The Standard - 2016 July 23 - Saturday

VOL. XXX NO. 161 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 SATURDAY : JULY 23, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Duterte crticizes Chinese ‘greed’

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CURFEW SCORED Residents, students challenge city ordinances

By Rey E. Requejo

AN ALLIANCE of residents and students of Quezon City, Manila and Navotas asked the Supreme Court Friday to declare as unconstitutional ordinances that impose curfew hours for minors in their cities.

The Samahan ng mga Progresibong Kabataan (Spark) also asked the justices to issue a temporary restraining order to immediately stop the three city governments from enforcing their curfew ordinances pending the resolution of the case.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista,

Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco were named respondents.

The group said the curfew ordinances are unconstitutional because they are vague and can result in arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.

The ordinances are also too broad because they impair legitimate activities of minors during curfew hours and deprive minors of the right to liberty and to travel without substantive due process.

They also said the ordinances deprive parents of “the natural and primary right in the rearing of the youth without substantive due process.”

In particular, Spark said the Manila City curfew ordinance was contrary to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which prohibits the imposition of curfews except if they are for the protection and not the punishment of minors.

Ronnel Baccutan and Mark Leo de los Reyes,

both petitioners, said that they have been accosted by authorities on separate occasions for allegedly violating the curfew ordinances, even though they are already of legal age.

“Some young adults look like they are below 18 years old or what could be called as baby-faced. Some of them will be tagged as violators while some of them will not be,” the petition said.

“The arbitrary application and enforcement of the curfew ordinances are inevitable given that law enforcers only conduct a visual inspection of alleged minors violating the Next page

Church groups led by priests, nuns and seminarians and other militants hold a Unity Walk and human chain along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City to call for the resumption of peace talks with communist rebels. MANNY PALMERO

Marcos team cites case breakthrough

By Macon Ramos-Aaneta A SPOKESMAN for former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday the admission by a Smartmatic official that there were several servers outside of those sanctioned by the Commission on Elections was a breakthrough in their case accusing Comelec and Smartmatic of violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act. In a hearing at the Manila Prosecutor’s Office, the head of Smartmatic’s technical support team,

Marlon Garcia, admitted there were other servers in the Automated Election System (AES) apart from the three sanctioned by the Comelec for the May 2016 elections.

Garcia said these were kept in a “meet me room” that was kept separate from the three official servers.

“This is a good day for Senator Marcos’ quest for truth because they finally admitted the existenc eof several other servers aside from the three legally authorized servers,” said lawyer Vic Rodriguez, a

spokesman for Marcos.

Rodriguez said the admission of the existence of several other servers in the AES validated their earlier contention that Smartmatic was not forthright in the system it employed during the elections, putting the integrity of the May polls under a cloud of doubt.

He said the election results which were televised in public did not come directly from the transparency server, as mandated by law.

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Indonesia gives Veloso another reprieve INDONESIA has again spared the life of Filipina mother Mary Jane Veloso, who was convicted to die by firing squad for drug smuggling, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

In a statement, the DFA confirmed that Veloso is not among the convicted foreign criminals to be executed in Indonesia this coming month.

“This is the third time that Veloso was spared from death. The first was the Philippines appeal to President Joko Widodo in May 5, 2015, and spared for the second time because of the observance Next page of Ramadan in June this year,” the DFA said.

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Duterte scores Chinese greed in South China Sea

By John Paolo Bencito

IN ONE of his strongest statements yet against Beijing, President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday slammed China’s attempts to have the entire South China Sea to themselves, and suggested in jest that the Asian giant might also want to claim other large bodies of waters.

Speaking at Camp Siongco, in Sinsuat, Maguindanao, Duterte criticized Beijing’s greed in using its “nine-dash line” to claim the entire sea.

“Where can you see that a country claims the entire sea,” Duterte told members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front [MILF]. “I want to tell them, go claim it all— including the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. Claim it.”

On Tuesday, Duterte assured US lawmakers who visited him in Malacañang that he has no plans to negotiate with China over the territorial dispute after Foreign Affairs Secretary

Perfecto Yasay rejected China’s offer to pursue bilateral talks on the condition that the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration favoring the Philippines be set aside.

Duterte however, said he was considering sending a special envoy to China, former President Fidel Ramos or former Interior secretary Rafael Alunan, should Ramos beg off.

The two are scheduled to meet Saturday in Malacañang to discuss the country’s next move after the Permanent Court of Arbitration junked China’s ninedash line claims.

Duterte blasted Beijing for

pursuing its excessive sea claims, even at the cost of other claimant countries’ territorial rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He said China, by pursuing its aggressive territorial claims, was depriving the country of its exclusive economic zone.

On Friday, Yasay said he will seek a unified Association of Southeast Asian Nations stand on the ruling of the PCA before the Asean Foreign Ministers meeting in Laos.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Yasay is now in Laos to

attend the 49th Asean Foreign Ministers meeting and related meetings to be held from July 23 to 26, where he is expected to raise the South China Sea disputes and the need for parties to abide by the PCA ruling on July 12.

Before leaving for Laos, Yasay expressed confidence that the Asean will support the international tribunal’s decision and will abide by international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea. Yasay had earlier called on Asean members to issue a statement supporting the PCA decision since four of its members—the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia—are claimants to waters of the South China Sea. Other Asean members include Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and Cambodia. With Vito Barcelo

Visiting the troops. President Rodrigo R. Duterte visits a wounded soldier at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City on Thursday, July 22, 2016. President Duterte also presided a command conference at the Western Mindanao Command headquarters. BENJAMIN BASUG

Indonesia...

Marcos...

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Veloso, who was sentenced to death for bringing 2.6 kilograms of heroin to the Yogyakarta Airport in 2010, said she was duped into bringing the illegal drugs to Indonesia by her recruiters.

The DFA received a report that Veloso was excluded from next round of executions in Indonesia after the Indonesian president ordered a resumption in the execution of convicted criminals.

Veloso got a last-minute

reprieve last year, following a request from Manila after recruiter, whom Veloso had accused of planting drugs in her luggage, surrendered to police in the Philippines.

Indonesia Attorney General H. M. Prasetyo said that the Indonesian court “respects the legal process that is taking place in the Philippines.”

Indonesia has said it will resume executions this year, but has given no date for the resumption. Vito Barcelo

Instead, the results were first transmitted to a “queue server” where they were “consolidated and processed” and it was this “queue server” that sent the data to the socalled transparency server.

The Marcos camp earlier revealed the existence of a “fourth server” or the “queue server” which the Comelec and Smartmatic had been kept secret from the public.

Rodriguez pointed out that instead of the votes

being transmitted directly to the three servers, namely the municipal board of canvassing server, the Comelec server and the transparency server, the results were first coursed through a “queue server.”

The existence of this fourth server was never divulged to the public and was not subjected to a source code review, unlike the other servers used in the elections, Rodriguez said.

He added that there were no watchers allowed for the fourth server.

Before Garcia’s admis-

Curfew...

From A1 curfew. The determination of the age of the alleged curfew violators will be subjective depending on the law enforcer’s assessment of a person’s face and body physique,” the petitioners said.

The petition also recounts the experience of Clarissa Villegas, a minor, also a student of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), whose classes end at 9 p.m., and who travels daily from her school in Manila to her home in Quezon City for almost two hours. She was accosted by the authorities in the middle of her commute, apparently for violating the city curfew.

The petitioners noted that curfew ordinances usually exempt only working students or students with evening classes and none would exempt the situation of petitioners who engage in non-academic extracurricular activities at night with their friends or organizations like Spark.

The petitioners also argued that prevention of crime at night can be achieved by other means such as massive street lighting programs, installation of CCTVs in public streets, and regular visible patrols by law enforcers, and not only through the imposition of a curfew which impairs the right of minors to travel.

The petitioners also argued that keeping minors off the streets during curfew hours would not automatically result in a lower crime rate.

“We are filing for and on behalf of the all young citizens who also have the right to be contributing members of society without being threatened by undue punishment and possible instances of overreaching from authorities like the police,” said Spark spokesperson Joanne Lim. “We are also crying foul on the unjust detention of the youth’s parents if their children are apprehended during curfew hours,” she added.

Under the Quezon City ordinance, Lim noted, parents or guardians of the curfew violator would be penalized for allowing the minor to go out during the period.

“These ordinances are implemented without due consideration of various important factors such as housing conditions of affected areas, hardships encountered in transportation and the late shifts experienced by affected students,” Lim said.

“We cannot neglect the rights of the citizens, most specially of the children and youth even if this administration’s primary concern is the pursuit of peace and order,” said Spark’s legal counsel Jesus Falcis III. “That is why we are requesting an immediate temporary restraining order for these ordinances while the Supreme Court is deciding on its constitutionality.”— With Sandy Araneta

sion, both the Comelec and Smartmatic had been tightlipped about the queue server.

Aside from acknowledging the existence of the other servers, Garcia also admitted that he introduced changes in the transparency server and that he did so with the concurrence of Comelec IT officer Rouie Peñalba.

Rodriguez said Garcia’s claim was inconsistent with earlier pronouncements by Peñalba that he never authorized the change in the script.

“During the clarificatory hearing, Garcia ad-

mitted that even without any authority, he changed the script in the system. He committed another blunder when he told the panel that he got his authority from Comelec employee Rouie Peñalba. Based on Rouie Peñalba’s urgent memorandum dated May 11, however, he expressly stated two things—one, that he did not authorize Marlon Garcia to tinker with the system and second, that he himself did not have any authority from the Comelec to allow anybody to tinker with the system,” he said.

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Caravan heading for Sona DAYS before President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address, thousands of farmers, indigenous peoples from Mindanao, Bicol and Southern Luzon provinces have started a national caravan for land and peace, the farmers’ group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said on Friday.

“Caravan participants or lakbayanis have crossed lands and seas to raise the most urgent peoples’ issues that need to be addressed by President Duterte in his first Sona. This is our way to raise our concerns to the new administration,” KMP secretarygeneral Antonio Flores said.

“We expect the Sona mobilization on Monday to be the biggest-ever Sona rally that we will mount to challenge the new administration to deliver its promise of change.

“Farmers want President Duterte to strongly support and stand by Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano’s policy directive that no farmer shall be displaced from the land.

“We will also urge the President to certify as urgent the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill or GARB now filed as House Bill 555 at the House of Representatives.”

More than 1,200 traffic enforcers will be deployed to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City in connection with Duterte’s Sona.

“The deployment will be the same this year and we are prepared for the event,” said Emerson Carlos, chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Carlos said the MMDA will start deploying traffic personnel at 12 a.m.

Monday. The team will be composed of personnel from the agency’s traffic and rescue units and men from the sidewalk-clearing operation.

Sandy Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano

Registration. Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista oversees the ongoing Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan registration at the Lucky China Town Mall in Binondo, Manila, on Friday. LINO SANTOS

New lawmakers vow to attend all sessions THE 104 neophyte lawmakers have vowed to take the initiative to compel their colleagues to attend all sessions during the 17th Congress to pass all the priority bills of President Rodrigo Duterte, Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte said Friday.

During neophyte lawmakers’ fellowship dinner Thursday night, Villafuerte said the neophyte lawmakers would want to

help improve the image of the House, where the lack of quorums had plagued the 16th Congress.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who attended the meeting, was elated that the neophyte lawmakers were one with the House leadership in ensuring that the perennial problem on quorums would no longer happen.

“We need to attend sessions

and congressional hearings. It is our constitutional duty to be present at all times in Congress because we are duly elected as representatives of our people,” Alvarez said in his address to the neophyte lawmakers during the meeting, which was also attended by San Juan City Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, the designated head of the 12-man House contingent to the Com-

mission on Appointments for the 17th Congress.

Villafurte, the lead organizer of the event, said lawmakers must take advantage of the overwhelming trust rating obtained recently by President Duterte as shown by the Pulse Asia survey conducted from July 2 to 8, 2016, where the chief executive chalked up a 91-percent trust rating. Maricel V. Cruz

Alvarez says he is not backing Suarez

Meeting. Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. presides over a meeting with executives from 12 government agencies to discuss the newly-issued Executive Order No. 1 in Malacañang on Thursday. ACE MORANDANE/PPD

SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez on Friday denied he is supporting the bid of Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, who is poised to contest the speakership race on Monday with the goal of securing the post of minority leader.

He made his statement even as the Partido Demokratiko PilipinasLakas ng Bayan on Friday held a “fellowship” meeting ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address on Monday for the party members to get to know each other.

“This is some sort of fellowship for PDP-Laban

members in Congress because not all of them will take their oath at the same time and the members are all PDP-Laban,” Alvarez told reporters at the Makati Diamond Residences.

“We want every member to get familiarized who are the members of the PDP-Laban.”

Alvarez, secretary-general of PDP-Laban, said he keeps his hands off on matters that deal with the minority.

“I do not want to meddle with it. Whoever gets the number, then we will know who will be the new minority leader,” Alvarez said.

Maricel V. Cruz

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Duterte: Big fish beyond my reach

By Pearl A. Gajunera and Francisco Tuyay BULUAN, Maguindanao—President Rodrigo Duterte admitted on Friday that while the big bosses of narcotics syndicates may be beyond his reach because they are in another country, he can still do much to disrupt their activities so that they will stop operating in the country.

The wages of crime. The body of slain Chinese national Mico Tan is taken away from the spot where he fought it out with drug enforcers who raided his supposed narcotics laboratory in Valenzuela City on Friday.

ANDREW RABULAN

State TV undergoes upgrade THE state-owned television network People’s Television 4 has undergone a transmission signal upgrade as part of the Duterte administration’s program to streamline and maximize government’s media assets, President Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Friday.

“Images are now more vivid, sharper, and real-life,” Andanar said of the upgrade. “And we’ve only just begun.”

Andanar said his first order was to assess the capabilities within the network because “we cannot rely on guesswork. We have to identify

what areas that need attention with the right system. We need a technical audit of all RF transmission mode.”

“PTV will undergo a major revitalization program to make the station at par with International Broadcast Standards,” Andanar said in a statement.

“A law should be passed to create the People’s Broadcasting Corporation to replace PTV4. We are looking at the BBC of the United Kingdom, NHK of Japan, and ABC Australia,” he said.

“Teams from BBC and ABC are set to visit the country to

train our broadcast people to observe editorial independence through innovative programs and intelligent treatment and analysis of news reports, as well as developments of national and international significance,” he added.

The Palace communications chief envisions a revamped independent media network with state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities being established in the Visayas and in Davao City in Mindanao as crucial sites for government information campaign.

“I can’t arrest the big fish here because they are not here. They are beyond reach [because] they are in another country,” Duterte said in a speech before Maguindanao leaders, hours after the authorities killed another Chinese national who is believed to be a big-time drug trafficker.

Philippine National Police Chief Ronaldo dela Rosa identified the slain suspect as Mico Tan, who is believed to be involved in the establishment of several illicit laboratories for making methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, in the country.

Tan was killed by drug enforcers who raided another clandestine shabu laboratory at Barangay Lingunan in Valenzuela City at about 4:15 a.m. Friday.

Five other Chinese nationals— identfiied as Xiong Bonhe, Xiao Zhenhe, Hao He, Hu Yinglie and Bea Payas—were also arrested at the shabu laboratory where lawmen found a still undetermined amount of shabu and its precursor chemicals.

Drug enforcers said Tan was involved in the establishment of a shabu laboratory in Naic, Cavite in 2003 along with suspected drug lord Li Langyan, alias Jackson Dy, and his wife Li Wangna.

Tan is also believed to have been behind the shabu laboratory found on Scout Chuatoco in Quezon

City where 70 kilograms of shabu and 350 kilograms of ephedrine, the main component of shabu, were seized by drug enforcers.

“More big-time Chinese drug lords will be neutralized in the coming days,” Dela Rosa said.

“Slowly we will get them.”

Duterte, on the other hand, said the traffickers caught in the country may only be subalterns of big bosses based in another country, disrupting their operations may force the narcotics syndicates to stop their operations in the country.

“That is why the police are arresting the runners. If they will stop their activities here, the drug lords can no longer operate,” Duterte said.

Dela Rosa confirmed that the slain Tan was part of a syndicate that has been operating in the country since 2003 and only stopped when the Li couple were arrested in 2008.

The Li couple along with another suspected drug lord Li Tiamhua were convicted of drug trafficking in 2009, but were able to “escape” while they were being transported to a court hearing in Trece Martires, Cavite in February 2013.

Jackson Dy and his wife were rearrested in a rented condominium in San Juan City but their compatriot Li Tianhua disappeared and is believed to have fled to China.

Peace talks resume August

By John Paolo Bencito NEGOTIATORS of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will again meet in Kuala Lumpur next month to discuss a new enabling law to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza said Friday.

“The formal resumption will be in Kuala Lumpur because we would like to give credit to Malaysia. Scheduling a ceremony for the resumption there is our expression of appreciation,” Dureza said, adding that the talks will be in the first or second week of August.

The government will send a team of five members, led by Peace Process Undersecretary Diosita Andot, to meet with the MILF team.

Dureza said a new executive order on the reconstitution of a new Bangsamoro Tran-

sition Commission will come out soon.

He had earlier said that the new BTC is part of the new roadmap of the Duterte administration in forging a more inclusive peace pact with all Bangsamoro groups.

Dureza had earlier welcomed the convergence of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front in putting closure to the Mindanao conflict.

“There is an apparent convergence and inclusivity now in each other’s peacebuilding initiatives. This is what we want, a peace process involving all stakeholders,” Dureza said Thursday at the sidelines of his breakfast meeting with MILF chairman Ebrahim Murad.

The two-hour meeting was held at Camp Darapanan, the MILF’s main enclave in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, and was the first official meeting between the MILF and the Duterte administration.

Ongoing probe. Lawyer Rogelio Casurao, vice chairman of the National Police Commission, updates journalists about the investigation of five police generals who are accused of protecting narcotics operations in the country. MANNY PALMERO

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GMA to attend Rody’s 1st Sona

By Rio N. Araja Former president and now Pampanga rep. Gloria macapagal Arroyo, a few hours after arriving at her home at La Vista, Quezon City, proceeded to St. Luke’s medical Center for tests and treatment Thursday night.

Arroyo stayed at the hospital until Friday afternoon after going through a general checkup, according to her spokeswoman who said the former president “will definitely attend President Duterte’s first Sona.”

Former Justice secretary Agnes Devanadera said Arroyo went through a series of texts: chest X-ray, 2D Echo, electrocardiogram, electromygraphy, blood chemistry and liver ultrasound.

Yesterday, Arroyo took a blood test and her neck and shoulders were examined.

According to Devanadera, the former president was diagnosed to have a remarkable high cholesterol level, “which bears watching.”

Results of some of her tests have not yet to be released, she said.

“Some of the tests were done Thursday night and the others today Jude Trinidad, St. Luke’s corporate communications officers said. Arroyo was discharged from the hospital at 2:30 p.m.

Devanadera said Arroyo will definitely attend President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Last July 19, the Supreme Court dismissed the plunder case filed against Arroyo for alleged misuse of P366 milion in Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s confidential and intelligence fund from 2008 to 2010.

“Wherefore, the Court grants the petitions for certiorari; annuls and sets aside the resolutions issued in Criminal Case No. SB-12-CRM-0174 by the Sandiganbayan on April 6, 2015 and Sept. 10, 2015; grants the petitioners’ respective demurrers to evidence; dismisses Criminal Case No. SB-12-CRM-0174 as to the petitioners Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aguas for insufficiency of evidence; orders the immediate release from detention of said petitioners; and makes no pronouncements on costs of suit,” the order read.

Shabu stash. Scene

of the crime operative checks on a huge stash of shabu that was found during a raid on a suspected drug lord’s warehouse in Barangay Lingunan in Valenzuela City on Friday.

ANDREW RABULAN

Recognition. Philippine Constitution Association president and former Rep. Martin Romualdez (center) receives a plaque of recognition from Parole and Probation administrator Manuel Co (right) and Deputy Administrator Lorna Yumol (left) for his continous support to the programs of Parole and Probation Administration during the culmination program of its 40th year anniversary celebration at PNP Multipurpose Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Mike Sueno (2nd left) and Justice Secretary Vitallano Aguirre ll witnessed the event. VER NoVENo

US warship visits Manila

By Florante S. Solmerin ONE of the guided-missile destroyers of the US Seventh Fleet has arrived in Manila for a “routine port call” amid China’s continuing defiance of the Permanent Court of Arbitation ruling that declared Beijing’s “nine-dash line” illegal and its territorial claims lacking historical basis.

“The Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur [DDG 54], arrived in Manila on July 20 for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the Philippines and the United States,” a statement from the US Embassy in Manila said.

Curtis Wilbur is on patrol with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 in the US 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the indo-Asia-Pacific.

The 300-strong crew warship, which

is home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan, is its second officially announced visit this year since the first one in January after the Supreme Court declared as constitutional the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the US. The agreement is widely seen as a deterrent to China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where it destroyed coral reefs and converted these into artificial islands for military purposes within the Kalayaan island Group (KiG) town in Palawan, Philippine officials said.

“During the visit, service members from Curtis Wilbur will participate in a series of community relations projects and sporting events, while experiencing Filipino culture,” the embassy said.

“Although some Curtis Wilbur sailors will be experiencing the Philippines for the first time, others like Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Fitz Dasal, are

looking forward to seeing the Philippines again because they are Filipino-American,” it added. “i was born in Bacolod, Philippines, which is south of Manila,” said Dasal.

“My wife and children are all US citizens, but they currently live in Bacolod. i’m very excited and grateful to see them tomorrow. i’m thankful that the Navy granted me the opportunity to see my loved ones. The Philippines is a great country and i encourage everyone to get out and experience the culture to the fullest,” he added.

“Wherever we go in the world, Navy Sailors represent the United States of America,” said Lt. j.g. Ben Sleister, Curtis Wilbur’s assistant damage control officer. “This port visit is an opportunity to experience another culture and act as ambassadors to the Philippines. ‘‘The importance of our presence here, both at sea and in port, cannot be overstated.”

Solon sparks debate on nation’s capital

By Maricel V. Cruz A PARTY-LiST lawmaker has sought the creation of a threeman National Capital Commission that will study and recommend the transfer or nontransfer of the country’s national capital and permanent seat of the government. in filing House Bill 110, party-list Rep. Gary Alejano recalled that since 1976, the City of Manila has been the national capital of the country and is also considered as the seat of the national government of the country.

However, Alejano said many government agencies still sit outside Manila City.

“Unfortunately, decades henceforth, population congestion along with the faulty drainage system still make Manila City a place with only little space left for development, Alejano said.

The former Marine officer said it is high time to review whether Manila City should be retained as the capital and the seat of the country’s national government to better administer government transactions and spur development in other areas of the country.

“Hence, it is imperative for Congress to create a National Capital Commission that will comprehensively study the potential of relocating and trans-

ferring of the national capital and permanent seat of the national government from Manila City, Alejano said.

Alejano said capital relocation has been a notable act among countries to encourage development in a seemingly underdeveloped region.

A premier example of this, he said, is Brasilia, which experienced rapid growth after its establishment as Brazil’s capital.

“Brazil’s capital change from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1961 was considered very successful, and many countries have been inspired by Brazil’s capital relocation achievement, Alejano said.

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PWDs’ tax-relief law idle

By Macon Araneta

While the law expanding the tax breaks and other benefits for persons with disabilities has been signed by former President Benigno Aquino iii in March, it cannot be enforced due to the failure of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to draft the implementing rules and regulations. “i hope that the irr of republic Act 10754 will be out soon. it’s the missing link in its full implementation. this is just a gentle reminder to all concerned,” Senator ralph recto said. recto said the law grants a raft of tax breaks and other benefits for pWDs and their caregivers, but with-

out the irr, which defines how its provisions will be “implemented, availed of, executed.” rA 10754 “is like a new car which sits in the garage but can’t be driven out yet.”

Under the law, the DSWD will lead the drafting of the irr.

However, because rA 10754 was

signed in the closing months of the Aquino administration, “work on the irr, which involved coordination and consultation with other agencies, was not completed for lack of time,” recto explained. “ the new administration is still only on its third week. So hopefully after they are done and over with the transition in the DSWD, they can resume work on the implementing rules of this very important law,” recto said. “the rules are forthcoming” because “one, DSWD Secretary Judy taguiwalo is a very competent official; and two, she has been apprised as to the urgency of an irr which millions of pWDs are waiting for.” recto said the crafting of the irr is important as it is seen by af-

fected entities, like drug stores, as a requisite before they can carry out the provision of the law discounting purchases made by pWDs. recto, however, countered that “there ought to be no delay because there is an existing template, the one granted to senior citizens, insofar as discounts on purchases are made.” the law merely grants to pWDs benefits already enjoyed by seniors, “so we’re not starting from scratch. there is a tried system already in place,” the senator said. the expanded pWD benefits law exempts pWDs from all sales taxes on certain goods and services, like transport fares, medicines, medical and dental services and laboratory fees, raising the discount to 32 percent.

it also grants a p25,000 annual income tax deduction to relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, who are caring for and living with a pWD. Meanwhile, Senator Grace poe made strong pitch for the closed caption law, which requires television franchise holders or station operators and producers to use closed caption methods in their broadcasts or programs to allow hearing-impaired full access to information and opportunities. poe, chairperson of the committee on public information and mass media and principal sponsor of the measure in the 16th Congress, said the Closed Caption Law, which she authored in the Senate, is assigned republic Act No. 10905.

