146.00 258,609,000 1,173,850,410.00 12,800,000 1,137,880.00 5,880,000 1,481,400.00 1,258,000 649,100.00 42,200 1,803,540.00 2,754,980 178,400 10,362,000 5,486,560 529,000 1,801,000 336,000 35,400 4,779,700 18,400 1,000 199,000 3,660 2,660,000 29,050,920 326,000 1,284,500 20,800 1,966,170 13,540 160 43,190 1,396,700 2,131,700 895 816,750 226,000

JUNE 13-17, 2016 Close Volume

Value

3.95 46 108.70 97.20 37.65 3.28 1.40 14 18 7.00

848,000 128,200 9,625,410 5,532,710 185,400 65,000 278,000 127,500 1,051,300 82,500

3,232,400.00 5,823,660.00 1,009,867,615 532,570,082.50 6,960,345.00 206,710.00 394,390.00 1,788,726.00 18,554,486.00 584,458

1.77 598.50 0.570 87.05 0.92 15.00 23.00 53.50 106.5

148,000 810 1,589,000 15,750,980 549,000 321,100 64,000 340,310 6,820

266,000.00 485,070.00 868,780.00 1,350,184,913.00 538,140.00 4,817,750.00 1,472,015.00 18,009,105.50 709,462.00

265 32.05 201 1374.00 65.20 1.55

4,390 671,100 2,746,380 620 825,160 31,000

1,149,992.00 21,399,265 546,978,180.00 848,435.00 53,823,204.50 47,750.00

46.4 3.9 0.83 2 12.58 58.5 189.00 21.5 186 16.8 47.2 2 5.12 11.3 9.800 7.18 5.25 7.73 1.73 22.15 64.1 11.98 15.00 5.61 2.320 239.00 33.00 1.86 3.31 38.65 27.2 27.75 6.6 325.00 0.270 4.43 3.41 11.66 3.09 11.64 6.00 1.74 2.77 4.24

9,566,100 4,379,000 1,144,000 12,066,000 9,500 920 300 2,110,000 4,150 2,622,200 496,200 11,822,000 2,166,200 143,800 14,831,900 6,864,700 101,544,900 1,253,800 39,000 7,981,300 1,034,510 59,300 397,100 558,600 6,524,000 2,144,910 5,300 46,000 37,000 2,600 12,699,900 3,650,500 1,267,600 1,738,940 1,090,000 32,000 28,966,000 40,183,300 12,000 32,300 7,607,600 1,072,000 925,000 5,891,000

437,618,560.00 17,585,830.00 942,720.00 24,092,970.00 119,370.00 53,820.00 55,351.00 55,532,475 780,616.00 44,730,252.00 23,572,385 23,795,900.00 11,412,491.00 1,651,316.00 145,400,563.00 48,948,547.00 538,198,258.00 9,523,322.00 67,790.00 178,033,430.00 67,138,544.50 716,226.00 5,898,070.00 3,149,402.00 15,130,470.00 501,301,878.00 174,900.00 86,700.00 120,180.00 99,340.00 345,514,855.00 99,219,180.00 8,289,867.00 548,597,974.00 298,600.00 141,450.00 99,888,720.00 447,886,512.00 36,890.00 372,470.00 45,423,002.00 1,814,120.00 2,563,500.00 24,995,460.00

4.17 216.2 2.5 0.147 1.67 2.49 207 4.64 0.88 30.50 1.27

9,000 16,200 1,508,000 9,700,000 4,387,000 8,920,000 9,233,810 494,000 16,936,000 900 1,097,600

37,470.00 3,478,666.00 3,772,180 1,441,570.00 7,291,340.00 22,497,670.00 1,377,387,922.00 2,271,700.00 15,025,690.00 27,450.00 1,792,650.00

0.385 73.70 15.90 1.16 6.27 0.360 0.350 839 7.93 12.92 5 5 6.50 0.220 1431 6.31 83.40 6.19 6.83 7.55 0.69 15.5 6.5 3.3 0.0320 1.470 1.820 2.62 78.70 2.2 961.50 1.18 0.80 187.000 0.3150 0.2000 0.320

4,190,000 7,654,850 16,170,000 197,000 102,900 23,809,000 2,640,000 1,853,380 7,364,100 14,390,200 47,200 13,500 1,395,100 1,900,000 571,680 20,600 34,057,370 98,200 267,000 5,647,500 1,166,000 14,720,200 152,146,700 35,000 14,900,000 147,322,000 5,601,000 135,000 1,433,020 45,000 1,229,320 303,000 236,000 87,820 3,780,000 3,970,000 38,320,000

1,576,950.00 561,634,337.00 335,274,820.00 223,920.00 619,996.00 9,222,500.00 928,450.00 1,522,737,163.00 57,261,719.00 185,021,020.00 236,000.00 67,500.00 9,052,924.00 416,550.00 817,907,235.00 132,111.00 2,841,808,606.00 607,858.00 1,814,911.00 42,484,794.00 806,320.00 223,194,528.00 971,332,237.00 113,710.00 478,200.00 187,119,970.00 10,175,800.00 351,780.00 113,473,590.00 96,130.00 1,185,378,755.00 353,680.00 191,330.00 16,197,150.00 1,169,850.00 783,790.00 12,631,400.00

7.660 7.40 1.29 2.190 0.280 38.350 3.36 5.19 5.73 0.500 1.00 1.030 0.134 0.600 58.55 0.800 0.156 0.97 2.04 1.27

488,500 100 16,191,000 4,500,000 2,190,000 58,707,400 8,220,000 45,800 13,800 18,237,000 34,000 637,000 23,950,000 266,175,000 29,067,200 1,870,000 160,000 11,821,000 71,501,000 94,000

3,752,888.00 740.00 20,271,270.00 10,830,100.00 598,600.00 2,211,273,330.00 26,716,090.00 237,601.00 79,088.00 9,156,700.00 34,000.00 690,040.00 3,144,430.00 161,461,340.00 1,624,792,434.00 1,491,160.00 24,760.00 11,445,150.00 143,447,840.00 117,610.00

4.41 0.087 0.2550 0.455 41.00

145,391,000 9,162,000 240,000 1,380,000 6,000

763,735,070.00 855,410.00 63,050.00 629,800.00 247,945.00

STOCKS

JUNE 20-24, 2016 Close Volume

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

9.5 29.45 1.72 3.11 25.65 0.88 6.9 0.980 5.190

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

7.23 47.8 1.28 0.610 11.4 7.4 5.46 0.0590 2.86 95 9.85 2 6.39 3.50 960 2360 6.30 21.25 1.13 61.75 12.72 165 11.34 0.0100 9.30 0.325 1.6400 2.19 11.52 7.70 3.20 2.62 20.00 0.570 1.97 3.14 3.94 2.790 12.5 4.80 2.65 8.5 120.00 24.35 2050.00 0.435 1.170 41.50 78.00 6.40 2.93 0.570 3.31 0.330 5.810

Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Atok-Big Wedge À’ Basic Energy Corp. Benguet Corp À’ Benguet Corp `B’ 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 Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0042 3.20 4.25 11.80 0.235 7.5000 7.3000 0.61 0.460 8.90 0.840 0.290 0.250 0.255 0.0130 0.0140 1.75 4.88 2.62 0.5500 1.1600 0.0100 0.0120 4.06 8.24 4.10 0.0130 117.00 3.7 0.0120

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ BC Pref. A First Gen F First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure & Resort Pref. 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 D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I Swift Pref

47 541.5 549.5 12.02 124.8 125 540 6.1 1.08 112 1065 1117 1031 108 115 80 80.45 76.4 76 77.5 77.95 76.9 76.95 2.5

Leisure & Resort Warr.

2.890

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp. Italpinas Xurpas

3.8 3.4 4.5 15.2

First Metro ETF

125.4

JUNE 13-17, 2016 Close Volume

Value

539,000 11,769,400 6,652,000 418,000 67,579,600 18,688,000 2,900 4,149,000 30,630,200

5,101,423.00 353,696,950.00 11,772,410.00 1,311,860.00 1,734,734,050.00 16,470,240.00 18,892.00 4,153,200.00 160,921,997.00 SERVICES 235,200 1,706,833.00 1,114,400 53,949,985.00 78,000 102,020.00 5,512,000 3,460,000.00 63,100 713,146.00 833,000 9,622,869 50,081,700 294,539,613.00 242,048,000 17,160,000.00 21,105,000 61,648,720.00 3,645,180 353,309,054.50 3,000 29,100.00 55,000 111,020 500,700 3,169,809.00 20,000 70,000.00 58,310 681,600.00 531,160 1,239,880,100 1,038,000 6,560,382.00 4,200 101,255 367,000 419,060.00 8,827,420 544,501,430.50 64,600 842,026 130 21,510 13,000 147,402.00 138,900,000 1,407,600.00 3,387,300 32,200,945.00 198,433,000 126,941,900.00 15,313,000 25,115,530.00 384,000 860,980.00 276,700 3,325,484.00 1,629,300 12,545,077 9,733,000 31,984,410.00 117,000 309,740.00 2,800 55,180 368,000 211,250.00 269,000 521,740.00 171,875,000 552,381,810.00 60,624,000 245,018,390.00 31,610,000 89,513,490.00 33,800 423,302.00 125,000 600,440 124,000 335,130.00 1,235,700 10,027,064.00 29,320 3,414,059.00 286,900 6,985,130.00 691,710 1,443,551,700.00 21,950,000 9,469,850.00 187,314,000 215,817,910.00 12,513,000 531,003,475.00 6,152,470 496,523,940.50 38,712,900 259,417,475.00 97,762,000 312,312,230.00 9,235,000 5,690,790.00 17,693,000 62,450,050.00 1,740,000 580,850.00 1,398,900 8,122,683.00 MINING & OIL 1,779,000,000 7,337,300.00 17,639,000 45,705,670.00 1,730,000 7,578,610.00 22,400 251,764.00 860,000 197,470.00 80,800 576,543.00 53,800 393,383.00 4,211,000 2,574,810.00 9,590,000 4,579,500.00 425,000 3,725,628.00 270,838,000 239,290,300.00 9,400,000 2,685,400.00 662,120,000 161,071,530.00 79,393,100 18,527,700.00 3,844,600,000 49,282,500.00 712,900,000 9,777,700.00 3,239,000 5,828,950.00 62,314,500 310,032,215.00 8,067,000 21,910,630.00 1,610,000 914,150.00 3,058,000 3,744,300.00 210,600,000 2,121,890.00 3,700,000 39,400.00 71,000 286,020.00 91,637,400 721,259,731.00 40,874,000 173,111,820.00 119,100,000 1,469,900.00 6,902,950 840,296,704.00 2,935,000 11,348,280.00 272,800,000 2,981,700.00 PREFERRED 1,484,900 70,358,530.00 9,030 4,889,360.00 14,100 7,677,895 600 7,212.00 4,950 577,422.00 30,520 3,692,849.00 2,270 1,227,800.00 119,200 725,913.00 68,000 73,440 6,490 726,416.00 6,050 6,493,190.00 4,870 5,429,125.00 15,785 16,336,630.00 1,000 108,000.00 9,780 1,118,990.00 26,330 2,102,735.00 265,190 20,933,290 157,460 11,957,445.00 183,370 13,950,022.50 50,550 3,916,250.00 125,490 9,697,574.00 217,830 16,640,429.00 182,580 13,932,442.00 3,000 7,500.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 5,557,000 7,309,580.00 SME 8,508,000 33,945,630.00 36,000 122,260.00 31,286,000 154,596,512.00 7,001,800 110,442,050.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 91,730 11,575,462.00

