The Standard - 2016 July 26 - Tuesday

Alvarez, Pimentel hold sway

VOL. XXX • NO. 164 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016 • WWW.THESTANDARD.COM.PH • EDITORIAL@THESTANDARD.COM.PH

THE 17th Congress formally opened on Monday, with Senator Aquilino Pimentel III assuming his post as Senate president and Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez taking the position of speaker of the House.

Pimentel said fairness would be the guiding principle in the implementation of the program of gov-

ernment for change that the majority of the senators had agreed upon.

The introduction of genuine and meaningful change, he said, was the purpose of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

On the other hand, Alvarez urged his fellow lawmakers to Next page

101-PERCENT CLEAN GOVERNMENT. President Rodrigo Duterte appeals to lawmakers to help him deliver a government that is 101 percent free of corruption during his State of the Nation Address at the opening of the 17th Congress of the Philippines to be led by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Lino Santos

Duterte declares truce with Reds 1st Sona: ‘Pragmatic, from heart’

By Christine F. Herrera

A POLITICAL analyst on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation address was “from the heart [and] pragmatic” but spoke of “sincerity of policy and action” that could bring about change without raising taxes.

Ramon Casiple, executive director of Institutional for Electoral Reforms, said Duterte showed that he knew his limits when he cited the need to protect the environment, while acknowledging the need for mining to bring about growth.

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By John Paolo Bencito and Florante S. Solmerin

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday used his first State of the Nation Address to declare a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels.

Shortly after the address, the National Democratic Front vowed to reciprocate as they return to the negotiating table in Oslo, Norway in August.

“To the CPP/NPA/NDF, let us end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. We are going nowhere. And it is getting bloodier by the day,” Duterte said.

“To immediately stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities and provide an enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks, I am now announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF effective immediately and call on our fellow Filipinos in the National Democratic Front and its forces to respond accordingly.”

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Ma. Sison welcomed the President’s initiative.

“I welcome President Duterte’s announcement of unilateral ceasefire of the AFP and PNP in relation to the NPA. Within the hour, the NDFP will issue a positive response. We share with President Duterte Next page

Three former presidents cited, Noynoy no-show AS PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged the presence of three former presidents, he paused and looked for the fourth, his predecessor former President Benigno Aquino III, and found him a no- show and so made it clear at the start of his speech that “vindictiveness is not in my system.”

“We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back,” Duterte said during his first State of the Nation Address as the joint session of Congress opened Monday.

“Finger-pointing is not the way. That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those

who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from.

“Except maybe extract a lesson or two from their errors, we will not tarry because it is the present that we are concerned with and the future that we should be prepared for.

“I wish to assure everyone, though, that vindictiveness is not in my system. Just like you and I, all, equal treatment and equal protection are what I ask for our people.”

Duterte made his statement even as Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte failed to attend the first Stateof-the-Nation Address of her father, citing medical reasons.

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Clash looms Asean faces security over RH law challenge over sea row

By John Paolo Bencito and Vito Barcelo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday vowed the full implementation of the Reproductive Health Law, setting him on a collision course with the Catholic Church, which has consistently opposed family planning.

In his first State of the Nation Address on Monday, Duterte said it was high time for the government to give priority to promoting responsible parenthood and reproductive health, which can help the government to reduce poverty.

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VIENTIANE, Laos—Vietnam has warned that the inability of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to forge a unified front against Beijing’s militarization of the South China Sea is a “test” of the regional bloc in the face of its greatest security challenge.

The unusually strong comments from a key claimant to the contested waters, came as diplomats met in Laos for the first summit since a UN-backed tribunal debunked Beijing’s legal claim to vast stretches of the strategically vital sea.

After talks stuttered on Sunday, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a late night twitter.com/ MlaStandard

statement warning that the South China Sea had become “a test case for the unity and the central role of Asean.”

“Many ministers stressed that in this context, Asean should promote solidarity, unity and a central role,” the statement added.

Diplomats met for a new round of crunch talks called for by Laos on Monday morning, but avoided rebuking Beijing or mentioning the UN tribunal’s decision against China.

The Asean instead repeated it was “seriously concerned” by “land reclamations and escalation of activities” and merely called for self-restraint in the strategic waterway.

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S

Tax cuts in offing

By Gabrielle Binaday and Othel V. Campos PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will pursue a tax reform program that will include the lowering of corporate and income tax rates in the country.

“My administration will pursue tax reform towards a simpler and more equitable and more efficient tax system that can foster investment and job creation,” Duterte said in his first State of the Nation Address.

“We will lower personal and corporate income tax rates and relax the Bank Secrecy Law,” he added.

Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP) president Benedict Tugonon lauded the President’s announcement, saying that a tax reform program was long overdue.

“We are very pleased to hear the statement of the President and this is what tax payers have been waiting for a very long time—a mandate from the President to Congress to push tax reform, particularly towards the simpler and more equitable,” Tugonon said.

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PRESIDENTS’ ROW. Three former

presidents of the republic–Fidel Ramos (1992-1998), Joseph Estrada (1998-2001) and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001-2010)– complete the cast of national leaders at the Batasang Pambansa during the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte Monday.

Revoli Cortez

Metro crime rate down, top cop brags THE crime rate in Metro Manila went down during the period July 1 to 19, the National Capital Region Police Office said Monday.

Metro Manila Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said street crime went down significantly during the peri-

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od―especially crime against property―compared with the data recorded on the first semester of 2016.

“We are seeing a remarkable reduction of street crime particularly crime against property regionwide,” Albayalde said.

He said the number of robbery cases in Metro Manila went down from 85 to 59 incidents, theft from 176 to 113 cases, car theft from 8 to 0 cases, motorcycle theft from 29 to 10 cases, and physical injuries from 97 to 72 cases.

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Clash...

From A1 “The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health law must be put into full force and effect,” Duterte said.

Duterte said this was necessary “so that couples, especially the poor, will have freedom of informed choice on the number and spacing of children.”

If parents can adequately care and provide for their children, this will make them more productive members of the labor force, he added.

Duterte has said that the poverty rate can be pushed down to 20 percent from the current 26 percent if poor families reach the ideal family size of three children.

The implementation of the RH Law experienced setback after critics, mostly religious groups and pro-life advocates even in Congress, questioned its constitutionality before the Supreme Court.

A temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court has stopped the Department of Health from distributing contraceptives and other birth control devices, prompting Congress to cut the department’s budget for implementing the law in 2016 by nearly P1 billion.

But Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president and Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas reiterated the Church’s opposition to the RH Law. But he added: “We cannot see eye-to-eye with our pro-RH brethren on this divisive issue but we can work hand-in-hand for the good of the country.”

“On the part of the Church, we must continue to teach what is right and moral. We will continue to proclaim the beauty and holiness of every human person.

Through 2,000 years, the Church has lived in eras of persecution, authoritarian regimes, wars and revolutions,” Villegas said.

“The Church can continue its mission even with such unjust laws. Let us move on from being an RH-Law reactionary group....

We have a positive message to proclaim,” he said. With Cath-

erine Mae Gonzales

Three...

From A1 “Upon her arrival in Manila early morning Monday, Mayor Inday Sara went to St. Luke’s Hospital for a medical check-up. She was advised complete rest at least for a couple of days by her doctor.

But there is nothing to worry. The mayor is doing well now,” Jefry Tupas, Davao City information officer, said in a statement.

Losing vice presidential candidate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was the only senator who was absent when the Senate under the 17th Congress formally convened and elected its new set of leaders led by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III. When outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon of the Liberal Party banged the gavel at 10 a.m. to usher the opening of the first day of session, only Cayetano was not around.

Pimentel, 52, succeeded Drilon who will serve as Senate President Pro Tempore, replacing Senator Ralph Recto, the new Minority Leader.

But Duterte vowed he would not let those who betrayed the people’s trust go unpunished.

“Lest I be misunderstood, let me say clearly, that those who betrayed the people’s trust shall not go unpunished and they will have their day in Court,” he said as the crowd at the plenary hall applauded.

“And if the evidence warrants, they will have their day of reckoning, too.”

Aquino has sent word that he would not be attending the Sona.

But former Presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is also a third-termer congresswoman representing Pampanga, graced the occasion and were seated together in the same row.

Aquino, who jailed Arroyo for four years with weak evidence that prompted the Supreme Court to free her, and the one he had put in prison were supposed to be seated sideby-side. Christine F. Herrera, John Paolo Bencito, Macon RamosAraneta and F. Pearl A. Gajunera

Metro...

From A1 He said Oplan Tokhang and Double Barrel being implemented by the Philippine National Police had greatly contributed to the reduction of street crime.

Albayalde said the campaign against suspected

Filipinos expect Duterte to deliver, survey says

M

ANY FILIPINOS expect President Rodrigo Duterte to “fulfill most, if not all, his promises” across all geographical areas, social classes, gender and levels of educational attainment, according to the results of the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

The results of the SWS survey was released on the day of Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Some 63 percent of the respondents had high hopes of the new President, with 22 percent of the respondents saying Duterte

could fulfill “all or nearly all” his promises and 41 percent saying he could fulfill “most” of those.

Malacañang welcomed the Filipinos’ optimism.

“The President is a man of action. He simply walks the talk,” Communications Secretary Mar-

tin Andanar said in a statement.

“We are glad that the Filipino people see and recognize the President’s strong-solution and fast- action initiatives. Rest assured that he will continue to make good on his promises to bring about genuine and meaningful change.”

Only 32 percent of the respondents said they expected “a few” of Duterte’s promises to be fulfilled, while one percent said Duterte could fulfill “none or almost none” of his promises. Three percent had no answer.

Even among the undecided, 41 percent said most, if not all, Du-

DEADLOCK. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd L), Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan

(2nd R), Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (L) and Philippines’ Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay (R) join hands as they pose for a group photo during the Asean-China meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations annual ministerial meeting and the Regional Security Forum in Vientiane on July 25. Southeast Asian nations were deadlocked on July 24 about how to confront China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea as pressure from Beijing again drove a wedge between countries on the region’s toughest security challenge. AFP

Tax...

From A1 Tugonon noted, however, that the lowering of the income tax rates will also result in lower revenue collections for the government.

The current income tax brackets were set in 1997 under the National Internal Revenue Code, and are among the highest in Southeast Asia.

A Filipino employee earning a little over P500,000 is taxed 32 percent while his Thai counterpart earning the equivalent income is only taxed 10 percent.

On the other hand, Tugonon said the TMAP’s position is that the current 32-percent corporate income tax can be cut to 25 percent to be at par with other countries in the region.

At the same time, Tugonon said, a relaxation of bank secrecy laws would lead taxpayers to adopt “a more compliant attitude” toward paying taxes.

“TMAP has always advocated that an adjustment in the tax brackets is long overdue and Congress must adjust them immediately,” he said.

Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar Dulay, who is tasked to collect about 60 percent of the 2016 P3.002-trillion budget,

Asean...

From A1 Diplomats gathered for a summit in the Laos capital spent days wrangling over how to respond to this month’s ruling by a Haguebased tribunal which delivered a hammer blow to most of China’s historical claims over the region.

Staunch Beijing ally Cambodia has been accused of scuttling efforts by the bloc to issue a joint statement calling on Beijing to adhere to the UN tribunal’s decision.

Four Asean members—Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei —have competing claims with Beijing over parts of the South China Sea. Most members of the bloc want to keep pressure on China over its campaign of island building in the strategic waters.

But Asean operates on a tradition of consensus diplomacy, meaning a single nation can have an effective veto power if it disagrees

drug pushers, couriers and dependents also resulted in the surrender of 25,230 people, the arrest of 1,025 including two Taiwanese nationals, and the neutralization of 106 drug personalities.

“We also recovered 78 firearms including one grenade and 19 bladed weapons, Albayalde said.

generator for Filipinos.

“We shall continue promoting investments that will generate thousands of jobs each year. Jobs that are suitable for the poor and less skilled members of the workforce,” he said.

Duterte said he recognized the need to improve the skills of Filipino workers and to invest in human capital and support activities that will enhance local manpower skills.

The Trade Department, halfway through 2016, has vowed to continue to reduce steps in businessrelated regulatory procedures.

The department heads the Ease of Doing Business task force that identifies bottlenecks, redundant steps and unnecessary requirements in government transactions.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, meanwhile, pushed a bill seeking a one-time tax amnesty on estate taxes, inclusive of fines, interest, surcharges, penalties and other payments.

He said his proposed measure would serve as a reasonable tax relief, encourage payment of estate taxes, and free up and release properties to commercial use to increase and complement the government tax collection drive. With Macon

could not be reach for comment as of press time.

Insurance Commissioner and Anti-Money Laundering Council member Emmanuel Dooc welcomed the President’s statement.

“The AMLC has been supportive of lifting the Bank Secrecy Law. It has frustrated us in our efforts to fight money laundering and terrorist financing. We have proposed this in the amendments to Amla and this time I’m hopeful that such move shall make a headway and prosper,” Dooc said in a text message.

Also in his Sona, Duterte said his administration would work to ease the process of transacting with the government.

“We will enhance local business environment by addressing bottlenecks in business registration and processing [and] streamline investment applications,” Duterte said.

He directed all concerned agencies to reduce the number of steps “down to the barest minimum” of three days to process permits and clearances.

The President also vowed to relax the restrictions in the economy to facilitate the entry of more investments and develop industries like manufacturing, agriculture and tourism as intensive employment

Ramos-Araneta

with the others.

China has been accused of teasing poorer members like Laos and Cambodia into fracturing regional unity with promises of aid and trade.

Critics have long derided Asean for lacking real diplomatic clout.

A failure to respond to the tribunal ruling or the region’s key security issue will do little to counter those claims.

The ongoing impasse in Vientiane has led to fears of a repeat of a 2012 summit in Cambodia where the bloc failed to issue a joint communique for the first time in its history because of disagreements over the South China Sea. Chinese pressure was blamed last month for a startling show of discord by the bloc, when countries swiftly disowned a joint statement released by Malaysia after an Asean-China meeting.

That statement had expressed alarm over Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea. Cambodia and Laos were later identified as being behind moves to block the joint statement.

The Philippines said it would explore other venues to resolve its territorial dispute with China after the Asean failed to issue a joint statement on the decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that rejected China’s nine-dash line claim to most of the South China Sea. A joint communiqué was dropped after objections from Cambodia was raised. China publicly thanked Cambodia for supporting its stance on maritime disputes, a position which threw the regional bloc’s weekend meeting in the Laos capital of Vientiane into disarray.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. had earlier said that an Asean statement supporting the legal and diplomatic processes being pursued by the Philippines would not only reflect Asean acknowledgment and respect for a rules-based order, but also will reaffirm Asean’s “centrality and solidarity in the regional security architecture that would enhance Asean’s voice and growing influence in the international community.” AFP, Vito Barcelo

“We also confiscated 99 kilos of crystalline granulesingredients in the making of shabuand 298 kilos of liquid Methamphetamine hydrochloride.”

Albayalde, said 290.4 grams of shabu, 18,295.1382 grams and eight sachets of marijuana were also confiscated worth P1.7 billion.

Joel E. Zurbano

1st...

From A1 Duterte, he said, was also pragmatic in looking at the Moro problem by avoiding the contested provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law that some lawmakers viewed as unconstitutional.

“President Duterte is arguing

terte’s promises would be fulfilled, while for those with “little trust” in Duterte it was 30 percent and those with “very little trust,” 32 percent.

The optimism was highest in Duterte’s home region of Mindanao at 75 percent, followed by 66 percent in Metro Manila, 60 percent in Balance Luzon and 54 percent in the Visayas and across all classes, with 69 percent of the respondents from Classes ABC having high hopes followed by 65 percent of those in E and 63 percent of those in D. Roughly 65 percent of the female respondents and 62 percent of the males said the same, the

polling firm said further Such optimism was reflected by 66 percent of those aged 25 to 34 years old as well as those at least 55 years old, 62 percent of those 18 to 24 years old and those 35-44 years old, as well as 59 percent of those 45 to 54 years old.

The June 2016 survey was conducted from June 24 to 27, 2016, using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults with a sampling error margins of ±3 percent for the national percentages, and ±6 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Duterte...

From A1

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said there could be a release of some 11 communist leaders who will join the Oslo talks.

Negotiations with the communists, which stalled in 2011, made progress in the early days of the Duterte administration after the two agreed to release the detained consultants.

In his first address, Duterte identified his top priorities: Charter Change, ending the armed conflict in different parts of the country; ending the drug menace; curbing the worsening traffic situation not only in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country by using emergency powers that he asked Congress to grant him; and plans to revitalize the economy by lowering personal and corporate taxes and other fiscal measures.

On the hotly contested West Philippine Sea, Duterte vowed to affirm the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ruling to contribute to efforts for peaceful resolution of the sea dispute.

To help develop the country’s agriculture, Duterte said a national soil analysis will be done to optimize food production and that the government will strictly enforce laws on fishing and aquaculture.

In pushing for a federal, parliamentary form of government, Duterte said he supported the French model that retains a president and a prime minister for checks and balances.

He said if a Constitutional Convention could draft a new Constitution in two to three years that would be approved in a referendum, he would call for a new election and step down as President, even before his term ends.

Duterte also vowed to address global warming as a top priority, but said he would refuse to commit the country to restrictions that would hinder economic development.

In an apparent reference to his predecessor, President Benigno Aquino III, Duterte called for national unity and an end to vindictiveness against political enemies which has stopped the country from moving forward.

“There will be no more finger pointing, vindictiveness is not in my system,” Duterte said.

“We have to help each other for then and only then can we truly prevail,” he said.

Luis Jalandoni, the chairman of the NDF negotiating panel, said he has already written to Labor secretary and the chairman of the government peace panel Silvestre Bello III to affirm that the NDF looked forward to the resumption of formal talks in Oslo, from August 2 to 27.

Defense and military officials said they supported the President’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire and hoped the communists would reciprocate.

“Our troops will comply but they will not put their guard down. The ceasefire will cover combat operations against insurgents but not against lawless armed groups. We expect the CPP-NPA-NDF to reciprocate,” said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya said he will immediately convene the military top brass to implement Duterte’s unilateral ceasefire on the ground.

“It’s happening and we are hoping for the best that genuine peace will finally be achieved after decades of fighting,” he said.

Earlier, Visaya defended Duterte’s appointment of leftists to his Cabinet, saying the President “knows what he is doing.”

Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano said they were also elated with the President’s commitment to peace with the communist rebels.

“The Army welcomes the pronouncement of the President for a unilateral ceasefire. We’ll do our part in the quest of finding a permanent peaceful resolution of this conflict,” he said.

“While we stop the conduct of offensive military operations, the Army will continue to serve its mandate through all other activities to ensure the protection and safety of the people and contribute in community development as well assist in the government’s fight against drug syndicates,” he added.

Before the ceasefire was announced, the government said negotiations would be pushed back to August to allow for the release of detained communist rebels that the NDF identified as consultants in the peace process.

Alvarez...

From A1 be “instruments of change” and help President Duterte achieve the genuine change he promised the nation.

He said Duterte was elected because of his vow for genuine change, but it was impossible to bring about change alone without the support of Congress and the other branches of government.

“We must give the President the necessary legislation that will be his tools to effect meaningful and genuine change. In sum, we too must be instruments of change,” Alvarez said.

He called for the restoration of the death penalty for heinous crimes, which is part of Duterte’s tough stance against criminality and the illegal drug trade.

Pimentel spelled out the essential elements of the Program of Change agreed upon by the majority of the senators.

“But even as we will do what

with himself. He simply could not articulate it better in Filipino but he means it in a positive way because while his approach is pragmatic, his plans and actions are doable,” Casiple said.

“Everything he said and promised will work,” Casiple added.

Told that Duterte vowed to provide rice subsidy to the four million recipients of the 4Ps or Pantawid Pamilyang Pili-

John Paolo Bencito

needs to be done for the good of our people pursuant to our mandate as legislators, we will also support the legislative initiatives that President Rodrigo Duterte envisions as necessary to promote the public welfare,” Pimentel said.

“In short, my dear colleagues, if we follow the mantra ‘The Poorest First, the Poor Second!’, we will never go wrong.

“The fact is that even if the people cannot realistically expect us to solve all the problems besetting our society today, the thing is that the people who put us in power wish us to do our best.

“One evidence of that Change coming to this Chamber is the fact that you, my dear colleagues, have made it possible for the lone representative of the PDP Laban to be elected president of the Chamber.”

Pimentel said he was proud to say that the value of “subordination of personal interest to the common good” could be found in the Senate of the Philippines. Macon RamosAraneta and Maricel V. Cruz

pino Program, Casiple said the President did not have to raise taxes because he could make tax collection more efficient.

“On taxation, my administration will pursue tax reforms towards a simpler, and more equitable, and more efficient tax system that can foster investment and job creation,” Duterte said. “We will lower personal and corporate income tax rates and relax the bank

secrecy laws,” Duterte said.

At the household level, he said, there must be sufficient income for all Filipinos to meet the basic food and non-food needs for their families.

“We shall continue to attract investments that will generate thousands of jobs each year— jobs that are suitable for the poor and less skilled members of the workforce,” the President said.

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Duterte order on FOI lauded

PASSING THE TORCH. Former

congressman Martin Romualdez, president of the LakasChristian Muslim Democrats party, chats with Marikina Rep. Bayani Fernando, along with his wife, new Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez who succeeded to his old congressional seat. Ver Noveno

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon R. Araneta THE Philippine Constitution Association welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s executive order implementing freedom of information in the executive department even as Senator Grace Poe refiled her old proposal to institutionalize transparency in all branches of government.

Former Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association, said Duterte’s EO was initial proof of the reforms of the Duterte administration.

“President Duterte is a no-nonsense action man and very much determined to address graft and corruption,” Romualdez said.

“The public has been waiting for FoI implementation which did not happen in the past administration despite its anticorruption campaign mantra. He issued the order without alibis,” said the former independent bloc leader of the House.

Duterte’s EO on FoI “will be a very good starter for other branches [judiciary and legislature] to follow because this reform is about a clean, accountable, and transparent government,” Romualdez added.

“This will stir support for Congress to pass the FoI bill that was not passed in the last Congress,” said Romualdez, referring to the recently concluded 16th Congress.

But Poe said Duterte’s EO only applies to the executive department so she filed Senate Bill 159 to institutionalize transparency in all branches of government, including private parties that have transactions with government.

“We need to cover transactions involving private entities who may be in cahoots with government officers in stealing public funds,” said Poe, adding that the right to information in its substantive and procedural aspects needs to be clearly defined.

Poe noted that Duterte’s EO gives much discretion to heads of the offices that have custody of the information sought. Each government office is supposed to come up with a manual.

17th Congress opens with usual politicking

By Maricel V. Cruz and John Paolo Bencito

W

HILE Malacañang welcomed the election of Senator Aquilino Pimentel III as Senate president and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez as Speaker of the House, politicking emerged early at the 17th Congress, particularly over the leadership of the minority in House of Representatives.

Alvarez, who was nominated by former speaker and Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., was selected speaker by an overwhelming vote from 251 lawmakers but the post of minority leader went to limbo as Alvarez’s contender vied for the juicy post.

Alvarez’s contenders were Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr. Suarez was nominated by freshman congressman Harry Roque of Kabayan party-list while Baguilat was named by Northern

Samar Rep. Raul Daza.

Based on the existing House rules, Baguilat should be automatically be the minority leader after he obtained the second highest number of vote next to Alvarez—eight, or just one vote more than Suarez’s seven votes.

But since the new House leadership did not recognize Baguilat, who was fielded by Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman to stop what they called Suarez’s “company union,” the claim is

expected to be challenged in the coming days.

Baguilat said he would insist that he is the legitimate minority leader. “It was very clear that I am the House Minority Leader.

We cannot change the rules in the middle of the game. The rules and precedents are clear and it favors my assumption as House Minority Leader,” Baguilat said.

But Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said all congressmen who did not vote for Alvarez for Speaker automatically become members of the minority.

Suarez agreed with Fariñas.

“Those who did not vote for the winning Speaker, which is Congressman Alvarez, can elect their own minority leader, including our colleagues who abstained, if they want to be part of the minority.”

Given this interpretation of the rules, all those who voted for Baguilat, Suarez and all the 21 congressmen who abstained will have to choose a minority leader among their ranks, opening a

chance for Suarez to be elected minority leader.

This developed as Alvarez outlined the House’s legislative agenda, including the reimposition of the death penalty for heinous crimes, reverting the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 years to nine years old, enacting a Freedom of Information law; a simplified income system and the revision of the 1987 Constitution.

Meanwhile, Alvarez named the five new deputy speaker as Eric Singson of Ilocos Sur, Mercedes Alvarez of Negros Occidental, Fred Castro of Capiz and Raneo Abu of Batangas and Romero Quimbo of Marikina.

The Speaker also named Cesar Pareja new House secretary general, replacing Marilyn Yap and retired Lt. Gen. Roland M. Detabali as new sergeant-at-arms, replacing Nicasio Radovan.

Also on Monday, Malacañang welcomed the election of Alvarez and Pimentel as leaders of the two houses of the new Congress.

Gloria faces 2 new health concerns Explain order, CA tells anti-trust body By Rio N. Araja

By Rey E. Requejo THE Philippine Competition Commission has been ordered to comment on the separate petitions filed by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Globe Telecommunications Inc. and justify its review of the P70-billion buyout deal of the telecommunication assets of San Miguel Corp.

In separate resolutions, the Court of Appeals’ 12th and sixth divisions gave the PCC 10 days to submit its comment on the petitions filed by PLDT and Globe.

“Without necessarily giving due course to the instant petition… Philippine Competition Commission is directed to file a comment [not a motion to dismiss] within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice and show cause why the petition with prayer for a temporary restraining order and/or preliminary injunction should not be granted,” the 12th division resolution, penned by Associate Justice Ramon Bato Jr., stated.

The PLDT has five days to file its reply to the comment that PCC will file, after which the appellate court will determine if it will submit the case for decision or will still conduct a hearing or require submission of memoranda.

However, the CA’s Sixth Di-

vision denied Globe’s bid for the issuance of a temporary restraining order against PCC’s investigation.

In its two-page resolution, the appellate court, through Associate Justice Nina G. Antonio-Valenzuela, stressed that for a restraining order to be issued, the right to be protected must exist and the acts sought to be restrained are violative of that right.

“Mere allegations of the existence of the such requisites, absent proof, cannot be the basis for the issuance of an injunctive writ,” the CA ruled.

In their separate petitions filed before the CA, Globe and PLDT sought to prevent the PCC from conducting full investigation of their co-purchase of the telco assets of San Miguel Corp.