S. Korean found dead in Naia CR; probe on

By Joel E. Zurbano Airport and pasay City authorities are investigating the case of a South Korean national who was found dead inside a restroom at the Ninoy Aquino international Airport - terminal 3 thursday night. they are trying to determine if there was a foul play in the death of Sang Kwan An, 50, which airport personnel initially claimed, was a case of suicide. Sang allegedly hanged himself using a brown bag strap tied to the door hook of a restroom cubicle.

Ed Monreal, general manager of the Manila international Airport Authority, said Sang was found lifeless around 7:30 p.m. by a cleaner identified as Michelle Ann ocampo who routinely made a check of all the comfort rooms of the Naia terminal 3 immigration Exclusion room.

Before he was found dead at the airport, Sang was about to be deported Friday morning for his alleged involvement in an investment scam in South Korea, according to Monreal. the Bureau of immigration held Sang after he arrived in Manila from taiwan thursday morning where authorities planned to send him back to Seoul. the South Korean lived for quite a while in Davao with his Filipina partner and was able to get a philippine driver’s license. immigration officials gave Sang a clearance at the Naia terminal 3 on July 19 when he flew to taipei.

But when he returned to Manila aboard Cebu pacific Air flight 5J311, the immigration agents barred him from entry. His name suddenly appeared at the Bi’s database who was on the list of wanted person in South Korea.

Proudly Pinoy-made. Senator JV Ejercito appreciates Marikina-made shoes, vowing to wear a pair when he attends President Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 25, 2016.

ANNOUNCEMENT Starting July 22, 2016, Sky Cable Corporationand ABS-CBN Convergence Inc. (ABS-C) will have two (2) newpostpaid bundle plans: SKYcable-SKYmobiSuper SKYbroadband-SKYmobiSuper Saver Plan 1399 Saver Plan 1399 Monthly Service P 1,399.00 P 1,399.00 Fee Mobile Internet • SKYmobi with 6 GB • SKYmobi with 3 GB Service* monthly data, FREE monthly data allowance, data access** to SKY 500 MB monthly data On Demand, Facebook, allowance for SKY On Messenger, KakaoTalk Demand and FREE data and Viber access** to Facebook, Messenger, KakaoTalk • SKYcable with at least 67 and Viber SD & 18 HD Channels • SKYbroadband with unlimited 3Mbps Internet Free Device Pocket WiFi& HD Cable Box Pocket WiFi&WiFi Modem Lock-in Period 24 months 24 months Initial Cashout P 2,449 P 1,399 Toll Rates Standard SKYmobi toll rates apply.

(SKYmobi) * With downlink speed of up to 12Mbps with 80% network reliability and minimum speed of 12 - 48Kbps where wireless broadband is not available. ** All FREE Data Access services have a daily limit of 800MB. Once reached, all data services will be disabled until 12:01am of the following day.

In addition, Super Save Plan availers may avail of existing SKYmobiInternet and text add-ons for their SKYmobi subscription, which will be billed on top of customer’s monthly service fee.

Apply for these new Super Saver Bundles through any accredited SKY Agents.

Please see flyers for details.

(TS-JULY 23, 2016)

QC markets given ultimatum

By Rio N. Araja tHE Quezon City governmen on Friday gave owners and administrators of private markets an ultimatum to comply with all national and local government regulatory requirements for engaging in market operations.

Mayor Herbert Bautista said the market owners and administrators will have until December to comply with his order.

He gave the order after the city health department reported that 48 of the 49 private markets have been operating without regulatory permits and certificates, such as health and sanitation permits, business permits, environmental clearances and discharge permits, which are either issued by the QC government, Laguna Lake Development Authority and Department of Environment and Natural resources.

According to the city health officer, Dr. Verdades Linga, Super palengke in project 8 was the only private market that was able to comply with the prescribed requirements.

He said the city health department, in close coordination with the city’s environmental protection and waste management department and the market development and administration department, has

already informed the owners and administrators of the 48 markets about their violations through a series of dialogues. in addition, notices of hearings have already been scheduled, informing them of the urgency of their compliance to market regulations, including the submission of renovation plans.

“Hopefully, we can get their compliance before Christmas,” Bautista said. the city government’s December deadline is not aimed to force market owners to close business, and instead to encourage them to improve their business.

“We just want them to [market owners] feel that we are serious in helping them improve their businesses,” Bautista said.

Among the markets covered by the inspection are Arayat, Commonwealth, Farmer’s, Mega-Q-mart, Litex, Muñoz, pag-asa, Suki, A. Bonifacio, Abra and Susano.

Noel Soliven, market development administration department head, said non-compliance could lead to the issuance of a cease-anddesist order. isagani Verzosa, the city’s Department of Building official head, said a 30-day to 60-day period is given to correct deficiencies.

s at u r d ay : j u ly 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

A7

news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

BFAR raises red-tide alert on another Samar bay

By Mel Caspe With two deaths due to shellfish poisoning recorded last week, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in tacloban City has raised the red-tide alarm over two of Samar’s rich fishing grounds.

Assistant Regional Director Drusila Esther Bayate said that aside from Villareal Bay in the southern part of the province, found contaminated with the red-tide toxin last week, Maqueda Bay in this city is now included in the list of affected areas. the announcement came after 10 people were admitted to different hospitals in nearby areas during the past days. two of them eventually died.

Bayate warned that harvesting, selling and consumption of any types of shellfish from Villareal and Maqueda Bays were prohibited. She clarified though that fish from these areas are safe for human consumption so long as they are cleaned thoroughly, with their innards removed.

Last week, eight members of the Arimala family of Barangay Cagutsan (Sierra islands) of this city were rushed to the Samar Provincial hospital and were later on transferred to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center due to suspected shellfish poisoning.

One of the family members died— 11-year-old Roselyn Arimala.

According to city health officer Gerarda tizon, the family consumed a local shellfish named “Molobolo” for their dinner, which is reportedly edible, but the entire family subsequently felt dizziness and everyone started vomiting which prompted barangay authorities to immediately refer the family for medical treatment.

On the other hand, three members of the Miranda family in Sitio Sto. Nino, Barangay San Andres were rushed to the hospital on Monday after consuming mussels which they had bought at the public market here. A five-year-old boy died. “heightened monitoring on the situation in these fishing bays are up so as to safeguard lives. We, caution the public to avoid shellfish at this point,” Bayate said.

Ready for harvest. A farmer walks by a rice paddy in Maigo, Lanao del Norte. LANCE BACONGUIS

Soldiers take 3 into custody in anti-Abu ops in Tawi-Tawi

By Florante S. Solmerin

Three individuals who could not present identification documents were taken into custody by the military Thursday morning during an operation targeting supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group, a report reaching Camp Aguinaldo said on Friday. the report said the operation was launched by the Amphibious Ready Group of the Joint task Group tawi-tawi led by navy Captain Fernando Gomez in Panguan island in Sitangkay town. the operation “resulted in the seizure of three jungkong-type water crafts, custody of three

persons with no pertinent identification documents and the confiscation of one shotgun with 10 live ammunition rounds,” the report said.

“Authorities are currently determining if the seized boats and persons are connected with the recent spate of cross-border kid-

napping incidents,” it added.

Accordingly, the amphibious group has used the BRP tarlac, the first ever command and control ship of the Navy.

Build by Pt Pal (Persero) of indonesia, the ship has an embarked helicopter which has a marine special operations component and a Navy SEAL detachment on board. in the past few weeks, the ASG has been staging kidnappings of Malaysian and indonesian crews of transiting vessels in the area. the bandits usually behead their victims once ransom is not delivered to them in exchange for the

safe release of their captives. this worsening security situation in the south, which include Basilan and Sulu, the lairs of the ASG, has prompted Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta to craft a joint border patrol operation which is already in the works to prevent the criminal activity of the bandits. the Armed Forces of the Philippines has also intensified its operations to eliminate the ASG problem in southern Mindanao even as President Rodrigo Duterte has given the ASG the option to either talk or fight with the government.

Lawmaker proposes creation of disaster risk reduction body

Bloody donation. These volunteers are among the 62 participants in a blood-donation drive at the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City. OMAR MANGORSI

A CONGRESSMAN has introduced to the house of Representatives what he claims as “the world’s best approach to disaster risk reduction” as he proposed the creation of an independent authority to address pre-disaster risk reduction and post-disaster reconstruction.

Rep. Joey Salceda has filed house Bill 1648 designed to amend the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law of 2010 by strengthening calamity response, institutionalizing the framework and plan, and establishing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. the measure may be considered radical, Salceda says,

because of the following: the NDRRMA, which will promote risk-reduction initiatives and stress the primacy of rehabilitation, will be an independent authority under the Office of the President. the agency will have an initial budget of P10 billion. the lawmaker said the “structural strength of RA 10121 has continuously been stress-tested by disasters,” the latest of which was Super typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013—which took almost 10,000 lives and destroyed billions of pesos of livelihoods and economic assets in one swoop.

“Yolanda,” Salceda added, exposed the weaknesses of the institutional set up under

RA 10121, where extreme difficulties were encountered in carrying out the heavy responsibilities of concretely integrating the disaster risk management in national and local planning processes… that should mitigate the impacts of disasters.

“RA 10121’s shortcoming is its failure to create an institution that is sufficiently in a high position to oversee the implementation of streamlined disaster risk reduction and management policies nationwide, an institution that has the necessary authority, mandate and resources to lead and coordinate the efforts of different stakeholders towards a more resilient nation,” he explained.

A8

S AT U R D AY : J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

WAKE UP, MAYOR ABALOS!

[ EDI TORI A L ]

‘UNDER OUR WATCH’ TWENTY-eight flights bound for Ninoy Aquino International Airport were diverted to Clark International Airport in Pampanga and 40 flights were canceled altogether on Monday when emergency repairs were made on runway 06-24.

There was a five-inch deep, one meter-wide and nine-meter long crack on the asphalt overlay.

The last repair was in 2011, said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade. “We needed to give it our attention. I don’t want to put at risk the safety of aircraft...and of the passengers.”

Airline passengers are no strangers to such inconveniences, but what proved different was the statement of Tugade who, despite having spent just 19 days in office, was quick to take responsibility for the problem and apologize to the public for the inconvenience created by the repair.

“Please accept my apologies for those things we did not expect to happen,” Tugade said, addressing a group of airline executives and businessmen the following day.

“I am assuming responsibility because it happened during my watch.”

The mayhem at the airport caused some passengers to wait for as many as eight hours to be served food. Others were kept inside enclosed aircraft for an extended period.

That he acknowledged at all how much trouble all these caused passengers makes Tugade starkly different from his predecessor, Joseph Emilio Abaya and the latter’s boss, President Benigno Aquino III, who trivialized passengers’ issues and insinuated they were unduly complaining instead of bearing the brunt of their daily travels.

In the past six years, mobility in Metro Manila’s has deteriorated—and the troubles have not been confined to air travel. Traffic on Metro Manila’s major roads, for instance, has been debilitating, and the rail system has not only been inconvenient but dangerous to its hundreds of thousands of daily users.

Alas, Abaya and Aquino dismissed the complaints as not being fatal, and even said people should regard the traffic positively because it was a sign of economic growth.

But if the past woes were a sign of anything, it was of ineptitude and arrogance of the people who pretended to be servants of the public and patronizingly called Filipinos their bosses even when their actions betrayed them.

These were, too, the same people who did not believe they could do any wrong.

Every trouble, big or small, was attributed to their own predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom they had portrayed as evil beyond compare.

Fortunately for Aquino, Abaya and their ilk, nobody among the present crop of leaders is blaming them for the woes we still currently face. It is a fortune undeserved.

Leaders take responsibility for things that happen under their watch and offer no excuses, only plans. All the rest are pretenders.

PRESIDENT DUTERTE AND THE PARIS AGREEMENT EAGLE EYES TONY LA VIÑA I AM not upset with President Duterte’s comments last week, which media has interpreted as a rejection of the Paris Agreement. Frankly, he made important and good points—in particular, that developed countries must take the lead in addressing climate change and should not pass on this obligation to developing countries.

President Duterte just reiterated a pillar of climate justice,

which our country has advocated since the climate negotiations began in 1990 and did again up to the Paris conference last December 2015. President Aquino himself spoke about this in Paris and in New York in 2014. President Arroyo included this in her speech in Copenhagen in 2009 and President Fidel V. Ramos made sure he instructed Secretary Victor Ramos to advocate this in Kyoto, Japan in 1997. I was the chief negotiator of the Philippines then and made sure our delegation would take the lead in pushing the point.

Secretaries Manny de Guzman, Lucille Sering, and He-

herson Alvarez, who have alternatively been Vice-Chairs of the Climate Change Commission since 2009, have repeated this demand in all recent climate change summits. Our negotiators have done the same in technical and other meetings.

It is certainly a staple of all the books and articles I have written or statements I have drafted or delivered myself for the Philippines in 25 years of being engaged in climate diplomacy.

The ambassador that President Duterte cited in his speech either misinformed him about the Paris Agreement. This, or he was misunderstood. That

A9

The accord is about sustainable development where adaptation, support and lossand-damage provisions are just as important.

ambassador certainly mischaracterized the agreement as a carbon reduction agreement when it is much more than that. In fact, it is a sustainable development accord where adaptation, support and loss-anddamage provisions are just as important.

Every country, under the Paris Agreement, is allowed to offer its own program—called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)—based on its strategic and long-term interests. We should only make commitments that redound to our benefit. We should certainly not do things that restrict our

ability to develop our economy, including to industrialize.

The Paris Agreement is the most differentiated climate and environmental agreement. It allows countries to join based on their own interests. The differentiation in the agreement is flawed because it means developed countries and big developing countries like China and India cannot be pressured to do more about reducing their emissions.

This kind of differentiation is good for countries like the Philippines so we can choose our own path to low-emission

development.

The previous administration decided to offer an ambitious NDC but it made it contingent on support by developed countries. That was a strategic decision and it was done with care. It’s a no-harm commitment because we said we are bound only to the target to the extent that developed countries provided finance and technology for us to achieve it. We have already been spending money on climate change and will continue to do that. If we need to do more, it must come from our partners.

The Standard Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 8325556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.thestandard.com.ph; E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

ONLINE

can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

The 70-percent emission reduction we committed to is a reduction from business as usual (BAU) emissions by 2030, meaning from the increase we would have had if we didn’t do anything. If we did nothing, our emissions would double or even triple. What we have offered is to reduce what that doubled or tripled amount would be by 70 percent. And as I said, we also made our commitment contingent on support—finance and technology—provided by developed countries and if no Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

THE new city mayor of Mandaluyong appears unaware and even unconcerned about the blight of Mandaluyong, which translates to untold misery for city constituents, and for Filipinos sojourning in the city.

The police station located at the corner of Mayflower and United streets near the Greenfield commercial area needs to be revamped. Many of the police vehicles there do not have valid license plates, or do not have updated registration. These vehicles belch smoke while traversing the roads.

Under the law, all government and private vehicles must bear valid license plates at all times, and their registration must be constantly updated. Police vehicles are not exempted from this requirement. On the other hand, operating a government or private vehicle which belches smoke is a violation of the Clean Air Act. Although policemen are under the authority of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the mayor of the city where policemen operate has the duty to monitor the policemen and to report abuses to the proper authorities.

Surely, a complaint in that regard from the city mayor will be attended to immediately by the DILG. Another problem in Mandaluyong City is the one-way by-pass along Pioneer Street located at the segment between Reliance and Sheridan streets (between the McDonald outlet and the RFM building). That segment is a one-way route towards Shaw Boulevard. Vehicles on Pioneer Street going the opposite way (heading for Boni Avenue) are forcibly rerouted to Reliance Street and made to turn left at Sheridan Street, then return to Pioneer Street.

That by-pass segment at Pioneer Street disrupts the smooth flow of traffic there because it creates bottlenecks at the intersections of Pioneer and Reliance, and of Pioneer and Sheridan.

Further south, heavy traffic accumulates at the area right after Sheridan Street where Pioneer Street begins its ascent towards the Boni Avenue tunnel.

Although vehicles in that area headed for Shaw Boulevard are not allowed to make a u-turn there, many taxicabs and tricycles insist on doing so. That’s because there are no traffic policemen or traffic aides in the vicinity who can serve as visual deterrents.

That traffic mess is replicated at south end of Libertad Street near the bridge connecting it to the Rockwell Center in Makati City. Vehicles headed towards Continued on A11 Publisher Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor Senior Deskman Art Director Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Maan Ilustre Advertising and Marketing Head Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

A8

S AT U R D AY : J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

WAKE UP, MAYOR ABALOS!

[ EDI TORI A L ]

‘UNDER OUR WATCH’ TWENTY-eight flights bound for Ninoy Aquino International Airport were diverted to Clark International Airport in Pampanga and 40 flights were canceled altogether on Monday when emergency repairs were made on runway 06-24.

There was a five-inch deep, one meter-wide and nine-meter long crack on the asphalt overlay.

The last repair was in 2011, said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade. “We needed to give it our attention. I don’t want to put at risk the safety of aircraft...and of the passengers.”

Airline passengers are no strangers to such inconveniences, but what proved different was the statement of Tugade who, despite having spent just 19 days in office, was quick to take responsibility for the problem and apologize to the public for the inconvenience created by the repair.

“Please accept my apologies for those things we did not expect to happen,” Tugade said, addressing a group of airline executives and businessmen the following day.

“I am assuming responsibility because it happened during my watch.”

The mayhem at the airport caused some passengers to wait for as many as eight hours to be served food. Others were kept inside enclosed aircraft for an extended period.

That he acknowledged at all how much trouble all these caused passengers makes Tugade starkly different from his predecessor, Joseph Emilio Abaya and the latter’s boss, President Benigno Aquino III, who trivialized passengers’ issues and insinuated they were unduly complaining instead of bearing the brunt of their daily travels.

In the past six years, mobility in Metro Manila’s has deteriorated—and the troubles have not been confined to air travel. Traffic on Metro Manila’s major roads, for instance, has been debilitating, and the rail system has not only been inconvenient but dangerous to its hundreds of thousands of daily users.

Alas, Abaya and Aquino dismissed the complaints as not being fatal, and even said people should regard the traffic positively because it was a sign of economic growth.

But if the past woes were a sign of anything, it was of ineptitude and arrogance of the people who pretended to be servants of the public and patronizingly called Filipinos their bosses even when their actions betrayed them.

These were, too, the same people who did not believe they could do any wrong.

Every trouble, big or small, was attributed to their own predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom they had portrayed as evil beyond compare.

Fortunately for Aquino, Abaya and their ilk, nobody among the present crop of leaders is blaming them for the woes we still currently face. It is a fortune undeserved.

Leaders take responsibility for things that happen under their watch and offer no excuses, only plans. All the rest are pretenders.

PRESIDENT DUTERTE AND THE PARIS AGREEMENT EAGLE EYES TONY LA VIÑA I AM not upset with President Duterte’s comments last week, which media has interpreted as a rejection of the Paris Agreement. Frankly, he made important and good points—in particular, that developed countries must take the lead in addressing climate change and should not pass on this obligation to developing countries.

President Duterte just reiterated a pillar of climate justice,

which our country has advocated since the climate negotiations began in 1990 and did again up to the Paris conference last December 2015. President Aquino himself spoke about this in Paris and in New York in 2014. President Arroyo included this in her speech in Copenhagen in 2009 and President Fidel V. Ramos made sure he instructed Secretary Victor Ramos to advocate this in Kyoto, Japan in 1997. I was the chief negotiator of the Philippines then and made sure our delegation would take the lead in pushing the point.

Secretaries Manny de Guzman, Lucille Sering, and He-

herson Alvarez, who have alternatively been Vice-Chairs of the Climate Change Commission since 2009, have repeated this demand in all recent climate change summits. Our negotiators have done the same in technical and other meetings.

It is certainly a staple of all the books and articles I have written or statements I have drafted or delivered myself for the Philippines in 25 years of being engaged in climate diplomacy.

The ambassador that President Duterte cited in his speech either misinformed him about the Paris Agreement. This, or he was misunderstood. That

A9

The accord is about sustainable development where adaptation, support and lossand-damage provisions are just as important.

ambassador certainly mischaracterized the agreement as a carbon reduction agreement when it is much more than that. In fact, it is a sustainable development accord where adaptation, support and loss-anddamage provisions are just as important.

Every country, under the Paris Agreement, is allowed to offer its own program—called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)—based on its strategic and long-term interests. We should only make commitments that redound to our benefit. We should certainly not do things that restrict our

ability to develop our economy, including to industrialize.

The Paris Agreement is the most differentiated climate and environmental agreement. It allows countries to join based on their own interests. The differentiation in the agreement is flawed because it means developed countries and big developing countries like China and India cannot be pressured to do more about reducing their emissions.

This kind of differentiation is good for countries like the Philippines so we can choose our own path to low-emission

development.

The previous administration decided to offer an ambitious NDC but it made it contingent on support by developed countries. That was a strategic decision and it was done with care. It’s a no-harm commitment because we said we are bound only to the target to the extent that developed countries provided finance and technology for us to achieve it. We have already been spending money on climate change and will continue to do that. If we need to do more, it must come from our partners.

The Standard Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 8325556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.thestandard.com.ph; E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

ONLINE

can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

The 70-percent emission reduction we committed to is a reduction from business as usual (BAU) emissions by 2030, meaning from the increase we would have had if we didn’t do anything. If we did nothing, our emissions would double or even triple. What we have offered is to reduce what that doubled or tripled amount would be by 70 percent. And as I said, we also made our commitment contingent on support—finance and technology—provided by developed countries and if no Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

THE new city mayor of Mandaluyong appears unaware and even unconcerned about the blight of Mandaluyong, which translates to untold misery for city constituents, and for Filipinos sojourning in the city.

The police station located at the corner of Mayflower and United streets near the Greenfield commercial area needs to be revamped. Many of the police vehicles there do not have valid license plates, or do not have updated registration. These vehicles belch smoke while traversing the roads.

Under the law, all government and private vehicles must bear valid license plates at all times, and their registration must be constantly updated. Police vehicles are not exempted from this requirement. On the other hand, operating a government or private vehicle which belches smoke is a violation of the Clean Air Act. Although policemen are under the authority of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the mayor of the city where policemen operate has the duty to monitor the policemen and to report abuses to the proper authorities.

Surely, a complaint in that regard from the city mayor will be attended to immediately by the DILG. Another problem in Mandaluyong City is the one-way by-pass along Pioneer Street located at the segment between Reliance and Sheridan streets (between the McDonald outlet and the RFM building). That segment is a one-way route towards Shaw Boulevard. Vehicles on Pioneer Street going the opposite way (heading for Boni Avenue) are forcibly rerouted to Reliance Street and made to turn left at Sheridan Street, then return to Pioneer Street.

That by-pass segment at Pioneer Street disrupts the smooth flow of traffic there because it creates bottlenecks at the intersections of Pioneer and Reliance, and of Pioneer and Sheridan.

Further south, heavy traffic accumulates at the area right after Sheridan Street where Pioneer Street begins its ascent towards the Boni Avenue tunnel.

Although vehicles in that area headed for Shaw Boulevard are not allowed to make a u-turn there, many taxicabs and tricycles insist on doing so. That’s because there are no traffic policemen or traffic aides in the vicinity who can serve as visual deterrents.

That traffic mess is replicated at south end of Libertad Street near the bridge connecting it to the Rockwell Center in Makati City. Vehicles headed towards Continued on A11 Publisher Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor Senior Deskman Art Director Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Maan Ilustre Advertising and Marketing Head Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

A10

S AT U R D AY : J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

NOYNOY ON THE ACQUITTAL OF GMA BACK­ BENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN THE dismissal of the case against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should never be interpreted as another case where the often highly partisan Supreme Court decided the case to please the one in charge as it blamed the prosecution for its incompetence, tardiness or both in handling the case. The case has been in court for more than four years, and while it remained pending, the accused former President languished in jail awaiting the outcome of her fate.

It is now irrelevant for Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to say that the government has a good case because the people will no longer judge Mrs. Arroyo on the merits of the case lodged against her but on how the prosecutors handled the case.

One must bear in mind that for every minute a case is pending in court, it is the taxpayers’ money that is dissipated. All those involved in the dispensation of justice gets his pay, but hardly could one count of any productive output. Thus, there is a saying in this country, he who seeks justice is likely to suffer an injustice.

As the accused suffers, it becomes clear that the case was politically motivated. This is why the case lost its venom. It is no longer for Ombudsman Morales to weigh why the P366-million PCSO funds allegedly plundered

by Mrs. Arroyo was dismissed.

She should ask herself why the

case has been pending for so long that even if the court eventually finds Mrs. Arroyo not guilty, her long incarceration is almost equivalent to punishing her for a crime she did not commit.

Conventional legal analysts would say that one’s conviction is deserved because he violated the law.

But when the accused is acquitted, they would equally say he was vindicated by the court of law. However, what many failed to analyze is that justice too has its own dialectical perception of cases brought to it for decision. For instance, when a man is charged of a specific crime and languishes in jail for reasons that he could not avail of the temporary relief of bail either for want of money or because of the gravity of crime charged against him, perception of justice gradually shifts from the prosecutors to the defense. Pivotal to the shift is that the issue no longer revolves on the evidence, but on the undue delay in the proceedings.

This is why the prosecution is required to present the case on time. This is highlighted by that phrase that “justice delayed is justice denied.” This explains why all civilized courts impose a time frame not only against the party-litigants, but also upon themselves. Failure to observe it entitles any of the parties to invoke the rule to his advantage.