Value

9.52 29.65 1.64 3.09 25.45 0.91 6.55 1.010 5.280

2,420,600 9,889,700 277,000 128,000 115,019,800 6,936,000 7,700 2,522,000 21,187,200

23,029,961.00 289,431,075.00 443,930.00 396,050.00 2,911,555,135.00 6,149,230.00 49,585.00 2,534,370.00 111,702,519.00

7.26 49.4 1.25 0.640 11.36 31.5 5.90 0.0580 2.82 99.5 9.88 1.91 6.55 3.42 960 2284 6.35 21.55 1.15 60.8 13.06 167 11.5 0.0100 9.62 0.325 1.6000 2.35 11.98 7.72 3.30

338,100 539,390 117,000 9,245,000 27,300 57,900 66,138,600 70,270,000 7,365,000 4,098,850 3,200 139,000 530,400 5,000 380 595,285 597,100 83,700 205,000 6,652,820 137,300 200 40,500 116,100,000 4,004,000 70,560,000 9,676,000 147,000 64,500 287,300 2,336,000

2,473,782.00 26,392,389.50 149,880.00 5,673,810.00 330,200.00 1,722,360 364,358,978.00 4,047,410.00 20,907,740.00 403,276,679.00 31,487.00 283,020 3,396,561.00 17,250.00 364,600.00 1,366,310,150 3,753,874.00 1,803,735 233,750.00 281,338,705.50 1,784,782 33,565 465,470.00 1,217,800.00 38,567,301.00 23,190,050.00 15,534,380.00 346,520.00 779,992.00 2,181,392 7,742,080.00

20.00 0.570 1.95 2.97 4.01 2.820 12.68 4.83 2.41 8.99 120.00 24.55 2030.00 0.440 1.150 43.40 79.75 6.41 3.00 0.570 3.4 0.355 6.590

11,400 87,000 313,000 114,379,000 15,185,000 35,733,000 154,300 96,000 99,000 3,645,900 1,410 534,900 707,860 33,380,000 171,755,000 10,965,700 6,440,920 3,966,000 47,377,000 15,878,000 8,421,000 150,000 213,900

226,388 50,010.00 614,600.00 309,985,000.00 60,553,500.00 103,962,020.00 1,970,832.00 465,000 238,460.00 29,584,158.00 168,530.00 12,926,305.00 1,428,264,485.00 14,357,300.00 182,942,130.00 459,713,635.00 516,348,843.00 25,506,592.00 135,945,960.00 9,015,650.00 28,809,830.00 50,200.00 1,361,721.00

0.0042 2.46 4.58 11.80 0.228 7.2700 7.3200 0.62 0.495 8.88 0.940 0.295 0.265 0.285 0.0150 0.0160 1.87 4.99 2.7 0.5800 1.2700 0.0110 0.0100 4.07 9.21 4.62 0.0130 129.00 4.01 0.0120

7,301,000,000 8,556,000 1,405,000 165,100 720,000 161,200 162,100 3,207,000 3,740,000 62,400 103,757,000 1,460,000 309,050,000 13,340,000 654,600,000 385,500,000 2,162,000 26,324,000 1,894,000 29,000 400,000 58,800,000 7,000,000 62,000 29,160,300 45,103,900 245,100,000 1,480,450 3,874,000 98,100,000

31,819,400.00 20,844,550.00 6,403,890.00 1,767,776.00 165,570.00 1,172,881.00 1,175,562.00 2,013,310.00 1,808,200.00 547,818.00 96,897,800.00 432,800.00 82,437,050.00 3,836,150.00 9,619,500.00 5,869,800.00 4,066,110.00 128,033,200.00 5,062,740.00 16,880.00 499,570.00 592,900.00 71,100.00 250,570.00 259,388,533.00 222,283,094.00 3,184,900.00 190,879,376.00 15,783,170.00 1,092,000.00

49.1 540 540

2,262,600 16,540 10,600

112,272,497.50 10,432,255.00 5,716,000

116.5 117.5 540 6.4 1.07 111.8 1037 1110 1038 106.4 114 79.5 80 77 76.5 78.5 77 75.5 76.95 2.25

920 500 1,180 8,800 428,000 17,730 28,990 160 17,225 400 6,000 80,480 161,240 26,600 324,470 71,770 333,500 366,360 595,000 63,000

104,158.00 58,760.00 631,040.00 56,320.00 461,290 1,972,432.00 31,251,450.00 177,600.00 17,815,980.00 42,560.00 683,500.00 6,302,612.00 13,049,027.00 2,035,040.00 24,773,955.00 5,636,222.00 25,976,599.50 27,964,030.00 45,682,980.00 142,020.00

3.130

1,980,000

6,164,870.00

3.91 3.49 4.8 16.6

5,790,000 42,000 46,423,000 11,449,300

22,863,170.00 148,850.00 201,913,100.00 182,334,552.00

125.6

50,100

6,208,113.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Manila Mining `A’ Abra Mining Manila Mining `B’ Lepanto `A’ United Paragon Ferronickel Megaworld Prop. Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Boulevard Holdings Cyber Bay Corp.

VOLUME 3,844,600,000 1,779,000,000 712,900,000 662,120,000 272,800,000 270,838,000 258,609,000 245,528,800 242,048,000 214,044,000

STOCKS Ayala Land `B’ Metrobank Ayala Corp `A’ SM Prime Holdings GT Capital Universal Robina PLDT Common JG Summit Holdings Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Globe Telecom

VALUE 3,000,660,365.00 2,573,322,023.00 2,009,758,335.00 1,734,734,050.00 1,491,444,350.00 1,462,808,356.00 1,443,551,700.00 1,410,966,035.50 1,278,933,558.00 1,239,880,100

MONDAY: JUNE 27, 2016

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

IDC launches new project. Certified green builder Italpinas Development Corp. launches a new groundbreaking project – Primavera City at Pueblo de Oro Business Park in

Cagayan de Oro City. IDC is spending P670 million in Primavera City, which will have 163 units for Tower 1 and 166 units for Tower 2. Shown during the launching at Pueblo de Oro Golf & Country Club are (from left) IDC senior vice president Harold Dacumos, director Antonio Samson, Cagayan de Oro city tourism council member and Rafthon director Sean Oliver Moreno representing his father mayor Oscar Moreno, IDC chairman and chief operating officer Romolo Valentino Nati and president Jose Leviste III.

Ayala, SMC peg bond prices By Jenniffer B. Austria

The bond offerings of SMC Global Power Holdings Inc., a unit of San Miguel Corp., and conglomerate Ayala Corp. fetched attractive rates on stable interest rate outlook for the rest of the year. SMC Global plans to generate P15 billion from the sale of five-year, seven-year and 10-year bonds. BDO Capital and Investment Corp. president Eduardo Francisco said in a text message the

five-year SMC Global bonds were priced at 4.3458 percent, the seven-year bonds at 4.7575 percent and the 10-year bonds at 5.1792 percent. Offer period will be on June 27 to July 1, while listing date was

tentatively set on July 8. BDO Capital is one of the nine underwriters hired by SMC Global to handle the transaction. Others were Maybank ATR Kim Eng, SB Capital, BPI Capital Corp., PNB Capital Corp., Standard Chartered, China Bank Capital RCBC Capital Corp. and United Coconut Planters Bank. Proceeds from SMC Global fund raising activity will be used to refinance short-term loans maturing in 2016. SMC Global currently controls 2,903 megawatts of combined contracted capacity as of Decem-

ber 2015. Meanwhile, Ayala Corp. is raising up to P10 billion from the issuance of seven-year bonds priced at 3.92 percent. The final interest rate is at the lower end of earlier price guidance of 3.9 percent to 4.15 percent per annum. Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission showed the offer period of Ayala Corp. bonds would be on June 27 to July 1 while listing date was set on July 7. Underwriters handling Ayala Corp.’s fixed rate bonds include BDO Capital, BPI Capital., Chi-

na Bank Capital Corp. and First Metro Investments Corp. Proceeds from the fund raising activity will be used to refinance Ayala group’s P10-billion bonds maturing in April 2017. Interest rates are expected to remain stable for the rest of the year amid stable interest rates. Both SMC Global and Ayala Corp. bonds will be listed with the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. PDEx president and chief operating officer Cesar Crisol earlier set a target of listing P100 billion worth of bonds in 2016.

SEC to delay approval Stock index seen dropping to 7,500 of Liberty tender offer THE Securities and Exchange Commission may defer its decision on the tender offer of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Globe Telecom Inc. to minority shareholders of Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc., sources said over the weekend. Sources said the corporate regulator would likely defer the approval of the tender offer, pending a final decision by the Philippine Competition Commission on the validity of PLDT and Globe Telecom’s acquisition of San Miguel Corp.’s telecommunication assets. SEC sources said while the corporate regulator had already finalized its decision on the tender offer, it would not want to release the decision while PCC was still reviewing the transaction. “We do not want to preempt whatever the decision of PCC will be on this matter,” an SEC official said. PCC, which was formed to fight business monopoly, threatened to impose fines on PLDT and Globe for allegedly not complying with the rules, when they acquired the telecommunication assets of San Miguel Corp. for P70 billion. PCC denied the initial filing of PLDT and Globe, which was found to be defective and deficient. It said while the two companies made new submissions consisting of new materials not previously produced in their initial notice to the PCC, the two parties continued to deny that these constituted a refiling. Jenniffer B. Austria

STOCKS are expected to move sideways with a downward bias this week, on heightened volatility after Britain voted to leave the European Union, analysts said over the weekend. “While the exit of Britain from the EU is likely to have a minimal impact on Philippine economy, volatility in trading is expected as investors digest what this move really means in each sector,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said. Philippine Stock Exchange president and chief executive Hans Sicat said the outcome of the British referendum would have a negative impact on various asset classes and currencies including the Philippine market. “This was the foreseen reaction in a ‘Brexit’ case which may prevail for the next few days as markets settle. Medium term,

however, we think that the Philippine market will not be adversely affected as it is supported by the country’s solid economic fundamentals and the inherent strength of the local financial market,” Sicat said. Analysts said given the increased volatility, the stock market index was expected to retrace the 7,500-point level. “The recent test at the 7,800 levels in the near-term signals the market’s inability to sustain itself above said levels. Market players may re-enter the market near the 7,500 levels. However, should 7,500 levels give way, it may lead to a much larger correction towards the 7,000 to 7,350 levels in the near-term,” BBO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said. The Philippine Stock Exchange

index, the 30-company benchmark, eked out a 0.10-percent gain last week to close at 7,629.72 despite a 100-point drop on June 24, after the United Kingdom voted to withdraw from the European Union. Among the sub-indeces, mining and oil suffered the steepest decline of 8.5 percent last week, with the appointment of anti-mining advocate Regina Lopez as secretary of the Environment Department. Foreign investors remained net buyers last week by P4.3 billion. Top gainers were First Gen Corp. which went up by 10.2 percent to P24.40 and First Philippine Holdings Corp. which advanced 4.5 percent to P66.95. Both companies are controlled by the Lopez family. Globe Telecom also rose 3.3 percent to P2,360. Jenniffer B. Austria

B4 ‘Order of Lakandula’ award. Finance

Secretary Cesar Purisima (center) receives the Order of Lakandula award with the rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) from President Aquino III. Purisima thanked the President for his vision and leadership making good governance deliver great economics for the past six years. He also expressed his gratitude and congratulations to his fellow cabinet members for a race well run on behalf of the Filipino people.