PLDT argued that the deal has been deemed approved by operation of law since they have fully complied with the terms of the transitory circulars issued by the PCC. “The legal effects and consequences of such compliance cannot be reversed or undone by the PCC,” the company earlier said.

PLDT said its wireless subsidiary Smart has been implementing the transaction and using the frequencies as part of its nationwide rollout.

FORMER President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been diagnosed with two new health conditions—hypertension and nerve deterioration—and is even looking at a third which needs immediate medical verification.

Arroyo said in a television interview her doctors have been nagging her to undergo a liver check-up even when she was still under hospital arrest at the

Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

Although she said she was well taken care of at the VMMC, she said her health condition continued to deteriorate.

“Now, I wake up with a lot of pain again so when I had my check-up in St. Luke’s, they said there is some deterioration.

Even when I was in Veterans, my doctor from St. Luke’s said that it’s time for me to have my liver checked so I’ll be having it sometime next week,” she said

in an interview with the ABSCBN network.

She said she may seek medical attention abroad for a second opinion on her ailments and to find a permanent medical solution.

“How shall I put it? I was better before detention than after detention, to say the least,” she said.

Her check-up after her release from hospital arrest showed she now had high blood pressure and nerve deterioration.

IN BRIEF Only 800,000 voters register WITH only four days left before the deadline for registration, only more than 800,000 out of the targeted three million new voters have registered for youth council and village polls in October, the poll Commission on Elections said Monday.

“Only a few people, especially the youth, are coming to Comelec satellite offices to register,” Comelec chairman Andres Bautista said, admitting that they are having a hard time encouraging people to register because most voters are not excited about the SK and barangay elections.

Despite the low turnout of registrants, the Comelec said the deadline will not be extended and Comelec offices remain open during office hours or from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Vito Barcelo

Singer cited in contempt THE Court of Appeals has found singer and bus operator Claire dela Fuente guilty of indirect contempt for filing the same case before multiple courts to secure a favorable ruling in her favor.

The case stemmed from the P417.8-million tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against her and her bus company Philippine Corinthian Line Corporation. The CA noted that Dela Fuente appealed her case before Department of Justice although the case was pending with the CA. “This Court cannot countenance petitioners resort to the reprehensible practice of forum shopping which manipulates the court system, abuses its processes, degrades the administration of justice, and wastes valuable judicial resources,” the CA said.

But the appellate court was lenient with Dela Fuente (Clarita de Guzman in real life) and fined her and her company P2,000 each, but with the warning that a repetition of the same offense shall be dealt with more severely. Rey Requejo

Airport chief presses reform

SEIZED CONTRABAND. Customs agents, led by Deputy Commissioner Jessie Dellosa (not in photo), inspect one of the 88 containers that was found to contain onions smuggled from China. Danny Pata

NINOY Aquino International Airport general manager Eddie Monreal asked airport personnel to seriously take the agency’s drive to rid the airport of misfits and other undesirables to erase Naia’s reputation as one of the worst in the world.

Monreal made the appeal on the heels of the relief from duty of an airport policeman who was allegedly caught in video while demanding money from his victim. He identified the officer as APO2 Joseph Aday of the Airport Police Department.

He noted that there are also three solicitors of accredited airport transport firms who were caught illegally charging exorbitant charges on passengers.

Joel E. Zurbano

A4

Opinion

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016

mstdaydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Veering off script

A

PALACE official told the media Sunday that President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address on Monday would be brief and heartrending at the same time.

It would be so touching, promised the spokesman, that people would fight back tears as they listened.

Many Filipinos had this expectation upon seeing Mr. Duterte alight from the presidential chopper a few minutes before he was due to speak.

The address lasted much longer than the 38 minutes that was promised, and was hardly the poignant piece it was built up

to be. In fact, seeming to get tired of the prepared speech that he had to read on the screen, President Duterte in no time launched into spontaneous statements, treating his speech as a mere guide.

To be sure, what came off was not as succinct, direct and inspiring as, say, his inaugural address on June 30. In fact, Mr. Duterte’s first Sona hewed closer to the ramblings he had displayed in the press conferences he called in the days leading to his inauguration. He reverted to topics he had already taken up. One could not predict where the speech was going or whether it was bound

to end soon. That he engaged an award-winning director was irrelevant. Indeed if there were those who cried, they could have done so out of frustration at the address’ structure—or the lack of it.

But this is just form.

Mr. Duterte’s first Sona cannot be faulted for lacking in substance. He started with comforting words—that vindictiveness was not in his system—an obvious reference to his immediate predecessor who was conspicuously absent from the gallery. But the comfort was temporary as he enumerated the numerous and multi-faceted ills that the coun-

try faced, and how he intended to deal with them.

There were significant announcements made: sustaining the fight against drugs, lowering income taxes, declaring a unilateral ceasefire with the National Democratic Front, ensuring that the reproductive health law would be implemented in its entirety, improving the state of agriculture in the country, and pushing for the shift to a federal form of government.

Aside from these, the President also touched, among others, on the environment, the dispute with China, peace in Mindanao, infrastructure, traffic and other transport woes,

and media killings.

These do not tell us that the President does not know how to focus. It instead affirms that the issues the country contends with are at the same time overwhelming and simultaneous.

Change is hard to come by under this setting, but it will be occasioned, nonetheless.

The President, as shown in his Sona, is not an eloquent speaker. This is easily forgotten in the face of his decisiveness and his confidence that the fight against these ills will be sustained and relentless. We would rather observe how solutions are delivered, rather than indulge in feel-good tears.

EAGLE EYES TONY LA VIÑA

Should the Philippines ratify the Paris Agreement?

any national politician I’ve ever heard of, always careful of staying “on message” and focusgrouped to death. He talks like you and me—and he’s perfectly believable when he does. *** I have another confession to make: Duterte had my immediate attention when I first saw him arrive at the Batasan wearing a flag pin on his chest.

Duterte had not even ascended to the podium at that point.

He had just gotten off the helicopter that took him to the joint session of Congress.

And there was the new President of the Philippines, proudly wearing the unifying symbol of his country. It’s no small thing: After six years of watching a president display nothing but the divisive symbol of his political clan and party on his chest, I really look forward to every opportunity when the Chief Executive calls for unity even before Turn to A5

Turn to A5

Real talk

LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES I MUST admit: I used to think that Noynoy Aquino was a great communicator. But even in his finest moments, Aquino was always a gifted but thoroughly obedient reader—he sounds good and polished, but you always suspect that he doesn’t really mean what he says since he’s only reading what some speechwriter shoved in his face.

The most amazing thing about President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address, which he supposedly wrote, is how often he interrupted himself in order to explain what he really meant. I lost count of the number of times Duterte stopped reading the lines from his TelePrompTer, which he would mostly run through, until he felt he arrived on a line or idea that he felt he just had to elucidate; then he’d slow down, ad lib and just basically Dutertify what he’d just read.

This, I think, is because Duterte feels horribly constricted

ONE good thing about our new president is that he frequently makes bold statements about important topics, prompting all of us to try to understand that topic which otherwise would have been ignored. This past week, it was the turn of the Paris Agreement on climate change. President Duterte was quoted as saying that he would not honor the agreement because it would stymie our industrialization. A few days later, he was more circumspect and asked the Senate to review the agreement carefully. In his State of the Nation Address yesterday, President Duterte made it clear that he believed global warming was real and that it must be addressed. He stressed, though, that the world must solve the problem fairly.

In several talks I gave this past week, I made it clear that our interests since the beginning of the climate change negotiations in 1990 have remained constant: how to make sure that the threat of climate change is averted and that its worst impact does not affect us. We also wanted to ensure that the global mitigation interventions to address climate change benefit our sustainable development and not hinder it.

Hence, the Philippine delegation pushed for certain points and fought against some— what we call our red lines—in the Paris agreement because they will affect our capacity to face climate change in specific ways. We crafted our position on mitigation, human rights, adaptation, loss and damage, technology transfer, finance and capacity building with a vision on how their inclusion in the historic climate change deal would be captured in real programs and policies to be implemented on the ground.

The Philippines, as chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, an advocacy alliance of 43 developing, middle-economy and small island states, has campaigned for the temperature cap of 1.5 degree-Celsius goal since COP20 in Lima, Peru. In Paris, we did Herculean work to achieve this goal.

Our paid off as 112 countries eventually supported it, with

just reading from a script handed to him. Especially if it is a topic that he feels needs amplification because it is important—illegal drugs, say, or red tape in government—he has no qualms about stopping reading and ad libbing.

Duterte, by his own admission and from our own short experience, has never cared much for protocol or tradition. And if he over-spoke by over an hour (the speech was supposed to take only less than 40 minutes), he apparently doesn’t care, so long as he makes a point.

No, it wasn’t—as the President’s spokesman had promised —a heart-wrenching, cry-inducing speech. But it was not so much a Sona as it was another of those incredibly earnest, heart-to-heart conversations that Duterte feels a need to have with the nation—though not lately, since he imposed his ban on those stream-of-consciousness press conferences he used to conduct in Davao.

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It was Duterte in the raw, reprising the plainspoken role that endeared him to many Filipinos.”

It was honest and often offtangent. It was Duterte in the raw, reprising the plainspoken role that endeared him to many Filipinos and elected him to the highest office in the land.

If I may continue with the comparison between Duterte and Aquino (and most of Aquino’s predecessors, to be fair), the new President is so different because he is simultaneously

Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez Former Chief Justice Renato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Maan Ilustre Edgar M. Valmorida

so alien and yet so familiar. He may not be speaking like any other president on his most important annual speech, but you just know that this is how actual people—as opposed to the usual politicians like Aquino and the rest—communicate.

It was yet another instance of Duterte doing real talk. No frills, no technocratese, no fancy verbal pyrotechnics or imagery.

At certain points, like when he asked Congress to pass emergency measures to allow him to solve Metro Manila’s traffic problem, it wasn’t even because he wanted to convince anyone to see it his way. There’s just the right way, which he says will get the job done, and some other way, which won’t.

As Duterte long ago admitted, most Filipinos don’t really know him. But if the people who take the trouble to do so are mesmerized, it’s not hard to understand why.

Duterte doesn’t talk slick like

Chairman Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Advertising and Marketing Head Circulation Manager

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Francis Lagniton News Editor Emil P. Jurado

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

City Editor Senior Deskman Art Director Chief Photographer

Opinion TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Liking and admiring the President YES, I used to describe President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as fond of obscene language. I went as far as saying this was what endeared him to the poverty-stricken elements of society.

But since he was sworn in as the top leader of the land, he has metamorphosed into somebody we can respect and admire. In fact, I am beginning to like him.

Sure, he still talks tough, and is still fond of hyperbole to get his message across. But he walks his talk in the fight against criminality, illegal drugs and corruption. He has also done away with frills like cocktail meetings. He is content wearing denim and rolledup barong. He has issued a directive saying that government people must do away with using “His Excellency” and “Honorable.” All these resonate with the people, such that he now enjoys a very high 91-percent trust and acceptance rating, according to the Social Weather Stations.

It is apparent that people now see real change.

This was heightened yesterday during Mr. Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address. He specifically spoke out against all forms of conspicuous consumption, for example the hundred-thousand-peso gowns of lawmakers or their spouses.

Santa Banana, we now have a president who listens to the outcry of people. He has succeeded in instilling fear among druglords and drug dealers.

I do have reservations about the push for the return of the death penalty. I still believe in life, even for those convicted of heinous crimes. Even criminals have civil and human rights.

But I believe Duterte is on the right track in dealing with the drug menace. This is destroying the youth and their families; it is the scourge of society.

His push against illegal drugs has become what is known as the Hiroshima dilemma, when in 1945 US President Harry Truman was caught between ending the war by dropping the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, Japan. Thousands were killed, but if the war was prolonged, thousands more will be killed.

Truman chose the former.

Digong’s apparent resort to a culture of violence and impunity indicates he is inclined to do the same. His administration can save more young Filipinos and make them productive members of society.

He is choosing this rather than having an endless campaign against illegal drugs by simply arresting dealers and pushers by charging them in court. We know how slow the wheels of justice in the country turn.

There are of course, pluses and minuses in Digong’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Many of us still believe that the end does not justify the means.

Still, I am an advocate of real change. I believe that President Duterte must resolve his dilemma sooner or later.

All these are why I am not only beginning to like Duterte, but also to admire and respect him. For once, we have a leader who can be responsible and accountable for all his actions.

With the greater good for the greatest number in his mind, Duterte can have a real place in history—if he hasn’t done so already with his unorthodox ways. *** Former President Fidel V. Ramos has accepted his role

as special envoy to China— hopefully, to ease tension in the South China Sea. This is in the aftermath of the decision of the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration that says China’s nine-dash line claim does not have legal basis.

I wonder, however, what FVR can talk about with the Chinese.

I ask this because China has already said the tribunal’s ruling was “null and void.” What is there to negotiate? Worse, China has already taken possession and actual occupation of some of the contested islands or islets. Since occupation is 99-percent ownership, what else can we do?

Since we cannot go to war against a world power like China, what will FVR do when he meets with the Chinese? Sure, Beijing will welcome FVR as former president. But, can

Mr. Duterte must resolve his dilemmas soon.”

FVR negotiate and hold bilateral talks with the Chinese premier? Sure, they can meet, but for what? FVR cannot also propose joint ventures in occupied places of China since that would be unconstitutional.

I don’t know what FVR has in mind. It’s too late now for him to back out of “Mission Impossible.” *** I thought that the minions of BS Aquino had given up on harassing former Marcos Trade minister and international businessman Roberto Ongpin. The Sandiganbayan had ordered dismissed the Ombudsman’s case against him (regarding his P556million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines) for lack of probable cause.

The Sandiganbayan even said that the cases against Ongpin should not have been filed at all.

But now comes another case of harassment case—a “cruel punishment” by the Securities and Exchange Commission—disqualifying Ongpin from becoming a member of the board of any publicly-listed company. There was also an order to collect a fine of P174 million on allegations of insider trading involving shares of Philex Mining.

It is obvious that the minions of former President BS Aquino are still determined to get Ongpin, whom the Aquino administration accused of being a friend of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. Is it now a crime to be friends with the Arroyos?

I wrote a lot about the harassment suit filed by the Ombudsman against Ongpin for two years. The suits involved alleged “behest loans” and insider trading.

It is now clear that BS Aquino still has some minions in places like the SEC who can’t stand the successes of Ongpin in business.

The P174-million penalty, for one, imposed by the SEC on Ongpin is 10 times more than that recommended by the SEC itself. This is unconscionable and in fact confiscatory.

Real... From A4 he opens his mouth to utter his first words.

I’ve always believed in the talismanic power of the Philippine tricolor to unite us as a nation. It is often, in my view, the only thing anymore that does.

We may have, as Filipinos, different languages, different religions, different customs, different demographic and economic classes and, certainly, different political views. But as long as we honor that same flag, I think there’s hope for us yet.

And one of the chief failings of Duterte’s predecessor is that he refused to wear this symbol of national unity that all previous heads of this tumultuous and contentious state proudly wore. By insisting on displaying what separates his believers from the rest of us, that President became a divisive force to the great majority who did elect him to office.

Because under our three-decade-old political system, every president is elected only by a plurality, never by a majority. The least a new president can do, you’d think, is to rally the rest of the country who didn’t want him elected and ask them to help him going forward.

But that was then. I’m just glad Duterte is the sort of president who understands what the flag really means and how it can bring us all together as a nation.

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016

A5

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Parking ticket racket at Pasig LTO; MMDA scam HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA LAST week, the Ombudsman filed graft charges against exVice President Jejomar Binay and his son, former Makati City Mayor Jun-Jun Binay.

The case against them arose from the alleged overpricing of a carpark building near the Makati City Hall. Now that the elder Binay is no longer vice president, he is not immune from suit.

Graft charges were likewise lodged against ex-Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando and several ex-MMDA officials. The case against Fernando emanated from several questionable disbursements from funds of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival managed by the MMDA, including a birthday gift in the amount of P1.6 million in cash allegedly received

by Fernando.

Since there is nothing in the MMDA charter which allows it to manage a film festival, why is the MMDA managing the annual film festival in the first place? It’s no wonder the MMDA is unable to attend to the traffic mess in the metropolis!

Even ex-President Aquino is facing criminal charges for the pork barrel scam which scandalized his administration years ago.

Now that the government is in the mood to file criminal cases against corrupt government personnel, attention is invited to certain anomalies hidden from public attention.

First in the list is the Land Transportation Office located at

MAIL MATTERS

Shaw Boulevard in Pasig City, between the Capitol Commons commercial compound and the Ynares sports arena.

Motorists entering the parking lot infront of the Pasig LTO are required to stop at a makeshift guardhouse. There, each vehicle is charged a parking fee of P30.

The anomaly—the guardhouse attendant does not issue an official receipt for the money received. All he issues is a small printed ticket (like a carnival ride ticket) bearing a serial number and its P30 face value. The ticket does not state the name of the entity issuing the ticket. Obviously, it is not an official receipt.

Since the operator of the parking lot charges money from the general public, the operator is required by the internal revenue laws to issue an official receipt for every payment the operator receives.

Non-issuance of official receipts for revenues received is a criminal offense.

Motorists attest that this parking ticket racket has been going on for over two years now. This writer checked out this anomaly last week and learned that the racket is still taking place.

At the Pasig LTO office, a security officer wearing a black uniform and sporting a military haircut tried to play down this parking ticket racket. He said the LTO has nothing to do with the illegal parking tickets because the LTO lease covers only the office space it is currently using, and does not include the parking lot. In addition, he said that the management of the Ynares sports arena issues those “parking tickets.”

Other Pasig LTO personnel refused to answer questions.

The hollow explanation of the

security officer notwithstanding, either the Pasig LTO head or the manager of the Ynares sports arena should explain this parking ticket anomaly.

If the Pasig LTO head is behind this racket, he should be sued for violating the anti-graft law. On the other hand, if a private entity is behind this irregularity, its top official should be sued for tax evasion.

Moreover, the Pasig LTO head must explain why motorists who have official business with it must pay for parking space. No parking fees are charged at other government facilities. Why is there a parking fee at the Pasig LTO unit?

There is another parking fee racket at the plaza near the head office of the Commission on Elections in Intramuros, Manila. There, “parking attendants” without uniforms or identification cards issue parking tickets bearing the name of the Intramuros Authority. Although each ticket looks real, the printed ticket price is crossed-out and replaced, using a ballpen, with a higher amount.

Since the parking ticket is actually an official receipt purportedly issued by the government, any manual alteration on it is illegal. Are the authorities aware of this scam?

Next in the list are the anomalies committed by MMDA traffic enforcers stationed at the Edsa-Ortigas Avenue intersection.

The anomalies involve the number-coding prohibition on vehicular license plates. Under this prohibition, certain cars cannot use the roads one day in a week, depending on the last digit on their license plates.

During the so-called “window hours,” however, banned vehicles are allowed on the road from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The

“window hours” exception is recognizeda t this intersection.

On weekdays, between 1:30 and 2:45 in the afternoon, an MMDA traffic enforcer stationed at this intersection looks for vehicles which are covered by the “window hours” exemption. In particular, the traffic enforcer monitors the “window hours” vehicles coming from Ortigas Avenue and turning left to the southbound lane of Edsa.

Instead of directing these vehicles to the proper lane on Edsa, which is his duty, the MMDA traffic enforcer takes advantage of the small, almost unreadable signages near the POEA building and waits for a vehicle to take the wrong lane.

The traffic enforcer then accosts the driver.

Realizing that the “window hours” exemption of the vehicle concerned is expiring soon, the MMDA traffic enforcer accuses the motorist of deliberate disregard of traffic rules, and threatens to confiscate his driver’s license. Since the motorist has no time to argue his defense, the motorist is left with only two unpleasant choices—allow the traffic enforcer to confiscate his driver’s license for no valid reason, or give the traffic enforcer a bribe.

Some corrupt MMDA traffic enforcers at the Edsa-Ortigas Avenue intersection demand at least P500 from each motorist accosted. Traffic enforcers taking bribes are careful enough to avoid getting recorded by the traffic camera. To avoid inviting suspicion from anyone, corrupt traffic enforcers pretend to write down the license plates of the vehicle concerned, while the motorist prepares the bribe money.

What a racket!

Ramos is the right person for the job

I REFER to the column of former Ambassador Alejandro del Rosario on the 25 July 2016 issue of Manila Standard headlined “A tough role for FVR” wherein he wrote, in part: “What made Ramos change his mind to accept the special envoy job? Duterte had already tapped former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan when FVR seemed ambivalent about the offer. Alunan would have been just as good, if not better, than Ramos who is in his 80s. The former President himself said he might be a bit too old for the job.”

To be exact, FVR turned 88 last March 18 this year but to some people, that might be a little “bit too old for the job” as Mr. Del Rosario pointed out. But as one of those closest to the former Philippine president, hav-

ing served as the family biographer of the illustrious Ramos, Valdez, Jara and Martinez clans in the last 15 years, age is just a number.

I can honestly say that PFVR who formally accepted last Saturday his eminent role as a special envoy to China is just the right person for the job and President Rodrigo Duterte made the right choice on the former Chief Executive.

Even former secretary of Interior and Local Government Rafael M. Alunan III who was President Duterte’s second choice should President Ramos decline the latter’s offer to serve as special envoy to China issued this statement on his FB wall: “The best Philippine envoy to China. Thank you FVR for your continued service to the country

and dedication to world peace and sustainable development.”

Raffy Alunan is our lead convenor of the West Philippine Sea Coalition and co-author of Silver Linings: 25 Years of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

The former President said during the Kapihan, “I can do the job, but I’m also requesting parameters and guidelines from the President because that’s the way it is—you must give command guidance to your soldier if you want the mission to succeed.

I want us to succeed so that I can report to him ‘mission accomplished’”.

Based on our conversations, his statements and body language on our three encounters, I was almost certain that FVR, being a good soldier, would accept his new mission from the

new commander-in-chief.

There was also no dilly dallying or change of heart on the part of FVR. President Ramos intimated to me that during the San Beda Alumni testimonial dinner, President Duterte offered the position as “special envoy to China informally” by announcing it in his speech despite being seated for more than an hour.

That time there was no formal offer yet but he was later given the formal notice to meet with President Duterte in Davao on July 23.

Being a good soldier, FVR gets direct instructions from the Commander-in-Chief to set the parameters and goals paramount to national interests.

Should... From A4

transfer team, on the other hand, pushed for the provision of funds for all stages of technology cycle so as to guarantee that the support will not just be given for research and development but also implementation.

Not all challenges posed by climate change could be adapted to, however. This is why we need to address loss and damage separately. It is one big win for us and other vulnerable countries that the Paris agreement contained a whole article (Article 8) about it.

The preamble of the Paris Agreement captures not only environmental concerns but also strongly mandates countries to “respect, promote and consider their respective obligations on human rights” with particular reference to rights of indigenous peoples. The Philippines provided the leadership to make this happen.

There is a reason why we wanted to emphasize this link between human rights and climate change. We will better understand why we are doing what we are doing—we want this agreement to be successful because we—including farmers, young people, survivors of disasters not just in the Philippines but in other countries—all of us, including the one reading this—have the right to a cleaner, greener world, and so do the generations to come.

Similar but less controversial to human rights was the Philip-

pine leadership and advocacy of the inclusion of language ecosystems integrity in the Paris Agreement. We successfully argued that climate change was not just a carbon agreement but that its impact and the impact of mitigation interventions have serious consequences on ecosystems, natural resources, and biological diversity.

The big question for us these past few years is whether we should even have these multilateral processes at all as they can be complex and unwieldy. Paris was a strong and loud confirmation for such processes. Without them, both small and the least powerful nations will have no say at all on global decisions. If you were a negotiator from those countries, as we were, it was very clear that we able to have a big footprint on the agreement, that we shaped it as much as the biggest players did.

If global climate change politics were reduced to bilateral or regional relationships, only the big emitters and those with deep pockets would have a say. Who wants that?

While we believe Paris is the maximum and limit of what governments, as a collective, can agree on now, the Agreement is still not adequate to address climate change effectively. But while it is imperfect, the Paris Agreement is not bad; it is certainty not a least common denominator agreement. As United States Secretary John Kerry

argued during the Paris negotiations, what we agreed to in Paris was the most differentiated agreement ever. This made it possible for all countries to unite for the common purpose of addressing climate change. As someone who has been involved in this effort for 25 years, it was a big thing to see this happen.

So should we ratify the Paris Agreement?

I can imagine the Philippines deciding not to do so. If that is the decision, however, let us be ready to address climate change on our own. Isolation is the result of not ratifying what is likely going to be a universal agreement.

If we ratify the agreement, it is important to consider very carefully our Nationally Determined Contribution. In my previous column, I explained that President Aquino offered an ambitious reduction commitment but one that was contingent on the availability of support—finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. There is nothing to stop us from lowering our ambition even as it will mean diminished leadership in the climate negotiations. The important thing is to commit to something we can really implement and which is good for us.

Should we ratify the Paris Agreement? It is in our interest to do so.

France and Germany joining the call by the penultimate day of the conference.

It is true that the current commitments will still lead to a 2.7 degrees Celsius increase in temperature. That is not acceptable.

But the review mechanism agreed to in Paris and built regularly into the agreement is its saving grace.

If we do it right, by the second or third cycle, we could be on track to the 1.5 degrees goal.

We need funds not only to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, but also to adapt to the effects of climate change, which could range from longer, drier spells to intense, more frequent rainfall.

These events have potential pronounced impacts on the income of farmers and fisher folk as the former would have a more difficult time growing their crops, while it would be dangerous and too risky for the latter to brave stormy seas.

Their decreased production could then harm food security and aggravate poverty.

In Paris, our adaptation team worked hard to make sure that the funds would be grants-based.

Complementing their efforts was the work of the finance team, which supported the inclusion of a provision in the climate change deal that aims to achieve a balance between mitigation and adaptation in the allotment of climate finance. The technology

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supply of five (5) MW baseload power to SAMELCO I, to assure the adequate and reliable supply of power to SAMELCO I’s franchise area; 14. Subsequently, through the Amendment Letter, SAMELCO I requested for a one (1) MW increase in Contracted Capacity, which GNPOWER accepted and conformed to on 14 January 2016; ABSTRACT OF THE PSA AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION 15. The following are the salient features of the PSA: A. Term The Agreement shall be effective from 18 September 2015, the date of the execution of the PSA. For the delivery of the contracted capacity, it shall have a term of one (1) year, starting on 26 December 2015 (12:00 A.M.) to 25 December 2016 (12:00 M.N.) B. Contracted Capacity GNPOWER shall sell and deliver, or cause to deliver to SAMELCO I a contracted capacity of six (6) MW at the delivery point of the facility.