If it was the prosecutor who intentionally delayed in prosecuting the case, the accused can demand its dismissal like invoking the failure to prosecute for which he has the right to speedy, impartial and public trial. But

This is why the prosecution is required to present the case on time.

if the delay is on the account of the accused, he cannot invoke said principle on account of estoppel by latches. Most importantly, the courts, including the Supreme Court, are required under Section 15, Article VIII of the Constitution to resolve cases within 24 months from the date of submission, 12 months for lower collegiate court, and three months for all lower courts.

We are compelled to emphasize this because there is a clock that ticks, requiring all courts to finish cases at a given period.

The issue that used to be purely legal gradually metamorphoses to one of public indignation.

Public opinion is more powerful because it works in the form of public pressure. It no longer focuses on whether the Ombudsman was able to present strong evidence consisting of more than 360 documentary exhibits, on the testimony of the witnesses which she claims are all reflected in the 43 transcript of stenographic notes, and by the records of the

case from “A” to “Z” consisting of more than 40 folders and/or records of the case, but on why it took the court so long to come out with a decision, only for the prosecution to express their contemptuous disagreement.

The acquittal of the former President came barely a month after President Duterte was sworn to office. This has spurred speculation that possibly the Aquino government purposely sought to delay the promulgation. They cleverly thought that either way the decision goes, after Noynoy steps out of office, public opinion would be magnanimous to him. Had the high court convicted Mrs. Arroyo, Noynoy can boast he initiated the filing of the case, and if people disagree, he can pass on the blame to the Duterte government. Now that the decision came out acquitting Mrs. Arroyo, Noynoy is saying many things against the very court he once packed with political sycophants insinuating that the majority of the magistrates bowed down to pressures from the new government with his Chief Justice even hinting of a conspiracy.

To quote Noynoy’s sour grapes: “What is the recourse now of the Filipino people, when it is clear that a substantial amount of public funds did not go to the intended services, which would have alleviated the suffering of many of our countrymen?” “Nowhere”, Aquino said, “in the PCSO charter does it state that it’s charity funds could be diverted to actions related to “Bomb threat, kidnapping, destabilization and terrorism” or for “Bilateral and

security relations.” He added that “the PCSO released P365 million for extra expenses in three years of which 70 percent or P244.5 million to the Office of the President.” He said this diversion of funds meant fewer funds for its beneficiaries as seen from the PCSO mounting arrears. “One cannot help but think: If P365 million was used for its intended purpose, how many of our countrymen could have been afforded the basic and necessary service that they deserve?”

Noynoy has asked his lawyers to review what he now sees as a questionable decision. He forgot that what he now faces is not about the diversion but outright releases of said funds without going through the process of appropriation as required by law.

To give semblance of legality to their systematic looting of taxpayers’ money, they invented their own term—the Disbursement Acceleration Program.

Scheming as they are, Noynoy and his Department of the Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad now came to conclude that since they are free to release funds without an appropriation, they were equally free not to identify the projects they want to be funded, mostly sponsored by their faithful lackeys, thus leaving a gaping hole for corruption like pocketing portions of it or diverting the whole funds. Noynoy and his cabal did not just commit technical malversation but outright swindling, civilly termed in law as “misappropriation.” rpkapunan@gmail.com

IT’S NO TRAGEDY THAT ‘TRAGEDY’ IS OVERUSED

By Stephen L. Carter THE ambushes of police officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas were still breaking news when my Twitter feed began filling up with fury as people lambasted the media for referring to what had happened as “a tragedy.”

The same thing happened after the horror in Nice. And after the slaughter in Orlando. The impact of the word “tragedy,” we are told, has been dulled by overuse. It is too small to encompass our loss. Better, says the Twittersphere, to say “attack” or “murder.”

The implication of the criticisms is that the word “tragedy” should be reserved for terrible events that involve no malevolence. A bridge falling is a tragedy. A tsunami is a tragedy. A sudden death from natural causes is a tragedy. But this argument has the definition backward.

Like everyone else, I mourn for the victims of these acts of viciousness. At the same time, the language maven in me must answer the criticism. “Tragedy” is exactly the right term for each of these incidents. If the word seems dulled by overuse, that is

a function of the era, not an insufficiency in the language.

The word “tragedy” derives, somewhat mysteriously, from a Greek word meaning “goat song.”

Most of us, however, likely had our first serious encounter with the term when a teacher told us, sometime around the seventh or eighth grade, that in Shakespearean comedies everyone gets married at the end, and in Shakespearean tragedies everyone dies at the end. Then in high school, or perhaps freshman English in college, we were introduced to the classical Greek theater, and learned that tragedy occurs when great men and women become too hubristic and must be struck down by the gods.

I mention all of this because I suspect that one of the problems we tend to have with the word is precisely its association with a loose and perhaps abstract academic analysis. And yet the origins matter.

In an essay defending the theater against critics who considered it frivolous, Sir Walter Scott argued that a nation needs the tragic stage. Tragedy, he wrote, rests on “that strong instinctive and sympathetic curi-

osity, which tempts men to look into the bosoms of their fellowcreatures, and to seek, in the distresses or emotions of others, the parallel of their own passions.” This sympathetic curiosity, in turn, leads to the inculcation of socially valuable virtues.

Through most of the 19th century, the word “tragedy” continued to be associated overwhelmingly with the theater.

Plays had the word in the title.

Literature began to borrow the word in book titles, most likely so that browsers would know at once what sort of story might occupy a particular volume.

The term also had other uses.

In 1849, for example, Punch magazine referred to the potato famine as a “national tragedy.”

But its satirical article borrowed from traditional tragic literature in describing a “prophecy” of “future agonies.” That same year, more than one journalist chose the word “tragedy” in recounting Astor Place Riot in New York, in which more than 20 people died. But the usage was deliberate and relevant, tied to the fact that the riot began at an opera house.

It was the assassination of

President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 that began to bring the word “tragedy” into widespread use in something like its current sense. Pastors and essayists borrowed freely from Greek drama as they sought to illustrate the nation’s pain. “Slavery is the assassin,” William J. Potter, a prominent Unitarian minister, argued immediately after the murder. “The awful laws of dramatic unity, stricter in the actual than in any fictitious tragedy, could not spare it this result.”

Over the next few decades, the term “tragedy” came into more common use to refer to an event that was sudden and horrific— and, in most cases, done willfully. Even then, storms and floods rarely were called tragic. But murders and wars often were.

And as the years passed and familiarity with classical theater declined, the link between calling an event tragic and invoking the trappings of Greek theater dissolved. A tragedy ceased to be the horrific and inevitable confluence of dark events. It became a name for a bad thing that somebody did to somebody else.

Nowadays, there need not even be a doer. Unexpected

death, whether by accident or disease, is described routinely as tragic. The curmudgeonly grammar prescriptivist in me has no quarrel with this. But one can understand how, with the word in such common use, those who find themselves dismayed by terrible events would seek a different term.

And yet I believe the word “tragedy” should be preserved.

Certainly its application to terrorist attacks or ambushes of police is correct in the traditional sense. In a tragedy, as the tension builds, an aura of impending disaster coils round the audience until there occurs an explosion of violence so swift and debilitating that it raises fundamental questions about the world. Surely, that is what we see today.

Our problem isn’t the overuse of the word tragedy, but how we let tragedies affect us. Walter Scott was right. We should use tragedy to build reserves of virtue that make us stronger and more unified. Or we can instead be cynical, allowing tragedy to set us at war with each other.

Whatever word we choose, that’s the choice we face. Bloomberg

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OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

TAIWAN IS THE BIGGEST INNOCENT VICTIM OF THE PCA DECISION

By Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin FROM a historian-scholar’s perspective, the South China Sea is not only “Asia’s Cauldron,” as Robert D. Kaplan described, but also a complex and dangerous powder keg of the Asia Pacific region.

The ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration has added dynamite and fuel to the impending ignition of the said powder keg. In real historical sense, the PCA award has ushered in the end of a stable Pacific era and the rapid rise of Chinese nationalism as well as the pentup fury of the Chinese nation over the loss of their historical rights of the South China Sea. If the relevant leaders do not handle the powder keg wisely and fairly, there is a possibility of Sino-USA conflict in the South China Sea. The geopolitical tension will surely lead to the further deterioration of the Asia-Pacific peace, stability and the economic downturn of relevant countries.

After the PCA ruling, it is also worthy to note that the Republic of China—peaceful, law-abiding and nonthreatening—has turned out to be the biggest innocent victim of the PCA award. The PCA’s decision has seriously impinged on the legitimate rights and national interests of Taiwan/ROC over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters.

Despite the fact that Taiwan/ROC has exercised effective administration and

President... From A9 money or technology were forthcoming, we cannot be held to account for that target. So there is little risk for us and a lot to gain. And the time frame allows us to plan properly.

In the climate negotiations, we have been pushing all countries to reduce emissions. This is especially so for developed countries which are historically responsible for the early emissions and majority of current emissions and big developing countries who are increasing their contribution (China is now the number-one country in terms of annual contributions). We belong to neither group—as a middle-income country, we are in the group of countries that contribute less than one percent each of the total emissions (we contribute 0.34 percent, similar to the Czech Republic’s contribution). Majority of countries actually emit even less than us—small island states, least developed countries, etc.—with many of them already having zero net emissions or contributing less than .01 percent. Thirty-four countries emit more and160 countries emit less than what we do.

Added together, those of us who are in the one-percent-or-less emissions group still would total a fifth or a sixth of total global emissions. This is why even the small emitters also have to reduce emissions. If they don’t, the problem won’t be solved. For a country that suffers climate change, that is not acceptable. And a country that suffers climate change should also not contribute to the problem, even if very little. That’s like suicide —contributing to your own destruction. This explains why many vulnerable countries offered ambitious NDCs. As to the reduction goal preventing us from being industrialized, it should not.

From a practical point of view, it simply means we need to transform our energy system to rely more on renewables rather than on coal. There are many other reasons we should do that—economic, environmental, health—other than climate reasons. It also means we also have to take

sovereignty over the Taiping Island (Itu Aba) since 1946, and that the Taiping Island meets the criteria of an island and it has sufficient freshwater to sustain human habitation and an economic life of its own, it was unexpectedly defined by the PCA as a “rock,” instead of an “island.” To the Government and People of Taiwan/ROC, the tribunal’s decision is unacceptable, unfair and double standards. The reasons are as follows: Firstly, the name is incorrect and humiliating as the ROC (Taiwan) is referred to as “Taiwan Authority of China,” an inappropriate designation that is demeaning to the status of the ROC (Taiwan) as a sovereign state.

Secondly, Taiping Island was not originally included in the scope of the arbitration, but the tribunal took it upon itself to expand its authority, declaring the ROC (Taiwan)-governed Taiping Island as a “rock.” This decision severely undermines the ROC (Taiwan)’s rights in the South China Sea islands and their waters.

Thirdly, during the arbitration process, the tribunal neither consulted with nor invited the ROC (Taiwan) to participate in this case. The ROC (Taiwan) voices and views were not present during the arbitration process. The award is therefore unfair and unacceptable to the ROC (Taiwan).

Fourthly, the criteria used by the arbitral tribunal to define an island are care of our forests and land better so that it does not emit carbon. Other sectors can also help—waste, transportation and industry, and eventually agriculture.

All these are consistent with our sustainable development; all the measures we should take must be no-regrets and good for us.

The Paris Agreement can actually give us the means to do all of these and more. If we were smart, we would use the agreement to transition to a clean energy system, protect our forests and improve land use, make our cities more sustainable, and support environmentally friendly industrialization.

The Paris Agreement has a life of its own, regardless of what we do. We can certainly decide to isolate ourselves and be the only country in the world that does not ratify the Paris Agreement. If we decide to do that, we must be ready to address climate change on our own with our resources and with no one to help us. Among others, we will not be able to take advantage of the Loss-and-Damage mechanism that the Paris Agreement establishes.

The Paris Agreement is imperfect. It is certainly flawed from a climate justice point of view. While we succeeded in integrating human rights and ecosystems integrity into the agreement, the language could have been stronger. Its support provisions on finance, technology transfer, and capacity building could have been more legally binding.

But imperfect as it is, the Paris Agreement is the only one possible at this time if we want global cooperation. Thankfully, it is not the least common denominator agreement but the optimum possible with an opening for improving it in the years to come. For sure, it is the only multilateral game in town for the next 10 years.

Climate change is real and will continue to grow in intensity regardless of us.

That’s why principled engagement with the government and continuous cooperation with the international community is the only option.

Facebook Page: Dean Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

too narrowly-defined and legalistically contentious and, as a result, the criteria have lost its fairness and in contrast to the international community’s commonly accepted norm and common perception.

In fact, the tribunal has created a brand-new definition, or criteria, of a “Rock.” By this new definition and criteria many Pacific Island countries and many islands owned by various countries are “rocks” because they don’t have sufficient freshwater and need to import food supply.

From the ROC (Taiwan) point of view, the Taiping Island is definitely an “island,” not a mere “rock,” because of the facts that the Taiping Island has freshwater and can sustain human habitation and an economic life of its own.

By pointing out the drawbacks of the tribunal ruling, I have no intention to challenge the stance of the Philippines.

What I want to indicate is that the decision has further complicated the South China Sea situation. Contrary to the common belief, the ruling has caused more difficulties and implications for the resolution of the South China Sea disputes.

As we know, Taiwan is genuine friend of the Philippines. Whenever there are natural calamities in the Philippines, the ROC (Taiwan) has always been one of the first countries to extend humanitarian assistances and helping hands. We share the common values of freedom,

democracy, free media, and similar culture and destiny.

Moreover, in time of a new era for our two countries, as the ROC (Taiwan) government under President Tsai Ing-wen is implementing the New Southbound Policy, the Philippines has been on top of the agenda as the gateway to Asean countries and as one of the most important countries for Taiwan to expand multifaceted cooperation and partnership.

Strategically, a democratic Taiwan is an important strategic buffer for the national security of the Philippines and the USA. As the ROC (Taiwan) controls the access between Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia as well as the first islands chain, the ROC (Taiwan) and the Philippines should sit down and discuss the disputes of the South China Sea. The disputes should be resolved peacefully through multilateral negotiations. The ROC (Taiwan) is willing and committed to working with all states concerned to settle disputes of the South China Sea through multilateral consultations and dialogues conducted on a basis of equality, just and fairness.

I am sure that the inclusion of the ROC (Taiwan) in the process of consultations and negotiations will be conducive to the enhancement of peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region.

Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin is the Representative of Taiwan in the Philippines.

Wake up... From A9 Makati must detour to a sideroad before they can go to the bridge. This creates a traffic mess similar to that on Pioneer Street.

While traffic regulation is the concern of the Metro Manila Development Authority, the city mayor is expected to coordinate with the MMDA so as to ease the traffic situation in the city.

Speaking of the MMDA, why was ex-MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos, a staunch supporter of the hated Liberal Party, appointed as officer-incharge of the MMDA under the Duterte administration? The traffic situation in the metropolis was a nightmare during his term. There was a time when the MMDA used the eastbound lane of the Pasig City segment of Julia Vargas Avenue at the Ortigas Center as a parking lot for towed vehicles. As a result, traffic always got tied up in that area, even during the non-rush hours. Hopefully, Carlos will not stay long in the MMDA. Attention is invited to the pedestrian overpass along Ortigas Avenue near the Notre Dame gate of Wack-Wack Village. The base of the pedestrian overpass located at the eastbound lane of Ortigas Avenue protrudes into the road itself and posits a traffic hazard to vehicles bound for Edsa. Since the base is not painted and has no reflectors, illumination or warning signs whatsoev-

er, it is a safety hazard, spe- ect had been extended recially at night. This death peatedly by the DPWH, the trap is infront of La Salle completion remains noGreen Hills and threatens where in sight. Meanwhile, the safety of school chil- the residents have to put up dren there. with the floods. Business The threat posed by this establishments in the area pedestrian overpass re- have closed down. minds many of the deadly The Mandaluyong City tunnel beneath the Edsa government may not have and Ayala Avenue intersec- anything to do with the tion in Makati City. The DPWH project, but its oftunnel has a solid concrete ficials should file anti-graft wall at the midpoint of its cases against the contractor southbound lane. When and the DPWH personnel the tunnel was relatively who allowed the mess to new, the wall did not have happen. So far, the Mandasufficient illumination or luyong City government has warning signages. Since not done anything in that the tunnel itself was always direction, and the residents dark, the wall became a have to wade through the safety hazard. It was a fatal floodwaters. accident waiting to happen, Finally, something should and happen it did. One day, be done about the public a car smashed into the wall, toilets in the Mandaluyong and the driver was killed.

City Hall compound where To avoid a repetition of the trial courts are located. the mishap, the government They lack sufficient running installed safety lights, re- water, and they are dirty. flectors, and warning signs Numerous billboards near the wall. The sad fact bearing the image of the that remains, however, is city mayor can be found that a motorist had to die everywhere in the city. Inbefore government officials stead of spending taxpayer finally made the tunnel safe. money for those useless Residents living near the vanity billboards, the mayMandaluyong City Hall or should use that money resent the never-ending to repair those toilets. flooding in their area. One Mandaluyong City, after of the main roads leading all, is supposed to be a first to the city hall is in horri- class “tiger city.” ble disrepair. It seems like the contractor chosen by the DepartPOWER ment of Public Works POINT and Highways to fix ELIZABETH the sewerage system ANGSIOCO there has abandoned the project. Although Ms. Angsioco’s column will the deadline for the resume next week. completion of the proj-

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

‘Ban all Russians from Olympics’ WASHINGTON— America’s anti-doping leader renewed the call to ban all Russian athletes from the Rio Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected an appeal Thursday by Russian athletics competitors.

Nietes fight reset for next year

By Ronnie Nathanielsz THE much-awaited bid of World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes to face WBO/World Boxing Association champion Juan Francisco Estrada has been postponed for next year.

The planned Sept. 24 clash at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California between two of the top fighters in the lower weight divisions, where Nietes is the longest-reigning Filipino world champion, had to be postponed after Estrada’s promoter Fernando Beltran informed ALA president Michael Aldeguer that he had received a letter from the WBA that Estrada had to defend his title against mandatory challenger and reigning WBA flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka of Japan.

Aldeguer said negotiations for a super fight between Nietes and Estrada will definitely be undertaken next year.

The postponement came after Ioka scored an impressive 11th-round knockout win over Nicaragua’s Keyvin Lara after dropping the young challenger twice in the 11th round, with the referee calling a halt at 1:11 of the round in Osaka, Japan.

Lara led on the scorecards of Glen Feldman of the US, 40-36, and Jan Christensen of Denmark, 39-37, while Pinit Prayadsab of Thailand had Ioka ahead, 39-37.

Hall of Fame boxing writer and matchmaker Joe Koizumi reported that Ioka swept all the rounds from the 5th up to the 11th on the scorecards of all three judges.

Ioka dropped Lara in the 10th round with a solid right counter and followed through with a series of accurate combinations and dropped Lara, who was saved by the bell after he beat the count.

Great Britain’s Christopher Froome rides during the 17-km individual time-trial, the eighteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Sallanches and Megeve, French Alps. AFP

Froome zeroes in on 3rd Tour victory MEGEVE—Chris Froome’s inexorable march towards a third Tour de France title continued apace on Thursday as he won the 18th stage uphill time-trial.

For more than an hour and a half, Dutchman Tom Dumoulin sat in the hot seat as his time of 31min 04sec remained unbeaten.

But, starting last of 179 riders, Froome gauged his effort to perfection to storm through and take the 17km time-trial in a time of 30:43.

“It’s a great position, it’s a really good feeling to have this kind of advantage coming into the last stages now,” said Froome.

“But we can’t get complacent, these (next two) stages will be really tough, we have to stay concentrated to get the job done all the way to Paris.”

Having been only fifth fastest at the first time-check after 6.5km, Froome got stronger as he went and was a clear winner by 21sec.

Italian Fabio Aru took a surprise third place, edging out Richie Porte of Australia by a

fraction of a second.

But both gained significant time on those around them and Porte, who started the day two minutes off second place, is now only 1:08 behind Bauke Mollema.

The Dutchman lost 1:25 to Froome but remains second overall at 3:52.

Yet he was the slowest of the riders placed second through sixth and while Froome has as good as wrapped up overall victory, the fight for a podium finish is set to rage on the next two Alpine stages.

Romain Bardet in fifth also gained significant time on Mollema and young Briton Adam Yates, who is third at 4:16.

It was even a relatively successful day for out-of-sorts Colombian Nairo Quintana.

Second to Froome in 2013 and 2015, the 26-year-old Quintana was expected to be favoured by this year’s course and many thought he should even be considered the favourite.

But he’s been a long way off his best form and unable to re-

act when Froome has put on the after-burners.

He held onto fourth place but gained time on both Mollema and Yates -- although, losing ground to Bardet and Porte.

- Miserable Tour Starting 136th of 179 riders, Dumoulin had already taken the top time by the end of the Cote de Domancy -- a steep climb inside the first 6.5km.

Belgian Thomas De Gendt had the best time up until Dumoulin set off but the Dutchman had put 41sec into the Lotto Soudal rider by the finish.

Dumoulin’s main competition was always likely to come from the final group of riders, the climbing specialists.

Yet only Porte had beaten Dumoulin’s time on the initial climb, albeit only by 9sec.

Yates started strongly and was third at 10sec with Froome only fifth at 23sec.

Quintana’s miserable Tour was simply getting worse and he was 47sec off Porte’s pace. AFP

NBA moves All-Star Game from Charlotte NEW YORK—A North Carolina law limiting the state’s anti-discrimination protections has prompted the NBA to move next year’s NBA All-Star Game from Charlotte, league commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday.

Silver had warned last month at the NBA Finals and again earlier this month that the law, which has caused an uproar in the gay and transgender community, could prompt such a move.

Among the problems the NBA and other critics have with House Bill 2 (HB2) is that it mandates transgender people use public restrooms corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates and omits gay and transgender people from discrimination protection.

“While we recognize that the NBA

cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2,” Silver said in a statement.

“The NBA will make an announcement on the new location of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in the coming weeks.”

Silver said the NBA removed the game from Charlotte “with the hope of rescheduling for 2019,” but added, “provided there is an appropriate resolution to this matter.”

An attempted compromise bill did not go far enough to satisfy league concerns.

“We do not endorse the version of the bill that we understand is currently before the legislature,” an NBA statement said earlier this

month. “We remain committed to our guiding principles of inclusion, mutual respect and equal protections for all.”

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America’s largest LGBT organization, hailed the NBA’s decision.

“The NBA and commissioner Silver sent a clear message that they won’t stand for discrimination,” HRC president Chad Griffin said.

“The NBA repeatedly warned state lawmakers that their hateful HB2 law created an inhospitable environment for their 2017 All-Star Game and other events.”

Silver said he had been working with city and state officials and business leaders trying to avoid the “enormous economic damage” of losing the All-Star weekend spectacle. AFP

Three days after an investigation report unveiled evidence of a state-run doping scheme in Russia, CAS rejected a Russian appeal of world athletics governing body IAAF’s decision to ban all Russian track and field competitors from the Rio Games, which open August 5.

“It’s a sad situation for everyone who loves sport, especially those Russian athletes who were abused and harmed by their leader’s actions—but it’s the right outcome,” US Anti-Doping Agency chief executive Travis Tygart said in a statement.

The decision is seen as an indicator to how the International Olympic Committee (IOC) might vote Sunday when its executive board conducts more talks on whether to bar any Russians from competing at Rio. “We hope ... the IOC will now follow the path this decision has paved and restore faith in the Olympic values by exercising its authority to suspend the Russian Olympic Committee while allowing for a process by which individual Russian athletes can compete if they can prove they are truly clean,” Tygart said.

Weighing their responsibility to those who have not tested positive against the potential far-reaching dope cheating range of a state-backed scheme is the problem facing the IOC as it tries to ensure clean athletes a fair Olympic playing field.

AFP

Carmelo Anthony of the 2016 USA Basketball Men’s National Team drives to the basket during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

ABS-CBN to air US cage games

Jason Day of Australia watches his drive on the 16th hole during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Canada. AFP

Gao makes US junior quarterfinals WEI Wei Gao came away with a pair of emphatic victories to crash into the quarterfinals of the US Junior Amateur Match Play at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee Thursday.

While the Filipinas bowed out one after the other in the US Girls’ Junior in New Jersey, Gao kept the momentum of his 3&2 triumph over Brendan Hansen of the US in the first round of the knockout phase and racked up two wins in the grueling day to reach the Last 8 phase of the annual event featuring the world’s top junior players.

The 16-year-old Cebuano, who placed seventh in the 36hole stroke play elims, broke away from an all-square match with Joseph Chun after 12 holes as he pounced on the Korean’s bogey, double-bogey and bogey mishaps in the next three to go 3-up then matched his rival’s par on No. 16 for a 3&2 victory in their morning duel in the Last 32.

He sustained his form in his afternoon match with American Austin Eckroat, taking three of the first eight holes on pars to wrest control. The Alta Vista Golf and Country Club member, playing in a tournament of this magnitude for the first time, yielded No. 11 but won Nos. 13 and 15 to fashion out a 4&3 win for a spot in the quarters.

Gao, who aced No. 3 with a 4-iron in the first round of the stroke play qualifier, will next face second seed Eugene Hong of Florida, who needed 23 holes to foil local bet Davis Shore in the Last 32 then routed Austin Coggin of Alabama, 5&4.