Higher term deposit auctions likely—BSP By Julito G. Rada

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas is not ruling out the possibility of increasing the volume and frequency of its term deposit facility auctions if the need arises in the future, a high-ranking official said over the weekend. “We will move whenever it is necessary in terms of volume and frequency. But right now we don’t see the need to increase or adjust the volume of offering or increase the frequency from once a week to twice a week,” Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in an interview. “I think we are in a stable situation that does not require any dramatic adjustment in the volume as well as the frequency of the TDF,” he said. Guinigundo said Bangko

Sentral was not yet getting the desired outcome of the current auctions during the initial stages. “Well not at this point probably because we are just in the beginning stage. And that is something that we expect because we want the market to get the feel of what it is to do active money market operations... We are not in a hurry,” Guinigundo said. He said Bangko Sentral was conducting the auctions gradually so as not to shock the market.

He said the market itself was doing the adjustment. Starting July 6, Bangko Sentral will increase to P50 billion from P30 billion the volume of deposits to be offered every week to banks and trust companies in the term deposit facility auction to be more effective in siphoning off excess liquidity in the financial system. In an earlier notice posted on its Web site, Bangko Sentral said of the P50 billion weekly volume, seven-day tenor deposits would still account for P10 billion. But there will be a significant increase in the 28-day tenor deposits to P40 billion from the previous P20 billion. Bangko Sentral has been offering to banks and trust entities P10 billion worth of term deposit for the seven-day tenor and P20 billion for the 28-day tenor, or a total of P30 billion weekly, since

June 8 this year. Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the move was part of the refinement of the auction as the market was becoming more familiar with the system. “The auction sizes are announced [as we had earlier said] two weeks in advance. So today’s announcement is consistent with that. This is also part of the discipline of the process. We will make further changes to the volume as necessary to help make the TDF more reflective of market conditions,” Tetangco said in a text message. Guinigundo said the increase was consistent with the regulator’s earlier pronouncement that the volume would be scaled up gradually to ensure smooth transition to the interest rate corridor regime.

Meralco expects ’16 sales volume to expand 7% By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co., the biggest electricity retailer, forecasts full-year sales volume growth at 6 percent to 7 percent this year, the same level as last year’s. Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan said power demand rose significantly in May before dropping slightly in June. “As for demand in the past six months, May was way up there. In June, it has dropped a bit because [of] cooler temperature,” Pangilinan said. He said full-year sales volume growth would likely be in the

“high single digit similar to 6 percent to 7 percent growth last year.” Meralco officials attributed the high sales volume growth in 2015 to warmer temperatures, low inflation and electricity rates and healthy gross domestic product growth spurred by remittances from migrant Filipino workers and business process outsourcing revenues. Meralco senior vice president and head of customer retail services and corporate communications Al Panlilio said Meralco posted sales of 3,561 gigawatthours in May, 10.7 percent higher yearon-year, while year-to-date sales

increased 12.4 percent. He said June sales were estimated to have increased slower by 5.5 percent, they were still the highest month the whole year in terms of Gwh. Panlilio earlier said the onset of the rainy season would impact on the company’s sales. Other factors could still provide positive influence on sales volume growth, he added. He said the Philippine economy was growing, noting the strong expansion in the commercial and industrial sectors. “For commercial, there are new hotels coming up, new cement plant of Eagle Cement that has

been put into stream. There are new businesses coming up. Tiger Resorts is coming in the last quarter,” Panlilio said. “There are a lot of new customers coming in, big and small, that might still push growth. Temperature will definitely impact... especially with residential point of view,” he said. Meralco president and chief executive Oscar Reyes ealrier cited other drivers, such as the country’s “very good economic conditions, positive consumer and bisiness confidence, low inflation, low interest rates and businesses have more money in pockets.”

PH steel producers calling for new tests By Othel V. Campos LOCAL steel producers are confident the Bureau of Customs will not allow the release of 5,000 metric tons of allegedly deformed steel following a request for another testing and sampling of the imported product. The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute asked the Bureau of Customs Bureau to allow a complete inventory, a thorough investigation and testing of physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the steel products to determine if they conformed to the Philippine quality standards. The group in a June 21, 2106 letter addressed to Customs Commissioner Alberto said it would press the government to ban the entry of the controversial deformed reinforcement steel bars (rebar) shipment. “We woudl like to request your office for an endorsement to formally witness the 100 percent examination and subsequent sampling of the alerted shipment,” the letter read. PISI said the shipment was misdeclared deformed steel bars worth $330 per MT compared with the current price of $380 to $410 a ton. PISI president Roberto Cola said the declaration on the import entry was in direct violation of Customs rules requiring specific description of imported articles in tariff terms. “These discrepancies would already constitute as technical smuggling, thus we further recommend your office to issue a warrant of seizure and detention,” Cola said in the letter.

M O N D AY : J U N E 2 7, 2 0 1 6

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

ERC to review 17 solar plants By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission vowed to review solar power projects that received endorsement from the Energy Department to obtain a certificate of compliance and avail of the feed-in tariff.

“We cannot just issue a CoC on the basis on endorsement of other agencies. We have to make a determination,” ERC chairman Jose Vicente Salazar said over the weekend. The department granted 17 solar power projects certificate of endorsement for feed-in tariff eligibility. The projects have a combined power output of 417.05 megawatts. The projects, if granted a certificate of compliance by the ERC, will be able to avail of the feed-in tariff of P8.69 per kilowatthour under the second wave of solar installation targets. “We will look at whether whether they comply with certain requirements... People are waiting for us on these applications,” Salazar said.

He said he received a letter from developer Negros Island Solar Power, ir Islasol, seeking clarification on the grant of the certificate of compliance. Islasol is a special purpose vehicle composed of the second and third solar power plants built by clean energy developers Bronzeoak Philippines Inc and PINAI Fund. Islasol’s solar projects have a total capacity of 80 MW—32 MW in La Carlota and 48 MW in Manapla, Negros Occidental. “For Islasol, we referred it to... market operations service. They want to know about the process,” Salazar said. Islasol was not included in the 17 power projects endorsed by the Energy Department, although sources said the company diospatched supply ahead of the other solar projects. “If they are entitled to CoC, we will have to see if they complied with the requirements. At the very least we will consult with DoE,” Salazar said. Philippine Solar Power Alliance president Tetchi Capellan, meanwhile, said some of its members decried the lack of transparency in the department over the issuance of certificates of endorsement. Capellan said some developers complained of unfair treatment and sought explanation from the government on the parameters of the issuance of the endorsement.

Top taxpayer. Manila cites listed port operator Asian Terminals Inc. as the Philippine capital’s top real property and sixth highest business taxpayer for fiscal year 2015 during the commemoration of the city’s 445th founding anniversary held at Manila Hotel. ATI corporate communications manager Doan Bustamante accepts the award from Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada (center) and Vice Mayor-elect Honey Lacuna-Pangan on behalf of ATI’s board and management.

This handout photo taken on June 21, 2016 and released by the Davao City Mayor’s Office (DCMO) on June 22 shows Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte (left) addressing businessmen during a summit in Davao City, on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, while members of his cabinet (right) listen. Duterte will begin his six-year term on June 30. AFP

A VERY GOOD START A GOOD start to something is always, err... good; but, in this case, it’s even better. Yes, what better way to jumpstart one’s administration than by engaging in that sector from which you would draw most, if not all, of your ten-point socio-economic agenda: business. And this is what the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte just did, together with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Mindanao Business Council (MBC): Engage the business community in a conference dubbed Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungo Sa Kaunlaran at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City to promote inclusive growth and the aforementioned ten-point agenda. This is a good indication of things to come. I have yet to recall an incoming administration engage the business community to a collaborative effort even prior to coming into office. It just goes to show that the incoming President acknowledges the business sector as his able partner in good governance. The two-day conference, composed mostly of consultative workshops, was the opportunity of the incoming administration to present its VMG (vision, mission, goals) to the business community in a language that was more familiar to them. President Digong’s economic team, led by incoming Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” G. Dominguez, emphasized collaboration and the coalition between government and business, and that these are vital to ensure that their targets would be met. The business leaders who attended the conference were all in agreement with what the incoming government officials were saying, especially about fighting corruption and about upholding the sanctity of contracts.

Speaking of corruption, incoming DOTC Secretary Art Tugade surprised conference participants with these words: “The expectations are so high that we, in government, should not be corrupt. Our expectations are as high that you, the business community, should not try to corrupt us…” This, of course, was met with much surprise. He goes on: ““You want us not to be corrupt? Do not bribe and bind yourselves to us and gain our patronage!” In the end he asked the business community present if he could expect from them not to corrupt the incoming government officials, to which the participants answered with a resounding “Yes!” Likewise, my good friend and copanelist in the Go Negosyo Meet The Presidentiables Series, incoming DTI Secretary Mon Lopez, also spoke about the ease of doing business in the Philippines and cited the example of Davao City in the expediency of processing documents. He said that it was the goal of the Duterte administration to reduce the bureaucracy or red tape by as much as 50%. According to him, businessmen should worry more about their businesses and not be made to wait in line just to process documents. All in all, the businessmen that I talked to there showed much enthusiasm and were very appreciative of this move by the next administration. Why not? In the end, it’s all about government and business working together for the common good of the common people. It is a partnership that is indispensable for the nation to move forward.

IT, business process outsourcing sectors bullish on Duterte govt By Darwin G. Amojelar THE local information technology and business process outsourcing industry is optimistic about the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, saying the new government’s 10-point economic agenda is aligned with the sector. “We don’t anticipate anything that is broadly different. There’s so many parts of the 10-point economic agenda [of the new government] that we are

very aligned,” said Benedict Hernandez, chairman of the executive committee of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines during the opening of Affinion’s new office in Taguig. “So far its been good. I don’t think there’s going to be big surprises or changes. We’ve meet many new government secretaries and they are very open, collaborative and very supportive. We are feeling comfortable about

the transition,” he added. Hernandez said the industry was “bullish” about meeting its revenue and employee targets under its “Road Map 2016.” The IT-BPO ainms to achieve $25 billion in revenues this year, contributing about 7 percent to 7.5 percent to the country’s economy. The sector is also set to meet the 1.3 million direct employment this year. “We are also successful in diversifying the industry and its business over the years. I think

10 years ago there’s a lot of clients coming from North America but it’s now being distributed. We have a lot of growth in Asia, Europe, but US is still a majority market,” Hernandez said. He said the industry was successful in driving multiple locations across the country. The four non-Metro Manila cities that are mature locations are Bacolod, Metro Clark, Davao and Cebu. Hernandez said the industry also expected a higher growth from back office and healthcare

information management this year. “Of course, we continue to see growth in IT and engineering services. We continue to see good growth in animation and gaming development and some special skills that keeps emerging in the Philippines like legal process outsourcing and market services,” Hernandez said. He said the industry was in the middle of drafting a six-year roadmap for the sector, or from 2017 to 2022.

MONDAY: JUNE 27, 2016

BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

DA set to link farmers, buyers

Exporters support Duterte’s programs

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

By Othel V. Campos

INCOMING Agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol vowed to lessen the middlemen’s control in food distribution by empowering farmers. “This could be done by turning farmers and fishermen into small entrepreneurs themselves, giving them direct access to the market,” he said. Piñol said rice farmers should be given their own rice processing centers at the farm level. Rice farmers should also be linked up with big corporations who would buy farmers’ produce for employees, he said. “It is not even remote that I would one day suggest to President Rodrigo Duterte that each government employee [be given] a monthly one sack rice allowance and the rice would be bought directly from farmers’ groups,” he said. Piñol said rubber farmers could also form a corporation and get involved with the processing of rubber products and start the manufacturing of bicycle, motorcycle or car and pick tires. The incoming agriculture chief said that currently, the food supply chain was controlled and manipulated by merchants and traders. “In the ideal world, farmers are supposed to make money producing food, the traders bring it to the market making a little profit for the effort and the consumers enjoy affordable food. All three of them end up smiling and happy. That is not the case in the real world, however,” Piñol said. “The Department of Agriculture under President Duterte’s leadership will support the farmers and fisherfolk to ensure that their cost of production is lower and their yield or catch is increased,” he said.