Unutilized Capacity. The unutilized capacity of the Buyer may be made available for utilization of other Region 8 ECs or sold to the WESM. Exchange of Contracted Capacities. To maximize capacity utilization, Region 8 ECs may exchange quantities of their Contracted Capacities. (Exchange in MW Capacity Protocol annexed to the PSA) C. Contract Price Under Schedule 1 of the PSA, the Total Monthly Charge, before taxes, for a Billing Period shall be computed according to the following: Total Monthly Charge = Capacity Charge + Energy Charge C. 1. Capacity Fee and Capacity Charge The Capacity Fee is the component of the Contract Price allocated to pay for the cost, as well as, the operations and maintenance of the Facility and is designated as the Capacity Fee in Schedule 1 of the PSA, as amended, as such may be adjusted from time to time based on SAMELCO I’s Capacity Utilization Factor.

TODAY Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Ave., Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT (PSA), AS AMENDED, BETWEEN SAMAR I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC. AND GNPOWER LTD. CO., WITH PRAYER FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION AND THE ISSUANCE OF PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ERC Case No. 2016-028 RC SAMAR I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (SAMELCO I) AND GNPOWER LTD. CO. (GNPOWER) Applicants. x-------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: On 15 March 2016, Samar I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SAMELCO I) and GNPower Ltd. Co. (GNPower) filed their joint Application for approval of their Power Supply Agreement (PSA), with prayer for confidential treatment of information and issuance of provisional authority.

In support of said Application, SAMELCO I and GNPower alleged, among others, the following: 1.

Applicant SAMELCO I is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at Brgy. Carayman, Calbayog City. It is authorized to distribute and provide electricity services to its member-consumers in the Municipalities of Gandara, Matuguinao, San Jorge, Sta. Margarita, Tarangnan, Pagsanghan, and the City of Calbayog, all in the Province of Samar (collectively, the “Franchise Area”);

2.

Copies of SAMELCO I’s Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Certificate of Registration, and Certificate of Franchise are attached to the Application as follows: Document SAMELCO I’s Articles of Incorporation SAMELCO I’s By-laws Certificate of Registration with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Certificate of Franchise

Annex “A” “B” “C” “D” 3.

Applicant GNPOWER is a duly registered limited partnership existing under Philippine laws, engaged in the business of developing, constructing, operating, and owning power generation facilities and in the sale and trade of electric power.

Its principal office is at 28th Floor, Orient Square Building, Don Francisco Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City;

4.

GNPOWER’s pertinent documents evidencing its due registration as a limited partnership are appended to the Application, as follows: Annex Document Certificate of Registration issued by the Securities and “E” Exchange Commission (SEC) “F” GNPOWER’s Amended Articles of Partnership 5.

Applicants may be served with orders, notices, and other legal processes of the Commission through its counsels of record; The instant Application is filed pursuant to Sections 23, 25, 43 (u), and 45 (b) of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA Law), its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and other pertinent rules and regulations. A copy of the PSA signed by Applicants on 18 September 2015, as amended by a letter of agreement dated 16 December 2015 (Amendment Letter), are attached as Annex “G” and “G-1”, respectively, and forms an integral part of the Application;

6.

Where: QACTUAL

=

CC HT

= =

Contract Year

Contract Duration

2015 2016 2017 2018

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

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

=

the sum of the duration, in Equivalent Hours, of Scheduled Outages and Unscheduled Outages in such Billing Period CFCUF = the Capacity Fee in PhP/kWh for a given CUF in a Billing month.

LCRCUF = the local component of the Capital Recovery Fee in PhP/kWh at the given CUF. LFOMCUF = the local component of the Fixed O&M fee in PhP/kWh at the given CUF. PHCPIn-1 = Philippine Consumer Price Index of the calendar month prior to the month corresponding to the Billing Period, for All Income Households – All Items (2006=100), as published by the Philippine National Statistics Coordination Board (or its substitute or replacement agency, as the case may be). = the base Philippine Consumer Price Index for the month PHCPI0 of December 2014. PHCPI0 = 140.5.

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

The corresponding Capacity Fee price component for a given Capacity Utilization Factor is set forth in the Table below: Capacity Fees for Specific Capacity Utilization Factor EHTO

100% 99% 98% 97% 96% 95% 94% 93% 92% 91% 90% 89% 88% 87% 86% 85% 84% 83% 82% 81% 80% 79% 78% 77% 76% 75% 74% 73% 72% 71% 70%

The contracts of most of the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) in Region 8 with the National Power Corporation — Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (NPC-PSALM) expired on 25 December 2014; On 07 November 2013, the eleven (11) ECs of Region 8 participated in the bidding for PSALM’s 200 strips of energy from the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant, but lost; Typhoon Yolanda hit the region on 08 November 2013 stalling any efforts to contract additional power supply and shifting the focus instead on the massive restoration efforts in the area; Thus, the Region 8 ECs decided to bid out their power supply requirements for the period 2015 - 2018. In the middle of 2014, the Region 8 ECs conducted a Joint Power Supply Planning.

Later, the Region 8 ECs decided, through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), to conduct a joint procurement of their shortterm aggregated baseload requirement, specifically, their power supply needs beginning 26 December 2015 until 25 December 2016. From September to December 2014, the competitive bidding for the region’s power requirements was held; For such purpose, a Bids and Awards Committee was created to conduct the Region 8 Joint Competitive Power Supply Procurement (“R8 JCPSP”) as follows: 12.1.

Annex “H” “H-1” “H-1-a” “H-2” “H-3” “H-4” “H-5” “H-6” “H-7” “H-8” 13.

Document Invitation to Bid Copy of the page of the newspaper where the Invitation was published Affidavit of Publication of the Invitation to Bid Memorandum of Agreement among Region 8 ECs Emails confirming participation of interested suppliers in the bidding Final Instruction to Bidders Bid Forms Bid Evaluation Slips Comparison of Bids Notice of Award On 18 September 2015, SAMELCO I and GNPOWER executed the subject PSA, providing the terms and conditions for the

Capital Recovery (LCRCUF) 2.2944 2.3176 2.3412 2.3654 2.3900 2.4152 2.4409 2.4671 2.4939 2.5213 2.5493 2.5780 2.6073 2.6372 2.6679 2.6993 2.7314 2.7643 2.7980 2.8326 2.8680 2.9043 2.9415 2.9797 3.0189 3.0592 3.1005 3.1430 3.1867 3.2315 3.2777

C.U.F.

Aggregated Baseload 65 MW 78 MW 83 MW 93 MW

The Region 8 ECs initially prepared their respective least-cost power supply plans and subsequently their aggregated baseload demand for competitive bidding; 12.2.

The competitive tender was published and announced in the coverage areas of the Region 8 ECs. In addition, prospective bidders (Generation Companies, IPP Administrators and Wholesale Aggregators whose names are listed on the Department of Energy [DOE] website) were invited; 12.3.

The capacity offered by the winning bidder/s was allocated among the eleven (11) Region 8 ECs in proportion to their declared demand. A bidder was allowed to offer to supply capacity that is less than or equal to the aggregated baseload requirement in any or all of the contract years in increments of 1MW. In the event that some winning bidders offered less than 11 MW, the loads were optimally allocated in such a way that the blended price of generation resulting from the R8 JCPSP transaction is almost the same for all ECs. In the event multiple bidders who collectively satisfy the total baseload demand of R8 ECs are declared winners for any contract year, all winning bidders entered into individual PSAs with each of the 11 ECs; 12.4.

Bidders who signified their intention to join by buying the bid documents, attended pre-bid conferences where they gave their comments and sought clarification on the bidding requirements and process.

The BAC issued bid bulletins and the Final Instruction to Bidders; 12.5.

The process followed the 2-envelope system the legal requirements and proof of financial and technical capability in the first, and the commercial offer in the second. Bids were evaluated based on an Evaluation Framework and Evaluation Methodology released to the Bidders; 12.6.

After evaluating the bids of each supplier, on 14 November 2014, the BAC declared Applicant GNPOWER as a winning bidder of a total of 43 MW for Contract Year 2016, with a Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid with a Base Price offer of PhP5.0481/kWh and an evaluated Effective Price of PhP6.6658/kWh; 12.7.

On 14 September 2015, GNPOWER and the Region 8 ECs commenced the final negotiations for the other commercial and technical terms and conditions of the PSA and negotiated the further reduction of the Contract Price from PhP5.0481/kWh to PhP4.9653/ kWh and for the increase in capacity to 52MW; Attached to the Application are copies of the relevant documents issued relative to the Joint Competitive Selection Process undertaken by the Region 8 ECs for the supply of their aggregated base load demand:

=

ICIn-1

=

ICI0

= D.

Currency of Payment The Contract Price shall be paid by SAMELCO I in Philippine Peso only.

E. Scheduled and Unscheduled Outages Under the PSA, as amended, GNPOWER shall be allowed Scheduled and Unscheduled Outages not to exceed forty-five (45) days per Contract Year, during which time reduced or no delivery will be available to SAMELCO I. Unutilized Equivalent Hours for Scheduled Outages and Unscheduled Outages in the Contract Year cannot be carried forward to subsequent Contract Year.

F. Replacement Power During any Scheduled or Unscheduled Outages, GNPOWER and SAMELCO I shall cooperate to arrange for Replacement Power from, including but not limited to, other facilities of GNPOWER, third parties and the WESM. GNPOWER, at its own cost and in consultation with SAMELCO I, shall negotiate on behalf of SAMELCO I for the supply and delivery of capacity and energy from third parties for a price as close as possible to the Contract Price.

G. Prompt Payment Discount Provided SAMELCO I has no arrears from previous billings, including the Security Deposit or any unpaid charges or penalties, if SAMELCO I pays the invoice amount in full within 10 days from its receipt of the invoice, SAMELCO I shall be credited on the next subsequent bill a PPD equivalent to eight centavos per kilowatt-hour (PhP0.08/kWh).

H. Security Deposit In the event of SAMELCO I’s failure to pay on Due Date, GNPOWER shall draw, at its option, from the Security Deposit on the working day immediately following the Due Date. Within thirty (30) Business Days from the Start of Delivery Date, SAMELCO I shall establish the Security Deposit and submit to GNPOWER documentary proof sufficient to allow GNPOWER to draw therefrom. The Security Deposit shall be in the form of cash and or irrevocable letter of credit and shall be equivalent to SAMELCO I’s projected maximum electricity bill, to be determined not later than sixty (60) calendar days prior to Start of Delivery.

COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE OF THE GENERATION RATE AND IMPACT ON SAMELCO I’S RETAIL RATES 16.

SAMELCO I, together with the other Region 8 ECs, needs to address the insufficiency of its power supply due to the increasing demand within its franchise area and the expiration of its contract with NPC-PSALM; Currently, SAMELCO I receives a total of 7MW from its existing suppliers, out of its peak requirement of 11MW. With an annual average growth rate of 4%, SAMELCO I forecasts that its peak demand from 26 December 2015 to 25 December 2016 will be 12MW; The additional supply from GNPOWER will significantly augment the supply deficiency of SAMELCO I and will decrease the adverse effects thereof by providing a stable and adequate source of electricity; Among alternative suppliers capable of providing additional energy to SAMELCO I and the rest of the Region 8 ECs, GNPOWER’s rates proved to be more reasonable and competitive. While GNPOWER’s offer is primarily intended for its base load requirements, the Capacity Factor Pricing under the PSA, as amended, provides flexibility in the DUs’ utilization of the Contracted Capacity; SAMELCO I simulated a rate impact analysis which resulted in a PhP0.1198 decrease with the execution of the PSA, as amended, with GNPOWER, to wit:1

17.

18.

19.

20.

CAPACITY FEE LOCAL PRICE COMPONENTS (PHP/kWh)

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

7.

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

PHCPI0

Fixed O&M (LFOMCUF) 0.6204 0.6267 0.6331 0.6396 0.6463 0.6531 0.6600 0.6671 0.6743 0.6818 0.6893 0.6971 0.7050 0.7131 0.7214 0.7299 0.7386 0.7475 0.7566 0.7659 0.7755 0.7853 0.7954 0.8057 0.8163 0.8272 0.8384 0.8499 0.8617 0.8738 0.8863

1. Rate impact with GNPower PSA Power Supplier

Forecasted 2015 Quantity (kWh)

Amount (PhP)

Percent Share (%)

FDCUI TRANS-ASIA GNPOWER WESM TOTAL

17,520,000.00 17,520,000.00 52,560,000.00 (12,862,185.60) 74,737,814.40

78,007,800.00 93,279,984.00 260,976,168.00 (36,831,078.56) 395,432,873.44

23.44% 23.44% 70.33% -17.21% 100%

LFOM CUF =

Where:

LCR@100% CUF

LFOM

LFOM @100% CUF

LCRCUF

—

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

LCR@100%

—

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

LF0MCUF

—

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

LFOM@100% —

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

—

is the Capacity Utilization Factor between 70% and 100%, provided that if the actual CUF is below 7o% (the “Minimum Capacity Utilization Factor”), the Capacity Price shall be calculated based on the Capacity Fee and quantity associated with the Minimum Capacity Utilization Factor.

CUF

The Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) shall be computed as follows: CUF = max

Where: QACTUAL

=

CC

=

HT EHTO

= =

the actual quantity of energy, in kWh, delivered to SAMELCO I at the Delivery Point in the Billing Period the Contracted Capacity, in kWh, as set forth in Schedule 1 the total number of hours in such Billing Period the sum of the duration, in Equivalent Hours, of Scheduled Outages and Unscheduled Outages in such Billing Period

C. 2. Energy Fee and Energy Charge The Energy Fee is the component of the Contract Price allocated to pay for the coal, including Government Charges, designated as the Energy Fee in Schedule 1 of the PSA, as amended, as adjusted from time to time due to changes in the delivered price of coal and Governmental Charges. The Energy Fee shall be computed in accordance with the following formula: Energy Charge = QACTUAL x EF EF = 0.2874 x

+ 1.5256 x

+ 0.2375

Where: QACTUAL

=

Actual energy delivered by GNPOWER to SAMELCO I, in kWh, for the Billing Period

EF

=

Energy Fee in PhP/kWh

PHCPIn-1

=

Philippine Consumer Price Index of the calendar month prior to the month corresponding to the Billing Period, for All Income Households – All Items (2006 = 100),

Resulting Capacity Factor (%) 100% 100% 100%

2016 Average Rate (P/kWh) 4.4525 5.3242 4.9653 2.8635

Weighted Average Rate (kWh) 5.2909

Resulting Capacity Factor (%) 100% 100%

2016 Average Rate (P/kWh) 4.4525 5.3242

Weighted Average Rate (kWh) 5.4107

2. Rate impact without GNPower PSA Power Supplier

Forecasted 2015 Quantity (kWh)

Amount (PhP)

Percent Share (%)

FDCUI TRANS-ASIA GNPOWER WESM TOTAL

17,520,000.00 17,520,000.00

78,007,800.00 93,279,984.00

26.55% 26.55%

30,937,814.40 65,977,814.40

185,699,452.74 356,987,236.74

46.89% 100%

3. Rate Reduction with GNPower PSA Rate impact with GNPower PSA Rate impact without GNPower PSA

5.2909 5.4107

Generation Rate Impact

-0.1198

21.

22.

For the resulting CUF which is not a whole number, the corresponding Capacity Fee Price C6mponent shall be computed using the formula below:

LCRCUF =

as published by the Philippine National Statistics Coordination Board (or as substitute or replacement agency, as the case may be) base Philippine Consumer Price Index for the month of December 2014 for All Income Households – All Items (2006 = 100), as published by the Philippine National Statistics Coordination Board (or its substitute or replacement agency, as the case may be) Indonesian Coal Price Index of the calendar month prior to the month corresponding to the Billing Period, in US$/Mton Base Indonesian Coal Price Index for the month of December 2014 = US$67.28/Mton

ANNEX “I” “J” “K” “K-1” “L” “M” “N” “O” “P” “Q” “R” “S”

”T”

6.0023

In addition to the lower generation cost of the power supply from GNPOWER, SAMELCO I is also entitled to a Prompt Payment Discount (PPD), if conditions are met, equivalent to PhP0.08/kWh; In compliance with Rule 20 of ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure relative to the submission of supporting documents and information for the approval of the PSA, as amended, and the rate structure embodied therein, Applicants attached to the Application following documents to form integral parts thereof: DOCUMENT Executive Summary of the PSA, as amended Rate Impact Simulation Sources of Funds/Financial Plans with Cost Assumptions Compact Disc containing a soft copy of Annex “K” Breakdown of the Contract Price Sample Computation of Power Rates GNPOWER’s Audited Financial Statement for 2014 GNPOWER’s Certificate of Registration No. WA-13-01-001 valid until January 2018 SAMELCO I’s Distribution Development Plan (DDP) SAMELCO I’s Actual and Forecasted Energy and Demand SAMELCO I’s Average Daily Load Curve SAMELCO I’s Board Resolution No. 80-S-2015 authorizing the filing of an application with the ERC for the approval of PSA, as amended, and designating its General Manager to represent SAMELCO I in such filing GNPOWER’s General Partner’s Certificate attesting to the resolution of the Board to execute the subject PSA with SAMELCO I, as amended, designating signatories thereto

23.

Applicants reserve their right to submit other documents, either in the course of the hearing or as may be required by the Commission; COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 24. Applicants manifest compliance with the pre-filing requirements mandated under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EPIRA and Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to be established by the following: 24.1 Certifications acknowledging receipt of the Application with annexes to be issued by the Legislative Bodies of Pasig City, Calbayog City, and the Province of Samar, to be appended as Annexes “V”, “W” and “X”, respectively; 24.2. Notarized Affidavit of Publication stating that the Application was published in a newspaper of general circulation within SAMELCO I’s Franchise Area, to be appended to the Application as Annex “Y”; and 24.3. Complete newspaper issue where the Application was published, to be appended to the Application as Annex “Y-1”, and the relevant page thereof where the Application appears, as Annex “Y-2”; MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF ANNEXES “H-2” to “H-8”, “K”, and “K-1” 25. Under Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, a party to any proceeding before the Commission may request that certain information not be disclosed and be treated as confidential, by describing with particularity the information to be treated as confidential, specifying the ground for the claim of confidential treatment of the information and, if applicable, specifying the period during which the information must not be disclosed; 26. SAMELCO I requests for the confidential treatment of Annexes “H-2” to “H-8” of the Application, consisting of the MOA among Region 8 ECs, e-mails confirming participation of interested suppliers in the bidding, Final Instructions to Bidders, Bid Forms, Bid Evaluation Slips, Comparison of Bids, and Notice of

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27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

Award, respectively. These annexes show the individual offers of the bidders which participated in the R8 JCPSP. The Region 8 ECs, SAMELCO I included, are bound by their undertaking to secure and keep in confidence the offers and the proposed terms of supply, so as not to prejudice or pre-empt any future CSPs in which these bidders will participate. Otherwise, SAMELCO I and the rest of the Region 8 ECs may be held liable for damages for breach of confidentiality, and eventually, risk their good relations with the suppliers concerned; Similarly, GNPOWER respectfully moves for the confidential treatment of Annexes “K” and “K-1” hereof, consisting of GNPOWER’s Sources of Funds and Financial Plans with Cost Assumptions. These annexes, exclusively owned by GNPOWER, contain information which are considered part of its business and trade secrets. As such, GNPOWER has the sole proprietary interest and will be unduly prejudiced should they be disclosed to the public; These annexes contain numbers, data, formula, methodology, and calculations involving valuable and sensitive commercial, financial information reflecting GNPOWER’s business operations and financial trade secrets. Therefore, GNPOWER’s confidential, proprietary, and private information included in the aforesaid annexes should be protected from public dissemination. Otherwise, such information can be illegally and unfairly utilized by business competitors who may use the same for their own private gain and to the irreparable prejudice of GNPOWER. Negotiations with prospective customers may also be affected.

The information contained in Annexes “K” and “K-1”, constitute “trade secrets”, for which GNPOWER has actual and valuable proprietary interest. As explained by the Supreme Court, a trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that is used in one’s business and gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not possess the information2. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights and jurisprudence has consistently acknowledged the private character of trade secrets3. Further, as ruled in Garcia vs. Board of Investments4, trade secrets and confidential, commercial and financial information are exempt from public scrutiny; Accordingly, Annexes “H-2” to “H-8”, “K” and “K-1” be accorded confidential treatment. As such, they are to be used exclusively by the Commission and for the sole purpose of evaluating this Application, thereby protecting these data from unnecessary public disclosure; In accordance with Section 1(b), Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, Applicants submit one (1) copy each of Annexes “H-2” to “H-8”, “K” and “K-1” in a sealed envelope, with ‘the envelope and each page of the documents stamped with the word “Confidential”; PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY All the foregoing allegations are re-pleaded by reference in support of their prayer for the issuance of Provisional Authority (PA) to implement the subject PSA, as amended;

33.

SAMELCO I and GNPOWER pray for the issuance of a PA or interim relief prior to final decision pursuant to Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to wit: “Section 3. Action on the Motion. — Motions for provisional authority or interim relief may be acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations of the Application or petition and supporting documents and other evidences that applicant or petitioner has submitted and the comments or opposition filed by any interested person, if there be any.”

34. Considering that a substantial amount of time is needed to evaluate the documents submitted to support the approval of herein Application, Applicants seek consideration of the Commission to approve the instant Application, immediately, albeit, provisionally; 35. Owing to the short term of the contract, which is only for a period of one (1) year, a PA is all the more imperative to allow the timely delivery of energy by GNPOWER to SAMELCO I, which is set to start on 26 December 2015 at 12:00 A.M.; 36. The Region 8 EC’s, including SAMELCO I, after careful evaluation if they will defer the commencement of the delivery due to delayed filing, decided and required GNPower to commence its delivery immediately after its previous power supply agreement expired last 25 December 2015, this being the reasonable plan to mitigate the risks of WESM exposure, specially with the assumption that the 2015 occurrence of El Nino has an adverse impact on the supply of electricity and the WESM price, particularly during the summer season.

SAMELCO I, Moreover, it was projected, as shown in the table below,5 that the exposure to volatile market prices will cause significant increases in prudential guarantee payments which will constrain Region 8 ECs to avail of high interest-bearing loans in order to comply with PEMC requirement;

37.

The additional power from GNPOWER is needed to curtail any power interruptions that may be experienced by SAMELCO I’s member-consumers due to inadequate power supply in the region;

38.

To further support the prayer for PA, an affidavit emphasizing the necessity thereof is attached to the Application as Annex “Z”, and form an integral part thereof; PRAYER

39.

Applicants SAMELCO I and GNPower pray before the Commission that: i.

All information attached as Annexes “H-2” to “H-8”, “K” and “K-1” to the Application be treated as confidential; ii. Pending hearing on the merits, a PA be issued authorizing the immediate implementation of the subject PSA including the rate structure therein, as applied; iii. After due notice and hearing, the instant Application, the PSA, and the rate structure contained therein be duly approved; and iv. In the event that a Final Authority shall be issued after GNPOWER starts actual delivery of power to SAMELCO I under the terms of the subject PSA, said Final Authority be retroactively applied to the date of such actual delivery.

The Commission has set the Application for initial hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference, and presentation of evidence on 18 August 2016 (Thursday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at SAMELCO I’s Main Office, Brgy. Carayman, Calbayog City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by filing, at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verified petition with the Commission giving the docket number and title of the proceeding and stating: (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and (3) a statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the proceeding may file their opposition to the Application or comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants conclude the presentation of its evidence. No particular form of opposition or comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from the Applicants that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman, JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners, ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA,, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 18th day of May 2016 in Pasig City.

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office ffice of the Chairman and CEO

1

Assumptions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2 3 4 5

Analysis and simulation is based on SAMELCO I Forecasted 2016 hourly load profile FDCUI’s contract to SAMELCO I, 100% Load Factor TRANS-ASIA contract to SAMELCO I, 100% Load Factor GNPOWER’s proposal to SAMELCO I, with 100%-70% CUF GMCP rate is based on (i) Capacity Fee at Resulting Capacity Factor; (ii)November 14 coal and shipping prices; (iii)AVERAGE FOREX from Jan 2014 - Dec. 2014; (iv)PPD not included 6.

WESM Prices is based on 2012 Average prices of Nodal Points of SAMELCO I plus 3% Inflation Factor for 2016 Simulation Air Philippines Corporation vs. Pennswell Inc., G.R. No. 172835, December 13, 2007.

Ibid., 177 SCRA 374 (1989 Additional equivalent rate due to additional Prudential Guarantee required by PEMC (for the undelivered contracted capacity from GNPower) with a conservative loan interest of 6% per annum and baseload load factor of 81%.

(TS-JULY 26/AUG. 2, 2016)

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Doping body criticizes limited ban on Russia T

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

HE decision of the International Olympic Committee not to impose a total ban on Russian athletes competing in the Rio Olympic Games has come under fire from the World Anti Doping Agency, which joined an increasing number of organizations criticizing the IOC decision in the wake of state-sponsored doping allegations.

In a statement, WADA said it would work to “ensure the best possible outcome for clean athletes” in Rio, but regretted that the IOC ignored its call for a ban of Russia after the WADAcommissioned McLaren Report found evidence of a government-backed doping system in a range of sports.

WADA had urged the IOC to ban all athletes submitted by the

Russian Olympic Committee for both the Rio Games and the Paralympics, with individual exceptions to be considered by the IOC for participation under a neutral flag.

WADA also recommended that Russian government officials be denied access to the Rio Games.

In its statement, WADA president Craig Reedie said it is “dis-

appointed that the IOC did not heed WADA’s Executive Committee recommendations that were based on the outcomes of the McLaren Investigation and would have ensured a straightforward, strong and harmonized approach. The McLaren Report exposed, beyond a reasonable doubt, a state-run doping program in Russia that seriously undermines the principles of clean sport embodied within the World Anti-Doping Code.”

IOC president Thomas Bach said Sunday that the body opted against an outright ban in order to protect the rights of clean Russian competitors.

WADA also blasted the IOC decision to give individual sports federations the prime responsibility to determine every Russian athletes eligibility stating it was “a recipe for confusion.”

“While WADA director gen-

eral Olivier Niggli said that while they “fully respect the IOC’s autonomy to make decisions under the Olympic Charter, the approach taken and the criteria set forward will inevitably lead to a lack of harmonization, potential challenges and lesser protection for clean athletes.”

Niggli also expressed disappointment that an IOC ethics’ commission ruled that whistleblower athlete Yulia Stepanova could not go to Rio, even competing as a neutral.

“WADA has been very vocal in supporting Yulia’s desire to compete as an independent athlete. Ms. Stepanova was instrumental in courageously exposing the single biggest doping scandal of all time. WADA is very concerned by the message that this sends whistleblowers for the future,” Niggli said.