Aussie Fred Lee stunned top seed Travis Vick, 2&1, to seal a quarters showdown with Noah Goodwin, who beat Nicholas Lyerly, 3&2, while Korean Won Jun Lee nipped Cole Hammer, 1-up, to arrange a clash with New Jersey’s John Pak, who trounced Brent Ito, 3&2.

ABS-CBN Sports + Action will be airing exhibition games featuring the USA Men’s National Team and the USA Women’s National Team beginning July 23 until August 2.

The USA Men’s National Team, led

by Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Kyrie Irving, will take on their counterparts from Argentina, China, Venezuela, and Nigeria in the USA Basketball Showcase.

Headlining the USA Women’s National Team, meanwhile, are Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings.

Catch USA vs. Argentina on July 23, Saturday, 10 a.m. (Via Satellite), two games against China on July 25, 9 a.m.

(Via Satellite) and July 27, 10 a.m. (Live), vs. Venezuela on July 30 at 10 a.m. (Via Satellite), and against Nigeria on August 2, 9 a.m. (Via Satellite). While the Women’s team face France on July 28, 9 a.m. (Via Satellite) and Australia on August 1, 9 a.m. (Via Satellite).

Day defends PGA crown as Lefty seeks more magic SPRINGFIELD—Moving the 98th PGA Championship two weeks after the British Open to accomodate golf ’s Rio Olympic return has allowed several favorites to quickly try and move on from disappointments at Royal Troon.

Australia’s world number one Jason Day, who will defend his first major title this week at Baltusrol, shared 22nd at the British Open. He has won seven times in the past year but still seeks more major mastery.

“It does free you up,” Day said of winning a major. “Because you don’t want that tag of ‘best player without a major’ and I had that tag for awhile. And I don’t anymore.

“It has been a crazy last 12 months. I think the next step for me is to go, ‘OK, how many can I win now?’ and be able to shoot a goal for maybe the ca-

reer Grand Slam, even though it is tough to get that, but that’s a good goal to have.”

Third-ranked Jordan Spieth shared 30th at Royal Troon and 37th at the US Open. The US star has struggled since a backnine meltdown cost him the Masters crown last April.

“If you win a major, it would be pretty amazing,” Spieth said. “Just getting three majors in my career would be special.

That week at PGA Championship alone could become one of the most special weeks I’ve ever had, so that’s what we’re focused on, grinding for that.”

World number two Dustin Johnson, who won his first major at last month’s US Open, has 13 top-10 finishes in 30 major starts, including a share of ninth at Royal Troon. He will try to be the first man to win the US Open and PGA in the same year since Jack Nicklaus in 1980.

“When I’m teeing it up in a major, I’m not still trying to get that first one and I know what it takes,” Johnson said. “I know I’ve got what it takes to get it done.

That obviously gives me a lot of confidence when I’m out there playing.

“Winning, it has definitely increased my confidence and maybe even relaxed me more.”

And then there is Phil Mickelson, the 46-year-old US lefthander who won the last PGA staged at Baltusrol in 2005. He was a heartbreaking runner-up to British Open winner Henrik Stenson, losing a two-man duel for the Claret Jug to the Swede.

“I’ve got a lot of special memories going back to Baltusrol in ‘05, and probably that we don’t have a month to wait between majors is a good thing for me,” Mickelson said. “I’ll try to look at the positives and take that into Baltusrol and keep my game sharp.”

Stenson, who had three runnerup efforts and six third places in majors, vows to be on his game even after his long-sought major breakthrough.

“I’m going to be out there trying my hardest in the PGA,” he said.

- ‘It will be odd’ Day won last year’s PGA at Whistling Straits with a major record of 20-under par and is the tour’s hottest player over the past year.

“I always thought I could play golf on a level like this,” Day said. “I can’t get too complacent with where I’m at. I’m currently ranked the best player in the world, but I need to work harder than I ever have before to keep that spot.” AFP

PH’s U18 teams join FIBA tilt THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has sent two Philippine teams to compete in the FIBA Asia 3x3 U-18 Championship in Cyberjaya, Selangor this weekend.

The Philippines is the defending champion in the men’s division after a team that included Kobe Paras won the maiden edition and went on to participate in the 2015 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championships.

Twelve men’s teams and 12 women’s teams will compete at the tournament put together by FIBA and the Malaysian Basketball Association and organized by NBL Asia.

It will be staged in the GemIn shopping mall.

The first edition of the FIBA 3x3 U18 Asian Championships was held in Bangkok, Thailand in May, 2013 and saw the Philippines’ men and Chinese Taipei’s women take home the titles.

Comprising the men’s team are Kyle Christian Tan, John Lloyd Clemente, John Martin Galinato and Rhayyan Amsali.

The women’s team, on the other hand, has Kristine Cayabyab, Mary Ann Cayabyab, Jenilyn Gamboa and Cristel Mae Dizon Coaches are Anton Altamirano and Mark Solano The team is also joined by SBP regional director for Region Edilberto Abalos and coach Jehtru Yao which represents the girls’ team from Dagupan.

The Philippine 3x3 U18 national teams with SBP executive director Sonny Barrios and SBP deputy executive director Butch Antonio.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Tornadoes eye Top 4 in Asian volley Unbeaten boxers clash LOS ANGELES—There will be plenty at stake, including a potential date with Manny Pacquiao, when Terence Crawford and Viktor Postol duke it out for junior welterweight division supremacy on Saturday.

And throw in the bragging rights that comes with winning the two 140-pound world titles that are up for grabs.

Crawford (28-0, 20 KOs) and Postol (28-0, 12 KOs) meet in a 12-round unification fight Saturday for the World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Council belts at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas.

Both are hoping that a victory will land them a shot at Pacquiao in the Filipino’s return to the ring, likely later this year in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum, who also promoted Saturday’s contest, is looking at a November 5 date for Pacquiao.

The 28-year-old Crawford is favoured and will be making his third title defence while Postol will be making the first defence of his title.

This is the biggest fight of his career for Ukrainian Postol. He is part of a recent wave of eastern European fighters, such as Gennady Golovkin, Vasyl Lomachenko and Sergey Kovalev, who have been taking the sport of boxing by storm.

Postol recorded one of his most impressive victories in October when he upset big puncher Lucas Matthysse, winning by a 10th round knockout.

“I do not consider myself an underdog in this fight. Terence Crawford’s fans might consider me as the underdog but that does not bother me,” Postol said.

“I have the best trainer working with me and his name his Freddie Roach. He has been named trainer of the year a record seven times and he is in the Hall of Fame.”

The undercard features Oscar Valdez versus Matias Adrian Rueda in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO featherweight title. AFP

By Peter Atencio

COMING up with a fourthplace finish will be the goal of the Foton-Filipinas Tornadoes.

Team manager Alvin Lu said this after he revealed the names of 20 elite players that will compete in the Asian Volleyball ConfederationAsian Women’s Club Championships.

“They are practicing every day. Hopefully, walang injuries. At least may laban tayo. We’re expecting that they make it to the Top 4,” said Lu during the team’s presentation Friday at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang.

The Tornadoes, whO earned the right to represent the country after winning last year’s Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix, is among 13 teams taking part in the AVC slated from Sept. 3 to 11 at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan, Laguna.

Foton will be led by Jaja Santiago of Foton, who formally became the fifth member of the

elite team that will compete in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship set at the Mall of Asia Arena from Oct. 18 to 23.

The other players in Foton’s AVC roster are veterans Angeli Araneta, Patty Orendain, Ivy Perez, Bia General, Rhea Dimaculangan and Mika Ortiz.

The rookies and prospects for inclusion are Cherry Rondina, EJ Laure and Carol Cerveza.

Aby Marano of F2 Logistics reinforces the squad, with Rachel Ann Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola-Army. They also brought in Jen Reyes of Petron.

American spikers Lindsay Stalzer from Bradley University in Illinois and Ariel Usher of the University of Portland are the team’s imports.

Lu said the Vilet de Leon-squad will be trimmed down further to a 16-player roster, with the six eliminated players to be placed in the reserve pool.

The Tornadoes are in the same bracket as Kwai Tsing of Hong Kong and Viet-

nam’s Army. They are set to meet Kwai Tsing on Sept. 3, Saturday, and Army on Sept. 4, Sunday.

The other teams participating include Bangkok Glass of Thailand and a Japanese team, which could either be NEC or Hisamitsu Springs. Joining the fray are Bohai Bank of China, Taiwan Power of Taipei, Altay of Kazakhstan, Four-Twenty-Five of North Korea, Kwai Tsing, Jakarta Electric of Indonesia and a team from Malaysia.

Ramon “Tats” Suzara, the tournament’s director general, said the spikefest will be an exciting tournament, considering that many heavyweight teams are playing.

On the other hand, Philippine Superliga Chairman Philip Ella Juico said the tournament is one way of showing the world that the Philippines can keep up with its neighboring countries in terms of organizing events.

Santiago, a 6’5” middle blocker from National University, was awarded with the golden ticket by Suzara and Juico.

Ring girl search ends Saturday

Jaja Santiago is named as the fifth member of the Philippine team competing in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship. ROMAN PROSPERO

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES CORPORATION 11-13 Sunrise Drive. Brgy. Bagong Lipunan ng Crame Cubao, Quezon City

Notice of Stockholders` Meeting To All ERC Stockholders: Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders` Meeting of the Educational Resources Corporation shall be held on July 25, 2016 at 12:00 noon at the Barrio Fiesta EDSA, Greenhills, San Juan City to take up the following matters.

1. Election of new directors for the incoming fiscal year; 2. Report of the President; and 3. Other relevant matters Please be guided accordingly

(TS-JULY 16 & 23, 2016)

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THE World Series of Fighting–Global Championship will conclude its international ring girl search in the Philippines this Saturday.

The final judging will be held today, 4 p.m. at the 2nd Floor of the Gateway Mall (near Pizza Hut), located at the Araneta Center.

Philippine Azkals and Global FC football superstar Misagh Bahadoran, who is also currently Folded & Hung’s newest model, will be the celebrity judge. Other judges include World Series of Fighting Global owner Dunesa Hesser and blogger Jared Baliguat.

On Sunday, there will be an autograph signing from 4 to 6 p.m., with all the 5 Philippine MMA fighters competing for Fight Night on July 30.

Fighters Jujeath Nagaowa, Jenelyn Olsim, Neil Larano, Jessan dela Pena and Mario Sismundo will be there for their fans to sign posters that will be given away for free.

Event will be held at the 2nd Floor of the Gateway Mall (near Pizza Hut), located at the Araneta Center.

WSOF-GC will host WSOF-GC 3 Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 30.

Tickets start at P300 with ringside seats available for PHP4000.

Tickets are now on sale at http://www.etix.com/ ticket/p/2988982/wsofglobal-championship3philippines-quezon-citysmart-araneta-coliseum.

Smart Araneta Coliseum has been host to many great events over the years, but is most notably known for Ali vs Frazier III ‘The Thrilla in Manila’.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

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

Pico de Loro Beach hosts Aboitiz TRI2016 PAL Ladies’ Interclub. Captains of 28 ladies’ golf teams, including golfers from Australia and Port Moresby, gathered at Camp John Hay

Golf Club in Baguio for the 1st team captains’ meeting of the 11th PAL Ladies’ Interclub golf tournament set Oct. 4 to 7 at the Camp John Hay golf course, with the theme “Glam on the Greens.” Photo shows the colorful team captains with (seated center, from left) tournament director Henry Arabelo, Camp John Hay Golf Club general manager Tim Allen, PAL tournament officials Dina May Flores, Eric Tan, Pinky Custodio and Kookai Silverio.

‘Amateur’ terrorists out to disrupt games nabbed BRASILIA—Brazilian police have arrested 10 members of an “amateur” would-be terrorist group that expressed loyalty to the Islamic State organization and was preparing attacks ahead of the Olympics, officials said Thursday.

The nationwide anti-terrorism swoop codenamed Operation Hashtag was the most heavily publicized security incident so far ahead of the Games, which start in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 5.

However, Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes described the alleged group of Brazilian nationals as “an absolutely amateur cell” and “disorganized.”

He also said “there was no specific target.”

The alleged plotters were arrested across 10 different states in the vast country and had been in contact via messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram. Most of them did not know each other

previously and it was not clear if any had ever met in person.

Officials downplayed links to the Islamic State group which has claimed responsibility for a string of bloody recent assaults on civilians in France and elsewhere.

“Some of them made an oath of loyalty by Internet to the Islamic State, but there was no personal contact by this group with Islamic State by WhatsApp,” de Moraes told journalists in the capital Brasilia.

He insisted that the security situation ahead of the Games, the first held in South America, was unchanged.

“The risk remains the same.

There is a minimal probability of a terrorist act during the Rio Olym-

pics,” the minister said at the hastily called press conference.

‘Red line’ In a statement, the justice ministry said it began monitoring messages sent between the group, which called itself “Defenders of Sharia,” in April. It said a non-governmental organization working in humanitarian and educational areas was also being probed.

The most concrete act by the alleged group was an attempt to contact a black market weapons supplier in neighboring Paraguay to purchase a Kalashnikov assault rifle, de Moraes said.

However, other preparations discussed appeared to illustrate what officials said was the group’s amateur nature, with only two weeks to go until the Games begin.

“There was an order between them to start training in martial arts,” de Moraes said.

In a separate press conference,

Defense Minister Raul Jungmann used an expletive to describe the “craziness” of the alleged group.

However, he said that they had “crossed the red line between expressing support for terrorism and these acts.”

The ministry said that about 130 officers took part in Operation Hashtag in which 10 people were arrested and two more were temporarily detained. Two other suspects remain at large.

The arrests and 19 searches were conducted in states ranging from the Amazonas region to the financial capital Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Last week, Brazil said it was bolstering security for the August 5-21 Olympics following the truck attack in the French city of Nice, which killed 84 people and left scores badly wounded. The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State group. AFP

ON Sept. 3, 2016, Aboitiz TRI2016 will be staged at Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas.

For the third straight year, the event will draw out the toughest among triathletes, delivering a challenging olympic-distance triathlon set against the scenic Batangas coast.

Hosted by Aboitiz Equity Ventures and organized by Bike King, the event’s afternoon gun start has made it popular with triathletes who are also looking for a day trip or an accessible “racecation” weekend with family and friends.

Aboitiz TRI2016 is set to start at 2 p.m. on Pico Beach with a 1.5-kilometer swim in the crystal blue waters of Pico de Loro cove.

It is followed by the challenging 40-kilometer bike leg, as cyclists make their way from Transition 1, up a steep hill to the highest point of the cove before doing three loops along Nasugbu-Ternate Highway and ending the route at Hamilo Coast marina.

From there, the 10-kilometer run course will take athletes up rolling hills, a steep descent to the main resort area, and flat three loops around the lagoon before heading to the finish line.

In the evening, the awarding ceremony and dinner will take place followed by a post-race party.

Specially designed trophies will be awarded to all Top 3 male and female category winners, team winners, and relay winners Aboitiz TRI2016 forms part of Aboitiz Group’s BetterWorld sustainability efforts, focused on encouraging team members and stakeholders to pursue a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

The event is supported by AboitizPower, UnionBank, and Weather Philippines together with Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Orbea, Nuun, TIMEX, Sante Barley, and Standard Insurance.

Media partners are The Philippine Star, SPIN.ph, RaceDay, and Endurance Sports.

Deadline for registration is July 31. For more information, visit www.bikekingphilippines.com

Sending a strong message against doping INSIDE SPORTS RONNIE NATHANIELSZ

WE caught a BBC News report yesterday afternoon in which it was announced that Russian track and field athletes will remain banned from the Rio Olympics following claims the country ran a state-sponsored doping programme.

The Russian Olympic Committee and 68 Russian athletes attempted to overturn the suspension, implemented by the body that governs world athletics.

But the Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled it can stand.

A handful of Russian athletes

could apparently still compete as neutrals at the Rio Games, which start on Aug. 5.

The fastest man on the planet, multi gold medalist Usain Bolt of Jamaica reacted by saying: “It’s sad but rules are rules.”

Bolt added: “It was important to send a strong message to the dopers. Doping violations in track and field is getting really bad. If you cheat or go or against the rules, this will scare a lot of people.”

However, Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva —one of the 68 to appeal to CAS—said the ruling was “a blatant political order.”

The 2012 gold medallist, 34, told the Tass news agency: “Thank you all for this funeral for athletics.”

The International Associa-

tion of Athletics Federations said it was “pleased CAS has supported its position,” adding that the judgement had “created a level playing field for athletes.”

Against this background, one must seriously question the failure of the World Boxing Organization, The International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Association to follow the exemplary decision of the World Boxing Council, headed by President Mauricio Sulaiman and the Voluntary Anti Doping Association, under the renowned Dr. Margaret Goodman, who since January this year, launched a random drug testing program for the Top 15 rated fighters in each weight division.

The WBC said it was

“proud to announce,” the formal launching of the Clean Boxing Program or the CBP, under which the Top 15 WBC rated fighters in each weight class will be subject to random, year-round unannounced testing for performance enhancing drugs or PEDs and other prohibited methods in a program to be administered by VADA. The WBC, which is currently headed by its president Mauricio Sulaiman, who succeeded his late father, Don Jose Sulaiman, who was president for 38 years, was dedicated to serving the sport of boxing and implementing safety measures for the protection of all boxers, with the common goal to have a clean sport.

Boxing is, in many instances, considered a brutal

sport and the failure to prevent some fighters from using performance-enhancing drugs and other modes of enhancement that give them an undue advantage, raises serious questions of what the other world boxing organizations are thinking.

We ourselves have witnessed fighters, who were obviously on PEDs starting off poorly and getting badly beaten only to suddenly snap out of a stupor, turn around and aggressively and often brutally go after their opponents in the so-called championship rounds.

We cannot mention their names because of the danger of facing multi-million dollar lawsuits, but we certainly can question the various boxing organizations that have, up to now, failed to institute

random drug tests.

Five-division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” has, for years, undertaken voluntary random drug tests and that is why we, personally, have asked him to insist that his future opponents do the same.

It also holds true for WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes, the longestreigning Filipino world champion, who is scheduled to defend his world title at the StuHub Center in Carson City, California on Sept. 24.

This certainly isn’t too much to ask. If fighters have nothing to hide and world organizations insist on a clean sport, just like the WBC, then there should be no problem.

As one popular veteran referee says: “Let’s get it on!’

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RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS Lassiter trey keys SMB win

By Jeric Lopez

MANPOWER woes won’t stop San Miguel Beer from finding a way to win.

Marcio Lassiter and his game-winning triple at the buzzer allowed the Beermen to escape a tough challenge from NLEX as they took a thrilling 9493 squeaker to remain unscathed and grab a piece of the early lead in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Down by five points

heading into the final minute, San Miguel Beer flexed its championship muscles as it banked on two of its top clutch performers.

Back-to-back triples from Alex Cabagnot and Lassiter erased NLEX’s lead and shifted the momentum to San Miguel Beer, which blew a 17-point lead early in the third and even trailed in the fourth before its last-

minute explosion.

“Nasa bingit na kami ng pagkatalo, pero nanalo pa rin kami dahil sa three-pointer ni Marcio (Lassiter),” described San Miguel coach Leo Austria. “Our play was for AZ (Reid), but he saw Marcio open and ‘yung kamay ng shooter nandoon talaga in that last shot.”

San Miguel Beer, Meralco and surprising Mahindra are now all tied at the top with un-

Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 3 p.m. - Meralco vs. Tropang TNT 5:15 p.m. - Rain or Shine vs. Phoenix

beaten 2-0 starts.

On the other hand, NLEX tasted its first defeat and slipped to 1-1 in the middle of the ladder.

Reid led the Beermen in scoring with his team-high 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Cabagnot had 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. June Mar Fajardo added 16 markers and six boards.

But it was Lassiter, who stole the show as his left-elbow triple proved

to be the biggest play of the game. He finished with eight points and nine rebounds.

Sean Anthony’s five straight points, from a three-pointer and a jump shot, turned the tied game into a 91-86 cushion for NLEX with 2:29 remaining.

San Miguel countered as Fajardo connected on a jumper on the other end, but Asi Taulava answered one of his own as well to allow NLEX to hold on to its five-point lead, 93-88, heading the final minute.

Cabagnot kept the Beermen breathing af-

ter a triple with 27 seconds left that trimmed the Road Warriors’ lead to just two, 93-91, paving the way for Lassiter’s last-second heroics.

As the game intensified late in the third, a commotion occurred as Taulava and David Semerad had a shoving match after the latter became physical with NLEX import Bill Walker on a play.

Technical fouls were issued on both as well as Road Warriors’ manager Ronald Dulatre.

The Beermen continued to win sans key guys Arwind Santos, Gabby Espinas, Chris Lutz and

Yancy De Ocampo, who are all still recuperating from various injuries.

Walker led all scorers with his game-high 33 points for NLEX. Meanwhile, action continues today as another double-header is slated at the Big Dome.

Red-hot Meralco (20) has a chance to regain solo leadership when it shoots for a third straight win as it battles sister team Tropang TNT (1-0) at 3 p.m. in a clash of unbeaten teams, while two teams who are yet to taste a win go at it as Rain or Shine and Phoenix duel at 5:15 p.m.

Nigerian lifts Altas past Knights, 61-55

Arizona Reid of San Miguel Beer drives to the basket against NLEX’s Bill Walker in a PBA Governors’ Cup game won by the Beermen, 94-93, at the Araneta Coliseum.

NIGERIAN behemoth Bright Akhuetie came through with a monster performance as Perpetual Help pulled off a shock 61-55 win over defending Games Monday champion Le(The Arena, San Juan) tran Friday to 9 a.m.- Letran vs Perpetual (jrs) 10:45 a.m.- San Sebastian vs San Beda (jrs) boost its stock 12:30 p.m.- St. Benilde vs Jose Rizal (jrs) in the 92nd 2:15 p.m.- EAC vs Mapua (jrs) 4 p.m.- LPU vs Arellano U (jrs) NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Akhuetie, 19, bulldozed his way to gamebests 21 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks to propel the Altas to the upper half of the standings with a 3-2 record, while erasing the stigma of a stinging 70-88 defeat to the San Beda Lions Tuesday.

“My job is to play. When I go in there, I try my best. It’s basketball, everyone should get chances,” said Akhuetie, who bounced back from last game’s fourth benching when he finished with just 13 points.

For Perpetual Help coach Gimwell Gican, it was defense that sealed it.

“The players worked hard on defense, they really focused on defense after our loss to San Beda,” said Gican.

Truly, the Altas held down the Knights to their season-worst scoring output after the latter came into this game averaging 79.2 points.

Perpetual Help also forced Letran to turn the ball over 22 times, its season’s worst after norming just 16 errors in its first five games.

The Las Pinas-based school also found a way to slow down Rey Nambatac, who muffed eight of his 14 shots and wound up with just 19 after he unleashed a career-best 40 points in a 90-77 win over San Sebastian last week.

“We were alarmed that Nambatac scored 40 points, that’s why focused on making life more difficult for him,” said Gican.

Gican hopes the big win could be a start of something big for his team.

“It’s a good sign for us, it gave us a chance for a Final Four slot and that’s what we’re really aiming for,” he said.

The Knights fell to their second defeat and saw their four-game streaked snapped with this heartbreaking defeat.

SATURDAY: JULY 23, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1 Power firms hit new coal directive

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Keynote speaker. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (third from left) delivers the keynote address during the second day of this year’s Franchise Asia Philippines 2016 international franchise conference at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Lopez also received a plaque of appreciation from PFA executives led by PFA chairman emeritus Samie Lim (right), PFA chairman Franklin Go (third from right), PFA president Alan Escalona (second from left); Franchise Asia Philippines 2016 overall chair Richard Sanz (left) and PFA vice chairman and director for international relations Ma. Alegria Sibal–Limjoco (second from right).

Ongpin disputes SEC ruling, to appeal case

By Jenniffer B. Austria

FORMER trade minister and businessman Roberto Ongpin plans to appeal the Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision to disqualify him from the board of any publicly listed company and collect a fine of P174 million on allegations of insider trading involving shares of Philex Mining Corp.

“Mr. Ongpin intends to appeal this case, for total lack of merit, to the Court of Appeals,” Ongpin’s legal counsel said in an e-mail message, when sought for comment about the SEC decision.

Ongpin’s legal counsel said the Philex Mining case was originally filed at anti-graft court Sandiganbayan by the Ombudsman as

a behest loan case and was twice quashed by Sandiganbayan for lack of evidence.

“This particular case now has been shifted by the SEC to an insider trading case, but in no way can this case be called insider trading. The jurisprudence is clear on that. The case had unquestionably prescribed as it was filed

almost a year after the two-year deadline required in the Securities Regulations Code,” Ongpin’s legal counsel said.

The SEC en banc, in a decision dated July 8, 2016, ordered the disqualification of Ongpin from the board of any publicly listed company for allegedly committing insider trading in the sale of Philex Mining shares in 2009.

The corporate regulator also ordered Ongpin to pay a fine of P174 million, or P1 million each from alleged 174 counts of insider trading, based on Section 54.1 of the Securities regulation Code.

The amount was higher than the P17.4-million fine recommended

by SEC’s enforcement and investor protection department.

With the en banc decision, SEC ordered Ongpin to relinquish or

resign from any or all positions he was holding as officer, member of the board of directors, or any similar functions in a public company or publicly listed company.