EXPORTERS have thrown their support behind the Duterte administration’s economic program on developing the countryside, as this will help exporting small and medium enterprises grow their business and become competitive. Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said a strong focus on micro, small and medium enterprises; ease of doing business; human capital; infrastructure development; and increased agricultural and rural enterprise productivity and rural tourism were

good drivers of economic growth. Ortiz-Luis Jr. said achieving an 8-percent gross domestic product growth was even possible under the Duterte administration. He said the increased budget for programs encouraging innovation would be important in boosting growth of the export sector.

Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposed 10-point socioeconomic agenda include promoting science, technology and the creative arts to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards self-sustaining and inclusive development. Stakeholders are working to enhance the innovative capacity of the export sector through an efficient system of national innovation as a part of the development strategies of Philippine Export Development Plan 2015 to 2017. PEDP strategies include raising the productivity and competitiveness of Philippine enterprises and removing burdensome domestic regulations that impede the movement of goods.

Baldoz recognized.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda DimapilisBaldoz (center) receives a plaque of recognition from the ofﬁcers and members of the Department of Labor and EmploymentNational Capital Region-Tripartite Industrial Peace Council for introducing innovation on labor laws compliance and proactive efforts to create adjustment measures through employment and livelihood programs that help alleviate the plight of Filipino workers. Shown presenting the plaque is Dole-NCR director Nelson Hornilla (second from right), together with other labor ofﬁcials.

Digging for proﬁt or grave? I HAVE To be honest; this is one of the topics I was able to enjoy during class discussion. It is a very controversial topic but a very interesting one. A lot of insights were shared in class that was eye opening for me. They say that mining is an indication of growth and industrialization for a society. One cannot escape from needing this industry to prosper and develop as a nation. Maybe this is also one of the reasons why despite the harmful effects that mining does to the environment and the people, we cannot fully eradicate it in our society. It maybe sad but true, we need mining. The reality of mining As complicated as it may seem, as ordinary citizens it would be helpful if we try to understand the reality of the mining industry—the people doing business and those living and employed in the mining zones. One of my classmates even shared the insights of one of his friends who was engaged in a mining business in our country.

The plan is a roadmap that also sets exports growth targets of 8.8 percent in 2016 and 10.6 percent in 2017. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry also submitted actionable recommendations to the next administration. It pushed for the adoption of a comprehensive tax reform package, including the simplification of the tax system, particularly MSMEs. This will reduce the cost of compliance, promote voluntary compliance and increase collection. PCCI said automation and streamlining of business permitting and licensing systems and reducing bottlenecks in land titling could ease and improve the cost of doing business and eliminate windows of corruption.

I was already aware of the various taxes and permits that one has to secure in doing a business, but the way he explained it wherein a businessman will need to bribe each level of government official from the barangay level, to the municipal until you reach the national government thru the government agencies. No wonder they do not plan to have a contingency plan or a more sustainable plan for those people who will be affected by the mining activities. How could you? If you try to compute all the costs and money that you need to shell out to get the business going and managing it ethically, you will realize that it will be worth millions and you’re not even sure if you will be reaping profit. A lot to improve From a businessman’s perspective, this is unfair. I get that. We do not decide to engage in business to make the government rich. We engage in

business because we want to gain profit. However, with the current system of our Philippine society especially when it comes to trade, I must say that we have a lot to improve still. As discussed in class, I agree that we need to simplify certain areas in our processes to make it friendlier to those individuals/ corporations who wanted to engage in business. In addition to this, our on-going problem with corruption is taking its toll on the current realities of our fellowmen living within the mining zones. It caught my attention, when it was mentioned during the sharing in class that for businessmen in the mining industry, it is okay for them to have a sustainable development plan for the affected locals. The invested capital might be high at first, but you will definitely gain the returns sooner than you think. However, it is impractical for them, given our current trading policies and system. With all the

bribery happening before you even engage in actual business activities, you will realize that you will gain losses rather than profit. So it is not practical. Duties and responsibilities Why am I highlighting this concern? I believe that as much as these big companies have a responsibility in their business dealings especially with their stakeholders, I also believe that our government has the duty to take an active role in the situation. It has the power to punish those who fail to follow and uphold the rights of the people and our Constitution. Aside from this, all those who will engage in trade will go to them to have permits and be granted with business operations. If they will be able to create a more conducive environment for business where simplified processes are in place to avoid illegal negotiations, this might attract more people to invest in the country. This will

CLARICE MEDINA

GREEN LIGHT definitely create more jobs for Filipinos. Aside from this, if existing policies regarding environment protection will be properly monitored and implemented, businesses will follow and will surely include the protection of their stakeholders, as harsh punishments will be taken if this will not be followed. The author is an MBA student at Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University. This article was taken from her blog written for the course Lasallian Business Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Visit her blog at https://thoughtsofacorporategal. wordpress.com/. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of De La Salle University, its faculty, and its administrators.

M O N D AY : J U N E 2 7, 2 0 1 6

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Foreign investors eye UK property

Ceremony. Members of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League pose for pictures in front of the cenotaph during a ceremony at the National Monument in Kuala Lumpur on June 26, 2016. The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League is a Commonwealth charity with 57 member organizations in 50 Commonwealth countries, including Malaysia. Malaysia was chosen to be the host of its 32nd conference from June 26 to 29. AFP

British capital fears exodus of investment LONDON—Will Brexit threaten London’s longbooming economy? The British capital fears investors and bankers could flee the city after the shock nationwide vote, threatening its coveted reputation as a global financial hub. Some 60 percent of Londoners voted to stay in the EU in Thursday’s historic referendum, but the rest of the country cast their ballots overwhelmingly to leave. And the capital’s 8.6 million residents, whose GDP is about the same as that of oil-rich Norway, are anxious about the impact on the city’s economy. The fear is that London will no longer be able to claim to serve as the gateway for US and Asian businesses into Europe’s vast single market. “Some firms that saw London as a platform for serving the integrated EU market will relocate at least part of their headquarters’ functions to other cities within the EU,” said Greg Clark of the Brookings Institution. A first bank, US giant JPMorgan, which employs around 16,000 staff in the United Kingdom, said Friday it “may need to make changes to our European legal entity structure

and the location of some roles”. It gave no figures, but chairman and chief executive Jamie Dimon previously said that up to 4,000 jobs could move out of the UK. According to ratings agency Standard and Poor’s, a fifth of all global banking activity takes place in London. A hemorrhaging of bankers would hit the city: the financial sector provides one in three jobs, or some 1.25 million. Services overall represent 85 percent of jobs, having completely supplanted manufacturing which historically was the driving force of the capital. “Although we will be outside the EU, it is crucial that we remain part of the single market,” pro-EU London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Friday. “It is crucial that London has a voice at the table during those renegotiations,” added the Labour mayor, who took over in May from

Conservative Boris Johnson-who went on to spearhead the “Leave” camp. A petition for London to have independence from the United Kingdom and make an application to join the EU started partly as a stunt. But it highlighted deep concerns and had by Saturday evening garnered more than 150,000 signatures for a so-called “Lexit”. Despite these fears, Clark of the Brookings Institution said that in the end “the total number of net job losses in London may not be high, as corporations will re-organise rather than leave”. “London will remain a good location to service global markets,” he added. The city, whose GDP grew by 3.3 percent last year against 2.3 percent for the whole country, remains well-placed: it speaks English, the international language of business, as well as being cosmopolitan and culturally rich. London’s successful hosting of the 2012 Olympics, which saw huge investment notably in transport infrastructure, burnished its reputation as a global capital. If well-paid bankers and other expatriates flee London for

Frankfurt, Paris or Dublin, a whole swathe of the economy which depends on higher spending power will suffer, from luxury real estate agencies to select private schools. The first sector to pay the price might be bricks and mortar. “In our view the decision to leave the EU will be most keenly felt in the London housing market which is fully valued and already facing headwinds,” said real estate specialists Hometrack. “History shows that external shocks have led to falls in turnover by as much as 20 percent,” it added. That kind of slump could put downward pressure on prices, actually good news finally for many prospective buyers and renters in a city where homes have become increasingly unaffordable, and where prices have been rising by 13 percent a year. Seeking silver linings, Clark also points out another potential advantage. “London will also present a diversification opportunity for investors who want to hedge against the EU,” for example if another euro currency crisis hits, “but be part of Europe’s growth story”, he said. AFP

HONG KONG—With property prices in Britain predicted to plummet post-Brexit, foreign investors, especially in Asia, are already poised for a buying spree. It is an ironic twist to the shock referendum result: Many who opted to leave the European Union saw their vote as a deterrent to outsiders looking to take advantage of economic opportunities in Britain. The aftermath of Thursday’s vote to leave the EU saw the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cameron and the collapse of the pound to a 31-year low. There was pandemonium on currency, equity and oil markets. At around 2100 GMT Friday, the sterling was down about 8.8 percent against the dollar compared with Thursday night, and foreign exchange experts predicted more weakness ahead. Property prices are also expected to take a hit, with reports of buyers pulling out of transactions due to market uncertainty. But while there may be a “wait and see” approach for some, ambitious foreign investors are on the hunt for bargains while the exchange rate is so low. “Several of my opportunistic investors have said we really ought to think about this seriously, and to think whether we should take advantage of this new window in the market,” said Nicholas Brooke, chairman of professional property services for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. “Anyone who’s not dealing in sterling would see an opportunity.” Brooke, whose firm plays an advisory role for prospective buyers, said while many clients remained cautious, some in Hong Kong and China with “substantial” investment capabilities had voiced interest. London-based international property agent Knight Frank also said foreign investors would be wary as they assessed the full impact of the Brexit fallout, but the drop in the pound would mean their buying power would “increase significantly”. Interest would be especially strong from China, Hong Kong and Singapore, -- where investors have a long history of buying up property in Britain, especially London, the firm’s Asia-Pacific specialist Nicholas Holt said. AFP

‘Leave’ vote clouds horizon for airlines LONDON—Britain’s vote to leave the EU could open a period of turbulence for the country’s airline industry, which has soared under the EU’s Single European Sky system over the last two decades. Among the mass of agreements that Britain will have to renegotiate with Brussels are those governing flights between Britain and the rest of the EU. “They are not long, the days of wine and roses,” whether for airlines, airports or British air travellers, said Peter Morris, chief economist at Ascend Flightglobal Consultancy. The single sky system lifted trade

restrictions on airlines controlled by EU member states or their nationals, and whose headquarters are located within the EU. Unless British negotiators manage to secure preferential conditions, British airlines will lose this status. This will mean they no longer enjoy rights including being able to freely set airfares, and to launch any route in Europe without getting authorization in advance. In concrete terms, passengers leaving or arriving in the United Kingdom will face new taxes, while British airlines will be slower to develop new routes. On the front line are Britain’s

two main actors, EasyJet and the International Airlines Group (IAG): their shares plummeted Friday on news of the shock Brexit vote, losing 14.35 percent and 22.54 respectively on the London market. Low-cost airline Ryanair, which campaigned vocally for Britain to remain in the EU, is a little less exposed because it is based in Ireland, even if it has a large presence in Britain. As soon as the referendum result became clear, EasyJet wrote to British and EU authorities pressing them to ensure that Britain remains in the Single European Sky. AFP