PH team arrives in Rio, Brazil

Samahang Plaridel Director Ariel Ayala, Plaridel Chairman Crispul ‘Jun’ Icban, former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos, Plaridel President Rolando Estabillo and Director Jimmy Gil are shown during the 2nd Samahang Plaridel Golf tournament at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club last July 22.

Aquino tops Plaridel golf tourney GOLF enthusiast Jun Aquino fired a net 69 to win the overall championship in the 2nd Samahang Plaridel Golf Tournament held last Friday at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

Low Grow winner was Jeff Bernaldez with a gross of 76.

John Hundley came home with a net 69 to win top class A honors; runner-up was Ben Gorospe with a net 70.

Class B champion was Anton Cabangon of Business Mirror with a net 72, followed by Benedicto Malcontento, also

with net 72.

The top two finishers in class C were Carlito Montenegro, 71, Alberto Garcia, 72.

Ladies’ Division Champion was Mary Jane Llanes of San Miguel Corporation, with a net 72, followed by Mai Cu with a net 74.

Samahang Plaridel Director Carmelita “Twinkle” Valdez awarded the trophies to the winners.

Corporate sponsors included San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Airlines, International

Container Terminal Services (ICTSI), Goldensky International Group Inc., Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, SM Mart Inc., Ayala Land, Philex Mining, Manila North Tollways Corporation, GMA 7, Phil. Charity Sweepstakes Office, Stradcom, Asia Brewery, Wilcon Depot, Inc., Milleage Asia Corp., Liwayway Marketing Corp., Mega Fibers Corp., Business Mirror, Cathay Land, South Forbes Golf Club, Zen, Family Inada, Authohub and Turf Company.

RIO DE JANEIRO—Members of the Philippine team, including six of the 12 athletes who qualified to the Rio Olympics, arrived in this populous city Saturday afternoon from a back-breaking journey from Manila.

They made it to Rio safe and sound.

Flag-bearer Ian Lariba of table tennis led the small batch of Pinoy athletes who flew in after an eight-hour flight from Manila to Dubai, a three-hour stopover and then a 14-hour trip to Rio. It was a tiring 25-hour journey that can turn any ordinary person upside down.

Joining the trip were athletes Elaine Alora of taekwondo, Jessie Khing Lacuna of swimming, Marestella Torres of track and field and Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia of weightlifting.

Diaz and Torres are in their third straight Olympics while Lacuna is in his second stint in the Summer Games.

The rest of the Filipino qualifiers will arrive in Rio in the coming days. They are boxers Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez, who are training in the United States; runner Eric Cray, who’s in Houston; swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi, who’s flying in from Hawaii; marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, who’s still in Japan; and golfer Miguel Tabuena, still competing this week in the King’s Cup in Thailand.

Chef-de-mission Jose Romasanta and fellow Philippine Olympic Committee official Col. Jeff Tamayo, together with team physician Dr. Ferninand Brawner accompanied the athletes and their coaches, including former SEA Games taekwondo king Kitoy Cruz, in Saturday’s flight.

3 Thais aim for Ladies PH Golf Tour breakthrough THREE Thailand shotmakers joined the hunt on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, boosting the compact field clashing for the top P150,000 purse in the ICTSI Malarayat Ladies Classic which begins today (Tuesday) at the Mt. Malarayat composite courses in Lipa, Batangas.

Saraporn Chamchoi had a couple of near misses last year although a number of her compatriots have already won in the country’s premier ladies golf

circuit, including Amolkan Phalajivin in 2014 and Wichanee Meechai and Wannasiri Sirisampant last year.

But Chamcoi, who missed joining the playoff at Wack Wack and tied for third again at Luisita, is all geared up for a crack at the crown this week along with Supakchaya Pattaranakrueang and Chatprapa Siriprakob, guaranteeing a fierce battle for top honors in the 54-hole championship sponsored by ICTSI.

Chamchoi drew Lucy Landicho and amateur Daniella Uy in the 8 a.m. flight, Pattaranakrueang will play alongside Lina de Guzman and amateur Chanelle Avaricio at 7:50 a.m. while Siriprakob will start earlier at 7:30 a.m. in the company of Eva Miñoza and amateur Marvi Monsalve.

Still, focus will be on the local aces, headed by Chihiro Ikeda who tees off at 7:20 a.m. with Sarah Henderson of England and

PSA Forum tackles Gilas’ future WHAT future awaits the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Gilas Pilipinas will be tackled Tuesday in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios and Gilas team manager Butch Antonio are going to be on hand to discuss the two main issues facing both the basketball

body and the national men’s squad shortly after the country’s staging of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Also appearing as guests in the public sports program aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. are MMA fighter Mario Sismundo and Dunessa Hesser, along with

world women’s boxing champion Gretchen Abaniel.

Sismundo and Hesser, the Filipina-American owner of the World Series of Fighting, will be talking about the first WSOF event in Manila on July 30 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Abaniel for her part, is coming fresh from Australia where she won the World Boxing Federation mini-flyweight title against a Thai fighter.

amateur Sophia Blanco, while last year’s Sherwood Hills leg winner Sarah Ababa drew Apple Fudolin and amateur Ikuko Ito at 8:10 a.m.

Jayvie Agojo, another former leg winner out to snap a long title spell, sets out at 7:40 a.m. with Lovelyn Guioguio and amateur Phing Jalares while Fil-Am Cristina Corpus, who scored a breakthrough at Luisita last year, duels with amateur Ginelyn Hepoit in the first flight at 7 a.m.

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

P0 M+ P0 M

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016

Sports

Cubs nail 6th win in a row Games today

(The Arena, San Juan) 12 nn.- Arellano U vs EAC (srs) 2 p.m.- San Sebastian vs LPU (srs) 4 p.m.- Perpetual Help vs St. Benilde (srs)

By Peter Atencio

US ROUTS CHINA. DeMarcus Cousins (12) of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team and Yi Jianlian (left) of China battle for the rebound during an exhibition game at the Staples

Center in Los Angeles, California. The USA, warming up for a run at their third straight Olympic men’s basketball gold, romped to a 106-57 victory. The game at Staples Center, home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, was a preview of the teams’ scheduled August 6 clash in Rio de Janeiro, in the first-round opener for each. AFP

Cray confident of his Rio chances in 400-m

By Peter Atencio

F

IL-AMERICAN sprinter Eric Cray is confident that he can beat the best runners from the United States and in the world in the coming 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, saying he has the needed speed to do so when the heats of the 400-meter hurdles preliminaries starts on Aug. 15 at the Olympic Stadium.

“I believe that I have the speed,” said Cray while training in El Paso, Texas.

With his personal best now at 48.98 seconds, Cray and his coach Davian Clarke are now working on having him go below that time and within the 47- second range.

“You chase time to get to that level and it takes years and preparation to get to 47 seconds,”

said Cray, who feels that he can go for a lower time in the coming weeks.

“I believe that I am in good enough shape to run below 48 seconds in the Olympics,” said Cray.

After the Madrid games, Cray ranked no. 20 in the world with his clocking of 48.98 seconds.

The top bet in the 400-meter hurdles is Johnny Dutch, who has a best time of 48.10, followed

by Kerron Clement, ranked no. 2 by the International Association of Athletics Federations with his clocking of 48.4 seconds.

They are followed by Yasmani Copello of Turkey (48.4) and Javier Culson (48.63) of Puerto Rico.

Karsten Warholm of Norway is no. 11th in the world in the 400-meter hurdles, having clocked 48.84 seconds last July

7 in Amsterdam.

Cray was born in Olongapo City in Zambales to a Filipina mother and an American father, who was an officer in the US Navy.

He moved to the US when was 2.

Cray started in the sport back when he was in high school. He currently has a degree in Education at Bethune-Cookman University and a master’s degree in Human Relations at University of Oklahoma.

During the course of his preparations, Cray’s time has improved a lot since clocking 50.4 seconds in 2012.

In his bid to get in shape for the Olympics, the Texas-based athlete clocked a national record

of 10.25 to win the 100 meter sprints in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, finishing comfortably in front of Indonesia’s Yaspi Boby and Iswandi, who took silver and bronze, respectively, in 10.45.

“There are only 3 hurdlers who can run in 10.2 seconds in the 100-meters. I believe the speed is there to run world class times,” said Cray.

One day later after his 100-meter conquest in the SEA Games, Cray successfully defended his title in the 400m hurdles, smashing the games’ record with a time of 49.40, just outside the national record of 49.12 he set earlier this year.

Vietnam’s Quach Cong Lich was second in 50.29.

Perasol defends PH squad’s 7 imports TAIPEI—Coach the PhilippinesGames Today Bo Perasol on Mighty Sports (Xinzhuang gym) Monday defended are Al Thornton, 1 p.m. – Egypt vs Iran 3 p.m. – India vs Korea the composition Vernon Macklin, 5 p.m. – SSU-US vs PH-Mighty Sports of the Philippine Hamady N’ Di7 p.m. – Taiwan-B vs Taiwan-A representative aye, Mike SingleMighty Sports Apparels in the tary and Zach Graham.

William Jones Cup here, explainTeam Manager Jean Alaing that they did not break any banza said they made use of the rule of the tournament. club’s resources to tap the ser“We broke no rule in bring- vices of ex-PBA imports so as ing in seven imports,” said Pera- not to give embarrassment to the sol after the team pulled off an country.

89-81 win over host Taiwan-A “It would be embarrassing to in a win that drew criticism from the club, more so to our counlocal media. try if we bring so-so players and On Monday, the team im- lose by a mile,” said Alabanza. posed its will on a young KoreAt presstime, Mighty Sports an team in an 86-65 victory, its was playing the Korean nasecond in the tournament. tional team.

“When we were invited by The Koreans rebounded from the Jones Cup organizers after a shock 74-73 loss to the Egypour Gilas and the Cadet were tians with a 63-48 drubbing not available, they had specific of the University Sacramento instructions to make sure that State, while Taiwan-B outlasted the team that we are going to the Egyptian, 79-74 win, for assemble is a competitive one,” similar 1-1 records. said Perasol.

Dewarick Spencer, who ex“It was difficult to sign up ploded for 27 points highlighted local players as most of them by an impressive 5-of-8 shootare playing in the PBA or the ing from 3-point zone, said he D-League and have existing and fellow Korean Basketball contracts. The most logical re- League star Troy Gillenwater course, with the very limited readily accepted the invitation time of about two weeks, would to play for Mighty Sports knowbe to sign up ex-PBA imports.” ing how passionate Filipinos are Leading the reinforcements for when it comes to basketball.

Matteo Guidicelli (left) and Piolo Pascual during the bike stage in last year’s Ironman

AN off-form San Beda Red Cubs, an upbeat University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas and a boosted La Salle-Greenhills Greenies pulled off muchneeded victories Monday in the 92nd National Collegiate Athletic Association Junior Basketball Tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

Big man Sam Abu Hijle proved to be the saving grace of the error-prone Red Cubs, who posted a 74-66 smashing of the San Sebastian Staglets. The 6’3” Hijle played his best game of the season, hitting 30 points and hauling 14 rebounds for the Red Cubs.

Jielo Razon made 23 points and 10 rebounds, leading three other teammates in double digits as the Junior Altas smothered the Letran Squires, 88-68.

The Greenies, led by Troy Malinlin’s 20 points, banked on crucial charities by Joel Cagulangan in the closing minute, to turn back the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers, 70-63.

The Red Cubs, who had more turnovers than the Staglets with 23, went on to post their sixth straight win, just behind the solo-leading Arellano University Braves.

“We had a bad game today.

Masama ang shooting percentage namin(36%). Dami kaming executions, but our shots were poor. Buti na lang our defense helped,” said Red Cubs’ coach JB Sison.

The Altas’ fourth win in seven games put the Junior Altas in a share of fourth with the Greenies, and this moved them in contention for a Final Four seat this season.

Meanwhile, rookie Bryan Samudio and transferee Brian Lacap fired 22 and 17 points, respectively, to help power the Mapua Red Robins to a 98-74 demolition of the Emilio Aguinaldo College-ICA Brigadiers.

Their efforts helped hand the Red Robins their fifth win in and six games and kept them in third place.

PBA names All-Star bets THE Philippine Basketball Association named the starters for its All-Star game on Aug. 7 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Through fan-voting, the 10 starters were determined for the annual tiff between All-Stars from the North and the South.

Named as starters to the AllStar game are Calvin Abueva of Alaska, Marc Pingris of Star. GlobalPort star Terrence Romeo along with the Barangay Ginebra tandem of Mark Caguioa and Japeth Aguilar, all of whom will represent the North, while reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel, Greg Slaughter, Joe Devance and Scottie Thompson of Ginebra and Star’s James Yap will be the first five of the South team.

The South team will be handled by San Miguel coach Leo Austria, while the North squad will be mentored by Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

While the selection of Fajardo and Slaughter as starters for the South could’ve created a solid twin-tower combination, the Ginebra slotman indicated that he will miss the game as he continues to recuperate from his ankle injury and the surgery that went along with it. Jeric Loepz The league said that it will name a replacement for Slaughter in South’s starting line-up. Jeric Lopez

Celebrities brace for Cobra Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific LOCAL celebrities take time out from their hectic schedules to compete on a bigger, tougher stage—the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships presented by Ford which fires off Aug. 7 in Cebu.

Matteo Guidecelli, Xander Angeles, Ivan Carapiet, Kim Atienza, Paul Jake Castillo, Gilbert Remulla, Dyan Castillejo and organizing Sunrise Events Inc. founder Wilfred Uytengsu have signed up for the premier

continental swim-bike-run event being held in the country for the first time.

They will all vie in the individual competitions of the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run while Dingdong Dantes (bike), Piolo Pascual (bike), Anthony Pangilinan (bike), Hannah Pangilinan (swim), Gretchen Fullido (swim), Bubbles Paraiso (run), Ella Pangilian (run) and Sam YG (swim) likewise take a break from the numerous news

and showbiz commitments to join in the relay team event of the top-level endurance race set to start and end at ShangrilaLa Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Their presence will not only add glamour and class to the event but also provide the competitive spirit that has marked their stints in a number of triathlons that they had competed in as part of their healthy lifestyle.

They will be among the more

than 2,900 triathletes from 43 countries set to compete in the upcoming event, produced and organized by SEI and backed Cobra Energy Drink as title sponsor with Ford as presenting sponsor and Globe Telecom as official wireless and broadband services partner, making it the biggest ever not only in terms of participation but also in prize money with a record total of $75,000 at stake in the keenly awaited elite pro category.

Remittances likely to keep rising—BSP B4

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016

B1

Shell finalizes P29.7-b IPO

By Jenniffer B. Austria

P

ILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp., a unit of Royal Dutch Shell Plc., plans to raise up to P29.7 billion from an initial public offering, which is expected to be one of the largest fundraising activities in the stock market, investment banking sources said Monday.

Documents obtained by Manila Standard showed Pilipinas Shell would sell up to 300 million primary and secondary shares, with an option for another 30 million shares in case of over allotment. The shares will be offered at P90 apiece in November.

Documents showed of the 300 million firm offer shares, 270 million would be secondary shares to be sold by selling shareholders, including Shell Overseas Investments B.V., The Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd. and

Spathodea Campanulata Inc. Only 30 million will be primary shares.

This means the selling shareholders will receive P26.48 billion in net proceeds from the IPO, while the company will get P2.7 billion, which will be used to fund capital expenditures, working capital, other working capital and general corporate expenses.

The offer shares will represent 18.6 percent of the company’s outstanding capital stock.

Pilipinas Shell hired J.P.

IN BRIEF Globe confident on anti-trust case GLOBE Telecom Inc. said on Monday it was optimistic the Court of Appeals will issue an injunction despite the appellate court’s decision to reject its temporary restraining order petition.

Globe lawyer Froilan Castelo said its TRO application against the Philippine Competition Commission was not granted in the CA, but “the case is still set for deliberation, and technically, the Court of Appeals can still issue a writ of preliminary injunction, and eventually decide the case on the merits in favor of Globe.”

“We are still in the initial stage of the legal proceedings,” Castelo added.

Castelo also said the PCC was not forthright in saying what was deficient in Globe’s notice and accusing the company of “its refusal to cooperate.”

Darwin G. Amojelar

8990’s net income rises 3% to P2.18b MASS housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. on Monday said net income in the first half of the year rose three percent to P2.18 billion after taking advantage of the country’s booming economy.

8900 Holdings president and chief executive officer Januario Jesus Atencio said gross sales grew six percent to P4.73 billion from P4.45 billion year-on-year.

The company registered a net margin of 46 percent in the first half of the year, exceeding the guidance of 40 percent.

The property company delivered 4,289 units worth P4.73 billion in the first six months of the year, topping the target of 3,899 units worth P3.58 billion by 32 percent.

Reservation sales also rose one percent to P4.37 billion in the sixc-month period.

Atencio said the pre-cast technology allowed the company to build strong houses in as fast as eight days.

Jenniffer B. Austria

DTI: Prices of basic commodities stable

THE Trade Department’s consumer protection group said prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain generally stable in most marketplaces, with selected goods even lower than the suggested retail prices.

Monitoring reports showed that prices of basic and prime goods were stable in the first semester of the year, but some commodities such as canned sardines, condensed milk, evaporated milk, powdered milk, coffee refill, instant noodles, and corned beef registered significant declines, ranging from P0.05 up to P7.65.

“The reduction in prices occurred in different months within the first semester of the year. Despite that, prices have been consistently lower or pegged at the SRP level,” said Trade undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba. Othel V. Campos

Morgan as the global and international book runner while BPI Capital Corp. is the domestic lead underwriter and domestic book runner.

Rothschild was tapped as the financial adviser. Offer period for the IPO was tentatively set on Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, while listing date was set on Nov. 10.

Pilipinas Shell’s planned share sale is in compliance with the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998, requiring oil refiners to list at least 10 percent of their shares in the local stock market.

The oil firm’s IPO was delayed for more than a decade amid unfavorable market condition, low oil prices and regulatory issues in the previous years.

Pilipinas Shell has the second largest share in terms of volume of fuel sold in the domestic retail fuel market,

at around 29 percent based on industry data.

Pilipinas Shell had 996 retail service stations across the country as of end-June.

Pilipinas Shell owns a 110,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Batangas, which recently underwent an upgrade to deliver Euro 4 compliant fuels. It is one of the only two integrated refining and marketing companies in the Philippines.

Pilipinas Shell will be the third company to conduct an IPO this year. The first two were Golden Haven Memorial Parks Inc. and Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. Among the largest IPOs conducted in the PSE were those of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., SM Investments Corp., Cemex Holdings Inc. and Cebu Air Inc.

Metro Pacific bags toll road connector

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Public Works Department is set to award the multibillionpeso toll road linking the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway to the tollway unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. after no company submitted comparative proposals to challenge the latter’s offer.

“Because there is no other challenger, so we have to prepare resolution of award recommending Metro Pacific and it will be submitted to the Secretary,” Eugenio Pipo Jr., chairman of Special Bids and Awards Committee of the department, said.

The Public Private Partnership Center earlier identified seven companies that purchased bid documents for the

Swiss Challenge of NLExSLEx Connector Road as San Miguel Holdings Corp., Obrascon Huarte Lain SA, Hunan Road and Bridge Corp. and four law firms.

The government decided to subject the project to a Swiss challenge after the Justice Department issued a legal opinion, saying the National Economic and Development Authority board’s decision to implement the project as a joint venture was “without factual basis or jurisdiction.”

Pipo said the agency planned to award the NLEx-SLEx connector road to Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp. before the end of this month.

He added the concession agreement on the project was expected to be signed in November this year.

B2

Business

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks rise; Meralco advances

T

he stock market gained Monday after another record close on Wall Street overnight, with selective issues rising on expectations of better first-half profits.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 23.78 points, or 0.3 percent, to 8,049.13 on a value turnover of P10.2 billion.

The index stayed in sight of the record close of 8,127.48 posted in April 10, 2015.

Gainers beat losers, 115 to 85, with 45 issues unchanged.

Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. advanced 4.4 percent to P12.46, while Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, added 1.3 percent to P199.60.

Bank of the Philippine Is-

lands, the third-largest lender, climbed 1.7 percent to P97.70, while Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. of the family of former senator Manuel Villar surged 4.6 percent to P6.39.

Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, increased 1.3 percent to P317.

Meralco approved total cash dividends of P15.2 billion comprising of P4.608 and a special dividend of P8.872 a share to stockholders of record as of Aug. 24, 2016 and payable on Sept. 19, 2016.

The rest of Asian equity traders, meanwhile, moved cautiously Monday as Wall Street’s gains were offset by wariness ahead of central bank meetings in Japan and the United States this week.

The bank policymakers’ gatherings are the first since last month’s shock vote in Britain to leave the European Union, which led to promises around the world to provide support to financial markets.

The pledges have fanned a surge across global markets, with the Dow and S&P 500 in New York both enjoying a series of records, while strong US data has also boosted the dollar as talk of another interest rate hike resurfaces.

Tokyo’s Nikkei ended

marginally lower, giving up morning gains as a rally in the dollar against the yen lost steam. The greenback bought 106.26 yen from 106.19 yen. Traders are also awaiting the start of Japan’s earnings season.

Among other markets Hong Kong ended down 0.1 percent, while Shanghai closed 0.1 percent higher, having drifted in and out of positive territory throughout the day.

Seoul added 0.1 percent and Sydney put on 0.6 percent, while Singapore eased 0.4 percent and Taipei dipped 0.2 percent. struggling economy, although hoped-for helicopter money— the direct injection of cash into the economy such as people’s bank accounts—is not expected

to feature.

Before that, the Federal Reserve will have its meeting, at which it is tipped to hold rates, but traders will be hoping for some forward guidance on its policy plans.

“Investors are placing a lot of faith in central banks and fiscal authorities to increase stimulus and improve the growth calculus,” Matthew Sherwood, head of investment strategy at Perpetual Ltd. in Sydney, said in an e-mail to clients.

“Equity valuations are stretched but unlike bonds they are not yet at historic extremes and given that it has historically taken three rate hikes to burst equity asset bubbles, share prices should remain elevated for a while yet.” With AFP

THE STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, JULY 25, 2016

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

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 91.5 137 361.2 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 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance 3.87 Asia United Bank 47.4 Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. 114.20 Bank of PI 96.10 China Bank 38.05 BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. 4.07 Bright Kindle Resources 1.60 COL Financial 16.2 Eastwest Bank 21.35 I-Remit Inc. 1.96 Manulife Fin. Corp.

609.00 MEDCO Holdings 0.650 Metrobank 94 Natl. Reinsurance Corp. 0.92 PB Bank 14.8 Phil Bank of Comm 24.00 Phil. National Bank 62.00 Phil. Savings Bank 99.95 PSE Inc. 279 RCBC `A’ 32.35 Security Bank 211 Sun Life Financial 1435.00 Union Bank 67.40 Vantage Equities 1.53

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 89 148

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3 32

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 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 0.62 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.34 1450 2,210 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 2.3 1.63 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 0.335 3.37 3.87 8.45 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 5.9 801

Aboitiz Power Corp.

45.55 Agrinurture Inc. 3.5 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.83 Alsons Cons.

1.98 Asiabest Group 14 Bogo Medelin 53 C. Azuc De Tarlac 220.00 Cemex Holdings 11.94 Century Food 17.54 Chemphil 152 Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ 169 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 20 Concepcion 58 Crown Asia 2.21 Da Vinci Capital 5.99 Del Monte 12.4 DNL Industries Inc. 9.750 Emperador 7.42 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.90 EEI 9.59 Euro-Med Lab 1.9 First Gen Corp.

26.05 First Holdings ‘A’ 72 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 12.00 Holcim Philippines Inc. 15.22 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.73 Ionics Inc 2.380 Jollibee Foods Corp.