The 80-year-old Ongpin, a former trade minister during the Marcos administration, currently sits as chairman of two listed companies, including PhilWeb Corp. and Atok Big Wedge Inc. He is the chairman of Alphaland Corp. and is in the board of Forum Energy Plc. The SEC investigation showed that during the week of Nov. 24, 2009, businessman Manuel Pangilinan representing the First Pacific Group and Ongpin entered into negotiations with respect to the possible purchase by the First Pacific group of Philex shares from the latter.

POWER companies have expressed concern over the recent directive of the Environment Department requiring clearance from the Climate Change Commission and the office of Senator Loren Legarda when coal plants apply for an environmental compliance certificate.

The order dated June 22 required ECC applicants to secure a clearance from the CCC and Legarda’s office prior to the processing and approval of ECCs for coal-fired power plants.

Quezon Power Philippines, Aboitiz Power Corp., Meralco PowerGen Corp., Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. confirmed the existence of the memorandum, which adds another layer to the more than 100 permits needed to build coalfired power plants.

The directive came from the office of the undersecretary for legal services and attached agencies signed by Analiza Rebuelta-Teh and submitted to the office of the assistant secretary for environment.

The memorandum pertains to the letter dated May 2 of Legarda “requesting to be informed of the reason for the continued issuance of ECCs to coal-fired power plants despite the department’s request to the President to defer the endorsement of coal-fired power plants in view of the global direction on climate change mitigation efforts.”

The order directed the Environmental Management Bureau to require the application for ECC for operations of coal-fired power plants to get a clearance from the CCC and Legarda’s office prior to processing and approval of their application.

The memorandum was issued prior to the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, a known anti-mining and anti-coal advocate.

“We wonder if the current administration will not change this... Seems a little off that certain technologies are being singled out,” Aboitiz Power president Antonio Moraza said.

Shell Exploration files new arbitration case against PH SHELL Philippines Exploration B.V. filed a new arbitration case against the government before the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington D.C. over a tax dispute on the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan.

Spex, operator of the Malampaya gas project registered the case on July 20, 2016.

“We can confirm that Spex has filed a request for arbitration with the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Dispute. The case has been filed pursuant to the bilateral investment treaty between the Philippines and the Nether-

lands,” Spex said in statement.

Listed as claimants were King & Spalding, Singapore, New York, NY, USA and Houston, TX, USA and Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles, Makati City. The Office of the Solicitor General was named as respondent.

Spex has a pending separate arbitration case against the government lodged with the arbitration tribunal in Singapore.

The Office of the Solicitor General moved to dismiss the arbitration case filed by Spex at the Singapore tribunal.

Shell sought intervention from

the arbitration tribunal in Singapore regarding the Commission on Audit’s decision to collect P53.14 billion in taxes from the contractors of the Malampaya gas to power project.

The CoA ruled in May last year that service contractors’ payment of income tax for the Malampaya project was not included in the government’s 60 percent share of the Malampaya royalties.

Aside from Spex holding 45 percent, other members of the SC 38 consortium are Chevron Malampaya LLC with 45 percent and state-owned PNOC Exploration Corp. with 10 percent.

The Energy Department warned CoA that imposing P53.14 billion in taxes to the contractors of the Malampaya project would create havoc on the petroleum industry.

The department, in a 30-page positiopn paper, said the CoA decision had “sent a very wrong signal to the existing and future petroleum exploration investors in the country.”

It said petroleum exploration, especially offshore, involved great risk, huge capital and high technical capability and that foreign investors decided where to put their money based on “the cer-

tainty and stability of investment riles and regulatory regime of a country.”

It said the CoA decision had totally wreaked havoc to the representation of the government to these investors that the Philippines honors and respects the sanctity of contracts and agreements.

“The trust and confidence of foreign investors in the stability and certainty of our investment laws and regulations that the government, for a long period of time, has painstakingly built and nurtured, has been greatly damaged,” it said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

SATURDAY: JULY 23, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Friday, July 22, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 2.6 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 75 91.5 137 80 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 1.02 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 58 62 88.35 52 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank 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

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92

20.6 125 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 79 3.95 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 0.62 5 5.25 12.98 6.75 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.34 1450 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17

15.32 62.5 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 34.1 2.3 1.63 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 0.335 3.37 3.87 8.45 3 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 5.9 801 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 911 10.2 84 3.35 3.68 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 6.5 5.29 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 0.0670 2.31 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 260 7.390 12.8 2.6 1.15 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 3.43 3 4.84 0.59 12 4.2 0.030 1.23 0.550 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69

6.74 12 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.87 3.68 47.4 47 115.70 114.00 99.00 96.10 38.2 38.05 4.10 4.07 1.67 1.56 16.5 15.96 21.45 20.85 1.97 1.96 609.00 609.00 0.700 0.650 97.5 94 0.95 0.92 14.9 14.7 24.00 23.40 63.00 60.60 99.95 99.95 500 500 280 278 32.35 32 210.2 211.8 1435.00 1435.00 67.60 67.05 1.54 1.51 INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp.

46.65 46.6 45.25 Agrinurture Inc. 3.5 3.54 3.45 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.82 0.83 0.82 Alsons Cons.

1.99 2 1.97 Asiabest Group 14.6 14.86 13.58 Cemex Holdings 11.7 12.06 11.8 Century Food 17.5 17.7 17.36 Chemphil 152.1 152.1 152 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 164.1 173.8 164 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 20.5 20.5 20 Concepcion 57 59.9 56.95 Crown Asia 2.26 2.29 2.2 Da Vinci Capital 6.1 6.52 5.97 Del Monte 12.4 12.4 12.3 DNL Industries Inc. 9.610 9.820 9.600 Emperador 7.30 7.55 7.30 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.84 5.90 5.78 EEI 9.41 9.62 9.46 Euro-Med Lab 1.9 1.9 1.9 First Gen Corp.

26 26.6 25.8 First Holdings ‘A’ 70.5 72.4 70.7 12.00 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 12.10 12.02 Holcim Philippines Inc. 15.00 15.50 15.10 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.75 5.77 5.7 Ionics Inc 2.360 2.410 2.350 Jollibee Foods Corp.

252.20 257.80 252.80 Liberty Flour 41.00 41.00 40.85 LMG Chemicals 1.9 1.86 1.86 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.8 3.8 3.79 Macay Holdings 35.00 34.90 34.60 Manila Water Co. Inc. 27 27 26.75 Maxs Group 28.9 28.95 28.5 Megawide 9.67 9.77 9.35 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 309.00 314.00 309.00 MG Holdings 0.260 0.280 0.260 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 4.70 4.28 4.23 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.45 3.46 3.45 Petron Corporation 11.30 11.32 11.26 Phil H2O 3.35 3.35 3.35 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 6.38 6.38 6.23 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.63 1.63 1.61 Pryce Corp. `A’ 3.27 3.63 3.26 RFM Corporation 4.31 4.35 4.30 3.8 3.86 3.84 Roxas Holdings San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’ 209.2 213.8 210 Splash Corporation 3.05 3.04 3.04 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.153 0.155 0.153 TKC Steel Corp.

2.14 2.24 2.10 Trans-Asia Oil 2.58 2.58 2.53 Universal Robina 199.7 200 197 Victorias Milling 4.5 4.5 4.44 Vitarich Corp.

1.03 1.06 1.02 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.29 1.35 1.26 HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.385 0.385 0.375 Aboitiz Equity 83.00 83.00 82.00 Alliance Global Inc. 16.38 16.76 16.30 Anglo Holdings A 1.30 1.29 1.27 Anscor `A’ 6.12 6.15 6.12 ATN Holdings A 0.390 0.395 0.380 ATN Holdings B 0.395 0.395 0.380 Ayala Corp `A’ 899 900 883.5 BHI Holdings Inc. 700.00 1000.00 850.00 Cosco Capital 7.95 8.12 7.95 DMCI Holdings 12.90 13.14 12.70 F&J Prince ‘A’ 6 6.15 6 F&J Prince ‘B’ 6.02 6.1 6.02 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

6.95 6.95 6.80 Forum Pacific 0.229 0.239 0.228 GT Capital 1567 1572 1557 House of Inv. 6.68 6.65 6.57 JG Summit Holdings 85.90 86.00 84.95 Jolliville Holdings 4.25 4.2 4.2 Keppel Holdings `A’ 6.37 6.2 6.2 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.9 7.89 7.8 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.72 0.72 0.7 LT Group 15.88 15.95 15.84 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 7.5 7.5 7.32 Pacifica `A’ 0.0330 0.0340 0.0330 Prime Media Hldg 1.270 1.350 1.280 Prime Orion 1.940 1.980 1.950 San Miguel Corp `A’ 81.55 83.50 81.55 Seafront `A’ 2.4 2.90 2.40 SM Investments Inc. 1025.00 1028.00 1024.00 Solid Group Inc. 1.26 1.26 1.24 South China Res. Inc. 0.88 0.88 0.88 Top Frontier 190.000 191.900 188.000 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3250 0.3350 0.3200 Wellex Industries 0.2000 0.2060 0.1980 Zeus Holdings 0.305 0.305 0.295 PROPERTY 8990 HLDG 8.150 8.120 8.060 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 6.81 6.90 6.90 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.25 1.29 1.25 Araneta Prop `A’ 2.310 2.390 2.310 Arthaland Corp.

0.270 0.275 0.270 Ayala Land `B’ 40.000 40.400 39.800 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.38 3.38 3.33 Cebu Holdings 5.05 5.17 5.06 Century Property 0.530 0.54 0.530 City & Land Dev. 1.03 1.09 1.09 Cityland Dev. `A’ 1.080 1.060 1.020 Crown Equities Inc. 0.133 0.133 0.132 Cyber Bay Corp.

0.730 0.790 0.710

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

Close

SHARES 26,244,666 155,419,369 84,044,789 232,392,832 169,636,201 278,393,376 975,602,555

3.84 47.4 115.00 98.95 38 4.10 1.64 16 20.9 1.97 609.00 0.640 96.9 0.95 14.72 23.40 60.40 99.95 520 280 32 210.2 1445.00 67.50 1.51

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.87 47.4 114.20 96.10 38.05 4.07 1.60 16.2 21.35 1.96 609.00 0.650 94 0.92 14.8 24.00 62.00 99.95 500 279 32.35 211 1435.00 67.40 1.53

0.78 0.00 -0.70 -2.88 0.13 -0.73 -2.44 1.25 2.15 -0.51 0.00 1.56 -2.99 -3.16 0.54 2.56 2.65 0.00 -3.85 -0.36 1.09 0.38 -0.69 -0.15 1.32

26,000 14,300 2,179,150 992,720 87,800 51,000 598,000 190,700 408,000 46,000 140 17,230,000 2,187,550 271,000 295,000 7,000 672,490 1,500 20 7,480 165,500 737,740 120 47,220 25,000

45.55 3.5 0.83 1.98 14 11.94 17.54 152 169 20 58 2.21 5.99 12.4 9.750 7.42 5.90 9.59 1.9 26.05 72 12.00 15.22 5.73 2.380 255.00 41.00 1.86 3.8 34.60 26.85 28.9 9.5 313.00 0.260 4.23 3.46 11.30 3.35 6.23 1.63 3.5 4.35 3.84 210 3.04 0.154 2.19 2.55 197 4.5 1.06 1.28

-2.36 0.00 1.22 -0.50 -4.11 2.05 0.23 -0.07 2.99 -2.44 1.75 -2.21 -1.80 0.00 1.46 1.64 1.03 1.91 0.00 0.19 2.13 -0.83 1.47 -0.35 0.85 1.11 0.00 -2.11 0.00 -1.14 -0.56 0.00 -1.76 1.29 0.00 -10.00 0.29 0.00 0.00 -2.35 0.00 7.03 0.93 1.05 0.38 -0.33 0.65 2.34 -1.16 -1.35 0.00 2.91 -0.78

1,745,700 742,000 65,000 983,000 2,400 49,363,400 3,711,300 130 2,110 7,279,800 463,100 3,317,000 5,487,500 172,500 3,232,600 3,679,100 25,199,900 591,300 11,000 4,102,100 558,390 9,200 297,000 265,000 700,000 747,230 1,100 17,000 4,000 3,500 1,061,900 177,800 5,528,100 271,200 210,000 39,000 783,000 2,301,600 2,000 1,169,300 562,000 1,819,000 534,000 37,000 500 579,000 2,500,000 3,079,000 660,000 1,099,700 8,000 11,091,000 536,000

0.375 82.50 16.58 1.29 6.13 0.390 0.385 890 1000.00 8.04 12.70 6 6.1 6.95 0.239 1565 6.65 85.30 4.2 6.2 7.89 0.72 15.84 7.32 0.0340 1.350 1.960 83.00 2.75 1025.00 1.24 0.88 191.900 0.3300 0.2020 0.300

-2.60 -0.60 1.22 -0.77 0.16 0.00 -2.53 -1.00 42.86 1.13 -1.55 0.00 1.33 0.00 4.37 -0.13 -0.45 -0.70 -1.18 -2.67 -0.13 0.00 -0.25 -2.40 3.03 6.30 1.03 1.78 14.58 0.00 -1.59 0.00 1.00 1.54 1.00 -1.64

960,000 1,834,270 11,623,300 290,000 64,200 7,390,000 350,000 202,380 150 5,789,200 5,281,200 9,800 300 606,100 1,030,000 56,875 37,000 2,065,350 2,000 1,700 1,314,700 11,000 3,327,300 30,904,400 900,000 56,000 152,000 570,540 204,000 256,860 231,000 37,000 8,140 2,720,000 530,000 2,360,000

8.110 6.90 1.27 2.310 0.275 39.800 3.36 5.17 0.540 1.09 1.060 0.132 0.760

-0.49 1.32 1.60 0.00 1.85 -0.50 -0.59 2.38 1.89 5.83 -1.85 -0.75 4.11

427,100 6,200 2,303,000 519,000 780,000 7,214,800 484,000 2,300 4,916,000 18,000 20,000 3,960,000 79,831,000

565,940.00 -96,560,610 -38,863,870.50 -140,785.00 514,640.00 4,119,560.00 -21,340.00 8,459,393.00 -2,180,230.00 11,032,225.50 -1,414,820.00 865,250 7,288,336.00 1,348,000.00 -20,907,210.00

80,467,100.00 -22,504,830.00 -15,062,720.00 -4,394,912 -348,330.00 -1,256,459.00 -37,140.00 1,915,600.00 -8,747,263.00 53,480,063.00 -162,375.00 15,842,905.00 6,506,849.50 950,730.00 -476,967.00 110,107,704.00

-10,224,755.00 -2,316,290.00 8,874,079.00 -6,236,990.00 2,380,190.00 -2,788,286.00 8,100.00 -1,190.00 1,087,680.00 9,120.00 76,600.00 163,800.00 -123,970.00 -75,295,155 267,320.00 -57,906,795.50 15,231,696.00 -103,950.00 59,663,980.00 -9,804,558.00 -20,204,498.00 -2,424,980.00 -4,425,105.00 -50,540,410.50 -7,711.00 -4,441,586.00 -18,370,642.00 -1,072,042.50 -38,105,765.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

540.00 -3,706,110.00

High

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

Double Dragon 63.5 Empire East Land 0.820 Global-Estate 1.21 Filinvest Land,Inc. 2.00 Interport `A’ 1.27 Keppel Properties 4.80 Megaworld 5.21 MRC Allied Ind. 0.108 Phil. Estates Corp.

0.2850 Phil. Realty `A’ 0.485 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 42.00 Primex Corp.

16.04 Robinson’s Land `B’ 33.00 Rockwell 1.72 Shang Properties Inc. 3.3 SM Prime Holdings 31.00 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.99 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 1.070 Vista Land & Lifescapes 6.020

-1.57 0.00 -2.48 0.00 -1.57 0.00 -1.54 0.93 0.00 -4.12 4.64 2.62 0.30 0.00 -0.91 -2.90 -1.01 -4.67 1.50

1,701,200 1,546,000 9,390,000 44,558,000 3,000 3,000 18,322,600 3,530,000 340,000 460,000 5,000 185,900 2,650,100 530,000 37,000 28,514,300 686,000 1,839,000 14,904,500

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 4 2720 8.41

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 2.58 1600 5.95

70.5 1.97 119.5 7 5.8 0.017

17.02 1.23 102.6 3.01 4 0.011

0.8200 2.2800 5.93

0.041 1.200 2.34

12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 95.5 1 2.46 15.2

6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 3.1 0.650 1.8 6

1.040 22.8 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 0.315 1.14

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

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

DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ Imperial Res. `B’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

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

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

SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

-0.27 -1.23 1.65 5.00 1.44 -1.18 -1.72 2.06 1.06 0.10 0.31 7.41 -0.52 -0.44 -0.63 -0.24 -7.73 1.67 -3.61 -1.40 4.25 1.10 -0.11 0.00 4.44 -1.09 -1.24 0.15 -2.20 -13.11 1.16 0.00 -1.67 1.00 4.65 -1.92 0.82 0.33 -1.92 0.75 0.36 -1.66 -1.24 0.00 0.88 0.94 0.12 1.25 4.79 0.00 0.28 1.52 4.31

130,500 85,320 9,000 1,243,000 5,100 32,000 7,766,300 69,770,000 1,318,000 899,650 4,200 1,971,100 4,580,000 31,005 625,200 205,300 300 189,000 741,820 412,000 3,140 20,000 325,000 8,920,000 5,614,000 247,000 4,200 316,700 218,000 586,000 1,000 200 184,000 6,000 6,592,000 4,683,800 2,010,000 9,600 9,600 21,000 5,580 90,300 124,650 770,000 6,736,000 6,652,200 374,320 483,800 6,682,000 3,208,000 1,303,000 50,000 484,700

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 0.236 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.00 4.00 -2.73 0.87 -0.98 5.00 1.67 1.03 -2.70 0.00 -4.92 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.69 2.76 -0.52 -0.67 3.64 -0.84 0.00 0.24 1.43 1.62 8.33 0.92 -0.51 0.00

90,000,000 492,000 185,000 90,000 11,200 29,500 1,216,000 240,000 23,800 18,252,000 4,190,000 8,480,000 44,000 72,700,000 3,800,000 530,000 10,821,700 242,000 20,000 602,000 22,400,000 9,000 1,418,100 4,314,000 35,500,000 437,710 122,000 1,500,000

70 553 525 118 8.21 12.28 111 1060

33 490 500 101 5.88 6.5 101 997

78.95 84.8

74.5 75

1.34

1

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen F GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B 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

-1.71 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.86 0.00 0.48 -8.93 0.99 -1.23 0.52 0.00 0.13 0.51 0.13 -0.13 6.38

31,070 3,420 100 30 911,200 504,000 90 2,000 770 2,160 50,050 36,010 93,300 58,900 2,200 54,100 318,990 17,000

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

-0.34

920,000

5.40 6.25 3.51 -1.28

27,444,300 1,620,733.00 116,000 661,400 1,239,900 -3,386,934.00

-0.83

9,720

15

3.5

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,803.97 (down) 24.49 INDUSTRIAL 12,084.93 (down) 3.41 HOLDING FIRMS 7,960.33 (down) 34.53 PROPERTY 3,651.78 (down) 48.55 SERVICES 1,645.77 (down) 14.93 MINING & OIL 11,242.05 (up) 79.02 PSEI 8,025.35 (down) 76.95 All Shares Index 4,794.03 (down) 34.11 Gainers: 113; Losers: 95; Unchanged: 43; Total: 251

Close

2.4 0.83 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 23 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 0.83 5.73

64.85 61.85 62.5 0.830 0.820 0.820 1.23 1.17 1.18 2.03 1.99 2.00 1.25 1.25 1.25 4.80 4.80 4.80 5.21 5.13 5.13 0.109 0.104 0.109 0.2850 0.2600 0.2850 0.480 0.460 0.465 44.10 41.00 43.95 16.5 15.7 16.46 33.30 33.00 33.10 1.74 1.7 1.72 3.38 3.27 3.27 30.95 30.00 30.10 0.99 0.97 0.98 1.070 1.020 1.020 6.160 6.020 6.110 SERVICES 7.5 7.55 7.48 7.48 52.7 57.75 51.8 52.05 1.21 1.23 1.22 1.23 0.600 0.630 0.600 0.630 11.1 11.26 11.1 11.26 5.92 5.9 5.8 5.85 5.80 5.95 5.70 5.70 0.0970 0.1000 0.0960 0.0990 2.82 2.87 2.81 2.85 99.4 101.3 99.4 99.5 9.8 10.18 9.8 9.83 5.40 5.90 5.43 5.80 3.86 3.85 3.23 3.84 2292 2328 2278 2282 6.34 6.35 6.28 6.30 17.00 17.20 16.80 16.96 22.00 20.30 20.20 20.30 1.20 1.22 1.20 1.22 66.5 66.8 64.1 64.1 25.00 27.00 23.80 24.65 186.1 209 186 194 0.0091 0.0092 0.0091 0.0092 9.38 9.37 9.36 9.37 0.345 0.350 0.340 0.345 1.8000 1.9100 1.8000 1.8800 2.75 2.87 2.7 2.72 12.86 12.7 12.7 12.7 6.74 6.77 6.71 6.75 3.18 3.17 3.06 3.11 1.22 1.21 1.06 1.06 2.59 2.62 2.62 2.62 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 0.600 0.610 0.560 0.590 2 2.02 2.02 2.02 3.44 3.62 3.47 3.6 5.20 5.19 5.10 5.10 3.650 3.720 3.610 3.680 12.18 12.26 12.22 12.22 5.20 5.20 5.10 5.10 2.66 2.8 2.68 2.68 139.00 142.10 139.00 139.50 16.88 16.86 15.66 16.60 2094.00 2100.00 2066.00 2068.00 0.440 0.450 0.435 0.440 1.140 1.150 1.120 1.150 48.10 48.75 48.05 48.55 86.80 87.05 86.80 86.90 6.42 6.55 6.42 6.50 3.13 3.32 3.05 3.28 0.650 0.670 0.650 0.650 3.53 3.55 3.51 3.54 0.330 0.335 0.330 0.335 6.500 6.900 6.490 6.780 MINING & OIL 0.0041 0.0041 0.0041 0.0041 3.00 3.13 3.04 3.12 4.39 4.38 4.27 4.27 0.230 0.232 0.227 0.232 7.1500 7.15 7 7.0800 7.4000 7.7700 7.0000 7.7700 0.6 0.61 0.59 0.61 0.485 0.500 0.485 0.490 8.90 8.90 8.66 8.66 0.880 0.900 0.880 0.880 0.305 0.305 0.290 0.290 0.239 0.241 0.239 0.239 0.255 0.255 0.250 0.255 0.0120 0.0130 0.0120 0.0120 0.0130 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 1.81 1.86 1.8 1.86 5.73 5.91 5.68 5.7 2.97 3 2.9 2.95 0.5500 0.5700 0.5500 0.5700 1.1900 1.1900 1.1700 1.1800 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 4.13 4.14 4.14 4.14 8.42 8.54 8.43 8.54 4.32 4.49 4.34 4.39 0.0120 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 119.90 121.90 120.20 121.00 3.9 3.98 3.88 3.88 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 PREFERRED 52.6 53 50.45 51.7 520 520 520 520 545 545 545 545 116 116 116 116 6.1 6.1 6.08 6.1 1.05 1.08 4.06 1.08 111.8 111.8 111.8 111.8 1040 1045 1045 1045 1120 1020 1020 1020 75.75 77.9 76.5 76.5 81 81.4 80 80 76.9 77.3 77 77.3 79 79 79 79 78.4 78.5 78 78.5 79 79.4 79.4 79.4 77 77.1 77 77.1 77.1 77.1 76.5 77 2.35 2.5 2.2 2.5 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.900 2.970 2.810 2.890 SME 5 5.43 4.48 5.27 3.52 3.77 3.5 3.74 5.7 5.98 5.68 5.9 17.22 17.2 16.94 17 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 132.9 133 131.7 131.8

T op g ainerS VALUE 798,206,729.86 2,020,235,160.4415 1,700,468,635.262 1,796,572,679.535 1,094,830,360.664 175,149,151.974 7,750,852,851.2375

Low

10.96 0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 27 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 1.62 8.59

1,791,780.00

-71,643,030.00 155,000.00

Close

-19,998,741.00 -296,510.00 78,869,160.00 -12,613,853.00

899,992.00 20,460,635.00 -99,497,930.00 5,150.00 12,290,559.00 -695,081.00 4,880.00 46,620.00 -24,377,471.00 -34,650.00 193,930.00 20,956,899.50 -16,322,130.00 -556,772.00 -1,517,566.50 -5,775.00

312,534 21,200.00

-8,989,260.00 10,406,550.00 72,200.00 10,720.00 -678,473.00 -23,188,380.00 1,140.00 34,885,485.00 4,236,763.50 -38,880.00 1,029,380.00 -1,811,140.00 469,799.00 198,600.00 42,750.00 18,560.00

-5,285,500.00 2,050.00 -4,557,770.00

-24,840.00 -486,990.00 -451,980.00 9,100.00 12,753,570.00 -92,754.50 -1,778,400.00 -5,210,620.00

-4,001,800

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

BHI Holdings Inc.

1000.00

42.86

Lorenzo Shipping

1.06

Seafront `A'

2.75

14.58

Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

4.23

-13.11 -10.00

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0130

8.33

PCOR-Preferred B

1020

-8.93

Manila Mining `B'

0.0140

7.69

Grand Plaza Hotel

20.30

-7.73

DFNN Inc.

5.80

7.41

Geograce Res. Phil. Inc.