Prayer. Afghan devotees perform a special evening ‘Taraweeh’ prayer during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan at a mosque in Herat on June 25, 2016. Muslims throughout the world are marking the month of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, during which devotees fast from dawn to dusk. AFP

M O N D AY : J U N E 2 7, 2 0 1 6

B8 Kerry flies to London for talks after Brexit ROME—Top US diplomat John Kerry will fly to Brussels and London on Monday for talks with Washington’s key allies in the aftermath of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. US officials traveling to Rome with the secretary of state told reporters on the flight that two stops had been added to his European itinerary at the last moment. “Tomorrow we’ll go to Brussels and then on to London,” one official said. Washington was dismayed last week when British voters chose to leave the European Union, a decision that triggered global economic uncertainty and fears other EU members will follow suit. President Barack Obama had made clear his concern about the Brexit referendum, and now US officials are scrambling to try to stop the political crisis harming Western unity. Kerry arrived in Rome on Sunday on a planned visit to have lunch with Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and a working dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But officials on his flight said that on Monday he would fly on to the EU headquarters in Brussels for crisis talks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. Mogherini had been expected to meet Kerry in Rome on Sunday, but she was busy dealing with the fallout of the dramatic vote, which stunned European and world leaders. From Brussels Kerry will continue to London to see Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and other officials from outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron’s government. The two senior diplomats are expected to hold a joint news conference before Kerry leaves to return to Washington. Obama and Kerry have been at pains to insist the vaunted “special relationship” between Washington and London will survive what US officials view as the Brexit debacle. But Washington foreign policy experts are all but unanimous in assessing that the White House will increasingly turn to core EU allies to defend its interests on the continent. AFP

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Europe demands quick separation from Britain LONDON—European powers demanded a prompt divorce on Saturday as Britain’s seismic vote to abandon the EU sparked bitter break-up rows at home and abroad.

Pose. Indian Bollywood actress Manisha Kelkar poses for a photogrpah during the opening ceremony for season four of the Pro-Kabaddi League in Mumbai on June 25, 2016. AFP

Britons had cast aside warnings of isolation and economic disaster to vote 52 percent-48 percent in favor of quitting the European Union in the June 23 referendum. The historic vote, fought on the battlefronts of the economy and immigration, toppled Prime Minister David Cameron, pounded the sterling and led Moody’s to downgrade Britain’s credit rating outlook to “negative”. It exposed deep divisions in Britain too, as more than two million people desperately called for a new vote and support for Scottish independence surged. Cameron has said he will stay on until a successor is found from within his governing Conservative party, which could take until October, at which point the new prime minister will launch the EU exit negotiations. But European powers urged Britain not to delay amid fears of a domino-effect of exit votes in euroskeptic member states that could imperil the integrity of the bloc. “We join together in saying that this process must begin as soon as possible so we don’t end up in an extended limbo period,” said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier after a meeting in Berlin. Ministers of the six original EU members— Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg—held an emergency meeting to grapple with the first defection in the bloc’s 60-year history France’s Jean-Marc Ayrault directly urged Cameron to go quickly, telling AFP: “A new prime minister must be designated, that will take a few days but there is a certain urgency.” With characteristic caution, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said only that Britain’s exit talks should not “drag on forever” and that until they were completed, Britain would remain a fullyfledged EU member. “There is no reason to be nasty in the negotiations. We have to follow the rules of the game,” she said. Earlier, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned London against foot-dragging. “It is not an amicable divorce but it was also not an intimate love affair,” he said. AFP

UK Labour leader under pressure after MPs resign LONDON—The future of opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn looked shaky on Sunday after two members of his top team quit and others seemed set to follow over his handling of Britain’s EU referendum. Corbyn sacked his foreign affairs spokesman, Hilary Benn, late Saturday after Benn said he no longer had confidence in his leadership, while health spokeswoman Heidi Alexander announced her

resignation on Twitter Sunday. Media reports suggested that several other members of Corbyn’s shadow cabinet would follow suit. There is widespread anger among Labour MPs. Many of them have been critical of the veteran socialist leader since his election last September, saying he did not fight hard enough for Britain to stay in the European Union. The shock decision by the

country to vote to leave the bloc, throwing the 28-member alliance into turmoil by becoming the first country ever to leave, was against the wishes of most Labour lawmakers. The outcome of the vote has triggered a slump in the value of the sterling and UK stocks and unleashed a fast-moving political and constitutional crisis. Two Labour MPs tabled a vote of no confidence in Corbyn on

Friday, which is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party on Monday. But Corbyn gave a speech on Saturday indicating he was going nowhere, and a spokesman Sunday insisted he had no intention of resigning. “Jeremy Corbyn is the democratically elected leader of the Labour Party and will remain so,” the spokesman said.

Prime Minister David Cameron resigned shortly after the results emerged on Friday morning, triggering a leadership contest in his Conservative party. The winner will replace him by October at the latest. But the referendum has also plunged Labour into crisis, after more than a third (37 percent) of Labour voters ignored their party’s support for “Remain” and backed a Brexit. AFP

M ONDAY : J UNE 27, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS

isahred @ gmail.com

WRITER

SIP & SAVOR

LIFE

The dishes served during the farewell lunch of President Benigno Aquino III include steamed crabs with garlic and leeks, assorted cold cuts, and abalone with Shiitake mushrooms.

THE PRESIDENT AT THE PRESIDENT Aquino, who has less than 72 hours left as the country’s chief executive, said he looks forward to being able to eat more often at the President Grand Palace and in other restaurants that he likes.

THE JOYCE OF EATING JOYCE BABE PAÑARES

ays before he steps down as the country’s 15th chief executive, President Benigno Aquino III paid a visit to his favorite Chinese eatery since the early 1980s, the President Grand Palace Restaurant located at the heart of Binondo district in Manila. “I already wanted to eat here when I was still in college,” Aquino recalled while taking a bite of his go-to comfort food, sizzling oysters – tiny mollusks caramelized from the heat, crunchy and juicy with just the right flavor of savory black beans and pepper. “I love the sizzling oysters – they’re really good. I also like the crispy squid, although I recall it used to have a lighter batter that made it extra crispy,” he shared with members of the Malacañang Press Corps during the farewell lunch he hosted at the President Grand Palace restaurant. He would pass by the banquet-style restaurant, then located between Ongpin and Padilla streets, when his FilipinoChinese classmates would bring him to Chinatown to watch the latest Jackie Chan films, without subtitles but complete with real-time annotation from his friends. But it was not until he landed his first job at the Philippine Business for Social Progress on Dasmariñas St. in Binondo that he was able to fulfill his gastronomic wish. According to Amy Tan, one of the managers of the restaurant, Aquino would host luncheons and dinners for his friends at the President, which reopened in 2009 and is now housed at what used to be a Chinese theater, giving it a hotel ballroomfeel. The restaurant has an unassuming facade despite its lofty name, which Tan says was specifically chosen by the owners as being “auspicious” since president in Chinese also means number one. Tan, who has been with the restaurant for more than two decades now, has seen all sorts of customers, from Chinese aunties and uncles who would have dimsum and tea to high-profile visitors

Various roastings greet customers as they enter the President Grand Palace Restaurant in Binondo.

who would book one of their private rooms, including Aquino. “People like our food because it is always fresh. Our chef even studied culinary arts in Hong Kong to make sure we serve authentic dishes,” said Tan. Aside from the sizzling oysters and crispy squid, the lauriat-style lunch hosted by Aquino included shrimps with pepper and chili, abalone with Shiitake mushrooms, steamed crabs, sweet and sour pork, various cold cuts and roastings and, of course, yang chow fried rice. There were no poultry dishes, however, owing to a childhood experience that made the outgoing President swear off eating chicken.

Amy Tan, one of the restaurant's managers

Aquino, who has less than 72 hours left as the country’s chief executive, said he looks forward to being able to eat more often at the President Grand Palace and in other restaurants that he likes. “There were days when my Cabinet members and I could only eat Yum Burger from Jollibee for lunch at 3 p.m. and Yum Burger again for dinner,” the 56-year old bachelor President said, scratching his head while reminiscing. “I like eating here at the President. Their dishes are, I would say, unique and comforting,” added Aquino, who traces his roots to Hongjian village in China’s Fujian province where his mother, the late President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, came from

the line of Chinese immigrant Co Yu Hwan who moved to the Philippines in 1861. For dessert, the President asked his closein aide to buy peanut ampao (Chinese puffed rice rolls coated with either crushed peanuts or sesame seeds) at the nearby Salazar Bakery and mung beans hopia from Eng Bee Tin. “I would have wanted to buy these myself. Let’s go on an economic mission here in Binondo,” he said in jest, acknowledging the security protocols that have barred him from doing something as common as stroll along the busy streets of Chinatown for the past six years. Before everyone knew it, the almost fourhour lunch was over – just like the Aquino presidency. For feedback, send comments to joyce.panares@gmail.com

Members of the Malacañang Press Corps with Undersecretary Renato Marfil while waiting for the President.

M ONDAY : J UNE 27, 2016

LIFE isahred @ gmail.com

5 WAYS TO JAZZ UP COFFEE BREAKS

here is no denying that Filipinos love coffee anytime of the day (according to Euromonitor’s 2013 research, the Philippines is in the Top 50 coffee consumers worldwide, having a yearly consumption of 1.2 kilograms of dry coffee per capita). The warm cup of coffee (and the caffeine in it) provides an instant source of inspiration and recalibrates focus, especially during the middle of a workday when energy slumps a bit and coffee breaks provide the mind that needed boost. A 2011 study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s Media Laboratory showed that coffee breaks boost output among call center agents at a top US bank and this time spent to step back from work for a couple of minutes to relax and to socialize with co-workers resulted in increased annual productivity worth millions of dollars. Typical coffee breaks can be more worthwhile and enjoyable than just chugging on your regular cup of joe. Here are ways on how to jazz up that energy-boosting break daily with a biscuit, the perfect coffee companion:

A cup of coffee paired with biscuit makes for an enjoyable and energy-boosting coffee break

1. Straight from the cookie jar, grab and dunk your favorite cookie on your coffee for a mushier consistency. Dunk. Bite. Drink. Repeat. 2. Spread a generous amount of speculoos cookie butter spread on your cookie. As a twist, you can also add jam in the mix. Then pair with coffee. 3. Top your cookie with fresh fruit slices such as apple, strawberry or banana for a refreshing treat. If there are no

fresh fruits available, puree and jams can also be used. 4. For an ultimate pick me up, arrange a stack of cookies, put a dollop of ice cream on top and add some chocolate sprinkles or a cherry for an indulgent homemade treat. 5. If you happen to have a chocolate craving, dunk the cookie in a chocolate spread and enjoy with your warm cup of coffee. Try all these with the crispy Belgian delight, Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff cookies with ice cream

cookies, that is known for its ginger-y and caramel-y taste with a hint of cinnamon after every bite. More than homage to the brand, the word “Lotus” stamped on well-loved Lotus Biscoff cookies refers to the flower of the same name that symbolizes purity, akin to the Lotus Bakeries’ mission to only use pure and high quality ingredients for its 80-year-old recipe. Each cookie is individually wrapped to ensure that newly baked freshness.