255.00 LMG Chemicals 1.86 Mabuhay Vinyl 3.8 Manila Water Co. Inc. 26.85 Maxs Group 28.9 Megawide 9.5 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 313.00 MG Holdings 0.260 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 4.23 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 3.46 Petron Corporation 11.30 Phinma Corporation 11.60 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 6.23 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.63 Pryce Corp. `A’ 3.5 RFM Corporation 4.35 Roxas Holdings 3.84 San Miguel ‘Pure Foods `A’

1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 1.2

Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

3.04 0.154 2.19 2.55 197 4.5 1.06 1.28

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 911 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 6.66 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 260 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 3.52 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 0.030 0.550 2.26 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ BHI Holdings Inc. Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.375 82.50 16.58 1.29 6.13 0.390 0.385 890 1000.00 8.04 12.70 6 6.95 0.239 1565 6.65 85.30 5.8 7.89 0.72 15.84 0.490 7.32 0.0340 1.960 2.70 83.00 2.75 1025.00 1.24 0.88 191.900 0.3300 0.2020 0.300

10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 7.1 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 5.94 0.180 0.470

6.74 12 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 4.6 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 4.13 0.090 0.290

8990 HLDG Anchor Land Holdings Inc. A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. `B’ Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

8.110 6.90 1.27 2.310 0.275 39.800 3.36 5.17 5.72 0.540 1.09 1.060 0.132 0.760 62.5 0.820 0.150 1.18 2.00 5.13 0.109 0.2850

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.74 3.46 47.4 47.2 115.50 114.00 99.10 96.80 38.5 38.05 4.10 4.05 1.72 1.57 17 16 21.5 20.8 2.02 1.96 600.00 600.00 0.660 0.610 97 94.8 0.93 0.91 14.9 14.7 24.30 24.30 64.10 62.05 99.95 99 279 278.8 32.55 32.3 213.4 210.8 1460.00 1435.00 71.20 68.00 1.61 1.53 INDUSTRIAL 46 44.05 3.68 3.53 0.85 0.82 1.99 1.96 14.6 13.04 51.2 51.2 216.00 216.00 12.96 12.06 17.54 17.2 152 152 169 163 21 19.8 59 58 2.26 2.19 6.14 6 12.6 12.4 10.000 9.760 7.55 7.45 5.95 5.90 9.97 9.65 1.88 1.8 26.6 25.5 72.85 72 12.00 12.00 16.00 15.50 5.83 5.73 2.400 2.350 259.60 252.80 2.18 1.93 3.78 3.58 27.15 26.85 29.5 28.35 10.1 9.51 322.00 311.00 0.265 0.265 4.43 4.43 3.46 3.45 11.30 11.20 11.66 11.64 6.23 5.98 1.66 1.63 3.61 3.45 4.43 4.36 3.81 3.81 210 209.4 3.04 3.04 0.162 0.154 2.30 2.17 2.56 2.50 200.2 197.7 4.56 4.56 1.18 1.07 1.29 1.29 HOLDING FIRMS 0.415 0.375 83.00 82.40 16.64 16.50 1.35 1.35 6.20 6.14 0.410 0.390 0.415 0.390 903 870.5 1350.00 1000.00 8.25 8.06 13.00 12.70 6 5.97 7.00 6.95 0.237 0.227 1587 1565 7.40 6.60 86.00 85.30 5.82 5.82 7.9 7.77 0.85 0.73 15.92 15.82 0.490 0.490 7.48 7.32 0.0340 0.0330 2.000 1.960 2.66 2.65 84.15 82.95 2.75 2.61 1030.00 1024.00 1.26 1.24 0.93 0.86 193.000 192.000 0.3300 0.3250 0.2060 0.2000 0.300 0.290 PROPERTY 8.240 8.110 6.99 6.75 1.29 1.25 2.310 2.290 0.285 0.280 40.050 39.800 3.36 3.32 5.17 5.17 6.4 5.76 0.68 0.550 1.09 1.02 1.060 1.060 0.134 0.132 0.820 0.750 63 60.9 0.840 0.820 0.165 0.150 1.20 1.14 2.02 1.99 5.24 5.17 0.116 0.106 0.2850 0.2650

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.73 47.4 114.40 97.70 38.05 4.05 1.65 16.6 20.85 1.97 600.00 0.640 95 0.91 14.9 24.30 64.00 99.95 279 32.5 211.4 1435.00 70.65 1.6

-3.62 0.00 0.18 1.66 0.00 -0.49 3.12 2.47 -2.34 0.51 -1.48 -1.54 1.06 -1.09 0.68 1.25 3.23 0.00 0.00 0.46 0.19 0.00 4.82 4.58

116,000 11,000 1,546,670 2,434,890 121,000 8,619,000 2,929,000 2,083,500 1,551,200 81,000 50 3,475,000 1,595,030 82,000 349,500 13,300 691,990 1,510 1,870 59,500 4,295,090 425 395,410 218,000

44.05 3.64 0.85 1.96 13.5 51.2 216.00 12.46 17.2 152 163.8 20.9 58.4 2.26 6 12.52 9.800 7.50 5.94 9.95 1.88 25.5 72.6 12.00 15.72 5.8 2.360 252.80 2.08 3.78 27 29.1 10 317.00 0.265 4.43 3.46 11.28 11.66 6.08 1.65 3.6 4.41 3.81 209

-3.29 4.00 2.41 -1.01 -3.57 -3.40 -1.82 4.36 -1.94 0.00 -3.08 4.50 0.69 2.26 0.17 0.97 0.51 1.08 0.68 3.75 -1.05 -2.11 0.83 0.00 3.29 1.22 -0.84 -0.86 11.83 -0.53 0.56 0.69 5.26 1.28 1.92 4.73 0.00 -0.18 0.52 -2.41 1.23 2.86 1.38 -0.78 209.4

2,241,100 1,228,000 571,000 991,000 29,100 190 20 52,297,700 1,228,600 10 1,900 13,348,500 509,780 3,031,000 934,400 84,900 5,705,100 1,222,500 21,542,900 4,413,900 3,000 4,151,800 547,170 700 769,100 234,400 1,536,000 503,040 274,000 40,000 1,004,500 456,600 7,545,800 635,450 280,000 1,000 1,885,000 2,963,900 8,400 598,800 1,019,000 416,000 875,000 7,000 0 .

3.04 0.162 2.17 2.56 199.6 4.56 1.15 1.29

0.00 5.19 -0.91 0.39 1.32 1.33 8.49 0.78

763,000 18,180,000 3,835,000 3,562,000 1,344,130 1,000 106,698,000 14,000

0.400 82.50 16.56 1.35 6.20 0.405 0.395 890 1350.00 8.16 12.90 6 7.00 0.237 1577 6.80 85.30 5.82 7.9 0.76 15.84 0.490 7.4 0.0330 1.970 2.65 83.00 2.61 1026.00 1.25 0.89 193.000 0.3300 0.2060 0.300

6.67 0.00 -0.12 4.65 1.14 3.85 2.60 0.00 35.00 1.49 1.57 0.00 0.72 -0.84 0.77 2.26 0.00 0.34 0.13 5.56 0.00 0.00 1.09 -2.94 0.51 -1.85 0.00 -5.09 0.10 0.81 1.14 0.57 0.00 1.98 0.00

2,110,000 2,353,770 9,439,200 1,000 18,000 34,440,000 900,000 304,320 45 6,430,800 4,930,900 80,700 329,300 50,000 1,469,210 378,200 1,698,270 3,100 2,330,800 3,956,000 2,491,800 10,000 24,273,500 12,200,000 246,000 50,000 415,670 36,000 361,585 234,000 351,000 33,920 1,370,000 160,000 740,000

8.200 6.75 1.27 2.300 0.285 39.950 3.32 5.17 5.76 0.680 1.09 1.060 0.134 0.820 60.9 0.830 0.155 1.16 2.00 5.18 0.115 0.2850

1.11 -2.17 0.00 -0.43 3.64 0.38 -1.19 0.00 0.70 25.93 0.00 0.00 1.52 7.89 -2.56 1.22 3.33 -1.69 0.00 0.97 5.50 0.00

1,057,600 17,600 2,726,000 282,000 8,000 18,026,400 630,000 12,000 15,900 142,827,000 16,000 5,000 11,360,000 74,975,000 1,689,140 1,902,000 1,220,000 7,929,000 22,413,000 56,998,300 19,330,000 30,000

477,415.00 43,470,568 -113,926,513.00

250,780.00 -18,789,125.00 186,300.00 -24,075,674.05 910.00 -64,760.00 27,470,173.50 -440,820.00 873,030 12,706,106.00 -1,366,046.50 -25,445,370.00 -328,440.00

135,778,168.00 -5,668,316.00 953,150.00 113,829 1,003,960.00 733,114.00 -12,560.00 -7,788,931.00 1,463,428.00 75,799,735.00 -843,994.00 -23,566,050.00 -6,866,850.50 -2,352,394.00 14,927,082.00 3,393,035.00 -1,756,605.00 19,586,874.00 44,105,392.00 13,250.00 2,139,290.00 -2,374,500.00 134,040.00 -21,320.00 1,234,660.00 2

9

70,720.00 100,750.00 3,790,080.00 19,876,593 534,790.00

-29,091,234.00 53,490,980.00

-16,000.00 110,292,085.00 -5,523,241.00 30,926,572.00 5,542.00 84,027,670.00 -20,400.00 92,554,727.50 381,261.00 31,396,382.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

0.39 23

Phil. Realty `A’ 0.465 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry

2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 0.83 5.73

Primex Corp.

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

10.5 66 1.09 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 2.6 7.67 4 1700 2720 8.41

1.97 35.2 0.63 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 1.6 4.8 2.58 830 1600 5.95

70.5 1.97 119.5 7 5.8 12.5 0.017

17.02 1.23 102.6 3.01 4 8.72 0.011

0.8200 2.2800 5.93

0.041 1.200 2.34

12.28 3.32 2.53 95.5 1 15.2

6.5 1.91 1.01 3.1 0.650 6

1.040 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

0.37 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 1.9

7.59 0.63 1.71 5 1.14

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 12.7 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

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

70 553 525 515 8.21 111

33 490 500 480 5.88 101

1047 78.95 84.8

1011 74.5 75

1.34

1

6.98

0.8900

-132,530.00 -2,588,615.50 100,851,675.00

4,045,620.00 19,150.00 46,200.00 153,735.00 -16,630.00 2,188,470.00

-1,898,680.00

-111,150.00 10,348,810.00 47,426,530.00 -99,900.00

High

0.72 27 10,700 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 1.62 8.59

47,761,260.00

4,640.00 565,950.00

Close

15

3.5

12.88

5.95

130.7

105.6

0.460 43.95

Close

0.460 43.05

16.5 16.04 34.00 32.75 1.75 1.71 3.3 3.25 30.95 30.00 1 0.97 1.050 1.030 6.480 6.140 SERVICES 2GO Group’ 7.48 7.48 7.28 ABS-CBN 52.05 52.25 51.2 APC Group, Inc. 0.630 0.630 0.620 Berjaya Phils. Inc. 5.85 5.95 5.7 Bloomberry 5.70 5.90 5.64 Boulevard Holdings 0.0990 0.1000 0.0970 Calata Corp.

2.85 2.88 2.83 Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 99.5 100.3 99.5 Discovery World 1.97 2.03 1.93 DFNN Inc. 5.80 6.25 5.81 Easy Call “Common” 3.84 3.70 3.23 FEUI 950 950 940 Globe Telecom 2282 2308 2246 GMA Network Inc. 6.30 6.34 6.30 Golden Haven 16.96 16.96 16.68 Grand Plaza Hotel 20.30 25.00 20.30 Harbor Star 1.22 1.29 1.19 I.C.T.S.I. 64.1 67.3 65.45 Imperial Res. `A’ 24.65 25.00 22.90 Imperial Res. `B’ 194 194.1 186 IPeople Inc. `A’ 11.8 12.48 11 IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 0.0092 0.0092 0.0091 IPM Holdings 9.37 9.38 9.30 Island Info 0.345 0.350 0.340 ISM Communications 1.8800 1.8900 1.8200 Jackstones 2.72 2.75 2.7 LBC Express 12.7 12.94 12.3 Leisure & Resorts 6.75 6.91 6.78 Liberty Telecom 3.11 3.12 3.08 Lorenzo Shipping 1.06 1.13 1.08 Manila Broadcasting 20.00 19.98 19.06 Manila Bulletin 0.590 0.600 0.590 Melco Crown 3.6 3.81 3.61 Metro Retail 5.10 5.37 5.11 NOW Corp.

3.680 3.770 3.590 PAL Holdings Inc. 5.10 5.10 5.02 Paxys Inc. 2.68 2.54 2.47 Phil. Seven Corp.

139.50 143.00 140.00 Philweb.Com Inc. 16.60 16.46 15.82 PLDT Common 2068.00 2110.00 2056.00 PremiereHorizon 0.440 0.450 0.440 Premium Leisure 1.150 1.160 1.130 Puregold 48.55 49.80 48.55 Robinsons RTL 86.90 87.10 86.30 SBS Phil. Corp.

6.50 6.57 6.45 SSI Group 3.28 3.31 3.19 STI Holdings 0.650 0.660 0.640 Transpacific Broadcast 1.96 1.89 1.88 Travellers 3.54 3.62 3.55 Yehey 6.780 6.780 6.500 MINING & OIL Abra Mining 0.0041 0.0041 0.0040 Apex `A’ 3.12 3.10 3.00 Atlas Cons. `A’ 4.27 4.50 4.27 Basic Energy Corp.

0.232 0.232 0.232 Benguet Corp `A’ 7.0800 7.08 6.8 Century Peak Metals Hldgs0.61 0.64 0.61 Coal Asia 0.490 0.495 0.480 Dizon 8.66 8.69 8.57 Ferronickel 0.880 0.900 0.880 Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. 0.290 0.290 0.285 Lepanto `A’ 0.239 0.241 0.237 Lepanto `B’ 0.255 0.250 0.248 Manila Mining `A’ 0.0120 0.0130 0.0120 Manila Mining `B’ 0.0140 0.0140 0.0130 Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. 1.86 1.83 1.8 Nickelasia 5.7 5.7 5.46 Nihao Mineral Resources 2.95 3.05 2.77 Omico 0.5700 0.5500 0.5500 Oriental Peninsula Res. 1.1800 1.1700 1.1200 Oriental Pet. `A’ 0.0120 0.0120 0.0110 Oriental Pet. `B’ 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 Petroenergy Res. Corp. 4.14 4.15 3.97 Philex `A’ 8.54 8.56 8.43 PhilexPetroleum 4.39 4.60 4.35 Philodrill Corp. `A’ 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 Semirara Corp.

121.00 121.00 119.90 TA Petroleum 3.88 3.95 3.86 United Paragon 0.0110 0.0120 0.0110 PREFERRED ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. 51.7 52 50.45 Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ 520 520 520 Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ 545 545.5 545.5 GLOBE PREF P 545 543 543 GMA Holdings Inc. 6.1 6.1 6.08 MWIDE PREF 111.8 111.8 111.7 PCOR-Preferred B 1020 1125 1125 PF Pref 2 1016 1030 1020 SMC Preferred B 76.5 76.65 75.8 SMC Preferred C 80 81.4 80.85 SMC Preferred D 77.3 77.9 76 SMC Preferred E 79 79 77 SMC Preferred F 78.5 79 78.5 SMC Preferred G 79.4 79 77.1 SMC Preferred H 77.1 77.1 76.7 SMC Preferred I 77 77 76.9 Swift Pref 2.5 2.46 2.46 WARRANTS & BONDS LR Warrant 2.890 2.910 2.800 SME Alterra Capital 5.27 5.88 5.25 Makati Fin. Corp.

3.74 3.74 3.37 Italpinas 5.9 5.9 5.75 Xurpas 17 17.28 17 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS First Metro ETF 131.8 132.7 132

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

37,686,229

INDUSTRIAL

277,989,048

HOLDING FIRMS

114,114,277

PROPERTY

421,928,784

SERVICES

199,150,161

MINING & OIL

498,478,615

GRAND TOTAL

1,566,487,174

16.46 33.10 1.72 3.27 30.10 0.98 1.020 6.110

Low

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.460 40.00

-1.08 41.65

160,000 - 5 .

16.36 32.95 1.75 3.29 30.15 0.99 1.030 6.390

-0.61 -0.45 1.74 0.61 0.17 1.02 0.98 4.58

219,700 2,352,500 729,000 106,000 12,466,500 5,812,000 856,000 34,244,700

7.4 51.2 0.620 5.7 5.70 0.0990 2.86 99.95 1.93 5.89 3.70 940 2246 6.32 16.70 20.30 1.25 67 23.50 187 12 0.0091 9.30 0.340 1.8200 2.72 12.9 6.85 3.09 1.08 19.98 0.590 3.81 5.37 3.660 5.05 2.48 140.00 15.86 2060.00 0.440 1.160 49.20 86.30 6.45 3.24 0.650 1.89 3.62 6.700

-1.07 -1.63 -1.59 -2.56 0.00 0.00 0.35 0.45 -2.03 1.55 -3.65 -1.05 -1.58 0.32 -1.53 0.00 2.46 4.52 -4.67 -3.61 1.69 -1.09 -0.75 -1.45 -3.19 0.00 1.57 1.48 -0.64 1.89 -0.10 0.00 5.83 5.29 -0.54 -0.98 -7.46 0.36 -4.46 -0.39 0.00 0.87 1.34 -0.69 -0.77 -1.22 0.00 -3.57 2.26 -1.18

218,900 92,340 758,000 103,900 9,596,000 67,810,000 1,693,000 488,880 16,000 1,623,500 24,000 170 127,755 499,400 349,500 141,200 1,044,000 1,249,390 312,300 400 2,600 26,000,000 409,900 9,260,000 3,035,000 69,000 34,900 321,200 112,000 45,000 2,500 62,000 13,310,000 22,775,800 6,763,000 53,600 11,000 7,580 273,300 84,670 1,670,000 6,090,000 3,147,600 881,570 466,300 5,216,000 4,975,000 58,000 3,390,000 620,400

0.0041 3.05 4.30 0.232 6.9900 0.63 0.480 8.63 0.900 0.290 0.237 0.248 0.0130 0.0140 1.8 5.55 2.77 0.5500 1.1200 0.0120 0.0120 4.15 8.55 4.40 0.0130 120.00 3.86 0.0110

0.00 -2.24 0.70 0.00 -1.27 3.28 -2.04 -0.35 2.27 0.00 -0.84 -2.75 8.33 0.00 -3.23 -2.63 -6.10 -3.51 -5.08 0.00 0.00 0.24 0.12 0.23 0.00 -0.83 -0.52 0.00

273,000,000 1,160,000 91,000 180,000 22,300 855,000 810,000 34,400 15,607,000 2,000,000 12,780,000 3,230,000 7,900,000 3,600,000 459,000 8,150,000 1,763,000 150,000 4,244,000 55,800,000 300,000 37,000 2,181,500 6,745,000 3,600,000 440,490 207,000 93,100,000

500,000.00 46,520.00 25,700.00

51 520 545.5 543 6.09 111.8 1125 1021 76.5 81.4 77.9 79 79 79 77.1 77 2.46

-1.35 0.00 0.09 -0.37 -0.16 0.00 10.29 0.49 0.00 1.75 0.78 0.00 0.64 -0.50 0.00 0.00 -1.60

709,780 8,600 650 1,000 570,600 14,770 130 12,345 100,970 20,000 16,100 59,850 18,000 5,500 184,790 213,220 10,000

35,267,421.00 -4,472,000.00

2

3 329,890.00 37,988,710.00 26,850.00 51,623,145.00 41,191,539.00 -443,369.00

-23,395,499.00 1,000.00 -26,130.00 24,145,241.50 -736,450.00 14,800.00 -108,195,900.00 -507,936.00 -7,866,638.00 -7,764.00

92,010.00 628,896

-5,612,210.00 48,690,130.00 1,847,750.00 122,100.00 87,300.00 -19,683,300.00 16,660.00 78,659,410.00 14,053,634.00 -3,643,720.00 1,240,480.00 -3,457,250.00 -1,951,900.00

163,850.00 -44,550.00 958,530.00 478,000.00 68,130.00 -10,790,616.00 192,680.00

-16,560.00 -1,315,029.00 -6,809,930.00 -6,199,493.00 34,890.00 10,800.00

-3,459,434.00

-5,661,865.50 -808,500 -843,850.00 -3,667,600.00

40,040.00

2.830

-2.08

828,000

5.85 3.37 5.78 17.08

11.01 -9.89 -2.03 0.47

15,656,800 -1,296,834.00 20,000 430,500 1,112,604.00 1,024,000 2,085,220.00

132.3

0.38

8,760

13,270.00

VALUE 1,819.05 (UP) 15.08 2,103,476,303.30 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 12,108.44 (UP) 23.51 2,534,092,279.622 HOLDING FIRMS 7,978.09 (UP) 17.76 1,885,796,891.62 PROPERTY 3,664.16 (UP) 12.38 1,649.72 (UP) 3.95 2,081,938,851.80 SERVICES MINING & OIL 11,174.49 (DOWN) 67.56 1,282,036,587.30 PSEI 8,049.13 (UP) 23.78 185,327,255.503 All Shares Index 4,806.98 (UP) 12.95 10,181,284,276.142 Gainers: 115; Losers: 85; Unchanged: 45; Total: 245

Gaisano to put up a branch in Negros

By Jenniffer B. Austria CEBU-BASED retailer Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. of the Gaisano family is expanding into Negros Oriental.

Metro Retail said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it signed a 25-year lease agreement with the local government of Bais, Negros Oriental to set up its first store in the province.

“We are very much excited to serve the growing city of Bais, and we see a lot of opportunities for mutual growth,” said MRSGI chairman and chief executive officer Frank Gaisano.

Metro Retail will lease building owned by the city government of Bais and which will be turned over in March 2017. The leading Visayas retailer plans to build a hypermarket, offering food and general merchandise retail.

Gaisano said the move to expand the group’s presence in Negros Oriental was part of the company’s goal to double its footprint over the next five years. Metro Retail currently has 400,000 square meters of gross floor area, mostly in the Visayas.

He said the store would also serve the neighboring municipalities of Manjuyod, Mabinay, Ayungon, Bindoy and Tayasan. Located 45 kilometers away from Dumaguete City, Bais hosts several sugar mills and is one of Negros Occidental’s largest producers of raw sugar.

Metro Retail currently operates 49 stores across the supermarket, department store and hypermarket formats.

Alliance expands ME mart

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales LISTED seafood producer and exporter Alliance Select Foods International Inc. said Monday it plans to increase its market share in the Middle East.

The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it was exploring partnerships with key distributors in the region.

“As we continue to fortify our presence in international markets, the Middle East plays a pivotal role in our current sales strategy. This region boasts of a strong consumer market with an increasingly growing taste for quality tuna and smoked salmon and we are eager to position our products at the forefront of this promising trend,” said Alliance Select president and chief executive officer Raymond See. The Gulf Cooperation Council said the entire Middle East consumed 392,000 tons of fish every year and was expected to grow yearly until 2030, with the United Arab Emirates alone expected to exceed the region’s current consumption.

Alliance attributed the increase in consumption to a rising population, affluence and economic diversification by some countries in the region.

The Middle East is not a new market for Alliance Select and it is determined to leverage its strength and familiarity with the industry to successfully expand its tuna and salmon business in the region.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Meralco’s net profit falls 8.3%

By Alena Mae S. Flores

P

ower retailer Manila Electric Co. said Monday net income in the first half fell 8.3 percent to P10.77 billion from P11.75 billion a year ago, in the absence of one-time gains and as lower prices of electricity weighed on revenues this year.

Meralco said core net income also went down by 10.8 percent in the first six months to P10.39 billion from P11.64 billion in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues shrank 4 percent to P128.8 billion in the six-month period from P134 billion in the same period last year, pulled down by lower distribution charges and continuing decrease in pass through charges. Prices of coal and crude oil continued to decline.

Data, however, showed consolidated volume of energy sold in the first half increased 11 percent to 19,717 gigawatthours from 17,753 gWh sold in the same period last year.

Meralco said the 11-percent increase in sales volume helped mitigate the effect of the 9-percent decline in average distribution rate and lower firsthalf contribution from certain subsidiaries due to seasonal factors affecting businesses.

Meralco said the lower core and net income this year arose from the P800-million recovery from generation rate adjustment mechanism.

The Energy Regulatory

Commission in a decision dated June 1, 2015 allowed Meralco to recover generation costs incurred from November 2003 to January 2004. The Gram recovery cost amounted to P746 million.

“Last year, we had a regulatory approval of the Gram, which provided an income. There was a one-off item in 2015 which wasn’t seen this year. We had the generation rate adjustment mechanism,” Meralco treasurer Betty Siy-Yap said.

Meanwhile, Meralco’s net income in the second quarter also dropped to P5.271 billion from P7.326 billion a year ago, while core net income declined to P5.298 billion from P7.225 billion.

Meralco president Oscar Reyes said the higher sales volume in the first half was led by the 16.7-percent rise in residential power demand.

Reyes said sales to residential customers grew on increased customer base, warmer temperature, lower inflation and lower electricity rates.

Meralco’s customers stood at 5.9 million as of end June.

Commercial sales also

Grande Dame of PH education

increased 11 percent in the first half driven, by the real estate, retail trade and hotels and restaurants while industrial sales went up 6 percent as a result of higher demand from cement manufacturing, food and beverage and plastic and packaging industries.

Meralco spent P4.5 billion in capital expenditures in the first half. Electricity capital related

projects amounted to P3.8 billion.

Completed projects in the period included the expansion of Masinag substation with the commissioning of the second 83-MVA power transformer, energization of Banawe GIS substation, development of Sitio Gitna 115 kV switching station, among others.

“Meralco is also keeping

Pangilinan said Meralco was also moving towards renewable energy development to complement baseload power development projects.

Meralco said it was also determined to pursue major investments in power generation through Meralco PowerGen Corp. to ensure that adequate capacity was ahead of power demand in the coming years.

METRO RETAIL’S EXPANSION. Cebu-based Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. signs a 25-year lease agreement with the local government of Bais, Negros Oriental to set up its first store in the province. Shown during the signing of the agreement are (from left) MRSGI vice president for land and space Benedicto Miranda, president and chief operating officer Arthur Emmanuel, Bais City mayor Mercedes Goñi, MRSGI real estate head Clifford Garcia and Bais City legal officer Lloyd Elmacoat.

CIC accepts three more credit agencies Manila

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By Gabrielle H. Binaday

“We are looking at end of August or sometime in September.

They have to set up a corporation in the Philippines which is not always that easy for foreign entities. There has to be a very specific purpose involved, so many things can go into it,” he said.

Once fully accredited, CIC shall grant the SAEs regulated access to the CIC’s credit data which will serve as elements to the SAEs’ statistical models and as the base for a wide range of off-the-shelf and value-added products.

These entities will be in close partnership with CIC in the development of these models and products and shall be included in the market development and awareness roadshows that CIC conducts in collaboration with International Finance Corp. and USAid. These partnerships are also designed to widen the channels of information and product distribution, in line with policy mandate of CIC to make credit readily available to every Filipino.

“The accreditation was done, both to assure the quality of services that the SAEs will deliver and to change the public’s perception about borrowing or utilization of credit. It is an alliance, more than a partnership, because both the CIC and the SAEs are working toward a common goal: addressing the lack of reliable credit information in the country,” Garchitorena said.

OVER the years, I have CREDIT Information Corp. said maintained a list of Monday it accredited three more Filipinos who I considered credit bureaus as special accessqualified to perform the ing entities to ease the lending duties and functions of process in the country. the highest position in the land. One of the women, a longtime CIC signed subscription inclusion in the list, passed away last week at the grand age of 102. agreements in Makati City, It would, I think, be a huge mistake not to record her passing and formally accrediting CRIF to pay tribute to her contributions to the development of Philippine Philippines, Compuscan Philsociety and the growth of the Philippine economy. ippines and CIBI Information Helena Benitez – Helen to her legion of friends, advisers and Inc. in accordance with the associates – was the Grande Dame of Philippine education. Except requirements in the Securities for a Senate term cut short by martial law, Helena Benitez’s life was and Exchange Corporation dedicated entirely to strengthening and improving this country’s Memorandum Circular No. 7 educational system. In the Senate education remained her main Series of 2015. focus and principal concern. I know of no one in this country whose There are now four accredited life was so totally devoted to education as Helena Benitez.

SAEs, including TransUnion Into education she was born, the only daughter of Conrado Information Solutions which Benitez and Francisca Tirona, the founders of the university became the first to execute an established specially for the education of Filipino women: agreement with CIC on May 5.

Philippine Women’s University. Upon her return from graduate “Accreditation of this new set studies abroad, Helen Benitez plunged into the administration and of SAEs is our offer that the CIC management of PWU, strengthening its programs, planning its has a viable business model, that growth and generally steering its course. Together with her parents there is a need for credit infor“Daddy B” and “Mommy B”, Helen Benitez made PWU one of mation and other value-added the largest and most respected institutions of higher learning in services in the financial sector the nation. Through its portals passed graduates hailing from the and that the CIC is now set to northernmost parts of the Philippines to its southernmost parts. move forward with our objecConrado Benitez, the first dean of the college of business tives and partnerships to reinadministration of the University of the Philippines, was PWU’s force its virtues of making credit president until the 1960s. Helena Benitez assumed the post upon easily available to the public his retirement from active involvement in PWU affairs. through the alliance of both The new president was very much a hands-on chief executive. credit registry and bureau,” said Smart and creative, Helena Benitez wanted PWU’s students to CIC president and chief execuhave a well-rounded education. Culture – music, dance and the tive Jaime Garchitorena. arts – received emphasis during her presidency. Arguably, PWU’s Garchitorena said CIC was greatest gift to the nation is the Bayanihan Dance Troupe, which waiting for the two other foreign has carried the Philippine flag to acclaim in theaters all over the credit bureaus, which would world. complete the initial list of six Realizing her stature and national popularity, the politicians SAEs to be fully operational in eventually came knocking at Helena Benitez’s door. She agreed to the country. join the Nacionalista Party’s senatorial slate in the 1967 election These two companies are and won easily.