0.290

-4.92

Pryce Corp. `A'

3.5

7.03

Suntrust Home Dev. Inc.

1.020

-4.67

Swift Pref

2.5

6.38

Phil. Realty `A'

0.465

-4.12

Prime Media Hldg

1.350

6.30

Asiabest Group

14

-4.11

Makati Fin. Corp.

3.74

6.25

Philippine trust Co.

500

-3.85

City & Land Dev.

1.09

5.83

I.C.T.S.I.

64.1

-3.61

SATURDAY: JULY 23, 2016

B3

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

Steel Asia set to invest $500m Market retreats; Alterra, Cemex up STOCKS retreated Friday, ending a three-day rally and preventing the benchmark index from setting a new record, following overnight losses on Wall Street and on concern central banks around the world are drawing back from injecting stimulus.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, fell 76 points, or 1 percent, to close at 8,025.35. Despite Friday’s loss, it was still up 15.4 percent since the start of the year.

The broader all-share index also dropped 34 points, or 0.7 percent, to settle at 4,794.03, on a value turnover of P7.8 billion. Advancers outnumbered losers, 113 to 95, while 43 issues were unchanged.

Eight of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led

by Alterra Capital Partners Inc. which jumped 5.4 percent to P5.27 and Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. which climbed 2.1 percent to P11.94.

Meanwhile, Asian markets fell Friday, with traders left disappointed by comments from central banks in Japan and Europe that caused them to roll back their stimulus hopes.

Trading floors worldwide have been humming with excitement for the past few weeks, racking up trillions of dollars in gains, as leaders promised measures to kickstart economies in the wake of Britain’s shock EU exit vote.

The upbeat outlook, strong US data and expectations Japan would unveil a huge stimulus— reportedly worth 20 trillion yen—also sent the yen tumbling against the dollar.

However, the Japanese unit soared Thursday after the BBC aired a month-old interview with Bank of Japan governor Haruhiko Kuroda in which he said “no need and no possibility” for so-called helicopter money to be part of any package.

The strategy of helicopter money sees the bank funnel cash directly into the economy, such as putting cash straight into people’s bank accounts, rather than the more traditional bond-buying method.

Losses were recorded in Asia, with Tokyo down 1.1 percent by the close, while Hong Kong lost 0.3 percent in late trade and Shanghai ended down 0.9 percent.

Sydney eased 0.3 percent, Singapore was down 0.4 percent and Seoul was 0.1 percent lower. There were also losses in Taipei and Jakarta.

“The concern about global central banks withdrawing from providing further stimulus definitely affects markets across the board, from the US to emerging markets,” Ang Kok Heng, chief investment officer at Phillip Capital Management in Kuala Lumpur, told Bloomberg News.

With AFP, Bloomberg

By Othel V. Campos

STEEL Asia Manufacturing Corp. on Friday announced a $500-million expansion program that will increase production of wire rods, steel plates and steel sections.

Steel Asia president Ben Yao said the planned expansion was expected to meet increasing demand for steel and support other industries such as shipbuilding.

“The Philippines has become the region’s laggard in terms of steel production. We used to be ahead of everybody else in the region, next to Japan. Our expansion into diverse downstream products will not only improve industry competitiveness but will also stabilize local prices,” he said.

He said Steel Asia was expected

to post P29 billion in revenues in 2016, up from P27 billion in 2015.

The company booked a profit after tax of P1.5 billion last year.

Yao said the planned investment would involve $200 million for the construction of a wire rod mill in Candelaria Quezon, $200 million for the steel section mill and $100 million for the steel plate mill in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Philippines remains a net importer of wire rods, steel plates and steel sections.

The Candelaria plant, once completed, is estimated to pro-

duce up to 600,000 metric tons of wire rods. These rods are used to manufacture nuts and bolts, wire mesh, wire rope springs, industrial machinery and lattice girder.

Steel Asia said the wire rod mill would partly address local demand estimated at 800,000 metric tons annually.

Yao said the company might form a joint venture with strategic partners for the steel plate and steel section mills. He said going public was also on the table.

“This model is not new to us.

We had National Steel of Singapore as our strategic partner for our rebar plants in the previous years. But we have since moved on as a wholly-owned Filipino company. For the plates and section mills, we might be getting foreign partners,” said Yao. The company plans to tap Ko-

rean or Japanese technologies for the plates and section mills.

Yao said financing was not a problem for Steel Asia, given its track record of nearly 50 years in the steel business. Most of its processing plants were funded through project financing.

He said while the company was finalizing plans for more downstream processing, it was also pursuing an ongoing capacity expansion for rebar production.

The ongoing construction of the Bulacan and Cebu plants will add another 2 million MT in capacity in three years to the company’s current 2.1 million MT production.

Steel Asia is the country’s dominant player in rebar production with 50 percent share of the market. There are 12 more local players accounting for the remaining 50 percent of the rebar market.

Century Properties meeting. Real estate developer Century Properties Group Inc. announces during its stockholders meeting that it expects to deliver 31 residential buildings comprising 18,000 units and 1.34 million square meters of gross floor area by 2020. Shown during the meeting are (seated, from left) board director Ricardo Cuevas, chairman and chief executive Jose Antonio and independent directors Jose Cuisia Jr. and Carlos Ejercito. With them are (standing, from left) investor relations director Kristina Garcia, chief financial officer Jose Carlo Antonio, corporate treasurer Rafael Yaptinchay, managing director Jose Roberto Antonio and vice president for corporate affairs Carlos Benedict Rivilla IV.

3M opens global service center in Fort Bonifacio US CONGLOMERATE 3M Corp. on Friday opened a global service center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, becoming the company’s third global hub.

3M executive president for international operations Hak Cheol Sin said the company would also launch a consumer technical service facility in the Philippines in the next three months. GSC Manila will employ 880 Filipinos.

“The GSC is an internal function of the company. It aims to simplify and standardize processes into a single global system that we will deploy to all our offices around the world,” Sin said.

He said the Manila hub was the

second largest in the world, next to the one in San Jose, Costa Rica that opened early this year. The first hub in Poland opened in 2015.

The global science and manufacturing firm produces more than 55,000 products throughout the world, ranging from household products, adhesives, abrasives, non-wovens, fire protection, dental and orthodontic products, electronic materials, medical and car care products. Its brands include Scotch-Brite, Scotch, Post-it and Command.

3M executives said they decided to establish presence in the Philippines, because of the coun-

try’s huge growth potential.

The Philippines GSC will be responsible for critical processes in finance, sourcing and procurement and human resources. It will also provide IT support for quality, reporting, analytics, security and database management.

The newly-built 3M GSC facility is located at Bonifacio Stopover Corporate Center in Taguig.

“We chose Manila as our third GSC facility because of the Philippines’ strategic advantages which include a well-qualified workforce with service center expertise,” said 3M vice president for global services Ippo Vrohidis.

The Manila hub will employ

about 880 heads and expects to end 2016 with an initial workforce of 130.

“All three GSCs will work together to strengthen 3M’s internal operations and provide the highest level of service to clients around the world,” said Vrodihis.

GSC Philippines is expected to be an important part of 3M’s efforts to position itself as a leading science and manufacturing company and a provider of services at a global level.

The facility is a crucial enterprise that will help achieve its goal of putting clients first and achieving service excellence.

Othel V. Campos

SATURDAY: JULY 23, 2016

B4

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

IN BRIEF Pera guidelines up THE Bureau of Internal Revenue on Friday issued the guidelines of the Personal Equity and Retirement Account Act of 2008, or the Pera law.

BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay issued a directive spelling out the guidelines and procedures for proper administrative reporting of Pera transactions involving contributions, income, withdrawals and terminations.

Individuals under the Republic Act No. 9505 are allowed to set up their own Pera which shall enjoy certain tax incentives.

Dulay reiterated that contributions to Pera not exceeding P100,000 every year could come from employees or their employers or self-employed individuals For migrant Filipino workers, the maximum amount they could invest in Pera was limited up to P200,000 a year.

The BIR also said that a contributor may create and maintain a maximum of five Peras at any one time.

The BIR said a 5-percent tax credit is entitled to an employee of self-employed contributor, which will be credited against their income tax liabilities for the same year. Gabrielle H. Binaday

GDP growth over 7% Free insurance. Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop president and chief executive Jean Henri Lhuillier (fourth from left) presents a certificate to

Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc (third from right) representing the free insurance coverage of one million Filipinos nationwide. With them are (from left) Cebuana Lhuillier group head Michael Sena, Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corp. president Betty Medialdea, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions vice president Phillippe Andre Lhuillier, Pioneer Insurance president and CEO Lorenzo Chan and CLIS general manager Jonathan Batangan.

LINO SANTOS

LTFRB freezes Grab, Uber service requests

By Darwin G Amojelar

THE Durterte government on Friday suspended the approval of new transportation network vehicle service applications due to a pending review of existing policies and certain issues.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in a

directive suspended the acceptance of all TNVS applications proposing to ply on the route within Metro Manila or entering the capital region.

“The Technical Division is directed not to accept any TNVS applications upon the effectivity of this circular. All Regional Offices are likewise not to accept TNVS applications with proposed route to operate entering Metro Manila,”

the directive said.

The order will take effect immediately after its publication in at least one newspaper.

Cherie Mercado, spokesperson of the Transportation Department, said the suspension of new TNVS application was due to the higher volume of applications and review of fare scheme.

Transportation said a total of 29,151 pending TNVS applications were filed with LTFRB as of July 15.

Grab had 5,727 applicants while

Uber had 23,293 applicants. Uhop received 131 requests.

Brian Cu, country head of Grab Philippines, said thousands of aspiring TNV operators would be affected by the latest development, along with the thousands of passengers who rely on the company’s services daily.

“At the moment, there is still more demand for our services than supply and the capping of applications will only take away an alternative for individuals who want to earn extra or those who want to improve their livelihoods,” Cu said.

“TNVs do not add to the congestion on the roads in Manila. In fact, we offer the solution by providing vehicles the technology that utilize GPS data to work around traffic and road hazards. This takes away coasting along roads to pick up passengers at random intervals, maximizing time spent on the road and

cost efficiency,” he added.

Cu said Grab would like to extend its support to aid the LTFRB in strengthening the policies and regulations, which will help push for the betterment of the transportation industry.

“We would like to respectfully request to be included in the dialogue because we firmly believe that we are part of the solution to the issues of the industry,” he said.

Uber said in a statement while it respected the decision of the LTFRB to suspend the acceptance and processing of new TNVS application, it impeded “our goal to get more people into fewer cars.”

“Fewer drivers on Uber leads to lower reliability of service for riders in Metro Manila, who have come to rely on Uber as a viable alternative to buying and driving their own private vehicles,” Uber said.

Row between telecom firms, anti-trust body heats up GLOBE Telecom Inc. wants the government’s newly created anti-trust body to summon the National Telecommunications Commission to clear certain issues about the acquisition of the telecommunications assets of San Miguel Corp.

Globe, a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., said it was “puzzled” until now why the Philippine Competition Commission had claimed the notice and filing were insufficient.

“Globe has bent backwards more than it can to accommodate PCC and comply its requests for more information. PCC perhaps might be looking for a non-existent document,” the company

said.

“The PCC would have been more enlightened if it just coordinated with the NTC as to how this transaction was treated historically and how spectrum was assigned and allocated,” Globe said.

Sources said the PCC wanted PLDT Inc. and Globe to submit the co-use agreement of frequency between them as approved by the NTC. Globe said it had provided the PCC with more information and documents in succeeding filings on June 9 and 15.

“Globe graciously gave these additional documents for their reference and information though

no longer required by their own rules. Globe even sought a dialogue with the PCC to answer and clear any issue the PCC may have,” it said.

“Globe is disappointed that PCC is not considering this transaction in accordance with their own rules. This is whimsical and we cannot be subjected to some processes the PCC just conjured for this transaction, and not properly disclosed beforehand. This is in violation of the equal protection and due process clause of the Constitution. This is bad for business,” the Globe said.

PLDT, meanwhile, said the notices were filed on time and contained the essential terms of the

transaction.

“The transaction has been deemed approved by operation of the provisions of the Commission’s transitory circulars,” PLDT said.

“The Commission has no power or authority to interpret its rules as it deems fit. The terms of the Commission’s transitory circulars were clear and left no room for interpretation. It behooves the Commission to follow its own rules,” it added.

The P70-billion deal between PLDT, Globe and San Miguel was sealed on May 30, while the PCC rules were published on June 3 and would take effect after 15 days. Darwin G. Amojelar

THE economy likely grew over 7 percent in the second quarter, stronger than 6.9 percent a quarter ago, as different indicators show a more robust outlook in the period, a high-ranking Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas official said Friday.

Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo cited higher vehicle and energy sales and the positive results of business expectations survey and consumer expectations survey.

“It could be higher based on those indicators,” Guinigundo said. Joint data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and Truck Manufacturers Association showed car sales in June jumped 36 percent to 32,993 units from 24,185 year-on-year on the back of attractive financing deals and promotional packages.

The figure brought car sales in the first half of 2016 to 167,481 units, up 27 percent from 131,465 units on year.

Meanwhile, the Business Expectations Survey in the second quarter showed the overall confidence index rose to 48.7 percent from 41.9 percent a quarter ago, indicating more businesses were optimistic on the country’s economic prospects for the second quarter. Julito G. Rada

FDI grace period THE Monetary Board, the policy-setting body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, approved a one-year grace period for registration of foreign direct investments.

“This will cover all FDIs that are existing and already recorded in the books of the investee firm, regardless of the date when funding for the investment was made via inward remittance of foreign exchange (FX) or transfer of assets to the Philippines,” Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a statement Friday.

“The new measure is part of the BSP’s continuing efforts to facilitate the use of FX resources of the banking system for legitimate purposes, including outward remittance in the FX equivalent of peso divestment proceeds from, and income on, registered FDIs,” he said.

The Monetary Board in 2013 approved the adoption of a one-year prescriptive period within which applications for FDI registration must be filed with Bangko Sentral. Julito G. Rada

New reclamation THE operator of Manila Harbour Centre signed a joint venture agreement with the City of Manila for the reclamation of 50 hectares as an extension of the country’s first and only private international commercial port for bulk and break-bulk cargoes in Vitas, Tondo.

The Reghis Romero-led Habour Centre Port Terminal said it would invest almost P7.4 billion in the reclamation project.

The project will add another 20 hectares with a kilometer-long berthing facility to the Harbour Centre PortTerminal, which has been experiencing difficulties in accommodating the increase in the volume of vessels and cargoes at the port.

HCPT’s annual cargo volume rose to 6 million metric tons in the last five years from only 3 million metric tons.

The company said the additional one kilometer ould extend HCPT’s berth to a total of 2,115 meters, increasing its capacity to handle large vessels from 14 to 16.

The additional 20 hectares from the 50-hectare reclamation project will also expand HCPT’s apron and backuparea to a total 32 hectares from the current 12 hectares. Darwin G. Amojelar

S AT U R D AY : J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

B5

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Student leader in HK pleads not guilty HONG KONG—A Hong Kong student protester pleaded not guilty Friday to multiple criminal charges over a demonstration against a pro-Beijing figure, a day after the conviction of an “Umbrella Revolution” leader was blasted by rights activists.

The court cases come with feelings running high in the city over fears that Beijing is tightening its grip.

Billy Fung, former president of Hong Kong University’s student union, faces a raft of charges over a protest at the university in January where students stormed a council meeting.

Supporters gathered outside the court to support Fung Friday, a day after teenage protest leader Joshua Wong and two other prominent student activists were convicted for a protest that sparked major prodemocracy rallies in Hong Kong, known as the “Umbrella Revolution”.

That prosecution was slammed by rights group Amnesty International, which said the “vague charges” against Wong, Alex Chow and Nathan Law “smacked of political payback”.

Speaking outside the court Friday, Fung said he worried other students could be targeted, after pleading not guilty to four charges criminal intimidation, disorderly conduct in a public place, criminal damage and attempted forcible entry.

The charges all relate to the student siege of the meeting in January in protest at the appointment of pro-Beijing Arthur Li to a senior administrative role.

Around 200 students surrounded an HKU building and refused to let both Li, who is council chairman, and the vice-chancellor of the university leave the meeting, according to reports at the time. They said Li “forced” their hand due to his unwillingness to speak with them.

Fung, now 22, was accused of shouting: “Don’t let him go! Don’t let Arthur Li go! Kill him, kill him!” according to a court charge sheet.

Heavy flooding. This photo taken on July 21, 2016, shows Chinese soldiers carrying sandbags to reinforce a damaged road hit by heavy flooding in Fangshan District in Beijing. Torrential rain lashing northern China in recent days has left nearly 100 people dead or missing. AFP

Crackdown in Turkey called ‘unacceptable’ ISTANBUL—Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday faced growing EU criticism over an “unacceptable” crackdown that has seen tens of thousands of people detained or sacked, as supporters celebrated the defeat one week ago of the coup aimed at ending his rule.

The authorities imposed a state of emergency on Thursday, strengthening state powers to round up suspects behind the failed military putsch and suspending a key European rights convention.

The European Union urged Turkey “to respect under any circumstances the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms”, foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn said in a joint statement.

They slammed as “unacceptable” the sacking or suspension of tens of thousands of people in the education system,

judiciary and the media and said they were monitoring the state of emergency “with concern”.

Turkey’s Western allies have been watching with alarm the turmoil in the key NATO member state, which has also been reeling from a wave of bomb attacks by Islamic State group jihadists and Kurdish rebels.

But at home, Erdogan basked in the support of jubilant crowds who took to the streets of Istanbul overnight.

Huge numbers were again expected to fill city squares Friday to celebrate Erdogan’s victory over the rebels, whose

botched coup last Friday with troops, tanks and fighter jets claimed 265 lives.

The president has said July 15 would in future be marked as the “Remembrance Day of the Martyrs”.

Thousands of Erdogan supporters many carrying torches and waving the national crescent flag streamed across the Bosphorus bridge that was one of the key battlegrounds.

Flocking to the landmark where Turkish citizens stood up to the mutineers, they brandished signs such as “Our flag, our nation” and denounced the man Erdogan blames for the coup plot -- US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, 75.

Erdogan has repeatedly rallied citizens on TV and even with mass phone text messages to stay on the streets in the fight against the “terrorist” followers of the spiritual leader whom he accuses of forming a secretive “parallel state” in Turkey.

Late Wednesday, after a marathon

meeting of his national security council, Erdogan declared a three-month state of emergency -- Turkey’s first since 2002, the year before he first came to power as prime minister.

Turkey also said it would suspend parts of the European Convention on Human Ri ghts.

The emergency powers allow Erdogan and his cabinet to rule by decree and rights groups and opposition parties fear they could lead to further curbs on freedoms of speech and assembly.

“The road to arbitrary rule, unlawful behavior, feeding on violence, has been chosen,” charged the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party.

“Society has been forced to choose between a coup or an undemocratic government.”

Erdogan has insisted democracy would “not be compromised”, while his government pointed out that France had also declared an emergency in the wake of the bloody jihadist attacks. AFP

North Korea’s economy shrinks by 1.1%

Pose. This photo taken on April 22, 2016, shows soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army posing for pictures in front of a 105-foot statue of the late Chairman Mao Zedong in Changsha, Hunan province. AFP

SEOUL—North Korea’s economy contracted for the first time in five years in 2015, the South’s central bank said Friday, undermining leader Kim Jong-Un’s stated policy of simultaneous military and economic development.

The isolated North’s gross domestic product appeared to have shrunk 1.1 percent last year the first downturn since 2010 and the sharpest fall since 2007, the Bank of Korea said.

The figure was based on information compiled from state and private organizations, as Pyongyang does not make public its official economic data.

According to the estimate, almost all sectors except for construction and services suffered sharp declines, par-

ticularly mining and utilities including power and gas.

The mining sector contracted 2.6 percent on the waning production of magnesite and iron ore, while the utilities industry dived 13 percent as a drought sapped hydroelectric power production, the BOK said.

The downturn came during a period of rapid development for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program topped by a fourth atomic test in January that resulted in a substantial tightening of international sanctions on Pyongyang.

Kim Jong-Un has repeatedly stated that economic growth enjoys the same priority as military development, but the BOK’s assessment suggests the

dual policy is well out of sync.

The tougher UN sanctions imposed in March were backed by North Korea’s main ally, China, which has continued to provide an economic lifeline to its maverick neighbor despite increasing frustration in Beijing with its nuclear ambitions.

China accounted for 91 percent of North Korea’s trade in 2015, followed by Russia, India and Thailand, a statement from South Korea’s TradeInvestment Promotion Agency said in June.

According to the BOK estimate, North Korea’s international trade was down 18 percent at $6.25 billion in 2015 the first contraction since 2009. AFP

B6

S AT U R D AY : J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

5 charged over truck attack in France PARIS—Five suspects have been formally charged over the truck attack in the French Riveria city of Nice that killed 84 people, the Paris prosecutor said Thursday, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, who mowed down crowds of people enjoying a Bastille Day fireworks display, had long plotted the carnage, prosecutor Francois Molins said.

The revelations come as the French government continues to be plagued by questions over possible security failings, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into potential oversights.

Molins said photos on Bouhlel’s phone showed he had likely already staked out the same July 14 event in 2015.

It also emerged that one of the five suspects in custody, a Tunisian named Mohamed Oualid G., had filmed the scene the day after the carnage, as it crawled with paramedics and journalists.

The five were brought before anti-terrorism judges late Thursday and charged.

They are 22-year-old Franco-Tunisian Ramzi A., 37-year-old Tunisian Chokri C., 40-year-old Tunisian Mohamed Oualid G., 38-yearold Albanian Artan H., and his wife Enkeledja Z. who holds both French and Albanian nationality.

None were known to intelligence services, and only Ramzi A., who was born in Nice, had a criminal record, for robbery and drug offenses.

He led police to discover a Kalashnikov and a bag of ammunition on Thursday, but the purpose of the weapons was unclear.

Ramzi, Chokri and Oualid were charged with being accomplices to murder by a terror group.

Ramzi and the Albanian couple faced a second charge, of breaking the law on firearms in relation to a terrorist crime.

They are accused of providing Bouhlel with the gun he fired at police officers before he was shot dead. AFP

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Italy scrambling to find more places for migrants ROME—Italy is scrambling to find extra places for incoming migrants amid fears the failure of a European relocation plan may result in mass encampments.

In attendance. Actress Imogen Poots attends Marc Jacobs celebrates Divine Decadence on July 21, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Rome bowed to pressure from the EU at the end of last year and implemented a rigorous system to identify all arrivals on its shores in exchange for a deal which should have seen thousands of refugees relocated across Europe.

But with many countries dragging their feet, Italy has found itself with growing numbers of migrants registered and blocked.

Some 135,000 people who have requested asylum are still waiting in Italian reception facilities to learn whether they will be allowed to stay and given the papers to travel, or will be earmarked for expulsion.

Frustrated by months of delays, some make their way to border crossings. Tighter security controls have made it harder to cross illegally into France, Switzerland and Austria, so many migrants set up camp while they wait for the opportunity.

The town of Ventimiglia on the Italy-France border has seen some 30,000 migrants break their journeys there since the start of 2016.

“We are doing everything to avoid a Calais-type scenario in Ventimiglia,” Mario Morcone, the interior ministry’s immigration chief, said this week, referring to the camp known as “the Jungle” in France, from where migrants attempt crossings to Britain.

The latest plan is to try and spread the weight more equally across Italy, housing two or three migrants per 1,000 residents.

“We do what we can, and try

to do it with dignity,” Morcone said, admitting he was “not very optimistic” about the weeks to come, as the flow of people setting out by boat for Italy from the coasts of North Africa continues unabated.

It was not clear whether the new plan would get asylum seekers off the streets. Ventimiglia mayor Enrico Ioculano has said his town, where migrants sleep under bridges or on the beach front, is “strangled by a system that does not work”.

Lake Como, best known as a playground for the rich and famous, has also had to make space for people who have set up camp in a park near the border with Switzerland as they bide their time for a chance to journey north.

Vast international media coverage of Austria’s plans to build a fence along the border at Brenner seems for now to have deterred migrants from trying to cross there, Arno Kompatscher, head of the Bolzano province, told AFP. But with every chance Brenner will make it back on the migrant route, and could soon have its own camp to deal with, Kompastcher is quick to insist “Italy cannot shoulder the weight of this phenomenon, alone, for the whole of Europe”.

Over 80,000 migrants have been plucked from rickety vessels in the Mediterranean and brought to ports across Italy this year.

There have been roughly the same number of arrivals as there were this time last year.

But the situation on the ground has changed.

Italy is no longer a transit country but “a territory they cannot leave,” Morcone told a Council of Refugees press conference.

Migrants finger-printed here have no choice but to remain. Rome has repeatedly failed to convince the EU to change its asylum rules, known as the Dublin Regulation, which stipulate that asylum seekers must apply in their country of arrival. AFP

Karadzic appeals 40-year sentence for genocide THE HAGUE —Wartime Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic on Friday lodged an appeal against his 40-year jail sentence for genocide, accusing UN judges of “subjecting him to a political trial.”

Karadzic, who appealed on 50 grounds before the UN’s Yugoslav war crimes court, “was subjected to a political trial that was simply designed to confirm the demonization of him and the Bosnian Serb people,” his lawyer Peter Robinson said in a statement.

Once the most powerful Bosnian Serb leader, Karadzic, 71, was sentenced on March 24 for genocide for the 1995 Srebrenica massacre and nine other charges stemming from the Balkan country’s brutal threeyear war.