“Our cookies use only the best ingredients for its recipe to make sure that they maintain the product’s high standards for cookies that are deliciously yours. Each successful recipe has a secret ingredient and for Lotus Biscoff cookies, it is this heart for excellence in ensuring that each cookie is always the best,” said Emie San Beda, Fly Ace Corporation Product Manager. On your next coffee break, have a Lotus Biscoff cookie. And fall in love at first bite.

Enjoy great discounts with Buddha-Bar Manila’s exciting promos From lavish interiors to a serene atmosphere, world-class beats, and meals that will flirt with your taste buds with every bite, Buddha-Bar Manila is a haven located at the heart of Makati. It lets you experience the simple yet rewarding pleasures of life. Buddha-Bar Manila stands out as one of the most unique and luxurious seven-star barrestaurant-lounges in the country. This time, it has generous promotions for everyone. You can discover what the BuddhaBar experience that everyone’s craving is all about. For starters, take pleasure in a sophisticated dining experience with the Early Bird Promo until July 25. Early Bird Promo customers get a 20 percent discount on dinner a la carte menu at the Restaurant area, 4 to 8 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. After feasting on the succulent dishes, get stylishly wasted with Buddha-Bar Manila’s Happy Lounge Promo that runs till July 25 as well. Happy Lounge customers get a 50 percent premium on all standard

Heart of Darkness

Majestic

drinks by the glass from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday to Sunday and from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. a 50 percent premium on selected list of liquors by the bottle. The impressive array of Happy Lounge bottle specials includes 42 Below Vodka, Absolute Vodka flavor varieties (Citron, Kurant, Vanilla, Raspberry, Mango, Mandarin, Pears), Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker Black Label and Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila.

Both Early Bird and Happy Lounge Promos are valid for dine-in customers only. Takeout food and/or bottle keep are strictly prohibited. These promos are also not valid in conjunction with existing discounts, party packages, banquets, promotions, Buddha-Bar Manila initiated events and the like. Dining in Buddha-Bar Manila also gives you a chance to win a brand new Maserati Ghibli with every single receipt purchase worth P5,000 on a la carte menu and P30,000 on banquets and events. This promo runs until Jan. 28, 2017. Buddha-Bar Manila, a franchise of Buddha-Bar Paris, is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. Early Bird customers must reserve tables/seats with our reservation officers at 632-8566719, 6328566859, and 0998-9833918. You may also reach them at info@buddhabar manila.com or like and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @BuddhaBarMNL.

Kawai Ylang

Jollibee Chief Marketing Officer Francis Flores (left) accepts the Pinoy Pride Ball 2016 Global Pinoy Award from Ariel Fermin

First Global Pinoy brand awardee

In celebration of Philippine independence day, Mega Magazine hosted anew the annual Pinoy Pride Ball, to honor homegrown talent—contemporaries whose crafts have defied the odds to succeed in the global stage, and to ultimately become Pinoy Icons. Among the recipients of the Pinoy Pride Ball’s 2016 Global Pinoy Award was Jollibee—easily one of the country’s most-loved brands—for providing millions of Filipinos with langhap-sarap food across the nation, and a taste of home around the world. The award was warmly received by Jollibee, (the mascot) who wore a Barong Tagalog to the Pinoy Pride ball, accompanied by Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer Francis Flores. Jollibee is the first brand to receive this recognition, and was awarded together with 15 other Filipino achievers during the 7th year of the Mega Pinoy Pride Ball. Through a local network of over 900 stores and more than a hundred more around the world, Jollibee brings the joy of family in every moment through its unique brand of customer service, high

standards of quality and food safety, and great-tasting food. Along with its pambansang fried chicken, Chickenjoy, all-time favorite Jolly Spaghetti, and langhap-sarap Yumburgers, Jollibee has truly become a source of Filipino pride. Also honored during the event were Asia’s Got Talent Season 1 winner El Gamma Penumbra, Eat Bulaga! creative head Jenny Ferre, The X Factor UK Season 12 fifth placer 4th Impact, SALt (Sustainable Alternative Lighting) CEO and Co-Founder Aisa Mijeno, Edukasyon.ph founder Henry Motte Muñoz, producer and promoter Glenn Llamas of Wilbros Live, and award-winning chef and restaurateur Margarita Fores. Completing the 16 recipients of the Global Pinoy Award were Pinoy furniture designer Ito Kish, multiawarded Filipino independent filmmaker Lav Diaz, world-famous singer Charice Pempengco, fashion accessory designer Ann Ong, 2016 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Jaclyn Jose, awardwinning singer Rachelle Ann Go, Dubai-based fashion designer Ezra Santos, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

M ONDAY : J UNE 27, 2016

LIFE

isahred @ gmail.com

PREPARING HEALTHY ‘BAON’ FOR KIDS

ith school opening, it’s time to start thinking about not only the contents of your kids book bags but also what’s inside their lunch boxes. Creating packed lunches and snacks for your kids is not only a great way to save but the way to make sure they eat nutritious food. Here are some budget-friendly tips for tasty and healthy packed lunches and snacks. Forget the hotdogs or bacon and rice combo— these dish ideas are not only easy to prepare but will go down easy with your kids as well!

Grains

Did you know the Australian dietary guidelines recommend eating a wide variety of mostly whole grain and/or high fibre varieties of breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, and oats? Why? Because it is Good-for-your-Grain! Grains play an important role for a healthy diet, providing nutrients and energy for your kids’ growth and development. One of the benefits of eating whole grains is that they are chock-full of fiber. Diets high in fiber have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, constipation and unhealthy weight gain. A quick and easy way to incorporate fiber is through sandwiches - try making a simple clubhouse sandwich, which also contains veggies, and replace your ordinary bread with whole wheat bread. You can also replace white rice with brown rice to give your kids that fiber fix.

Store pre-cooked food in the refrigerator to make daily preparation of baon easier and quicker

Fruits and vegetables

Incorporating fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet can be challenging - one way to do it is to involve them in choosing and making their meal. Why not try a homemade trail mix with dried fruit, nuts and cereal? Bring your children with you when you do the grocery shopping and let them choose a few dried fruits and nuts of their choice. You could combine them with a whole grain cereal for an easy trail mix. Another way to include veggies into your kid’s lunchbox is by pairing crunchy vegetables like baby carrots or peppers with a tasty dip like hummus, tzatziki or homemade ranch dressing made with fat-free mayonnaise. These make great sides for lunch or even a yummy snack.

Packed lunch ensures that children eat quality and nutritious food

Electrolux Side by Side Refrigerator

Protein

Found in meat products, protein is required for growth and repair of muscles, as well as iron. For healthier baon, use lean meat or fish like salmon and tuna as your protein source or instead of frying meat, give them cold cuts or tuna in a sandwich. Eggs are another source of protein. Try packing a hard-boiled egg with your child’s lunch as one hard-boiled egg could provide 6 grams of protein.

More healthy snack options

A healthy packed lunch should contain all four main food groups. There are a lot of healthy snack items that you can give your kids besides sugary

biscuits or chips. Aside from servings of chopped up fruit, you can include a single-serving pack of reduced fat chips, plain popcorn, apple or banana chips, a slice of fruit cake or unsalted nuts as a minor indulgence for your child at recess or after lunch. Making baon for your kids everyday may take up a lot of time, especially when you are in a rush in the morning getting everyone ready for their day. One way to cut down on prep time is to prepare a large portion of food on weekends, then divide them into single portions and keep them in your refrigerator to grab and serve when needed. Having a refrigerator with good storage solutions like the New Electrolux Side by Side Refrigerator ESE6200PD-PH can be a big help. It has Freezer Space Plus, which gives you extra freezer room perfect for storing cooked food that you can eat later in the week. It also has wide-open spaces and over 20.5 cu ft. capacity to help you store and organize the food your family will eat all week long. “At Electrolux, we believe in helping moms and families live healthier lifestyles and one way to do this is through good nutrition. With this goal in mind, Electrolux has thoughtfully designed products that will help families in their journey to eat well, in every sense of the word,” said Andrea Pionilla, Country Marketing Manager of Electrolux Philippines. For more ideas on home care and healthy living, please visit electrolux.com.ph.

Global container brand Lock&Lock advocates the practice of preparing nutritious baon

Why preparing your child’s ‘baon’ important Preparing baon takes effort, but it is a sacrifice that is worth it considering the dangers of unhealthy food choices on schoolchildren. The 8th National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed that 9 percent of pre-school children aged 5-10 are overweight or obese. Among adolescents and teens 10-19 years old, the number is higher at 13 percent. Overweight and obese children are more likely to stay obese into their adulthood and have a higher risk of developing diseases associated with obesity like Type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, various forms of cancer and other disorders at a younger age. It is for this reason that global brand Lock&Lock, a leader in food container technology, declared June 2016 as “National Pa-Baon Month.” This is an advocacy that is both timely and relevant as students begin the new school year. Bringing baon is a tradition that is not commonly practiced anymore

Make your kid's baon healthy, diverse and interesting

due to the fast-paced lifestyle we live in. It is more convenient for parents to give children money to buy food in school. Preparing your child’s baon assures you

that he gets to eat quality and nutritious food. You may find this problematic, but there are ways to go around it by following these simple steps: PLAN: Plan your child’s baon in advance and prepare it during the weekend or the night before school. In the morning, you can simply re-heat the food before placing it in safe food containers. BE DIVERSE: Offer different viands (ulam) or food preparations like a healthy and filling sandwich so he will not get tired of eating his baon. MAKE IT EASY BUT INTERESTING: Choose a baon that you can easily prepare but make it interesting. One way to do this is by making it look good. Try doing it the Japanese bento way. It makes preparing baon fun for you and your child. There are many online sites that teach this. STAY AWAY FROM UNHEALTHY CHOICES: The reason why you are preparing baon is to prevent your child from eating unhealthy food so stay away from the temptation of giving him high

sugar and fat-laden food that may be easy to prepare but is harmful in the long run. KEEP IT SAFE: After all the trouble in preparing a delicious and healthy baon, make sure you place it in a safe and hygienic food container. Lock&Lock helps address this concern. The company already introduced trendy Lunch Bags containing Lock&Lock food containers with the revolutionary 4-locking mechanism and resilient silicon seal. You can be sure that your child’s baon is kept fresh and safe longer without having to worry about any spillage. It is microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe too. Preparing your child’s baon is more important now that we are facing a health issue that threatens them even at an early age. Make Lock&Lock’s “National Pa-Baon Month” your advocacy as well. Visit Lock and Lock-Philippines on Facebook and LockandLockPH on Instagram for tips on how to prepare healthy baon choices as well as updates on the National Pa-Baon Month.

M ONDAY : J UNE 27, 2016

LIFE

isahred @ gmail.com

The newly opened M&S Food Hall at Powerplant Mall offers a wide array of sweet treats

Percy Pig products are available at the Food Hall

M&S FOOD HALL NOW AT POWERPLANT MALL

arks & Spencer(M&S) has a real treat lined up for its Philippine Market with the official opening of its modernized store at Powerplant Mall, to feature its new premium boutique shopping experience. It will also be launching the M&S Food Hall. The new Food Hall officially opened with the new M&S store recently. During the opening, the Powerplant Mall North Court was transformed into a lush garden and featured a series of food tasting and wine sampling as well as musical performances and other special surprises in the afternoon. Located at one of the country’s upscale shopping destinations, the new 500-square meter store showcases the best of Marks & Spencer’s quality clothing and accessories across Women’s wear, Men’s wear, and Lingerie. The Food Hall includes a range of Marks & Spencer’s unrivalled quality, innovative foods and internationally award-winning wines. The new M&S boutique format aims to make the store more inviting and inspiring for customers to shop with flattering lighting, a modern design and seasonal imagery. At the entrance, the striking welcome zone showcases the season’s must-have trends and through its new sleek and contemporary boutique fashion displays, customers will be able to see the extensive breadth of styles, fits and outfit ideas available at the new store. The new store complements Marks & Spencer’s 21 existing stores which offer Filipino customers a choice of convenient ways to shop with Marks & Spencer.