Credit Bureau Singapore and Predictably, Senator Benitez was given the chairmanship of the Dun and Bradstreet. chamber’s committee on education. She was also given the chairmanship of the committee ANNOUNCEMENT on housing and urban development. One of Effective August 01, 2016, ABS-CBNmobileHomephone (MHP) Internet Plans (Plan 1099, Plan 1299 and Plan 1399) will no longer be offered in the market. Meanwhile, existing subscribers to the plans will have the option to continue with their service, or upgrade to a different plan. The following her most important achievements in the latter ABS-CBNmobile MHP (Mobile + Homephone) Postpaid Plans that provide both landline and mobile services in one, and also offer internet access, chairmanship was the enactment of a National are available to consumers: ABS-CBNmobile MHP Plan 499 ABS-CBNmobile MHP Plan 599 Building Code. Government planners and the Monthly Service Fee (MSF) PhP 499 PhP 599 • Unlimited calls for calls made from within the home zone to: • Unlimited calls for calls made from within the home zone to: construction and housing industries were very o landlines within the same home zone* o landline within the same home zone* o ABS-CBNmobile MHP landline numbers** o ABS-CBNmobile MHP landline numbers** pleased with her work as housing and urban • 1GB for internet access • Unlimited calls and texts to ABS-CBNmobile MHP mobile development committee chairman. numbers and ABS-CBNmobile Prepaid.

In the 1980s, Helena Benitez decided that • 1GB for internet access the time to move on had come, and so she Plan Package *Toll charges based on prevailing rates apply to landline calls made from *Toll charges based on prevailing rates apply to landline calls made outside the home zone or to landlines outside the home zone. from outside the home zone or to landlines outside the home zone passed the reins of PWU power to her niece **Toll charges based on prevailing rates apply to calls to ABS-CBNmobile **Toll charges based on prevailing rates apply to calls to ABSDr. Amelou Benitez-Reyes. The university MHP landline calls made from outside the home zone.

CBNmobile MHP landline calls made from outside the home zone. has continued to thrive under US-trained Dr. Terms and Conditions apply. Unli service is subject to Fair Use Policy.

Terms and Conditions apply. Unli service is subject to Fair Use Policy.

Reyes.

Lock-in Period 12 months Internet Add-On*: Before she passed away, Helena Benitez 5 GB Price MB was informed that her beloved PWU was now Kapamilya Add Surf 30 PhP 30 100 MB Kapamilya Add Surf 299 PhP 299 1 GB secure in its ownership of its historic Taft Kapamilya Add Surf 499 PhP 499 2 GB Kapamilya Add Surf 999 PhP 999 5 GB Avenue and Indiana St. properties in Manila’s Text All-Net Unli Add-On*: Add-on Malate district.

Add-on Price SMS Inclusion A person like Helena Benitez does not come KapamilyaUnli Text All Net 270 PhP 270 Unlimited ALL-net along every day. She was someone special.

To subscribe: Call Customer Care hotline 7979. DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No.1391, series of 2016.

Philippine education has lost its Grande Note: ABS-CBNmobile MHP add-ons are auto-renew (will be pushed every month until customer requests to STOP). Add-on subscription will be billed on top of customer’s monthly service fee (MSF). Rates are VAT inclusive.

Dame.

• Mobile Calls and SMS from MHP to ABS-CBNmobile: Based on prevailing rates • Mobile Calls and SMS from MHP to other mobile network providers or to landline of different home zone: Based on prevailing rates Helena Benitez will be missed.

Toll Rates • International Voice & SMS: Based on prevailing rates • Internet: PhP 1 per MB (or based on SKU promo if available) Note: Rates are VAT & OCT (Overseas Communication Tax) inclusive.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

an eye on the energy industry policy and regulatory developments to ensure that markets are allowed to work with minimal intervention, and that customers continue to have the fullest freedom of choice as competition is maintained and fostered with least disruption of businesses,” Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

Service subscriptions available in SIM only. Apply through accredited ABS-CBNmobile agents. Please see flyers for details.

(TS-JULY 26, 2016)

TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 32nd Floor G. T. Tower International, Ayala Avenue corner H. V. dela Costa Street,Salcedo Village, 1226 Makati City

STATEMENT OF CONDITION As of June 30, 2016 ASSETS Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas P Deposit in Banks GS Purchased Under Reverse Repurchase Agreement with BSP GS Purchased Under RRA Sold Under Resale Agreement Loans and Receivables (Net) (Long-Term Portion of P34,281,959,225) Available-for-Sale Securities (Net) Real Estate for Sale/Lease (Net) Real Property, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (Net) Real and Other Properties Acquired (Net) Other Assets (Net) TOTAL ASSETS P

8,309,341,809 466,561,499 0 0 35,499,597,286 0 1,500,000 0 77,626,485 88,333,243 3,494,780,737 47,937,741,059

LIABILITIES Bills Payable Accrued Taxes and Other Expenses Other Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES

P P

39,344,108,767 360,049,705 3,611,248,773 43,315,407,245

CAPITAL ACCOUNTS Capital Stock Retained Earnings Sub - Total Less: Treasury Stock TOTAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

P

P

1,700,000,000 2,922,333,814 4,622,333,814 0 4,622,333,814

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

P

47,937,741,059

P

COMMITMENT AND OTHER CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Other Contingent Accounts

P

0

Note: 1. Held for Trading Securities comprise of Government Securities of P0 and Equity Securities - Common Shares of P0 2. Non-performing loans and ratio to total loan portfolio: P 622,654,160 ; 1.45% 3. Classified loans and other risk assets: P 1,512,427,457 4. General loan loss reserve: P 418,839,979 5. Specific loan loss reserve: P460,392,923 6. Return on equity (ROE): 11.88% 7. DOSRI loans/advances and ratio to total loan portfolio: None 8. Past due DOSRI loans/advances and ratio to total portfolio: None REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) We, Ma. Fe S. Medrano, Assistant Vice-President and Atsushi Murakami, President of the above-mentioned NBQB, do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the statement of condition are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.

(Sgd.) MA. FE S. MEDRANO Assistant Vice-President

(Sgd.) ATSUSHI MURAKAMI President

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 19th day of July 2016, affiants exhibiting to me their Driver’s License No. N0410001084 issued at Manila and Passport No. TG8260436 issued at Japan.

Doc. No. 192 Page No. 40 Book No. 44 Series of 2016

(Sgd.) ATTY. JACQUELINE O. CORTEL Commission No. M-420 Notary Public of Makati City Until December 31, 2016 Suite 1015, 10F Cityland Condominium 10 Tower 1 Ayala Ave. cor. H.V. dela Costa Street, Makati City Roll No. 40522/04-11-96 IBP Lifetime member No. 03177; 12-16-03; RSM chapter PTR No. 4871732; 03-16-15; Makati City MCLE Compliance No. IV-0021366 Valid until July 22, 2013

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Ray S. Eñano, Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

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Business

Linux for Windows 10 users MAYBE it’s how intrusive Windows 10 can be. Or maybe you’re just fed up with working under the constant threat of viruses and other malicious software.

Or perhaps, you’re tired of paying thousands of pesos for applications and equally weary of breaking the law by installing pirated versions of the software. Indeed, there are many reasons to dump Windows in favor of the free and open-source Linux operating system. Here’s what Windows users who are contemplating the move should keep in mind.

1.) It is not all or nothing. You can install Linux alongside your existing Windows system (called dual booting) and be asked every time you boot up your computer if you want to run Windows or Linux. Various guides on how to do this can be found online to deal with different versions of Windows and distributions of Linux. This brings us to the second point that Windows users should realize.

2) Unlike Windows, Linux comes in many flavors, called distributions. The site DistroWatch.com counts almost 280 distributions. Among the most user-friendly and popular are Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Some distributions such as Mint and Zorin OS are aimed at making the transition to Linux easier for Windows users. Do some research to determine which distribution is suited to your needs.

3) Most of your software will be free. Unlike Windows, most Linux software—the operating itself and applications-are free and open source. That means you won’t have to pay thousands of pesos to license an office suite like MS Office or take the risk of installing pirated software. There are tens of thousands of Linux applications today, so you’re likely to find the ones you need. Best of all, they’ll be free.

4) You can find Linux equivalents for the most common Windows applications. You can’t run your copy of MS Word or Photoshop on your Linux system, but you can run LiberOffice Writer or Gimp to give you similar functionality.

Of course, there’s a learning curve involved in using the new software, but once you’ve got over the hump, you’ll wonder why you ever missed the Windows applications.

A good place to look is the website AlternativeTo (http:// alternativeto.net).

5) There are still fewer game choices. Gaming on Linux is much better now than it was a few years ago, largely due to Steam, which has pushed the use of the open-source platform. Today, the Steam site lists almost 4,800 titles. But the hottest AAA games are still released on Windows first, and some games never get a Linux version. For this reason, if you play a lot of games, or if you regularly buy the latest AAA games, you’ll probably want to dual boot your PC (see No. 1). That way, you can boot into Windows when you want to play, and boot to Linux to perform your other tasks.

6. Linux is much friendlier today than it was in the past. Gone are the days when Linux was reserved for propeller heads who relished using the command line. Most user-friendly distributions of Linux today, such as Ubuntu or Mint, are extremely easy to set up and use, and will not require a trip to the command line. Having said that, Linux rewards those who are not afraid of using the command line (still much faster than using the graphical user interface) and those who are willing to tweak and customize their systems.

7. You won’t have to worry about viruses as much as you would on Windows. There are millions of Linux users today but there has not yet been a single widespread Linux virus or malware infection of the type that is common on Windows. Security experts warn against complacency and cite obscure threats from time to time, but this does not alter the fact that Linux is by design more secure than Windows.

And, if you’re not convinced, you can install a Linux antivirus program 8. Your privacy will be better protected. Windows 10 has been described as perhaps the worst spyware ever made because of the amount of personal information it surreptitiously collects from its users. Despite a brief kerfuffle over Ubuntu’s online search feature (which is now turned off by default), Linux systems come nowhere close to this kind of infringement of your privacy.

Column archives and blog at: http://www.chinwong.com

Remittances likely to keep rising—BSP

By Julito G. Rada

R

emittances are expected to keep increasing, despite the ‘derisking’ activities, or closure of high-risk accounts by banks, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday.

“We are not worried [but] it is a concern. It’s something that we should continue to monitor because a large part of our external payments position is dependent on the level of remittances,” Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said in an interview.

“What is really impending remittances is really derisking—the closure of the accounts of some domestic banks abroad. Yes, the deployment of workers to overseas markets seems to have slowed down, but I think that it is more a reaction to the impact of derisking in remittances but deployment rate continues to grow,” Guinigundo said.

Guinigundo said derisking was heightened by anti-money laundering concerns, counterterrorism and cybercrimes.

Guinigundo said derisking had already been happening even before the $81-million money laundering scam broke out in February this year.

The money was believed stolen by cyber thieves from the account of Bank of Bangladesh in the Federal Reserve in New York and entered the Philippine financial system through

a Makati branch of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

Experts expressed concern that the incident, one of the biggest so far, could hamper the growth of remittances.

Guinigundo said the sustained growth of the business process outsourcing industry served as a counterweight to the sluggishness in remittances.

“It [BPO sector] is growing by at least 15 to 20 percent.

With its growing pace, a 15 to 20 percent is significant and somehow mitigates the apparent slowdown in overseas remittances. Overtime, probably at the end of this year or next year, we will have the same volume of BPO and remittances between $25 billion and $26 billion,” he said.

Latest data from Bangko Sentral showed money sent home by overseas Filipinos in May 2016 rose 1.9 percent to $2.186 billion from $2.147 billion a year ago.

The May expansion was slower than the 4.1-percent growth recorded in April 2016.

This brought cash remittances in the first five months to $10.859 billion, up 2.9 percent from

DAIWA-CUERVO PARTNERSHIP. Japan-based Daiwa Real Estate Appraisal Co. Ltd. signs a

memorandum of agreement with Philippine-based Cuervo Appraisers Inc. to designate the latter as its local counterpart. Cuervo is one of the leading appraisal firms in the country. Shown during the signing agreement at the CAI office in Ortigas Center are (seated, from left) CAI vice president and general manager Liberty S. Año, president and director Jose Maria Fernandez-Cuervo, Daiwa board director Hiroyuki Hatae and Daiwa real estate appraiser Takanori Nagayo. With them are (standing, from left) CAI corporate secretary Danilo Enrique Co, vice chairman and director Javier Jose Calero and director Melchor Guerrero.

Basic to complete geothermal drilling

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE consortium of Basic Energy Corp. and Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. is on track to complete the drilling of Mabini geothermal power project in Batangas by September.

Basic said in a disclosure to the stock exchange on Monday once drilling reached a depth of 1,500 meters, testing at Mabini geothermal project would follow.

“Results are projected by mid-September assuming are all go according to plan,” Basic Energy senior vice president Anthony Cuaycong said.

Cuaycong said drilling was projected to reach 78 days from spud date of June 15.

“The anchor casing has been installed at a depth of 373 meters, allowing coring operations to commence at that depth, to reach a target depth of 1,500 meters,” Basic said.

Core drilling operation reached a depth of 409 meters as of July 20, 2016.

“The well is projected to validate the geothermal resource that would be capable of fueling a 25-MW power plant,” it said.

Basic is currently drilling the first well in geothermal service contract No. 8 located in Calumpan Peninsula, covering 3,841 hectares.

Basic owns a 75-percent of the service contract, while Trans-Asia has the remaining 25 percent.

$10.555 billion a year ago.

Cash remittances from both land-based and sea-based workers reached $8.5 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. About 80 percent of cash remittances came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, Qatar, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Germany.

Personal remittances, which includes non-cash items, grew 1.8 percent in May to $2.416 billion from $2.374 billion a year ago. This brought personal remittances in the first five months to $11.993 billion, up 2.7 percent from $11.674 billion a year ago.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration showed that the number of deployed workers reached 211,799 in the first five months of 2016.

More than 80 percent were in services and sales, elementary occupations such as those working in the agriculture, forestry and fishing, mining, construction, manufacturing and transport sectors and craft and related trades workers.

“These workers were deployed mostly to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Further, reports from the POEA of additional demand for Filipino nurses in Japan and Germany are expected to support the continued flow of remittances,” Bangko Sentral said.

Aside from the Mabini project, the other projects are East Mankayan geothermal project in Benguet, Mt. Mariveles geothermal project, West Bulusan geothermal project and Mt. Iriga geothermal project. Desco Inc. has taken an 80-percent stake in the Iriga project.

Basic Energy president Oscar De Venecia Jr. earlier said the solar and geothermal projects still needed incentives such as the feed-in tariff to make the projects more viable.

The company also allocated P150 million for capital expenditure this year, bulk of which are for the geothermal drilling operations in Mabini, Batangas.

“Without FIT, it becomes very difficult for a project, such as solar or wind, to flourish…

An FIT system for geothermal will always be advantageous… makes it easier to invite potential partners to come in. It becomes easy for us to calculate economics for the project,” he said.

De Venecia said the company wanted to develop renewable energy projects that could bring in important short-term revenue for the company.

“All of our projects right now are long term in gestation period,” he said, adding that the company was looking at projects to bring immediate impact on the bottomline of the company.

BDO’s March assets hit P2t BDO Unibank Inc., the banking arm of tycoon Henry Sy, sustained its position as the country’s largest lender as total assets hit nearly P2 trillion as of end-March.

Data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed BDO had total resources of P1.986 trillion as of end-March, or P610 billion more than the second-placer Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.’s P1.375 trillion.

Bank of the Philippine Islands was dislodged from the third place by state-run Land Bank of the Philippines.

LandBank had total assets of P1.285 trillion, or P36.95 billion more than BPI’s P1.248 trillion.

Completing the top 10 universal and commercial banks are Philippine National Bank with total assets of P647.057 billion; Security Bank Corp., P516.59 billion; Development Bank of the Philippines, P483.1 billion; China Banking Corp., P470.32 billion; Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., P408.26 billion; and Union Bank of the Philippines, P355.38 billion.

BDO also had the highest capital of P203.201 billion, followed by Metrobank with P185.480 billion, BPI with P151.023 billion, PNB with P99.479 billion and LandBank with P90.116 billion.

BDO’s net profit in the first quarter declined 11 percent to P5.5 billion from P6.1 billion a year ago on lower trading and foreign exchange gains.

The bank’s trading and FX gains in the first three months fell 58 percent to P1.5 billion from P3.4 billion last year.

BDO is aiming a minimal 4-percent growth in net income to P26 billion in 2016 from P25 billion a year ago.

BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,000 operating branches and over 3,000 automated teller machines nationwide. It also has a branch in Hong Kong as well as 27 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Julito G. Rada

Customs auction generates P197m

By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE Bureau of Customs said Monday it booked an additional revenue of P198 million from public auction of goods in the first seven months.

BoC said in a statement actual proceeds from the public auction of 600 containers reached P197.77 million.

It said apart from those that were auctioned, there were additional 247 containers disposed by condemnation.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,731 containers was disposed by Manila International Container Port and generated P1.25 billion in proceeds from January 2014 to July 12, 2016.

“The bureau expects MICP to continually conduct public auc-

tion of shipments that are ready for disposal,” BoC said.

The agency said it expected to generate another P18 million in additional revenue from the public auction of various goods at MICP. The additional revenue was expected from the sale of 13 lots, consisting of 37 by 40 footer and 27 by 20 footer containers of various goods on July 26 at MICP. BoC said pursuant to the provisions of Section 2601 to 2610 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended, in relation to Customs Administrative Order 10-2007, the public auction through sealed bidding would be conducted by the auction and cargo disposal division at MICP.

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016

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CAR autonomy bid stays A

N AUTONOMY expert has urged the Cordillera Regional Development Council and its partners to adopt a two-track approach in the region’s renewed quest for autonomy in the light of President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposed federal form of government.

Lawyer Benedicto Bacani, the executive director of the Cotabato-based Institute for Autonomy and Governance, said an autonomous region may still exist within a federal state or it may be converted into a separate independent state depending on the strategy to be employed by autonomy advocates to gain the attention of the national government on issue.

Bacani explained that the timeline of the Duterte administration for the shift from a republican to a federal government was six years, so the Constitutional Convention (ConCon) must be in place next year, the plebiscite in 2019 and the transition period will be the remaining three years of the President’s term.

According to him, once the autonomous region will be put in place, it is easy for Cordillerans to make representations with the ConCon for the recognition of the autonomous region that is already in place and the non-diminution of powers and benefits of the autonomous region.

Bacani added Cordillerans must also have a stronger and unified position in the proposed Charter change for the retention of the provisions mandating the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and Cordillera.

He reminded that it is not yet late for the Cordillera to have either an autonomous region within a federal state or an independent federal state for the Cordillera and they can initiate the steps towards any of these under the Duterte administration.

CAVERNS. The Langun-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga, Western Samar is the largest cave system in the Philippines and the third largest in South East Asia. MEL CASPE

CCC forum to train Boholanos on DRR DoH to build Aids centers in Region 8

By Sandy Araneta

THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) announced that it is bringing its capacity-building program on climate change to Bohol on Wednesday, after its successful pilot run in Davao and Cagayan de Oro earlier this year.

Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman, CCC vice chairman and executive director, said they will train Bohol LGUs in implementing climate-change adaptation and mitigation, and disaster risk

reduction and management.

De Guzman said the commission is happy to bring the Communities for Resilience (CORE) Convergence Forum to Bohol, one of the most disaster-prone provinces in the country. The forum will bring together local government units within the Wahig-Inabanga Upper River Basin, which hosts the largest and most important river in Central Visayas.

The Wahig-Inabanga is considered the largest and most important river in Central Visayas

due to its high potential as source of surface water for agricultural, household, commercial, industrial and recreational uses; its significant physical features and biological resources; and its strategic location.

It is one of the 18 river basins and communities identified by experts as pilot areas and models for the convergence of climatechange adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction programs of the government.

In 2013, a 7.2-magnitude

earthquake struck Bohol, spurring geological and topographical changes in the province. A year later, floods became the biggest concern for the province, especially the towns of Inabanga and Duero, following the onslaught of tropical storms “Seniang” and “Queenie.”

Most recently, the provincial government placed Bohol under a state of calamity amid reports that the six-month El Niño phenomenon destroyed around P313 million worth of high-value crops.

FATHERLY. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada greets vendors in Quiapo who will soon be transferred to the renovated Quinta Public Market set to open this August.

The new Quinta Market will have modern wet and dry sections and stalls, clean restrooms, lounge and food court, security cameras, and even free WiFi connections.

TACLOBAN CITY—The Eastern Visayas regional office of the Department of Health will set up a treatment hub for victims of the human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS) in every province and city in the region.

DoH Assistant Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco said establishing a treatment hub will help stem the increasing number of HIV-AIDS in the region.

The department will also open a social-hygiene clinic in every province and city as part of the services provided by the HIV-AIDS treatment hubs. At present, the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban City is the only treatment hub for HIVAIDS in Region VIII. “The treatment centers in the provinc-

es and cities will allow people with HIV-AIDS to have closer access to the treatment hubs and we can examine more people at the social-hygiene clinics,” Sydiongco said.

The services offered at EVRMC will be offered at the treatment centers in provinces and cities, she added. Since 1984, when the year the government started to track down individuals suffering from HIV-AIDS, about 312 individuals have been confirmed to have acquired the virus and the ailment in the region.

This year, the DoH has so far monitored 33 new cases. The DoH confirmed five deaths of AIDS. Most of the cases were acquired through sexual contact. The majority of those who acquired HIV-AIDS were males who were practicing male-tomale sexual intercourse. Only a few sex workers tested positive for HIV/AIDS.

Unlabeled, expired food banned in QC

Mt. Province gov seeks Comelec en banc aid THE Manila-based lawyer of embattled substitute Mountain Province Gov. Kathy Jyll Mayaen Luis sought for the dismissal of the petition for quo warranto filed by Thom Tawagen against his client since he is allegedly not entitled to the writ of preliminary injunction earlier issued by the First Division of the Commission on Elections for not being a party in interest.

In a 13-page motion for reconsideration filed before the Comelec en banc, lawyer George Erwin Garcia asked the First Division of the poll body to transfer the re-

By: Mel Caspe

cords of the case to the en banc and recall the writ of preliminary injunction and subsequently dismissing the petition for quo warranto for lack of jurisdiction.

Garcia argued that it is settled that a quo warranto proceeding under the Omnibus Election Code deals with the eligibility or qualification of the candidate and is filed after the proclamation of the winning candidate.

He alleged that the First Division should have dismissed Tawagen’s petition outright for lack of jurisdiction and for being devoid of merit and besides, the grant of

the injunctive relief prayed for is erroneous, owing to the fact that there is a pending petition for annulment of proceedings and proclamation before the Second Division of the Commission.

According to Garcia, a preproclamation controversy being summary in nature, that division is the proper remedy to assail the proceedings of the provincial board of canvassers.

The election lawyer explained that there is no showing, however, as to how Tawagen will suffer irreparable damage once Mayaen assumes public office as

the supposed duly elected provincial governor.

He suggested that the Commission must not lose sight on the very purpose of the enactment of the election code that is to protect the integrity of the elections and to suppress all evils that may vitiate its purity and defeat the will of the voters.

Garcia accused the members of the First Division of having erred in granting the writ of preliminary injunction against the respondent preventing her from assuming the position of provincial governor.

QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista has ordered the creation of a joint task group to inspect markets in response to a report by the City Health Department that unlabeled and expired food products were being sold in some city markets.

Based on the City Health Department report, among the most common food products sold without labels and with altered expiration dates are sandwich spread, fruit juice, powdered milk, seasoning mix, instant coffee, catsup, canned goods and uncooked noodles, which were already showing signs of discoloration and pigmentation.

Consumption of such products can lead to food poisoning and gastro-intestinal infections, health officials warned.

The City Health Department, through the City Veterinary

Office, has previously confiscated unlabeled and expired food products peddled by ambulant vendors in the Balintawak market.

Health personnel also recovered bottles of acetone, which are being used to erase or alter the original expiration dates on the labels of the products.

All confiscated food products were taken to the city’s disposal facility in Barangay Payatas.

Bautista is also calling for the strict implementation of the Price Tag Law to protect consumers against unscrupulous traders and manufacturers.

He also stressed the need for installing price monitoring boards in the city markets to alert consumers on the prevailing price ranges set by the Department of Trade and Industry. Rio Araja

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TODAY JULY 26, 2016 TUESDAY,

‘SAF did not harass inmates’

By Rey E. Requejo

J

USTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday defended the elite Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police against reports of harassment of inmates at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

Aguirre said the allegations of harassment against the SAF police commandoes could be part of a “misinformation” campaign by several inmates who are disgruntled by the strict implementation of rules by the SAF.

The Justice secretary instead lauded the SAF men guarding the national penitentiary for strict implementation of prison rules.

“They say the SAF are already abusing their power.

There is a claim that some SAF men fired shots, hosed inmates—with one of them even punching an inmate who was just asking a question. These are not true,” he said.

“These are actually part of efforts to destroy the integrity of our SAF men. This is not how we know them to be; these are well-disciplined police officers.

That’s why I appeal to everyone to give the SAF our full trust and confidence,” he added.

On the other hand, the justice chief said he sees the attacks on the SAF as a good sign.

Aguirre, who exercises administrative supervision over the Bureau of Corrections that supervises the national penitentiary, said he is actually happy to see the resistance of inmates.

“Many [inmates are complaining] because the SAF are very strict [in implementing rules].

But that means that the SAF troopers are effective in doing their duty,” he stressed.

He cited for instance the complaints of inmates on the shortening of visitation hours at the NBP. “This means the illegal trade

shabu laboratory by convicted drug lords.

“I’ve already contacted one of the NGOs [non-government organizations] that discovered it. I will be meeting with them within this week for the verification with the use of satellite,” he admitted.