Judges at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

ruled that Karadzic, the most high-profile figure convicted over the wars that tore the former Yugoslavia apart, bore criminal responsibility for murder and persecution during the Bosnian conflict.

Almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys were butchered and their bodies dumped in mass graves at Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia in mid-July 1995, when Bosnian Serb forces brushed aside lightly armed UN Dutch peace keepers protecting a UN safe area.

The massacre was the largest bloodshed on European soil since World War II. A long-time fugitive from justice until his arrest on a Belgrade bus in 2008, Karadzic was also found guilty of being behind the harrowing 44-month siege of Sarajevo in which 10,000 civilians died and a relentless campaign of sniping and shelling.

First day. Fans ride a vehicle decorated with flowers and images of Indian movie star Rajinikanth on the first day of release of his new Tamil-language film ‘Kabali’ in Bangalore on July 22, 2016. AFP

S AT U R D AY : J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

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

JOEL D. L ACSAMANA JOEL D. L ACSAMANA

EDITOR EDITOR

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‘CALLISTO’ IS NEW GEM IN CIRCUIT MAKATI

By Joel D. Lacsamana ALVEO Land recently launched a new residential project in he Circuit Makati: a two-tower condominium dubbed Callisto.

Alveo, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, now counts three main projects in Circuit Makati, including workspaces-for-sale The Stiles Enterprise Plaza and two-tower residential condominium Solstice. With rising interest in the area, the developer is set to launch approximately one tower every year for the next 20 years right in Circuit Makati.

This new 21-hectare district is a major node of Ayala Land’s massive redevelopment of the country’s premier financial district. With its current attractions in full operation, including a massive events area, thriving retail strip, and a black box theater, Circuit Makati is living up to its reputation as a growing entertainment and lifestyle destination since its launch in 2012.

“The main difference between the Callisto and Solstice is the unit mix,” said Rufino S. Gutierrez, project, sales, and marketing group head of Alveo Land. “Solstice focuses more on big units such as one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, which make up approximately 78% of the total inventory, while Callisto Tower 1 is composed mostly of studio and one-bedroom units at a 76% unit mix.”

Guiterrez said Callisto Tower 1 will have a total of 430 residential units with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and special three-bedroom units.

Area sizes range from 28-32 sqm. for studio, 56-65 sqm. for one-bedroom, 85-106 sqm. for two-bedroom, 122-214 sqm. for three-bedroom and 116-122 sqm. for special three-bedroom units.

Floor-to-ceiling heights for

First movers in Alveo’s crosshairs. Callisto will have

its first tower rise 38-storeys high with its own retail component on the lower ground floor and upper ground floor.

Alveo is eyeing professionals who aspire to have a firstmover advantage within bustling Circuit Lane, as well as early nesters looking for their first homes in the city.

the living, dining and bedroom are at 2.7 meters high, a higher than average height for typical residential units. Callisto will also introduce special units called Investor Suites, which have a two-bedroom and a studio configuration separated by a foyer. Future residents will be given the flexibility to use one unit and lease the other, or even lease out both units.

Units will be priced P135,000 toP140,000 per sqm. Callisto will begin turnover of units in July 2022.

Property scout. Dot Property Group Philippines - www.dotproperty.

com.ph – gives property owners and real estate agents chance to to list their properties for sale and rent. For free.The group sees huge potential in the Philippines, given the “always-online” lifestyle of the local market which uses the internet extensively to scouting for properties. “There’s a great opportunity for us to further establish the portal as the preferred choice for consumers when it comes to buying or renting property, or looking for market intelligence,” said Alva Horgan, a managing director Dot Property Group. “Since arriving, Dot Property Philippines has signed some of the country’s leading property developers, real estate agents and other companies,” she claimed.

Sprucing up the QC CBD. The Araneta Group recently broke ground for the CyberPark Tower 2 (CPT2) at the Araneta Center in Quezon City. It is the latest project in the group’s redevelopment efforts of Quezon City’s premier mixed-use commercial business district. Present at the groundbreaking ceremony were the top executives of Araneta Center, Inc. (ACI), led by vice chairman Judy A. Roxas, and officers of Megawide Construction Corporation. The second PEZAregistered office tower to rise within the Araneta Center CyberPark Complex, the CPT2 is designed to meet the requirements of the offshoring and outsourcing industry.

CPT2 is the second of the five office buildings planned in the Araneta Center’s CyberPark – a P15billion master-planned office district.

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JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PROPERTY

GO-GETTERS’

LAIR

Megaworld’s ‘creative’ tower to spruce up Makati CBD

‘Pause and play’ room. Residents can hang out with friends while playing board, or computer games in this decidedly ‘hip’ space.

HOW do you make it big in this day and age?

For young go-getters who

want to stand out and create their own brand, this can only mean being creative, business-minded and street-smart.

To nail down the lifestyle of this new breed of high fliers, Megaworld is building its 28th residential development in the Makati central business district (CBD): The Ellis.

‘Go and make something.’ Targeted Ellis denizens check out a Makati CBD project where four walls do

not make a home. (Left to right) Shaira Luna of Jed Root Manila; Vince Golangco, founder of wheninmanila.com; Eugene Em Lozano, vice president for sales and marketing, Megaworld Makati CBD; Jacqueline Van De Ende, founder and CEO, Lamudi Philippines and MyProperty.ph; and Guji Lorenzana, event host.

Urban oasis. Sorrento Oasis, a mid-rise condominium community in Pasig City was recently cited as a highly-commended project in the Best Mid-Range Condo Development (Metro Manila) category of the recent Philippines Property Awards 2016. “This recognition validates the fulfillment of our vision to provide resort-style communities for urbanites right at the heart of the city,” said Vince Abejo, Filinvest senior vice president for medium-rise building projects. Sorrento Oasis features 14 five-storey condominium buildings set against a backdrop of verdant greens. Phase 2 adds three 10-storey buildings to complete this masterplanned development. Over 40% of the property is allocated to open spaces, gardens and amenities to provide a home of lush proportions.

Located at L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, The Ellis will have amenities that are designed for the modern, distinctive needs of its future residents. These include “colab” shared spaces, which is a non-conventional working space where residents can walk in, grab a cup of coffee, plug in their laptops and start working.

The “town hall” is a space for casual socials, intimate galas, movie showings, acoustic sessions or even art exhibits.

And for some more down time, residents will also have an al fresco poolside experience with a splendid view of the Makati CBD

skyline.

“We want to provided a place where everything is an amenity for the creative mind,” Eugene Em Lozano, vice president for sales and marketing, Megaworld Makati CBD, told The Standard at the media unveiling of the Ellis last week. “This project won’t just be a residential condo. It’ll be an outlook for a distinctive life,mindset, and lifestyle.”

The Ellis will have studio ( 58 units at 24 square meters each; 68 units at 34.5 square meters each); 42 units of one bedroom and 21 units of one bedroom plus studio unit configurations); and 21 two

bedroom as well as 21 two-bedroom plus studio (103 square meters) configurations.

There will also be loft units in the 8th floor, with a mezzanine.

Start of construction is expected next year, and Megaworld expects a sell-out product.

The developer is eyeing established businesses, including startup entrepreneurs, entry-level employees, as well as young nesters looking to invest in a modern, unconventional project where units can be linked to a main unit, then converted into a workspace, e.g. a small firm, studio workshop area, gallery or home office.

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

P OPYOU CU LT T HU RE

LIFE

The Mendoza family believes that homeschooling is a privilege whose rewards are worth it for both parents and children

LEARNING BEYOND CLASSROOMS

T

here are 15 million school-aged Salle University, this means shy students children in the Philippines, and will be quieter and participate less in school only about 700,000 licensed teachers discussions. This is one of the reasons why in public and private schools. The she opted homeschool for her son Paolo.

“Nothing beats one-on-one instruction,” enormous task of educating Filipino children can’t be placed on their shoulders says Marita. “My son can ask any question alone. Thankfully, there is a solution: whenever he wants, without being scared of Homeschooling. being judged or ignored. I chose homeschooling The Philippine Constitution upholds the to build up my son’s confidence. In our right of parents to teach homeschooling journey, their own kids (Article he has unconsciously Decades ago, XIV, Section 1). This started stripping away homeschooling wasn’t his shyness and fear resulted in the DepEd creating a “Home towards people because popular with most Education Program” of the confidence that he parents, because of (Memorandum No. 216 has gained.” the misconception that S. 1997) to encourage Abarquez also works and protect over 12,000 part-time in her parents’ only licensed teachers homeschoolers in the family business, so are knowledgeable or country. From this having the freedom to number, about 7,000 work and teach her son equipped enough to are affiliated with at home is a bonus. “I teach their children different homeschool like the freedom of home providers who comply education. Whenever with DepEd standards and requirements, we feel like it, we can homeschool anywhere and the rest are unregulated. we want – in cafes, outside Manila, etc. If I Decades ago, homeschooling wasn’t feel that the lesson will be better discussed popular with most parents, because of the “live,” we go on a field trip,” she says. misconception that only licensed teachers are knowledgeable or equipped enough Influencing self-learners to be to teach their children. But with the smarter through innovation For Arlan and Bles De Guzman, looking Internet and plenty of resources available today, knowledge is easier to access — so, for innovative ways to teach their children educating kids in the comforts of home through homeschooling, enables them to no longer seems daunting. Now, more personalize lessons that match each of their and more parents are practicing home four children’s respective learning styles.

The De Guzmans plan the lessons ahead education for their children. As best-selling author and homeschooling advocate Debra before the week begins, and most lessons focus Bell wrote in the latest edition of her book, on developing logic and exercising critical The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, “Our thinking skills. By the week’s end, they assess if each of their children really understood pioneer days are over.” and mastered their assigned topic, before

Bonding and bridging the gaps proceeding to the next lesson or theme.

In a typical Philippine classroom, 40 On a typical day, the household is up or more students compete for a teacher’s as soon as the sun rises, too. “We start attention. The wide attention gap can as early as possible every day, and try sometimes be hard for students to hurdle. to end academic subjects before lunch,” For Marita Abarquez, a graduate of De La shares Bles. “Afternoons are spent for arts,

music, or other enrichment sessions like researching and creating quarterly projects/ portfolio, or whatever things they have not completed in the morning. We allocate at least one day a week to meet with other homeschoolers by enrolling the kids in Music, Arts and/or Sports classes offered

by Homeschool Global (formerly TMA Homeschool), or informal classes formed by homeschooling moms/coops.”

The customized learning helps their children to become balanced, well-rounded individuals, and their efforts are paying off: their eldest, Amiel, is now 19 years old and is a 4th year Computer Engineering student at UP Diliman. Their second son, Aaron, is 17 years old and now taking up Industrial Engineering also at UP Diliman.

Both were homeschooled from preschool to high school, and performed well in the UPCAT entrance exam.

A classroom as big as the world

“Being able to homeschool is a privilege that not many can avail of, but for those that can, it is literally life-changing,” says Edric Mendoza, president of Homeschool Global. It takes extra effort especially for parents who are also breadwinners, but the rewards, they say, are worth it.

When Dr. Nyree Umali-Matanguihan and her husband Rey decided to homeschool their kids, they had to make some sacrifices. “It’s a challenge for me to work and at the same time homeschool two children,” says Dr. Nyree. “I’ve decreased my clinic hours significantly so that I could spend more time with the kids doing homeschool, but it feels that the hours in the day are still not enough.”

But Matanguihan has no regrets. “We get to nurture each of our children’s uniqueness. They don’t have to compete with other kids just to feel better, and I love the one-on-one interaction we have with them. We also get to travel during off-peak season because we are not bound by rigid school schedules. It’s like the world is our

Edric and Joy Mendoza

classroom, and they get to see how their mom and dad “fix people’s eyes” when we bring them with us to work. The kids have time to explore their interests, and get to develop friendships with kids and adults of all ages. These are just a few of what I love about homeschooling,” she beams.

While these three families have very different homeschooling schedules and styles, the one thing they have in common is their home education resource and support: Homeschool Global. Many graduates serviced by Homeschool Global have gone on to enter top universities and colleges in the country.

Homeschool Global helps families achieve true success through homeschooling, equipping them with excellent tools and strategies to create the best environment for learning. They have developed a homeschool community in the Philippines and abroad, that fosters genuine concern for one another,” says De Guzman.

“Homeschooling becomes easier and more rewarding, when you have a good support group like Homeschool Global.”

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LIFE isahred @ gmail.com

RELOADABLE CASH CARD EMPOWERS MILLENNIAL CONSUMERS

even out of 10 millennials prefer to use a debit card rather than a credit card for their purchases, according to a survey by a mobile bank account.

In an article published on time.com, Chime revealed that one of the reasons that make the young set of consumers hesitant about credit products is the lack of control on spending.

A viable alternative to credit card, and even debit card, is reloadable cash card that offers the same convenience of the former but with more control over one’s finances, such as PayMaya.

Formerly called Smart eMoney, PayMaya is a reliable financial companion of on-the-go millennials that would benefit from convenient transactions the product offers. PayMaya works by reloading the cash card at partner stores that include Smart Padala Centers, Bayad Centers, Robinson’s Malls, 7-Eleven convenience stores, and BDO Online.

To further gain foothold in the millennial demographic, PayMaya recently launched its #NowNation campaign that aims to empower its users to live in the ‘now.’

“Let’s seize today and let’s seize it now,” encourages Paolo Azzola, PayMaya chief operating officer. #NowNation focuses on “everyone.” It aims to build a nation led by financially empowered millennials that strive to be who they want to be.

“Cash is no longer key, e-cash is sometimes key for most of the time in online [transactions],” posits Benjie Hernandez, PayMaya chief operating officer.

BY BERNADETTE ANDREA I. CATALAN

Volleyball Alyssa Valdez

Fashion blogger Camille Co

PayMaya co-chief operating officer Paolo Azzola encourages millennials to seize the day

Hernandez further emphasizes how the e-cash platform is efficient and encompasses most transactions.

Since PayMaya is a Visa card, it is also accepted anywhere by 22 million partner merchants.

In addition, PayMaya can be used as Beep Card on LRT and MRT trains, and in BGC buses. It is the only cash card that is accepted for Uber transactions. It can also be used in transactions with online applications like Google, PayPay, iTunes, Spotify, Valve, Steamgames, Facebook, Grab and Lazada.

While PayMaya believes that it has the best platform for millennials, the company doesn’t want to rest on their achievements. It wants to turn consumers into ambassadors to further help them in their vision for the millennials to do their passion, to exhibit their power to make choices and to live in the now the best way possible.

In the upcoming months, PayMaya is set to release new game-changing partnerships with leading utility, telecommunications, pay TV, global social, and global payments companies in the country.

DJ Carlo Atendido

Sismundo ready for biggest fight of his life

Mario Sismundo is set to fight in the World Series of Fighting Global Championship 3

Mario Sismundo, who will fight on July 30 in the World Series of Fighting Global Championship 3: Philippines vs. the World card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, says he is more than just Manny Pacquiao’s doppelgänger.

Mario once doubled for Pacquiao for a TV commercial. He also hails from General Santos City and has plans of his own to be a world-renowned fighter.

The resemblance is striking, in fact, when he trains at Fitbox Gym in Makati, he is often mistaken as Pacquiao.

Sismundo says, “Sobrang na inspire ako na kamukha ko si Manny Pacquiao kasi yung kamukha ko o kahawig ko ay di ordinaryong tao, kundi, sikat sa buong mundo dahil sa kanyang galing sa boxing, at isa pa siyang Senador ngayon. Baka sa pagtiyatiyaga at sipag sa mga laban ko, isang araw, masundan ko rin ang yapak ng idolo ko.”

Sismundo continues, “Malaking bagay na nakasali ako sa ganitong kalaking

organization, na galing Amerika. Tulad sa akin, na galing sa General Santos City na matagal nang naghintay ng pagkakataon makalaban sa malaking audience, malaking bagay po talaga. Matagal ko po itong pinangarap at dinasal.”

This will be Mario Sismundo’s biggest fight in his entire boxing and MMA career, fighting for the first time in a 15,000-seater stadium in Quezon City, alongside fighters from all over the world.

Sismundo says his family, specially his father, has been supportive of his career all this time.

It is bittersweet though that in the biggest fight of his life – his fight will be the comain event on July 30 – his father won’t be able to watch it since he passed on just weeks ago.

“Sa pinakamalaking laban ng buhay ko, na matagal niyang hinintay, wala na siya…pero hindi iyon hadlang para ako manghina o mawalan ng gana lumaban,

bagkus, lalo ko pang pag-iigihan ang training ko para manalo sa laban na ito, dahil inaalay ko sa kanya ang laban na ito”, Sismundo says.

“At alam ko kahit wala na ang aking ama, manonood siya kahit nasa ibang mundo na siya”, adds Sismundo.

WSOF-GC will host WSOF-GC 3 Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 30.

Tickets start at P300.00 with ringside seats available for P4000.00.

Tickets are now on sale at www.etix. c om / t i ck e t / p / 2 9 8 8 9 8 2 / w s of - g l ob al championship-3philippines-quezon-citysmart-araneta-coliseum. A lucky member of the audience will also win P1,000,000.00.

Visit www.wsofgc.com/raffle for details.

Smart Araneta Coliseum has been host to many great events over the years, but is most notably known for Ali vs Frazier III ‘The Thrilla in Manila’.

Oishi Snacktacular 2016 Summer has winded down, but the rest of the year is about to get even more exciting with return of Oishi Snacktacular!

The fun-filled affair was held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, July 15-17 showcasing interactive booths, fan- favorite snacks, and Oishi’s iconic Team O members - Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Ramon Bautista, Alex Gonzaga, Slater Young, and Elmo Magalona.

It was time to press play to see Oishi’s innovative booths make their comeback at this year’s eight-bit inspired event.

The guests were inventive and imaginative at the Make Your Own Snack Booth, O-Twirl, Snack Shack and refreshing Slush C+. Crowd favorite Oishi Snack Catcher

was back as well. The visitors got strapped up and guided to an enormous pool of Oishi snacks and grabbed all the treats they could take.

Apart from the return of some of the classic booths, there were new and exciting activities, like Cuckoo Blaster in which guests could catch as many balls as possible with a Cuckoo suit on.

This year’s Snacktacular was made even more exciting it was the 70th year of Liwayway Marketing Corporation, the company behind Oishi with the World of O,Wow booth. The guests got a glimpse of Oishi snacks unique to other countries such as Pillows Buko from Vietnam, Pods Manchurian Style from India and more.

Guests in this year's Oishi Snacktacular took part in the eight interactive booths featuring Oishi products

To turn up the O, Wow factor even more, Maine Mendoza, Oishi Ribbed Crackling’s

endorser was introduced as Team O’s newest member.

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LIFE

isahred @ gmail.com

‘PISTA SA NAYON’ #INTHEMOMENT

BY FRANCIS DE LEON

I

have fond memories of town fiestas.

It gives me profound joy whenever I reminisce on the seemingly endless festivities—loads of food, traditional games, pulsating drumbeats from the marching band, folk dancing and the sense of jovial community it creates.

To this columnist, a typical “Pista sa Nayon” (or Village Fiesta), is an organized chaos where everyone is guaranteed a great time and goes home with happy-filled tummies enough to last them for days.

Levity aside, a fiesta is simply how the Filipino celebrates life!

“As you know, Filipinos everywhere love to celebrate and get together. That is why we have chosen Fiesta as the theme of our celebration today.” Consul Luis Ablaza, Jr. expressed during his welcome speech at the “Pista sa Nayon ni Kuya Luis Ablaza” at the family hideaway in Alfonso, Cavite. They welcomed over 300 guests from the business and diplomatic communities that came for Zambia Consul’s birthday.

He added, “Thank you for coming all the way here for my birthday party.

I’d rather call it my celebration of life and my family’s thanksgiving for God’s blessings and bounty. And our joy is now complete since you, our friends, are here with us to celebrate.”

The celebration began with a Thanksgiving Mass in the estate’s chapel followed by a barrio fiesta-themed preluncheon gathering where guests sampled appetizing local street food, sorbetes, and other refreshments.

The guests, in festive attire, were then ushered into the main dining hall for a “Boodle Feast” – a generous selection

Ablaza patriarch Consul Luis Ablaza (center) with Rocio, Xavier, Louie, Santi and Marc Thomas

of Filipino all-time favorite dishes and a buffet of mouthwatering desserts set in rows of banana leaves as the culinary centerpiece. A special presentation by Consul Luis’ grandchildren delighted the guests and dance performances by the world-renowned Bayanihan Dance Group kept the festivity in high spirit.

According to Consul Luis, the fiesta is our cultural heritage in motion. To attend one is to experience mainstream Filipino culture.

He explained, “The different fiestas tell

Hermano Mayor Consul Luis Ablaza with his custom made birthday cake--a replica of Amelia

the story of our past, of the acculturation and Christianizing of the Filipino; as well as the Filipinizing of Christianity. It is through fiesta that some of the customs and culture of our past survives. It is through fiesta we became Filipino.”

A fiesta tells the story of the Philippines’ colorful heritage and its people’s innate joy of sharing blessings to the community.

Through Consul Luis’ beautifully organized celebration, they have emphasized a true Filipino custom – that to be giving to others.

Santi, Xavier, and Marc Thomas Ablaza

Thank you to Hermano Mayor Luis, Hermana Mayora Mellie, and the entire Ablaza Family for being every inch a Filipino.

Mabuhay!

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram @francis_deleon8 for my life’s moments or email deleon_francis@yahoo.com if you want me to chronicle your milestones and capture your special moments.

PHOTOS BY LORNA LLANES

Rudy and Nora Robles

Women at the 13th Filipina Leadership Global Summit A high-powered gathering of some of the most extraordinary and inspiring Filipino women from all over the world takes place during the 13th Filipina Leadership Global Summit on Aug. 21 to 24 at the Shangri-La Mactan Hotel.

Filipino women leaders, influencers, thinkers and public figures will attend the global initiative launched 13 years ago by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) to foster a renewed understanding of the Filipino culture’s emerging influence as a community and create a network of Filipino women that will work together in shaping the Filipina image as effective leaders of society.

The organization started as a small group of Filipinas with a vision to identify and support Filipina leaders in the U.S.

It was established in San Francisco as a non-profit professional association for women of Philippine ancestry committed to promoting the social welfare of Filipinas worldwide and advocating their rights.

Today, FWN has evolved into a global community of powerful Filipinas representing multiple industries around the world.

One of the most-awaited events organized by FWN is the annual Filipina Leadership Global Summit that serves as a platform for discussions, learning journeys, and sharing strategies among members.

The highlight of the Summit is the Gala and Awards Night where the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World are recognized.

These women were selected for their outstanding work in their respective fields

and have risen to influential positions in corporations, organizations and government institutions, changing the face of leadership in their local communities and in their adopted countries.

The FWN100 Award was aptly divided into seven categories. Behind the Scenes Leaders recognizes Filipinas who have gone beyond the call of duty to advocate for those who need a voice or support the organization she works for; Builders honors women with deep passion for a cause through collaborative initiatives or alliances with NGO; Emerging Leaders are Filipina women who at the age of 35 are already making their own mark in a leadership role; Founders and Pioneers is for trailblazers, CEOs, presidents and founders of their companies; Innovators and Thought

Leaders pays tribute to those who changed the way people think and live by helping develop a product or service in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts or Mathematics; Nicole honors Filipinas whose words, action, and activism inspire others to act and revolutionize society’s way of understanding traditional beliefs and customers; and Policy Makers and Visionaries is given to Filipina women with exceptional acumen and forward-looking vision in the development or influencing of policies, campaigns and laws that impact business, industry and society.

To know more about FWN, check out its website www.filipinawomensnetwork.org.

For inquiries, please call Chit Lijauco (09178866181) or Raquel Hizon (09189230694).

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LIFE

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LESPORTSAC’S

Flight Crossbody in classic red

TRAVEL SYSTEM COLLECTION

F

ollowing the worldwide launch of its essential launch in Spring 2016, iconic lifestyle brand LeSportsac continues to move onward, upward and fashion forward with its new Travel System, a unisex collection of 28 functional bags in shapes and sizes tailored to today’s global traveler.

The LeSportsac Travel System is casual, functional, packable and portable – ideal for fast-paced travel and life on the go.

Made with innovative tech materials such as water-repellent, wrinkle-resistant shape memory fabric, rubber coated hardware, all black webbing, mesh details and a silver twist on the signature LeSportsac logo, the collection is as durable as it is beautifully designed. Even the smallest detail keeps the savvy traveler in mind, right down to the hangtag, which can be converted into an ID luggage tag. The entire system combines the modern, effortless functionality and fun of LeSportsac with heritage values of weightlessness, vibrant design and timeless appeal for one smart, streamlined solution.

Arriving in stores around the globe in August, the new collection – composed of travel must-haves including weekenders, crossbodies, backpacks, totes, small accessories and a new convertible beltbag – is a complete package for any and all travel needs. Strong yet lightweight, the bags are packed with efficiency inside

and out: thoughtful necessities like multiuse pockets, water bottle sleeves, adjustable detachable straps and reusable pouches with handles are versatile and adaptable, making every journey effortless. Each bag folds up for maximum portability when not in use, and the larger pieces are sold in a reusable pouch, for all-in-one flexibility and value that resonates with today’s consumers who are always on the move.

Immediately recognizable in a landscape of same-looking travel bags, LeSportsac Travel System styles stand out with vivid color and unique travel prints, trimmed in sophisticated black. The new collection comes in 16 brilliant colors, chic neutrals and exclusive evergreen prints.