Exceptional quality, stylish clothing collections

At the heart of the Marks & Spencer clothing offer is exceptional quality and confident style. All Marks &Spencer collections are designed and developed by a team of skilled international in-house designers based in London. Each season they take inspiration from the international runways, customer research and feedback to create chic, wearable and high-quality ranges that reflect the key seasonal looks. In Womenswear and Menswear, the collections for smartwear, casualwear, accessories and footwear, as well as destination departments such as its popular Denim Shop. In Lingerie, customers will be able to choose from its latest lingerie, sleepwear and hosiery.

Discover various Italian flavors with different pasta and sauce options

Indulge in delectable Marks & Spencer's confectioneries

The Food Hall includes a range of Marks & Spencer’s unrivalled quality, innovative foods and internationally award-winning wines Internationally award-winning wines are offered at the new M&S Food Hall

Outstanding quality food

At the new Food store, customers will be able to discover a world of the finest global flavors and award-winning wines. Marks & Spencer Food is renowned for leading the way in quality and innovation. To stay at the forefront of food innovation, a team of food technologists and product developers based in London focus on continually identifying new trends and

developing new delicious food and drink products for customers to enjoy. As a food specialist, Marks & Spencer is also committed to using the very best quality and responsibly sourced ingredients in all of its exclusive food products, including moving to 100 percent Fairtrade Tea and Coffee in 2006 and using only free range eggs in all its food ranges since 2002. The new M&S Store at the Powerplant

Mall will bring a range of delicious confectioneries, groceries, savories, and drinks, and all-time favorites inspired by the finest global flavors, and internationally award-winning wines. Marks and Spencer is one of UK’s leading retailers, selling stylish, high quality, great value clothing and home products, as well as outstanding quality food, responsibly sourced from around 2,000 suppliers globally.

M ONDAY : J UNE 27, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR NICKIE WANG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

IT’S SHARK WEEK, GUYS!

he sharks are back and will stay for a week starting today. Shark Week holds a week-long of exciting shows. Premiering at 8 tonight is The Return of Monster Mako, which centers on the transformation of giant mako sharks, also called granders, and the adventures of Joe Romeiro’s team as he jumps into the deep blue at night to get more close and personal. Isle of Jaws, which airs at 9 tonight, follows Emmy award-winning cinematographer, Andy Casagrande and his team, through his discovery of male great white sharks off an uncharted island. Tomorrow at 8 p.m., Jaws of the Deep showcases the world’s largest great white shark, Deep Blue, from the lenses of two robot subs that can dive up to 2000 feet. At 9 tomorrow night is Tiger Beach, an exciting and revealing show about 40 tagged and tracked tiger sharks, some passive, some ag-

gressive, but all powerful. Wrath of a Great White Serial Killer airs 8 p.m. on June 29. Shark experts hope to find an explanation behind the migration of great white sharks to the far north, specifically the Pacific Northwest. At 9 p.m., Sharks vs. Dolphins: Face Off intends to bring to light the truth behind the relationship and behavior of sharks and dolphins toward each other. Air Jaws: Night Stalker, which premiers June 30 at 8 p.m., is back with Chris Fallows for his 8th Air Jaws escapade, along with his team, for a night adventure with the sharks, discovering how they hunt at night in total darkness. It is narrated by Lena Headey from Game of Thrones. Catch Deadliest Shark as it airs on June 30 at 9 p.m., and get a history lesson from Dr. Michael Domeier and Dr. Barry Bruce as they explore the supposed deadliest sharks in the world, the white tip sharks. Their very lives are in danger as

they dive dangerous waters. On July 1 at 8 p.m., Nuclear Sharks premieres, showing the travels of Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of legendary underwater explorer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau, and his wife, Ashlan, to Bikini Atoll. Exploring a once nuclear-bombed marine environment, the team uncovers reef sharks, which are supposedly non-migratory. Aside from this, the couple discovers illegal fishing activities affecting the sharks and their wellbeing. Lastly, Jungle Shark premieres 9 p.m. on July 1. In this show, you can see bull sharks in a different light, rather, in different waters. Dr. Craig O’Connell and Andy Casagrande figure out why baby bull sharks swim up to the Serena River and how they deal with the crocodiles in that habitat. Shark Week also unearths something that could possibly save human lives.

7 Ways you can help sharks right now DON’T EAT SHARK This may sound obvious, but since shark fin soup is considered a delicacy is many places, it’s worth reiterating. Also, sometimes shark can be sold under names like flake, rock salmon, dogfish, rigg or rock eel. So when consuming seafood, make sure you know exactly what species you’re being served. EAT SUSTAINABLE FISH Even when you’re not eating shark, you should choose sustainable seafood. Over half of the sharks caught each year are caught

as by-catch, meaning they were caught in gear being used to catch other fish. This is often the result of poor fishing practices, and eating sustainable-caught fish can reduce the impact of by-catch. DON’T FLY WITH AIRLINES THAT TRANSPORT SHARK FINS Shark finning is an unsustainable practice used to harvest the main ingredient of shark fin soup. To take a stand, many airlines refuse to carry any shark fins as cargo. Even though many shark fins are still transported by ship, they’re still frequently flown

by air. So not supporting the airlines that carry shark fins is an easy way to help. ADOPT A SHARK “Adopting” a shark is a fun way to help fund organizations that are working to help sharks and lobbying for their protection. Sometimes you even get a little plush shark as part of the adoption deal. BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST A crucial element of shark conservation involves understanding

Continued on C7

13 things more likely to kill you than a shark ICICLES In Russia dozens of people die from falling icicles every year. Staying out of the water doesn’t mean it can’t fall on your head in its most deadly form. VENDING MACHINES If your chips don’t fall out, don’t shake the machine! Vending machines crush over a dozen people a year. CHAMPAGNE CORKS Keep your wedding day the happiest day of your life; buy twist off champagne. Flying corks kill an average of two-dozen people a year. COCONUTS Getting hit on the head with a coconut seems unlikely, right? Wrong. There are 15 times more coconut related fatalities a year compared to shark attacks. One hundred and fifty people worldwide die from falling coconuts each year. COWS Moooove over Chompy! Our bovine brethren pack a nasty kick. Always be careful in a barnyard setting. ANTS They’re tiny, but don’t try to play king of the hill with an army of them. It takes thousands of them, but they kill far more humans than sharks every year. MOSQUITOES The mosquito is the animal responsible for the most human fatalities every year. Though they’re small, the parasitic protozoans they sometimes carry cause malaria in humans, which kills hun-

dreds of thousands of people every year predominately in Africa. HOT DOGS While everything we eat could be considered a choking hazard, hot dogs are among the most notorious, responsible for a shocking 17% of all choking related ER cases. BEES Bees kill around 50 people in the U.S every year because of allergic reactions. That doesn’t even include the wasps and their more exotic relatives around the world. HORSES Similar to cows, horses have a kick that’ll do more than knock your socks off. Anyone with a riding background will tell you never to walk directly behind a horse except when grooming. DOGS Dogs kills a couple dozen people in the U.S. each year and abroad tens of thousands through the transmission of rabies. Pooches aren’t always man’s best friend. JELLYFISH Between 20 to 40 people die from box jellyfish stings in the Philippines every year. Though they are beautiful creatures, few are immune to their stings, which cause anaphylaxis so severe that you can die. DEER Deer kill an average of 130 people a year in the U.S. alone almost exclusively due to car accidents. Be more careful when driving folks!

BLIND FOLD

Acting sweethearts back to SM gigs Popular Sexy Actress (PSA) is contemplating whether or not her getting back with Versatile Actor (VA) was a good personal decision. PSA was seen in an exclusive hospital where her bruises were treated caused by a physical argument with VA. According to our mole, she was beaten and strangled by VA after a verbal tussle that got a bit too physical. Known for being a great lover yet an overly possessive type of guy, it’s no

longer surprising that VA can turn into an unreasonable monster when he gets too jealous. The recent episode was just one of the many instances that PSA had to endure such abuse. People close to her said that VA’s sudden outburst leading to beating PSA caused their breakup a few years ago. Now, it’s happening again and they are worried the physical abuse might get worst. PSA is trying to distance herself

from VA but can hardly resist the latter’s disarming charm. PSA and VA have been together for a few months now but an official statement has yet to be made regarding the real status of their relationship. In his recent chat with the press, VA said that they’re relationship, like any other normal couple, faces difficult challenges. He asserted that they’re very much together and there’s no chance that they would go separate ways.

M ONDAY : J UNE 27, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Uncomfortable. Former flames Gerald Anderson and Bea Alonzo reunite in a yet to be tilted movie project

GERALD’S AWKWARD MOMENTS WITH BEA

erald Anderson admits he felt awkward doing his initial scenes opposite Bea Alonzo in their still untitled movie that has just started shooting. It can be remembered that they became a couple in 2010 but didn’t last that long since Bea received heavy bashing from the fans, particularly Kim Chiu’s. “I think it’s just normal to feel this way considering that this is our first project together, but one thing I’m certain is she’s someone I admire so much,” Gerald reveals. Many are curious if reconciliation between them is possible. “I can’t comment on that. At this point, Bea and I are focused on doing meaty and good projects, like the film we’re presently shooting. Actually, I think matters like that should not be played up now. It must not be the main topic for discussion. “Bea’s such a professional actress. She’s simply amazing. I enjoy every minute we spend together on the set. I’m learning a lot from her. It’s like I’m watching a movie when we’re together in a scene. I’m just going with the moment.” But it is said that love is lovelier the sec-

ond time around and can work for the two of them. “Is that so? Ha-ha-ha! To be honest, I don’t think about it. That’s the factor there. It’s not my top priority as of now but to come up with good potboilers and give the audience quality entertainment.” The handsome lad believes though that time will come when he will achieve balance between his career and love life. “Yes, when you will have the best of both

ACROSS 1 Gape open 5 Stray 8 Concerning (2 wds.) 12 Devoured (2 wds.) 14 Insensibility 15 Picture holder 16 Oktoberfest tune 17 Chopped down

18 19 21 23 24 25

Horse feed Dazzling Within reach Rollover subj. Mil. rank Upper hse. member 26 Mischief 30 Gave out sparingly 32 Asks for ID 33 Claimed to be

******** Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona are happy to hear that they have strong screen chemistry based on the audience’s

Audiences laud Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona’s screen chemistry

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE

worlds, so to speak. When you’re single and unattached, you’ll have more time to do the things you are passionate about…to enhance yourself. I just wish that eventually, I’ll be able to mix a happy love life and a stable profession,” says Gerald.

37 Fencing blade 38 Pep 39 Cry of fright 40 Root beer root 42 Mumbai wraps 43 Woods insects 44 Adorn 45 Courtroom fig. 48 Hairstyles 49 Experimental 50 Chiffonier 52 Shy 57 Hieroglyphics bird 58 Warden’s fear 60 More upscale 61 Thought-provoking 62 Lawn starters 63 Troll’s cousin 64 Circular current 65 Hydrocarbon suffix 66 Be aware of DOWN 1 Shrill barks 2 Astride 3 Rural necessity 4 Zap 5 Woman on campus 6 Ore diggers’ org. 7 Scott of oaters 8 Dwarf buffalo 9 Swedish autos 10 Kind of role 11 Folger’s Mrs.