Last Saturday, the SAF guards locked down the NBP and conducted another “Oplan Galugad” at the Quadrant 4 of the maximum-security compound. Sachets of shabu, thousands of pesos and several prohibited items were seized during the raid.

IN BRIEF

YOUNG VOTERS. Hundreds of Quezon City residents gathered at the city hall lobby to register for this coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections set on Oct. 31. The deadline for registration nationwide is July 31. MANNY PALMERO

Davao City needs new drug rehab center

Suspected rebel captured in Paquibato PAQUIBATO, Davao City— was injured in a fire-fight beA suspected communist rebel tween Philippine Army troops SECRETARY’S CERTIFICATE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: I, JANEER B, USMAN, the Corporate Secretary of the F.R. INTERNATIONAL PLACEMENT AGENCY, INC., do hereby certify that during the Special Joint Meeting of the Board of Directors and Stockholders of said corporation duly called and held on 02 July 2016 at its principal office in Ermita, Manila, at which a quorum was present, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Directors, and that said resolutions have not been in any way rescinded, annulled or revoked and the same are still in full force and effect, to wit: Certification as to Elected Directors Resolution No 004, Series of 2016 The Secretary certified to the election of the following stockholders as directors of the Corporation for the current year (2016-2017) at the just concluded Special Joint Meeting: NORMA S. USMAN OMAR KC B. USMAN HASMIR B. USMAN JANEER B. USMAN KEISE T. USMAN MOHARRY M. ABDULSALAM

and a group of armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army at Sitio Kulapi, Barangay Mapula at about 10 a.m. on Thursday.

A statement from the 101st Division of the Philippine Army said concerned citizens from Barangay Mapula reported that the armed group was intimidating the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit members residing in their barangay by displaying posters with message: “Undangnamopagka-CAFGU kung di mo gusto mamatayugpatianginyong-

List of Officers

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of July, 2016 in Davao City, Philippines.

INVITATION TO BID CY 2016 Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) PROVISION OF SCHOOL FURNITURE TO NEWLY CONSTRUCTED CLASSROOMS- Batch 2

(SGD) JANEER B. USMAN Corporate Secretary Tin: 947-693-689

Noted by: (SGD) NORMA B. USMAN Chairman & President TIN 941-307-013

1.

The DepEd, Division of Catanduanes, through the General Appropriation Act (GAA) CY 2016 intends to apply the sum of Two Million Nine Hundred Forty Four Thousand Pesos Only (Php2,944,000.00), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment under the contract for the procurement of CY 2016 Basic Educational Facilities Fund - Provision of School Furniture To Newly Constructed Classrooms. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The DepEd, Division of Catanduanes now invites bids for CY 2016 Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) Provision of School Furniture to Newly Constructed Classrooms. Delivery of the Goods is required 90 days. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instruction to Bidders.

(TS-JULY 26, 2016)

Republic of the Philippine CITY OF NAGA BIDS & AWARDS COMMITTEE

Invitation to Bid for the Construction of a Wastewater Treatment Facility (Sequencing Batch Reactor) at the Naga City Abattoir, Bgy. Del Rosario, Naga City (a republication after a failed bidding) The Naga City Government, through the Naga River Rehabilitation and Development Fund, intends to apply the sum of SIX MILLION TWO HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND (P 6,220,000.00) PESOS, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the Construction of the Wastewater Treatment Facility (Sequencing Batch Reactor) at the Naga City Abattoir, Bgy. Del Rosario, Naga City (a republication after a failed bidding), with Contract Reference Number: 004947-2016-01.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Naga City Government now invites bids for the Construction of the Wastewater Treatment Facility (Sequencing Batch Reactor) at the Naga City Abattoir, Bgy. Del Rosario, Naga City, with Contract Reference Number: 004947-2016-01. Completion of the Works is required within 120 calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.

Of the similar projects completed within the past 10 years, at least three are sequencing batch reactors of abattoir or similar meat processing facilities and still in actual operation with a processing capacity of at least 80 cubic meters per day and granted discharge permits by the DENR or the Laguna Lake Development Authority for the current and the past two years.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Naga City Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Secretariat at the City Planning & Development Office, City Hall Compound, Naga City from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM starting on Tuesday, July 26 to August 23, 2016.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders starting at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, from the Office of the BAC Secretariat at the City Planning & Development Office upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of TEN THOUSAND (P 10,000.00) PESOS, and an Annual Registration Fee of Three Thousand (P 3,000.00) Pesos if not yet registered with the Naga City BAC, and upon presentation of a Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS showing your company name.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Naga City Government (www.naga.gov.ph), provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Naga City Bids and Awards Committee will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 3:00PM at the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City, which shall be open only to those who purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered to the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City on or before 3:00 PM on Thursday, August 23, 2016. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security as provided for in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9184.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City at 3:00 PM on Thursday, August 23, 2016. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Naga City Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: MR. FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. Acting City Administrator, City Hall Compound, J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City Telephone Number: 054-4732240, 054-4723235 Email address: bac@naga.gov.ph, Website: www.naga.gov.ph (SGD) FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. BAC Chairperson

pamilya,” which means “surrender if you don’t wish your family to die.”

1003rd Brigade Commander Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno sent troops who engaged the rebels in a 15-minute fire-fight that injured one rebel who was left by his fleeing comrades. The rebels left an M14 rifle, two improvised explosive devices and one Yaesu handheld radio.

The said captured rebel was given first-aid treatment and then taken to the nearest hospital. F. Pearl Gajunera

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education Region V (Bicol) DIVISION OF CATANDUNES BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC) San Roque, Virac Catanduanes, Philippines

The following were elected to the offices set forth their respective names for the current year (2016-2017) to serve as such until the election and qualification of their successor: NORMA B. USMAN - Chairman of the Board and President KEISE T. USMAN - Vice President JANEER B. USMAN - General Manager and Corporate Secretary OMAR KC B. USMAN - Manager for Finance and Administration and Treasurer HASMIR B. USMAN - Area Manager, Davao Regional Office MOHARRY M. ABDULSALAM - Managing Director

( T S - J U LY 2 6 , 2 016)

there is really affected. Those visitors are the ones usually bringing in contrabands,” he stressed.

NBP chaplain Monsignor Roberto Olaguer bared over the weekend complaints of harassment against the SAF men. Olaguer cited an incident where an inmate greeted a SAF officer with “good evening, sir”—only to be punched in the face in return.

Meanwhile, Aguirre revealed that his office started to verify a report about the existence of a tunnel in the NBP supposedly being used as an underground

Name of Project

:

CY 2016 Basic Educational Fund (BEFF) - Provision of School Furniture to Newly Constructed Classrooms-Batch 2

Approved Budget for the Contract

:

Php2,944,000.00

Location/Recipient School

:

Bato RDHS, PSAT, SAVS, Viga RDHS, CNHS

Brief Description

:

Secondary Armchairs and Teacher’s Table and Chair-Set made of Non-Wood Based Materials

Delivery Site

:

Door to Door delivery to recipient schools

Contract Duration

:

90calendar days from the date of acceptance of Notice to Proceed

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/ sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from DepEd, Division of Catanduanes and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from July 26 to August 16, 2016 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Five ThousandPesos Only (Php5,000.00).

6.

The DepEd, Division of Catanduanes will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 2, 2016 at 9:00 AM at BAC Office, which shall be open to all interested parties.

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before _August 16, 2016 at 1:00 PM at BAC Office, DepEd, Division Office. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on_August 16, 2016 at 1:00 PM at BAC Office. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Prior to Bid Opening, representative of bidders should present and submit to the BAC a Special Power of Attorney stating the detailed activities which he/she will perform relative to the bidding at hand.

9.

The DepEd, Division of Catanduanes reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to:

BERNIE C. DESPABILADERO Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee DepEd, Division Office, Virac, Catanduanes CP No. 09062470642

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(SGD) BERNIE C. DESPABILADERO BAC Chairman

DAVAO CITY—Davao City plans to build a new drug treatment and rehabilitation center after the city’s existing facility could no longer accommodate the hundreds of suspected pushers and users who surrendered to the authorities.

City Social Service and Development Office (CSSDO) social welfare assistant Minda Silvana said the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center has registered more than a hundred drug personalities seeking treatment but the center has a capacity of only 80 persons.

She added that the center’s head physician, Dr. Jean Gullanes, is the only accredited doctor in Mindanao trained by the Department of Health to handle rehabilitation centers.

She said that this was why families of the drug dependents from other localities seek her help.

“We can provide between P1,500 to P3,000 livelihood assistance to the drug surrenderees,” Silvana said.

F. Pearl A. Gajunera

20 Zambo cops sacked ZAMBOANGA CITY—Twenty Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) policemen have been discharged from the service for the past 17 months for using prohibited drugs, a police regional officer in Zamboanga City said.

Senior Supt. Debold Sinas, police region 9 deputy regional director for operations, said the ousted law enforcers—stationed in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Sur—were found positive of drug use during random testing during the period.

Sinas told the media that 11 of the accused policemen were dismissed in late 2014, six in 2015, and three in early 2016 even as he noted that more than 900 cops in the region have been tested for methampetamine hydrochloride or shabu use since 2014.

PRO-9 Director Chief Supt. Billy Beltran tasked Sinas to supervise random drug tests among members of the Zamboanga City Police Office and other police stations in the region. A. Perez Rimando

Most wanted pusher in E. Visayas captured THE illegal drug business in Ormoc City is seen to weaken with the capture of one of the country’s notorious drug pushers and seven others in raids of alleged drug dens by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Arrested was Ricardo Rondina, 47, the most wanted drug pusher on the Region VIII watch list of the PDEA, Ormoc City police director Sr. Supt. Ferdinand Garay reported.

Garay said Rondina dominated the trading of illegal drugs in the western part of Leyte.

The search at the suspect’s house in San Jose village in Ormoc yielded various drug paraphernalia, roughly 88 grams of suspected illegal drugs, a 9-millimeter pistol, several wristwatches that were believed to be exchanged for drugs by customers and cash amounting to P36,735.

Rondina’s common-law wife, Loida Malinao, 32, was also caught with several small sachets of suspected illegal drugs inside her bag. Loida was included in the warrant.

The couple did not deny engaging in the illicit trade, but Rondina denied he owned the five large sachets of suspected drugs also found in his room.

Rondina’s errand boy, Oliver Salvo, 38, was also arrested. Mel Caspe

Cotabato tutor, 5 others caught using shabu A TEACHER and five other persons were caught using shabu in Cotabato City by police officers implementing curfew hours Sunday night, police said Monday.

Cotabato City police office spokesman Senior Insp.

Roel Zafra said the six persons were caught in the act of sniffing methamphetamine hydrochloride in an abandoned house in Barangay Rosary Heights 13, Cotabato City at 8 p.m.

“Our police, along with Cotabato City Vice Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi and city police director Senior Supt. Danny Reyes, were implementing curfew hours when by chance they found the six in a pot session,” Zafra said.

Zafra identified the arrested illegal drug users as Shena dela Crus, 31, Tahakasim Musa, 35, Kamarudin Umandal, 30, teacher, Ramon Sungan, 19, Ariel Arcaria, Nelson Jarantilla, 30, all resident of Barangay Rosary Heights 13.

Shabu paraphernalia were seized from the suspects. PNA

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Sanders’ backers reject Clinton P

HILADELPHIA—Die-hard Bernie Sanders supporters descended on Philadelphia for this week’s Democratic National Convention, many so irate with party flagbearer Hillary Clinton that they are prepared to contemplate the once-inconceivable alternative: President Donald Trump.

Most supporters of Sanders, who entered the race as an avuncular fringe candidate before gaining vast popular support, consider themselves on the opposite side of the political spectrum from the brash billionaire real estate tycoon who secured the Republican presidential nomination last week.

But several among the Sanders faithful who spoke with Agence France Presse (AFP) during colorful street protests Sunday in Philadelphia offered no love for the candidate who will emerge this week as the first female presidential nominee of any major US party.

Some let it be known that they would prefer anyone—even Trump—as president rather than see Clinton gain the White House.

“The system, as Trump says,

is rigged,” said Shana Lin, a housewife from Virginia Beach who held a sign that read “You lost me at Hillary” as fellow “Berners” flooded the streets in the shadow of City Hall.

“Actually, at this point, I think Trump is a marginal step up, because (Clinton) has proven to lie to the American people over and over,” she added.

“She lies, she’s a warmonger, she’s divisive. She is only out for herself.”

Several thousand protesters, many of them ardent Sanders backers, held demonstrations in Philadelphia far larger than any seen in Cleveland during the Republican convention.

It was clear the anger about Clinton winning the nomination has not abated, with Sanders supporters arguing Clinton’s corralling of so-called superdel-

egates -- party grandees who can vote for whomever they wish at the convention -- gave her unfair advantage.

“The democratic process was stolen from us,” steamed Steffanie Greer, 42, a massage therapist from Brooklyn.

The latest Clinton scandal—the leak of internal emails that signaled senior Democratic National Committee staff were trying to undermine the Sanders campaign— was the last straw for some.

Erupting on the eve of the convention, it highlighted divisions with the party at the moment Clinton was aiming to shore up unity in front of a national audience.

Instead, said Sanders delegate Lauren Steiner of California, “it just proved what we have suspected all along, that this primary has been rigged against Bernie by the DNC.” AFP

BATTLE. Firefighters battle a fire as it moves toward the Fair Oaks Canyon housing estate in Santa Clarita, California. AFP

Syrian hurts 12 in Germany ANSBACH—A Syrian migrant set off an explosion at a bar in southern Germany that killed himself and wounded a dozen others late Sunday, authorities said, the third attack to hit Bavaria in a week.

The 27-year-old, who had spent a stint in a psychiatric facility, had intended to target a music festival in the city of Ansbach but was turned away because he did not have a ticket.

“Unfortunately, this is a terrible new attack which will surely increase people’s anxiety,” regional interior minister Joachim Herrmann said, adding that investigators “have not ruled out” he had an Islamist motive.

Hermann said he was worried “the right to asylum would be undermined” by the events of the past week, which has seen attacks

SELFIE. A man takes a selfie in front of Olympic rings made of recycled materials at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the early morning of July 24, 2016. The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in Brazil from August 5 to 21 and September 7 to 18, respectively. AFP

Equal social rights seen in Colombia HAVANA—If Colombia signs its landmark peace deal to end a half century of civil war, the pact will offer equal social rights for women and LGBT victims, a draft inked Sunday in Havana showed.

Under the agreement in principle, gender discrimination is included in the final peace deal.

The partial draft was presented by United Nations Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and the top UN envoy for sex abuse in conflict, Zainab Bangura.

The Colombian government and FARC rebels have agreed to create conditions “for women and people in sexual minority groups, to achieve equal access to the benefits of living in a country that is not at war,” a joint

statement said.

Under terms of the peace deal, which would end Latin America’s last civil war, women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities (LGBT) are to be encouraged to take part in politics, may receive land to farm, or receive compensation to stop growing drug crops, among other benefits.

Under the deal, perpetrators of sex crimes against women are not eligible for amnesty, according to Maria Paulina Riveros, the government’s envoy on gender issues at the Havana-hosted peace talks.

“Putting gender in a peace agreement is a first. It has never before been done in (ending) war,” Foreign Minister Maria

Angela Holguin said.

The Colombian government and the Marxist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are in the final phase of four years of talks that it is hoped will result in a peace deal to end a half-a-century of conflict.

The rebels last month signed a ceasefire and disarmament deal with the government, with the aim of becoming a political party.

The government said it hoped to move on to a full peace deal within weeks.

The Colombian conflict started in the 1960s as a rural uprising for land rights that spawned the communist FARC. It has left 260,000 people dead, 45,000 missing and nearly seven million displaced, accord-

on a train and shopping mall in the southern German state.

Sunday’s explosion happened just outside a bar in Ansbach city center, not far from where more than 2,000 people had gathered for the concert, at around 10:00 pm (2000 GMT).

Police have blocked off the area and emergency services were at the scene. Bomb experts were also sent to determine the cause of the blast.

Ansbach deputy police chief Roman Fertinger said there were “indications” pieces of metal had been added to the explosive device.

The perpetrator was killed in the explosion, police said in a statement, and a spokeswoman said 12 people were wounded, three of them seriously.

Herrmann said the attacker, who came to Germany two years

PM May in Ireland for talks on Brexit LONDON—Prime Minister Theresa May headed to Northern Ireland on Monday in a bid to bring the province into the fold on Britain’s negotiations to exit the EU. May was due in Belfast for talks with Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Forster and her deputy, Martin McGuinness.

Cross-border relations with the Republic of Ireland are a prime concern for Northern Ireland in Britain’s departure from the European Union.

It is the United Kingdom’s only land border and would become its only frontier with the EU when Britain leaves the bloc.

Britain and Ireland share an open-border Common Travel Area that dates back to the 1920s, continuing arrangements from before Irish independence.

However, questions and concerns have been raised about what Brexit would mean for the CTA and for both economies on the island of Ireland.

“The PM will make clear that the government will engage fully with the Northern Ireland executive as it prepares the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU, recognizing the particular circumstances that affect Northern Ireland -- including around the border,” May’s office said in a statement.

May took office on July 13 after David Cameron resigned following the June 23 referendum.

While a majority across the kingdom voted for the UK to leave the EU, a majority in Northern Ireland, as within Scotland and in London, voted for the UK to stay.

May has put British unity at the heart of her premiership. Since taking office, she has already visited Scotland and Wales.

“I am delighted to be visiting Northern Ireland. I made clear when I became prime minister that I place particular value on the precious bonds between the nations of the United Kingdom,” May said in the statement. AFP

ago but had his asylum claim rejected after a year, had tried to kill himself twice in the past and had spent time in a psychiatric clinic.

Meanwhile, a Syrian refugee was arrested after killing a woman with a machete in the German city of Reutlingen, in an incident police said did not bear the hallmarks of a “terrorist attack” and was more likely to have been a crime of passion.

Three people were also injured in the assault, which ended when the 21-year-old assailant was hit by a car.

Europe has been on edge for months after a string of deadly attacks claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, including bombings in Brussels and carnage at Bastille Day celebrations in the southern French city of Nice. AFP

Gunman’s friend arrested

MUNICH—GERMAN police said on Sunday they had arrested a 16-year-old Afghan friend of the gunman who killed nine people in a rampage at a shopping centre in Munich.

“We suspect that this boy aged 16 years could have been aware of the act,” police said in a statement following Friday’s shooting spree after which the 18-year-old German-Iranian attacker, David Ali Sonboly, killed himself.

The arrest is the first in the investigation.

The teenager “handed himself in to police shortly after the killing spree and had been questioned on his relationship with the perpetrator,” the statement added.

But officers had “uncovered contradictions in his statements” and he was now being held in custody for withholding information about a crime. AFP

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MEETING. North Korea’s new Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho (L) and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi talk during the Asean-China meeting on the sideline of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ annual ministerial meeting and the Regional Security Forum in Vientiane on July 25, 2016. AFP

1,000 killed in Turkey

K

abul—Civilian casualties in Afghanistan touched a record high in the first half of 2016, the United Nations said Monday, with children in particular paying a heavy price as insurgent groups step up fighting.

Between January and June, 1,601 civilians were killed and 3,565 were wounded -- a four percent increase in casualties compared to the same period last year, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan or

UNAMA said.

The casualties have reached their highest level since the UN began issuing its authoritative reports in 2009.

The casualties include 1,509 children—a figure the UN de-

scribed as “alarming and shameful”.

The statistics are a grim indicator of growing insecurity in Afghanistan as the Taliban step up their nationwide insurgency and the Islamic State group

Chinese, N. Korean envoys hold guarded talks in Laos VIENTIANE—Top envoys from China and North Korea held talks on Monday on the sidelines of a regional summit in Laos as tensions run high on the Korean peninsula over Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

North Korea’s newly minted Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho, a former nuclear negotiator for the hermit state, and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met in the capital Vientiane.

It is the first time Ri has attended a major diplomatic gathering since his appointment in May. A phalanx of security guards from both Laos and North Korea guarded the room where the meeting was taking place.

Relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have frayed this year after North Korea’s fourth nuclear test and a series of missile launch-

es put the region on edge.

In response to the new tests— the most recent of which was last Tuesday—Washington and Seoul announced plans to deploy a US missile defense system in South Korea, sparking fury in Pyongyang and concern in Beijing.

In the face of continued North Korean provocation, the United States spearheaded the drafting of a new UN resolution adopted unanimously in March by Security Council members, including China—North Korea’s main diplomatic protector and economic benefactor.

Washington has since urged China to use its leverage over Pyongyang to implement tougher sanctions and push the reclusive state towards bankruptcy.

But Beijing is wary of pushing the North too far, fearing a regime

collapse that could create a refugee crisis on its border and swing the regional balance of power towards the United States.

In June, Chinese president Xi Jinping stressed the importance of “friendly relations” with the North at a meeting with a top North Korean official.

North Korea formally withdrew in 2009 from six-party talks with South Korea, the United States, Russia, China and Japan that were aimed at tackling the nuclear issue.

Beijing wants the talks revived but Washington, Seoul and Tokyo all insist Pyongyang must first take some tangible step towards denuclearization.

Beijing previously acted as a buffer between Pyongyang and the other five members, using cash to lure North Korea back to the negotiating table. AFP

seeks to expand their foothold in the east of the country.

“Every single casualty documented in this report –- people killed while praying, working, studying, fetching water, recovering in hospitals –- every civilian casualty represents a failure of commitment and should be a call to action for parties to the conflict to take meaningful steps to reduce civilians’ suffering,” UNAMA chief Tadamichi Ya-

mamoto said.

“Platitudes not backed by meaningful action ring hollow over time. History and the collective memory of the Afghan people will judge leaders of all parties to this conflict by their actual conduct.”

The report comes after the deadliest attack for 15 years in Kabul killed 80 people and left hundreds maimed, an assault claimed by IS. AFP

In Turkey, 42 reporters face arrest after coup ANKARA—Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 42 journalists as part of the investigation into the failed coup aimed at toppling President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, television news channels said Monday.

Among those targeted by the warrants were prominent journalist Nazli Ilicak who was fired from the pro-government Sabah daily in 2013 for criticising ministers caught up in a corruption scandal, NTV and CNNTurk said.

There was no indication any of the journalists had been detained so far.

The government blamed the 2013 corruption scandal on the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who it

also accuses of being behind the coup.

The Hurriyet daily said that the warrants—the first to target several members of the press in the crackdown over the failed July 15 coup bid—were issued by the office of Istanbul anti-terror prosecutor Irfan Fidan.

The prosecutor said an operation was already in progress to detain the journalists but Ilicak was not found at home in Istanbul and could be holidaying on the Aegean.

Provincial police there have been alerted, it said.

Erdogan’s government had been under fire even before the coup for restricting press freedoms in Turkey, accusations the authorities strongly deny.

AFP

Filipina not in list of those to be shot CILACAP, Indonesia—MORE drug convicts could imminently face the firing squad in Indonesia, after authorities said Monday they were ready to carry out a new round of executions after a hiatus.

However, the Filipina, Mary Jane Veloso, who was pulled from the last round of executions, will not be included in the upcoming round as a legal process related to her case is ongoing in the Philippines, said the Indonesian attorneygeneral’s spokesman Mohammad Rum. A Pakistani death row convict was sent Monday to Nusakambangan prison island, where Jakarta conducts executions, and an Indonesian woman sentenced to death for narcotics offences was transferred to the island over the weekend.

The Pakistani embassy in Jakarta was notified by the Indonesian foreign ministry Friday that the Pakistani man, Zulfiqar Ali, would be executed in the near future, Pakistani deputy ambassador Syed Zahid Raza said.

Such notifications are typically sent out to foreign embassies in the days before inmates are put to death. It was not immediately clear whether more had been issued. AFP

Indefinite detention of terrorists mulled

AFTER THE ATTACK. Bavarian Interior minister Joachim Herrmann attends a press conference on July 25,

2016, in Ansbach following an attack by a Syrian refugee during a music festival. A Syrian migrant set off an explosive device near an open-air music festival in southern Germany that killed himself and wounded a dozen others, authorities said Monday, the third attack to hit the region in a week. AFP

SYDNEY—High-risk terror offenders may be kept in jail after their sentences finish, Australian officials said Monday as they move to tighten security laws following attacks in the United States and Europe.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the proposed changes were prompted by an increase in the frequency and severity of attacks around the world as he noted the recent mass shooting in Orlando and a lorry attack in Nice, France.

“In the wake of Orlando, Nice, and other terrorist incidents, as well as our own ex-

perience... we cannot afford for a moment to be complacent,” Turnbull said.

In response to the evolving threat, he said Australia, which has already ramped up security laws since 2014, would move to keep high-risk terrorists in detention beyond the completion of their sentences.

“This legislation will enable additional periods of imprisonment for terrorist offenders who have served their sentences but are still judged to present an unacceptable risk to the community,” he said in a statement.

The proposal, to be discussed

with state and territory officials who must then pass legislation, is similar to arrangements already in place for sex offenders and extremely violent individuals in some states.

Attorney-General George Brandis said the extension of detention would be a court supervised process with regular reviews and reassessments.

“It will of course only apply to individuals who, as they approach the end of a sentence of imprisonment, continue to pose an unacceptably high risk to the community because of their failure to be rehabilitated as a result of a penal sentence,” he said. AFP

Palitana – White Temples (2006) by National Arturo Luz

Untitled Landscape

by Nena Saguil

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

ARTS, CULTURE, TECH & MEDIA

Gallery to hold

first online auction

Cesar Legaspi’s Nude is one of the artworks to be auctioned off on Leon Exchange Online on July 30

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016

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L

eon Gallery, a premier art gallery and auction house in the Philippines, will hold its first online auction on July 30.

Leon Exchange Online through LeonExchange.com will be the upcoming online auction that has standout pieces that will definitely pique the interest of new and existing art collectors. Both unique and fascinating, sought after with some impressively rare and seldom seen pieces from national artists Arturo Luz and Napoleon Abueva, modern pieces by Juvenal Sanso, Danilo Dalena, and Cesar Legaspi, to the contemporary works of Wire Tuazon, Paolo Vinluan, and Manuel Ocampo among others will be part of this special auction.

Moving with the times, the gallery perceives this platform as its newest avenue to reach a wider audience through the World Wide Web. In this age of mobility, people today check on almost everything more frequently online. Quick and reliable, gathering information from trusted sources are easily at the tip of the fingers.

By establishing Leon Exchange Online, Leon Gallery drives more excitement in the art market. Creating global access, art buyers from around the world can make their bids on especially curated Filipino works. Collectors in travel or businessmen in trips who are almost always out of the country during Leon Gallery’s scheduled auctions will now have a chance to bid for spectacular masterpieces.