“Our Travel System is a novel idea and an exciting opportunity to expand distribution while addressing the realtime wants, needs and shopping locations of today’s global traveler,” says, Manabu Fukugaki, President of LeSportsac Inc., owner of the LeSportsac brand since 2011.

“Not only are we focused on designing must-have bags for the 21st century, but we are also creating a dynamic retail approach to fit the mobile lifestyle of the 21st century consumer.”

Passport Wallet in dive

Passport Wallet in snap dragon

The kind of car millennials dream of So you think you have already seen the best that the modern car industry can offer you? Hold your breath for a new discovery. The world’s authority when it comes to automotive innovation and design is again raising the standard in luxury sedan. Mercedes-Benz has unveiled in the Philippine market its latest showcase of technological innovations— the new E-Class.

This extremely elegant automobile is armed with the best in driving features and adorned with top-of-the-line accessories for optimum comfort and drive. It boasts of the latest technological advancements that will surely set the industry’s bar to a higher level.

Well fitted with a 360-degree network of cameras, sensors and radars, the new E-Class puts safety first to a whole new level.

Proudly, the E-Class boasts of a sensual interior with spacious architecture that gives it a luxurious edge over its contemporaries. Warm shades of brown leather suit ergonomically designed seats, balancing a sporty aesthetic with long-ride comfort seating. Open-pore wood accents and an impressive 64-color

Photo shows (from left) Auto Nation Group, Inc. Chairman Greg T. Yu, Daimler South East Asia CEO Wolfgang Huppenbauer, Auto Nation Group, Inc. President Felix R. Ang, Alabang Auto Icon President Dexter G. Co., CATS Motors, Inc. President Rene G. Nuñez and Global Stars Motors Corp. President Edward Onglatco

interior lighting make the inside of the new E-Class ambient.

From left: Felix R. Ang, Gregorio Yu, Ernest Cu, Richard Tiu and Rikki Dee

Optionally available are two highresolution wide screen displays (12.3

Liwayway Marketing Corp. founder Carlos Chan, Mila Drilon and Senator Franklin Drilon

inches diagonally each) that form a beautiful focal point for a fully digital cockpit. There is a pair of touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel manageable by both thumbs and a Touchpad by the center console, providing ease of access to the E-Class’ infotainment system, without the strain of an extra movement or the risk of one’s safety.

And for its driver’s added pleasure, a choice of five driving modes is made available—“Comfort,” “Eco,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” and “Individual” (personalized).

While its engine guarantees the smoothest, most luxurious drive, inside the car is a masterclass on interior design, marrying the joys of the senses with the cool ease of technology, only amplifying the pure satisfaction of driving and riding the new E-Class.

While man continues to look ahead for a future better, safe, beautiful, easy, and comfortable driving past the dreamers and leaving those who choose to stay behind is the stunning new Mercedes-Benz E-Class—an intelligent and elegant car made for tomorrow, already here, today.

Rolex General Manager for the Philippines Wolfgang Weilbach and daughter Annika

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

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JAY-R MOUNTS U.S. CONCERT TOUR

FEATURING

OPM UPSTARTS

O

Fresh from their successful tour in the US, RnB stars Jay-R (left) and Kris Lawrence (right) are back in the country

PM is alive and well in America.

King of RnB Jay-R is back in the Philippines after a successful U.S. concert tour headlined by himself and Kris Lawrence featuring promising upstarts from Homeworkz record label.

Dubbed Original Music Only, the concert series kicked off at Rancho Del Ray, San Diego, California (June 17), and moved on to Los Angeles’ Colony Theater (June 18); Ichiban, San Francisco (June 24); Sheraton La Guardia, New York (June 25); and Silverton Casino, Las Vegas (July 2).

Among the featured performers were Kris Lawrence, Robin Nievera, Mica Javier, Q-York, Deejay Poblete, MS Jhing, Julianne Sillona and Supreme of Killa Beez Wutang Clan. Also on hand to support the tour were worldclass boxing champ Nonito Donaire and Concert King Martin Nievera.

Playing to packed crowds comprised of fellow Fiipinos, Jay-R, accompanied by a live band headed by music director

and his uncle Bob Sillona, had everyone singing along and dancing to their unique brand of OPM. Jay-R recalls, “My favorite part of the show was when I was sharing the stage with all the artists while we sang my song with Q-York, “Qrush on You.” The crowd was so hyped up and gamely danced along with us, even on my solo tunes like “Parachute,” and “Follow Me.” And when I did my signature ballad, “Bakit Pa Ba?” it felt so good to hear everyone singing along with me.”

They also got their chance to bond with their U.S-based fans during their post-concert album signings and meet-and-greet shindigs.

Beyond the sold-out performances, JayR feels more fulfilled about scoring a major triumph for OPM. Apparently, the U.S. tour is a big leap in Homeworkz’s dream of elevating the Filipino music industry through its creation and marketing of all-original music—a move-

ment he hopes will gain more local support in the years to come.

He says, “I think we scored a major breakthrough, because we were doing something truly original, something fresh and unique, and they love how we are elevating our own by doing something really revolutionary and daring.”

This early, a follow-up concert in Los Angeles is already in the works. Of course, local fans won’t be disappointed when they mount their Manila leg soon as well.

The former Your Face Sounds Familiar finalist is still busy with his mentoring chores in We Love OPM, as well as his regular appearances in ASAP. When wearing his record producer’s hat, Jay-R is very much hands-on with churning out new material for his ever-expanding roster of artists.

This July, Homeworkz is all set to launch the latest albums of Q-York and new artist Francis Lim. (PHOTO CREDITS: PACIFIC RIM VIDEO)

Social media addicts vie for top spot in ‘Nerve’ Voyeurism is at its peak in this year’s most awaited movie on social media and the virtual reality people live today in Nerve starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco.

A shy, high school girl Vee (Roberts) is suddenly catapulted into the limelight when she breaks out of her comfort zone and impulsively signs up for Nerve, an adrenaline-fueled competition that streams live over the Internet. Young thrill-seekers challenge each other to a series of dares that rapidly escalate from mildly embarrassing to downright deadly, as an anonymous community of “watchers” instigates the action.

Parallel to the virtual reality the world lives in today, Nerve boldly introduces the effects of social media addiction disorder – a situation in which a user becomes so obsessed with social media that they spend an inordinate amount of time watching and playing on preferred social site. As Vee is partnered with a mysterious stranger, Ian (Franco), their instant chemistry makes them online stars and fan favorites. As the night wears on, though, Vee alienates her longtime friends and puts her life on the line in pursuit of money and celebrity.

Scenes from the crime techno-thriller film “Nerve” featuring Dave Franco and Emma Roberts

High on her success, Vee’s social media addiction disorder reflects on her growing number of friends online – as per experts, the average number of friends per user is about 250 as opposed to having thousands of “friends” which can be considered as strangers. Additionally, such disorder is accompanied with logging into your page the first thing in the morning, checking it just before sleeping, constantly updating your profile or status to get “likes” and comments, and fret-

ting about how many “likes” or “comments” the photos you post are generating.

As Vee comfortably lives her newfound fame, who suddenly became the high-octane Cinderella, her life is at the same time being ripped apart. Making a discovery about Ian’s past, Vee finds her family’s future at risk as the tension mounts and the stakes rise, Vee must ultimately choose to win or lose to life or death.

Roberts says she thinks twice now when

she uses Instagram, Twitter—or even email. “Nothing’s ever truly private. I think this movie taps into that feeling. Whatever you post can potentially be seen by anyone, whether you want it to be or not.”

Each game of Nerve lasts only 24 hours; then a winner is declared and it moves on to the next challengers.

Be a part of this year’s life-changing game when Nerve opens July 27 nationwide in cinemas from Pioneer Films.

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SAT URDAY : J ULY 2 3, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

SWIMMING FOR STARDOM

BY ROBBIE PANGILINAN

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wimming and acting are two of her favorite activities, which she does with great passion.

Isabel “Lenlen” Frial is a gold medalist in swimming, and a movie, TV and theater child actress, host, commercial model, and singer.

Lenlen is known for her role in the movies Ang Panday 2, English Only, Please,mAng Huling ChaCha ni Anita,mStatus It’s Complicated, Kimmy Dora, Da Possessed, and Maria Labo.

Lenlen also hosts the TV show Tropang Potchi on GMA for four years now. She has starred in the TV shows Bantatay, Dwarfina, Unforgettable, Futbolilit.Paroa, Legacy, Alice Bungisngis, and Bukod Kang Pinagpala.

At her young age, Lenlen has already received three acting award nominations – two from the Metro Manila Film Festival (Best Child Performer for English Only, Please

Rising child star Isabel ‘Lenlen” Frial with actor Roi Vinson

and Ang Panday 2) and a Star Awards for Movies nomination as Movie Child Performer of the Year

for Ang Huling ChaCha ni Anita.

Lenlen’s favorite role is the one she did for Ang Huling Chacha ni

‘SADAKO VS KAYAKO’

The ultimate horror face off

Thanks to social media idence and has since been hype, Sadako vs. Kayako is having nightmares of being able to get its much-awaitinside it. She soon becomes ed cinema release. aware of the murders that It all began with a fantook place in the house. made mash up of these What’s worse, the evil forcghoulish characters on April es have their sight on her to Fools’ Day of 2015. Eight be their latest victim. Still, months later, in December, there might be a way to the affirmation that the film keep the terrified girls alive. was going to be produced An exorcist and a young under the helm of director The spiteful ghost of Sadako psychic girl believe that Koji Shiraishi (The Curse) pitting Sadako and Kayako thrilled hoards of horror movie fans as expected. against each other is the solution. To the words of In this breakthrough Japanese film, college stu- one of the girls in the trailer, “My curse and your dents Yuri and Natsumi unearth the cursed tape curse will fight. It’s the only way to save our lives.” from The Ring/Ringu. Out of curiosity, they play But the two horror icons are out for more blood, the video and the image of that creepy long-haired and in this epic battle, winner kills all. woman all clad in white appears on screen. A Sadako vs Kayako has earned positive reviews. phone call follows, a clear sign that they are now Viewers will be surprised at “the reach of either marked to die in two days, which is the curse of the spirit’s wrath.” vengeful spirit of Sadako. Meanwhile, the house Distributed by Viva International Pictures and haunted by the mother and son tandem of Kayako MVP Entertainment, Sadako vs. Kayako is the and Toshio in The Grudge/Ju-On opens its doors to 12th film in both movie franchises. Showing in unleash more terror. A high school student named Philippine cinemas on July 27, watch who will preSuzuka has recently moved near the infamous res- vail in this never-before-seen monstrous battle.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 47 48 49 50

ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Meryl, in “Out of Africa” 5 By itself 10 Aquarius’ tote 14 — -majeste 15 Walkie-talkie OK 16 Not on time 17 Toddler perch 18 Philosophy 19 — spumante

20 Applied a tourniquet 22 Dogie 24 Yale alumnus 25 Literary work 26 Melbourne mate 29 What cider turns to 33 Scrapbook item 34 After which 36 — only as directed

Wheel part Cheech’s partner Country lodging Ill temper Uh-oh!

Blase Dims Grass cutters Roof overhang Forum hello Capital of South Dakota 53 Mischievously 58 Sports channel 59 In the country 61 Melville work 62 Toward shelter 63 Partial darkness 64 Kind of ring 65 Colonial dance 66 Snake shapes 67 Is, in Avila DOWN 1 Kinds 2 Dispatched 3 Not in harbor 4 Most gung-ho 5 Comic-strip teen 6 Minute opening 7 Got older 8 Scarlet 9 Crowding in 10 Fly by

SATURDAY, JULY 23 , 2016

11 Hamper contents 12 Wonder Woman’s friend 13 Harness part 21 Ad award 23 Hightail it 25 Pie bakers 26 Rose pest 27 “Star Trek” lieutenant 28 Drab, as colors 30 Handbook 31 Lou Grant portrayer 32 Tears to bits 34 Not these 35 Make like a bunny 38 Have a discussion 42 Rocker Jon Bon — 43 Breathtaking 45 Gist 46 Grain spike 47 Sugarbush trees 50 Lumpy fruit 51 Ocean sighting 52 Pentathlon event 53 Tax shelters 54 Have it — 55 RN employers 56 Stolen goods 57 Jedi trainer 60 Cousins of “um”

Anita as she had so much fun during the shooting of the film and many people admired her acting.

Isabel’s face is familiar as she takes on the lead in TV commercials. She also acts on the theater stage.

The 11-year-old animal lover enjoys extreme sports, water sports, football, and badminton – but acting is her topmost interest.

But it was not always a bed of roses for young Lenlen, who learned early on that show business is also difficult and entailed hard work and perseverance.

“The assistant director in my first show was very strict to everyone.

I was new and I was just five years old then. I was very afraid to make a mistake,” Lenlen recalls. But she never let this experience get in the way of her dreams. Instead of being discouraged, Lenlen said she made sure to always prepare and become better every day.

Her lucky charm is her family,

who has been very supportive of her career.

“My family guides me, is always there for me, and taught me good things in life,” says Lenlen who enjoys bonding and eating with her family.

Lenlen dreams about becoming a medical doctor. That is why she also gives her best in her studies.

But for now, the child actress has her hands full promoting her upcoming movie Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo to be shown in September.

For those who admire her, Lenlen has this message: “Thank you so much. I promise to be a better person to become a good model to everybody. I will always appreciate and love you.”

Get in touch with Lenlen through her mom Golda Frial at 09062833613 and 09198470814.

Catch her on Instagram @isabelfrial05.

‘My Backyard Is My Pharmacy’ “If diet is correct, then as well as strengthen the medicine is of no need” – cells.

-ancient Ayurvedic proverb.

Back from last week’s As the saying goes, we feature is the forgotten minwill not need expensive and eral-Magnesium. We may sometimes dangerous drugs not know it but most of us to treat ourselves from sickare Magnesium deficient ness. Continuing with the because of the food we eat, health topic in Gandang then there is the stress facRicky Reyes Todo na Toh tor and, also because of the (GRR TNT) from last week, medicines we take. solutions to our body ail- Beauty guru Ricky Reyes GRR TNT focuses on a ments may be found in our major public health probown backyard. lem today -diabetes. A We may not realize it but a breakthrough product might just be healthier life is but a few steps away the answer to most of our ailments from our own doors. Those fruits, today. Be amazed on what Transderveggies and herbs like papaya, mal Magnesium (ProMag 300) can bayabas, aloe vera, malunggay do in treating diabetes and its com(moringa), calamansi, garlic, and plications. ginger in our gardens are very So tune today, 9 to 10 a.m. to Ganpowerful medicines. Where chemical dang Ricky Reyes Todo na Toh with medications suppress and hold host Ricky Reyes as he shares all toxins in the body, these vegetables these important health topics, on and herbs pull and clean toxins out GMA News TV.

SAT URDAY : J ULY 2 3, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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RICKY LEE’S 15TH FILM SCRIPTWRITING WORKSHOP

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fter more than 14 years, award-winning screenwriter Ricky Lee will resume conducting free workshop to individuals who want to learn how to write scripts for film and those who want to improve on their writing. The workshop will be held every Sunday in November.

Since 1973, Lee has written more than 160 scripts for films, many of which have won awards here and abroad. Among these are Himala, Karnal, Brutal, Moral, Salome, Jaguar, Bulaklak ng Maynila, Gumapang Ka sa Lusak, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Muro-Ami, Bagong Buwan, Jose Rizal, Mila, Anak, and Dubai. He has worked with many Filipino filmmakers, most notably with the late National Artists for Film Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal.

Apart from being a screenwriter, Lee is a fictionist, playwright, and book author as well. His body of work also includes short stories, plays, essays, and novels. Among the books he has published are the scriptwriting manual Trip to Quiapo, the anthology Si Tatang at mga Himala ng Ating Pa-

nahon, the playbook Pitik-Bulag Sa Buwan Ng Pebrero, screenplay books like Brutal/ Salome, the first of its kind in the Philippines, Moral, Bukas May Pangarap, and Jose Rizal, and the novels Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa Atin) and Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata. His screenplay for Salome has been translated into English and published by the University of Wisconsin in the U.S. as part of its film studies.

Lee has received more than 60 trophies from various award-giving bodies, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Gawad Para sa Sining, UP Gawad Plaridel, Natatanging Gawad Urian from the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, and a similar Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cinemanila International Film Festival, just to name a few. He was also one of the recipients of the Centennial Honors for the Arts from the CCP and the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas for Tagalog fiction from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL).

Award-winning screenwriter and playwright Ricky Lee

He has worked as Creative Manager for ABS-CBN, handling dramas for television such as Mangarap Ka, Maging Sino Ka Man, Vietnam Rose, Ysabella, Lobo, Magkaribal, Imortal, Kahit Isang Saglit, and the recently launched family drama The Greatest Love.

Lee has been holding free scriptwriting workshops since 1982, producing hundreds of graduates who are now part of the movie and TV industry. He has successfully mentored several budding writers and he vows to continue supporting more of them (from

those who will be chosen to participate in this year’s workshop) to help them reach their full potential in the field of writing.

Application to the workshop is open to everyone, including those who do not have prior experience in writing. The selection process is tentatively scheduled on Sept.

4 at the new film studio in UP Diliman.

Those who are interested to join may fill up the Google form found at the Ricky Lee (Official) Facebook page (@TripToQuiapo) or email rickyleebatch15@gmail.com.

‘Always Be My Maybe’ Gerald Anderson leads fun run for canines premieres on ABS-CBN

How to be Yours lead actor Gerald Anderson will show his other side when he leads a fun run for the benefit of canines in Matanglawin tomorrow on ABS-CBN. Anderson, who is an auxiliary officer in the Philippine Coast Guard, has a foundation that trains dogs for search and rescue operations. He will share his love for dogs in this episode of the most awarded educational program on Philippine TV that will also feature host Kuya Kim Atienza doing a mind-boggling card trick on the star-studded cast of new Kapamilya program The Greatest Love of All. Watch and learn fascinating stuff about science, 10 a.m. tomorrow in Matanglawin on ABS-CBN on free TV, ABS-CBN HD Ch. 166

TVplus’ KBO

Apart from acting, Gerald Anderson can also train rescue dogs

on SKYCable, and www.iwantv. com.ph online. Follow their Facebook page at http://facebook.com/

MatanglawinTV and official Twitter account (@MatanglawinTV) for more updates.

Gardo and Roi as ‘beki’ cooks Today in Sarap Diva, macho actors Gardo Versoza and Roi Vinzon face the greatest challenge of their career. They will be in a face off in the show’s “Beki Cooking Challenge.”

The actors will whip up dishes for the audience while they explain their recipe in gay lingo. Can the audience understand it? Well, if not, for sure they’ll have fun listening to how these two machos impersonate their gay friends.

And then, they will participate in a “Beki Charade” with Tetay and Bekimon.

Watch this funny episode of Sarap Diva this morning after Maynila on GMA.

From left: Raul Mitra, Regine Velasquez, Jennica Garcia, Chynna Ortaleza and Tetay

The hit Star Cinema romcom Always Be My Maybe starring Gerald Anderson and Arci Munoz premieres on Philippine digital TV via the Kapamilya Box Office (KBO) of ABS-CBN TVplus along with four other movie titles this weekend.

It is Gerald and Arci’s first-ever project together. The box office hit revolves around two heartbroken strangers who cross paths and eventually fall in love.

Completing the movie lineup on KBO this week are One More Try, Ded Na Si Lolo, 100 Feet, and So Undercover.

KBO also brings in memorable MMK episodes along with a Dolce Amore catch up marathon and MYX. All offerings are priced at P30.

The Kapamilya Box Office (KBO) is the newest feature of ABS-CBN TVplus that allows families to have more TV bonding moments at home via commercial-free weekend movie marathons for P30. Movies airing on KBO can also be seen via iWant TV on ABS-CBNmobile.

ABS-CBN is the first Philippine media and entertainment company to make the historic switch from analog to digital terrestrial television in 2015 to transform the TV viewing experience of Filipinos. Using digital signal transmission, ABS-CBN TVplus makes TV viewing dramatically crystal clear. Aside from exclusive channels, it can also capture and broadcast channels that transmit in digital and is offered for a one-time payment fee of P1,999 without any monthly and installation fee.

To enjoy a movie bonding with the family this weekend, load P30 on your ABS-CBNmobile

prepaid SIM and use it to register by texting KBO30 <SPACE> JULY23 <SPACE> TVplus box ID to 2131.

To know the seven-character box ID, press the INFO button of the TVplus remote control. Once a text confirmation is received, press SCAN on the TVplus remote control to activate KBO on the ABSCBN TVplus’ 7th channel. For remote controls without a SCAN button, press the MAIL button.

KBO logo will be displayed on the 7th channel after scanning.

For users who don’t have an ABS-CBNmobile prepaid SIM, the SIM is available in any SM store, 7-Eleven branch, telco tiangge, and the ABS-CBNmobile store priced at P30. Users may also order through text by sending SIM DELIVERY to 23661.

All ABS-CBN TVplus boxes priced at P1,999 are bundled with an ABS-CBNmobile prepaid SIM and are available in any accredited retail outlets, sales agents, and dealers.

Meanwhile, load for ABS-CBNmobile is available in SM Store, SM Savemore, 7-Eleven, Cebuana Lhuillier, Generika at sari-sari stores or telco tiangges na may autoload max.

The Kapamilya Box Office of ABS-CBN TVplus is available in GMA, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Benguet, Metro Cebu, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro. Enjoy a great movie fix with the entire family with the Kapamilya Box Office of ABS-CBN TVplus.

For more information on weekly movie line-up, visit tvplus.abs-cbn. com and follow ABS-CBN TVplus on Facebook. For queries, text KBO <SPACE> HELP to 23661.

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SAT URDAY : J ULY 2 3, 2016

ISAH V. RED EDITOR NICKIE WANG WRITER

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

‘PAGLIPAY’ WINS BIG

AT TOFARM AWARDS NIGHT

BY ANNE RENEE SUAREZ PHOTOS BY SONNY ESPIRITU

Most decorated. The cast and crew of “Pilapil,” which walked home bagged six major awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor

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elebrating its first year, ToFarm Film Festival culminated with an awards night held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel last Wednesda night.

Zig M. Dulay’s Paglipay won the festival’s Best Picture honors.

“Ako kasi anak ako ng isang magsasaka, magsasaka talaga buong pamilya ko. Kaya ako sumali dahil interesado ako, gusto ko talaga yung mensahe na ipinaparating ng Tofarm, yung mission vision nito,” said Dulay in an interview.

Paglipay, a story aimed at showing the importance of how farming or “Kaingin” was done back then with an added love story that mirrors the culture of the Aetas, also won him the Best Director award.

The festival has six entries, all try to promote farming thrrough films. The films magnify the theme “The Plight of the Farmer: His Trials and Triumphs.”

Walking home with the top acting award was Garry Cabalic, an Aeta who shared the Best Actor plum for his performance in Paglipay with seasoned actor Bembol Roco for his role in the film Pauwi Na. “Sa tingin ko ay parang nananiginip lang ako pero totoo pala ‘tong ginagawa ko. Napaka-saya ko po dahil naging Best Actor po ako.

Naninibago po talaga ako,” said Cabalic in an interview right after the awarding ceremony.

He added that the success of his acting debut was made possible by Director Zig Dulay’s guidance. Through his help, the first-time actor was able to deliver the emotions required of him for the role, hence dropping all his inhibitions.

Cabalic also recounted how Executive Vice President of Harvester Inc., Dr. Mila How came by helicopter just to fetch him earlier that day, passing rivers and mountain of Zambales.

“Nung sinundo niya po ako sa Zambales kanina may narinig po akong helicopter na bumaba. Hindi naman karaniwan na may helicopter sa amin. Andun po kami naglilnis ng gabi tapos biglang may dumating na helictoper eh ‘di ko akalain ako pala yung susunduin kaya po nagulat din ako kanina,” Cabalic said.

Award-winning actress Cherry Pie Picache also won one of the top awards of the night. She snatched the Best Actress award for her performance in the film Pauwi Na.

First ToFarm Best Actress awardee Cherry Pie Picache

Young actor Garry Cabalic (left) and Bembol Roco (right) share the Best Actor honors

The members of the media asked the actress how it was working with Aetas and indigenous people, Picache said, “One thing that is interesting sa entries ay yung range nung mga kung saan tungkol yung mga pelikula. We welcomed them, everybody’s welcomed to do a film and it’s nice that they were given a chance to tell their story.”

Other winners of the first ToFarm Film Festival were: Micko Laurente (Best Supporting Actor) and Anna Luna (Best Supporting Actress); Arnel De Vera (Best Sound) and Lorenzo Nielsen (Best Music); Mao Fadul (Best Production Design); Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos for Best Editing and Best Story, respectively; Albert Banzon (Best

Cinematography); and Maricel Cariaga (Best Screenplay).

Paglipay won the People’s Choice award while Kakampi the Professional Responsibility trophy and Pilapil the Ingenuity trophy.

Meanwhile, Jury Special Awards were given to Pauwi Na and Pitong Kabang Palay for Outstanding Film and Most Outstanding Ensemble Performance, respectively.

The third Best Picture award was given to Free Range and second Best Picture to Pitong Kabang Palay.

Before the program came to a close, Festival Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes announced that the organizers of ToFarm are now accepting entries for the next edition of the film fest, which will carry the theme “Planting the seeds of change.”

Festival Best Director Zig M. Dulay (“Paglipay”)