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

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Loses control Pottery “pet” JAMA readers Tub in the fridge Peace — Holes in one Winemaking valley Three, in Bolivia That is (2 wds.) D’Artagnan’s creator Tree nymph Hams and sausages Spare, maybe Grand in scale Anchor’s place Be my guest! (2 wds.) Slave girl of opera Needlework Call the bookie Stay Floated downriver Gave it a go Brooklyn cagers Glimpse from afar Took the trolley Ice Follies venue Click-on item Verne captain Shot up Am — — time?

reaction during the recent advanced screening of their launching vehicle, Born for You. “I’m glad to know that,” states Janella. “At least, the acting workshop we went into really paid off.” “That’s true!” seconds Elmo. “It taught us how to be open to each other and remove our inhibitions. But what’s good about Janella is that she is not hard to approach. I got to know her better when we shot various scenes in Japan. It helped for us to really become more comfortable with each other!” “We spent ten days in the Land of the Rising Sun. I guess, it gave us enough time to really warm up to each other. We had great bonding moments there. So, yes, the opportunity to build chemistry came in when we flew to Japan,” Janella explains. Interestingly, the two leads of Born for You have one favorite scene. “Oh yes! It’s when we bumped each other at the Shibuya Crossing. We had to shoot the scene various times. It came out beautifully. The ‘kilig’ element is at its best in that particular scene. During the advanced screening, even Elmo and I got tickled pink because of that,” avers Janella. “When we were shooting said scene, I had no reservations. I gave it my all. Surprisingly, it appeared so natural on cam. Janella and I are really proud that we were able to pull off that particular scene well,” ends Elmo.

M ONDAY : J UNE 27, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

CARTOON NETWORK GREENLIGHTS ‘THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL’ SEASON 6

artoon Network’s The Amazing World of Gumball will have a sixth season. Produced in the UK and Germany, the mixed media family sitcom has become a global favorite since it first launched in 2010. The Amazing World of Gumball cleverly combines live action with 2D and 3D animation to chart the adventures of the energetic and fearless blue cat—Gumball—and his idiosyncratic family, the Wattersons. Season five is slated to begin airing this September. “Gumball, Darwin and the Watterson family have so much more to give and I’m excited to be working with our fantastic team at Cartoon Network Studios here in London to create a sixth season of The Amazing World of Gumball. We have big plans for the show and are already working on new episodes that we hope will have audiences laughing louder than ever,” said Ben Bocquelet, Gumball series creator. The show reached more than 165 million viewers globally in the first quarter of 2016. It also has an increasingly strong presence across digital platforms, with the latest global mobile game launch Agent Gumball reaching no. 1 overall on the iTunes

The popular characters in the mixed media animated sitcom that kids love

charts on iPad in five countries and no.1 in the Kids category in 27 countries, and almost seven million downloads produced by all Gumball apps worldwide. The show also has more than nine million Facebook fans and has generated eight million views on its YouTube channel this year alone. What’s more, awareness and affinity among

the channel’s core audience is at an all-time high and is growing among girl audiences too – in other words, kids love it! “The Amazing World of Gumball is a great example of how a European production can establish itself as a top performing kids’ animation around the globe and a pillar to Cartoon Network’s ratings and DNA

globally. We continue to be thrilled by its performance, not just on our linear channels but on multiple Cartoon Network platforms right across the world and there was really no question that we’d be taking Gumball’s amazingly imaginative world into a sixth season,” said Patricia Hidalgo, senior vice president, chief content & creative officer, EMEA Kids & International Kids Strategy at Turner. The multiple award-winning series has scooped 28 international awards to date including six BAFTAs and an Emmy®. The Amazing World of Gumball is an animated family sitcom for kids that offers a warm hearted, funny and surreal kid perspective into everyday life, in a way that they and their families can relate to. Season four is currently airing on Turner channels across the globe and season five is set to roll out in September 2016. Catch new episodes of The Amazing World of Gumball on weekdays, 4:45 pm only on the no.1 kids’ channel, Cartoon Network on SKY Channel 35, Cignal HD Channel 110, Destiny Cable (Digital) Channel 43, Destiny Cable (Analog) Channel 51 and Cable Link Channel 26, Dream Satellite Channel 15.

CNN ‘Road To Asean’: Laos

Angelica Panganiban as Marta, a new character in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”

Marta in great danger Marta’s (Angelica Panganiban) life is in great danger after squealing on the drug trade syndicate she once worked for in the no. 1 primetime series, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Now that Marta is in the hands of the authorities, Tomas (Albert Martinez) is plotting to kill her to prevent her from revealing more information about his syndicate. And to further protect their illegal business, Joaquin (Arjo Atayde) joins the group that investigates the drug mule’s criminal case.

But despite the potential threats, Cardo (Coco Martin) provides Marta the protection she deserves and makes sure he gets his hands on the syndicate leaders and puts a stop to them. What fate awaits Marta? Will she be able to escape death? FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano airs weeknights after TV Patro” on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Catch up via iWanTV or via skyondemand. com.ph for Sky subscribers.

IT’S SHARK WEEK... From C5

different species’ population statuses and their distribution around the world. If you live near the ocean, or are on vacation, and spot a shark, you can record your encounter on Shark-Base.org and help scientists know the location of shark population to better protect them. SWIM WITH SHARKS Need an excuse to go on vacation? Here’s one: Go on an environmentally friendly tour to swim with sharks, and you’ll be helping sharks. Shark tourism done

right can show governments that sharks are more valuable alive than dead, and encourage protective legislation. TWEET ABOUT SHARKS A big problem facing shark conservation efforts is the misconceptions many have about shark species. Talk to your friends and use social media as ways to spread facts and awareness about sharks — and let people know the easy ways they can help the cause, too.

Next month, CNN’s special series Road to ASEAN continues its journey to one of ASEAN’s smallest markets – Laos. CNN features an entertainment company that is growing across borders, and a homegrown coffee pioneer who is expanding throughout the region. With just seven million people, Laos is one of the smallest economies in Southeast Asia. But what the country lacks in commercial and industrial might, it makes up for with its potential, especially when it comes to its growing middle class. Thailand’s Major Cineplex Group sees its next door

neighbor as a major business opportunity, opening what it says is Laos’ first multi-screen movie theatre, with plans in the works for two more by the end of next year. CNN examines Major’s strategy as it continues its expansion in Laos, and explores the challenges of growing an international business that is built around pop culture there. When Lao coffee producer Sinouk Sisombath started his coffee business two decades ago, most people in Vientiane, the sleepy capital of Laos, had no idea that Lao-grown coffee even existed. And when it came to ex-

ports, Sinouk says potential customers had a tough time even placing the country on the map. Today, the streets of Vientiane have their first semblance of traffic jams, and coffee culture is on the rise, with a new café opening practically every week. CNN explores the rise of Laos’ homegrown coffee industry and the unique challenges faced at home, as well as in tackling markets across ASEAN. CNN’s Road to ASEAN airs on CNN International on July 5 and 19 within CNN Today at 6 a. m., CNNMoneyview with Nina Dos Santos at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in News Stream.

Free movies for families at SM Cinema SM Cinema is treating families to a day of fun activities, freebies, and an exclusive family movie where kids will get to watch for free. The SM Cinema Family Movie Day invites all families to spend an unforgettable, fun-filled weekend with a complimentary movie for the kids. Just buy two tickets to the family movie of the month and two kids can watch for free. The family movie day kit includes a free bowling game, a one-hour skating pass, a month’s subscription to Blink, and other perks from Pancake House, Nivea Men, and other brand affiliates. Patrons will also have access to a kids’ corner, full of different games and activities that children will surely enjoy. SM Cinema aims to encourage families to dedicate a time for bonding with each other by bringing back the Filipino’s classic habit of weekend-movie-watching with the family at the cinema. The SM Cinema Family Movie Day will begin on July 2 and 3 and every month thereafter in SM branches nationwide. Here are the movies scheduled for screen from July to December Pinnochio will be screened on July 2 and 3; Sammy 2: Escape from Paradise 3D on Aug. 20 and 21; Ultraman Ginga on Sept. 10 and 11; Oops! Noah is Gone on Oct. 15 and 16; Dino Time on Nov. 19 and 20 and Snow Queen or A.R.C.H.I.E ON Dec 3 and 4.

Spend an unforgettable and fun-filled weekend with your family at the movies. Book your tickets online at www.smcinema.com or call 470-222. Follow SM Cinema on twitter and Instagram @ SM_Cinema or like SM Cinema on Facebook (/ SMCinema) for more information.

M ONDAY : J UNE 27, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR NICKIE WANG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ Katrina Halili

Mark Herras

Yasmien Kurdi

‘STARTSTRUCK’ ALUMNI REUNITE IN GMA’S ‘SA PILING NI NANAY’ ISAH V. RED

MA Network seems to be making use of the talents they discovered in the last decade or so. That’s a positive sign for the network that previously relied heavily on talents that didn’t do well (or felt neglected) in a rival network so they hopped over the fence and join the ranks of other network renegades and have become A-list Kapuso talents. In which case, the network’s homegrown performers remain underutilized and underdeveloped talents. Lately though, we are seeing a different landscape on the Kapuso screen, as we see more homegrown performers in many of the network shows. In GMA Network’s newest Afternoon Prime series Sa Piling Ni Nanay beginning this afternoon and immediately following Hanggang Makita Kang Muli, we will see three of the network’s discoveries via the reality TV “artista” search Starstruck first season playing mature roles. The characters may have been written for players above the age of 30, but Yasmien Kurdi (27), Katrina Halili (30), and Mark Herras (29) are well approaching that age and the three are also parents now, so, they are capable of portraying the characters that have been assigned to them. The story is about a woman who agrees to be a surrogate mother to a couple that is unable to have a child. On another lever, it’s about the mother’s selfless love for the child she carried. Yasmien is Ysabel, a single mother to her

Completing the cast of “Sa Piling ni Nanay” are (from left) Bettina Carlos, Antonio Aquinatnia, Nova Villa and Sofia Jayzel Cabatay

loving daughter Maymay. She works as a personal assistant to Scarlet, a socialite (Katrina). However, Scarlet cannot bear a child so she convinces Ysabel to become a surrogate. She agrees to surrogacy because she needs money for the treatment of Maymay’s bone marrow transplant. But halfway through Ysabel’s pregnancy, Maymay unexpectedly dies from an accident. Due to depression and loneliness, Ysabel breaks the surrogacy agreement, flees with the baby and decides to raise her as her own, calling her Maya in memory of her daughter who passed away. Mark, on the other hand, portrays Jonas, a bachelor who secretly has feelings for Ysabel. But his love for her turned into hatred when she took away Scarlet’s child who is also the grandchild of his aunt Matilda.

With Ysabel and Scarlet’s battle to win Maya, who has the real rights over the child? Scarlet from whom the baby’s eggs were from? Or Ysable who carried the fetus until it became a full-grown baby in her uterus. Joining the three Starstruck alumni are Nova Villa as Matilda, Scarlet’s rich mother-in-law who eagerly wants something from her; Bettina Carlos as Wanda, Scarlet’s OB/GYN friend who gave consent to her request to conduct surrogacy; Antonio Aquitania as Rod, Ysabel’s abusive live-in partner; and Sofia Jayzel Cabatay as Maya, the child of Ysabel born out of surrogacy. A new story of love and family unfolds on TV via “Sa Piling ni Nanay” starring Yasmien Kurdi, Mark Herras and Katrina Halili