One of the aims is also to entice the younger set or newbie collectors to view local artworks as a viable and important source of investment. This upcoming online auction is a way for people to understand the local art scene better as they begin their foray to an impressive roster of art pieces. Through Leon Gallery’s online auction, a new batch of art enthusiasts will have instilled and further strengthened local art appreciation, as well as a deeper sense of value for Filipino artists.

Leon Gallery’s first online auction at www.LeonExchange.com will be held at 2 p.m. on July 30. A special preview of the artworks will be held from today until Friday.

Leon Gallery is located at G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino Corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

For more information, visit www.LeonGallery.com or contact Leon Gallery at (02) 856-2781 or info@leon-gallery.com. Like or follow @LeonGalleryMakati on Facebook and Instagram.

DANCE

Dance companies pay tribute to Radaic Giselle took center stage at the CCP Main Theater over the weekend as part of the dance.MNL: Philippine International Dance Festival. The performance was a collaborative effort of the Philippines’ three premier dance companies—Philippine Ballet Theatre, Ballet Philippines, and Ballet Manila—to pay tribute to a great dancer, teacher and choreographer, Felicitas L. Radaic.

Taking on the role of Giselle at the gala performance was Joan Sia of Ballet Manila. Others in the cast were Romeo Peralta (Albrecht), Francis Cascaño (Hilarion), Stephanie Cabral (Myrtha), Lisa Macuja Elizalde (Bathilde), Regina Magbitang and Jared Tan (Peasant Pas de Deux), Eileen Lopez (Berthe), Paul Alex-

ander Morales (Duke of Courland), Sean Pelegrin (Page) and David and Daniel Andes (Page Boys).

After the performance, Radaic was called on stage and given a bouquet of flowers. Her former students were also present to pay tribute to their mentor.

In her short message, she exhorted the audience to support the performing arts particularly ballet for it to further flourish in the country.

Giselle was one of Radaic’s signature roles, and it is only fitting that such a performance be given to honor Radaic: the artist who is indefatigable onstage and offstage and, in every sense of the word, a ballet revolutionary.

After honing her exceptional talent in dance and choreography in Paris, Philippine Ballet Theatre, Ballet Philippines and Ballet Manila stage Giselle to pay tribute to Filipino dance icon Felicitas Radaic

Felicitas Radaic (left) with Ballet Manila’s Joan Sia who plays the former’s iconic role Giselle

From left: Sylvia Lichauco-de Leon, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Paul Alexander Morales

Madrid and London; and after becoming the first Filipina to become a member of the United Kingdom’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Radaic returned to the Philippines with the objective of ennobling the art of ballet to generations of Filipino dancers and audience.

In 1968, Radaic spearheaded the creation of the Philippine branch of the RAD. Shortly thereafter, she founded her own dance school, and awarded scholarships to deserving students. She then co-founded, alongside Julia Borromeo and Eddie Elejar, Dance Theater Philippines (DTP), and remained active as a teacher, choreographer and artistic director for over 20 years.

She placed great emphasis on ballet for Filipinos. Her productions with DTP bore a distinctly Filipino flavor,

embracing and highlighting aspects of Filipino dance and style. She also sought to break the preconception that ballet was only for the rich, only for the elite, by staging weekly performances by the DTP for many years in Rizal Park, accessible for all to watch.

American modern dancer and choreographer Martha Graham once said, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”

If passion is a measure of greatness, Felicitas L. Radaic has gone far beyond measurable territory. She has been at the forefront of Philippine ballet for over half a century.

While her exceptional talents as a ballerina and skills as choreographer are widely acknowledged, her contributions off-stage are lesser known, yet no less significant.

Life

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

MEDIA

Book to movie adaptations B

you shouldn’t miss

ooks adapted to movies have always been huge box-office draws. It may be the familiarity of the story, or the bankability of the formula, but books-tomovies flicks have always worked.

If you can’t wait to see the much talked about movies on the big screen, leaf through the pages of the novels which you could snag at this year’s Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) at SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City from Sept. 14 to 18.

This year has already seen some big book-to-movie hits, like Me Before You, The Legend of Tarzan, Pride, Prejudice and Zombies, The Jungle Book, How to Be Single, The 5th Wave, Allegiant, The BFG, and

Through the Looking Glass.

There are more book-tomovies you should catch before end of the year: The Queen of Katwe. The biographical drama based on The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster by Tim Crothers tells the story of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan chess prodigy who became a Woman Candidate Master after her stellar performances at the 40th World Chess

Olympiads in 2012. The film stars Madina Nalwanga as Mutesi and Oscar best supporting actress Lupita Nyong’o as Mutesi’s mother.

The Girl on the Train. British author Paula Hawkins’ bestselling thriller gets a screen adaptation with Emily Blunt playing lead character Rachel Watson, an alcoholic believed to have information about the disappearance of a woman. The novel, which held more than 20 weeks at the top spot in the bestsellers list in the UK has also sold more than three million copies in the U.S. A Monster Calls. No less than author Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials gave Patrick Ness’ fantasy novel A Monster Calls commendation, describ-

ing it as “compelling, powerful and impressive.” The illustrated children’s book tells the story of a boy who is visited every night seven minutes past midnight by a monster, amid struggles to cope with his mother’s terminal cancer. Actors Felicity Jones, Liam Neeson and Sigourney Weaver are set to star.

Inferno. Author Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code series continues with Robert Langdon’s latest adventure as he tries to stop another international scheme by following clues in Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy. Two-time Oscar best actor Tom Hanks re-

prises his role as Langdon. Joining him in the movie are Sienna Brooks and Felicity Jones.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. J.K. Rowling revisits the Harry Potter universe in this best-selling novel about Newt Scamander, who “wrote” the textbook that Potter and his classmates would study. Eddie Redmayne stars as Scamander.

David Yates who directed the last four Potter movies was attached to the project.

Silence. Set in 17th century, Shusaku Endo’s classic novel follows the story of two Portuguese Jesuit priests who are trying to bring Christianity into Japan. Andrew Garfield (Spiderman) along with Adam Driver and Liam Neeson play priests in this Martin Scorsese-directed film.

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children. Ransom Riggs’ New York Times’ bestseller’s list is one of the most anticipated book-to-film adaptations with auteur of goth Tim Burton at the helm; it is about a boy who, after his grandfather’s death, takes a journey to a Welsh island where he unravels bizarre details about the old man’s childhood. The movie stars Asa Butterfield and Eva Green.

Doctor Strange. Based on the popular comics franchise, Doctor Strange is a neurosurgeon who discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions following a horrific car accident.

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role, this film is the 14th superhero movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Find these books and more at the MIBF, on Sept. 14 to 18 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Co-located events include the 1st Philippine International Conference on Teacher Education from Sept. 13-15, which tackles the shifting roles and challenges of the 21st century educator; and the Best of Anime 2016, from Sept. 17-18, the ultimate event for anime lovers and enthusiasts.

The MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., the Book Development Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and the Overseas Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines. For more details, call (02) 896-0661 or 896-0682, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.

Vice Ganda launches new book, sets new record

Vice Ganda (center) launches his first book President Vice: Ang Bagong Panggulo ng Pilipinas with ABS-CBN Publishing Managing Director Mark Yambot and ABS-CBN Publishing President Ernie Lopez

After establishing himself with high-rating TV shows, sold-out concerts, and record-breaking movies, Vice Ganda has once again added another milestone in his career after setting the record for biggest book launch by a Filipino celebrity author on July 15.

Ganda had a grand meet-andgreet event and book launch of his debut book titled President Vice: Ang Bagong Panggulo ng Pilipinas from ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. at the Skydome, SM City North Edsa, attended by thousands of fans of It’s Showtime and

Gandang Gabi Vice.

Ganda answers how to solve the country’s problems—from new traffic management rules to mandates on cheating beaus.

He said the book was partly inspired by current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his message of change. It is a wacky look into a world where the comedian becomes the next president of the country.

“Ang librong ito ay pang pa-good vibes lang. It has nothing to do with the government. Para lang ito sa katuwaan ng lahat,” he said.

Readers can find Vice Ganda’s

fictional cabinet members, his new his straightforward solutions that are hilariously witty.

Also included is his SONA, part of which was also performed during the book launch. The audience at Skydome was laughing their lungs out as he delivered punch line after punch line during his State of the Nation Address. Joining him in the event were comedians Pooh, MC and Lassy, DJ Jai Ho of MOR 101.9, and Ryan Bang.

The book is available at National Book Store outlets nationwide for only P175.00.

TECH

#BeTheBoss is back PLDT SME Nation’s pioneering social media crowd sourcing search for the new generation of entrepreneurs is all set to welcome a new batch of digitallydriven industry game-changers. #BeTheBoss, in partnership with Rappler, is back for year two as it continues on its mission to recognize excellence in technological innovation and digital integration.

“Our goal is simple and poignant—to demonstrate how digital technology can empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and help them grow their business by looking to young and savvy entrepreneurs who’ve actually done it,” VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin said.

This year’s categories: Boss for E-Commerce is for the e-

commerce champ who knows how to own the Internet and its opportunities through an innovative application or an online service; Boss for Social Media is the entrepreneur who knows how to maximize social media platforms and use it for growing an online community; Boss for Social Responsibility is the entrepreneur who goes beyond marketability and profitability by giving back to the community; and finally, Boss for Innovative Solutions is for the leader who thinks outside the proverbial box and utilizes technology to offer services and ideas that cater to a broad audience.

Last year’s first batch of winners and finalists, narrowed down from over 500 nominations from around the country, traveled to

Silicon Valley for a unique digital immersion in one of the world’s technological melting pots.

Boss for E-Commerce Kim Lato of online tech store Kimstore, Boss for Social Media and top wedding photographer Jason Magbanua, Boss for Customer Service and queuing solutions company TimeFree Innovations founder Chino Atilano, Boss for Social Responsibility and Messy Bessy founder Kristine ReyesLopez, and Boss for Mobile Readiness and mobile app MobKard founder Carlo Calimon also received mobile business kits from SME Nation.

This year’s winners will also get the opportunity to broaden their horizons and globalize their business with the Silicon Valley experience.

From left: Assistant Vice President and Head of SME Community Engagement Services and Marketing Communications Gabby Cui, Vice President and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin, and Assistant Vice President and Head of SME Fixed Product Marketing Amil Azurin

Locsin added, “For traditional entrepreneurs, digital can be daunting and discouraging. But that’s exactly what we want to

disprove with #BeTheBoss. We want to show everyone that the right digital business solutions can actually democratize and

level the playing field especially for MSMEs who are only starting to carve their niche in the industry.”

Showbiz

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

From reel to real.

By Enna Hermoso

N

Daniel Padilla admitted in an event that he and Kathryn Bernardo have long been exclusively dating

O CONFIRMATION is needed to tell whether or not Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo are making beautiful music together.

From the way they look at each other’s eyes to the sweet gestures they show in public, it’s obvious that something romantic is brewing between the two.

Fans will go wild to know that Daniel and Kathryn are more than just an onscreen couple.

In an interview at the Oishi Snacktacular 2016 held recently, Daniel admitted that he and Kathryn have long been exclusively dating even before they opened it to the public.

It has been quite a while since the power couple said that they are already “exclusively dating” after years of working together in a couple of projects on TV and the big screen.

Of course, everything started when they were paired together in a few projects. They first became a love team in 2011 via the teen oriented series Growing Up and then in the top-rating The Princess and I. The couple replicated the success of the series when they both starred in 2016 remake of Pangako Sa ‘Yo, which did

pretty well in the ratings game.

On the big screen, they top-billed blockbuster hits like Must Be Love and She’s Dating the Gangster, among others.

The two have always been spotted together on various occasions. Even on their Instagram accounts, Daniel and Kathryn exchange sweet nothings and post photos that complement their relationship’s real score, although they haven’t admitted anything then.

After shooting their comeback movie in Barcelona, Spain, the couple popularly known as KathNiel answered all of the long-standing rumors surrounding their relationship. And yes, to say it again, they are exclusively dating.

In a separate interview, Kathryn said that it is still too early to say whether or not they’d be assigned to different partners in their next projects. Although Daniel affirmed that he is open to doing projects with a different partner, he doesn’t see it happening anytime soon.

Daniel and Kathryn are exclusively dating WILL Tenten (Enrique Gil) finally choose love over revenge?

Catch the exciting twists this week in the most loved kiligserye on primetime Dolce Amore.

The Ibarras can no longer tolerate Tenten’s way and how he mistreats Serena (Liza Soberano). Thus, the family steps in and even sets Tenten up with Serena so that he can apologize.

Will Tenten swallow his pride and offer the woman he truly loves an apology? How will Serena react to this?

Meanwhile, as the two attempts to make amends, Luciana is in for a big surprise as a long hidden truth finally unfolds to shake things up. What is this big revelation?

Since last week, Dolce Amore has been hooking the audience with one explosive twist after another starting from Serena’s wedding walkout, Giancarlos’s (Matteo Guidicelli) death, and all the way to Tenten’s sudden rise to richness and power.

With all these, the program continues to dominate its timeslot and even continues to increase viewership nationwide. From July 18 to July 21, it posted national TV ratings of (July 18), 35.7 percent (July 19), 35.9 percent (July 20) and 36.2 percent (July 21) based on Kantar Media’s data. It is also a consistent top trending topic on

The story of Tenten (Enrique Gil) and Serena (Liza Soberano) gets more exciting this week

Dolce Amore grips audience with another explosive twist social media.

To show gratitude to the public’s unwavering support, the show will stage the #ChooseLove The Concert on Aug. 20 at the Kia Theater with the cast for a one night show filled with fun, kilig, and songs personally chosen by fans online.

Don’t miss the country’s number one kilig series, Dolce Amore weeknights on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch. 167). Catch its latest episodes on iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

For updates, follow @realdolceamore on Twitter and Instagram.

Willy Cruz honored in ‘ASAP’ last Sunday ANOTHER OPM icon was honored last Sunday in ASAP. The music of popular songwriter Willy Cruz took center stage.

Leading the celebration via hit segment “ASAPinoy” is Tribute Master Martin Nievera with other OPM artists, like Nonoy Zuñiga, Hajji Alejandro, and Leo Valdez.

Meanwhile, Piolo Pascual returned to the ASAP stage with a big news the fans

didn’t want to miss.

The show had a special concert treat from Maja Salvador, Gerald Anderson, and Teen King Daniel Padilla, Iñigo Pascual and Diego Loyzaga.

Sunday was also filled with romance as stars of the upcoming movie How to be Yours, Bea Alonzo and Anderson surprised the audience.

Making the weekend more exciting

were Jerome Ponce, Joshua Garcia, Grae Fernandez, Darren Espanto, Loisa Andalio, Cassy Legaspi, Brenna, Andrea Brillantes, Bugoy Cariño, and the Lucky Aces in an all-star teenvasion.

Finally, as usual, inspiring stories about Filipino sacrifices were featured on “ASAP LSS” with Iñigo Pascual, Richard Poon, Liezl Garcia, Nina, and Jolina Magdangal.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, July 26, 2016

ACROSS 1 Lay at anchor 5 Canasta play 9 A — of fate 14 Neutral shade 15 Shampoo additive 16 Exaggerated 17 Fully featherfooted bird 19 Prince Arn’s mom 20 Sports “zebra” 21 Don’t rub — —!

22 Tearful requests 23 Hassock 25 Pupil’s place 26 Grass-skirt accessory 27 Dislodges with a hoe (2 wds.)

30 Used galoshes 33 Loggins or Rogers 34 PTA member 36 Mars, to Plato 37 Bandleader Count — 38 Humane org.

39 Cowpoke’s sweetie 40 Seminar focus 41 Fire chief’s suspicion 42 Dart thrower 44 Obs. insecticide 45 Borscht base

46 The North Star 50 Ahoy, —!

52 Whirling dervish 53 Miners dig it 54 Disprove a point 55 Not well thought-out (hyph.)

57 Keep occupied 58 End of a threat 59 — shui 60 Hauled along 61 Was very thrifty 62 Coat or umbrella — DOWN 1 Copy 2 Eight voices 3 Pub order 4 It’s N of Afr. 5 Tropical cocktail (2 wds.)

6 NBA star — Baylor 7 Cash advance 8 Hibernate 9 Trait 10 Hedger’s word 11 Glimmering 12 Muddy tracks 13 Green parrot 18 Said with gestures 22 Likely to 24 Flamenco shouts

25 27 28 29

Column type Amber or copal Ballpark figures Not much, in Matamoros 30 Tongues do it 31 Mighty steed 32 Wooded hollow 33 On the blink 35 Operate 37 Golf score 38 Tijuana Ms. 40 Chirped 41 Wing it (hyph.)

43 Thick-skulled 44 Tipped, as a hat

46 Heart throb 47 Meteorologic Al? 48 Castle that danced 49 Papyrus is one 50 Quick reminder 51 Just touch 52 Polio vaccine inventor 54 Wharf denizen 55 Start of a bray 56 Rudder’s place

Carlo Obispo’S ‘1-2-3’ opens Cinemalaya CARLO OBISPO’s 1-23 will open the 12th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The festival runs from Aug. 5 to 15.

1-2-3 will be shown at 7 p.m. following the Cinemalaya opening ceremony at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5. The event is open to the public.

The film follows the overwhelming circus of unfamiliar and harsh realities of a country boy’s search to find his sister, locked up in a brothel.

Luis is just one of the teenage boys in the idyllic and fishing island of Silag. He goes through the issues of adolescence with his childhood sweetheart, Maricar, while his younger sister, Lulu busies herself by joining amateur singing contests hoping to be a star.

One day, a talent manager discovers her singing and offers her to undergo vocal coaching in Manila, and later to join a popular TV singing contest. Lulu

eagerly takes the opportunity and leaves for the city, thinking her dreams are finally coming true. However, after a few months, Lulu’s family loses communication with her. This drives Luis to go to Manila in search for his sister.

In the cast of 1-2-3 are Carlo Dala as Miguel, Barbara Miguel as Lulu, Therese Malvar as Maricar, Sue Prado and Patricia Javier.

Obispo also wrote the screenplay.

Obispo is a Cinemalaya alumnus. He directed his first full-length film Purok 7, which was one of the finalists in the full-length feature category in the 2013 Cinemalaya.

Born and raised in Camiling, Tarlac, Carlo ‘Arc’ Obispo went to Saint Louis University to major in Philosophy, minor in Communication Arts.

This year’s Cinemalaya carries the theme “Break the Surface”. Nineteen new digital independent films will compete in the

full-length feature and short feature categories.

In addition to the Main Competition, Cinemalaya will offer Festival’s Best, Asian Showcase, Cinemalaya Documentaries, Tribute to Francis Pasion, and Cinemalaya Institute showcase. The Cinemalaya Campus, a major component of the Festival, will be held on Aug. 9 to 10 at the CCP Little Theater.

The Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, which is considered the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in the ASEAN/ Asian region, will have its 28th run during Cinemalaya.

Cinemalaya is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc., the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Ayala Malls Cinemas. Established in 2005, Cinemalaya is an all-digital film festival and competition that aims to discover, encourage and honor cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers.

ISAH V. RED, Editor NICKIE WANG, Writer isahred@gmail.com

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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016

Showbiz

ISAH V. RED

F

OUR of entertainment industry’s brightest personalities are promoting financial literacy.

They were recently signed for the campaign of Sun Life Financial dubbed “Money for Life.”

Actor and triathlete Matteo Guidicelli, actress, chef, and award-winning author Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, actor-producer Piolo Pascual, and top network executive Charo Santos-Concio have been tapped to be the advocates of “Money for Life.”

“Money for Life” is a comprehensive and customizable financial planning program that helps an individual ensure that he will have sufficient funds no matter where life takes him and whatever life stage he may be in.

“All four of them are at different stages in their lives, and as you can see, they are all financially secure and are living life to the fullest. That’s because they were able to prepare well for it by having proper money habits and with the guidance of financial advisors,” Sun Life Financial Philippines’ Chief Marketing Offiecer Mylene Lopa said. “They are all Sun Life clients and are real advocates of financial security. Sun Life is proud to have them join us in our efforts to promote financial security among Filipinos.”

Sanots-Concio, who retired as CEO of ABS-CBN last year, is enjoying life after retirement by spending time with her family and grandchildren while still engaging in her creative pursuits and hosting ABSCBN’s longest-running drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya.

“I am definitely more relaxed now, though I am still on the lookout for the next story that will inspire the audience,” she said. “All of these are possible because I was able to save and invest for my future.”

Santos-Agoncillo is likewise moneysavvy. “Years ago, when I was starting in showbiz, one of the first things I spent money on was a Sun Life insurance policy,” she revealed. “Now that I have three children, I know that their future will be taken care of with the right financial partner by my side.”

Meanwhile, Guidicelli is also embracing his own financial journey. “In the same way that I’m very hands-on with the projects I’m given, I want to understand how to manage my money too,” he said. “I have so many goals that I’d like to pursue, but with my investments, I’m sure that I can make all those a reality.”

For his part, long-time Sun Life ambassador Pascual is more than happy to welcome Santos-Concio, Santos-Agoncillo, and Guidicelli into the Sun Life family. “It’s definitely an honor. These are people whom I admire and respect in the industry” he said.

“I am one of the many people who look up to Ma’am Charo for her passion and wisdom; I admire Matteo for being conscientious in all his endeavors, from showbiz to sports; and of course, I am thrilled to be reunited with Judy Ann, who definitely played a big role in my showbiz career.”

Pascual, whose son Iñigo is now also making waves in the business, is focusing on his own interests such as sports. “I’m into a lot of sports like cycling and badminton.

I’m able to focus on my health and wellness, because I know Sun Life will always be there to take care of my finances,” he said.

As endorsers of the “Money for Life” campaign, Santos-Concio, Pascual, SantosAgoncillo, and Guidicelli star in Sun Life’s latest TV commercial – a powerhouse cast-

Welcome to the family. Sun Life Grepa Financial Marketing Head Gerry Tirona (left), Piolo Pascual and

Sun Life Financial Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa welcome Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo as one of the advocates of ‘Money For Life’ campaign

Charo, Piolo, Judy Ann and Matteo in

‘Money For Life’ campaign unique language called Nchan.

Her seeming facility to speak it like it is a real language was easily noticed by the audience that waited for the first week of the remake, called by the GMA platoon of entertainment people as “requel.”

Heussaff plays Cassiopea, the queen of Lireo that led to the dispersal of the diamond into four elements. She said that while speaking it may seem enjoyable to many it is really challenging.

“Mahirap! Sa umpisa naexcite ako, ‘Uy wala akong lines dito, puro mata.’ Tapos nakita ko ‘yung script, sabi ko, ‘Direk, kailangan ko bang i-memorize ‘to?’

Sabi niya, ‘Kung kaya mo, gawin mo.’ So ‘yun, nagconcentrate ako. Ngayon mas napi-feel ko ‘yung language ng Nchan,” the enchanting actress said.

ing never before seen in the insurance industry. “These four stars are admired in the industry not just because of (the) shows and movies they’ve starred in; it’s because of who they are beyond the screen and how they are in real life,” Lopa said. “Sun Life looks forward to working closely with them in further inspiring Filipinos to find their way to financial security. It’s time for Filipinos to truly pursue the brighter life that they envision for themselves and their loved ones. Sun Life and its affiliates are ready to guide them in this journey.”

In the Philippines, “Money for Life,” Sun Life’s unique approach to financial planning, is available through the following three entities: Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. and Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc.

Kapuso brings home Descendants of the Sun

Solenn Heussaff portrays Cassiopea in ‘Encantadia’

GMA Network proudly brings the top rating and biggest Korean drama of 2016, Descendants of the Sun (DOTS) to your homes. It started airing yesterday after Encantadia.

Descendants of the Sun was a major hit in Korea last year. Then later it

Song Joong-ki (left) as Lucas Yoo and Song Hye-kyo (right) as Maxine Kang in the Korean drama ‘Descendants of the Sun’

became an immensely popular drama series worldwide, seen in more than 27 countries including the UK. It has been translated into 32 languages and surpassed the ratings of My Love from the Star with an average rating of 30.09 percent.

To date, Descendants of the Sun is Korea’s no. 1 drama series.

It tells the story of a handsome, young captain of the South Korean Special Forces Unit named Lucas Yoo (played by Song Joong-ki) and a beautiful doctor Maxine Kang (played by Song Hye-kyo) who try to cope with the pressure of their jobs yet still manage to find love.

With different priorities though, will true love be enough to stand the test of fate?

As Descendants of the Sun plays on Philippine TV, it marks the return of A-list South Korean superstars Song Joong-ki and Song Hyekyo to GMA. Joong-Ki’s previous drama Innocent Man in which he played Maru, and the Hye-Kyo’s series Full House as Jessie, were aired on the Kapuso Network.

Actress, Chef and author Judy Ann SantosAgoncillo says she invested on a Sun Life insurance policy early in her career

azine talk show on Lifestyle that is every modern Filipina’s survival manual featauring interests, issues, and insights of the contemporary Filipina. It is meant not just to entertain but to inform and inspire as well.

The show aims to share insights on themes catering to every modern woman’s interests, such as dating, love, health, fitness, beauty, music, art, culture, food, and many more.

Watch the show on Saturdays at 9 p.m. on Lifestyle with replays every Sunday at 12:30 p.m., Monday at 2 a.m., Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 11 a.m., and 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Lifestyle is available on SKYcable channel 52.

For updates, like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LifestyleTVPH, follow their IG account LifestyleTVPH and Twitter account @Lifestyle52.

Getting to know Sam Oh

Best known for her witty commentary, it appears the stars have aligned for TV host Sam Oh this year. Aside from being a skyscraper of hope and empowerment for girls everywhere, she has been handpicked by Lifestyle to headline its newest show called Modern Girls alongside Gretchen Ho and Denise Laurel.

Sam Oh, a popular name on the radio scene who never fails to cheer up her listeners with her wit and wisdom, is definitely the ultimate girl peg. She fits the bill as her overall aura exudes intelligence, strength, and glamour—making her a true modern girl.

Just what makes a modern girl? Sam bravely answers, “In this day and age, it’s an interesting time to be a woman because we’re very empowered. You can make choices that don’t necessarily come from pressures from society, how you’re expected to act, and stuff like that. And we’re all living out these different lives in a really interesting time.

And we’re free to do that.”

Before joining the television industry, Sam earned a name for herself as a radio jock, making morning commutes bubbly and full of energy. Sam brings Solenn enjoys to Modern Girls her larger-than-life perspeaking Nchan sonality, open mindedness, and classy The character Solenn Heusattitude. saff plays in Encantadia belongs to Modern Girls is the newest TV maga group of characters that speak a

Sam Oh co-hosts the new show ‘Modern Girls’ on Lifetime